HIS DESTINY

Thursday 0745 EST

Harmon Rabb was running behind schedule as usual, trying to get to his appointment at Langley on time. Kershaw had called to inform him that he was to be in his office at 0800 sharp. Harm knew that this had something to do with the publicity he got from landing the C-130 on the Seahawk. When he had made the decision to land on the carrier, Harm hadn’t considered the attention it would draw to him as a pilot. He was only concerned with getting the plane down safely so that no lives were lost.

Parking in his assigned spot he locked the SUV and rushed toward the entrance. He used his ID to move effortlessly through the checkpoints. Catherine Gayle was waiting for him in front of Kershaw’s office.

“Catherine? Are you involved in this meeting as well?”

“Certainly - I did sponsor you.”

“Are you in hot water because of me?”

“No...Harm, you’re not in hot water,” Catherine saw his skeptical look and tried to assure him. “Really.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“Then prepare yourself for some more changes in your life...some of which you might appreciate.” Without waiting for an answer she opened the door and stood back for Harm to enter first.

His momentum carried him through the door but as he realized who was in the room, he stopped in his tracks and paled. Instinct had him standing at attention while fixing his gaze on Deputy Commissioner Kershaw’s face.

“Right on time, Mr. Rabb. Have a seat. You know everyone, don’t you?” Kershaw asked in an almost too pleasant tone.

“Yes, sir.”

“Glad you haven’t forgotten military protocol Rabb,” commented Mr. Sheffield, the Secretary of the Navy.

“It takes more then a few months to forget something you’ve lived by day to day for almost twenty years, sir,” Rabb cautiously answered, speaking his mind but trying to remain respectful. He avoided looking at the other gentleman that was seated in the room when he entered.

“Harm, as a result of your recent actions, it is going to make it impossible for you to remain with us at the CIA. We could use you sometimes as a pilot I suppose, but your value was in being able to be both a pilot and under cover operative. Now that you’ve made the headline news and your biography is being featured on ZNN and some of the other channels...we can’t use you undercover.”

“So I’m being fired?” asked Harm.

“I’d rather say re-assigned.”

“Re-assigned? You just said the CIA can’t use me.”

“But we can...” spoke the third man.

Finally Harm turned to look at his form CO, Admiral AJ Chegwidden. “Sir?”

“Harm, would you consider returning to the Navy and to JAG?”

“I would consider returning to the Navy, sir, but are you sure you want me at JAG? It seems you had several reasons you didn’t feel I belonged there including the fact I was too independent-not a team player I believe you said. You also indicated that you didn’t believe I could change.” Harm again tried to be respectful while posing things that were of concern in making a decision to return.

Admiral Chegwidden took a deep, calming breath and leaned forward in his chair toward Harm. “I don’t blame you for feeling bitter, Harm, but I can assure you that you are wanted and needed at JAG. You, however have had a taste of civilian life and the adventures associated with being a ‘Secret Agent’ so will you be happy being a senior lawyer, over seeing younger lawyers, being tied to an office most of the time with only some local investigations here and there?”

“Sir, I never wanted to leave the Navy or JAG, but I was forced into it, because I couldn’t ignore the fact that a fellow officer was in danger and no one was doing anything to help. I do not regret that I risked my life to save another. I do regret that I couldn’t find another way to do it without giving up my career. If I am given an opportunity to resume that career, I would consider myself very fortunate. As much as I’ve come to love the law, however, I’m not sure if I will be welcomed at JAG.” Harm kept eye contact with his former CO as he talked.

“Why on earth would you think you wouldn’t be welcomed back?” asked the SecNav.

“Let’s just say that I made a lot of people unhappy this past year, although that was never my intention. Some of my colleagues have lost faith in me and no longer trust me to do my job well. It could make it uncomfortable for some people to have to work closely with me again.” Harm tried to explain without pointing fingers at anyone in particular. Part of his hesitation was the effect his return would have on Mac - but working close to her again could have a negative effect on him as well.

Chegwidden leaned back but never took his eyes off of his former lawyer. Something had happened during that rescue mission that no one was talking about and it was his guess that nothing would appear in the CIA file on it either. “Mr. Secretary, Deputy Kershaw, Ms. Gayle, I wonder if I might be able to speak privately with Mr. Rabb for a few minutes?”

“Certainly, Admiral. Catherine, show Mr. Rabb and the admiral to the conference room next door. Gentleman take your time and rejoin us when you are ready.” Kershaw sounded accommodating as Catherine showed AJ and Harm into the room next door. As Kershaw’s door closed he turned to the Secretary of the Navy, “Suppose he can get Rabb to accept his destiny?”

“Which one?”

“His naval career with JAG...what other one would are you thinking of?”

“His destiny with Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie...”

Next Door

“Let’s clear the air Rabb - off the record. As Meredith said to me once, ‘I don’t care how you say it just get the words out.’ If you can’t talk to me right now, we don’t have a chance to get you back.”

Harm just looked at his former commanding officer for a moment, swallowed and then cautiously tried to level with the man he had respected for so long. “Sir, I can accept that you want me back if you say you do. I won’t pretend that I wasn’t hurt when I was informed the paperwork had been processed and when you read me the riot act in front of Mac, but I can accept it... after all there was some truth to what you said. I’ve never intended to be a maverick, but I can see how my actions would look that way. There is a part of me jumping for joy that I might be able to come back to JAG...”

“And what about the rest of you? Harm, I’m not kidding... you have to open up somewhere sometime and if you don’t open up with me here and now...then we can’t go forward.”

Harm looked away and took a breath while AJ waited. Finally, the words started and seemed to take on a life of their own. “I’ve waited too long to tell her, sir and now its too late. She’s moved on again- without me. She wasn’t even willing to give us a chance...she seemed to have lost interest in even being my friend. I can’t see how she would be willing to work with me again, sir. And I can’t handle her sarcasm and her disinterest - not feeling like I do.”

“And how do you feel about her, Harm? Take your time - but say it.”

“I was in love with her but she isn’t willing to give us a chance anymore and now I don’t know if I can be friends or even a colleague without things getting nasty...I tend to say the wrong thing at the wrong time and I don’t want to hurt her but I’m afraid I might and it could make things rough in the office.”

“Son, I don’t think Mac hates you. I think she’s afraid you’ll never be able to say the words she needs to hear and therefore she is going to put distance between you. If she feels like it is her decision it won’t hurt as much as if it doesn’t happen.”

“Has she said anything? Does she know you are giving me the chance to return?”

“No. I didn’t want to get any hopes up if it wasn’t going to happen. There’s a lot of people that miss you and I want my top notch staff back...they’ve all been a little off since you left. We need you at JAG, Harm. It’s where you belong and I for one hope that you are willing to give it a shot. I’ll work with you to try to smooth things over, but you have got to talk to her and let her know how you feel...just like you did here with me.” AJ hesitated a minute to give Harm time to consider what he had said.

“I have found that Meredith has a sixth sense about her when it comes to people and relationships and even though we’ve hit some rough patches, she was able to read me and tell me what I needed to do to move us along. You and Mac don’t have that ability to read each other because you are afraid too let your guard down, but you always seem to know what to do to help the other out with other people and situations. We can coach you over the rough spots if you want to give it a shot, but you will have to make the effort - like you’ve done here today. I’ll ask you again Harm, what are you willing to give up to keep her?”

AJ waited and watched the emotions play over the younger man’s face. He saw him swallow as he tried to get the thoughts into words.

“My thoughts...maybe my pride...I need a chance to see if there can be an “us.”

“It’s a good start Harm. So will you come back?”

“Yes, sir.” Harm stood and snapped a salute at Admiral Chegwidden.

“Then lets return and tell the others so we can get things rolling.”

Kershaw’s Office

Harm and Chegwidden returned and without sitting, he faced the Secretary of the Navy. “Sir, if you are willing to reinstate me, then I would like to resume my naval career and hope that I will be allowed to resume my duties at JAG.”

“Congratulations Commander Rabb. I expect you to report to JAG headquarters at 0800 on Friday morning. I will have my office prepare the necessary paperwork and meet you in Admiral Chegwidden’s office in the morning.”

“Thank you sir. I look forward to serving my country in the Navy once again.” Turning toward his CIA boss he added, “Deputy Kershaw, I appreciate the opportunity you gave me to work for you. You gave me another way to serve my country at a time when I needed to feel useful again. I have a new respect for the work this agency does. Thank you, sir.”

“It’s been an interesting experience Rabb, and I have a feeling we’ll see each other around.” Kershaw shook Harm’s hand and watched his guests move toward the door. As it shut he turned to Catherine Gayle and asked, “Do you suppose he’ll ever know he was on loan to us and that he never left the Navy?”

“Probably not. He and Chegwidden had to think he had no choice in order to live with our ‘morally unstable’ environment.”

“Think Sheffield will ever tell them the truth?”

“Probably not, unless someone slips and they get wind of it and start digging around...then I wouldn’t put it past Sheffield to let the cat out of the bag and bale on us.”

Together, Harm, Chegwidden and the Secretary Sheffield left CIA Headquarters. Upon reaching the parking lot, Rabb and Chegwidden watched Sheffield climb into his car and be driven away.

Harm turned to his CO, “Sir, when will you be informing the Colonel of my return?”

“I hadn’t really given a lot of thought. Perhaps she should hear it tomorrow morning with the others.”

“Sir, I don’t think that’s fair to her. She is your Chief of Staff and I know she doesn’t like surprises.”

“You could be right...of course, you could call to let her know you’ll be coming back...”

“Wouldn’t be the same as hearing it from her CO, Sir.”

“Alright, Harm. I’ll try to catch her today to inform her. But I still think it would be smart for you to talk to each other before you return to the office. I will leave that decision up to you.”

“Thank you sir, for hearing me out and giving me a second chance.”

“I think that you can appreciate your career and what you have in your life much more after being without it for a time.”

“You are right sir. I have a new respect for the Navy and for the people I work with.”

“I will see you tomorrow morning, Commander, in winter uniform.”

“Aye, Aye, sir!” Harm snapped a salute and watched the Admiral depart for JAG and to break the news to his Chief of Staff.

Thursday 1600 EST

Harm had spent the day getting his uniforms together and making sure he had everything ready for his return Friday. He looked at the clock frequently to try and figure if Mac would have heard as yet. He decided to call her home and leave a message on her answering machine that she would get when she got home.

“Hey, Mac...It’s me, Harm...I hope the Admiral has spoken to you to tell you my news. I’m being given a second chance in the Navy and at JAG. I made him promise me that he’d tell you before morning as I know you don’t like surprises. He in turn suggested that we should talk outside the office before we have to see each other at JAG. So, when you get this message, give me a call...I hope you’re okay with this Mac...talk to you soon...I’ve missed you.”

Another three hours went by before an exhausted Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie made it to the safety of her apartment after a hectic day of investigations and court trials. If the admiral didn’t get some more help soon, she didn’t know if Sturgis, Bud and she could keep up their current pace much longer. She noticed the light blinking on her answering machine...she groaned not wanting to think about the chances she was getting called out again this evening. The machine said she had three calls. The first one was the admiral.

“Colonel, this is Admiral Chegwidden...I need to speak to you when you get in. Call me at home when you get this message.”

She decided to listen to all the messages before she returned any calls.

The second message came on, and Mac’s knees almost buckled when she heard the voice she had been missing the past few months...the one she had thought she’d never hear again. She played the message twice before she was sure she had heard it correctly.

“I guess I know why the admiral wanted to talk to me now.”

The third message came on. It was the admiral again.

“Mac...AJ...look, Meredith and I are going out but you need to know I’ve got reinforcements coming in the morning...Harm’s coming back. He’s worried about how you’ll take it. He made me promise not to drop any surprises on you at the office in the morning...Mac - what ever happened between you in Paraguay, you two need to talk about it...just remember to give him time to think before he answers and give him credit for trying Marine...he’s changed but don’t expect perfection. Call me if you need to talk... Good luck.”

Sarah Mackenzie sat down on the couch with the phone in her hand. Her heart was racing and she felt as nervous as a young girl the first time she places a call to the boy she has a crush on.

“Suck it up Marine...Call him now...get it over with so you can relax and have dinner and sleep.”

Mac punched the top number on speed dial...she tried to tell herself she had been too busy to change it. She listened as the phone rang once...twice...three times.

“Rabb...” silence greeted Harm on the open line. “Hello?”

“Harm it’s me.” Mac’s voice was little more then a whisper.

“Mac...” Harm almost sighed her name.

“Welcome back, Sailor.”

“Thanks...you okay with this?”

“Yeah...how you been?”

“Busy...learned a lot...You sound tired. How are you?”

“I am tired. Sturgis, Bud and I have been on our own...We really need you at JAG Harm. Does anyone else know yet?”

“No. Just you and the Admiral...Mac, have you eaten dinner?”

“No...I just got home. Don’t start lecturing me on my eating habits, Harm.”

“I wasn’t going to...I was going to offer to bring something over for you...if you want it that is.”

“Sorry...you don’t have to do that Harm.”

“I know I don’t have to...I just thought you usually like my chicken stew and dumplings and it would be easy to reheat...I was just going to drop it off...”

“Harm? If you don’t mind, that would be nice. Do you still have my spare key?”

“Yeah.”

“Use it if I don’t answer right away...I was going to take a shower and relax before I ate...and Harm...can you stay a little while so we can maybe talk?”

“Sure...I’ll see you in about half an hour, okay?”

“Great...see you then.”

Hanging up the phone Mac said a silent prayer of thanks before picking up her things and heading for the shower.

Harm couldn’t keep the smile off his face at how well that conversation had gone. He knew as tough as it would be they had to deal with Paraguay and almost six months of not talking to each other tonight. It seemed they were off to a great start. He packed up the chicken stew with dumplings he had made. He took enough for both of them and so she could still have a second meal of it. He put the rest in his refrigerator and got his things together. He knew that this was going to be the most important hour or two of his life. If this went wrong, then he knew he would have to accept that they were not meant to be and he wasn’t willing to give up on them yet - when they hadn’t even tried. He was glad he had taken a shower and shaved earlier. Dressed in his favorite black jeans and blue sweater he grabbed his brown leather jacket and headed for Georgetown.

1930 EST

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

Mac was in her bedroom dressing when she heard the knock on the door.

“Let yourself in Harm...I’ll be right with you.”

Mac had pulled on black leggings and a long red cowl-neck sweater. Her feet were bare and her hair still damp from her shower. She didn’t care. She was hungry, tired, and looking forward to seeing Harm after nearly six months. She had missed her friend.

She stepped into her living room as Harm put two bowls on the table.

“I hope you didn’t mind that I went ahead and heated this up for us.”

“No of course not...” as she stepped closer to him to take a seat at the table she stopped in front of him, raised her arms like she had in the Iraqi desert years ago to be hugged.

“God, I’ve missed you, Harm.” Mac couldn’t believe her ears or her luck when Harm stepped into her arms for a hug.

“I know...I’ve missed you too...I was afraid you wouldn’t want to see me again.”

“Harm, I was upset with you but I was also in shock and I didn’t realize how bad I was treating you until long after you walked out of JAG. I did try to call you several times and I left messages, but when you never called back, I thought you were telling me to leave you alone and I didn’t feel I had the right to call you anymore...”

Harm took her hand where it rested on the table. “Mac, you know I’m not good at talking about my feelings, but I’m going to give it a try...please understand that if it doesn’t make sense or sounds weird you may have to ask me some clarifying questions to figure out what I’m trying to say.”

“I can do that...do you want to wait until after you’ve eaten?”

“No...if I’m lost for words I can always buy some time by eating ...” he flashed her one of his sweet smiles...not the big jet-jock grin, but the next size smaller smile that was still dazzling in its own right.

Mac smiled back and Harm’s heart fluttered with hope. Maybe they could at least salvage their friendship, but he hoped she’d agree to try more.

“Mac, you’ve asked me several times what I want from you and I wasn’t sure what to say - or how to say it...I want a chance to see if what I feel for you is the deep everlasting kind of thing like I think it is, or if it is just gratitude and friendship and years of being together as partners. You said it would never work because we both want to be on top...but I found out something about myself while I was away...being on top became a habit. I like being in the shotgun seat at times. I do value your opinion and many times found myself making decisions based on what you would do.”

“You’re doing good, Sailor...” Mac smiled between spoonfuls of chicken stew and dumplings and tried to encourage him to keep talking.

“I’ve given a lot of thought to some of the rotten things I’ve said to you. Remember that night in the hangar during that Sexual Harassment charge that Manetti and I worked together against you and Sturgis?”

“Yeah...”

“Well that’s when I first realized that I was being mean and unfair...but for some reason I couldn’t seem to stop lashing out at you whenever we were on opposite sides. I didn’t realize how bad it sounded at first, but I do now and I’m sorry. By the way, guess who my partner was while I was flying Air America?”

“Commander O’Neil? She’s with CIA now?”

“Yeah, and she had some interesting insights she shared with me that made sense. She told me that I wouldn’t know until we’d talked whether it was over between us or not...she said we needed distance to regain perspective on what was important to us and that when we saw each other again we’d know if it was time to move on or not. So Mac, I’m not trying to be jealous or anything, but I need to know, are you seeing anyone?”

“No. Are you?”

“No...but there is someone I want to start dating...”

“Oh...”

“You, Mac...I want to call you up and take you out and see if there is any chance that we could have something...” When she didn’t say anything he asked again, “Mac?”

“Yes.”

“Would you being willing to give me another chance? I’m trying to state my intentions here...”

“I think that can be arranged...but what about our careers?”

“Mac, I need to do this a step at a time...if we find that it is the forever kind of thing, then we can go to the Admiral and see what he can do for us. I’ve been trying to map the whole thing out in my head and have all the answers before I even have the questions. So when you’ve asked me questions, I froze because I wasn’t sure where to find the answers in the map I had made. I decided that it will be much easier on all of us if I just let go and take things a step at a time and see where each step takes us. What do you think?”

“I think that I need to give you a lot of credit for thinking things out like this when I didn’t even give us any hope...I’m glad you didn’t listen to me.”

“I did at first...that’s why I stayed a way. I was hurt; I was confused; and I wanted to protect myself from getting hurt anymore.”

“Is that why you didn’t return my phone calls when you came home?” When he nodded she continued, “Oh Harm...I didn’t realize until after we got home that you had been hurt in the crash. I overheard Bud and Sturgis talking one day at JAG and that’s when I realized how bad you had been hurt. Concussion is nothing to fool with...and I never picked up on that after the crash. No wonder you were grumpy...”

“Well, I was still concerned about getting you to safety and all you seemed to care about was Webb...I never thought about the trauma you’d been through before we crashed.”

“Harm, we both said and did things that we shouldn’t have done, and probably wouldn’t do in another situation...but I wanted you to hold me and when you didn’t I got mad. I know that’s not fair...”

“When did you want me to hold you? When I found you? After the crash? After we got to the hotel?...When we were on the bed? When Mac? I need to know because I couldn’t tell...”

“Yes...”

“Yes?”

“All of those times and more.” Mac’s voice was soft but clear when she spoke.

Harm just looked at her and shook his head in amazement. There was no way he had thought she would have allowed him to even touch her. “Mac, I’m sorry...I had no idea you wanted me to hold you. How was I suppose to know?”

“I don’t know Harm, I guess I thought I wanted it so much you had to be able to tell...I guess I haven’t done to well in the communication department myself, have I?”

“You were going through a lot, Mac...but...”

“But what Harm?”

“Why could you be so sweet and caring to Webb; grateful to Gunny and at the same time nasty to me? What did I do to make you lash out - besides not holding you?”

“I don’t know Harm...it just seemed like I wanted to punish you and the sad part was I wasn’t really even mad at you...I’m sorry.”

“Mac...do you think we can move forward after all the hurt we’ve dished out? Are we going to constantly rehash the whole thing and raise doubts and hurts again over and over...because I don’t want to do that...I’ve done it too much as it is.”

“I don’t think there are any guarantees. The only way we are going to know is if we spend some time together...explore our relationship by dating I guess and see how we do with it.”

“Mac, I want us to have that chance, but I also need to know if you *want* to explore it, or if you are just humoring me.”

Mac stood up from the table and went to Harm’s side. She slid her arms around his shoulders and leaned over to put her face against his hair. His arm came up to circle her waist and to hold her to him. He leaned his head against her and closed his eyes and waited. Finally he heard her voice as she softly spoke the words he was waiting to hear.

“I want us to work things out Harm. I want us to learn the signs so you’ll know when to take me in your arms and hold me and I’ll know when I need to give you time or choices that I can live with.”

Harm turned in his chair then and pulled Sarah Mackenzie onto his lap and wrapped both his arms around her to hold her tight.

“Thank you for giving us the chance...now, no matter what happens with JAG, I can live with it.”

“Harm, I’m the one that should be thanking you. You gave up everything to come rescue me even though I never came to see you in the brig and I ignored your concerns about me participating in the mission. You over looked my sarcasm as I left that night and managed to get to me in time so that I wasn’t hurt.”

“Mac...”

“You respected me as a Marine so that you took me to go after the missiles and later to go after Sadiq even though after we crashed I took off and left you alone and injured in that plane.”

“Sarah...”

“And if that wasn’t enough I refused to hear you out or even think what you were trying to tell me because I was determined that I was going to get you to talk to me and tell me how you felt...and I was snippy to you...Harm I’m so sorry and so glad that you hung in there until I could see you were right.”

“Are you done yet?” Harm asked.

“Yes...I think so.”

“Good. Now this is what I don’t want us to do every time we talk or think about the past few months. We both made mistakes and we both failed to communicate what we were really thinking or feeling. We need to be able to move past this and find a way to talk about the experience in a positive way. What do you think would be a way for us to move this to the back burner so we can move on?”

“Find things to do to keep ourselves busy and give us lots of other things to talk about?”

“Makes sense to me, Marine. Now what kinds of things would you like to do?”

“What do you do about planning dates with other women?”

“Honestly?”

“Yeah.”

“I try to establish things they like to do and go from there...sometimes I include them in things I’ve got to do. Once I know what they like and what feels right, I go from there.”

“What did Renee like to do?”

“Dinner and a movie or dancing followed by...well you don’t want to know that.” Harm’s voice got husky as he tried to steer them away from such an intimate image so soon into this new phase of their relationship.

Mac tried to hide a smile as she sat in Harm’s lap with his arms wrapped around her enjoying his strength and nearness. Her arms were over his shoulders and her wrists locked behind his neck. “What about Jordan?”

“Jordan and I liked to fix meals together. We went out some times to eat or to a movie, but tended to stay at home more just to sip our wine, talk, listen to music...”

“Make love?”

“Yeah.”

“And when you were dating Annie?”

“Annie and I didn’t go out often on our own. We went places that we could take Josh. We would talk and watch him have fun. We would remember the good times before Luke died. We would talk about how Josh was doing. After Josh went to bed, we would find our time together...”

“...in bed?”

“Yeah.”

“Harm, you know me... what kinds of things do you think I would enjoy?”

“Well, I know you like to go out to eat sometimes, but you also seem to enjoy eating at home. You enjoy getting together with friends, or spending quiet time at home...you like to run and work out...you are beautiful when you get all dressed up and you seem to enjoy the fancy gatherings we have to go to some times. You like spending time with little AJ and Chloe and having fun doing things with them. And I’m beginning to get the idea that you like being held an cuddled.”

“Nice job...see you won’t have trouble finding something we can enjoy together...most things you come up with I’ll enjoy as long as we’re together.”

“You know Mac, in some ways we’ve already been dating...we just haven’t admitted it...or moved it into the umm...”

“...bedroom?”

“Right.”

“So how many times did you see Annie before you made that step?”

“Four or five times maybe.”

“Jordan?”

“Third date...and Renee was on the first - but I had worked with her on that commercial for a week or so before we went out to dinner the first time.”

“In that case, Flyboy, is it safe to assume that now we are acknowledging that we have been dating that I can expect this side of our relationship to change soon?”

Harm thought about it for a second and decided to enjoy the fun bantering with her again with this added twist. “Well I’m not sure Mac, but it might not need to change that much.”

“Harm, what are you saying?”

“Actually you’ve said most of it...we have kissed and we have held each other at night - even with some interruptions, so we have slept together - and now we’ve even slept in the same bed; you’ve seen me in nothing but my boxers and I’ve seen you in pajamas lots of times including a beautiful white nightgown. I’ve even seen you naked in the bath...”

Sarah Mackenzie was feeling a little warm as Harm described their more intimate moments. As innocent as each situation had been (with the possible exception of Harm’s view of her in the tub), it sure didn’t sound that way when Harm described it in that soft sexy voice of his while holding her in his lap.

“You know Harm, I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but Carolyn Imes asked Jordan and I what you were like in bed one time. I never let on that we had ever kissed or even held each other but Jordan went on and on about how generous and giving you were as a lover. I always wondered if she was exaggerating to make us jealous or if you were too good to be true.”

“I can’t believe you were talking about me like that - that long ago even!” Harm was embarrassed yet pleased if that was indeed the way Jordan had described him.

“Come on, Harm...are you telling me that you guys never brag about mind blowing sex you’ve had or how many times you’ve done it in a night?”

“I’ll admit when we were younger we compared notes on when, where, and how many times we scored...but not once we got into committed relationships. I mean the guys might needle each other some, but no one really knows if the target is just going along with it for laughs or if it was a fact that was dished out...and its not discussed further.”

“So when we have ‘mind blowing sex’ I won’t have to worry about you sharing my likes and dislikes with Bud, Sturgis, the Admiral, Gunny or Keeter or anything?”

“Never...although I’m sure I’ll think about it at work, I promise that it will be for us to know only. What about me? Do I have to worry about what Harriet, Carolyn, Coates, Chloe, and Meredith are thinking when they see me?”

“Not as far as I’m concerned...of course in case you hadn’t realized it they already watch you and as I said, Carolyn has asked and heard Jordan’s answer.”

“They watch me? What for?”

“You are kidding right?” Harm shook his head. “Harm you don’t expect me to believe that you have no idea how good-looking you are?”

“I’m okay...”

“Okay? Harm, one reason that I’ve always played down the effect of dress whites and gold wings, was fear that you’d catch me drooling. The better you looked, the more I down played it so that I could protect myself from your charms...still didn’t work...but I guess that’s why I couldn’t believe you meant that you had feelings for me because someone as good looking as you could have your pick of beautiful women - and you always seemed to go for blondes.”

“Ever think that I had already made up my mind who I was committed to for life but I was just waiting for the time to be right for both of us?”

“I didn’t dare hope...and you never let on...”

“Never let on? Mac, In Sydney Harbor I told you that I was only this way with you and that I wasn’t ready yet to take the step you seemed to want...because I wanted to wait until I was ready and confident enough to make a life time commitment.”

“Oh my God! Harm, was that what you meant?”

“Yeah.”

“I really am sorry because it seemed I caused us a lot of hurt and wasted time with my assumptions.”

“Mac, maybe this is the way it is suppose to be for us. We are in a better place now then we’ve ever been. We’ve grown as people as a result of our experiences...and we know what things we have to watch for. I think it will help us have a better, deeper, longer-lasting relationship.”

“Longer-lasting...?”

“Yeah, I think you are my destiny and that once we are together, we will be able to last beyond eternity.”

“Harm, I think you have made your intentions clear enough for now...but let’s save some of this discussion for another time. I’ve got enough to think about and remember to keep me awake most of the night...”

“Are you telling me that I give you nightmares?”

“Sometimes...but I’ve also had some sweet dreams about you as well...”

“Really?” Harm stood up and lowered Mac’s feet to the floor. “Why don’t we go over on the couch where it is more comfortable and you can tell me about some of those sweet dreams.” Harm had slid his hands up to take hers and hold them in front of him while he backed her toward the couch.

Mac turned and led Harm the rest of the way to the sofa. He sat on the end and Mac curled up next to him leaning against his side. His right arm was loosely over her shoulder and his hand was holding her hand.

“So all this time when I’ve wanted to touch you but haven’t because I was afraid you’d deck me was all mis-communication?”

“Probably...don’t you like to sit like this and just enjoy being close?”

“Yeah, I do...I just thought you’d think I was not respecting you as a Marine and would therefore drop me on my six.”

Mac burst out laughing. “Do I terrify you that much?”

“You don’t terrify me, but the thought of doing something that makes you angry does. I’m never sure how to handle you when you get riled up. Care to give me some hints?”

“Okay...but they only work when I’m not in uniform.”

“Really?”

“Yes...besides we may go against each other in court again and I will not give you anything that can be used against me while I’m in uniform. You already have enough tricks in your hat without giving you more!”

“So when you are not in uniform, how do I read you? What should I know?”

“Well, when I’ve had a rough day I love to come home and take a relaxing bath, light some scented candles and curl up in comfy clothes...so days like that holding me and not talking is usually a sensible approach...”

“And if you are all riled up about something? What kinds of things should I think about doing then?”

“Listening is always good...feeding me can stop a rant...and if I start to babbllll....”

Mac’s word were cut off when Harm dipped his head and kissed her. His left hand had tipped her chin up while she was talking and then he had moved in to cover her beautiful mouth with his. At first the shock had left her mouth open but as he had nibbled her lips and traced them with his tongue, she had begun to kiss him back. Slowly she turned into his big body until she was surrounded by him. Her senses were on overload and his lips and tongue were driving her to distraction.

Harm slowly eased back not wanting things to get out of control as it was too soon to go all the way for them yet...but he wanted to test out a theory he had. He pulled back then and whispered, “Kissing seems to work on babbling, huh?”

“Uh-huh...Harm?”

“Yeah, will you promise to do that sometimes even when I’m not babbling?”

“You set me up, didn’t you?”

“Uh-huh...but I think it backfired on me.”

“Why’s that?”

“You stepped in before I could tell you that when I babble kissing works...and you took my breath away.”

Harm leaned over and gave her a another quick kiss.

“As much as I’d love to spend a few more hours learning how to read you, I think we need to say good-night. We have a busy day tomorrow and I for one am a little nervous about the reception I’ll be getting at JAG.”

“You nervous?”

“Yeah, I am.”

“Harm it will be fine. If we can get over the hurdle we had facing us enough to come this far tonight, tomorrow will be a piece of cake...and you know what?”

“Tell me.”

“I think I’ll sleep with a smile on my face because I’ll be falling asleep thinking about your kisses and knowing that there will probably be more.”

“That there will...come on, walk me to the door and kiss me goodnight.” Harm stood up and pulled Mac with him.

At the door, Harm took her in his arms again and kissed her deeply. “Good-night, Sarah...see you in the morning.” Mac leaned up against the door after it shut and smiled. Sometimes life was good.

Friday morning at 0745 Mac was in her office when she saw the admiral enter his office. Shortly after she heard a knock and looked up to see Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. In uniform standing at her door.

“Good morning Colonel. I’m a little early, so I thought I’d say good morning before I went through to see the Admiral.” Harm’s eyes twinkled as he watched Mac adjust to him in the office now they had ventured into the newest phase of their relationship. She blushed a little bit but met his gaze and smiled back.

“Good luck, Harm...I’m sure things will go without a hitch...do you want me to join you?”

“Yes, but I don’t think it’s necessary...and if the Admiral wants you to join us I’m sure he’ll let you know. I was hoping to go in before the bull pen filled up, so I’m heading over now. See you later.”

Mac watched him square his shoulders and walk away to find out what his destiny at JAG would be.

Hearing the knock on his door, AJ Chegwidden looked up and motioned Harm in. “Turning over a new leave and getting here early for a change, Mr. Rabb?”

“Yes, sir...and avoiding the bull pen until after we have met.”

“Harm, unless there is something I an unaware of, the SecNav has no intentions of taking any disciplinary action. This is going down as a recall which the Navy can do anytime within the five years of a resignation. We will swear you in and then you can resume your duties. I’m sure Mac has plenty of cases she can give you to get you started. You’ll be in the regular rotation when cases come up. Questions?”

“No sir, but thank you for laying this out for me.”

“No problem...did you and Mac talk last night?”

“Yes and it went better then I had hoped. Thank you for your advice and what ever you said to her to get her to listen. It paved the way.”

“Harm, I never had a chance to talk to her...although I did leave her a message and asked her to please give you a chance to talk to her. I told her to call if she needed anything or had questions. Never heard from her...”

“Good morning, Admiral. Are you ready to resume your career Mr. Rabb?” The SecNav entered the office and shut the door behind him as he spoke.

Harm stood at attention and responded, “Yes sir.”

“Good. Admiral, perhaps your Chief of Staff should join us?”

Admiral Chegwidden picked up his phone an pressed the button to Mac’s office. When he heard her voice he gave the order. “Colonel Mackenzie, join us in my office please.”

“Yes sir.” Mac disconnected the call and hurried to her CO’s office hoping there were no glitches in Rabb’s return. They really were swamped.

She was bade to enter upon her knock. The SecNav greeted her.

“Colonel Mackenzie, thank you for joining us. Do you have any concerns about Mr. Rabb resuming his career here at JAG?”

“No sir. He has always proven to be an excellent investigator and litigator, sir.”

“Good, then shall we proceed?” At the Admiral and Harm’s nods, the SecNav continued, “Harmon Rabb, Junior, the United States Navy hereby recalls you to service for your country...” His voice went on swearing Harm in and reinstating him as a Commander in the United States Navy and finishing by declaring his current duty station to be JAG Headquarters.

Harm had responded in turn and when it was over, he saluted the Sec Nav and the Admiral before being told to stand at ease.

As quickly as he had entered Sheffield had left JAG. The admiral shook Harm’s hand as had Mac.

“Well Colonel, Commander, shall we go introduce our newest JAG team member to the others?”

“Aye, aye sir.”

“Harm stay in here until I’ve made the announcement and then come out the other door.”

“Yes sir...”

“Mac, shall we get their attention?”

Together they went out by Coates desk and collected her. Mac ordered her to get everyone’s attention.

“Attention on deck!” Coates used a clear sharp voice that got everyone’s attention. Mac was proud of the way she had taken to the job as the Admiral’s yeoman.

“At ease people...as you know we have been rather short staffed around here the last few months. I have not always been as patient as I could have been and we have all felt the backlash of the events that have taken place this past year. Today I have called you together to introduce our newest JAG team member. I am sure you will help him to get adjusted and welcome him home. May I present Commander...” the Admiral’s private door opened into the bull pen at the same time the admiral said, “Harmon Rabb, Jr.”

For a split second JAG ops went silent and then the dam broke. There was cheering, applause, hand shakes, pats on the back, and even a few tears of joy.

“Ma’am?”

“Yes, Jen...we really have him back...why don’t you go see him?”

“I think I’d rather wait until things quiet down.”

“I know what you mean Petty Officer. Why don’t we take some of the files I have for him to his new office.”

“I have a better idea, Colonel.” Commander Turner joined them as they watched the welcoming crowd.

“If the Admiral has no objections, I’d like to return to my old office and give Harm his office back.”

“What is it you have against that office Commander?” asked the Admiral.

“Nothing sir, but I like the quiet and secluded location of the small office I had. Seems as if I can concentrate better in there.”

“If that’s what you want...Coates, give Commander Turner a hand getting relocated.”

“Aye, aye sir.” Together Coates and Turner entered the office and removed the boxes Turner had hidden in the almost empty credenza. Together they piled up the pictures and packed up the files in record time. They managed to get out before the rest of the crowd dissipated.

“Commander Rabb, if you are ready I’ll show you to your office and get you some files to get started on,” said Colonel Mackenzie.

“Lead the way, Ma’am.” Harm followed Mac and was enjoy the view when he realized she was leading him back to his old office.

“Mac, I thought this was Commander Turner’s office now.”

“It was...until about ten minutes ago. He pleaded with the Admiral to let him go back to his old space. He and Coates are moving his stuff now.”

Harm just shook his head and stepped into his old space.

“Kind of empty isn’t it?” Harm commented.

Mac smiled and brought out something from behind her back. She handed Harm a flat rectangular package. “See if this helps fill it up a little for now?”

Harm took the package and ripped the paper off. Inside was a picture of their godson AJ, holding his new brother, Jimmy.

“Wow, he’s gotten big. I haven’t seen the little guy yet. I’ll have to call and see when I can stop by.”

“I imagine that when she hears you’re back she’ll stop by for lunch with Bud and bring the boys in to see you. It wasn’t the same without you here Harm.”

Harm just nodded, unable to speak with the emotions he was feeling. He distracted himself by opening his briefcase and taking out the few pictures he had put in there to dress up his office. Mac stepped beside him and looked at each one as he removed it and placed it on the top of the bookcase. The first to join the picture of AJ and Jimmy was the one of Harm and Mac in Afghanistan. The next one was Mac and Harm at AJ’s christening. Then came the picture of his Mother and Frank, the old picture of him with his Dad on the Hornet and one that his Gram had given him for his birthday, of the two of them together with the Bi-plane, Sarah.

“This is quite a display Harm.”

“Yeah, I should get one of you and Chloe to add to it seeing as I’m going with a family theme, here.”

“You have changed Harm...in a way.”

“How’s that?”

“You’re not afraid to show you care about people now and that’s nice.” For a minute they just looked at each other and didn’t speak with words. They were using the silent communication that they had developed over the years. Now Mac felt like she and Harm would find it useful. She knew he wanted to hold her and kiss her but they both knew that in uniform it wouldn’t happen.

“Time to get to work, Sailor. Look these files over and I’ll have Jen bring in the others later. Let me know if you have any questions.”

And with that, Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. Returned to JAG. He had found his destiny with the Navy and JAG again and even better, Harmon Rabb knew that Sarah Mackenzie was part of his destiny as well.

THE END