Title: Getting To Know You

Author: Holly

Summary: Harm and Mac join Chloe on a trail ride in the Green Mountains to raise funds for the Big Brother/Big Sister Program.

Classification: Romantic Comedy/Some drama

Spoilers: This is a sequel to my story Same Time Same Place although you will probably be able to read this one without having read the other one and follow along if you fill in a few gaps on your own.

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.

Getting To Know You

Chapter 1

August 29, 2003

Mac’s Georgetown Apartment

          “Mac, have you heard from Chloe about the Ride-a-thon registration?” Harm asked as they sat curled together on the couch after a long day at the office. Mac was reading her judge’s notes from the day’s court session while Harm was reviewing a case file from an investigation he was currently working.

          “Oh…yeah…it came in today’s mail actually. I started filling it out already. That okay with you?”

          “Sure…far be it from me to grouse about someone doing paperwork for me,” Harm grinned. “You know, I kind of like this couple stuff…”

          “What? Oh, because I’m filling out your paperwork?” Mac turned in his arms to see his face as he grinned at her. “Just remember it works two ways…I may be doing it this time, but you may find yourself doing the paperwork next time.”

          “Okay, I can handle that I guess. Division of labor right?”

          Mac reached up and planted a quick kiss on his chin before turning back to her notes adding, “You can buy the tickets this time for our flight and talk to the Admiral about us taking the time off to go.”

          “Some how I don’t think I’m getting the better end of the deal…” Harm stated suspicious of how willing Mac was to take care of the registration. “Do we need to send in insurance information with the registration?”

          “Nope.”

          “Liability releases?”

          “Just the standard…”

          “Mac, can I see the registration forms?”

          “Sure.”

          When Mac didn’t move, “Now?”

          Mac stood up and stepped over to the table and picked up the letter from Chloe. She removed the registration forms and handed them to Harm as she settled back against him.

          Harm looked at the two pieces of paper she had handed him. They were identical. Each one had space for name, address, telephone number, emergency number and contact person, a place to check and sign that you would not hold the organization for any injuries incurred while participating in the event and places for pledges to be listed. Harm shut his eyes and groaned…he had been had by the Marine again! “You know, one of these days I will find a way to make you pay for this sneaky maneuver…”

          Mac burst out laughing and turned again in Harm’s arm, “Sorry I couldn’t resist…I won’t hold you to the tickets and talking to the admiral on your own. We’ll do it together.”

          Harm grinned again. “Like I said, I like this couple stuff…”

          “What ‘stuff’ would that be, huh sailor?” Mac asked with a hint of playfulness.

          Harm tossed his file to one side and reached for Mac as he slowly lowered his head, “spending time together, sharing duties, making…” Harm’s lips reached their target as Mac offered her mouth to him.

          When they broke apart from that kiss they were both breathing hard and their hearts were racing. “You know, I have never spent as much time with anyone else and still felt there was more to learn and new things to experience. I swear every time we are together it gets better and yet I always discover something new…” Harm’s voiced was filled with the wonder he was feeling at the depth of his feelings toward the woman he held in his arms.

          “I know…I love the way you make me feel too,”

          “I guess it really does make a difference whether you have sex or make love.”

          “Harm?” Mac hesitated, “I’m curious…how do you see it being different?” Mac hoped she was careful enough in her phrasing that it wouldn’t set them on an old time warn path of misunderstanding.

          “Well, I guess being in love I am more in-tune to what you want and need to make you feel good and I let myself go more because I trust you and let myself experience the emotions instead of trying to fight and control them…”

          “Really?” At Harm’s nod Mac pressed on feeling that Harm was able to handle more in this conversation now. “I wasn’t sure you were letting go with me.”

          “Why? Do you feel like I’m holding back?”

          “No…yes…no…I’m not sure. With the others how was having sex different for you?” Mac was getting a little nervous again; afraid that this would be the question that activated Harm’s shut down button. Mac again was pleased and relieved when Harm seemed to think about his answer but responded to her query.

          “Wow…Mac I’m not sure I can put this into words very well so I’m warning you that you may have to ask me questions to clarify what I’m saying.” Mac nodded in agreement but Harm wanted her to promise. “Promise me you won’t get mad and you’ll make sure what I’m saying is what I really mean?”

          “Yes, Harmon, “Mac said as she crossed her heart with her hand, “I promise you that I won’t let this discussion scuttle us.”

          Assured that she meant what she said, Harm tried to explain what he saw as different without indicating preferences. “Well, when you are with someone that you think is in it for the fun of it shall we say, I think you tend to be more daring and hold back on the emotions. I know I never worshipped their bodies like I do yours. It was like I wanted to score and I wanted them to finish so that I could chalk it up to what a great lover I was, but I was more concerned with finding my own satisfaction. Guess that proves how selfish I can be, doesn’t it?”

          Mac didn’t say anything just listened to him as she sat partially in his lap, her legs over his but facing him, while their hands were entwined. Harm continued.

          “Mac, there are very few nights we haven’t spent together in the past two months and I still find I want to re-discover you each time we are together…I want to take my time and make sure that I make it good for you. I’m at an age, you know when I don’t um, recover as quickly afterwards.”

          “You don’t expect me to believe you are ready to try Viagra do you?”

          “No! I don’t think I’m that old or take that long to ‘recover’, do you?”
          Mac laughed, “Harm I’m just kidding about the Viagra…but seriously, I guess I can understand the taking it slow and I do love the way you make me feel…but…”

          “But what Mac?”

          “No. Nothing…never mind…shall we call it a night and move this party to the bedroom?”

          “Mac, wait. What were you going to say?” He arrested her movement as she started to move away.

          Mac sighed and then tried to put into words what she was thinking, “I’m not sure how to say this without sounding critical and I’m not being critical. I love us together…”

          “But?” Harm tried to encourage her to keep going.

          “I don’t know if it’s because of my past, but, um…sometimes Harm I feel like…um…remember one time you said you’d be gentle and I said…” Mac stopped to study Harm’s expression before deciding how to keep going. She saw realization dawn on Harm and before she could finish the thought he jumped in.

          “Don’t be gentle, be good…you miss the raw, hot, no-holds barred sex?”

          “I’m sorry…you’re very good and sometimes I prefer the gentle approach, but sometimes…”

          “Mac…don’t be sorry. I was so caught up in the emotional part of our relationship that I had never experienced before, that I forgot about the other aspects of sex and how satisfying and fun they can be too. Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

          “Because I love what we do and because what we have is great and I just thought we hadn’t had time to get to that yet…but then when you started talking about the differences you see between sex and making love I was afraid that it wasn’t in our future.”

          Harm drew Mac to him, “I’ll have to see what I can do about it...”

August 30, 2003

Mac’s apartment

          Harm and Mac didn’t get much sleep that night as they both let go finding a new level of closeness and openness in their relationship. They awoke naked and sore from their night of lovemaking mixed with red hot sex. Rolling over and raising up on his elbows, Harm looked down into Mac’s face.

          “Mac?”

          “Hhmmm?”

          “Thank you…”

          “You’re welcome…and thank you”

          “For what?”

          “You are good, Flyboy! That was not only the best sex but the best love-making of my life!”

          “It was my pleasure Ma’am…hey, not to change the subject, but are we going running today?”

          “What you don’t think we got enough exercise last night?”

          “Mac…Are you going running today?”

          “Actually I thought I would take the day off of running and do some housework, laundry, grocery shopping and other mundane tasks. What about you?”

          “I think I’ll can the running as well at least for this morning. I too have some things to take care of…Mac, have you thought at all about the pros and cons of us living together?”

          “You and me…live together…in one place…is this an attempt to get me to do your laundry or something?”

          “No…it’s just that we tend to spend most of our time at one apartment or the other and then always have to remember to bring something over or take something home and it might be easier on both of us to just live together.”

          “It might be easier, but I remember you saying to Bud one time that you were lucky if you had five good days a month with a woman and that’s something we haven’t dealt with yet.”

          “Yeah, how come?”

          Mac laughed, “For one thing, you were generalizing based on your limited experiences…”

          “How do you figure limited experiences, Mac?”

          “Blonde trophy hunters don’t represent all of us women. Secondly, I’ve never been subjected to mood swings, and thirdly in July we got together afterwards; in August we were away on different assignments; and September hasn’t gotten here yet.”

          “And do we know where we will be when it is supposed to happen.”

          “If last night is any indication, it will be your place or mine in the next few days as my best guess.”

          “Why would last night be an indication?”

          “Well I tend to become insatiable three or four days before and even during...”

          “So I’ll take that as my warning to watch my six when I do or say anything to you…”

          “Only if you feel the need…I happen to think I stay on a pretty even keel…think about it, after working together for seven years, you didn’t even have a clue.”

          “You’re right. I don’t remember any mood swings, but I do have a clue now that I think about it.”

          “What?”

          “You have back aches, cramps, and crave chocolate right?”

          “At times, yeah. How do you know?”

          “Sometimes I see you rubbing your back or stomach and that’s usually when you’ll sneak into the kitchen for chocolate if you run out in your office.”

          “Okay, so you are quite an investigator, Commander…now out of bed. We have things to do.”

          “Aye, aye, Ma’am,” Harm saluted as he got out of bed and headed for the bathroom. “Joining me in the shower?”

          “Nope…I’m taking my own later after you go.”

          “Okay…no mood swings huh?”

          Mac threw a pillow at Harm’s naked retreating back and heard his laugh as he disappeared into the shower.

Getting To Know You

Chapter 2

          Harm left Mac’s apartment after showering and dressing. He headed home to get his laundry together, eat breakfast and clean his own place. Harm had to give Mac credit for not wanting to move into together. It was the first time he had wanted to live with a woman. Several of his past girlfriends had hinted at wanting to move in with him, but Renee had made it a suggestion and he had managed to fend her off by letting her know where the spare key was. He hadn’t told her that all his former girlfriends and most of his friends had the same knowledge and so feeling happy that he had made a concession to her she considered it a move toward something more permanent and had backed-off.

          Things with Mac had always been different. Their whole relationship had developed backwards. Other girlfriends had been hot dates and become friends over time. Not Mac…she was first and foremost a friend and partner. They had developed a trust and had learned to overcome issues that they disagreed on from work and in their personal life. Then they had moved into a loving romantic relationship as they explored and discovered what the other liked and then last night they had learned what hot passionate fun sex was all about. For most couples that happened before declarations of love, but not with them…it came two months after they admitted to each other they were in love. Harm shook his head and laughed at the irony of the situation he was in. He had never wanted stuff around belonging to other girlfriends and he had welcomed having Mac’s stuff around. Harm had to smile at the long range plan that was developing in his mind. Mac thought that moving in together was not wise, but he would bet that it was because she thought that he would see their living together as an option to marriage. Little did she know that as usual Harm had approached things backwards and he already had the ring he would put on her finger if she accepted his proposal. He had kept it with him for years through several girlfriends and never once had he been tempted to use it for anyone accept Mac.

          While lost in his thoughts he had cleaned his apartment got his laundry together and written some checks to pay this months bills. Taking the clothes that would go to the cleaners, Harm locked his apartment again and climbed back into the SUV. He loved his corvette but it wasn’t running as good since his little fender bender last winter and he hadn’t taken the time to work on it.

          He had dropped off his dirty clothes at the cleaners and picked up the clean clothes when he noticed the travel agent across the road. He had used them before and they had gotten really good airfares for him, so he ran in to see what was available for the first weekend in October.

          “Can I help you?”

          “Yes, what can you do for airfare for two tickets to Burlington International Airport in Burlington, Vermont? We’d like to arrive Thursday evening or early Friday morning and return Sunday evening if possible.” Harm gave the agent his best smile and watched her get flustered.

          “Yes, sir, they have a foliage special offered that weekend and with two tickets you get a special deal on a car rental where all you pay is the mileage.”

          Harm gave a thoughtful nod and asked for the departure and arrival times, and the price.

          “You would leave Washington National Airport at 8:55 AM and fly non-stop into Burlington arriving at 10:25 AM and your departure would be Sunday evening at 8:05 PM and arriving in Burlington at 9:25 PM, also non-stop. If you take the foliage special I can lock in your price today for $380 inclusive of the car rental – minus your mileage.”

          “Very well...I’ll take it.” Harm handed her his credit card pleased with the price of airfare and knowing that Mac would enjoy telling Chloe that the plans were coming together.

          “Back in his vehicle, Harm called Admiral Chegwidden at home. Meredith Cavanaugh answered.

          “Meredith, this is Harm. Is the admiral busy?”

          “No, he’s sitting here beside me enjoying a glass of ice tea. Would you like to talk to him?”

          “Yes, Ma’am.”

          “Before I let you go, how are things going with the music for the wedding, Harm?”

          “I’m working on it…the guitar part is solid…but my vocal needs more work. Mac’s doing well on her part.”

          “I’m so glad you decided to do this for us. Here’s AJ.”

          “What can I do for you Harm?”

          “Well, sir, Mac’s little sister is helping to run a ride-a-thon to benefit the Big Brother Big Sister Program the weekend of October 3. Mac and I both would like permission to go and participate in it. We would leave on Friday, October 3 and be back on duty Monday morning.”

          “Well Commander, considering that you’ve been roped into performing at our nuptials, it seems like I can let you both have the day. It is for a good cause and Meredith and I have a soft spot for Chloe ourselves. Do you need sponsors for this ride?”

          “Yes, sir, I believe Mac is working on that.”

          “Then tell her to make sure she puts us down. How many miles are you riding?”

          “I’m not sure, but it starts Friday afternoon. We camp out Friday and Saturday night and ride all day Saturday and until we get back on Sunday. They figure most people will be done between noon and two.”

          “I hope you and the Colonel have been doing some riding to get in condition for this or you won’t be walking on Monday morning!” AJ laughed thinking about the double meaning of what he had said and not wanting to know if his favorite officers would take it that way as well or not.

          “As a matter of fact I’m on my way to make arrangements for us to go riding on a regular schedule for the next few weeks. I think we’ll be fine…we have both done some riding over the years.”

          “Good luck Commander. See you Monday morning.”

          “Thank you, sir.” Harm snickered after he disconnected the call…they’d been riding last night, and both were sore this morning. That is what had given him the idea to set up appointments with the stable near the airport where he kept the Stearman. He hoped Mac would go along with it, but if she didn’t, he fully intended to go himself.

          Feeling good about what he had already accomplished he headed to the airport to check out his bird. Once there he called Mac on his cell.

          “Hello?” her breathless voice greeted him.

          “Thought you weren’t going running today…”

          “Harm…where are you? I just tried to call you at home.”

          “I’m at the hangar…what’s up?”

          “We’ve been invited out this evening and I wanted to check with you before I committed us to anything.”

          “Where and what time?”

          “Bud and Harriet’s at 1800 for dinner.”

          “Sure, I won’t be here that long. I’ll pick you up about 1730?”

          “Good call, Flyboy. Now were you calling to check up on me, or did you want something?”

          “Other than you, you mean?”

          “Harm…don’t start now.”

          “Actually I’ve had a busy day. We have air tickets to go to Vermont and they threw in a car rental; the admiral gave his blessing on us taking October 3 off and he said to put him and Meredith down as sponsors. Then, I made arrangements for us to get into riding shape beginning tomorrow – if you want to. I am and you are welcomed to join me.”

          “Wow! I guess you have been busy. Okay, I’ll see you at 1730. Behave…”

          “Mac?”

          “Yeah?”

          “I love you.”

          “Love you, too.”

Getting To Know You

Chapter 3

1730

Mac’s Apartment

Harm knocked on the door and waited for Mac to open it. Usually Mac answered it almost before he could knock.

          “Mac, it’s me…Mac?” Harm waited and listened. A sound alerted him and he tensed and then Mac was standing there in the open door.

          “Hi…sorry I kept you waiting.”

          “You okay? You look pale.”

          “I’ll be fine…you know, I was thinking, I know we each have an emergency key to each other’s place and it seems to me that we’re beyond the knock and wait to be admitted stage. I mean, you even brought up living together.”

          “I know this one,” Harm laughed.

          “What do you mean?”

          “I was just thinking this morning that when Renee wanted to move in with me I put her off by letting her know where my spare key was so she could just come in…I didn’t tell her that you, Bud, Sturgis, Harriet and even Jordan all knew where I kept that key…”

          Mac scowled a little and with her hands on her hips she looked him in the eye and asked, “And just why were you thinking about Renee moving in with you now that she’s gone from your life…or is she back?”

          Harm was ready to come back with a flip remark when he caught the tightness around her mouth and thought better of it. “I was thinking how different things are when you are in love. I knew I wasn’t in love with Renee and I dreaded the thought of her leaving things at my place and there was no way I was going to let her move in. You on the other hand, are my sweetheart and I had no problem asking you what you thought about us living together and in fact found myself disappointed when you put me off,” Harm held up his hand to signal her that he wasn’t quite done. “Disappointed, but I understand.”

          Mac relaxed and stepped toward him, reaching her arms around his waist to hug him close. Resting her head on his chest she sighed, “You know once you open up and start communicating you do pretty good.”

          Harm dropped a kiss on top of her head and held her loosely in his arms before asking, “What time are we suppose to arrive at the Roberts’?”

          “I know... we’ve got to go to make it for 1800. We could always be late and I can blame it on you…” Mac teased.

          Harm relaxed a little more deciding that nothing must be wrong if she was relaxed, smiling and teasing him again.

1915

Roberts’ Residence

          “Harriet that meal was excellent, and thank you for making mine meatless.” Harriet beamed at Harm’s praise and then nodded toward her son.

          “It seems he has picked up the Commander’s taste buds…he also prefers meatless…What have you been saying to my son, Commander Rabb?”

          “Honestly, Harriet, I’ve never said anything to him about eating meat…and I do eat some meat…fish, chicken and once in awhile pork. As a kid I ate hamburgers and hotdogs and even steak. I just got on a health kick when I was trying to keep my weight under control when I was injured after my ramp strike…I discovered that I felt better when I left certain things out of my diet. About that same time I discovered that my mother’s side of the family has a history of heart disease and stroke and I wanted to try and defeat those demons. One doctor I went to said that diet and exercise was the most natural way to do that. It just became habit after a while…”

          “Another obsession…” Mac said to Bud on her left.

          “I heard that Mac…and yes, I suppose you are right…I became obsessed with staying in shape and eating right. I haven’t heard you complain.” He raised his eyebrows suggestively at her and gave her a lopsided grin.

          Mac blushed and smiled, but didn’t say anything.

          “Aunt Mac?”

          “Yes, AJ?”

          “Are you going to have a baby, too?”

          Mac looked at Harriet, Harm and then back at her godson. “No…why did you ask?”

          “You were rubbing your tummy like Mommy rubs her tummy and she’s going to have a baby.”

          Mac stuttered a little and then smiled at AJ, “No, Honey, Mommy’s a good cook and Aunt Mac ate too much…and I don’t have to watch what I eat like Uncle Harm does.”

          “Don’t declare war, Mac, unless you’re ready to pay the price.” Harm spoke quietly for Mac’s ears only. Harriet and Bud didn’t hear what was said, but they didn’t miss the color in Mac’s cheeks.

          Mac helped Harriet clear the table and take care of the dishes while the men took charge of AJ and getting him ready for bed. Once the table was clear, Mac and Harriet talked while they worked in the kitchen.

          “Okay, Mac, spill it…what’s got you up tight tonight? You haven’t been this jumpy and defensive for a long while.”

          “It’s nothing Harriet…really.” Harriet still stared at Mac and finally Mac broke under her friend’s scrutiny. “Harriet you’ve probably figured out by now that Harm and I are together and although we don’t live together we stay at each other’s places quite often.”

          “Yeah…so, I mean you figured out the first time Bud and I…you know…did it…is that why you’re uncomfortable with us tonight?”

          “No. No…definitely not Harriet. It’s just that in the two months since we’ve been sleeping together we’ve managed to avoid dealing with some aspects of a woman’s life.”

          “Oh, that…How did you manage to avoid this for two months?” asked Harriet.

           “Four weeks ago we were both gone on different assignments, and the month before it was over before we got together that way. Last night things got… interesting… and I ended up starting a couple of days early…this afternoon. I’m sure he has plans for tonight but I’m not going to be in the mood for anything unless these cramps let up.”

          “That’s why AJ saw you rubbing your stomach. Good cover – eating too much…”

          “Harriet, after knowing each other for more than seven years, you’d think the man would have a clue. And as luck would have it we even alluded to it this morning but I told him I thought we had a few more days and I wasn’t expecting to be this uncomfortable. Maybe I should just pick a fight with him so he’ll go home alone.”

          “Don’t you dare, Sarah Mackenzie!” Harriet practically shouted at her friend. “You guys have worked and waited so long to have this chance at happiness that I will not let you take a chance like that. No picking fights on purpose. Do you hear me?”

          “Harriet calm down.” Mac smiled, “You know when you finally give in and treat me as an equal you are something…no falling back into the Ma’am thing now, Harriet, unless we’re in uniform and in public. For your reward I promise not to pick a fight. We do have a good thing and he’s really learning to open up. He’s not as oblivious to some things as we had thought…it just takes him a while to figure out how to talk about it.”

           “That’s great…I know I’ve always found Harm easy to talk to.”

          “So, Harriet, how did you handle this first with Bud?”

          “I told him I had stomach cramps and asked him if he would just hold me for awhile. He asked if my back ached and it did so he rubbed it and my stomach until we both fell asleep. I think he liked the night off…I had been quite sexually demanding the two nights before…I’ve always been that way.”

          “Me too…” both of them broke into giggles and that’s how Harm and Bud and a pajama clad AJ found them.

          “Oh, Bud, this isn’t looking good. Any suggestions?”

          “Just ignore it and turn over the munchkin…let him create the distraction.”

          “Good plan…Go see Aunt Mac and Mommy for a goodnight hug and kiss.” Harm set his armload on the floor and directed him to the giggling women. Then he turned to Bud and asked, “You don’t think they were talking about us, do you?”

          “Probably, but I have my ways of worming it out of her later, sir,” Bud said with tongue in cheek and raised eyebrows.

          “If you ladies are done horsing around in here, perhaps you could help finish the bedtime routine for this young man.” Harm’s voice interrupted the giggles and then both of them spotted little AJ looking up at them.

          After goodnights were said and kisses exchanged, Harriet and Mac had tucked AJ into bed before rejoining the men in the living room. Mac curled her legs under her as she sat next to Harm. He put his arm around her shoulder and they exchanged a brief kiss.

           The two couples talked about a variety of things including the ride-a-thon and the up-coming wedding of the admiral and Meredith. Bud and Harriet agreed to sponsor both of them and looked envious that they would not be able to participate as well. Harriet decided that she should try to fill their sponsor sheets for them and offered to see what she could do to help out. Reluctantly they agreed, providing that Harriet had time and the admiral’s permission.

          It was only 2043 when Harm and Mac left Bud and Harriet’s and headed back to Mac’s apartment. Harm looked over at Mac to see why she was so quiet and he was surprised to see her asleep. He smiled thinking, “Well we did horse around a lot last night and she was busy today…guess she should be tired.”

          When they arrived at Mac’s apartment, Harm tried to wake her, but she moved closer to him and seemed to fall deeper asleep. Getting out of the car he came around and opened her door and gently lifted her to her feet while he closed the door and locked the vehicle. He started to lift her into his arms to carry her when she suddenly woke up.

          “Harm! Don’t you dare try carrying me! Your back doesn’t need the additional stress on it. I can walk…I guess I just fell asleep.”

          “You sure?”

          “Yeah…but thanks for the thought anyway.”

          Together they walked to her apartment and Harm let them in. Once inside, Harm pulled Mac into his arms and began kissing her.

          “I’ve missed you today,” he told her.

          “I’ve missed you too.” Mac started to pull away from Harm’s arms.

          “Then why are you pulling away from me?” Mac acted a bit nervous and Harm suddenly had a thought, “Mac, this doesn’t have anything to do with the way we were last night does it? I mean we horsed around pretty good and things weren’t all gentle and sweet like we’ve been doing. Did I hurt you?”

          Mac smiled. Leave it to Harm to give her the opening she needed and make this situation a little less embarrassing. Shaking her head no she said, “You didn’t hurt me Harm, but yeah, last night’s activities moved the time table up a bit…”

          Mac saw Harm visibly pale and heard him stammer, “Isn’t it too early to tell…I know they have early tests and stuff, but I thought you had to wait at least a week and I thought we were still careful.”

          Mac realized where Harm’s mind was going and she fought to stop him before she started laughing. “Harm, I’m not pregnant…if I was I wouldn’t be feeling like I am tonight…” When he still didn’t respond she tried again, “I’m early this month and I have cramps and a back ache.”

          “Oh! Is that all? God you had me worried…” Harm breathed a sigh of relief. “How would a cup of hot tea sound?” Mac watched as Harm went into caretaker mode. He really took things in stride that most men freaked out over in her experience.

          Later, settled on the sofa with a cup of tea and Harm’s arms around her, Mac sighed and commented, “Harm, you seemed a little upset about the idea of me being pregnant. Does that mean you’ve changed your mind about the five year plan?”

          “Not at all…it’s just that I had hoped that maybe one part of our relationship could go along the lines that society would expect…dating, engagement, marriage and then a baby…I’m looking forward to the day when we have a baby…Don’t you want to try for ‘normal’ for the sake of our future children?”

          “Yes…I just didn’t know if I had a prayer of it ever happening. Harm?”

          “Yeah…”

          “Are you trying to ask me something here in a round about way?”

          Harm thought for a few seconds and then smiled, as he leaned down to place a kiss on her head, “No…you’ll know when I’m ready to ask…and if you are good, you might not have to wait all that long…”

          Mac sighed and then shifted her position. Harm reached around her body and gently rubbed her stomach.

          “Mmmmm, you know, I think the motion and weight of your hands is better then my heating pad. You wouldn’t be willing to do that all night would you?” Mac asked as she relaxed from the soothing touch on her body.

          “Sure…Mac, do you think you’ll be up to going on a trail ride tomorrow? I can cancel it or go by myself.”

          “I’ll probably be fine…usually I only have a rough few hours and then it gets better.”

          “Then lets get you to bed…” After shutting off the lights, taking the tea cups back into the kitchen, and giving Mac time to get into bed, Harm joined her, sliding his boxer clad body into bed behind her and settling her into his arms, so he could rub her stomach and ease her to sleep. Within minutes they were both asleep.

Getting To Know You

Chapter 4

1300 Saturday

September 20, 2003

Happy Trails Riding Club

          Harm and Mac had been riding on a regular basis over the past few weeks. Each time they went a little further, rode longer, and rode faster then the time before. Both of them were athletic and in good shape and both had ridden horses throughout their lifetimes, so they felt they were getting into riding shape fairly quickly and efficiently.

          “Want to race?” Mac asked as they reached the clearing beyond the woods that ran parallel to the airfield runway.

          “Nope.”

          “ ’fraid you’ll lose?”

          “Nope.”

          “Too old?”

          “Nope.”

          “Come on Harm, lets give them their head while we are in the clearing.”

          “Mac, there could be woodchuck holes, remember?”

          “Actually I had forgotten that. Okay, for now I won’t race you…but it could have been fun.”

          “We could put them into an easy canter though…” Harm suggested.

          “My hero…Let’s do it!”

          Together they urged their horses into a canter and enjoyed the wind in their faces. Before long they had to slow to a walk as the wooded area where the trail wound in among the trees was upon them. Once they were walking again, Harm pulled his horse along side Mac’s and reached his hand out to her. She took his hand and they continued to ride. And talk.

          “How you doing Mac? Think you’re ready for the big ride-a-thon?”

          “Yup. I certainly am. It will be fun to see Chloe again…and to watch her with you.”

          “Think she really has forgiven me for coming between you and Mic?”

          “Yes…but you know Harm, you didn’t come between us, not really. It was that I was too insecure to wait to see when ‘yet’ was. Besides, I’m happy and that’s all that Chloe really cares about. She didn’t like Mic at first – because he wasn’t you – and then she didn’t like you because she saw me happy when she thought I was with Mic and then when she saw how upset I was when you were lost I think she realized that I cared more about you then Mic but when Mic realized the problem and left, she needed someone to blame because she had looked forward to being in my wedding and it was a let down…besides a young girl can get blown away with the smooth charm of someone like Mic.”

          “And I don’t have the smooth charm, so I guess I’d better make sure you are happy now that we are together.”

          “I didn’t say you didn’t have smooth charm, but you didn’t try to charm Chloe with it like Mic did...”

          “Are you telling me that he flirted with her?”
          “Not exactly, but he went out of his way to do things or say things that would convince her to like him…win her over. All you have to do is be you. Besides, last time Chloe came down for Christmas she was okay with you again. I think she said, “Anyone that tries to help someone like Jennifer Coates can’t be all bad…guess he deserves another chance…” What Mac didn’t add was, ‘…as long as he doesn’t hurt you again.’ Mac had been very proud of Chloe for the effort she made to accept Harm and listen to Mac talked about Harm with an open mind. In some ways she was quite mature for her age.

           “Just don’t force it Harm…be you like you always have been with her. I want her to realize the difference between smooth, fast talkers and the genuine thing. Okay?”

          “Okay…if you think that’s the best.”

          “I do.”

          “Now, what about our gear? What are they providing and what do we bring?”

          “Chloe said they will provide pack horses and other transport for our equipment, maps, horses to ride with saddles and so on, feed, water… but we need to bring everything else accept water with us…food, sleeping bags, tents, clothes…”

          “First aid kit?”

          “Probably wouldn’t hurt but they do have emergency help available.”

          “You know, it probably would be a good idea to ship most of our equipment ahead of us so we don’t have to lug it on the plane. What do you think?”

          “I think, Squid, that you need to let the Marine take care of the packing and then see if you think we need to ship it!” Mac laughed at the indignant look on Harm’s face.

          “You think so, huh?”

          “Yeah, I do…first of all, I can’t see both of us taking a tent…unless you want to. What do you want to do?”

          “One’s fine…but mine’s pretty worn and hasn’t been used for awhile.”

          “That’s okay. I’ve got a good one that Chloe and I used last summer and it could have fit two more people easily.”

          “Who else will be in the tent with us?” Harm was a little concerned over the idea that they would have to share their space.

          “I don’t think anyone. Why?”

          “You said it could easily fit two more people…”

          “I was just trying to give you an idea that it was big enough to be useful...”

          “Sounds perfect then. So…are we going to zip our bags together or go solo?”

          Mac grinned and gave a thoughtful pause and said, “Well October in Vermont usually means pretty cold nights. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to zip then together and share body heat.”

          “I don’t care what excuse you give as long as we can sleep together,” Harm stated emphatically.

          Mac burst out laughing at him as they rode and he stopped his horse, forcing their hands to disconnect. Mac turned to watch him and her horse kept going plodding along the trail.

          “Mac! Limb! Duck!” Harm urged his horse forward as he spotted the branch hanging low across the trail in Mac’s path. At the same time, Mac was turning around to see what alarmed Harm and spotted the branch just as she got to it. Knowing she didn’t have time or space to duck, she leaned backwards in her saddle and went under the branch.

          Harm’s heart was pounding as he dismounted and ran to Mac’s side. She was out of danger now and sat up as Harm got there. Pulling her horse to a stop, she started to thank Harm for the warning but was stopped when she was hauled out of the saddle and into his arms while one hand searched her head for bruising or bumps and the other held her in place by supporting her back and waist.

          “Harm, calm down. I’m fine. The branch never touched me thanks to your warning.”

          “Mac, I saw you ride right into it!”

          “No Harm. I used it like a limbo stick and cleared it – just. Relax…” 

          Harm pulled her into his arms and lowered his head to kiss her. Every bit of fear and thankfulness he felt was in that kiss. When he finally relaxed his hold on her, Mac was weaker in the knees then she had been at the near miss of the branch. She looked up at Harm and caressed his face with her hands.

          “You sure know how to make the earth move sailor…but I think it’s time we headed back.”

          Harm slowly released her and gave her a boost up on to her horse before vaulting into his own saddle. Slowly they moved out and returned to the Riding Club without further incidents.

          Harm, however, was rethinking the wisdom of going on the ride-a-thon. It would keep him quiet and brooding for the next several hours.

Getting To Know You

Chapter 5

2100 Saturday

September 20, 2003

Harm’s Apartment

          They had returned to Harm’s place after their trail ride as they had planned. Mac had brought a bad with her and they took turns showering and changing into clean clothes. Harm had prepared their dinner and put it in the oven to bake while Mac showered. They were planning to rehearse the music for the admiral and Meredith’s wedding. There were three songs they would do. Harm would sing one that AJ had selected as his tribute to Meredith while Mac would sing with Harm providing some background harmony on the one that Meredith had selected for AJ. Then they would sing a duet to honor them both. Harm would play the guitar on all three.

          AJ had selected a Randy Travis song, “Forever and Ever, Amen” and Harm had mastered the chords and lyrics for that one without a problem, as he had the chords for all three songs. But Harm was having a problem when Mac sang. He would get so caught up in her singing that he’d forget to come in on cue and even forget to play the guitar! He had discovered that she had a rich, sexy voice. The song Meredith had selected for AJ was a Faith Hill song called, “When We Make Love.” The song was hot to begin with and hearing Mac sing he found himself imagining her singing it to him which was almost more than he could handle. Finally, they would sing a duet called, “From This Moment On,” which had been a duet recorded by Shania Twain and Brian White. Harm again found himself missing his cues on the song.

          Harm had started working on his solo before Mac had joined him and she sat and listened to him and enjoyed the romantic but upbeat song the way Harm was singing it. He had really lucked out with his solo in that it conveyed a commitment for the future but also dealt with it in a light hearted manner. Meredith’s selection was sensuous and required Harm to come in on background vocals and provide harmony to make it sound right. It had some challenging sections in it, but Mac hadn’t realized how challenging until she heard Harm struggle to get the timing on the song and make his cues. She had heard him sing enough to be surprised by his struggle. After Ham finished his solo Mac commented, “Sounded good on that one, Harm.”

          “Thanks…shall we tackle your solo or the duet next?” Mac noticed how flat Harm’s voice sounded when he spoke. She also thought about how quiet he had been since the near miss on today’s ride.

          “What do you think?” Mac asked.

          “Your choice…I really need work on both of them. You, however are doing great.”

          “Thanks Harm. Can I ask you something?”

          “Sure Mac.”

          “What’s wrong?”

          “Nothing’s wrong, why?”
          “You just seem a little distance since our ride today.”

          “I’m fine. Let’s work on your song. I need to see if I can stay focused.”

          Mac agreed and Harm started playing the chords for the sexy song that Mac would sing as Meredith’s tribute to AJ. Harm kept telling himself to pretend it was Meredith singing. It would work until he looked up at Mac…then he would miss his cue. The third time it happened, Mac started needling him a little about it.

          “Harm do you want me to cue you so you don’t miss it next time?”

          “I’ll get it…give a guy a chance.” Harm tried to match her mood but knew he didn’t quite make it. “Let’s try it again.”

          Mac started over from the verse just before Harm needed to come in. This time he didn’t look at her and he made it. The rest of the song went without a hitch. After they had finished it, Mac noticed that Harm didn’t look at her and immediately went into the duet. This time he came in on time and didn’t miss a word. Harm sighed after they were done. He had found the secret to doing the two songs – for now at least. He had to pretend that Mac wasn’t even there.

          He set the guitar aside and went to check on their dinner. Mac watched him as he moved around getting things ready and noticed that he was basically ignoring her.

          “Can I help you?”

          “No.”

          “How ‘bout I set the table?”

          “I got it, Mac.”

          “Really? The table doesn’t look set to me. What’s really going on?”

          “Nothing.”

          Mac stepped in front of Harm and forced him to look at her. “You’ve been acting weird every time we sing and really weird since the ride today. Level with me Squid!” Mac started off calm enough but worked herself into her best drill instructor voice.

          Harm tried once again to brush off her concern and move past her. She was having none of it. She stood with her hands on her hips and her jaw set. He knew he wasn’t going to get away with shutting her out tonight. They had come to far for that and so he decided before she got mad, he would give in.

          “Mac, I thought now our relationship was moving forward and we were more open with each other and others about how we felt, that I wouldn’t feel like this, but every time you sing that song, I found myself imagining us singing it to each other with no one else around. The only way I’m going to be able to sing that song at the wedding is to pretend you’re not there…otherwise, I get too…um…well…”

          Mac smiled, “Hot and bothered?”

          “Yeah.” Harm smiled.

          “And you don’t think it has a similar effect on me?”

          “Well it’s not noticeable on you like it gets to be on me,” Harm mumbled slightly self-conscious about it.

          Mac giggled, “Oh Harm, we are something, aren’t we? I mean the little things that can send us into fits…”

          Harm grinned and bit his bottom lip.

          “There’s something else isn’t there, Harm?” asked Mac.

          Harm nodded but wasn’t sure how to proceed without riling her up. “Mac, I’ve been thinking…may be this ride-a –thon isn’t such a good idea?”

          “Are you chickening out on me?”

          “No…I mean I don’t think you should ride…”

          “And why not?”

          “You almost got hurt today and…”

          “Is that what this is all about? I almost got hurt so now you don’t think we should go? Harmon Rabb, Junior! What is your problem? I am a Marine and I’ve been taking care of myself for the most part since I was fifteen – maybe even before. Just because of a near miss today you want to shut down everything!” Mac’s voice was getting louder as she continued, “ I suppose you don’t want me to ride anymore either and obviously I shouldn’t go in an airplane especially with you because we crashed again so we probably should take different flights if I am to fly at all…and should I resign my commission because I might get sent to a carrier or in country…what other principles and duties should I abandon just because something might happen to me? Huh, Harm? What else do you expect me to stop? Maybe I shouldn’t get pregnant because god knows what could happen to me in child birth or what might happen to our children someday!”

          “Okay, Mac…I get your point…”

          And maybe I shouldn’t eat dinner, as something might get stuck in my throat and I could choke on it.”

          Mac was pacing and Harm was trying to get in front of her to get her attention now. She had made her point and now she was so wound that she was going to miss his apology and his acknowledgement that she was right…something he use to have a hard time doing.

          “MAC! I’m sorry! You’re right. I over reacted and I know that to have the things in life worth having there is always some risk involved. Mac? Please, look at me.”

          Mac turned around to face him then and let him see her smile touch her lips. “Wow! I can handle the over protected part of you when you not only apologize but concede I was right.”

          Harm opened his arms to her and said, “Have I told you today I am in love with you?”

          Mac stepped into them reaching her arms around his neck and resting her body against his. “I love you too.” Lifting her face to his, Mac accepted his kiss and then deepened it.

          “Shall we eat dinner?” Harm asked as they broke off a kiss that was getting pretty heated. “We still have some things we had planned to do this evening before we get carried away…”

          Mac consented and they sat down to eat salad, egg plant parmesan, and garlic bread. Once they were finished, they pulled out Harm’s camping gear and went through it. Mac selected his sleeping bag and a duffle bag, a battery operated lantern and a cooking rack that set into a camp fire.

          “Now, what are you taking for clothes?”

          “Mac there’s plenty of time to pack my clothes.”

          “Not if you need something you don’t have or something that needs replacing.”

          Harm consented and went to his dresser and closet and started taking out clothes. He removed two pairs of jeans, two sweatshirts, two flannel shirts, two pairs of sweat pants, two t-shirts, four pairs of socks, boxers, a windbreaker, his boots, and a leather vest. Mac watched him pile up his clothes. When he finished he turned to her and commented, “I’ll wear civvies when we go up and I can wear them back as well…okay?”

          “Not bad…but it might not hurt to take an extra change of civvies in your carry on…that’s what I’m going to do. Now let’s get this stuff into the duffle and I’ll take it and pack it up with the gear.”

          As they were transferring the clothes into the bag, Mac noticed that the jeans that Harm was packing were quiet warn and soft. Soft was good, but the worn areas could be a problem. Sighing Mac brought the matter to Harm’s attention. “Harm, do you have any jeans that are worn, but not worn out?”

          “I like those jeans…their soft.”

          “The soft fabric is great, but the way the thighs are worn, after a few hours rubbing on leather you’ll have bare skin rubbing leather and that could hurt. I think you should bring an extra pair if you have them.”

          “Mac, those jeans will be fine…it’s not like they have holes in them or anything.”

          “Okay, Harm…but I don’t want to listen to you complain if they give way and you have to wear dirty or wet jeans or holey ones.”

          “Now who’s being a worry wart?”

          Mac gave up and shook her head as she took the clothes he had set aside. Once the bed was clear of clothing again, Mac sat in the middle of it and reached her arms out to Harm… “Hey sailor, I think we have some unfinished business from before dinner that we can go back to…right?”

          Harm stood look at Mac inviting him to join her on his bed. He had to swallow the lump in his throat as he thought about all the near misses they had had before getting to this wonderful place in their relationship. He glanced at the bedside table and thought briefly about the little box waiting there. He promised himself that soon he would ask her if she would consider marrying him. Smiling his 1000 watt smile, Harm joined Mac on his bed and they resumed their kissing from before dinner. It wasn’t long before clothes were being removed and tossed aside. When they were both naked lying on the bed they took turns exploring each other with the lights on, like they never had before. They located scars, bruises, tattoos and other marks and each one was explored, explained, and kissed. Tonight’s lovemaking was about getting to know the other even more. It was about touching, tasting, and teasing. It was about giving and receiving and letting go. It was about enjoying sex and making love.

          After they were both sated they lay in bed together and Harm turned to Mac and said, “Mac, if I was to ask you to marry me, do you think you would say yes, ask for more time or say no?”

          Mac was stunned at first by the question and then as she realized what Harm was doing she rolled toward him and lifted herself on one elbow, reached over to smooth his forehead and while tracing his features with her finger she replied.

          “I think we’ve already taken a lot of time to think about our relationship and we both know we want children, so I wouldn’t want to wait to think about it and I wouldn’t say no…because I’m sure when you do ask you will have thought it over and will have covered all the angles and know that it is what you want. I know and have known for a while now that it would be a dream come true if I was to become Mrs. Harmon Rabb, Junior.” Mac’s hand wandered from Harm’s face to her chest and she let her fingers play across the muscles and chest hair there.

          “Thanks Mac...the waiting is almost over…I love you.”

          “I love you, too.”

Getting To Know You

Chapter 6

0800 Friday

October 3, 2003

Airport

          They were running a little later then they wanted this morning, but had made it to the airport without forgetting anything. Their bags were checked and they were waiting for their boarding call. Harm had ended up wearing black jeans and a purple shirt that Mac just loved on him. He was carrying his leather jacket as the weather forecast for northern Vermont said that a high of fifty was expected for the next few days.

          Mac was pleased that her own black jeans and lavender and purple knit top made them look like they were a matched set. She wasn’t sure if Harm had noticed or if he even cared, but it was one of those little things that Mac had dreamed of when ever she thought about what Mr. Right would look like next to her…not that she always wanted they to dress in matching clothes…but once in awhile it was cute…and Mac was in a “cute” mood today. She was excited about seeing Chloe and being with Harm for the weekend, and riding horses through the beautiful Vermont countryside. It was shaping up to be a beautiful weekend.

          Harm reached again into the pocket on his jacket making sure the little box was still there. The box was new as the original had long ago been lost or discarded. When Harm realized that both he and Mac agreed that they had something more going then friendship he had taken the old but beautiful ring to the jewelers to be cleaned and repaired. One of the small diamonds had been lost and the band showed some wear. New stones were put in and the band had been rebuilt. When they returned it to him they had given him a new box for it. Harm had decided to officially ask Mac to marry him while they were in flight to Vermont. He wanted her to be able to share the news with Chloe if she wanted to and to make the trip even more special for them.

          Finally called to board, they found their seats on the smaller commuter flight that would fly non-stopped to Burlington, Vermont. They were seated on the side of the aisle with two seats. With their carry-ons stored, they took their seats and buckled in. Harm took Mac’s hand as was their practice when they were out of uniform. Within minutes, the aircraft was taxiing into position and preparing to take off. It was exactly 8:55 AM when they were in motion. Harm waited until they were airborne and then reached into his coat pocket and slipped the ring onto his pinkie.

          Mac was busy looking out the window as the airplane climbed above Washington DC and headed north.

          “That’s our life down their, isn’t it, Harm.”

          “For now…that’s where we go about our lives…but I’d rather think about our lives being where ever we are together.”

          “You’re sounding philosophical and a bit romantic this morning, flyboy. Is that what being in an airplane does to you?”

          Harm smiled and said, “Mac. You know how much I love to fly, but you also know that I love you and I’d give it up for you…but I also think that planes have been important throughout our relationship and I kind of think of them as symbolic. When everything works right, an airplane can soar and take you to heights you couldn’t even imagine…but when something goes wrong, its dangerous and you have to figure things out and try to fix things or you’re going down and it could tear things apart. Our relationship is like that…when we get it right and we keep on top of things, we have a great thing and we soar…and when we don’t take care of things and get careless, things are bad and we run the risk of hurting each other…but I think we are getting good at knowing the warning signs and knowing how to fix things when there are problems. I count on you to for so many things to keep my life on track and I hope you know that I might need fine tuning, but I’ll be there for you if you want me…Mac, will you marry me?”

          Harm held her hands and looked into her eyes and heard her gasp as the smile lit up her beautiful face.

          “Oh Harm…yes…that was beautiful…I can’t believe this…”

          “Oh…I almost forgot…would you wear this ring?” Harm slipped the ring from his pinkie and put it on her left ring finger. It was a solitaire diamond in a low set tri-colored gold woven band and on each side were small colored stones. One was his birthstone (rose quartz) and the other was hers (a pale green peridot) that fit with the three colors of gold in the band.

          “Oh, Harm! It’s beautiful!”

          “It was my grandmother’s and my grandfather had it designed with the Black Hills Gold that was mined on their South Dakota farm. I had to have the birthstones put in, the original had two smaller diamonds and one of them had been lost, so I thought it would work with our birthstones.”

          “Harm it is beautiful…thank you…can I ask you something?”

          “Sure…what is it?”

          “Why now?”

          “I thought that flying had played such an important part in our lives up to this point, that it would be fitting to ask you in a plane…actually I had planned to ask you on the way home, but I decided I couldn’t wait and I wanted Chloe to be able to see the ring and know that I only want what’s best for you.”

          “For someone that struggled to say anything for so long, you moved along this path pretty quickly…thank god!”

          “So are you okay with the proposal? The place? The ring?”

          Mac laughed at the ‘little boy’ expression he wore on his face as he sought her approval. “Harm you surprised me but didn’t bowl me over. You had prepared me that you were starting to think about marriage – but I must admit I wasn’t expecting it this soon. I think this is a romantic, fun way to be asked and I love you for thinking about Chloe and letting her share in this with us. So, yes…yes…and yes.” Mac kissed him after each yes.

          Harm took her hand and sat back in his seat. I want you to plan the wedding for whenever you want. I want the wedding to be what you want it to be…I only have two requests.”

          “And they are?”

          “I want you for my bride and I want to plan the honeymoon.”

          “That’s it? No requests for colors? No fear that it will be a Marine green wedding, squid?”

          “Marine green wedding? Mac, I know you well enough to know that as much as you take pride in being a Marine, you do not choose Marine green as you typical off-duty clothing color. Why would I think that color would dominate our wedding?”

          “Just checking…and you’re right. I wouldn’t do Marine Green or Navy Blue. A great deal depends on the time of the year, but I am partial to peach or pink so we’ll see.” Mac, still holding Harm’s hand, leaned against him and chatted on about the ideas for the wedding, Chloe’s reaction and ideas on how they would break the news to Chloe.

          The captain came on to announce that they were approaching Burlington International Airport. “Fasten your seat belts folks. The weather here in Burlington is clear and comfortable at sixty-five degrees. If you look out the window you’ll see Lake Champlain and all the colors of fall. We’ll be on the ground in about five minutes. Hope you enjoy you’re stay.”

          “Okay, Harm, how do you think we should tell her?”

          “Mac, why don’t we just see how long it takes her to bring up the subject or spot your ring?”

          “Okay…I bet she’ll ask me if you’ve proposed within the first three minutes we are there if she doesn’t spot the ring.”

          “You’re on, Mac…I think she’ll spot the ring first before she can ask! I give her 90 seconds or less!”

          Harm and Mac laughed at the anticipated reaction Chloe would have when she saw them.

          “At least we won’t be at the airport when she notices, seeing as we have the car rental.”

          “That was a good plan and a great deal…you did good Squid.”

          At that point they felt the wheels touch down and they were taxiing to the terminal.

1108 Friday

October 3, 2003

Fletcher, Vermont

          They had made it through the airport terminal quickly, found the car rental desk, signed the papers, claimed their luggage and were on the way to Chloe’s grandparent’s farm fairly quickly. For a small airport it was busy that morning with college students greeting parents for the parents’ weekend and other coming in for alumni football frenzy. Still things went smoothly and they headed out of the city, first on Route 2 and then picking up Interstate 89 North that would take them toward Fletcher, Vermont.

          Harm drove as Mac navigated them over Route 7, a winding hilly road so typical of Vermont. A road they would consider secondary in most places was considered a main thoroughfare in Vermont. The white rental car they were driving was a mid-sized car, with a surprising amount of room. Harm knew his step father would be pleased with his opinion of the rental car as he worked for the company that had made it.

          “Harm, you need to take left onto one-o-four. We’ll be on this road about six miles and then we turn onto River Road which will be on your left.”

          “Thanks Mac…and you do this from memory, huh?”

          “It’s not that hard to do once you’ve been here a couple of times.”

          “It is a beautiful place…I’d never been up here before, although I had thought about coming to Vermont on a ski trip once…just never got here. Maybe we should think about doing that sometime, Mac.”

          “Purposely freeze our butts off to slide down a rough bumpy hill?”

          “Yeah, but think about the roaring fire, hot chocolate, back rubs, and all the fun we could have once the lifts closed.” Harm waggled an eyebrow at her and grinned.

          Mac laughed, we’ll see, Flyboy. You just might convince me it would be work it…if you work at it a little…right here Harm.”

          Harm made the turn with ease and soon they saw the sign for Fletcher ahead. Mac directed Harm to the very road the farm was located on. As they made the final turn Harm warned Harm, “Be prepared to get a history lesson on the Morgan Horse and Vermont.”

          “Actually, I’ve always wanted to learn more about Lake Champlain. It played a major role in the Revolutionary War and with the overall development of not only the United States but Canada.”

          Mac rolled her eyes, “I should of known you’d find it interesting with the ancient naval connection.”

          Harm parked the car and before they were both out of the car they saw Chloe with braids flying behind her racing down the steps and directly toward Mac. She heard Harm mutter, “Brace yourself!” just before her “little sister” launched herself into Mac’s arms. “Hi Mac! It’s so cool you could come…even if you had to bring him along.”

          “Chloe?” Mac asked as they hugged.

          “Just kidding, Mac,” Chloe assured her as she pulled herself out of Mac’s arms and turned to face Harm who had come up behind her.

          “Hello, Chloe.”

          “Harm…you two made any progress in the last two years, since I came to Washington?”

          Harm and Mac looked at each other and smiled. Chloe caught it and pounced on it at the same time Mac held her left hand out to Harm.

          “What? Tell me…oh my god you’re wearing a ring. Are you engaged? How long? When’s the wedding?” Chloe’s words came tumbling out so fast that they ran together like one big word.

          “Slow down Chloe…yes we are engaged. Harm asked me on the way up here so that I could share it with you. We haven’t set a date yet but I have some ideas I am thinking about. Are you okay with this? With us?”

          “You’re happy Mac. I can see the difference between now and before. Besides, I’ve always known you two were in love.”

          Harm looked down at her and squinted, “How could you have known that, Squirt?”

          “I watched the two of you together…like a lot of people have. Guess you too were so close that you just couldn’t see for yourselves what everyone else could see,” Chloe informed them. “Why don’t we go in and get your stuff packed up for the ride. People will be arriving soon and I want you guys to have a chance to get to know your mounts before we leave. Mac, Dad is away but he said you could use his chaps if you didn’t bring any.”

          “Chaps? We’re not in the west Chloe…why the chaps?”

          “One it protects your legs from briars and branches when you go on trail rides. Also, the leather helps to protect from saddle chaffing some. I have my own pair and a neighbor who broke his leg a couple of weeks ago said you could borrow his, Harm.”

          “Thanks, Chloe, but I’ll pass.”

          “Harm, considering how thin your jeans are that you insisted on packing, you would be wise to adjust to the idea of wearing the chaps,” Mac coaxed. She didn’t tell him she had fantasized about how the chaps would accentuate some of his assets and other areas.

          Harm gave her one of those looks so she turned to Chloe as if she was giving in. “Let him be macho…he’ll pay…let’s pack the chaps for him just in case he reconsiders.’

Getting To Know You

Chapter 7

1203 Friday

Anderson Farm

Fletcher, Vermont

          After getting a drink and a sandwich, Harm and Mac answered nature’s calls and then followed an exuberant Chloe to the Barn. People were arriving in trucks and vans pulling trailers while others rode in to make sure they were signed up. Riders got their numbers after signing in.

          Mac had put the chaps on, while Harm had opted to ride without them. Chloe led two horses out of the barn to them. She handed the reins of a brown mare with white socks and a blaze on her nose to Mac and said, “Remember Cassie…you rode her before and said she was ‘gentle and rides like a dream.’ Harm,” Chloe handed him the reins of a Chestnut gelding. “Meet Rusty. He’s a good horse, but you do need to stay in charge with him.” Harm and Mac both looked over their mounts. “Spend some time getting acquainted with them while I get my transportation in order.”

          When Chloe returned she was leading another brown gelding with black marking on his feet and nose. “This is Scout…” Our packs are loaded in the wagon and I signed us in and got our numbers. Mac, you are 23, Harm 24 and I have 22.”

          Harm and Mac exchanged glances. Both of them knew that the other was trying to share the fact that they were watching a very take charge young woman at work.

          They approached the start line once they were mounted up and Chloe led the way. Three other people joined their group. Scott was a high school student; Toby was a college student and Lizzy was a classmate of Chloe’s. Mac breathed a sigh of relief that she would not have to worry about young women flirting with Harm. She would be able to relax and enjoy their new engagement, the ride and the company. The ride-a-thon officials called for their attention and went over the rules for the event.

          “Welcome everyone. We are honored to have two members of our United States Military joining us for this event. As many of you know Chloe Madison’s father was recently recalled to Iraq and could not be here. This ride is to benefit the Big Brother/Big Sister program which is how Chloe came to meet one of our honored guests, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, a Marine lawyer assigned to JAG in Washington, D.C., had the enough love to share with a motherless child. As a result of Chloe visiting her Big Sister, Mac, at JAG headquarters one of the officers there was able to locate Chloe’s father who she thought had been killed in aboard a ship when she was a baby. As a result, we have had the opportunity to get to know the Madison’s granddaughter who has become important to many of us here. Colonel Mackenzie, we understand that congratulations are in order. Is it true that you recently became engaged to our other military guest?”

          Harm and Mac joined hands and Mac nodded before the announcer continued.

          “I’d also like to introduce you to her fiance, Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. a former pilot; he now serves as a JAG investigator and lawyer also in Washington D.C. Congratulations and Best Wishes and thank you both for what you’ve done for Chloe and for joining us this weekend for the ride. Now onto matters that you need to know…first, your group leaders will set the pace for the group. You do not pass a group while on a trail. If one group stops, then your group may continue on. Watch your leader for hand signals…If you see the hand go up and the fist is closed, it means to stop, be quiet and be on alert. It may because of danger or to see wildlife. If it is wildlife, the leader will then point to the general direction you should look. If there is to be an announcement, it will follow the signal. Another signal to watch for is an open hand held up which means you are meeting a group on the trail and you need to move to the side and proceed forward carefully as you pass. Make sure the person that is supposed to be behind you is there. If you are the last one in the group, this is your safety net that you don’t get left behind. Any questions?” When none were forthcoming he continued, “Enjoy the ride. We’ll see you this evening at campfire.”

          Once their group was assembled with Chloe in the lead they started off on the trail ride. They trail wound across the field and then up into the rolling hills before crossing into a wooded area. The trail wound up and down hills over streams and along ponds and swamps. They had been riding about two hours when Chloe stopped and held up her hand in the quiet –be alert signal. Chloe then pointed to the trees at the edge of the field on the right. Everyone looked in that direction and spotted the doe and fawn standing in the shade at the edge of the field. Harm took out his camera and snapped a few pictures. The beginning of an idea for this year’s Christmas presents for Chloe and Mac were beginning to form. He put the camera around his neck just as they began moving again. They were heading up another hill and Harm was beginning to think a chance to stretch his legs would be good.

          Chloe apparently had a plan in mind and as they crested the hill the view was breath taking. There was a picnic like area and a spring with running water collecting into a barrel. There was a place to tie the horses and water them. Chloe held them up and announced.

          “Seeing as we have a couple of city slickers in our group, I thought we should make use of this place, rest a few minutes, water the horses and let out senior citizen work the kinks out.”

          “Cute Chloe,” Harm growled trying to hide a laugh. “I could tell these nice folks about the first time I met you….”

          “You wouldn’t?” shrieked Chloe.

          “He might,” Mac laughed. “Better be nice to him unless you get something better on him then he has on you.”

          “That how you keep him in line Mac?” Chloe asked coming up to them as they dismounted.

          “It helps…huh, Flyboy?”

          “Yes, Dear…” Harm good naturedly played along, loving the relaxed atmosphere. He started to walk over to check out the view while the others were at the spring. The first few steps he noticed his legs were a little stiff but then as if there was a delayed reaction, the inside of his thighs started to shake and burn. He hadn’t endured that kind of muscle reaction since he had started back at rehab after the ramp strike. This of course was much milder then that had been, but it was enough to bring back the memory and alert him that his muscles were being used differently then they had been. Apparently the trail rides hadn’t been as effective as he had thought.

          “Harm? You okay?” Mac asked as she came up behind him and placed her hand on his back.

          “Yeah, I’m fine. You?”

          “Being Macho again, Rabb…I’m a little sore and said something to Chloe that I thought all of our riding would have helped and she pointed something out.”

          “What’s that?” Harm asked.

          “We weren’t riding on side hills, or going up and down windy trails where we were riding. It uses the muscles differently and I am feeling it a bit. That’s why Chloe wants us to stop and rest and stretch frequently. You see, Harm, you do not have to play macho man… it may only get you into trouble,” Mac reminded him.

          “Yeah, you’re right. My thighs are burning and shaking a little…not bad, but I’m sure I won’t want to run even a mile tonight.”

          Chloe approached them from behind clearing her throat. They both turned and smiled at the teenager. Harm greeted her with a smile.

          “Hey Chloe…you ready for us to mount up?”

          “Not quite yet Harm…how are you holding up?”

          Harm glanced at Mac and then back to Chloe. “The old man is feeling it a little, but I’m alright so far. Hey, Chloe?”

          “Yeah…are we okay? I mean I know you blamed me before when Mac didn’t get married and I thought we were getting past it…” Harm trailed off and Mac watched both of them, a little surprised that Harm had jumped into this conversation.

          Chloe’s face lit up as she looked at Mac and then back to Harm. “See how happy Mac looks?”

          “Yeah…”

          “As long as she is that happy because of you, then you and I are okay…but don’t hurt her.”

          Harm looked into Chloe’s eyes and reached for her. Holding her arms lightly in his hands he solemnly gazed into her eyes and said, “Chloe, I promise that I never want to hurt Mac…I can’t promise that I won’t ever make her mad, but I will promise you that I will never do it on purpose and I will always try to make it up to her. I respect and love her. I will always cherish her and the fact that she let me into her life.”

          “Then I guess we don’t have a problem…hey Mac, you should get him to lighten up a little!” Chloe gave them a cheeky laugh as she turned back to the horses and called for everyone to mount up.

          They continued riding throughout the afternoon moving further and further into the mountains. They had stopped every hour and a half to two hours to rest the horses and get water and answer nature’s call. The last time Harm had noticed that he was sore in areas that could make it pretty hard to function if it were to get worse. It was getting dusk when they reached a staging area with lean-tos, chuck wagons, pack mules and a few horse trailers with extra horses.

          Harm was slowly swinging his leg over his horse to dismount when he heard Mac giggle. Once on the ground he held onto his horse and kept his back to Mac so she wouldn’t see him grimace. His inner thighs were on fire and he needed a minute to compose himself. Mac’s giggle should have warned him. She stood to his side and stretched herself up to whisper near his ear.

          “Harm, you remember I said that I didn’t think those jeans would hold up?”

          “Yeah?”
          “Well I hate to tell you that when you got off your horse it looks like your jeans have disintegrated from about mid-thigh to your crotch…the navy issue boxers probably haven’t helped much, but you are covered.”

          “Mac!” Harm hissed.

          “Wow, your face is almost as red as the inside of your thighs.”

          “Maacc…”

          “Yes Harm?”

          “Do you know where our stuff is so I can change into some other jeans?”

          Patting him on the back, despite wanting to pat his six, Mac assured him she would she if she could find their things. She also knew that Chloe or the first aid tent would probably have something to put on the inflamed area.

          It took a few minutes to find out how things had been packed, but when she found out that things were numerically packed by registration number, it didn’t take long to locate their things. She also found Chloe and got something for the inflammation.

          “Bag Balm? Harm’s not going to like this!” Mac laughed.

          “…Until he uses it. Mac when I first came here and started riding I was so sore. Grandma gave me a can of that and it worked. It’s made here in Vermont, in Lyndonville, and it is the best stuff for chaffing and chapping.”

          “Okay…I’m sure you’ll hear him holler.” Mac took the things and found Harm not far from where she left him. “Here you go…and Chloe sent some ointment in a can but said try it before you freak over it. She used it when she first started riding and the whole family swears by it.” She turned over the jeans and the little square green can.

          “Bag Balm? Okay…” he held up a hand and pointed his finger at her, “I’ll try it...”

          “You must really be hurting, Harm. I’ll go get the tent up so you have a place to change.”

          “Thanks Mac…I’ll try to help you…”

          “No problem…I put it up last time Chloe and I went camping…and besides…”

          “I know…you’re a Marine! Go…”

          Mac grabbed the tent and found one of the camp fire areas that was out of the main line of traffic and started setting up the tent. By the time Harm caught up to her the tent was up and Mac was unrolling their bed rolls.

          “I’m home dear,” Harm called as he poked his head into the tent.

          Mac turned to see Harm grimace as he stepped into the tent.

          “Come on Squid. Need some help?” Mac offered.

          “Actually Mac, I hate to admit it but I think I do.” Harm had tried to be cool about asking, but his face got flushed and he bit his lower lip as he forged ahead, “If you don’t mind getting to know me a little better…uummm… without the fun that goes with it, I think I might need more then the ointment… I umm…feel like there’s some swelling and I’m hoping nothing is blistered and uumm… I can’t see to tell.”

          Mac bit back a smile knowing what it cost her straight as an arrow, macho fiance to ask for her help.

          “Let’s see get the jeans off and see what kind of damage we’ve got here…” Mac reached for the button on his jeans at the same time he did.

          “I can do that part, Mac…”

          Mac busied herself with getting their packs in the tent and when she was about to enter she saw Chloe heading their way. She went to meet her.

          “Chloe can you give us a few minutes before you come in. Harm might be in worse shape then I thought and it’s going to take longer then I thought to get him out of those jeans get the ointment on and get him dressed. His legs are raw…and if he can ride tomorrow at all, I bet he’ll take the chaps.”

          “Sure, Mac…I brought your canteens and I’ll go see if I can secure some camp chairs for you at the camp fire…they be serving dinner soon too.”

          “Thanks Chloe…”

          Mac returned to the tent to find Harm lying on his stomach with his jeans off on the bed Mac had made up. He looked over his shoulder to see her come in.

          “How bad is it?”

          “Let’s see...” Mac knelt down next to him and gently touched the red raised area on the inside and back of his thighs. The red extended up under the legs of his boxers. “Oh, Harm…this looks so sore…I can’t see how far up the inflamed area extends…”

          “Then let’s get the boxers off and see how bad the damage is…you’re going to have to help me when I lift up.”

          Together they got his boxer’s off and Mac had to bite her lip not to laugh at the picture this self-confident aviator turned lawyer made with his naked six exposed to her. Trying to stay business like, Mac used her flashlight and got closer to inspect the damage. She could see that the inflammation did not extend onto the firm cheeks of his butt, but it did seem to be evident up to his groin. She wasn’t sure if his genitals had taken any abuse, but she swallowed and asked him,

          “Harm, does it feel like your genitals are inflamed?” Mac spoke quietly but she heard him swallow before he answered.

          “Yeah…they’re burning…sorry I’m not being very gentlemanly with my vocabulary, Mac.”

          “No problem. Harm, I’m going to get a cool cloth and see if that will take out some of the redness before we put the ointment on. How much of this do you want me to do for you?”

          “Can you handle doing it all?”

          “If that’s what you’re comfortable with…”

          “Yeah, I won’t do as good a job because I’ll be feeling it and you won’t.”

          “I’m sorry Harm…”

          “Why? You should be saying ‘I told you so’…thanks for not rubbing it in.”

          It took another fifteen minutes to get the area cleaned and ointment applied. Harm took put his boxers back on and a pair of knit sweat pants instead of the jeans.

          “Can’t face denim right now,” was all he said.

          Together they went to the staging area and joined Chloe, her grandparents and a few others in getting their dinner. Harm was pleased at the choices available and noticed that several others were not taking the ‘dead cow’ option that was offered. Mac however, enjoyed the roast beef along with Chloe.

          After dinner Chloe led them to the camp fire area and the camp chairs she had found. Mac chose to set on the ground and lean on Harms legs after he assured her that he was feeling much better and that she was not making him uncomfortable. Harm actually liked the fact that he was able to play with her hair, caress her face and neck and play with her ears as they sat around the camp fire. People were telling stories of past events they had enjoyed in the Green Mountains. Someone started singing camp songs and before long, someone handed Harm a guitar. He played while they sang a few songs. Mac had moved so she could watch him. Chloe spoke up and asked Harm and Mac to sing for everybody.

          “Harm and Mac are singing the songs at their Admirals wedding this fall. Why don’t you sing them for us?”

          “Chloe…” Mac began.

          “Good idea Chloe,” Harm spoke up. “It won’t hurt us to do some rehearsing in front of an audience. I’ll do my solo first Mac, while you get your mind set, okay?”

          “Thanks Harm…”

          “Harm tuned the guitar a little before he broke into the upbeat Randy Travis song, “Forever and Ever Amen.” The applause when he finished felt good. Mac turned then to face him and he started on the Faith Hill song, she would be singing, “When We Make Love.” It was silent for a few seconds when Mac finished. Just as she was starting to worry, they began to applaud. She looked up to see that the people from the other camp sites had heard their concert and come over to join them. Catcalls and whistles for more were heard so Mac and Harm started on the third song, “From this Moment On.” Again they were applauded when they finished. By this time, the long day was catching up to Harm and Mac and they excused themselves from the group saying goodnight to the others.

          Once in the tent they heard the others still singing softly. Chloe had come with them to say goodnight and see if there was anything they needed. Her bedroll and things were in the tent already.

          “I’ll try not to wake you up when I come in…or interrupt anything!” Chloe teased.

          “Chloe!” Mac admonished laughing.

          “Just kidding Mac…but I will try to be quiet. I want to check the horses before I turn in too.”

          “Do you need help?”

          “No…I don’t have to do it…I just like to say goodnight to Scout.”

          “Okay, then…goodnight Chloe.”

          “Night Chloe,” Harm called softly. Chloe gave them each a kiss on the cheek and left them to go back to the campfire.

          After getting washed up and settled in, Mac and Harm snuggled together in their double sleeping bag. They lay on their sides with Harm’s bigger body wrapped around her spoon fashion.

          “How you doing Squid?”

          “Much, much better…although your virtue would be safe tonight even if we weren’t sharing the tent with Chloe.”

          “Still a little tender?”

          “Not bad…but I am tired. Goodnight Mac…I love you.”

          “Night Harm…I love you too.”

          Neither heard Chloe come in to the tent thirty minutes later.

Getting To Know You

Chapter 8

0545 Saturday

October 4, 2003

           The sun was just climbing into the sky when Harm began to stir. He became aware of the chill in the air first and then the warm body snuggled against his back. He slowly slid his legs together expecting the burny feeling of last night and was surprised when it wasn’t there. Slowly he slid out of the sleeping bag and got up to answer nature’s call in the brisk autumn air. Fully expecting to have stiffness and pain when he walked, he was pleasantly surprised that the stiffness was no worse then normal for a man his age that had punched out several times. Consider that he had been on horse back for several hours yesterday negotiating unfamiliar terrain he was pleased with the shape he was in.

          He thought about last night and the care he had needed from Mac, but instead of feeling the sense of humiliation he expected, he appreciated the humor in his predicament. The fact that all parts of his anatomy seemed to be back to normal for the most part allowed Harm to chalk the experience up to another phase of them getting to know each other.

          Making his way back to their tent, Harm became aware of other riders emerging from tents and that there was activity in the staging area. Entering the tent, he lowered himself next to Mac and started placing gentle kisses on her face. Without opening her eyes, Mac’s lips sought out Harm’s. As she deepened the kiss, Chloe watched from the other bed and decided to remind them they weren’t alone, even though she liked watching them expressing their love for one another. Grinning, Chloe began making kissing sounds and as she started in to the childhood chant, “Harm and Mac, up in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g…” Chloe let out a shriek as Mac’s pillow hit her first, followed by both a large naval commander and a feisty Marine landing next to her as they began to tickle their young voyeur. Harm went for her feet, while Mac went for the ribs. They all were laughing, giggling and out of breath when Chloe’s grandmother arrived at the tent and poked her head in,

          “I guess you are all awake. We ready for another day of riding?”

          “Morning, Grandma. I’m ready. What about you guys?”

          “I’m ready. Harm?”

          “Thanks to Chloe’s miracle cure, I’m ready to go too.”

          “Chloe share our survival secret with you Commander?”

          “Yes, Ma’am, and I’m mighty glad she did.”

          “Just be careful today, Harm and you shouldn’t have anymore problems. You didn’t bring any long-johns with you by any chance did you?”

          “Just sweat pants…but I might have something that will work…” Harm trailed off and looked at Mac. “I threw in a pair of running shorts and a pair of long leg knit briefs.”

          “I brought the chaps for you too Harm.”

          “Thanks Chloe, I won’t be foolish enough to turn them down again. If you ladies want to go take care of business I’ll be dressed and out of here by the time you return and I’ll meet you at breakfast.”

          “Sounds like a plan. Come on Chloe…” Mac paused long enough to give Harm a quick kiss before she and Chloe left the tent.

          Harm quickly located the navy blue knit briefs he and thrown in at the last minute and stripped off his sweats and boxers before pulling them on. Still amazed at how quickly he had healed, he pulled on the newer denser jeans that were still soft from repeated washings, but not thread bare like his favorites had been. Fresh socks, his boots and a clean t-shirt and the windbreaker and he was ready to find some coffee.

          While Harm had been dressing, Chloe and Mac found the “restroom area” set up for the ladies. Two tables with water basins and pitcher of hot and cold water were set up on one side. Across from the tables were four port-a-potties. And on one end of the tree enclosed area was an outside shower with a curtained enclosure.

          “Wow, Chloe…your riding club is treating us well. Will we have a shower area tonight?”

          “Yup…an even better one actually.”

          “Great…I’ll look forward to it then and pass on it this morning.”

          “Mac, you and Harm are so cute together…I’m sorry I was such a pill after things fell apart with your wedding. It really was the best thing wasn’t it?”

          “Yeah, it was…I’m just sorry anyone had to get hurt. At least Harm and I got our act together finally. It’s been kind of fun getting to know each other in a more personal way after all these years.”

          “I’m sure it was...” Chloe giggled and raised her eye brows to tease Mac.

          “You are bad…and you are still a kid!”

          “I know. That’s why I can get away with being outrageous!”

0740 Saturday

October 4, 2003

          The group headed off after a hearty breakfast. A little over an hour into the days ride, Chloe again gave them the sign for quiet alert and pointed to the swampy area to their left. Harm and Mac both gasped at the sight before them. One large bull moose with a full rack was approaching from the far side of the swamp and only twenty feet away were two female moose, one much larger then the other. Chloe motioned for them to continue and when they were still in sight of the majestic mammals of the deer family, Chloe signal for them to pull in. Harm had taken a few pictures right away and was using his telephoto lens to take more. He heard Chloe even thought she kept her voice quiet.

          “This time of year we have to be careful because it’s mating season. I would have stayed there so you could see that cow and calf longer, but with the bull arriving the horses would have gotten restless as he got closer and bulls sometimes don’t know who’s a rival and who’s a mate.”

          Mac and Harm glanced at each other and grinned at the description Chloe gave to the mating rituals of the moose. Harm’s reaction to the men in Mac’s life was because he couldn’t accept that she was his mate. Mac had accepted that her partner was her mate eventually, but had almost given up hope that he would realize it too.

          The day was clear and crisp again as they rode toward the top of Jay Peak. The plan was to reach the summit by noon for lunch at the top before heading down the mountain and to base camp where a big barbeque was planned. Sunday they would get up and ride back to Fletcher in a more direct route, arriving around mid-afternoon. Chloe was pleased with her group. It had been an honor when they asked her to lead a group and the fact that it gave her a chance to show Mac and Harm that she was growing up and that she wasn’t a screw-up made it even sweeter. When they stopped for the next break, Lizzy joined her as she tended the horses, helping her as they talked.

          “Chloe, your friends are pretty cool for being older.”

          “Yeah, sometimes when I see them like this I forget they are both in the military and have to be so up-tight and bound by rules all the time.”

          “I think they call that discipline, Chloe.”

          “Yeah, that’s what I mean…Harm seems to be this poster child for Navy recruitment and Mac for the Marines…but they both bend the rules to help people and go out on the limb for each other all the time. They just don’t usually allow the rules to be bent for themselves. Finally they’ve put some of that aside and admitted that they love each other. I’ve known Mac for about four or five years and Harm about four. He is all she’s talked about at times and I knew they were in love the first time I saw them together…they just didn’t get it until recently.”

          “Well, they’ve got it worked out by the looks of things. They seem to know where the other one is no matter what.”

          “They do…remember when I got throw that time and nobody could find me?”

          “Yeah.”

          “Well Grandma called Mac to tell her I was missing and as soon as she could get away she got on a plane and came up to join the search party. Grandma picked her up at the airport and was driving back and Mac made her stop the car. They got out and Mac started calling to me and she found me. She had never been here before and yet she knew where to look.”

          “Wow, how did she do that?”

          “Well she said it came to her in a dream when she fell asleep during her flight. When the car stopped she recognized some of the landmarks from her dream and she followed her hunch and found me.”

          “That’s amazing!”

          “Well she did it again when Harm was lost at sea…she picked out a spot on the map and they gave the Search and Rescue the coordinates and they found Harm’s raft and a little ways away there he was.”

          “I don’t know that I believe in ESP or anything, but she certainly has a way of connecting to people she cares about.”

          “Yeah, and Harm has it with her…at least he knows when she needs him and I think now he understands why they connect like that…”

          “Because they are in love!” the two girls said simultaneously before giggling as only teen girls do.

1210 Saturday

Jay Peak

          The riders crested the hill from the maintenance road and saw the spectacular view before them. Harm took pictures of Mac and Chloe alone and together with the view and fall scenery behind them. Chloe then took some of Harm and Mac together and some of Harm alone as he watched Mac.

Lizzy was asked to step in and take some pictures of Chloe with Harm and Mac before Harm retrieved his camera and took pictures of Chloe and Lizzy together.

          After lunch they mounted up again and headed down the trail. They had met several groups going in the opposite direction since early in the day. Harm had asked Chloe about it.

          “Chloe, I know there are a lot of us riding yet we only see people together when we get into camp. This morning we met several groups heading in the opposite direction. What’s up?”

          “Actually last night you saw only half of the riders in camp. Tonight you’ll probably see everyone. You see, each group has a schedule to stick to and when one group leaves camp, the next group leaves fifteen minutes later on the opposite trail so that we have about a half hour between groups. We lucked out and are one of the middle groups. People are there when we arrive and people are there when we leave. We get to enjoy camp without waiting for things to be ready or being rushed because they want to break camp. Because all the groups are coming up on Jay Peak, we are seeing more riders today, but there are still two loops and we will all get back to one base camp tonight.”

          Mac and Harm were both impressed by the details and mapping that had gone into the event. Everything seemed to go effortlessly for the riders because it was so well planned. But as with so many things in life, when things are going smoothly, something is bound to come along and challenge the fates.

Getting To Know You

Chapter 9

1630 Saturday

October 4, 2003

          The day had started out as a perfect autumn day. The temperatures were warm in the sun, with a cool mild breeze. The sky was a brilliant blue creating a wondrous backdrop for the red, yellow, and orange colors of the autumn leaves. Here and there the landscape was dotted by the blue-greens and dark greens of the spruce, fir, and pine that were scattered over forests and mountain side. Harm had noticed as the afternoon wore on that the cloud coverage was getting heavier and that the sky was turning from the beautiful blue to a murky gray. When they stopped for their rest break, he mentioned it to Mac.

          “Mac, did you notice that the weather seems to be changing?”

          “Yeah…and fairly quickly too. Hey, Chloe?” Mac called.

          Chloe looked up from where she was talking with the guys in their group and headed toward Mac and Harm. “How you guys doing?”

          “Fine, Chloe…but we were just noting that the weather seems to be changing. Have you heard what the forecast is calling for?”

          “Yeah, Gram said this morning that they were expecting rain late this afternoon and thunderstorms during the night. Not that unusual. We should be fine. Did you bring any rain gear?”

          “Ponchos.” Harm told her.

          “Good. You might want to keep them handy. How are you feeling after a day in the saddle?” Chloe asked, grinning at Harm thinking about his discomfort from the previous day.

          “I’m fine, thanks to that miracle cure of yours…I can’t believe one application of that stuff could make such a difference. I really didn’t think I’d be riding today when we got to camp last night,” Harm commented.

          “Well I’m glad that it worked and you were able to stay with the ride. What do you think of Vermont?” Chloe asked.

          “It’s beautiful…I can see why you fell in love with it here. There’s something different to do about every season, huh?” Harm asked.

          “Yup! You don’t get bored because things change quickly…as a matter of fact, we are famous for our weather changing in a moment, so I think we need to mount up and get back on the trail.” With that, Chloe headed off to get the team moving again.

          Harm looked at Mac and smiled, “I think that young lady has turned her life around and has the potential to be a good officer and leader someday, don’t you?”

          Mac wrapped her arms around one of Harms and rested her face against it for a minute while she watched Chloe. Smiling up at Harm, she nodded and added, “That young woman has the gumption to be successful with what ever she chooses to do with her life – even if it’s not military. I for one will support her in what ever she wants to do.”

          Harm kissed the top of her head and agreed as they parted to mount their horses. He took another look at the sky noting that it was getting even more ominous then it had when they had stopped. Harm knew that they would get wet before they got back to camp. He took his poncho out of the pack behind the saddle and put it on. He was pleased to see Mac, Chloe, and Lizzy do the same thing. The two young men, Scott and Toby either did not have rain gear or were choosing to ignore the signs and advice they were being given. Harm had noticed that as the ride had gone on, both of the young men were less cooperative with Chloe. Neither had been overt in the way they challenged her, but Harm decided that the situation needed to be watched and handled carefully. He knew that it would take a skilled hand to support Chloe and keep them in line without taking Chloe’s power away. At the first chance he had, he knew he needed to make Mac aware of the situation so that could help keep everyone safe.

          Twenty minutes later the rains came. There were a few large drops that warned them, as a cold wind kicked up and the black storm clouds rolled in. They were crossing an open field when the rain came down. Chloe kept a slow steady pace as she lead them across the field to the cover of the trees. Lizzy, Scott, Toby and Mac were in line with Harm bringing up the end of their group. The rain seemed to pour harder by the second making visibility less than ten feet ahead. They were almost across when Harm saw Toby pull his horse out of line and take off at a run passing the other horses. Harm heard him shout, but the words weren’t clear. A second later, Scott followed. They watched in shock as the two guys urged their horses into a gallop and disappeared up the trail and into the woods. Once into the shelter of the wooded area, Chloe pulled up and signal the others to join her.

          “I know this is uncomfortable riding, but if we go slow we should be able to get to the camp area. Now we are in the woods we should be protected a little bit. If we stay together we should be fine. They were jerks to take off and I hope they don’t get hurt or hurt the horses, but I think we should stay together. Mac? Harm? What do you think?”

          After exchanging glances, they both smiled at Chloe in encouragement and Harm spoke, “You are doing a great job Chloe and I agree with your decision for us to keep moving carefully. We’ll also watch for signs of trouble that they left behind.”

          “Chloe, if you want one of us to take the lead to give you a break, all you need to do is ask, okay?” Mac added.

          “Thanks, Mac, but I’m okay. Lizzy?”

          “I’m cold and wet like the rest of you, but I agree…let’s go.”

          With everyone in agreement that they would continue, they kept moving. In the wooded areas, they were protected from the pelting, wind-blown rain, but it was darker and even harder to see. The horses plodded on, carrying their passengers through the storm. Puddles were starting to form on the trail and hilly areas that had been hard packed earlier were getting muddy and slippery.

          An hour later the pounding rain had let up to a steady rain. Many areas were foggy as the daytime temperatures had cooled off without the sun to warm the air. The weather brought the darkness earlier then usual. Each rider had a flashlight handy and they would need to use them before much longer at the rate night was descending.

          Harm thought about the irony of the situation. It seemed like he and Mac had a knack for finding themselves in danger in one form or another. This enemy was not from a foreign country or any kind of weaponry, but from Mother Nature herself. If they stayed calm, were careful and alert, they would be uncomfortable but safe.

          Chloe held up and motioned for the other to join her in front. She had helped mark the trails and had ridden them several times and knew what was ahead.

          “We’ve got a tricky section coming up. It’s a drop off on the left, so keep your horse toward the bank on the right. It winds down hill almost a half a mile. It’s going to be slippery from the rain and fallen leaves. Keep extra space between each horse so they don’t crowd or spook each other. Questions?”

          “Sounds wise, Chloe. Lead on and I’ll bring up the rear,” Harm offered.

          “Thanks Harm…”

          They resumed their cold wet, ride trying not to think about the two riders that had taken off risking their lives, and the lives of their horses as well as any other riders that might be on the trail.

          As Harm started down the incline one more obstacle appeared – thunder and lightening! The first crackle of lightening lit up the sky above the trees. The rumble of the thunder followed several seconds later. His horse shied slightly and Harm pet his neck trying to calm his mount and encourage him to go on.

          Up a head, Chloe was picking her way down the hillside trying to stay calm and keep up the maturity she had been showing on the ride as the group leader thus far. Inside, she was a wreck and the quiet smiles and words of faith from Harm and Mac had boosted her ego and confidence more then anything could have. She knew they were there but they trusted to her to be able to do this, even though she had been so irresponsible and bratty such a short few years ago.

          The thunder and lightening created another factor Chloe was trying to cope with. As she rounded the curve of the hillside, the lightening flashed and in that split second, Chloe saw the one thing she had feared the most when Toby and Scott and taken off galloping their horses in the rain. One person was laying on the ground at the edge of the trail. There was no sign of his horse or the other horse and rider.

          Carefully Chloe dismounted and held Scout’s reins while she went to check the rider. She was almost to him when she heard the next rider. She looked up to see Mac dismounting and joining her.

          “Chloe, wait! Let me go first…hold the horses.” Mac ordered as she handed her reins to Chloe. Part of Chloe wanted to be mad at Mac for taken over, while the other part of her was glad that Mac had been there to step in and take charge.

          “Is he alive Mac?”

          “Yeah, I’ve got a pulse and he seems to be breathing okay. He’s got a gash on his head and I don’t see his horse anywhere,” Mac shouted to be heard above the storm. Soon Lizzy joined them and Harm was not far behind.

          As Harm rounded the curve of the hillside, his heart went into the throat as he saw the riders and horses stopped in the trail. He dismounted quickly and joined Mac, handing his horse off to Lizzy as he passed her.

          “What we got?”

          “It’s Scott. He’s alive but unconscious. He has a gash on his head. I don’t see any other injury, but I don’t know if we should move him or not.”

          “Chloe,” Harm turned to their young leader. “How far are we from tonight’s camp?”

          “About three or four miles I think.”

          “Why don’t the three of you go ahead to camp. Send some help back here and I’ll wait for them. If he was thrown, there could be neck and back injuries.”

          “Harm, I can stay.”

          “Mac, I think its better for you to travel with the girls and make sure they get back safely. You may need to lead the rescue team back here later.”

          “How long do you think it will take us to make it there Chloe?” asked Mac.

          “Probably about less than an hour.”

          “Okay, let’s do it.”

          Mac walked with Harm to tie his horse to a tree so he could concentrate on the injured rider. Before mounting her own horse, she reached her arms up around Harms neck and lifted her face to him for a kiss.

          “I love you, Harmon Rabb. Be careful and I’ll see you later with a hot drink and dry clothes.”

          “I’m counting on it. I love you too. Be careful.” They exchanged a hug and one more kiss before Mac mounted up and followed Lizzy and Chloe back to camp, while Harm went to keep vigil by Scott as the thunder and lightening raged on.

          As he waited their in the darkness and the rain, checking on the injured Scott he bagan to investigate the situation. A feeling of dread came over Harmon Rabb, Jr. so he began to explore. Beyond Scott the bank dropped off steeply where it followed the river below. With his flashlight, he carefully made his way lower down the embankment. He realized that he was following the path that had been made when Scott had climbed his way up the bank to the edge of the trail. In the beam of his flashlight Harm saw a horrible sight in the river below.

Getting To Know You

Chapter 10

(AN: Death of a story character and an animal are mentioned, but not dwelled o in graphic detail or anything.)

1810 Saturday

October 4, 2003

          The beam of Harm’s flashlight revealed a horse lying on its side and the rider pinned underneath. Both animal and man were under water. Harm knew that it was too late to help either of them. He was glad that Chloe and Lizzy had not seen the grizzly sight he had found. He knew Mac would have handled it and then suffered nightmares afterwards as she dealt with the aftermath. Now, she would be able to help him get past it.

          In the distance Harm thought he could hear sirens break through the sounds of the storm. It had only been forty-five minutes since the girls had left for camp. He knew it was too soon for help so he decided that his mind was playing games on him. A few minutes later he heard voices and saw lights swinging from the trail above him. Harm got to his feet to meet the rescue team as he heard Mac’s voice calling his name.

          “I’m hear Mac.” Seconds later she was in his arms. “How did you get here so fast?”

          “The rescue team was already going out and met us when we were getting ready to cross the main road. Scott’s horse arrived without a rider and they went on alert and decided to start looking. When Chloe explained where you were, they realized that we could get here faster by road and coming in on the logging road that crosses this trail. They radioed back for another team to join us. We’ve got a trailer so we can give you and the horse a ride back.”

          Someone handed Harm a wool blanket to wrap around him and he noticed that someone was checking his horse and leading it back toward the trailer.

          While the rescue team checked Scott, Harm told the other team what he had found. They went to check the situation out while Harm, Mac and the team transporting Scott headed on foot for the rescue vehicles.

          “How’s Chloe?”

          “Harm I am so proud of her…she never fell apart. She and Lizzy decided to join another group coming in from the other trail and go on back to camp. She’s going to make sure our tent is ready and waiting for us and that we have a hot meal when we get there. She’s so grown-up.”

          “She’s going to be upset when she learns Toby’s fate – and the horse.”

          “She’ll handle it. She’s tough kid.”

          “Yeah, a lot like her Big Sister. I’m glad I’ve gotten to know her better this weekend. I think we’ve finally connected in a good way.”

          “I agree. Come on…dry clothes and hot food wait.”

          Out of the darkness a man approached carrying a flashlight. He attire didn’t identify him, until he showed the badge on the inside of his jacket.    “Excuse me, Mr. Rabb. I was told you were the one to find the bodies. I will need a statement from you.”

          “And you are?”

          “Sorry. I’m detective LeBlanc from the Vermont State Police. I’m sure you’re cold and looking forward to getting warm and dry, so if you can walk and talk too I’ll try not to keep you from it too long.”

          Harm nodded and began explaining what had happened.

          “After the girls left, I started looking around at the tracks that were visible. The road showed signs of several horses of course, but I picked up on a series of tracks that were different. From the size I suspect they might have been from a moose. Anyway, I was curious and started looking further and realized that something large had gone over the cliff and there was also a trail. Upon further investigation I realized that Scott had probably been throw from the horse and that perhaps the other horse and rider had gone further over the bank. I used my flashlight and tried not to disturb the scene too much while I searched to see if the other rider was lying injured below. My suspicions were correct, but the result was much worse. I knew it was too late for the Toby to be rescued so I checked Scott again and waited for help to arrive.”

          “Excuse me, Mr. Rabb, but what do you do?”

          Harm and Mac smiled at each other and then the detective. Reaching out his hand he said, “Let me introduce myself, Detective LeBlanc. I’m Commander Harmon Rabb, United States Navy JAG Corp, Senior Investigator and Lawyer at HQ in Washington D.C.”

          Looking a little chagrinned the Vermont State Police Detective shook Harms hand, “Nice to meet you Commander. I knew by your statement that I wasn’t dealing with just anyone off the street. And you Ma’am?”

          “Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, United States Marine Corp and Chief of Staff at JAG headquarters in Washington D.C., sir.”

          “My pleasure Ma’am. I’m sorry we are meeting under such tragic circumstances. What brought you both up here for this ride?”

          Harm spoke up, “My fiancé was Chloe Madison’s Big Sister in D.C. and helped her find her family. Chloe wanted us to come up for the ride=a=thon to help raise money for the program and we couldn’t say no.”

          “Well you’ve certainly had plenty of excitement.” As they came in sight of the ambulance, trucks and trailers, the detective spokle again, “It’s been nice getting to know you. Maybe we’ll have a chance to chat again sometime in a better situation.”

          Mac helped Harm into one of the trucks that was running so the heater would send out some heat. With the blanket wrapped around him, it had absorbed a lot of the water, but wasn’t warming him. As they sat in the truck, the windows steamed up and rain fell and they both sat quietly thinking about the news they would be taking back to camp and to Chloe. Within half an hour the ambulance with a semi-conscious Scott was on its way to the hospital and Harm and Mac were back at base camp. They were greeted by a dry Chloe and Lizzy anxious for news.

          “How’s Scott? Did you find Toby? Are the horses okay?” Chloe fired off questions as Lizzy looked on.

          Mac cautioned the young girl to calm down realizing for all her maturity on this ride, she was still a kid. “Chloe let us get warm and dry and well fill you in with details. The short version is Scott is on his way to the hospital and Toby and the horse were found. Let us get changed and we’ll give you more.”

          Half and hour later, Harm had calmly broken the news to Chloe. She tried to keep her composure, but when Harm opened his arms to her, she burst into tears and cried with her face buried in his chest. He let her cry while he held her. Mac rubbed her back trying to sooth her until the sobs quieted. Finally Harm decided it was time to refocus Chloe’s thoughts.

          “Jeez, Chloe, I get soaked out there in the woods, finally get dried off hours after you do, and you turn around and get my shirt all wet again. What’s the deal here?”

          Chloe looked up at Harm and then to Mac with a small grin and said, “He’s got a decent shoulder to cry on and those arms make you feel pretty safe, huh Mac? Guess there is something worthwhile about him after all.”
          They all laughed and headed for the camp fire and some food. Despite the sadness felt by the entire camp as a result of the loss of life of both a person and an animal, there was a bit of a celebration when word came back that Scott was awake and fine. He had given his statement to Detective LeBlanc that he and Toby had decided that they had poked along enough and that they would rather get back faster. Toby had told Scott he knew the trail as well as Chloe did and he also knew some shortcuts. Toby had convinced Scott he could get them back faster and safer, so Scott had gone along with the plan. They had been laughing as they galloped threw the rain. Toby had disappeared around the bend, and when Scott had rounded the bend, he saw a moose totting down the trail and heard crashing just before his horse reared up and he went off. He had rolled a ways down the hill before he had managed to climb up. Scott had been out of it until he had come around in the ambulance.

          No one sang around the camp fire but after some talking they all left to go to their tents.

          Mac and Harm were cuddled together in their sleeping bag bed when Chloe came in from checking the horses and getting ready for bed.

          “How are you doing, Chloe?” asked Mac.

          “I’m okay…tired enough to sleep a week.”

          “Well, if you have nightmares or anything and want to talk about it, wake us up, okay?”

          “Thanks Mac…Thanks Harm. Love you guys…’night.”

          “G’night Chloe,” they answered in unison. Sleep came quickly to everyone that night.

0605 Sunday

October 5, 2003

          The last day of the ride-a-thon dawned clear but cold following the thunderstorm and rain from the previous night. After dressing and eating breakfast, Mac and Harm packed up their camping gear and packs while Chloe got their horses ready for the days ride. Lizzy joined them as they were mounting up. Her parents had a camper that they were using as part of the transport and she slept in there with them even though there had been plenty of room in the tent for her to have camped with Chloe, Mac and Harm.

          Their group was smaller as they headed out on the last leg of the journey. Most riders were taking the more direct route on the final leg and the riders would be returning to the farm from the same trail. There were options however that they had as they rode along during the morning. Chloe turned to her group to see what they preferred.

          “Do you want to follow the river, use the logging road through the woods, or stay nearer the roads and ride through meadows?”

          Mac spoke up and said, “I’d like to go through the wood I think.”

          “Sounds good to me.”

          “The woods and logging roads it will be then, Chloe. Lead on.”

          They weren’t disappointed. Following the logging route they spotted a coyote running across the trail as well as several deer, another moose, and some beavers working on a dam across one of the little streams they often crossed as they rode through the woods. They also saw wild turkeys, a pheasant, wild geese flying south and some partridge, not to mention other birds, chipmunks and gray squirrels.

          It was an uneventful ride back to the farm. They arrived there an hour after their lunch break. Everyone pitched in grooming the horses, getting them fed and watered and turning them out to pasture while they waited for the gear to arrive. By 1430 the transport trucks had returned and Chloe led Harm and Mac into the house to shower and change for their trip back to Washington, D.C.

          Harm called the hospital and had been told that Scott had been released from the hospital. He shared the good news with the others. Harm and Mac decided to leave a little early and take a ride to Shelburne Museum and check out the old ship dry-docked in the museum. They hugged Chloe and promised that they would get together again at Thanksgiving or Christmas if they could. They promised to keep her filled in on the wedding plans as they made them.

          Holding hands, they walked to their rental car and letting go so they could part and climbed in. After their trip to the Shelburne Museum they returned along Route 7 and then drove into downtown Burlington to check out the docks at Lake Champlain. They found an interesting restaurant there. They both started off with a large salad. Mac ordered filet mignon while Harm decided to try the rainbow trout. Both were impressed with their choices. They talked quietly about anything and everything neither feeling stressed or rushed. After sharing a slice of maple cream pie, Mac and Harm each sat back and smiled.

          “Mac, thank you for including me on this trip…we got to know each other in a very different way being away from work like this. It was also a great way to adjust to our engagement. Answering the kinds of questions people were asking should make it easier when we get back.”

          “You really have trouble talking about personal stuff, don’t you Harm. I mean, it’s just not me or the high stakes of asking is it?”
          “No, Mac…I’ve never been one to talk about personal stuff on my mind, but you’ve managed to break some of that. I think it is because of having to be tight lipped about my trip when I was sixteen. Just was easier to say nothing then worrying about saying the wrong thing or too much.”

          “Aahhh, another one of those control issues?”

          “I guess…but I’ll tell you what ever you want to know…if you give me enough time to figure out how to say it.”

          “Deal…as long as you remind me if you need time if I try to rush you.”

Mac told Harm it was time for them to get going. They returned to the car and drove the short distance to the Airport where they turned in the rental and checked their luggage. In no time they heard their boarding call. They would remember this special trip mostly for their pleasant memories of their engagement, spending time with Chloe, and for the laughs that Harms predicament would eventually afford them, thanks to Chloe’s miracle cure. They would not forget the darker moments, but neither would allow it to taint the memories of their trip to Vermont and the autumn camping trip taken on horseback that they had participated in.

          Once on the plane, Harm and Mac found a way to sit cuddled together, hand in hand. Mac rested her head against Harm’s chest and Harm rested his face against her hair. They both fell asleep dreaming of weddings and futures.

THE END