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 co