Title: Life in London

Author: Hollyjp

Summary: Mac, Harm and Mattie begin life in London while Mac and Harm begin the challenge of having their own child.

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.

CHAPTER 1

Harm’s eyes were still shut, but he was awake and soaking up the warmth of the soft sexy body at his side. He didn’t think the smile had left his face since the late April evening just a week ago when Mac had shown up at his door and asked to talk about “you and me.” They had said they would get married in London or San Diego depending on the flip of the coin. Mac had called tails, which had meant they would marry in San Diego, and Harm would resign his commission, his promotion, and hope to get his retirement at twenty years. The coin had landed tails and then Mac had pulled a fast one on him that he hadn’t seen coming.

<Flashback>

The coin landed with a jingle on the floor and spun to a stop before landing with the scale side down.

“It’s tails, Ma’am...you won the toss...Sorry Captain, but it looks like Colonel Mackenzie will be taking the job in San Diego.” Bud had looked sadly at Harm knowing he would have to give up the new title.

“No Bud...I won’t.” Mac had said with a smile. “We may get married in San Diego -after all that’s where Harm’s parents live, but I belong with my husband in London. I’m the one that will resign my commission.”

“Mac?” Harm’s warm voice drew her eyes to his and they had one of their infamous silent conversations.

“I’m sorry Colonel, but there is no way the Marine Commandant is going to let you retire with the skills you have. I can probably send someone else to San Diego, but I believe the best you’ll be able to do is reserve your commission - not resign. We need your skills.” General Creswell spoke calmly knowing that this could turn out to be a volatile situation if not handled carefully. His wife Dora had taught him that much about love and relationships. “I’ll expect you both in uniform at JAG tomorrow morning for final steps in your rotation out. Commander Turner, I suggest you pack a bag for San Diego TAD. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to the office and get some work done...tonight...Petty Officers Coates...if you could join me in say an hour, I would appreciate it. I’ll try not to keep you long.”

“Aye-aye sir.” Coates saluted him as he finished his drink, placed it on the bar and left the group in shocked silence.

“What do you think he’s up to?” asked Bud as they watched the door close between the General and the group of long time friends.

Harm held Mac close in his arms as he looked into her face and asked her, “Mac, are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yes...and now that the General says I’ll probably have to reserve my commission- not resign- it seems even a better solution for us. I really think that where our wedding takes place is all that coin flip should have decided.”

“But you agreed...” Harm protested.

“Yes...and all along I had a plan to finally upstage you with a grand gesture.” Mac looked up at Harm pleased with herself. The smile on her face and the light in her eyes reinforced her delight at being able to be the one to pull off the grand gesture on him this time.

“You planned it?”

“Yeah...call it pay back for the stunt you pulled when Bud was hurt that time.” Mac smiled before she leaned in and kissed his lips briefly in front of their friends.

<End Flashback>

So much had happened in the short time since then, Harm thought as he enjoyed the early morning quiet in their bed and Mac’s warmth at his side. They had reported to JAG in uniform the next morning. The General had been a busy man after he had left them. Coates was there to greet them, her bubbly personality even happier this morning as she bustled around doing her job.

<Flashback>

“Good morning...He’s waiting for you...go on in.”

“Good morning Captain Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie...I have news for you. As I expected the SecNav informed me that he would not approve your resignation Colonel. He did accept Commander Turner as your replacement to take over the San Diego billet, but does have a reserve billet that I think you’ll like.” Creswell wore that mysterious look on his face when he knew something his people didn’t and he could enjoy the torment of keeping them in suspense.

“Thank you sir...I think. What is the reserve billet, may I ask?”

“You will provide legal counsel at our Embassy in London and also be available on an on call basis for the Judiciary. Your Commanding Officer will be General Langley currently heading up Judicial Services in Naples. This will allow you to use the skills for which you’ve been trained. Travel is involved with the Judiciary. Will this be a problem?” Creswell paused and saw Mac glance at Harm. He also saw Harm’s subtle nod and smile back to the Lt. Colonel, before she returned a nod to him.

“Captain Rabb, normally your office provides legal counsel to the embassy, but the SecNav feels that Colonel Mackenzie can fill that roll as a reservist under General Langley which frees up your people unless there is a situation. I spoke to General Langley this morning Colonel and he was impressed by the fit rep you received from Admiral Morris during your TAD to the judiciary before. He said to tell you that he will keep you relatively busy. ”

“I don’t know what to say, General...thank you doesn’t seem adequate.” Mac looked from her fiancé to her commanding officer in wonder.

“Thank you will do nicely. I assume this is acceptable to both of you?”

“Yes sir.” Harm spoke for both of them as Mac simply nodded.

“Good, I took the liberty of having Coates file a last minute change of shipping orders on your possessions Colonel. They will be going to London as well. Were we correct to assume you want them sent to the same destination as Captain Rabb’s things?”

“Yes, sir,” Mac answered after exchanging another brief glance at her fiancé.

“Coates said that she thought you would need some extra time to deal with some court concerns regarding your foster daughter. She is currently making some calls at my request to try to expedite the court situation. As for your flight schedule I believe you have a lay over in San Diego before you depart for London. I’m sorry I can only delay your departure by one week. Captain Rabb you must report for duty on May 9. Colonel, General Langley will meet you at the Embassy the following day, Tuesday, at 0900Zulu.”

“Thank you sir.” Harm and Mac answered in unison.

“About your staff requests for London, Captain, do you have those ready for me?”

“Yes sir I do.” Harm handed Creswell his list of requested staff. He had decided to keep most of the ones already there. He had met some of them at different times throughout the years while others had solid reputations. He wanted to give them a shot. He had needed to appoint someone as his assistant. When Bud had turned down the billet, he started to look at lists of people due for promotion. A name from the past had been on it and that was the person he wanted to try as his assistant. He had also needed to find a reliable investigator and would need his own yeoman. Last night he had shared his request list with Mac and she had agreed.

General Creswell studied the list. “Captain Rabb, two of the three names on here directly impact my plans...but you have made excellent choices. Have you spoken to any of them as yet?”

“No sir I haven’t.”

“I will have Petty Officer Coates cut the orders for all of them and they will arrive in London next week as well. I, of course, will need to replace practically my entire staff.” Creswell said with a grimace.

“You still have Lt. Vukovic, sir,” Mac reminded him unable to resist the subtle jab at her CO for all his praise of the young officer and his insistence that he had potential.

“I deserve that Colonel...and him I guess. Oh well, I could send him out with Commander Turner...maybe I’ll just do that. At least I have Commander Roberts.”

“Yes sir. He’s a good man and won’t let you down.” Mac praised the man Harm had taken under his wing and the two of them had mentored over the years.

“It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve with both of you. Good luck.” General Creswell shook hands with both of them and walked them out. “Petty Officer Coates it seems your presence is requested in London. I’d like you to cut orders for Gunnery Sargent Victor Galindez and Commander Meg Austin to report to London, then get me a revised list of who’s left to staff this place before you cut your orders to London as well. Any idea who could take your place?”

“Yes sir!” Coates watched the general return to his office and then looked at Harm and Mac. “London?”

“Unless you don’t want to go with us,” Harm answered.

“I do sir. I just...wow...”

“Harm, I think we’ve left the Petty Officer speechless. Jen, we know you’re taking courses and you’re feeling that you don’t need us the same anymore. We agree you don’t need us, but we’ve also learned that family is important and having our family stay together as much as we can is important to us. We’ll be there to let you spread your wings and we’ll support you. Harm and I both want you to join us in London.”

“Thank you...I think I’d like that. Oh...you have a court date at fifteen hundred hours today in Blacksburg. I’ve taken the liberty of booking the flight for Mattie as well and told them she will probably be in a wheel chair so they are prepared to meet her needs. Here are the papers you’ll need. Looks like I’ll see you next week.”

“Thanks Jennifer...for everything.” Harm’s sincerity was evident in his voice. “You ready Colonel?”

“Yeah, are you?” Mac asked.

“Without a doubt. Let’s go.”

<End Flashback>

Harm felt Mac stir at his side and he opened his eyes to watch her. She took his breath away at times. He thought about their first time together last week. They had been at his apartment and once they had started kissing, it was like neither of them wanted to stop. They had kissed over and over each one with more heat and passion then the last. At the same time they were trying to talk over the things they needed to discuss and decide. It took them nine years to let go but when they finally did the passion had blazed hot and they had come together in a rapid fiery explosion of passion before they had hurried off to tell their friends and make the arrangements that needed to be made.

Later that night they had taken time to really explore and learn about each other’s bodies and what felt good to each one. They were still learning and exploring. Harm had assumed that after the first mind altering climax they had shared, that it would return to something he was more use to...but it hadn’t. Each time they uncovered new depths, new needs, new likes, and more passion resulting in something as good as or better then time before.

They had arrived in Blacksburg after leaving the General’s office. Mattie had been thrilled to see them and her doctor had reluctantly agreed to let her out of the hospital if Mac and Harm could take the time to learn some basics with the therapists and nurses before she left.

Mattie’s spine injury had effected her ability to control her bodily functions. She was starting to recover sensation which helped. She would need to remain catheterized for the time being and would need assistance with personal care. Mac had not hesitated to have the nurse and Mattie show and tell her what to do. Mattie would need to be in a wheelchair. The hospital allowed them to take the one that she was using.

The therapist showed Harm and Mac the exercises they wanted Mattie to do three times a day. Mattie would need to go into a rehabilitation center when they arrived in London. Her doctor would make the arrangements so they would expect her on the evening of May 8. Harm hated to have to put Mattie in a hospital, but Mattie even agreed it would be better for her to really learn how to be independent before she came home.

The doctor gave Harm a letter for the judge regarding Ton Johnson’s lack of parenting during this time, while Mac had helped Mattie to get cleaned up and dressed.

“Captain, I’m impressed with how you’ve been here for this girl. When I first saw her, you know I felt her prognosis wasn’t good. But with a family like you to support her, I think she has a good chance to fully recover.”

“The military has a medical and rehabilitation facility in London. Here’s the number and information they would need to admit her as my dependent. Could you please try there first?” Harm asked.

“Of course. Call me Friday and I’ll give you a status report. Good luck Captain Rabb.”

“Thank you Doctor.”

The three of them had reported to the courthouse at the appointed time. The same judge that had handled the original disposition presided on the bench again.

<Flashback>

“Hello again Mattie. How are you feeling?” the judge asked.

“I’m getting stronger every day, Ma’am.” Mattie politely answered.

“I’m glad to hear that. I understand congratulations on in order Captain Rabb.”

“Yes Ma’am. You may remember Lt. Colonel Mackenzie...she has finally agreed to marry me.”

“And together you are filing for joint custody of Mathilda Grace Johnson?”

“Yes, your Honor.” Harm answered.

“How do you feel about this Mattie? I mean you consented a few months ago to be returned to the custody of your biological father, Tom Johnson. I’d like you to tell me why I should grant the request of Sarah Mackenzie and Harmon Rabb Junior.”

“Your Honor, Harm - Captain Rabb - made sure that my father and I talked and worked things out. I felt that he would be there for me if I ever needed him, but I wanted to be able to give my father another chance. Mac - Colonel Mackenzie - and I talked and she explained to me that she had waited too long to give her father a second chance and to get at the truth. She regretted it and wished at times that she had someone like Harm in her life back then to make sure she had gotten to the truth. My father was doing okay. He would sometimes talk to Harm and get advice on how to handle me. But when I had the accident he fell apart.

Thankfully I had Harm. I can remember hearing his voice and feeling that I had to hang on...that I had to open my eyes and that giving up was not an option. I would have died without him there. Its going to be awhile before I can take care of myself. I’m sixteen now, and I know its unusual for the courts to take permanent action in cases with someone my age. But I know that I need a lot of care and Tom Johnson can’t give me what I need right now. Harm and Mac are my family and they are being transferred to London. If I don’t go with them, I’ll be alone. With them, maybe my father can get well again and I can stay in touch with him when he’s ready. Harm has already shown me what a good father he is. And Mac is good for both of us. Please your Honor, say that I can legally be part of their family...that I don’t have to stay here and recover alone.”

“I have read the letter written by Tom Johnson and the letter submitted by Mattie’s physician both supporting this request as well. Although it is highly unusual, as has this entire situation and case been, I am going to agree to the minor, Mathilda Grace Johnson, being placed in the care and custody of Harmon Rabb and Sarah Mackenzie immediately. Are there any contentions to my decree at this time?” The judge paused and Harm, Mac and Mattie held on to each other waiting. “Then it shall be so. Any questions? Mattie?” asked the judge seeing her hand go up.

“Yes, Ma’am. I know that at my age adoption is rarely considered, but to avoid confusion and hassles in a new country, I would like the court to grant a legal change in my name by adding Rabb.”

“Captain Rabb...would you like to respond to Mattie’s request?”

“Thank you Ma’am. Mattie, I would love you to use my name, but are you sure you want to make this change legally. You would be making your name Mathilda Grace Johnson Rabb. That’s a mouthful.”

“Can I drop Johnson?”

“Mattie are you sure you want to do that?”

“Mac, when you and Harm get married, are you keeping Mackenzie or adding Rabb or changing your name to Rabb?” Mattie asked.

“I’ll change my name to Rabb.”

“Then I want to drop Johnson and change my name to Rabb too. Please judge...you can do this right?”

“Yes, I can add that to the decree...if you’re sure.” The judge let her think a minute and waited for her to nod again before making the name change official.

“Congratulations on your new family and new name Mattie and good luck in your recovery.”

<End Flashback>

Harm felt Mac’s hand slide across his stomach as she wiggled closer still, her leg resting on his. He smiled and returned to his memories.

They had been very happy leaving the courthouse. They had driven to Mattie’s house and packed up her things. The house was not wheelchair accessible, so Harm had carried her inside while Mac brought the chair in. She had supervised the packing of the things she wanted to take with her. Six boxes would be shipped to London, the rest went into the suitcases that would travel with them.

They had returned to Washington DC later that evening and taken a suite in a hotel not far from the airport. Mattie had been exhausted and went to bed early. The next morning they had flown to San Diego to introduce Mac and Mattie to his mother and step father. Harm had decided to surprise his parents and they had shown up unannounced at their La Jolla home on the cliffs over looking the Pacific ocean.

<Flashback>

“Harm! What a wonderful surprise...and you brought people with you...come in....please.” Harm’s mother had greeted him with a hug and then ushered them into her home.

“Mom...this is Mac...my fiance...and our ward...Mattie.”

“Mac...I just knew you were the one...now why he’s taken so long to bring you out here to meet us I don’t know. Welcome to our home.”

“Thank you Mrs. Burnett.”

“Please...call me Trish. Mattie...I’m so glad to see you were able to get out of the hospital and make this trip. Are you tired?” Trish looked at the teenager sitting in the wheel chair which Harm had propelled forward.

“A little...but I’m kind of hungry.”

“Good. Frank should be home soon for lunch and then we can all get to know one another better.”

Harm had brought their things in from the car and shown them to the bedrooms while Trish got their lunch ready. Mattie was put in the guest suite that had its own bathroom. It was the one that Harm usually used when he was here. Harm put Mac and his things in the guest house which was next to the pool across the patio.

Introduction were done again when Frank got home as they sat down to eat lunch. Trish and Frank asked about how long they had been engaged and Harm and Mac had taken turns telling them about Harm’s promotion to Captain and the limited time they had to decide what they were going to do. Trish was disappointed to hear that they had come close to moving to San Diego, but she understood how the military worked. She knew how lucky they had been that the fates had smiled on these two finally and that had both been able to keep their careers and be together.

“So when are you going to get married?” Trish had asked.

“We haven’t really had time to decide,” Mac had admitted.

“Are you going to have a big wedding?” Trish had pressed.

“I’d rather not...but if Harm wants to go that route...” Mac had been interrupted by Harm.

“Mac...I want you to have the kind of wedding you have always wanted.” Harm had taken her hand and smiled as he told her he would honor her choice.

“Are you sure?” Mac had asked with a playful gleam in her eye.

“Yes.”

“I’ve always wanted an outdoor wedding with a few special guests...something private but special and beautiful,” Mac told them.

“In that case, I’d like to offer our patio,” Trish told them. “We could pull something together if you’d like before you go to London.”

“It’s up to you Mac...I suggested we take a run to Las Vegas but she didn’t want to do that,” Harm teased.

“Well I should hope not!” Trish responded.

“The coin toss said we should get married in San Diego, Harm, remember?” Mac teased. “He was just teasing me Trish.” Mac assured her future mother-in-law. “Actually this would be perfect. The General gave us only a week until we have to report to London...can we really arrange things that fast?”

“Lets see...if you were to get married on Wednesday or Thursday you could take off for a couple of days for a honeymoon before you leave for London on Sunday...would that work?” Trish asked.

“We have to leave Saturday night actually to be there in time on Sunday.”“ Harm informed his mother before looking at Mac.

Before either could say what was on their minds, Trish turned to Mattie. “You wouldn’t mind staying here with Frank and me for a few days would you Mattie?” Trish asked.

“No that would be okay.” Mattie agreed with a shy smile. She was old enough to know that Harm and Mac would want some privacy but young and innocent enough to be a little embarrassed by the thought of the kind of intimacy they would share.

“Good...then after lunch, you two can start calling your friends and find out how many can get here for Wednesday evening. Frank, will you call Reverend Marsh and see if he can perform the wedding?” Frank had nodded as Trish continued issuing directions.

“Harm, you call and find out if you need blood tests or not and if you do make arrangements for the two of you to go in the morning. I know they changed the waiting period from three days to twenty four hours, so you should go first thing in the morning to get the license. Once we know how many people will make it, I’ll call the caterers. Tomorrow I think we need to go shopping, right Mac?”

“Yes...although I have a white suit I can wear...”

“We’re going shopping. Mattie will need a new dress too.” Trish smiled as she took control and organized the whole event.

The guest list had been short. Bud and Harriet Roberts, Jack Keeter and Tom Boone had all promised to be there to see them get married on the cliffs by the ocean in La Jolla. Bud and Harriet served as their witnesses.

The men wore their dress whites. Harm had not brought them with him and ended up getting a new set from the store at North Island Naval Air Station. He picked up an extra set of Captain’s boards, insignia’s and cover at the same time along with a new pair of white shoes.

Harriet had worn a navy blue sleeveless cocktail length dress and carried a red rose. Mac had found a classic cut pearl white silk dress shot with gold threads that boasted a pearl and beaded bodice above a skirt that fell to mid-calf. The two-inch heeled shoes that came with it had the same bead work and gold threads on the toe of the shoe. In her dark hair rested a halo of pearls and glass beads woven into a gold braid with miniature red roses. She made a breath-taking bride.

Harm had arranged for them to take a short flight via Franks company plane to Avalon on Catalina Island for a quick honeymoon that included golf, laying on the beach, and time to be with one another. The Seaport Village Inn had the privacy they desired. It was the perfect setting for romance and fun, something that they had denied themselves for far too long but promised to give each other on their honeymoon.

<End Flashback>

Today they would be heading back to pick up Mattie before leaving for London, England and their new life together. Harm looked at his bride sleeping in his arms. They had laughed and talked and just took pleasure in being together. Last night they had started talking about Mac’s endometriosis. They had tried a position that hadn’t worked for Mac, and it brought the reality of the situation they faced crashing back to them.

<Flashback>

“Ow..Harm...please stop...Ow...”

Mac had been relaxed and enjoying Harm attentions. He had been reminding her of the time she claimed he was a prude as he proceeded to try a variety of things on her to show her how wrong she had been. He had tried a position with her that would allow for deep penetration, but when he had slid inside her body, slowly and gently, the awkward position had given her the first discomfort during intercourse that she had experienced in months, since before her surgical procedure. Before she could say anything he had pull out and slid in again with a little more force. When Mac had cried out and asked him to stop, he had frozen and then carefully removed himself from her body.

“What is it Mac? Did I hurt you?” his anxiety and concern were barely contained.

“It’s just the position I think...” Mac moved and opened her arms to him. “Try it now...” Mac had pleaded after she had turned on to her back and brought her legs up to wrap around his waist, a position that they had used repeatedly with no problems.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes...please Harm...I want you inside me....please?”

Carefully he had entered her again and this time she had seemed to be pain free, moving with him; helping him bring them both to another climax. As they had held each other afterwards, Harm had asked Mac to tell him what she knew about her condition from the doctor.

“Dr. Chen said that the tissue that builds up can create blockages and lesions that can sometimes be painful during intercourse. She cleaned up the lesions that were in the lower tract and said that both ovaries and tubes were severely compromised. She said that it is unlikely that I could conceive and I asked why she hadn’t removed the blockages in the upper tract and she said it’s a more involved procedure and didn’t think it would do any good at this point.”

“Did you get a second opinion?” Harm asked.

“Not yet. Harm, are you sure you’re going to want to put up with everything it might require for us to have a baby?”

“I will do what ever it takes until you tell me you no longer want to go through with it. If we get to that point, we’ll talk about adoption and foster care. Until then, we explore every option. Deal?” Harm had asked.

“Deal. I’ll call for a second opinion when we get to London.” Mac had snuggled into his arms and promptly fallen asleep.

<End Flashback>

Now he was watching her sleep and thinking over the past week. Last night had been a rude reminder that not everything in their world was perfect. His heart had almost stopped when he had realized that what he was doing had caused her pain, yet they had shifted positions and been able to finish what they started. They had talked briefly afterwards, but from the research he had done when she had first told him about her condition, he knew that she would go through a lot if Dr. Chen’s assessment was correct. He felt Mac stir and he turned his attentions back to his wife, kissing her eyes as they fluttered in an attempt to open.

“Hey...mmmmm...I’ll give you about five minutes before I expect a kiss with more substance,” Mac murmured.

“What makes you think I’m going to kiss you with any more substance then this?” Harm teased back.

“Because you always do...you can’t resist...” Mac’s word were cut off when Harm claimed her lips as she had known he would do. She opened her mouth to meet his tongue, loving the way he used it to seek entrance into her mouth before he would embrace hers. While some people would say their tongues dueled, there was nothing combative about theirs. They searched, sought each other out and caressed the other with their tongues as they did their hands.

Harm broke the kiss and lifted his head to look at Mac. “I think we need to talk about a few things before we leave, don’t you?”

“Yes. Like how do we handle the logistics of getting settled into temporary quarters, settling Mattie into a rehabilitation center and both returning to work...you right away. At least I have an extra day before I need to report to General Langley at the Embassy.”

“It will all work itself out...but that wasn’t what I was referring to. I think we need to talk more about what happened last night. I don’t want to try that position again...and I don’t want you to be uncomfortable when we make love. Tell me what else doesn’t feel good...please.”

“Harm, really...that’s the only thing that didn’t feel good. Every thing else...well let’s just say you seem to have the touch when it comes to making me feel...good.”

“Yeah?”

“Oh yeah...so why don’t you start touching and stop talking, Flyboy...” Mac teased.

Harm had obliged with very satisfying results, while Mac was pleased she had distracted him from talking about something she wasn’t prepared to talk about again, until she had more information.

CHAPTER 2

May 9

0730 Zulu

Rabb Residence

London, England

“Are you sure you don’t mind me leaving you like this?” Harm asked as he slung his bag over his shoulder.

“It’s fine Harm. I’ll work on unpacking the things we need right away and see if I can get some food for the cupboards. Now go...your driver is waiting Captain Rabb.” She kissed him and then brushed the lint from his jacket with the Captain’s stripes on the sleeve. She was proud of Harm. He had overcome a lot to reach this point in his career and she was glad the promotions board had been able to sort through all the chaff in his records and recognize all that he had done for his country. He deserved the promotion and this billet.

One of the perks of this billet was that he would have a car and driver available to him as needed. This was due to the restrictions surrounding military personnel wearing their uniforms in certain public arenas and the train station. Harm would need to keep a change of civilian clothes and a clean uniform in his office at all times which was why he had a bag with him this morning.

Climbing into the waiting car, Harm greeted the driver. “Good morning Corporal,” Harm greeted the Marine driver that would be at his disposal.

“Morning Captain,” greeted Corporal Ruiz. “Petty Officer Under said that someone is waiting for you already this morning.”

“Did he say who or what the nature of their business is?” Harm checked.

“No sir.”

“Well lets go see what they want, Corporal.”

“Right away sir.”

The corporal let Harm out and pointed him in the right direction. Harm paused looking at the one story building in front of him. He took a breath, pulled himself to his full height, and headed into his new world.

Harm was surprised to see a familiar face waiting for him when he entered the building at 7 North Audley Way as he reported to his new duty station with the intention of meeting his staff.

“Gunny! At ease,” he returned the salute and smiled as Gunny came to attention and saluted him. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too...Captain. I must admit I was a little surprised when I got my orders.”

Harm extended his hand to shake with the Gunnery Sargent who’s talents had been wasted at JAG Headquarters in Washington DC. He introduced himself and Gunny to the petty officer that was also waiting for him, his temporary yeoman, Petty Officer Danny Unger. They talked as they followed Petty Officer Unger to Harm’s office.

“Are you okay with this Gunny?” Harm asked wanting to have a situation where the people working for him wanted to be there.

“Yes sir. I respect you and know that we can work well together. I hear you and the Colonel have finally figured it out...Congratulations.”

“News travels fast...but thank you. Mac and I arrived yesterday with our teenage ward, Mattie. She starts tomorrow with a reserve billet to Judiciary and as the Embassy legal consultant. I know she’ll be happy to see you.”

“Yes sir.”

“Have you settled in to your quarters yet?” Harm asked.

“Not yet. Wanted to check in here...get the lay of the land if possible.”

“The others will be reporting in this week. I don’t think you’ve met any of them - at least not at JAG. Excuse me, Gunny,” he said turning to his yeomen. “Thank you Petty Officer. I’d like to explore a little on my own and then I’ll call you when I’m ready.”

“Aye-aye, sir.” Unger left closing the door behind him.

“Unger will be leaving after he trains my new yeoman, Petty Officer Jennifer Coates. She was the General’s Petty Officer after Tiner left to go to law school.”

“General? What happened to Admiral Chegwidden?” Gunny asked.

“Retired last year. General Gordon Creswell was promoted and given the billet. He’s an okay guy, although he loves to keep you guessing. Gets his kicks that way I guess. The admiral use to do that once in awhile too.”

“A Marine...how did he handle all you squids, sir?” teased the Gunny.

“Mac claims I gave him pause and forced him to reevaluate his opinions on ‘squids’ and then Lt. Commander Bud Roberts did the same.”

“I spoke with Commander Roberts the other day. He’s the one that told me about you and the Colonel. He said one of you was leaving the military.”

“We couldn’t see any other way for things to work and allow us to be together. We flipped a coin and it landed tails...but Mac pulled a fast one on me...said that was only for where we were getting married. She announced that she would resign. The General informed us that the SecNav probably would not accept her resignation and so she should plan on a reserve billet of some kind. Sec Nav pulled through though and found the perfect solution.”

“Excellent sir. Who’s going to be your XO?”

“Well I had tried to convince Bud to come over, but he and Harriet felt they needed to state stateside. I’ve asked Commander Meg Austin, to be my assistant. I worked with her at JAG before I met Mac. I’m hoping she’ll get here today or tomorrow. Look Gunny, why don’t you take today to get settled and report back here at 0800 tomorrow. Unger can show you your office and give you a tour of this place. They’ve provided us with closet space in each office as well as a locker room so we don’t have to travel in uniform. I’ll be keeping uniform and civilian clothes here just in case. After your tour tomorrow, come back here and I’ll explain what I see your role being here.”

“Very well...I’ll see you then sir.”

Harm read information his predecessor had left before familiarized himself with the building and the existing staff. When he had finished making his rounds, he returned to his office to read through some files waiting to be distributed.

Same Time

Rabb Residence

London, England

“Hey Mattie....how you doing this morning?” Mac asked when Mattie answered the phone.

“I think I have jet lag. I just want to sleep.” Mattie mumbled.

“Did you sleep okay last night?”

“Yes. What’s your place like?” Mattie asked.

“It’s temporary quarters Mattie...very temporary...Upstairs...no elevator. I already called housing and they are looking for something else for us. In the meantime, I think Harm wants to start looking for something to buy...that we can make ours.”

“Guess I can’t come visit for now can I.”

“We’ll come see you every day...sometimes twice. I’ll be by around lunch time. What would you like me to bring?”

“I don’t care...”

“I’ll surprise you.”

“Okay...see you later Mac.”

“Later, Mattie.” Mac hung up the phone and then called the medical center again.

“This is Lt. Colonel Sarah Rabb, USMC. I would like to get an appointment as soon as possible with a gynecologist...female if possible.”

“I’m sorry Ma’am...the only doctors we currently have available are male. Dr. Wright can see you this afternoon around 1:30, however.”

“That would be wonderful...I was diagnosed with endometriosis and I want his opinion on whether he thinks there is any chance that I can still have children.”

“I’ll make a note of it. Do you have your records with you?”

“Yes, but I believe if you access military medical records you’ll find them under Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie...I was just married last week. My married name is Rabb.”

“Congratulations...we’ll see you at 1330 zulu then.”

Mac had unpacked enough in the kitchen and in the bedroom and bathroom to get by. She had gone to the market on the corner and purchased fresh fruits and vegetables, some basic items, like milk, coffee, flour, pasta, butter, bread, cheese eggs, salad dressings and chocolate. She returned to their residence, with her groceries and made up a salad to take to Mattie along with some chocolate. She arrived just as the nurse was removing covers from a very bland unappetizing plate of food. Mattie’s nose was wrinkled up until she saw Mac holding up lunch bags.

“Fresh salad?” Mac asked and was greeted with a sparkling smile from Mattie.

Over lunch they chatted like two people learning to be friends.

“Harm’s really big into family isn’t he?” Mattie asked.

“Yes...but isn’t having a family something important to all three of us Mattie?”

“Yeah...I guess you’re right. Think we can pull it off?”

“You know, I have this concern that in some ways we are all so much alike that we’re going to struggle to open up to each other...we all think we have to be strong and forget sometimes its okay to lean on someone else.” Mac gently told Mattie.

“I know...but Harm says that he wants to set a good example for me and that it pushes him to think about what he does or doesn’t do and how he says things. Maybe that’s all we need to keep us going,” Mattie suggested with a smile.

“Sometimes he surprises me with how wise he is.” Mac smiled at Mattie, suddenly feeling the beginnings of a real bond developing between them.

1330 Zulu

Dr. Wright’s Office

Military Medical Facility

London, England

“Colonel Rabb?” asked the sandy haired, freckle faced doctor that entered the examination room where Mac waited dressed in nothing but a hospital gown.

“Yes...You are Dr. Wright?”

“Yes Ma’am...and I’m older then I look as my nineteen years in the military before I reserved would attest to.” The youthful appearing doctor smiled trying to put Mac at ease.

“My apologies, doctor.” Mac smiled sheepishly for making assumptions.

“None needed. I’ve looked over your records from Dr. Chen. I’m familiar with her. I understand you want a second opinion?”

“Yes sir.”

“Well, I’ve seen the pictures that are in your file from a year ago when you had the laparoscopy. Based on those before and after pictures, I’m concerned that no attempt was made at that time to treat your ovaries or fallopian tubes. Are you having any pain or discomfort now at any time?”

“None until this past weekend...my husband and I tried a different position and I had pain - the first time since the procedures I’ve already undergone.”

“Has the discomfort or pain continued?” asked Dr. Wright as he made notes.

“No.”

“As I’m sure you may already know, the more well endowed your husband is, the more likely you would have discomfort during intercourse. The fact that it only happens in certain positions could be a positive sign that it is controlled. I’m going to use an ultra sound to look at your ovaries and tubes. It should tell me enough to make a decision on our course of action.”

Mac relaxed on the table while the doctor used the cold gel on her lower stomach and took pictures of her reproductive organs. He showed her on the monitor the areas that were effected. Her left tube was blocked at the opening but not fully compromised as he had first read in the report. Her ovary on that side, was actually ovulating as they watched. Mac was fascinated at what she saw but didn’t process what it all meant as they watched.

On the right side, the tube was more fully involved as was the ovary. He uterus showed only one area where the endometriosis was present. It’s location explained why the position they had tried was uncomfortable.

After an internal exam as well that was somewhat uncomfortable, the doctor instructed Mac to get dressed and promised to be back with a plan of action within fifteen minutes.

Mac was dressed and eagerly waiting for his return when he knocked and waited for her permission to enter.

“I think I have the news you want to hear Colonel...”

“I can get pregnant?” Mac interrupted him to ask.

“With another procedure I would say your chances will improve from Dr. Chen’s five percent estimate to close to a fifty percent chance. How does that sound?”

“Fantastic! What needs to be done and when?”

“You will need to be hospitalized for two or three days. We’ll go in and clean out the fallopian tubes. While not life threatening...we can do it with an epideral if you insist...you will have some discomfort afterwards and we want to make sure you don’t show signs of infection and are healing before we let you go home. You would be out of work about a week. Is this something you want to go ahead with?”

“Yes!”

“Nurse Morse...could you check my surgical schedule and see when we can fit Mrs. Rabb in?”

“Yes sir...Sir?”

“Yes Nurse?”

“You have a cancellation for Friday.”

“Colonel?”

“Friday will be fine.” Mac took the instruction sheet the doctor gave her and left the medical facility feeling like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The miracle of birth was still a possibility after all. She decided to head home to wait for Harm and to tell him the good news.

1720 Zulu

Rabb Residence

London England

Harm quietly opened the door and locked it behind him. He turned just in time to see Mac launch herself at him, her arms wrapped around his neck and her legs wrapped around his legs, as she kissed him on his lips, his eyes and all over his face. He couldn’t help laugh at her attack on him.

Between kisses, he asked her the burning question. “To...what...do I...owe this....pleasure?”

“Let’s see...I missed you...I have good news...and I love you...and I missed you...” Mac kept kissing him between her reasons. “Come sit down with me.” Mac led him to the couch and held his hands as she turned toward him. “I got in to see a doctor today...Dr. Wright. He said that I need to have another procedure done and I’ll be in the hospital for two or three days...but if it works I have a fifty-fifty chance of being able to get pregnant!”

“Oh Mac! That is great news...are you sure you want to go through surgery?”

“Yes...and Harm...I go in to have it done Friday.”

“Friday? This Friday?” Harm sat back looking a little thunder struck.

“He had a cancellation. Is it a problem?”

“No...I’m just surprised how soon they got you in.”

“There’s one other thing Harm...”

“What’s that Mac?”

“I want you to go to work as usual on Friday. Come see me afterwards. I won’t be able to see you and I probably won’t be awake until later in the afternoon anyway. You need to be busy so you don’t freak out.”

“Mac...”

“Please don’t argue with me on this one.”

Harm nodded and then changed the subject. “Did you go see Mattie today?”

“Yes. I called her this morning. Then I took her lunch and I told her we’d be back tonight. How’d your first day go?”

“Gunny’s here. He looks great. He said it was time to take a break. I sent him to get settled and told him to report back tomorrow. Meg and Jen are due in tomorrow.”

Mac waited until Harm changed into civilian clothes and then together they went to see Mattie. She was tired but gave a valiant effort to stay awake and talk to them. Her spirits seemed good which helped Harm relax. She couldn’t fight it any longer. Mattie was barely aware of Harm and Mac tucking her in and touching their lips to her forehead before they left.

Hand in hand Harm and Mac quietly left Mattie sound asleep by 1930 Zulu. They returned to their apartment and unpacked a few more items, including Mac’s desktop computer and the printer. While Harm worked on that, Mac disappeared.

When he was done, Harm headed for the bathroom and couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face. Mac was soaking in what use to be a bubble bath, sound asleep with her head on the high back of the old claw foot tub.

“Mac? Wake up, Honey...we need to get you out of the tub.” Harm spoke gently and caressed her arm where it rested on the top edge of the tub.

“Harm?”

“Yeah, its me.”

“I fell asleep. I was just going to soak a few minutes.”

“Its okay.” He reached for the towel and held it up for her, carefully wrapping it around her and lifting her out of the tub after she stood up. “Let’s dry you off and get you into bed.”

“You coming too?”

“Yes...I’m exhausted. Need any help?”

“No. I’m crawling in just like this,” Mac informed him.

Harm nodded as he took off his clothes and draped them on the foot of the bed. He climbed into bed naked as well. He loved to feel her skin against his where ever they touched.

0600 Zulu

Rabb Residence

London, England

“Harm? Captain Rabb...don’t make me do the drill sargent thing...wake-up okay...” Mac watched her husband’s eyes flicker but they stayed closed. She scooted closer to him and let her hand wander across his bare chest. She loved to feel the soft silky hair that was scattered across his chest. She watched him carefully and saw a smile curve his lips although his eyes remained closed. “Harm...you didn’t want to be late for work.” Letting her fingers trace the ridge of his rib cage, she felt him twitch and knew she had found that spot that was ticklish. Touching it again she heard his voice rumble deep in his chest.

“You’re playing with fire Mac...I will have to take revenge if you tickle me there again.”

“Open your eyes and I’ll stop,” she said poised to tickle him again.

“I’m warning you Mac...tickling me is a declaration of war.” Harm grumbled.

“Then open your eyes.” Mac grinned as she touched the sensitive spot again. In a swift move that even took Mac by surprised, he had sprung up, flipped her under him and trapped her between his body and the bed, her hands trapped above her head.

“I tried to warn you...” Harm grinned down into her surprised face, now fully awake.

“That was so not fair, Squid! You were sandbagging me again,” Mac said as she attempted to pout.

“I was not...but you were warned.” Harm was still smiling as he nuzzled her neck and placed light kisses on the places he could reach with his lips that he had learned to be some of her erogenous zones. Hearing her attempt to stifle the little sound she made when he pushed all the right buttons, he allowed himself to chuckle. “Give it up Marine...I’ve got your number.”

Mac succumbed to his considerable charms at that point and her own burst of laughter prompted him to join her. Rolling to one side so as not to smother or hurt her, Harm watched her. He had always loved to watch her laugh. For so long he had only wanted to make her happy and had failed. To know he had induced this bout of laughter warmed his soul. “I love to see you happy like this...there was a time I thought that I would never be the one to make you laugh or smile again.”

“Harm you’ve made me happy more times then you know...I was just to stubborn to let on.”

“But I hurt you too many times...it doesn’t seem to balance out, yet you agreed to marry me...reserve your commission...relocate...take on Mattie’s care with me...” Harm started listing off the sacrifices he felt Mac had made so that he could take the Captain’s billet and the career boost by coming to London.

“Harm, it was time. I’m glad I can still serve, but I decided that I want to give all I can to being a wife and having a family. I’ve envied Harriet for a long time. Dr. McCool help me to see that I’ve got to create opportunities in order to have my dream...so, take this as a warning to you Sailor...I expected your full cooperation if you meant what you said about having a baby with me. It could get rough at times especially if I have to go on hormone therapy...but yesterday’s appointment and the second opinion has given me more hope then I’ve had in awhile. If it works, we may be able to do this on our own. My left ovary was ovulating yesterday...we could see the egg breaking out of the ovary on the ultra sound. The tube looked blocked thought so it probably won’t happen yet. Once we get the clearance after surgery, the more we try the better our chances...right?”

“Sounds sensible to me...and enjoyable. And you, a Marine, call this rough duty? Don’t make Marines the way they use to.” Harm was grinning and letting his eyes wander over her body suggestively as he reached out to slide his hand up her leg.

“Considering that we should get up and get ready for work....I think you’d better put that thought on hold.” Mac’s voice was breathy as she spoke.

“Okay...on one condition...”

“That we resume this tonight? Of course Sailor,” Mac responded.

CHAPTER 3

May 10

0750 Zulu

Force Judge Advocate’s Office

London, England

Captain Rabb entered his office on North Audley Street just across from the American Embassy with Mac in uniform at his side. He was excited about showing her his office. Unlike JAG Headquarters in Washington DC, this office was on the ground floor. They made their way down the corridor past the check points until reaching the reception area outside his office where Petty Office Danny Unger was explaining his system to Petty Officer Jennifer Coates. Harm listened for a moment before Jen looked up and saw him leaning on the door jam.

“Good morning Captain Rabb and Colonel Rabb. May I offer my congratulations?”

“Thank you, Coates,” Mac smiled.

“Good Morning and welcome to London. Did you beat PO Unger in this morning?” Harm asked knowing how early Jen use to arrive at Creswell’s office in the morning.

“No sir...he was about fifteen seconds in ahead of me. I’ll do better after the jet lag wears off,” Jen smiled before looking at Harm pointedly and asking, “Is there anything you need right now, sir?”

“I’m fine. I’m expecting Gunnery Sargent Galindez and please let me know when Commander Austin arrives.”

“Gunny’s in his office, sir,” PO Unger spoke up. He arrived about thirty seconds after we did.”

“Very well...carry on. Shall we say hello to Gunny first?” Harm asked Mac. At her nod he directed her back to the hall and then to Gunny’s office. Mac followed Harm as he rapped on the door casing surrounding the open door.

“Morning Gunny.”

“Morning Captain...Colonel!” Gunny came to attention.

“At ease, Gunny. How are you?” Mac asked as she approached him to give hi a quick hug.

“I’m well Ma’am...glad to be in for awhile.”

“Gunny, aren’t you due a promotion soon?” Mac asked as she glanced back and forth between the two men.

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Well, they’re fools if they don’t grant it to you.”

“Thank you Ma’am. Have you met General Langley yet?” Gunny asked.

“Not yet. In thirty-eight minutes I will. Do you know him?”

“We met once a long time ago...he was a Major then. Very squared away Ma’am. I think you’ll like him.”

“That’s good to know. I’ll see you around Gunny. Harm, you’d better show me your office while we still have time or it will need to wait until later.”

“Yes Ma’am...Gunny, meet me in my office in thirty minutes. We’ll go over the things I have for you so far.”

Mac and Harm returned to his office. She was impressed with the space. It was lighter, airier then the office in Washington, without the heavy wood paneling. Instead the light beige walls and the large windows gave it a more open feeling. The Navy blue curtains would shut out the sun if it was needed. Harm’s office was filled with furniture in a lighter wood, maybe ash, and the industrial carpet was low pile with flecks of beige, blue and gray.

Mac had a feeling that Harm would want the view of outside to help combat the restrictions he would face in his new position. He wouldn’t get to fly much anymore, although now he had qualified on F-18's there would be times he might get a ride.

“Very nice, Captain. Looks like this place was recently redecorated.”

“They tell me my predecessor had it done over about two years ago. I can live with it. I’ll save my redecorating for when we find our own place.”

“Good plan...We could start looking on the internet tonight maybe and see what’s out there, after we get back from our visit with Mattie.”

“Good plan...unless something comes up before then...” Harm wiggled his eyebrows hoping Mac would get his meaning. Her blush told him she did.

“I should throw you a traffic light, Captain.”

“If you did it would be green so why bother?” Harm teased back.

“I need to go.” Mac kissed him lightly before she made her way to the door.

“If you can, come back and have lunch with me.”

“I’ll try Harm.”

He watched her leave and then began reviewing the paperwork accumulated on his desk. The difference between this position and the JAG at headquarters, is that he would still be litigating - mostly prosecution. In addition he would be guiding and advising the legal staff in all of Europe and Southwest Asia - meaning Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the general area where the conflict raged today. Most of his interactions would be from this office. It was fitted with state of the art telecommunication systems and computer technology. It was one of the reasons that Meg was such a suitable choice as his assistant.

<Captain Rabb, Commander Austin to see you sir.> Jennifer Coates voice came over the intercom system.

“Send her in.” Harm got up and approached the door to greet Commander Austin. He opened the door and welcomed his former partner. “At ease Commander. Come on it and have a seat.” He shut the door and turned to face Meg again. “Good to see you again, Meg.”

“You too sir.”

“Relax Meg. In here I’m Harm. I’m glad you accepted this assignment.”

“Why sir?”

“Why?”

“Why are you glad I accepted? Why did you choose me?” Meg asked her face still a mask as to what she was thinking and feeling. This was not what Harm had expected.

“I asked for you Commander Austin because you are a hell of a lawyer and an investigator and you have a strong technology background that I need in an executive officer. I’m glad you accepted because I thought it meant you were as pleased to be working with me again as I am to be working with you.” Harm watched her and saw her visibly relaxed.

“Thank you Harm,” she smiled at him then.

“Meg what was this really all about?” Harm asked puzzled.

“Nothing...”

“Spill it Meg.”

“I was recently working a case with a Lt. Vukovic. Name ring a bell?” Meg asked.

“Yeah...he keeps turning up...hopefully not here in London. What’s he got to do with this?”

“He was telling me that the JAG had sent you and your partner in opposite directions and that you were looking for a female to take her place...and he didn’t just mean at work.”

“Sounds like him. Obviously he wasn’t privy to the rumor mill or the latest gossip.”

“Creswell didn’t separate you from your partner?”

“Yes he assigned Mac, her nickname, to San Diego but we had other plans...she reserved her commission and married me.” Harm grinned at Meg’s expression.

“You’re married?”

“Yes. And we have an ‘adopted’ daughter.” They had decided to just refer to Mattie that way. It was easier then explaining that she was their ward.

“Wow!”

“You’ll meet my wife later.”

“I look forward to meeting the woman that tamed you Rabb. She’s got to be something.”

“She is. She gave up her career with JAG, reserved her commission and ended up assigned to General Langley with Judiciary. She’ll also be legal advisory to the ambassador here in London...Lt. Colonel Sarah ‘Mac’ Mackenzie Rabb...a judge.”

“Isn’t that the Marine that Admiral Chegwidden brought in when I rotated out?”

“That’s the one. I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel for her...and I don’t think I’ll ever feel this way about anyone else. It took us nine years to decide that what we had was special and unique and real and that no matter what we tried to tell ourselves or our significant others, what we had was stronger, deeper and longer lasting then what we had with them. They all recognized it and moved on. We both felt it but never seemed to be on the same page at the same time.”

“And she married you after putting up with you that long...nine years?” Meg grinned loving to tease him.

“Yes. I’m not that bad, you know.”

“If you say so. And you have a daughter?”

“Yes. She’s in the Military Rehabilitation Center right now.”

“What happened?”

“She was in a plane crash. It was touch a go for awhile but they are feeling that she’ll be able to make it back all the way. When she gets tired she sometimes mixes up her words, or gets confused, but otherwise no permanent brain damage and the physical stuff she should get back with some work. She was hoping to start at the Academy in another year, but it may be two years now.”

“How old is she?” Meg asked a little confused.

“Sixteen.”

“I pictured you with a little girl...maybe four or five...not a teenager.”

“What can I say? We found each other when neither of us had anyone to count on. She got me through some tough times and I’ve tried to be there for her. Wait until you meet her.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Have you found your quarters?” Harm smoothly changed the subject.

“Yes thank you. I’m in an apartment a couple of blocks from here and I understand that several Americans are housed there by the military.”

“Over on Green Street?” Harm asked.

“Yes.”

“Then it looks like we’re neighbors. We have unit six. It’s an upstairs unit that won’t work for our daughter. It’s only temporary for us.”

“Yeah...I’m in unit three. I haven’t decided if I’ll look outside the city or not. For now its convenient.”

  Once we get settled and we see how Mattie is doing, we may look for something outside the city, but if it we don’t need to, then we’ll stay put...maybe fix it up a little...modernize it some.”

“Hey what about Lt. Roberts? Did he get the position to assist you?”

“Yes...and he went to law school, got married, has four children, served as JAG on the Patrick Henry and then ended up losing a leg in Afghanistan. He’s doing great and made Lt. Commander last year. I had asked Bud about serving as my XO, but he chose to stay in Washington and is now senior attorney on the General’s staff.”

“That’s great. I always liked Bud.”

“Well, we’ll have a lot of chances to catch up on things. Why don’t I have the Petty Officer show you around and let you get settled into your office. I’ve left some files in your office for you to review. I’d like you to meet with each of the other the staff that I’ve assigned to you and be prepared to give me your take on each one’s strengths and weaknesses in investigations and the court room by next Monday. If possible observe them in the courtroom and watch them during witness interviews. Any questions?”

“None for now sir.”

“Great.”

Commander Austin left his office and shortly after, Gunny arrived.

“Have a seat Gunny. Are you settled in on Green Street?”

“No sir, next street over...North Row...and yes I am settled for now.”

“Excellent. I have two cases for you to get started with. Let me know what you find out.”

“You sir?”

“Yes Gunny. As Force JAG I have to evaluate and run this office and I need an investigator I can count on if I’m to litigate cases too. You’re my investigator.”

“Yes sir. I assumed I would be doing mostly research like I did for the Admiral and you in Washington...I didn’t realize how different the job was.”

“Does it still interest you Gunny?”

“Yes sir. Even more now then before.”

“Good. The Petty Officer will make sure you have what you need in your office. I’ll see you later and introduce you to Commander Austin. Dismissed.”

Harm spent the remainder of the morning reviewing files, dropping in and observing court in session, and then meeting with the two petty officers to hear their transition plan.

“I’d like permission to take Petty Officer Coates over to the satellite offices at RAF West Ruislip. She should also learn to drive to some of the common destinations she may be required to go, even though you have access to a driver.”

“I’ll need to visit West Ruislip soon as well, but I think I’d better to tend to business here first. Later today would be fine for your field trip,” Harm informed PO Unger.

“Very well sir.”

“PO Coates...If you aren’t busy later this afternoon or early evening, there’s a young lady at the Rehabilitation Center that would love to see you.”

“Yes sir. How she’s doing? I hope the travel wasn’t too much for her.”

“She was pretty tired, but other then that has done very well. Oh and you should know she’s had her name legally changed.”

“The judge agreed?” asked Coates.

“You knew she was planning that?” Harm acted somewhat surprised at this news.

“Yes, sir...she had mentioned it. I thought you knew she wanted to just go by Mattie Grace.”

“Coates...she changed her name to Rabb.”

“Oh! That I didn’t know.”

“Talk to you later...Dismissed.” Harm smiled at the bewildered look Jen tossed him at his disclosure just before she exited his office.

Minutes Later

FJA Outer Office

London, England

“You’ve known the Captain for a long time, huh?” PO Unger asked Jen as she put away the last file as he had directed.

“Almost four years. At first he was my lawyer, and then he became...my hero. I did my time and then got a chance to serve on a carrier with another officer from JAG that I met when I met the Captain...when he was only a Captain. When he was hurt, Colonel Rabb ended up taking the billet TAD until a replacement came out. When the replacement had to leave, she came back again for a couple of weeks. By then I had served my tour and was up for a new assignment. Colonel Rabb convinced Admiral Chegwidden to give me a shot at JAG Headquarters. When the Admiral’s yeoman left, he gave me a shot at it. When he retired, General Creswell kept me on. I had requested a San Diego billet with Colonel Rabb...but then she reserved her commission and so Captain Rabb asked me to come here.” Jen watched the expressions on the Petty Officer’s face as she explained their history.

“You know his daughter?” asked Unger.

“Yes...she was my roommate the first time she came to live with Captain Rabb...in the apartment next door to him.” Jen hastened to add in an attempt to clarify that information so that he didn’t think anything awkward had happened between them. “She’s like a younger sister to me.”

“And is Captain Rabb your father-figure?” asked Unger with a touch of sarcasm evident in his voice.

“No...I respect him as an officer and outside of work I suppose he would be the big brother I never had...and Colonel Rabb is like an older sister.”

“Yeah...sure...if you say so.”

“I say so. I suggest you drop this like of questioning and get back to the job at hand. It’s getting close to lunch time. Shall we take a staggered shift so that one of us is here?” Jen suggested.

“Fine. You can eat in the cafeteria or bring a lunch...some people buy lunch at a street vendor outside. Guess that’s why they call this section “Little America. Are you sure you can handle this on your own?” Unger asked.

“If I can’t, then you didn’t do a very good job orienting me to the office.” Jen watched him grab his things and head out the door.

1214 Zulu

FJA Office

London, England

Harm had returned to his desk and the files after Coates and Unger had left his office. He became so absorbed in what he was doing that he lost track of time. A tap on his door alerted him to his company.

“Hey! You made it.” Harm looked up to see Mac entering his office, a smile on her face. “So what did you think of General Langley and the Ambassador?”

“Both seem to be fair and reasonable men. I explained to them about needing the time off Friday for a medical procedure. They took it well...just before they outlined my schedule for this week.” Mac smiled as she sat across from Harm’s desk. I have to go back at 1400 today to sit in on a meeting with the Ambassador.

“Tomorrow morning I fly to Rota for an article 32 hearing on a DOD charge against a seamen on a submarine. I should be home tomorrow night but I’ll take a bag, just in case. Thursday afternoon I will meet at the Embassy with the Ambassador to review some proposed policies he wants to implement. Then while I am recuperating, the both have files or cases they want me to review and determine if further action needs to be taken. When I get clearance to return, General Langley wants to meet with you and me together. He wants to discuss with us whether anyone could construe undue influence if I was to handle cases in Great Britain.”

“Wow...sounds like you have had an eventful morning. Hang on a minute. I want you to meet someone before we take a lunch break.” He picked up the phone on his desk. “Coates, could you have Commander Austin join us please? Thanks.”

“Enter...at ease Meg. Commander Meg Austin...this is my wife and former JAG partner, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie Rabb.”

“Nice to meet you Colonel.” Meg reached out to shake hands with Mac.

“Please call me Mac.” Mac looked at the tall blonde that had been Harm’s partner before her and was his assistant now. A part of her found herself sizing up whether or not this woman would be competition.

“Thanks, Mac...I’m Meg. I understand we are neighbors for now.”

“Green Street?”

“Yes - unit three.”

“We hope to find something outside the city - but not too far away.”

“I may do that also eventually. Depends how long it looks like I’ll be here.” Meg shot Harm a look that dared him to comment on that. He chose to ignore it.

“Shall we go have lunch Mac?” Harm asked, sensing this conversation was not going as well as he had hoped.

“Permission to leave, sir.”

“Granted Commander.” Harm watched Meg walk out of his office, head up, back ramrod straight. “Hey, Mac...I checked on the Gunny’s promotion. He’s got E-8 sewed up. Looks like we’ll be calling him Master Sargent soon.”

“We might even have to remember his name,” chuckled Mac. “Sometimes I forget that Gunny isn’t his name.”

“I know...What would you like for lunch?” Harm asked.

“I saw a little café nearby. Can we go there?” Mac asked.

“Your wish is my command.”

“I like that idea...I’ll have to think of some good commands...its not every day an O5 gets to command an O6,” Mac laughed.

Harm smiled as he escorted his wife out of the building. They both wore their new ID tags proudly as they proceeded to the café that Mac had spotted two blocks away that morning.

As they ordered, they noticed other military personnel coming and going and figured it was a good sign that the food was good.

Mac knew that Harm was watching her intently, had since they were leaving his office. “What?” she asked finally.

“I liked hearing you laugh earlier.” Harm smiled. The draw back to them both being in uniform was that it limited their physical contact.

“You said that once before...I never realized that I didn’t laugh around you that much...I guess because I was so focused on not letting you in...I just shut down. I’m sorry Harm.”

“It’s okay...now. I knew that Clay made you laugh at times...and so did Bud and Harriet. I’m just glad that I’m making you happy now.”

“Do you think we’ll ever heal all the old wounds, Harm?” Mac asked quietly just as the waitress arrived with their ice tea.

“Yes. I think we can. Each time we talk we seem to put another ghost to rest without hurting each other more. Or am I wrong?” Harm asked.

“No...you’re not wrong. It feels like some weight is lifted from my soul each time we clear up some little thing that went wrong between us before. Maybe if we tried to tackle everything at once, it wouldn’t feel as right. This way, its like we reminisce and then something pops up so we deal with it. I don’t feel attacked or like I need to attack you.”

“Then let me ask you something...what was that I sensed between you and Meg?” Harm squinted his eyes a little while he watched her process his question and think about what he might have been alluding to.

As the conversation reran itself in her mind she started to grin. “I felt a little jealous I guess,” Mac sheepishly admitted.

“You did?” Harm asked, pausing to watch her nod before he continued. “You have no reason to be jealous of Meg. If anything, she’s like a kid sister.”

“Yeah, but that’s how you use to treat me too,” Mac reminded him.

“Do you doubt the truth of what I said that night in the loft...when you came to see me?” Harm asked.

“You mean that you don’t think you’ll ever feel about anyone else the way you feel about me?” Mac repeated his words back to him.

“Exactly. Do you believe me?” Harm pressed.

“Yes,” Mac answered with a sigh. “Harm jealousy doesn’t really always have a rhyme or reason. I am jealous that Meg will be working side by side with you everyday...like I use to.”

“Mac...first of all , Meg and I won’t be working any more side by side then you did with Creswell. I’m her commanding officer and she’ll have her assigned tasks. I’ll spend more time with Gunny and Coates, then I will Meg. Second, I won’t be asking her to go with me to military function, like I use to ask you...and still will. And finally, I won’t come home to her at night. It’s you that I lay side by side with in our bed, making love and holding you in middle of the night.” Harm saw the shine of tears in her eyes and the smile on her face.

“I love you too, Harm.”

“And we have plans later, right?”

“Visiting Mattie?”

“Yes...but after that.”

“Checking for available real estate?” Mac continued.

“After that...You know exactly what I’m talking about Marine,” Harm finally laughed as he saw her eyes crinkle at the corners with laughter.

1705 Zulu

FJA Office

London, England

“Sir...Colonel Rabb is here.”

“Thank you Coates. Will you call Corporal Ruiz and let him know that I’ll be ready to go in about ten minutes...and tell the Colonel to come in.” Harm disconnected the call as he started to pack up his brief case. “Hey! How did your afternoon go?”

“It was great. The Ambassador’s meeting was interesting and challenging. I think I need to brush up on my international law...I didn’t realize how much I had relied on you for that,” Mac admitted.

“What do you think about going right over to see Mattie now. She was so tired last night, we didn’t get to visit much. I talked to her earlier and she said she had a good day but she’s tired again tonight.”

“I know...I called her about half and hour after you did, she said. I think it’s a good idea. Should we invite Coates to join us?” Mac asked Harm.

“You can...you’re not her commanding officer. I have to remember to be careful about that. Unger reminded me of it quite bluntly today. If he hadn’t been right I would have called him on being disrespectful. The driver is on his way. Go ahead and ask her. I’ll be right out.”

Mac nodded her head in acknowledgement and then caught Coates just ready to secure. “Jennifer, we’re on our way to see Mattie. Would you like to ride with us?”

“Thank you Ma’am...but I’m going to decline. I want to go home and change first and then I’ll go see her later.”

“She’s pretty tired again tonight...don’t wait to long or she’ll be asleep when you get there.”

“Thanks for telling me. I should get there around 1900, Ma’am. Will that be too late?” Jen asked.

“That should work. Maybe we’ll see you there. Ready Harm?”

They said good-night to the other office people. Mac noticed that Harm’s staff were all acknowledged as he passed them and that he got a smile in return.

Once in the car, Harm instructed Ruiz to take them to the Rehabilitation Center and then told him to return for them around 1930 Zulu. He slid out of the car, and helped Mac to exit as well. Together they headed for the door until Harm spotted a flower vendor. He stopped to get some flowers for Mattie.

“You’re a good Dad to think of that.” Mac smiled at him as she watched him pay for his purchase.

“You awake?” Harm asked as he entered Mattie’s room holding out the flowers to her.

“Yes...for me! Thanks...here...put them in my water pitcher...then I won’t have to drink anymore of it...until they bring me a new one.” Mattie’s face had brightened when they had come into the room.

“So what did they have you do today?” Harm asked.

“They kept me busy.”

“Mattie, that’s what you said on the phone. I let you off the hook, then...but now I want details.” Harm tipped his head in the way he had that told her he wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for answer.

“Every second...all day long?” Mattie asked procrastinating.

“Give me at least an hour by hour accounting,” Harm said good naturedly.

“I was rudely awakened by Nurse What’s It shoving a plate of cold eggs under my nose and telling me I could feed myself or go hungry. I quickly informed her that I have been feeding myself and that she ought to can her attitude. Then Sylvia, the Occupational Therapist arrived. She helped me do all the personal stuff and showed me things I can do to help myself more. She asked me to take a spelling test and to write a letter to her telling her about myself...I asked her if it was homework and she said she would wait for it. Then she had me write some numbers and draw some shapes. She smiled when I finished and before she left, so I guess I did okay.”

“Will see if we can get the full report in a day or two,” Mac promised her. “What happened next?”

“I was hoping to have a nap, but Gary, the physical therapist arrived. He had me out of bed and in the wheelchair and down to the torture room without listening to a thing I said. They strapped me into this hoist thing and lifted me up so that my feet just touched the floor. They wanted me to go through the motions of walking without putting any weight on my legs or arms for now. It felt kind of weird.”

“How much feeling are you getting in your legs now?” Harm asked, knowing that when she first woke up, she had almost none, and what she had was pain.

“They taught me a scale system for reporting pain and sensation. I’ve got about thirty percent feeling in my legs right now and in the hoist I had no pain. In bed, with my legs resting against the mattress...my pain level goes from zero to three on a scale of ten.”

“That’s good, right?” Harm asked.

“Yeah...anyway...they brought me back and it was lunch time. The meal wasn’t too bad and I was hungry enough to eat. I was planning to take a nap, but I had no sooner finished lunch then Sylvia returned and we did the personal care stuff again. No school work this time. When she left, I tried to go to sleep again...”

“But I called,” said Harm.

“Yeah...but I like having you check in during the day.”

“And then I called,” Mac added.

“Yes...but that was good, too.”

“Mattie, I’m concerned about how much you want to sleep. Are you depressed about moving here...and being in rehabilitation?” Harm asked watching her face carefully.

“I’m not depressed...I had nightmares again last night,” Mattie finally admitted.

“Tell me about them.” Harm instructed.

“They don’t really wake me up...but I don’t feel rested in the morning, you know?” Mattie admitted. Harm nodded his understanding. “I dreamed about the crash. I could see the plane coming at us and couldn’t do a thing to stop it. Just before it hit us I woke up.”

“But it never went to the actual crash?” Harm asked. Mattie shook her head no. “Then I’d say its starting to fade the same way mine did. I was afraid it would be much worse putting you in a plane again. I’m glad its not.”

“I’m not afraid to fly, Dad...but I hate that feeling of not being able to control what I know is going to happen.” Mattie hadn’t even realized that she had called Harm ‘Dad’ but Mac had heard it and smiled.

“I know. It will get better though Mattie Grace.” Harm assured his daughter.

“So did you get in a nap?” Mac asked.

“No...after I talked to you Mac, Gary shows up again and massages my legs and arms and gives me exercises I can do in bed, and then others to do when I’m in the wheel chair. He left only about ten minutes before you arrived. Now I’m waiting for dinner.”

“No down time?”

“Not really.”

“And no television?” Harm asked trying to hide the grin on his face.

“Don’t rub it in,” Mattie laughed at his attempt to remind her that she could live just fine without television.

They talked while Mattie ate her dinner. They each told her some things about their day, but neither of them told her about the big surprise. Mattie did not know that Jennifer Coates was here in London. As it got closer to 1900 Zulu, Mattie was showing signs of being tired. Harm excused himself for a few minutes saying he wanted to check in with the doctor if possible. While he was gone Mac approached her to see if there was something else she wasn’t telling them.

“Mattie is there something you aren’t telling us?” Mac asked.

“Nothing...really its nothing...okay...I got to thinking today about something and I know it may be foolish...” Mattie paused and then looked at Mac in desperation. “Its been two months since I’ve had my cycle and well is it because I can’t?”

“No, Mattie, I don’t think so. Usually when a woman’s body sustains trauma like you have, the doctors will give you something to stop it until your body can handle it. You lost a lot of blood, and my guess is that between that and the difficulty you have right now doing personal care, they gave you something. We can check with the doctor if you’d like, or you can ask the nurse. Okay?”

“Yes. Thanks Mac...and Mac...please don’t say anything to Dad.”

“I think its cute when you call Harm ‘Dad’. I don’t think he even realizes how his face lights up when you call him that.”

“Really? I don’t always call him Dad...I started to refer to him that way at school because it was easier then explaining who Harm was...and then when Tom came back into the picture I had ‘Dad’ and ‘Navy Dad’ which was cool. Now...I guess I’ve allowed myself to think of Harm as my Dad again.”

“He likes it that you do.” Mac assured her.

“Mac...someday I might call you ‘Mom’ too...would that be okay?”

“I’d like it a lot. But not if you don’t want to.” Mac turned to see Harm returning to the room. “Mattie and I were just talking about how she calls you ‘Dad’ and that someday she might want to call me ‘Mom’. I told her when she’s ready it would be wonderful, but that you can’t force something like that.”

“Mac’s right, Mattie. You see, it doesn’t matter where we are; it doesn’t change who we are. You do what feels comfortable and right for you. It won’t change how much we love you,” Harm added. “When you’re ready is the best time.”

“Knock knock,” Jen called from the doorway.

“Jen! You’re here too!” Mattie’s face lit up as Jennifer Coates joined them in the now crowded room.

“Yes. We thought we’d keep it a surprise in case there was another last minute change of plans. You’re stuck with me still.” Jen grinned at her ‘little sister.’

“This is cool. Who are you stuck with?” asked Mattie, knowing it could put Jen in an awkward position.

“No one...I’m going to be Captain Rabb’s yeoman, but I’m not stuck with him.” Jen grinned at Mattie acknowledging her attempt to embarrass her as sisters tend to do.

“We’ll leave the two of you to your girl talk,” Harm said as he stood up. “Jen, I’ll see you in the morning. Mattie, I’ll call you tomorrow and we’ll be by again tomorrow evening.”

“Night Dad.” Mattie held her face up for his kiss. He carefully hugged her and brushed his lips across her forehead. Mac stepped up next and did the same thing.

“I’ll call you tomorrow too.”

“Night Mac...I love you guys.” Mattie called as they left her room.

“So, tell me about the wedding!” Jen said to Mattie when they were alone.

“It was nice...small, but really nice. Mac was so beautiful and Harm...well they are so much in love and so happy...you should have seen them. They both had goofy smiles on their faces all the time.”

“Really?”

“Yeah...and Harm’s mother is cool. I stayed with her for a few days while Harm and Mac got away for a little honeymoon. I think they’re going to try and have a baby right away...at least his mother thinks they will.”

“What about his step-father?” Jen asked.

“Frank? He’s nice...busy, but very nice. I was comfortable with him. They live in this house that over looks the Pacific ocean. You could see the sky and ocean behind them when they said their vows. Bud and Harriet came out for the wedding,” Mattie told Jen.

“I know. Mike, Bud’s brother, and I took turns watching the four little ones.” Jen told her.

“ That’s why you didn’t come?”

“That and the fact I was trying to get packed to move here.”

“I’m so glad you are here.” Mattie told Jen. They talked another half hour before Mattie could hardly keep her eyes opened. Jen said good night then and headed back to North Street to her assigned quarters.

CHAPTER 4

May 13

0700 Zulu

Rabb Residence

London, England

“Mac, I wish you’d let me come with you to the hospital.” Harm stated again.

“I know you do...but you promised,” Mac reminded him.

“Will you at least let me drop you off?” Harm asked.

“Yes. You can do that...Wait!”

“What is it?” Harm asked in alarm.

“I need you to hold me for just a minute...please?” Mac asked letting Harm know that she may be determined but she needed him still.

“Come here....” Harm took her in his arms and held her, kissing the top of her head as she snuggled against him. “I love you...no matter what. I’ll check in on you when I get there, and then go report to Mattie, before I come back to spend the evening with you. No arguments on that point, Mac.”

“No arguments.” She eased herself from his arms again and looked up at him. “I love you too Harm...and this is so I can fulfill the promise I made to you years ago...even if it’s a little late. There’s not much I can give you that’s special...but I know that giving you a child is something that we both want. It will tie us together forever.”

“As long as you know that you are what is the most important to me. If I had to choose between you and having our child...I would choose you. Just remember that, Mac.”

“I will. Let’s go. We can’t have you late.”

Together they got into the car and Corporal Ruiz made the now familiar trip only going to the Medical Facility entrance this time. After one kiss, that lingered a little longer then military protocol allows, Mac got out of the car and waved them away. She took a deep breath and turned toward the office where she would be admitted and then prepped for surgery.

1430 Zulu

FJA Office

London, England

Jen watched as the Captain stared out the window again, lost in thought. He had told her the third time she caught him drifting off that morning what was on his mind. She had called every hour after that to see if Mac was still in surgery or back to her room. Finally, she had news. Knowing he was getting nothing done, she quietly approached. He had not responded to her knock. Now that she was closer she cleared her throat.

“I just got word from the Medical Center sir. Colonel Rabb is out of surgery and should be back in her room soon. I called Ruiz, sir...he’s on his way to pick you up now.”

“Thanks, Coates,” Harm turned and smiled at her thoughtfulness. “I guess I might as well go. I’m not getting a thing done here.”

“That’s what I thought, sir.”

“Have a good weekend, Coates.”

“Yes, sir. Best wishes to the Colonel.”

“Thanks again.”

Harm took the time to change into civilian attire. He did not want to have to worry about protocol tonight. Once he had changed into the tan slacks and the blue and tan striped shirt, he made his way to his car and driver. He rode in silence thinking about his Lexus that he had decided at the last minute to ship over. His Corvette was stored in San Diego by Frank. Mac had sold her Corvette. They had decided the Lexus was more serviceable for them here and Harm had kept it in good condition. They still planned to use public transportation and Harm’s driver but they knew they would want to explore on their own and the Lexus would be the means to do that..

“Thank you Corporal. You have a nice weekend. I’ll see you Monday morning.”

“Yes sir. Thank you sir. Don’t you want me to pick you up later, sir?”

“Not tonight, Corporal. I’ll stay here or take public transportation. Dismissed.”

“Aye-aye, sir.” Corporal Ruiz watched the Captain get out of the car and enter the Medical Facility. He decided it was true, no matter where you went, your troubles followed. He liked this new Captain...and his beautiful wife, the Marine colonel. He decided he was lucky having this assignment. They always greeted him and thanked him, unlike the other guy. He could never make that guy happy.

Ruiz had planned to request a transfer when he overheard that there would soon be a new Captain. Now he was glad he had held out. When he wasn’t driving the Captain and Colonel, he was able to work in the office, running errands, running copies, filing, and other mundane stuff. It allowed him to serve his country and be safe. Something that was important to him. Now, that he had learned he was to become a father. He no longer craved the excitement and challenge of war. While he had been angry when he was first given this assignment, it suited his purposes now.

1515 Zulu

Military Medical Facility

London, England

“Excuse me. Could you tell me where I can find Colonel Rabb’s room?”

“Colonel Rabb? Let’s see...I don’t see a Colonel...wait, would that be Sarah Rabb?”

“Yes.”

“She’s resting comfortably in room 410...down the hall, take your second left and it’s the first door on the right.”

“Thank you.” Harm hurried down the hall to find 410. The door was open and Mac was laying there, her eyes closed...until she heard his footstep.

“Hey...you’re early.”

“I know...I couldn’t concentrate and Jen called to find out when you were being brought to your room so I could get here as soon as possible. How you feel?” Harm asked as he dropped a light kiss on her cool lips.

“Hopeful.”

“That’s good then. You’ve seen the doctor?” Harm asked.

“Not yet. He told me before I went under that the more difficult the procedure the more pain I would have when I woke up.”

“And the pain...using the scale, I assume?” Harm asked.

“About a five...and I’ve only been awake about half an hour. Dr. Wright should be here any time.”

“Are you warm enough Mac?”

“Yeah...why?”

“Your lips were cool when I touched them.”

“Typical after surgery,” said the strange man in response to Harm’s question.

“Harm, this is Dr. Wright...This is my husband, Captain Harmon Rabb Jr.”

The two men shook hands.

“Well Sarah, I think you’re going to have a much improved chance at a pregnancy...and no pain during the process now. We removed some tissue that had previously been missed or that was returning. The left tube was blocked at the opening, but the tube itself was not fully closed beyond that blockage. The right tube, was fully blocked, but we were able to open it enough I think. How long it will remain open is yet to be determined.”

“Does this mean she can get pregnant now?” Harm asked.

“It means she’s got a fifty-fifty chance, Captain.” Dr. Wright explained.

“When can I go home?” Mac asked.

“Pain scale?” Dr. Wright queried.

“About a five.”

“Not bad. Let’s see how you are in the morning. If your body’s systems wake up okay and your pain is still manageable in the morning, I might be able to let you go home tomorrow afternoon. If I do, you’ll need to return for a check-up on Monday or Tuesday to make sure there is no sign of infection.”

“Thanks Dr, Wright.”

“Your welcomed. Captain, she’s going to need some rest. Make this visit brief and come back again later after she had slept.”

“Yes sir.”

When the doctor left them alone again, Harm held her hand and smiled into her sleepy eyes. “Go to sleep Mac. I’ll wait until you’re asleep and then I’ll go see Mattie. I’ll be back later.”

“Love you...” Mac murmured before falling asleep.

Harm watched her, quietly holding her hand. He knew Mac well enough to know that she was notorious for having delayed reactions. When they had flown in the Tomcat, she had walked across the tarmac chatting all the way, before her knees finally buckled on her. Then when she had been rescued in Paraguay, it was business as usual, until things caught up with her when Sadik reappeared and she had been the one to take care of the matter herself. If she ran true to form, she would feel worse when she woke, up then she had when she fell asleep. He hoped he was wrong.

1600 Zulu

Mattie’s Room

Rehabilitation Center

London, England

“Hey Mattie...how was your day?” Harm asked as he rounded the corner and stepped into Mattie’s room. She was sitting up in bed writing.

“Hi Harm...How’s Mac?”

“She’s sleeping right now. She told me that her pain was at a five on the scale...I’m afraid it will be worse when she wakes up...she sometimes has a delayed reaction,” Harm explained.

“Are you going to see her later?” Mattie asked.

“Yes...so how was your day?” Harm asked again.

“More of the same...but I’m not as tired tonight.”

“That’s a good sign. You think having Jen visit has anything to do with it?” Harm asked Mattie with a crooked smile.

“Maybe...” Mattie hedged.

“Its okay Mattie...Mac and I understand...I don’t know too many teenagers that would rather talk to their parents then to another young person. I’d be more worried if you wanted us over Jen.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Then you wouldn’t be upset if I told you I was writing a letter to Kevin?” Mattie shyly asked.

“Kevin would be the boyfriend from Blacksburg, I take it...I guess letter writing is safe enough.”

“Thanks Dad...”

“For letting you write to a boy?”

“Yeah...for not freaking out over it.” Mattie gave him a sheepish look.

“I’ll save my energy for when I really need to worry...you’re chaperoned here, young lady,” Harm reminded her, “And there’s an ocean between the two of you.” Harm smiled making sure that there was no sting in his words. He wanted this girl safe but he also wanted her to have a life.

“Harm?” Mattie prepared to pose another question. At his nod she continued, “Have the doctor’s said anything about me being able to leave here for a few hours once in awhile?”

“Like weekend liberty?” Harm’s voice was gentle as he heard the longing in Mattie’s voice.

“Yeah, I guess.”

“No, he hasn’t said anything to me about it. What did you have in mind?” Harm asked.

“Jen was telling me about some of the places she’s gone. I was thinking that I could just as easily visit some of the sights in a wheel chair. I’d settle for getting out for a few hours a couple of times a week to start with.”

“Mattie, I know exactly how it feels to be cooped up when you are recovering from injuries. It’s not fun...but it is necessary. When I see the doctor for a progress update on you next week, I will ask him about it. I suspect that he’ll want to check with the therapists before he renders a decision. Can you live with that?”

“I guess I have to.”

Harm and Mac visited for just over an hour before they brought Mattie’s dinner. Harm kissed her forehead and wished her a good evening. He knew Jennifer was due to arrive within the hour and he wanted to be with Mac when she came around again.

Settling himself in the chair next to her bed, he suddenly had a memory of her accident at Christmas time. He had been so frightened when that call had come in. The reality of the situation and the degree of luck she had experienced with such minor injuries in a crash she shouldn’t have lived through hadn’t sunk in until the next day when she left the hospital and they drove by the scene of the accident and then went to see the wreckage that had been the car.

From that moment on, there had been a change in Mac. She had started opening up and stopped pushing him away. Mac had been able to express hope and accept her good luck little by little since that night. Harm felt that the reason she was so eager to have this done, was because of the speck of hope that had been saved when her life was spared that night. He realized she was beginning to stir.

“Mac? I’m right here....take it easy.” His voice stayed calm and soothing as she struggled to regain consciousness.

“Harm...did I dream that the doctor came to see me after surgery?” Mac asked her voice still quite faint.

“No...he was here. Do you remember what he told you?” Harm asked gently.

The smile that slowly spread across her face and lit her eyes told him that she remembered. “How do you feel?”

“Sore...but I’m okay.”

“Pain scale?”

“Oh that...I guess still a five...Harm?”

“Yes Mac?”

“How’s Mattie?”

“Good. She’s trying to figure out how to get the doctor to let her have a few hours furlough a couple times a week. He logic is great...she can see many sights just as easily from a wheelchair. Getting her to those sights could be interesting, however.”

“It probably would be good for her.”

“Yes, it probably would be...and we’ll talk to the doctor next week about it. You need to rest.”

“I am. Can I have anything to eat or drink yet?” Mac asked as the nurse entered the room.

“Some soft foods and plenty of liquids. We need you to get up and use the restroom first,” the nurse instructed.

Mac groaned but did as she was asked. Fifteen minutes later she was in bed again with her jello, applesauce and gingerale. “Don’t even go there Flyboy!”

“What? Did I say anything?” Harm defended himself trying very hard not to smile.

“No...but you were thinking it!”

“Mac, really...that’s standard fare after surgery. It will get better in the morning,” he assured her.

“It better...oooohhhhh,” Mac groaned as she tried to sit up straighter.

“Here...let me help you,” Harm offered sliding his arm behind her back and gently moving her forward.

“Thanks...”

Harm watched Mac eat her bland soft foods. He was getting hungry, but thought it best to wait until Mac had fallen asleep again before doing anything about it.

“Harm?” Mac asked as she finished the last bite and rested against the pillows and raised bed again. “Why don’t you go home? Get some sleep.”

“I thought I would stay here with you.”

“Oh...alright...never mind then,” letting her disappointment show.

“What? Do you need something?” Harm asked, wanting to get her whatever she needed.

“Yeah...I only brought clothes with a fitted waist. I was hoping if you went home you could bring back a pair of my drawstring baggy pants for me in the morning.”

“Is this a ploy to get me to go home and not stay here with you tonight?” Harm asked knowingly.

“Am I that transparent?” Mac checked.

“Only to me...and rarely...must be your weakened state,” Harm soothed her ego.

“Seriously Harm...I know you were expecting a delayed reaction from me, but I really don’t feel that bad. I really wish you would go back and check on Mattie and then go home and get some sleep. This can’t have been an easy week for you.”

“No...but I’m not complaining. Alright Mac, if it means that much to you, I’ll leave after you fall asleep and come back in the morning with more comfortable clothes for you. I can’t promise I’ll sleep, but I will try.” Harm acquiesced.

“Thank you, Harm.”

Sunday May 15

1440 Zulu

Military Medical and Rehabilitation Center

London, England

Much to Mac’s chagrin Dr. Wright did not give her clearance to go home until mid-day on Sunday. By then she was able to eat normal meals, all her bodily functions were fully operational, and she was able to do for herself.

Harm had spent the day Saturday going back and forth between Mattie and Mac, until Saturday evening when they had allowed Harm to take Mac in a wheelchair to visit Mattie. The females in his life sent him away to find them some chocolate while they engaged in a little girl talk. Both Mattie and Mac realized that they had in fact started to bond over their mutual love for Harm.

Mac had convinced Harm to go home to sleep again on Saturday night, but he returned to the hospital early Sunday morning with breakfast treats for both of his girls. Jen had arrived Sunday morning to visit with Mattie, so Harm headed to Mac’s room to wait for her to be released.

Dr. Wright had instructed them to refrain from intercourse for another week. He wanted to see Mac on Friday for a follow-up appointment. He would do another ultrasound to help them monitor the endometriosis to see if it was returning or getting worse. He would let them know if the procedure was as successful as he had though after the follow-up exam.

Dr. Wright told Mac, “You should be able to return to limited duty on Monday provided that you don’t travel by air or go long distances. Stick with the desk job part of your assignment.”

“Yes sir.” Mac had sassily agreed feeling practically like her old self.

Once dressed, Mac walked with Harm to see Mattie and Jen. They had visited for over an hour before Harm could see Mac tiring, even if she wouldn’t admit it. They assured Mattie they would call later to say good-night and then headed home. Harm found a taxi waiting and helped Mac get in while giving the driver the address.

Now they were home. Mac had insisted on sitting on the sofa with him instead of going in to lay down. He sat beside her, their fingers entwined.

“Harm, you hardly ever talk about your job. Is everything okay?” Mac asked.

“Things are fine.”

“Harm, what aren’t you telling me?” Mac pressed him for information.

“I don’t want to bother you with this...you just got home.” Harm protested.

“I’m fine....now spill it.”

“Yes Ma’am,” Harm grinned dropping a kiss on her cheek. “I think its an issue of blending the old staff and the new. I have eight lawyers here, and two investigators, plus about a dozen support staff. I brought Coates, Galindez and Austin with me...”

“And?” Mac prodded.

“And Meg seems to resent Gunny and Coates helping me. She’s questioning everything I say and do. I’ve asked her opinion on the senior staff and their opinion on the junior staff. I’m getting no where.”

Mac listened intently before asking, “Where is it you want to go with this group?”

“I want them to get to know each other as people. I want them to care about each other as humans. I want them to...” Harm trailed off with a shrug.

“You want them to bond like we did under the admiral.”

“Yeah...that’s exactly what I want.”

“Order them into civilian attire and to drop rank for a day. Organize a picnic and get together a soccer match with some of the ones stationed at West Ruislip or find a reason to have a party. Put your staff up against a military medical team. Anything to get them away from the grind.”

“Mac you are a genius!” Harm kissed her soundly. “Thank you!”

“Your welcome. When shall we do this?”

“Next weekend?”

“Let’s do it.”

Next Day

0745 Zulu

FJA Office

London, England

“Captain Jacobs, Captain Rabb, JAG Corps. I understand you have a mixed team of medical personnel that might be up for a soccer match against the Force Jug Advocate’s staff.”

“We always look for a challenge. Think your staff can provide it?” Jacobs asked.

“Won’t know until we try. Next Saturday, ten hundred zulu?”

“Perfect. We have a soccer field on the hospital grounds and we have everyone bring a dish. The kitchen takes the food, gets it ready and serves it up after the match.”

“Do you place a wager?” Harm asked.

“Just bragging rights...no trophy or prize.”

“Perfect. I’ll speak to my staff soon. ‘Till next Saturday.”

Harm was looking forward to presenting this to the others.

CHAPTER 5

0800 Zulu

Conference Room

7 North Audley Street

London, England

Harm entered the room and heard Commander Austin call out, “Attention on deck,” as he strode toward his seat at the head of the table.

“At ease...” Harm paused as he looked around at his team of eight lawyers and two investigators. PO Coates was prepared to take minutes for the meeting. “I realize that I’ve only been here a week and some of you less then that...some of you much longer then that. We are here with a common purpose which in itself should give us a reason to pull together. However, human nature makes many of us wary of change. People that have been here think the people coming in with higher rank don’t know how things work here. People coming in want to keep things from their last assignment that they liked, and people that have been here are afraid that initiatives that are well under way will be ignored, meaning that their work and efforts were for nought.

“Everyone of us is so caught up in our own agendas and concerns, that we forget to know each other as people. We need to remember that regardless of our rank, we are all here to do a job and have training in something that helps make this machine move forward.” Harm stopped and looked around to see if he had lost them or if they were following him. Gunny seemed to be particularly interested in what he was saying. Sure that he hadn’t lost anyone yet, he went on.

“We are going to do three things which will help us to work better as a team. The first thing I’m going to ask you to do is to introduce yourself and tell us something you enjoy doing in your off time that people here might not know about you...and if they do, that’s okay too. I’ll start...Captain Harmon Rabb Junior...you might not know that I enjoying cooking.” He looked to the person on his right.

“I’m Commander Meg Austin...I enjoy horseback riding when I have time.”

“I’m Lt. Commander Ivan Gregor and I’m an amateur archaeologist.”

“I’m Major Tim Gordon and I love to garden.”

“Lt. Sally Richards and my hobby is showing dogs.”

“Gunnery Sargent Victor Galindez and I enjoying fishing when I have time.”

“Petty Officer Jennifer Coates and I guess my favorite hobby would be mentoring teenagers.”

“Staff Sargent Isaiah Tuner and I like to go spelunking.”

“Splucking?” PO Coated blurted out. “Sorry sir...I’ve never heard of it.” Coates continued when Harm waved off her apology for her outburst.

“Spelunking is exploring underground caves.” Sargent Turner quietly explained. “There are a few places to go around here but I’ve only made it to one place in eighteen months.”

“Thank you, Sargent. Lt. Mezzocci?” Harm prompted for the next person to go.

“Lt. Sam Mezzocci and I spend as much time off duty as I can skiing - downhill and cross-country.”

“Lt. Denise Walters and my off duty time is spent in museums.”

“Lt. Commander Arthur Borders, amateur race car driver.”

“Lt. Colonel Frank Morris and I enjoy sailing.”

“Thank you. I know this is a little unorthodox and I promise we will get to business shortly, however, I have had the good fortune of working with a couple of commanding officers that have taken a broad interest in their people. It gave us a sense of comradery that a squad would normally develop that at JAG would not necessarily develop because you can find your self work with a partner on one case that on another case you must oppose. Learning to deal with people as people and keeping courtroom issues in the courtroom is something that we all learned to value under both Admiral Chegwidden and General Creswell.

“That said, let me explain phase two. One thing that can help people come together is to form as a team with a common cause. I think most of us have a finely tuned sense of competitiveness. I also believe that it is important for us to be physically active to help deal with the stress of our duties. We were also offered a challenge...which I have accepted on your behalf. The Medical support team under Captain Jacobs gets together to play soccer whenever they can find a worthy opponent. Our first match will be Saturday at ten hundred...oh and bring a dish. The kitchen staff at the medical center takes care of them and prepares the food around eleven thirty. Families are welcome. Coates, please let the rest of the support staff know. Only people excused from this first get together will be those on duty.

“Finally, the last piece of this...for today...is very important. During the soccer match there are no ranks. When the outing is over and ranks return, there will be no fall-out - none - nada - from the outing. Is that understood?”

“Yes sir!” they answered in unison.

Harm looked around at their faces. Only two of them did not look happy about this order. “Anyone that has a problem with this plan is welcome to come to my office and discuss their issues with me later. I think you will find I am open to listening. Now...let’s get on with the cases. Commander Austin, please begin your report.”

“Aye-aye sir. I have completed my initial evaluation of the staff and I am pleased to announce that we are indeed fortunate to have a well rounded group. Where one person may have a weakness, at least one other staff member has that as a strength. I have discovered in-house experts in areas such as maritime law, international law, aviation, civilian law enforcement, technology, history, politics, protocol, and ground forces.”

“Thank you Commander Austin. I’ll review the rest of the information with you including specifics in my office at thirteen hundred today. Lt. Mezzocci and Lt. Walters...how is the missing movement case proceeding?”

“We are close to working out a deal sir,” responded Lt. Walters.

“Please review it with Colonel Morris before you make it official.”

“Aye-aye, sir.”

“Commander Borders, I believe you just conducted a Jagman investigation involving claims made by a Safety Officer that conditions were sub-standard aboard the USS Stennis.”

“Yes, Captain, and I don’t believe that the situation warrants further action. I recommended that no charges be filed. The SO in question is relatively new. He had only been aboard the Truman and Regan and the Nimitz since it was refitted. He did not recognize a warn but solid ship prior to refurbishing. I asked a more experienced SO to accompany me aboard the Stennis. She is due for refurbishing, but there is nothing unsafe about her, sir.”

“Thank you Commander.” Harm nodded and moved onto the next case.

It took them until eleven twenty to complete the case reviews and pass out the new assignments. He knew it took them a lot longer then normal this morning, but Harm felt good about what had been accomplished. He had not kept any cases for himself at this point as he was still trying to sort out the various aspects of his command. He did have Galindez investigating three cases now, in conjunction with the NCIS officers. All three of these cases would likely go to trial and Harm would prosecute them. All three cases involved aviation. One was a suspected traitor, another was charged with theft of aircraft parts and the third was an aviator charge with negligence. It would be awhile before any of them would reach trial status.

2150 Local

Rabb Quarters

London, England

“Mac, check out this place...What do you think of it?” Harm asked showing her the house he had found on the internet.

“Looks cute. Where is it?” Mac asked as she study the traditional little ‘English cottage’ that Harm was looking at.

“Rochester...have the map?” he asked.

“Found it...looks like its about thirty miles from London.”

“Train station there?” Harm checked.

“Yes...Harm, as cute as that place is, I think we need to find something closer to the city. Don’t you?”

“You’re right...what do you think of the house though?” Harm pressed.

“It’s cute...but it looks...cramped. I’m not sure you could even stand up straight in that place.”

“Sure I could...I think. Guess I better keep looking.”

An hour later, Mac and Harm had found three places that they agreed they should look at. One was a flat in the city, with a view of the Thames. The second was another cottage. This one located at Charing Cross in London. The third was a fairly modern home in Camden Town. Each one was different but within their price range.

“I’ve emailed the realtor that we would like to see these places and others with similar features in the area. I gave him the price range we agreed on and the list of must haves we are looking for,” Harm told Mac as she stood behind him rubbed his shoulders. “I’ll give you about a week to stop that,” he murmured as Mac worked her special magic on his tired tense muscles.

“You didn’t tell me how it went with your staff today. You going to fill me in?” Mac asked.

“I guess it went okay. Coates was her usual self blurting out comments a few times.” Harm chuckled at the memory. “One of my staff is into spelunking and she had apparently never heard of it.”

“Well, you got to admit it’s a strange word and not everyone uses it on a regular basis in their vocabulary.”

“I know...that’s what made it so funny...but I kept it together on the outside.”

“Good for you Captain. So what do they like doing in the spare time?” Mac asked hoping Harm wouldn’t realize at that moment how much she missed the idea of having a command herself.

“Wow...I think we had everything from fishing to reading to skiing, race car driving, horse back riding...I thought there would be at least one repeat. Instead it seemed that some of them were trying to come up with the most outlandish or the most mundane thing they could. I think they’re going to get into the soccer match big time.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Think we’ll be able to spring Mattie for a few hours?” Mac asked.

“I’m going to give it my best shot. The doctor at least didn’t say no. That gives me hope.” Harm told Mac as he reached up for her hand and pulled her around to sit across his thighs.

“Harm...”

“Shhh...you can kiss me, right?” Harm asked softly.

Mac nodded before lifting her face to his and letting their lips and tongue do what the rest of them craved.

“Whoa, Sailor...we’d better call a stop to this delightful interlude before one of us gets too carried away to use any common sense.” Mac whispered in his ear before letting her tongue trace the shell like structure closest to her.

“Mac....play fair....please...” Harm begged between kisses.

“Okay...I suppose we should get some sleep.”

“What makes you think I’m going to find any sleep after that display?” Harm asked, his nostrils flaring in barely suppressed humor.

Mac’s giggle was a welcome sound, one that Harm had given up hope of hearing again for months after Paraguay. Since the night of their engagement he heard the sound almost daily. Every time he warmed his heart. “Harm, you know if I could I would...don’t you?”

“Yes. It’s okay...hearing you laugh makes it all worth it.” Mac leaned against Harm then, her head resting against his heart as they walked toward the bedroom.

Friday 1300 Zulu

Rabb’s Office

London, England

“Coates, remind everyone about the match tomorrow. I’ve got to run. Leave me a message on my voice mail if anyone needs me. I’ll check it when ever I can.”

“Aye-aye sir. When you see Mattie, tell her I’ll be by later, please.”

“Glad to. Wish us luck Coates.” Harm said as he headed out of the office to meet his driver. Jen knew because of Mattie, more then she normally would have known about Harm and Mac’s business. She was careful not to disclose information she had about them. In a way, they were her family too.

“Captain in PO Coates?” asked Commander Meg Austin ten minutes later.

“Sorry Ma’am. He had to leave early today. If its something that can’t wait he said to call his cell and leave a message. He’ll check in when he can, but he cant have the phone on all the time.

“No I guess it can wait. He off playing family man again is he?” queried Meg.

“He didn’t say, Commander.”

“Does he really think this touchy-feely crap he has us doing is going to make us like each other?” Meg watched Coates face and realized that she was venting to the wrong person. “Never mind Petty Officer. It’s just another indication of how the man has changed since we last worked together. Any changes to the duty roster?”

“No Ma’am.”

“Well, I guess this isn’t anything that can’t wait until Monday.” Meg walked off shaking her head. She knew that some of her bitterness was the result of having to leave her boyfriend when she was called to fill the billet in London.

On the other hand, her curiosity about Harm and the chance to move up the ladder appealed to her. She had heard some scuddlebutt over the years and knew that Harmon Rabb Junior had continued to dazzle the Navy brass in many areas. His name often cropped up in the Navy Times. Yet they hadn’t run into each other in all the years since she had transferred out of JAG.

Kate Pike had been right. Harm was a force to be reckoned with and if you couldn’t keep your romantic interests under control, your choices were to eat your heart out over him or move on. Meg had chosen to move on as soon as she realized that she would never be more the a kid sister to him. It took a long time before Meg was able to meet a man without comparing him to Harmon Rabb Jr.

Eighteen months ago, Meg had met a man that knocked her sideways- literally. He had lost control of his car on an icy road in Texas when Meg had been on her way home to visit her family for the holidays. His car had not been able to stop at the stop sign and Meg’s car had been in the intersection at the moment of impact. Meg had barreled out of her car and met him as he ran to check on the passenger in the car he had hit.

Meg had been mad at him for driving carelessly and he had been concerned about her welfare. The police had arrived and sorted the mess out. They said that the unexpected ice storm was the cause of the accident. While they had exchanged insurance information at the site of the accident, Meg hadn’t paid much attention to it. She had been able to drive her car and so had gone on to her grandparents ranch. Her cousin was going to be there and they hadn’t see each other since Melanie’s engagement.

When Meg got to the ranch she discovered that the man that had run into her was none other then Melanie’s future brother-in-law. He was stationed at Fort Hood Texas, in the army and this was the only way he was going to have time to spend with any family this holiday season. His name was Travis Mason.

Travis and Meg had fought at first much to everyone’s chagrin. They fought over the Navy and the Army. They fought over whether an officer that was a lawyer should have the same rights as a line officer and the same respect. They argued over which horses were the best for riding and the best for trails. They argued over whether or not Melanie and Chad were right for each other. Hey argued about who got to sit where at the table. They had even argued about who should leave so the family could have some peace during the holidays.

After three days of non-stop arguing, Melanie and Chad had tricked them into kissing under the mistletoe. Afterwards they had argued about who had kissed who first and who had broken the kiss first. They had then both taken off, packed their bags and left the family ranch. A year ago, they had both attended Melanie and Chad’s wedding. Meg had been Maid of Honor and Travis had been the best man. Both had promised the bride and groom they would not pick any fights with the other. Both had been on their best behavior the entire wedding weekend.

Travis and Meg had been required to be together non-stop from the rehearsal dinner until after the happy couple had left on their honeymoon. They had to sit together, dance together, eat together, ride together...by the time the wedding reception had drawn to a close, they had come to a realization together...they were attracted to one another.

Meg had returned to Bremerton, Washington were she had been stationed. Travis had started calling her everyday. Three months ago he had called and said he was being transferred to a recruiting office near Bremerton and wanted to see her. Three weeks ago she had gotten the word that she was being transferred to London. Travis had sweet about it and said that in another three months he would be able to request a transfer and he’s looking for one in London.

CHAPTER 6

1330 Zulu

Dr. Wright’s Office

Military Medical Center

London, England

“How you doing Mac?” Harm asked as he joined her in the doctor’s office.

“Hey...I didn’t think you’d make it,” Mac smiled as she raised her face for him to kiss her which he gently did.

“Did you have lunch with Mattie like you planned?”

“Yes...actually I spent some time watching her while she went through therapy. They are really pushing her Harm. She didn’t know I was there...the observation mirror they have you know...anyway, she was crying that it hurt and that she couldn’t do it and they kept pushing her. No wonder she is exhausted at night when we come to see her.”

“Mac, they have to make it difficult or they wouldn’t be helping her to improve. I remember when I had to rehab after the ramp strike. It’s not pretty. It’s tough to have people around you that care too, because they want to stop it and it’s the worse thing that can happen. You have to suck it up and wait until its over before you can provide comfort when someone is going through all that.”

The door opened and Dr. Wright joined them. “Good afternoon. Any discomfort this week?”

“No.”

“Did you follow my orders about no intercourse?”

“Yes sir...but it wasn’t easy.”

“I’m sure. Let’s have you go in and get ready and then we’ll come take a look.”

Fifteen minutes later, Mac was on the table with the monitor showing her insides. Harm sat next to her and held her hand as they listened to the doctor.

“Can you see the difference from the last pictures we took?” Dr. Wright asked Mac.

“Yes...wow...it’s a huge difference.”

“Part of the difference is where you are in your cycle. Remember it was almost two weeks ago and we could see the egg bursting out of the ovary. Now, the procedure we did may disturb nature a little, but after that, you’ll be good to go. Let’s just take a couple of pictures so we can compare them. I’ll leave you to get dressed and then you can join me in my office again and we’ll talk about a couple of things.”

When Dr. Wright left the room, Mac sat up and put her arms around Harm’s neck. I think it looks good for us to try for that baby now. Still want to?” Mac asked.

“Oh yeah! Need help getting dressed?”

“No, I think I can handle it.” She smiled knowing what he had been thinking.

“Alright...but tonight...”

“...We start practicing again.” Mac finished Harm’s thought for him.

Together they joined Dr. Wright in his office. He should them the two pictures side by side so Harm could appreciate the difference. Mac studied them and then looked at Dr. Wright as she asked, “Why couldn’t Dr. Chen have done this?”

“I don’t know. Some doctors are not comfortable performing the procedure in the upper tract. One of my colleagues here refers her patients to me when the upper reproductive organs are involved. Now...I’m going to give you some pointers. Although I’m not a fertility expert, I’ve learned a few things from some conferences I’ve been to and from my patients. As you know, conceiving a child increases the likelihood of being able to have more pregnancies. Each pregnancy will in fact help control the damage caused by endometriosis.”

“So, if we are able to have one baby, the chances are we’d be able to have a second?” Harm asked slightly confused.

“Exactly. The trick is to wait long enough not to put the mother at risk but have another child soon enough that the endometriosis doesn’t take over the reproductive organs again.” Dr. Wright waited as Harm and Mac processed this information.

“Dr. Wright, we want to conceive as soon as possible. Are there things we can do to improve our chances?”

“Yes. Take your temperature every morning and night. You’ll spike a fever for a short period of time just as you ovulate...about twelve hours. Now, given that you’re body temperature was 98.9 when you were in my office that first time and it’s 98.3 now, I would say that is probably a good estimate of what your ‘spike’ would look like. It’s mild enough so most women don’t know it unless they are monitoring for it. Another thing you can do during the most fertile days, after intercourse, is bring your knees and hips up so they are slightly elevated. It helps the sperm if they aren’t having to fight gravity.”

“I’d heard that but thought it was a hoax. Just like different positions can determine if you have a boy or a girl,” Mac chuckled.

“Amazingly enough, Mrs. Rabb, there is some truth to that ‘legend’ if you will. Actually the position I just gave you to rest in, does result in slightly higher percentages of male births. Vertical sex will almost always result in a female birth. And if you really want a male, the deepest penetration is usually from the back. In that case, resting with your head down and your fanny up will help the male sperm reach their target.”

“And people actually share this information or participate in studies that help doctors and scientists figure this out?” Harm asked his face decidedly pink.

“Yes sir. Now another thing we can do now or later, is a motility test to see if your sperm are strong enough to reach their destination. We can also do a sperm count. The higher your sperm count the better the chances are for conception. Some couple like to know going in to this if everything is in top working order...saves some frustration later on. Doesn’t take long if you want to do that today, Captain Rabb.”

“Harm, it probably would be a great idea. I mean you are in your forties and the G-force from flying could have impacted you in ways you wouldn’t be aware of.”

“You want me to do this?” Harm asked. Mac nodded so he asked, “Now?” She nodded again. “Okay, Dr. Wright.”

“Why don’t you go back into the exam room we were in before? I’ll have the nurse get you a container and turn the music on for you. Mrs. Rabb, I would assume you’d like to help?”

“Yes. He’s been so helpful when I’m having tests and when I was in the hospital I wouldn’t think of not helping out.” Mac fought a grin but the glimmer in her eyes made them sparkle. After you leave your sample, you may go. We’ll call you with the results later today.”

“Thank you,” Harm responded, his ears pink from embarrassment.

Once in the exam room, Mac didn’t waste any time. “Do you want to sit or stand, Harm?” Mac asked.

“Maaaccc....” Harm groaned as he saw her tilt her head and raised her eyebrows. “Sit I guess. Let me drop my pants and sit up on the edge of the table. Now don’t get carried away and forget that I need to leave a sample,” Harm cautioned her. Whether it was Mac’s touch, the fact it was practically an order, or the week of frustration at not being able to have intercourse, but it didn’t take Harm long to leave his sample for the lab to analyze.

Together they left the Medical Facility so they could check out the places they had found on the internet. The Realtor was a woman, named Esther Green. She met them at the building where the flat was located in London. It was in a modern building and the elevator took them to the top floor. Mrs. Green showed them that there were two buttons for their floor. One opened a door to the west side of the building and the other to the East. She pushed the button marked 5E to get to the flat they were going to see. There were two doors off the foyer.

“This side of the building has two apartments, the other side three,” Mrs. Green explained. “We’re going to 52E - which is fifth floor, second apartment, East side.” After unlocking the door, they walked into a large open room. The kitchen was on the left side of the entry way. The floor was white linoleum with a maroon diamond spaced evenly throughout. The carpet was a gray, white and maroon fleck, low pile, that wouldn’t show dirt, but was neutral enough not to clash and smooth enough so a wheelchair could roll fairly easily across it. The walls were all painted a pale yellow.

Mrs. Green led the way to the door on the left which opened into a large bedroom with its own bath on the right side. There was one closet, smaller then the one that had been in Mac’s apartment in Washington, D.C. and the bathroom was a shower, toilet and sink with a shelf for extra towels and a rack for hanging up a towel and washcloth. The bedroom and bathroom were painted a pale green that had darkened with time or dirt or both.

They returned to the large area and took the second door. This one revealed a small room with pink walls, a small window and no closet. They backed out of the room and opened the next door to reveal a blue bathroom with a blue tub. The shower head was above the tub. The blue sink, mirror, small closet about a foot wide, a small white stacked washer dryer combination and the blue toilet completed the bathroom.

The final door revealed a room with lavender walls, a small closet, and two small windows. All of the bedrooms had the same flecked carpet that was in living room and the bathroom had the same linoleum that had been found in the kitchen.

When they had finished the tour, Harm and Mac exchanged glances and Mac spoke first. “I think we’d better look at the others. This flat is great because of the location, but the view isn’t anything great and I would want to repaint every room in here and replace all of the flooring. I’d rather see the other options.”

“Of course Mrs. Rabb. I have my car if you’d like to come with me.”

“Thank you Mrs. Green. My wife and I don’t mind fixing up a place, but we’ve both lived in apartments and I think we’re both thinking a house would be a nice change.” Harm smiled as he held the elevator door for the women.

“I can understand that. Both of the places we are going to see now are in Charing Cross. We can’t get into the place in Camden Town until later.” Mrs. Green was pleasant but not overly friendly. She led them to her car as she added, “My car isn’t large, but the back seat will give you more headroom, Captain Rabb.”

Harm and Mac slid into the backseat as Mrs. Green drove toward Charing Cross. They got on the A201 and crossed the Thames River. The highway wound through the boroughs and at the A202 exchange, they turned off. They found themselves in an area that looked like an ad for old English cottages. They were on a street where each of the houses would best be describes as an English Cottage. Each one was a different color or had a different colored theme in the flower garden. Most were heavily vegetated but one had a very sparse garden area. Like it had either been wiped out or was just being planted. That was the cottage they stopped in front of.

“There’s a one car garage which the previous owners used as storage. We’ll use the street entrance today,” Mrs. Green said as she parked at the sidewalk. The cottage was surrounded by a white picket fence. Mrs. Green opened the gate and led them up the stone path, under an arbor not yet covered in flowers, stopping at the steps to the front door. There were three stone steps and then the door opened and they stepped into a living room.

The living room walls were covered with a wallpaper decorated with huge pink and red roses. A bay window to the left as they walked in and a gas fireplace to the right gave it a homey feel. A hard wood floor and green enamel trim completed the picture.

“If you come through here, I can show you the kitchen and dining room,” Mrs. Green directed them. “The kitchen was recently redone and new cabinets and shelves installed. The stone floor continues into the dining room and out to the side porch.”

“It looks like natural stone, but it’s quite smooth, not uneven like I would expect,” Harm commented.

“Yes, they pour the cement and set the natural rocks in and then press down until just a half inch is showing. Then they cover it will layer after layer of clear acrylic. It has the look but is much easier to care for and to live with then a rock floor. I just had one done in my home,” Mrs. Green explained.

“The stove and refrigerator look new,” Mac commented.

“Yes they are, as are the full size washer and dryer on the new porch.” Mrs. Green led the way to the room they were discussing. There was a door from the porch that went outside and another that appeared to lead back into the house. “This door here, goes into the back hallway. Shall we?”

Mac and Harm nodded and followed her lead. This hall runs behind the dining room and living room. This first bedroom is the master and it has its own private full size bathroom and a double closet. The walls had been painted a mint green and the border at chair rail height was large pink, yellow and white roses. The woodwork was natural wood. The colors continued into the bathroom. The floor was hardwood.

“I like the hardwood floors,” Harm commented.

“Then you’ll be happy as the hall and the rooms back here all have hardwood floors except the bathrooms. They are done in tile,” Mrs. Green informed them.

The hallway, painted ivory white to give it added light had a window at one end. The next room was painted a soft beige and the trim was teddy bears, marking it as a child’s room.

“Do you have any little ones?” Mrs. Green asked.

“Not yet...we do have a teenager.” Harm smiled knowing that Mrs. Green would be trying to figure out that statement. Mac squeezed his hand sharing the humor of the moment with him.

“Well then, the bathroom and last bedroom are probably more fitting.” Mrs. Green showed them the full bath painted a pale yellow with yellow roses on the shower curtain and in the border.

The double sink under the large mirror would be perfect for two teenage girls getting ready to go out, Mac thought, imagining Chloe and Mattie sharing the space. She felt Harm squeeze her hand this time knowing that he had read her thoughts for a change.

The last bedroom was wallpapered in a tiny red roses on a white background. The white trim on the woodwork and the hardwood floors made it charming, although Mattie might not be crazy about the flowers.

They walked around the cottage again noticing the dining room more closely this time. It had a white washed wainscoting around the lower half of the room, with a border of roses that matched the living room paper with the upper half painted ivory like in the hall.

“I’d like to see the back yard and the garage,” Harm requested.

Mrs. Green led them out the porch door and toward the garage. The doors were the old, barn style double doors. It wasn’t huge but could be used for storage, a workshop of a car. There was a shelf along the back wall and two windows that let in light. The people door let them out the side and into a little alley between the house and the garage. Behind the house they could see the rest of the fenced in yard. There were lilac and rose bushed along the perimeter and a lovely lawn area, divided in two with a stepping stone path. It certainly had potential.

“We’d like to see the other places, Mrs. Green, but this place has potential. We’d like to keep this on the list for now,” Harm informed the woman, earning her a smile. This had been a place she had added to the list and not one they had found.

“Of course. The cottage that you called me about is the one across the street. Would like to go see it?” Mrs. Green asked politely.

Harm and Mac turned and looked at the place that Mrs. Green had indicated. It was overgrown with bushes and weeds. It looked like the lawns hadn’t been moved since last fall, and it needed a new roof and a fresh coat of paint for starters.

“That’s okay. I think we can cross that one off the list,” Mac grinned.

They piled back into the car for the drive to Camden Town. They crossed the bridge and made their way toward Hampstead, turning off just after the sign for Regents Park.

“They started putting in a development out here. They built three houses and then the guys wife was transferred back to the states, and he sold the land to the existing home owners. That was the end of the development.” Mrs. Green explained.

“The developer was married to a military woman?” Mac asked.

“Yes. All three of these places have been owned by Americans. Here’s the one you inquired after.” Mrs. Green pulled up in front of a two story cape with double dormers front and back. The house had gray vinyl siding and black vinyl shutters with a white columned porch along the front. The garage was attached.

Harm and Mac followed Mrs. Green into the house. It was modern. Every bell and whistle they could have asked for was there. Laminate flooring; neutral soft colors on all the walls; Spa tub in the master bath; huge closets; full bathroom on first and second floor; office space; and a full staircase leading upstairs to the three bedrooms up there.

“I think we’d like to think it over before we decide Mrs. Green,” Mac informed the woman as they drove back toward the city. She turned off the road she was on and passed by Harm and Mac’s street.

“Mrs. Green, we’re staying right up here. Would you mind letting us out here?” Harm asked.

“Very well. Just call me if you decide or if you want to look at more places.”

“Thank you. We will.”

They waved to Mrs. Green as she pulled away. They made their way back to their quarters talking about what they had seen.

“What did you think Mac?” Harm asked wanting her to be happy with whatever place they chose.

“Harm...we’re in England. I don’t want to live in a place I could live in back home.”

“You want the rose cottage?” Harm asked trying to keep his tone neutral.

“I know the flowers are a little much, but we can work on it. The outdoor gardens are exactly what I like...enough but not too much. It’s close enough to be convenient but feels almost like the country. All we’d have to do to make the place ready for Mattie is to put on a ramp to get into the house...and maybe redo her bedroom...although her room isn’t bad at all.”

“It doesn’t have a dish washer Mac.” Harm cautioned pointing out some of the drawbacks to the cottage. “And that garage needs some work. There’s no office space...the living room wallpaper has to go...”

“I know...and couldn’t we put in a dishwasher...or get a portable?” Mac asked.

“You really like it, huh?” Harm asked.

“Yes.”

“Good, because I do too...even some of the roses - like in the borders - aren’t that bad. Shall I call Mrs. Green now and make an offer on it?”

“Please. Do you think she went back to the office? It’s almost five.”

“I’ll call and find out.” Harm called as soon as they walked in to their temporary quarters. Mrs. Green answered on the second ring.

“Green Realtors. How may I help you?”

“Mrs. Green, this is Harmon Rabb. My wife and I would like to make an offer on the cottage in Charing Cross.”

CHAPTER 7

Saturday 1100 Zulu

Soccer Field

Near Military Medical Facility

London, England

Harm trotted over to wear Mattie watched the antics of Harm’s staff from her wheelchair in the shade. “Hey...how you doing?” he said as he dropped on the ground in the shade beside her.

“I’m fine. You’re getting too old to keep up with some of them out there Harm,” Mattie teased.

“Hey, this is the first break I’ve taken this half...be nice.”

“Mac is awesome out there isn’t she?” Mattie asked Harm.

“Yes...she’s awesome...in lots of ways.”

“I don’t think that tall blonde thinks much of Mac.” Mattie told Harm.

“Meg? Why do you say that?” Harm asked. He hadn’t noticed any tension between the two women, but then he knew he was sometimes oblivious to the warning signs.

“I over heard her say something to the red-head when Mac scored that last point about it was pure luck, but that Mac would be sure everyone thought it was talent.”

“Really...I’ll keep my ears open. Thanks Mattie. You aren’t getting too tired are you?”

“No, Harm. It feels good to be in the fresh air...and to have fun.”

“Good. I hope we can do this more...and if we get the house, you should be able to come home on weekends maybe.” Harm smiled at his ward. “Have you written to your dad lately?”

“No! Please Harm...you’re my dad now...don’t ruin my day talking about Tom.” Mattie brushed tears from her eyes.

“Okay...for today we won’t go there. Smile?” Harm lifted her chin until she gave him a little smile, just a bit watery, but a smile.

“Games over....here comes Mac.” Mattie distracted Harm.

“Great game Mac,” Harm wrapped his fingers around hers as he gave her a high five.

“Thanks. I think we’d better go shake hands with Jacobs’ team. We’ll be right back, Mattie,” Mac called over her shoulder as she turned to join the line of well wishers.

“Nice job...good match...great blocking...thanks...” could be heard from each person as they moved along shaking hands or high ‘fiving’ each member of the opposing team.

A tent had been set up behind the building and the kitchen staff had set the food up and signaled that lunch was ready. Harm turned to get Mattie and found that Gunny had already brought her over to them.

“Thanks Victor.”

“No problem. Mattie was telling me earlier that she and the admiral didn’t get off on the right foot. It reminded me that I had a bit of a rough start with the man myself.”

“I think most anyone that had known the admiral has crossed swords with him at one time or another.”

“Hey Harm,” called Tim Gordon. “I wasn’t too sure about this idea of yours, but I’ve got to admit this has been fun.” Major Tim Gordon and his wife, Suzy joined Harm, Mac and Mattie at their table.

“I’m sorry my daughter couldn’t join us today,” Suzy Gordon told them. She turned to Mattie. “I think you might be a little older then she is, but she enjoys hanging with slightly older kids most of the time.”

“How old is she?” Mattie asked politely.

“She’s fourteen. She’s with her father and his parents right now.” Suzy explained.

“It sounds like there will be more of these events, so maybe next time.” Mattie suggested.

“Mattie’s making great progress on her rehab program,” Mac added.

“Thanks Mac.”

“Excuse me, Ma’am...Mac?” Jennifer Coates said as she joined them at the table.

“Hi Jen. What can I do for you?” asked Mac.

“I wondered if you would object if I kidnaped Mattie for a little while. There are a bunch of us chatting over there and thought Mattie might like to umm...hanging with us for awhile.”

“Mattie?” Mac asked.

“Can I Mac?”

“Go ahead. Thanks Jen.”

“No problem. Catch you later. Come on kid...less roll!” Jen and Mattie laughed as Jen wheeled her to the other side of the tent.

“May I ask what happened to her?” Suzy questioned.

“She was learning to fly and while they were up the weather got bad. They were coming in early to land and didn’t see another plane on the runway,” Mac explained. “She doesn’t remember much accept seeing the plane and knowing she was going to crash.”

“That’s awful.”

Mac had noticed the questioning look Suzy had given her at Mattie’s use of her first name. “Mattie was Harm’s ward. He helped her while her father was away. She had gone back to live with him not long before the crash. He couldn’t handle the stress and so we got custody of her before we left to come to England.”

“How long have you been married?” Suzy asked.

“Let’s see...” Mac paused as if giving it a lot of thought before smiling as she answered, “two and half weeks.”

“Newly weds! Wow...”

“We wanted to get married before we came over and there wasn’t a lot of time. We managed to get leave long enough for us to fly from Washington DC to San Diego where Harm’s mother and step-father live and we got married there. Took a couple of days for a honeymoon and then came to London. Sometimes it doesn’t feel real.” Mac told the friendly wife of the Marine.

“I know. Tim and I married quickly too before he was shipped over here. We had to wait for my divorce to become final and so we actually considered coming to London our honeymoon. My daughter, Ann, didn’t join us until we had been here about three months. Gave us time to find a place.”

“Yeah? We looked at some places yesterday. I fell in love with an English cottage in Charing Cross. We’re waiting to see if they accept our offer.”

“Charing Cross is where we live. Is it one of the places on Cottage Row?” Suzy asked.

“Yes.”

“If you get it we’ll be neighbors. We live on the next street over. So do Art and Lynn Borders. I don’t see them here today.”

“I think Harm said that Borders was on call. He had a case to deal with this morning after a drunken brawl last night.”

“They are nice people. You’ll like them. Art and Lynn just had twins last year. They’ve also got a ten and twelve year old.”

Harm sat next to Mac, pretending to listen to the stories that Tim Gordon and Ivan Gregor were telling while tuning in to the conversation between Suzy and Mac. It felt good to be part of a couple and getting to know other couples. Harriet and Bud were really the only other couple they had spent time with...other then when Mac had been with Brumby and he had been with Renee. That was a time Harm tried to not think a lot about.

As people finished with their meal they began to depart. The singles ones made plans to go places together, the families talked about getting together with other families again. Jen returned Mattie to Mac and Harm’s care as she left with some of the other Petty Officers to do some sight-seeing.

“Mattie, are you okay?” Harm asked as he saw her trying to brush tears away from her eyes.

“I’m fine.”

“We should get you back. We don’t want to tire you so they won’t let you come out again to spend time with us,” Mac added.

“I’m fine...I just wish I could go with Jen...or anywhere...out of this chair.” Mattie’s anger at her situation broke through as she spoke.

“Mattie, its normal to feel angry at the situation. You’ve made so much progress in the past three weeks. Don’t forget that you were out of it for a long time. Your body needs time to heal and time to re-learn what you use to do automatically. Give your self time,” Mac encouraged her.

“Mac’s right. The reason they don’t push you on weekends is to give your body time to rest and recuperate. In a few weeks this will be fade into a bad dream.” Harm put his arm around her and pulled Mattie’s head against his chest. “Remember Mattie Grace, I’ve had to rehab myself. I know what I’m talking about.”

“I know. Did you get mad about stuff too?” Mattie asked Harm as she wrapped her slim arms around him.

“Yes. Okay...I guess I’m ready to go back. I really am tired,” Mattie admitted.

Harm and Mac excused themselves from the festivities. Captain Jacobs had said that people often hung out for hours eating and visiting. His staff would return any containers that weren’t disposable, so they left without having to worry about picking up dishes.

“Mattie, we looked at places to live yesterday,” Harm told the teenager as he pushed her chair back to the Rehabilitation Center.

“Any thing good?” Mattie asked.

“Yes. How would you feel if your bedroom had wallpaper with pink and red roses on it at first?” Mac asked.

“That could be cool. Were they little roses or big ones?” Mattie asked.

“Little I guess.”

“I guess I can live with that. When do you move in?” checked Mattie.

“Well, we’ve made an offer on the place. If they accept it we’ll have to arrange financing and then do some work on the place before we move in. It’s a English Cottage and its all on one floor. All we have to add is a ramp and once you’re inside, you’ll be able to move around just fine.”

“If I can get enough strength in my arms to move my own chair more then a few feet,” Mattie sputtered.

“You’ll get it,” Harm encouraged as he pushed her chair into the elevator and Mac pushed the button to her floor.

“You may find that you’ll be graduating from the chair to braces and crutches by then,” Mac added, remembering what she had observed with her own eyes the day she had watched Mattie during therapy.

“You think maybe? I took two steps yesterday with the braces on while I used the bars to help support me.”

“Fantastic Mattie!” Harm added his voice to cheers for her.

“Here we are,” Mac said as she held open Mattie’s door for Harm to push the chair through. The nurse came in and helped to get Mattie settled in. Harm and Mac each drop a kiss on her forehead as they tucked her in. Mattie was asleep before Harm and Mac got out the door.

Harm and Mac took the tube back to their quarters. As they walked from the station to their flat, Harm asked Mac if she realized they had only been in London for two weeks.

“Two weeks tomorrow, to be exact Harm. We’ve packed a lot of things into a very short two week period. I guess it makes sense that we are all tired.”

“It certainly does. What do you think about celebrating?” Harm asked with a sly smile.

“What did you have in mind?”

“Well, I thought we could drop by and see Mattie later and then go out to have a nice meal...maybe see some of the sights by moonlight,” Harm suggested.

“If the fog doesn’t roll in this evening, it would be nice. Did you have any place special in mind?” Mac asked her husband.

“I thought I’d see what interested you.”

“Think we could manage a dinner theater? I’ll call to see if we can get reservations.”

“Alright...but I also suggest we rest before we get ready to go.”

“Rest, huh...I thought maybe we;d repeat last night’s activities.” Mac suggested.

“I could do that.”

Saturday 1730 Local

Rabb Residence

London, England

“Harm...Harm wake-up...we fell asleep. We’ll need to get up and get ready now if we’re going to have time to stop and see Mattie before the show. Harm?”

“Yeah....I’m awake...shower together?”

“Can you keep your hand to yourself until later?” Mac asked him.

“If I have to.”

“You do...let’s go.”

Twenty-five minutes later they were dressed and out the door. They caught a cab to the Rehabilitation Center and went in to see Mattie for half an hour before they caught another cab to the Dinner Theater.

The performers did a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ which had Harm and Mac laughing hysterically at the actors antics. They left the theater hand in hand, still chuckling over the performance.

“You know Mac, I think if I’d seen this when I was in high school, I would have had more appreciation for Shakespeare,” Harm said, shaking his head still over the story of the two bickering people who were in love.

“Do you suppose that the Admiral saw us in that story? I mean, he is an aficionado of Shakespeare. He probably compared us to those characters at times.” Mac leaned her head against Harm as they walked.

“Mac? What is it?” Harm asked concerned at her sudden quiet and almost serious tone as she reflected on what AJ might have thought.

“Nothing really.”

“Mac...talk to me. Please?” Harm implored of her.

“I guess I just had a touch of homesickness...or something...suddenly I miss the admiral...and Bud and Harriet...Chloe...even the General.”

“I’m sorry...I...What do you want to do?” Harm asked quietly. A part of him feared she would say she wanted to go home.

“I’d like to try and call them all tomorrow I guess.”

“Honey, its five hours earlier there. We can call when we get back to the apartment if you’d like.”

“You wouldn’t mind Harm?” Mac asked looking up at him with her big golden brown eyes.

“Not at all. I miss them too you know.” Harm slid his arm around her pulling her closer to his body as they walked. Harm spotted a taxi and waved to it. He helped Mac in and gave their address. No sense waiting when they didn’t need to.

2350 Zulu

Rabb Quarters

London, England

*Ring-Ring*

<Hello?>

“Admiral...it’s Mac. How are you sir?”

<Mac! What a surprise...its good to hear your voice. Are the rumors true?>

“Which ones, sir?”

<The one where you resigned your commission to marry Rabb and run off to London with him.>

“Pretty much sir. I wasn’t allowed to resign, but they did let me reserve it.”

<I’m sorry I didn’t make it to the wedding. I was in Italy with Francesca and when I got home you were already married and in London.>

“It’s okay sir. Harm and I just went to a performance of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and got to talking about you. We miss you sir.”

<Now don’t waste your time on that stuff, Mac. We had a great run together at JAG. I put up with Harm about nine years and the two of you together - or not - for eight of those years. It was time for us to move on.>

“Yes sir, it was. Remember how you use to organize softball games with the ‘God Squad’ and endorsed the JAG-a-thon?”

<Yes.” AJ chuckled. “We had some good times together. Made us a hell of a team.>

“Yes....Harm set up a soccer match and picnic today between the medical support staff and JAG and had everyone bring their families.”

<How did it go?>

“It was a great day, sir. Harm’s doing well as a Captain.”

<You’re biased, Mac.>

“Maybe....but I still think he’s doing a great job.”

<Is he there? I’d like to talk to him a minute. I never got to warn him what will happen if he ever hurts you, Mac.>

“He won’t...but you can talk to him anyway. Here he is.”

“Admiral.”

<Call me AJ Harm. We’ve been through a lot together. I’m not your CO any more but I hope we can be friends.>

“I’d like that. As a matter of fact, we’d love to have you stop over here on one of your trips between Italy and the States.”

<I’ll do that. Take care of her Harm...Don’t let her down.>

“I won’t sir. I’ve loved her a long time. I’m glad something happened that allowed us to finally get it right.”

<How did she come to resign - or reserve her commission and not you?>

“Long story. Call it fate.”

<Some day I’d like to hear the whole story.>

“And you will. Don’t be a stranger, sir.”

<Take care. Hug Mac for me son. Congratulations to you both.>

“Thank you sir...and I will. Good night.” Harm set down the phone and took Mac in his arms. “The Admiral wanted me to hug you for him. He sends his congratulations to both of us.”

“Do you think we’ll come for a visit?” Mac asked as she hugged Harm back.

“You know...I actually think he might. So, do you want to call Harriet and Bud next?” Harm asked.

“Not tonight...maybe tomorrow night.”

“You sure?”

“Yes. I’ve got another idea for tonight,” Mac whispered as she placed a kiss on his chin.

“Oh yeah? And what would that be?” Harm asked pretty sure he knew what she was going to say.

“Making love with my husband,” Mac quietly responded.

“Oh, well....I guess I could support that idea. I love you, Mac.”

“I love you too Harm...enough talking...” Mac murmured as she slid her hands up his chest and around his neck, her fingers weaving through his short hair.

CHAPTER 8

Memorial Day

American Embassy

London, England

Captain Harmon Rabb, General Tyler Langley, Lt. Colonel Sarah Rabb, Air Force Captain Mark Singleton, and Army Major Abigail Mitchell and the Ambassador sat on the raised stage facing the Americans gathered at the Embassy to celebrate the memory of the Americans that had lost their lives in service for their country. A color guard stood to the side of the stage representing army, air force, navy and marines. American children living in England with their deployed families gathered together in the audience to share the holiday with others while on foreign soil. A few people played instruments while students sang patriotic songs. The Ambassador stood and spoke to the gathered crowd first.

“I am honored today to be joined by these fine examples of American heroes. All have faced deadly situations, some more then once, and all have been spared. It could be said that their good works have not been completed as yet. You will hear from each of them today a story of heroism - not about themselves, but about someone that they know - a personal experience that they witnessed. As they each tell their story, please remember that these are but a few of the acts of heroism that our military people face day after day. We’ll never know the stories that went to the graves of those who have fallen, so please listen carefully and cherish these special memories that these honorable men and women will share with us today. Thank you.”

There was another musical selection before Captain Singleton took his position at the microphone.

“Thank you...I’d like to tell you a story about my father. Lt. Joseph Singleton was an Air Force pilot and he flew during the Vietnam Conflict. He died before I was born, but I grew up with his legacy, like many other children born during that era. Lt. Singleton flew bombing missions over Vietnam. He had already taken three more runs that day then they were suppose to take, but they were calling for more air support and they had already lost one pilot earlier in the day. Despite being tired he volunteered to make another run. It was the difference between life and death for close to two hundred soldiers on the ground. Lt. Singleton saved their lives, but lost his own when he was shot down less then ten minutes from the landing strip. He gave his life that day to save the lives of many others.”

Harm had been planning to tell the story of his father, but with it being so similar to that of Captain Singleton’s father, he decided he had to tell another story. He had time to think of something, while he waited his turn. The musical group played and sang a short version of the Air Force hymn before Major Mitchell took her spot on the podium.

“My mother was a nurse at China Beach in Vietnam. She saw a lot of things while she was in Vietnam and they have had a lingering effect on her life. She said the thing that has had the greatest impact on her however, was being there to help the wounded process what had happened to them. There were those that she helped stay alive and got to know as she treated their wounds and cared for them as they healed. Some returned to the units, while others were sent home. Times like those helped her deal with the more difficult moments she faced. Too often she was called on to ease someone during their final moments of life.

Watching the young men that were mortally wounded and providing comfort to them as they prepared to leave this world behind...those were the moments that made my mother a hero. She didn’t know that at the time. She came to understand that years later when a man that had been seriously wounded and was prepared to die was granted a miracle and allowed to live. He told my mother that her care had helped him hang on and to accept death should it come. Some how what should have been his last breath was not. My mother fought then to keep giving him the medication that would help his body fight infection and eventually heal. He was sent home and when my mother finished her tour of duty, she looked him up when she got home. He had written to her several times her last year there thanking her for not giving up on him.

She still hasn’t...and he hasn’t given up on her dealing with the ghosts of China Beach...they’ve been married thirty two years. It was my father’s life she had saved. I honor them both by sharing their story.”

While the group played the ‘Caissons,’ Harm pondered what other stories of heroism he could share with this group. He glanced at Mac and wondered what she was thinking about the stories that had been shared. She hadn’t told him what story she was going to tell. She had hinted that it was tied to one of her cases. Harm started thinking about some of his cases and if there was any heroic stories he could share here.

As the musical selection ended, Mac took her position in front of the people gathered to hear their memories.

“I’ve thought a lot about the story of heroism that I would tell here today. Between cases I’ve worked as a lawyer, relatives in the military and my partner of nine years while I was stationed in Washington DC at JAG Headquarters, there are so many acts of heroism that I could share with you. I would like to tell you about my partner at JAG, the man that I eventually married...a man you’ll hear speak shortly about heroism. I know he won’t tell you his own story...so I will. My husband is a third generation naval aviator. His grandfather was killed flying off a ship in World War II. His own father was shot down in Vietnam and was missing in action.

My husband, Captain Harmon Rabb Junior, a graduate of Anapolis flew in Desert Storm. He suffered from an eye infection that impacted his night vision. He had a ramp strike on a carrier and his RIO was killed. He was cleared, but had to decide if he would leave the Navy, or fight to recover and reinvent himself. He did reinvent himself, as a Navy Lawyer. He never lost his love of flying though and while on a JAG investigation he had a chance to go up with another pilot in the back seat. They were shot at and the pilot was wounded. My husband was able to get them back to the ship and landed at night on a carrier with a night vision problem. The man’s whose life he saved had been the very wingman that had flown with his father in Vietnam. The last man to have seen his father.

A few years after that my husband discovered that his eye problem had been misdiagnosed and that what he had could be corrected. He had it fixed and left JAG to return to flying. He continued to be a hero but after a few months, he knew that his career would be short lived as a pilot, so he returned to JAG and flew CAPS on weekends for the reserves. Of course he has to go up in a plane every chance he gets still, and he usually ends up coming to someone’s rescue. He’s a hero in the typical military sense but he’s also a hero as a lawyer. You see his motto is the truth is everything. He lives it and breathes it in every aspect of his life. He won’t make a promise he can’t keep. He is a living honor to those men and women that have given their life and served their country in the past. He honors them all by not doing anything less then what they would have done in his place. Thank you.”

The applause was almost deafening as Mac returned to her seat. The Marine Hymn was played by the band and still Harm sat there not sure what he was going to say in the next few seconds. Slowly he stood and as he walked to the microphone the words began to come to him. By the time it was his turn to talk he knew exactly what to say.

“Colonel Rabb...it’s your turn to be honored. A few years ago, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie - now Rabb - was TAD to a ship in the Indian Ocean. She was on a case and had to go to the mainland in the Philippines. While she was at the embassy there, a hostile crowd was gathering outside. The Embassy was under siege and she found herself the highest ranking officer. With the Gunnery Sargent assigned to her they were able to blockade the Embassy with a few of the Marines assigned there and then get the Ambassador and his guests out safely.

While there the cook’s daughter befriended Colonel Mackenzie, a young girl who thought this female officer was amazing and hoped to grow up to be like her some day. This young girl led them through underground tunnels and hallways to her school where this group of twenty-two people could be extracted by helicopters. One they were all aboard, Colonel Mackenzie looked back and saw this young girl trying to get to her to give her the picture she had drawn of her hero. In that split second, the decision had to be made; send the young girl back unsure of what would become of her or risk the lives of the other twenty-two souls she could save. She did the only she could do...she left the girl behind.

Colonel Mackenzie was given a medal for her bravery, but she couldn’t accept it. Her commanding officer gave her no choice, so she took the medal and some leave time and she flew back to the Philippines and found the little girl. The little girl told her that she still had the pictures and that she wanted to be brave like the Colonel. Colonel Mackenzie took that picture and in exchange, she gave that little girl the medal telling her that it had been her bravery that had saved them.

Acts of heroism come in many different forms. No one is any more heroic then another. We do what we do as our duty to our country and to honor those who came before us. Bravery is confronting your fears and doing what has to be done. We all are heroes in one form or another through out life...no matter who we are or what we do. It is our job to remember those that have served our country and given their life to safe another’s.”

Harm’s story received equal applause as he smiled at Mac while he took his seat. Anchors Away played while General Langley approached the microphone.

“Do I have to top that?” he asked as he turned and looked at the men and women that had already had their say. “Because I can do it. Instead what I would like to do is read a list of events in history where Americans gave their lives on foreign soil, sea, or air for their country. World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Granada, Desert Storm, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. We hope this conflict will end soon and that in the years to come we will only serve as peace keepers. Until that day, there will always be new names to and more stories to remember such as those we’ve heard today. Please stand now and join together in singing, ‘God Bless America’ before we depart.”

When the last noted faded, the Color guard presented colors, and Taps was played. The color guard left followed by the officers on stage and then the families and guests followed to the reception area for refreshments.

General Langley turned to Harm and Mac. “You two must have been a handful for the same Commanding Officer.”

“Yes sir. Admiral Chegwidden and General Creswell have both wondered what to do with us,” agreed Harm.

“And what did they decided to do?”queried General Langley.

“Well,” Mac said, “They told us to just do what we do.”

“And I suspect that you rarely if ever let them down. Well I’m glad that circumstances have landed you in my command Colonel, even if it is only part time as a reservist.”

“Thank you sir.”

“As a matter of fact, I hate to talk business today, but I need a judge for a court case this week. Judge Helfman was going to take it, but a personal situation has come up that she needs to attend to. Could I get you to fill in for her? No travel involved. Its here in London,” Langley informed her.

“Is it a case my lawyers have sir?” asked Harm.

“No Captain...they’re both stationed out of DC...Lt. Commander Roberts and Commander Coleman. Know either of them?” Langley checked.

“Yes sir...particularly Commander Roberts,” Harm told him.

“His oldest child is our godson,” Mac explained.

“Trust me General, Colonel Rabb will be fair and tough on both of them. She knows the law and doesn’t let them get away with any tricks. I know...she’s been the judge on cases I’ve worked on,” Harm informed Mac’s commanding officer.

“Before or after you got together?” Langley asked with a hint of a smile.

“While we were trying to figure out if we were going to be together,” Harm admitted.

“That must have been a set back. I see you survived it,” General Langley actually chuckled as Harm and Mac looked at each other and smiled.

“Yes sir,” they answered in unison.

“I scheduled courtroom space with your yeoman for the trial. So I can count on you Colonel?”

“Yes sir.”

“Excellent. Enjoy the festivities and the trial is scheduled to begin with member selection on the first of June. Good day,” Langley said before turning to move away.

“I’m surprised Bud didn’t call us,” Mac said to Harm.

“Probably wants to surprise us...and he doesn’t know yet you are the judge.”

“True...so I’m going to get to see Coleman in action. Must be Creswell brought her to headquarters and got her away from NCIS.”

“Not necessarily. She could still be with NCIS; Langley said they were from Washington...not Headquarters.” Harm raised his eyebrows as he spoke.

“Hadn’t thought of that. Something to prepare for I guess.”

“You’ll be great Mac. I may have to slip in and watch the trial...see if you are as brutal with them as you were with me.”

June 1

0900 Zulu

Court Room 2

7 North Audley Street

London, England

The court clerk’s voice rang out announcing the imminent arrival of the Judge, Lt. Colonel Sarah Rabb.

“Be seated...Good morning...we are here to select the members for this courts martial. Commander Roberts and Commander Coleman, are you ready to begin?”

“Yes your Honor,” answered Bud Roberts as he glanced at Commander Coleman whose response had echoed his own.

“Very well. Let’s begin shall we?” Mac instructed as they swore in and interviewed the members. It took an hour and forty five minutes to seat the panel.

“This as been an auspicious start to this court martial. I expect the professionalism exhibited here today will continue throughout. It will be in every ones’ best interest to make that so. We will recess to give both sides time to prepare. We will reconvene at 1300 Zulu. Dismissed.”

Mac rose and exited into the judge’s chambers. Within minutes, Harm arrived, rapping on her door with the side of his fist and waiting for her to acknowledge him.

“Hey...I saw you sitting in the back during the selection process. Slow day?” Mac asked grinning as he closed the door and slowly walked toward her bending to drop a kiss on her lips as she spoke.

“Not a slow day...a rare one...I get a chance to watch my wife behind the bench when I don’t have a stake in the outcome. Was it my imagination or did Bud act like he didn’t know you?” Harm asked, his brow furrowed.

“You thought that too? You don’t think he’s upset with me about something do you?” Mac asked.

“No...I think its Bud trying not to let on that he really wants to give you a hug, show you the latest pictures of his family while he’s grinning from ear to ear and ask you a million questions about life in London.”

“You’re probably right. Are you going to check in with him?”

“I thought I would. I’d like Meg to get a chance to talk to him as well...she hasn’t seen him since he became a lawyer,” Harm smiled thinking about his early days with Bud.

“Okay. I’ll see you later. What time are you planning to leave the office today?”

“I’d like to leave around seventeen hundred and stop and see Mattie before we go home. That work for you?”

“I’ll make it work...I’m the judge, remember?” Mac wrinkled her nose as she grinned at her husband.

“How could I forget! Love you...” Harm dropped a kiss on her lips and turned and let himself out of her temporary office.

Harm strolled down the hallway, turned left and knocked on the third door on his right. He heard a muffled, “Enter.”

“Commander Roberts?”

“Captain Rabb!” Bud exclaimed getting quickly to his feet.

“At ease, Bud...this is an old friend stopping to say hi.”

“It’s good to see you sir....I couldn’t believe it when I saw the Colonel take her seat behind the bench. I’d heard that Helfman had the case.” Bud admitted.

“She did. Something came up and she asked Langley to replace her. He asked Mac because she was close and available. You have a problem with it?” Harm asked.

“Not at all...She’s tough but fair.”

“That she is Bud, that she is. Hey did you see Commander Austin?” Harm asked.

“Not yet - at least not to talk to. I did see her towering above several others as she walked through the ops center. Couldn’t miss a tall blond like that sir.” Bud grinned.

“True...if you’ve got a minute you could walk with me now...I’ve got to stop by her office,” Harm invited.

“Thanks, but I’ve got to get ready to go before a tough judge shortly. I’ll try and catch her later.”

“Very well...I’ll let you get back to it then...oh hey...if you have time after the trial, we’d love to have you over for dinner before you leave...catch up on all the news.”

“Thanks...I’d like that.”

“Later.” Harm closed the door and headed on to see Meg Austin. Her door was open and Harm stuck his head in.

“Got a minute?”

“Sure, Captain...have a seat.”

“Thanks Meg. Meg, what do you think of the progress...of lack of it from Colonel Morris?”

“You mean about becoming a team player?”

“Among other things,” Harm nodded.

“He knows the law, Harm...and he’s done a decent job coaching some of the green stock...”

“But?”

“He’s lazy. He passes things off to others and when you call him on it he always pull out something that keeps him busy. I don’t trust him,” Meg admitted. “Major Gordon however, is solid. He reminds me of you in some ways...but without the ‘zoomie’ addiction,” Meg grinned at her CO.

“Zoomie...I’ll zoom you if you keep that up,” Harm laughed. “So Travis had any luck finding an Army billet in London?”

“Not yet...he has a couple of more months before he can request a transfer anyway.”

“You still mad at me for hauling you so far away from him?” Harm asked.

“I wasn’t mad at you.” Meg looked up and met Harm’s gaze and the look on his face told her he knew she was lying to him. “Well, not much...I could have turned you down...but this is a great opportunity and Travis understands,” Meg acknowledged.

“Can he get leave before then?” Harm asked, feeling a little bad that he had separated them.

“Yes...as a matter of fact he plans to be here to celebrate Independence Day with me.”

“Ahhh, Meg...they don’t celebrate that holiday in England.”

“I know...we’ll have our own private party with our own fireworks, thank you,” Meg’s smile and sparkling eyes made Harm slightly uncomfortable.

“More then I need to know, Commander. Hey, Meg...Bud Roberts is here. Have you seen him yet?”

“Bud? Really?”

“Just down the hall. He’s got a case in front of Judge Rabb. Not a judge you want to be unprepared in front of.”

“Your wife?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“I guess I never thought about her catching cases right in this office. Ever been in her courtroom?”

“Oh yeah...she knows my playbook so well I can’t get away with anything...but she knows the law and she’s fair...and most of the time what happens in the courtroom stays in the courtroom with us...at least since the first time.” Harm admitted to the earlier tension they dealt with when one had been a judge for the others cases and the first few times they opposed one another.

“And you’re still together. That’s rare.” Meg watched Harm grin at the memories reeling through his mind. “I’ll stop in and see Bud when I finish this sir. Was there anything else?”

“Carry on Commander.” Harm stepped out of her office and returned to his own.

“Captain Rabb?”

“Yes Coates?”

“I’m sorry to bother you sir, but Mattie called and wants you to call her back as soon as you can...she said its nothing bad, sir.” Jen smiled at her commanding officer as she handed him the slip of paper.

“Thank you Petty Officer.” Harm closed the door to his office and settled into his desk as he reached for the phone. He dialed the number and waited for Mattie to answer.

<Hello?>

“Mattie, what’s up?”

“Harm! Are you and Mac planning to come see me today?”

“Mattie, we come see you every day.”

“No...I mean during the day not at night.”

“I can. Mac’s in court and I don’t know if she can get away or not. We were planning to leave by seventeen hundred to come see you. Do you want me to come before that?”

“No! I want you to come together as soon as you can though. Okay?”

“Mattie, of course its okay...now what’s going on?” Harm asked the excited teenager.

“Nothing.”

“Mattie...” Harm’s exasperation could be clearly heard in the way he said her name.

“I just have a surprise for you.”

“Alright...I’ll see if Mac can wrap it up a little earlier today if you think its that important,” Harm promised.

“It’s not an emergency or anything...” Mattie hedged.

“Is it really important to you that we are both there?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll tell Mac that I think we should get there earlier if at all possible. See you later Mathilda.” Harm disconnected the call shaking his head. He buzzed Mac’s extension hoping she was still there.

“Lt. Colonel Rabb.”

“Hey Mac...its me.”

“Oh...Is everything okay?” Mac asked.

“Yes, but I just got a call from Mattie. She wanted to know how soon we could get there...she said she has a surprise for us. Any chance you can get away earlier then we discussed?” Harm asked.

“As a matter of fact, that might be possible.”

“Mac, did I call at a bad time?”

“In a way, yes.”

“I’m sorry. Call me as soon as you can. I’ll let you go for now.”

“Thank you....I’ll do that.” Mac hung up the phone and turned her attention back to the two lawyers sitting before her. “Sorry about that...now why were you saying you wanted to have a continuance, Commander Coleman?”

I would like to be able to go from opening statements right to my first witness Ma’am...but my witness was unavoidably detained due to a weather situation and their flight is now delayed until this evening.”

“So you want to put off everything until tomorrow morning?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Lt. Commander Roberts, do you have a problem with this?”

“Yes Ma’am...I feel this is an undue delay. I think Commander Coleman should proceed with another witness and that we should get started today. IT is unfair to my client to have this process delayed any longer.”

“I tend to agree, Commander Roberts...however, I will concede that sometimes the sequence of the witnesses is critical. So, we will have opening statements today beginning in thirty minutes. After opening statements we will adjourn until zero-nine-hundred tomorrow.”

“Aye-aye Ma’am.” Coleman and Roberts spoke in unison.

“Dismissed.” Mac watched the two lawyers leave her office and then she buzzed Harm.

“Captain Rabb.”

“Sorry about before....what’s up?” Mac asked,

“Hey....Mattie called. She’s all excited about something and wants us both there. What time do you think you can get away?”

“Well as luck would have it Commander Coleman asked for a delay on opening and first witness as her first witness had to be away and their flight was delayed getting back. Commander Roberts objected and so I split the difference...opening statements today - first witness tomorrow. Now no one is happy.”

“Sounds about right. Come get me when you’re done. I’ll order the car for us.” Harm grinned as he pictured Mac taking control of the two lawyers. He had just hung up the phone and settled into the files he needed to review and sign off on when the phone buzzed again.

“Captain Rabb.”

“This is Mrs. Green. Are you still interested in the cottage you made the offer on?”

“Yes, we are.”

“Well its yours. Your offer was accepted and your loan was approved. Would you be able to make the closing this afternoon?” Mrs. Green asked.

“I’m sorry, we can’t do it today...Friday afternoon...four o’clock?” Harm suggested.

“I’ll let you know. Oh and Captain Rabb, the owners said that they forgot to note that they had ordered a dishwasher for the kitchen. It has arrived and has been installed.”

“Perfect. We’ll look forward to hearing from you.” Harm sat back and smiled. It was going to be a day full of surprises. He knew Mac would be pleased to hear that the cottage would soon be theirs. HE returned to his file reviews until he heard from Mac.

CHAPTER 9

1520 Zulu

Mattie’s Room

Rehabilitation Center

London, England

“Dad! Mac! You’re here....this is so great...Sit down okay?” Mattie was sitting up in bed and practically bouncing on the mattress as soon as she spotted them.

Harm and Mac each took a seat next to the bed before Harm managed to get a word in. “What’s all the excitement about Mathilda Grace?”

“Just sit and watch...okay?” Mattie carefully slid her legs over the side of the bed as she did when she moved herself from the bed to the wheelchair. The wheelchair was locked and in place waiting to receive her as usual. Carefully Mattie got her feet onto the floor. She was wearing the special slippers that had non-slip soles on them.

As she shifted her weight from her butt to her feet, Harm spotted the walker nearby. Speechless he could only sit and watch in utter amazement as Mattie stood up by herself and pulled the walker in front of her. She heard Mac’s gasp and Harm’s swallow as she carefully put one foot in front of the other and slid the walker along in front of her until she had made the five steps to stand in front of her new parents.

“Ta-da!”

“Oh Mattie, that’s wonderful,” Mac covered the girl’s hand as it rested on the walker and met her gaze with her own watery eyes. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Me too...Wow! What a surprise!” Harm shook his head and flashed her his biggest smile.

“I’m not done...follow me,” Mattie instructed. Carefully Mattie made her way to the door of her room and then into the hallway. She stopped as they reached the hallway. “I’m suppose to get up and take a least one lap three times a day. I’ve been working on this with my therapist, but today...this morning, she told me I’m ready to do this on my own...In a week or so she’s going to increase the number of laps I take each time.”

“How do you feel?” Harm asked as they reached about the halfway mark.

“Getting tired...but this is the third tour today...that’s why I needed you both to be here...and I knew you wouldn’t believe it if you didn’t see it.”

“We’d have believed you Mattie,” Harm reassured her.

“I know...but you’d have wanted to see this as much as I wanted to show you, right?” Mattie asked.

“Yes.”

They made the stroll around the rehabilitation ward and then when they returned to Mattie’s room, Harm and Mac stood by her side while she got herself back up on the bed and leaning against the raised head of the bed.

“I think I must feel like you did after running in the JAG-a-thon event that time Dad.”

“He told you about that Mattie?” Mac asked,

“Yes...how he kept putting his foot in it and wouldn’t back down so he ended up giving you a six minute lead and then had to catch up so he could at least finish the race with you.”

“Yes...that was one time where every time he opened his mouth he got himself into deeper trouble...unlike when he was in the courtroom.”

“Yeah, well, I think I”ve gotten over the worst of that phase of my life,” Harm admitted.

“So now you’re able to get around some, Mattie, have they talked about when you can come home?” Mac asked.

“I have to be able to do three laps three times a day with the walker or once around without it, before they’ll let me out...but if I can keep to the time line they set up, I should be home in about three weeks.”

“Oh Mattie! That is great news. Isn’t it Harm?” Mac asked him.

“Yes...and I have more news.” Harm’s statement had both Mattie and Mac looking at him, waiting in anticipation. “Mrs. Green called today. The closing will be Friday on the cottage...and the dishwasher’s already installed...they left the fact that they had ordered it and would have it installed for the buyer off the information but it comes with the place.”

“Really?” Mac asked, her smile lighting her whole face.

“Really.”

“Can you spring me this weekend so I can see it?” Mattie asked eagerly.

“Why don’t you let us fix up your room first, Mattie,” Harm suggested.

“Because she wants to be part of the process and help decide what her room should look like. Right Mattie?” Mac asked the teenager.

“Yes....that’s right Mac.”

“Alright...no ganging up on the man here.”

Mac stood and kissed his cheek before giving Mattie a big hug. “Mattie, I want you to promise us something.”

“What’s that Mac?”

“Work hard, but don’t push yourself to the point that you exhaust yourself. It won’t get you out of here any sooner. We want you home with us.”

“Really?” Mattie asked. “Won’t I put a crimp in your style?”

“I’m not sure how much style we have to begin with, Mattie...but we do have a family...the three of us. Of course we want you home with us.” Mac assured the girl.

“There will be times I’ll want to take just Mac out or even go away for a few days together...but she’s right. We’re a family now and you belong at home with us.” Harm stood and hugged his ‘daughter’ as well.

“Thanks. Dad?”

“What?”

“Can you let Jen have a longer lunch tomorrow or let her go early so I can show her?”

“I take it this means we need to keep your secret a little longer.”

“Yes...can you?”

“I may have to send her over here with something for you. What’s the best time?” Harm asked.

“Around twelve-thirty?”

“She’ll be here.” Harm stood and watched as Mac and Mattie launched into a discussion of ideas that would look good in Mattie’s new bedroom. He decided to have Jen go deliver some samples of paint colors and borders that Mattie could be looking at. She wouldn’t suspect anything then. He knew Jen would be as thrilled as Mac and Harm at this newest benchmark in Mattie’s recovery.

2115 Zulu

Rabb Quarters

London, England

“Already, Captain...what are you up to?” Mac asked as she caught Harm grinning while he stared at the ceiling.

“What makes you think I’m up to something?” Harm asked looking at Mac as she worked at the table nearby.

“Let’s see. You haven’t said a word for close to an hour...You’re staring at the ceiling...and you have a very satisfied smile on your face.” Mac waited as he processed her evidence.

“Objection...satisfied is an opinion...” Harm threw back at her with a smile.

“Yeah, well unless you’ve been fibbing, that smile was one that shows satisfaction. Confess now and I’ll go easy on you, Sailor,” Mac said playfully as she got up from the table and kneeled on the couch next to Harm, her hands resting on his shoulders.

“I came up with a way to get Jen over to see Mattie tomorrow without giving away a thing...and without fibbing to her either.”

“Are you going to share?” Mac asked resting her forehead against his.

“Actually I need your help...you know those samples we picked up that you’ve been studying?”

“Yes...”

“I want to send some over for Mattie to look at. I’m going to ask Jen to drop them off tomorrow when I tell her we got the cottage. I’m going to tell her that I’m afraid Mattie will push herself to far to fast if she doesn’t have something to distract her. Then I’ll ask her if she could get there around twelve thirty because its after lunch and before her afternoon session.”

“You...are...a...genius!” Mac kissed him after each word she spoke.

“Yeah? Are you going to reward me for that great idea?” Harm asked in a husky voice, stealing a kiss from her before she could answer.

“Depends what you had in mind,” Mac teased back as she felt his large hands slide up her back. Ever since the night they had finally admitted that being together was more important then anything else to them, she had been amazed at how gentle he was with those hands. Every touch from Harm healed some part of her that had been damaged in her childhood and younger years. In a very short time he had been able to show her in no uncertain terms that everyone man or woman that had hurt her or slighted her was wrong.

She felt his kisses traveling along her neck and behind her ear. “Harm....I thought...mmmm....I was....suppose to....reward you...” Mac had trouble concentrating as he worked himself from her lips to her neck to behind her ear and back to the other ear.

“Later...you taste so good. Harm captured her mouth with his again exploring and tasting her lips until he found the perfect angle for both of them. Mac kissed him back as wildly as she had the first night they had given into their passion for each other.

Between kisses, Mac managed to suggest they move their rewards for each other to the bedroom.

Afterward, when they were both wearing satisfied smiles, Harm held her in his arms. She could hear his voice rumble in his chest as he spoke. “I think we have great style, Mac.”

“Yeah...but I didn’t want Mattie thinking she would be in the way,” Mac admitted.

“I guess it won’t be long before we won’t be able to get warmed up out there before we move it to the bedroom, huh?” Harm asked.

“Actually, I think it would be great for Mattie to see us hugging, kissing, being playful with each other...we moved it in here about the right time tonight...I think.”

“Do you think Mattie will be embarrassed?” Harm asked.

“Some...that’s natural. Didn’t you ever see your mother and Frank kiss when you were Mattie’s age?” Mac asked.

“Yeah...it just made me mad because I felt she was cheating on my father. Turns out my father cheated on my mother...and more then once probably,” Harm admitted remembering his conversation that Christmas with Jenny Lake and the existence of Sergei.

“Harm...”

“It’s okay Mac. I think I realize now that sometimes circumstances put you in situations where you might not handle things the way you would normally. When I found myself defending my father to my mother when I told her about Sergei, I realized that he knew by then he’d probably never get home.”

“What about the Jenny Lake thing? Mac asked.

“You know...I’m not sure if they ever took it beyond a kiss or not. Back then, everything seemed black and white to me. Since then I guess I’ve mellowed.”

“You have mellowed...but you went through a phase there where I thought we’d never survive.” Mac pulled his arms tighter around her.

“When was that?”

“After Mic left...and then in Paraguay...we were so brutal to each other then.”

“Ssshhhh...I’m so sorry for the things I’ve said that have hurt you. I hated it when I did, but sometimes things came out of my mouth so wrong...”

“And sometimes you said things on purpose.”

“Yes. I owe you an apology for many of the things I did and said back then, Mac.”

“I hurt you too...let’s not relive each and everyone of them. We know we did those things because we were hurting...don’t they say you always hurt the one you love?”

“I believe so.”

“Then that should tell you how much we loved each other even back then,” Mac said as she lifted her head and kissed him again.

“Mac, are you really okay with everything?” Harm asked suddenly overcome with a need to be sure she wasn’t having any regrets.

“Yes...reserving my commission has worked out fine. I love the cottage we found; Mattie and are have gotten much closer already; and I am so proud of you.” Mac took Harm’s face between her hands and kissed him long and slow.

“Thank you,” Harm breathed as the kiss ended.

“For what? The kiss?” Mac asked.

“For giving us a chance; for loving me; for accepting Mattie; for coming to London...” Harm felt more emotional at that moment then he had in quite some time.

Mac noticed the glistening in his eyes and knew that Harm was as overwhelmed at that moment with the reality of them as a couple as she was. This time their love-making was slow, sensuous and emotional.

1655 Zulu

Green Realtor’s Office

London, England

“Ready to do this?” Harm asked Mac and Mattie as they entered the office where they would close on the cottage.

“Yes,” Mac and Mattie answered together. Mattie was in her wheelchair despite her protests. The only way they were allowing her to leave the rehabilitation center was in the chair. They did tell her she could get out of it now and then to for her exercise, but if she came back exhausted or experienced any set backs they would not let her out again until she was completely well. The threat did the trick, even though she complained some.

Mrs. Green welcomed them and told them that the sellers had signed off already and asked her to deposit their money into the account. It was only a formality and ten minutes later, Harm and Mac were presented with the papers and a set of keys for their new home - the English cottage.

Corporal Ruiz was waiting for them when they left Mrs. Green’s office. Harm watched Mattie transfer herself into the back seat and then put the wheelchair into the trunk. Corporal Ruiz waited until Harm was seated in the front before following Harm’s directions to the new cottage.

“Next week I’ll have my own vehicle available so you won’t have to drive me as much Corporal Ruiz,” Harm informed his driver.

“I don’t mind, sir.”

“I know, Corporal, but I miss driving...the independence. However, I’ll still use your services. We only had one car shipped over,” Harm informed him.

They pulled up in front of the cottage and while Harm and the Corporal retrieved Mattie’s wheel chair, she got out of the car on her own and was standing with Mac’s arm as support.

“Mattie!”

“I’m fine, Dad...chill, okay?” Mattie laughed at his over protective over-reaction to seeing her standing next to Mac.

“Harm, she’s quite steady. I’m impressed,” Mac informed him.

“So am I. In you chariot for now...you can walk up the steps into the house, okay?” Harm asked trying to humor Mattie.

“Thanks...can I walk around inside if I’m careful...please?” Mattie looked up at Harm who glanced at Mac and then back at Mattie.

“Will you sit down if you get tired?”

“Yes.”

“Will you be very careful?”

“Yes.”

“Will you...”

“Harm!”

“Dad!”

“Alright! Alright! Just wanted to be sure.” Harm muttered under his breath as they approached the cottage. They used the side door onto the porch and Corporal Ruiz followed with Mattie’s chair.

“Oh Wow! Mac this is great. How did you convince Harm to go for this?” Mattie asked.

“I told him that I’ve lived in an apartment for years and that the other place we looked at looked like what we might look for back home. I wanted to live in an English cottage while I was in London. He caved right away,” Mac giggled as she hugged Mattie’s arm as they walked around.

“Corporal, do you ever have a problem with the women in your life ganging up on you?” Harm asked his driver as they followed Mac and Mattie from room to room.

“No sir,” Corporal Ruiz couldn’t hide the smile. He had talked to some of the other guys stationed here and they all liked this new Captain. He had a sense of humor; he didn’t talk down to anyone on the staff; and he got stern only when he was displeased with someone’s work - and that was all that often. He was quick to praise and most errors were looked at as learning opportunities. A couple of the senior staff was a bit put out because they had to work...they couldn’t pull their tricks on this captain.

Harm and Mac explained some of their ideas to Mattie as they wandered around the cottage. When they got to Mattie’s room, Harm and Mac watched her face to see if she was okay with it.

“I wouldn’t change a thing,” Mattie told them as she broke into a huge smile. She turned to hug Mac and held out an arm for Harm to join them. He wrapped his long arms around both of them.

“Are you sure, Mattie? I thought maybe a chair rail in white and then a solid color on the bottom half of the room to cut it down some.” Harm explained the ideas he had been thinking about for her.

“Maybe eventually, Harm...for now...I like it. The living room could use some serious attention - and soon!”

They all agreed and returned to the living room to discuss how they would redo it. After testing the wallpaper, they discovered that it came off with little effort, and before they left that evening, the living room was ready to be painted. They had decided to paint it in the ivory color of the dining room and hallway.

0930 Zulu

Rabb Cottage

“Harm, this enamel paint is coming off really well,” Mac told Harm as she worked on another section of green enamel paint.

“I’m surprised,” Harm confessed. “Usually the dark enamels are terrible to remove. How’s the wood looking underneath?”

“Good...it must not have been on here long...the wood’s not even stained...Harm?”

“Yeah.”

“Could they have put a clear coat on first that it keeping this stuff from soaking in and making it easier to remove?” Mac asked.

“Maybe...let’s see..” Harm joined her and looked at the wood area she had already cleared.

“You’re right, Mac. They did use a clear finish on this wood before painting it.”

“We lucked out again, didn’t we?” Mac smiled at her husband.

“Yes we did. Hey Mattie?” Harm called to the teenager who was putting lining paper in the kitchen cabinets.

“Yes?”

“Are you resting your legs?”

“Yes...I only stand up when I can’t reach from my chair. Happy?” Mattie called shaking her head at Mr. Overprotective.

“Mattie, if you want a change, or get that finished, you can always come help me with the enamel mover.” Mac called.

“Okay...I’m fine for now.”

They took a break at noon, when Harm ordered take-out for them and had it delivered. Mac had finished with the woodwork and now what had been green enamel was a beautiful honey colored wood. It was taped so Harm could cut in around the edges and not get ivory paint on the trim work. He had rolled the main part of the walls with one coat, but after doing the edges he wanted to apply a second coat of the satin ivory paint.

After they ate, they all went back to work. Mac and Mattie left Harm to paint while they cleaned bathrooms and closets. Mac had wandered into the small room meant for a baby. She looked around at the teddy bear border. Without that border, the room wouldn’t look like a baby’s room. On one hand she wanted to leave as it was hoping that soon she would be using it as a nursery. On the other hand, they hadn’t decided what to do about a guest room or an office space. This is where she was when Mattie found her.

“Mac? You okay?” Mattie asked.

“Yes...just having trouble deciding what to do here.”

“Are you and Harm planning to have a baby right away?” Mattie asked.

“We’d like to...but there is no guarantee that I can get pregnant...I had a procedure done to improve my chances...but still...not knowing it seems silly to keep this as a baby’s room.”

“It’s cute like it is, but wouldn’t you rather decorate it the way you want it when you do get pregnant?” Mattie asked.

“You’re right. Here goes...” Mac reached out and found a loose edge of the border. It came off even easier then the wall paper had in the living room. You know, without the border in here this would make a good office...or guest room.”

“Is it big enough to do two jobs?” Mattie asked.

“Maybe...if we put a love seat in here that pulled out into a double bed...the desk could go there...with a filing cabinet...” Mac warmed up to the idea quickly. “Thanks Mattie...you were a big help. Shall we see how Harm’s doing?”

“Hey...I just finished. What do you think?” Harm asked as Mattie and Mac joined him.

“It looks great. Mattie just helped me decide how to use the small room.”

“Are you sure Mac?” Harm asked.

“Yes...the border paper is off and we think we’ve figured out how to make it work as a guest room and an office. We’ll have to buy one piece of furniture to make it work.”

“And what would that be?” Harm asked.

“A love seat that makes into a bed.”

Harm approved their plan. Together they cleaned up and got ready to leave. The furniture would be delivered tomorrow. Tired but happy they returned to their temporary quarters and Mattie made the trip up the stairs once again with support from her new parents. She was exhausted but knew she felt happy and would sleep better then she had since the accident.

CHAPTER 10

1125 Zulu

Force Judge Advocate’s Office

London, England

It had been a hectic morning. Harm and Mac had returned Mattie to the rehabilitation center before picking up the Lexus from the shipping yard. Mac had driven the Lexus to the cottage to meet the moving van. Harm had no doubt that Mac would have the cottage in top condition by the time he got home. He smiled imagining her giving orders to the military movers that would unload and put things where she directed them. They had decided to go ahead with the movers for Monday even though Harm wouldn’t be able to be there. Mondays were crazy at the office getting caught up with business from the weekend, staff meetings and so on.

Harm had just returned from the staff meeting. He needed to go on-line and review several reports and indicate approval or not so they could then be reviewed and process by various others. Harm had welcomed the newest technology in his office and after two months everyone seemed to be able to use the system with one exception...Lt. Colonel Frank Morse. He was proving to be a problem, one that Harm really didn’t want to have to deal with knowing that things could get nasty.

Morse had hoped to be promoted and get the billet but he lost out to Harm. Then instead of being given the assistants job, Harm had brought in Commander Austin. Now he had two Navy people over him and it rankled.

Harm tackled the reports that were ready. He was finding that he had less reading to do at night with this new system, but if he needed to print them out and take them home he could still do it. He would soon have connectivity to the database from home so that he would be able to do reports from home if he needed to without printing them off.

His phone buzzed.

“Yes PO Coates.”

“Captain, it’s the Colonel for you on one.”

“Thanks Coates...Mac?”

“Hi Sailor. Is this a bad time?”

“Not at all. I was just reviewing some reports. How are things going with you?”

“Okay...but I want your input.”

“Shoot.”

“Our living room furniture is working just fine, but we’ve got two dining room sets. Which one would you rather we use? The other I guess will have to go in storage.”

“Mac I think your set will look best in that room. Have them put the glass table in the kitchen or on the ‘porch’ and if it doesn’t fit there, it can go out back so we can use it as a patio table. The rain won’t hurt it and I can put up a lean to shelter eventually. The chairs can go in the garage for now.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

“What about your hutch?”

“Well if it won’t fit on the sun porch, what about in the office area?” Harm asked.

“Good plan...thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Hey what did you decide about the beds?”

“I put my bed in our room with your mattress on it. Mattie is getting your bed and my mattress and they both fit great. We could use another bureau I think. Oh and I gave Mattie my desk to have in her room. Your desk will work best in the small office space.”

“I can’t wait to get home and see you and all you’ve done. Thanks for doing that Mac.”

“Your welcome. I’ll let you go so you can get back to work. I”m heading back to the apartment with the movers to get our stuff from there next. I’m glad we thought to pack that stuff up yesterday.”

1648 Zulu

Force Judge Advocate’s Office

London, England

Once again the phone buzzed on Harm’s desk. “Yes Coates?”

“Sir, it’s General Creswell on line two sir.”

“Thank you...Captain Rabb. How can I help you General?”

“Harm we’ve got a situation and I need you to handle it.”

“What can you tell me, sir?” Harm asked coming to attention at his desk.

“There’s been a situation on the Kennedy involving the Pri-Fly and bridge. The Captain is not one of your fans by the way, but he asked for you in this case. When I explained that you were not one of my lawyers, he informed me that meeting you as an equal would be even better. He has a JAG on board...a Lt. Commander Aldrich, that is having trouble sorting things out. The NCIS agent on board was injured in the mishap and they haven’t sent a new one at this point. I want you to investigate and let Captain Stefanoupolis know what you recommend.”

“General, isn’t the Kennedy one of the floating prisons right now?”

“Exactly. Major McBurney will go also.”

“Michael McBurney?”

“You know him?”

“In a way sir.”

“Is there a problem?”

“Not at all.”

“Good. Meet him in Bahrain at the NSLO office there and take the helo out to the Kennedy together.”

“Aye-aye sir.”

“No one seems to know if the plane that hit the bridge and Pri-fly was one of our guys that wasn’t waved off when he should have been or if it was one of the small planes they were watching in the area that snuck in because someone wasn’t paying attention. All we know for sure is there are prisoners unaccounted for, several planes that were destroyed, a handful of people in the wrong place at the wrong time and a hell of a lot of finger pointing going on. Good luck untangling the mess and keep me informed Harm. ”

“Yes sir.” Harm hung up the phone and then buzzed Coates. “Please join me PO Coates.”

“Yes sir?”

“Coates I need you to get me to Bahrain ASAP. Have a driver meet me there and take me to NSLO Bahrain. Then have a helo standing by to take Major McBurney and myself out to the Kennedy.”

“Aye-aye sir.”

“And have Commander Austin join me in my office ASAP...thanks Coates,” Harm nodded to his yeoman as he processed all that was ahead of him. Cell phone was on the charger...he felt the adrenaline pump through his body again like it always had when he got a call that would challenge his mental and physical prowess. He dialed Mac’s cell phone.

“Colonel Rabb.”

“Mac...I’m sorry...General Creswell called...”

“Where you going?” Mac asked.

“I’ve got to go to Bahrain now and then to the Kennedy.”

“How long?”

“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. They’ve got a real mess on board. Mac, look...I’m sorry you’re getting stuck with the move on your own.”

“It’s okay. Just focus on the job you’ve got to do and be careful...please?”

“I will...”

“I’ll go see Mattie and let her know what’s happening.”

“Thanks Mac...I love you.”

“I love you too...Harm?”

“I know you’re going to do what ever it takes to get the job done...just remember that we have unfinished business too.”

“I know. I’ll call when I can.”

“Good luck Harm. Don’t worry about things here at home. I’ve got it covered. Just come home safe, please.”

Seven hours later, Harm was shaking hands with Major McBurney. “McBurney. How long do we have before we leave?”

“Helo’s waiting on us now, sir.”

“Then let’s do it.” Harm stepped back for McBurney to lead the way. They traveled in silence through the night time sky. Harm had been handed information as they had left the office in Bahrain. With the flight light on, Harm was reviewed the information that had been forwarded. General Creswell was right. They were walking into a mess.

Tuesday 1850 Zulu

Rehabilitation Center

London, England

“Have you heard from Harm yet Mac?” Mattie asked as she finished the brownie Mac had brought her for comfort food.

“Not yet. I’ve got my cell phone on vibrate even though I’m not suppose to have it on in here,” Mac admitted. “They hooked up the phone at the cottage today. Here’s the new number,” Mac handed Mattie a card with the number on it.

“So does the cottage look good with the furniture in place?”

“I guess so. Mattie, Harm’s leather sofa and chair are black and my sofa is that soft olive green color. I’m trying to figure out how to make them look like they belong together. Any ideas?” Mac asked. She was doing everything she could to stay busy and not think about Harm being gone.

“Well, my mother use to put throws on the back on the couch and scattered a few pillows around. Could you use that kind of thing to blend them together?” Mattie asked.

“You might be on to something. Maybe I can find an area rug that will help tie it together too...” Mac was interrupted by Mattie’s doctor.

“Mrs. Rabb, I’m glad you’re here. We are very pleased with Mattie’s progress. She tells us she’s ready to go home and it won’t be long before she’ll be able to do just that. When she does go home we’d like to have her work at home a couple of hours a day with her therapists and come in twice a week for treatments here. Is that possible?”

“Of course it is. I’m on reserve duty and can bring her in myself most days...Harm should be home soon and I know he’ll make arrangements to get her here as well. We’ve just moved into a cottage and its on one floor. There are only three steps to get into the place and she was able to go up them with minimal support when she was home last weekend.” Mac explained.

“How soon can I go home?” Mattie asked wanting a date.

“Well, I’d say a week from Friday.”

“A week from Friday! Why not this Friday?” Mattie insisted sounding close to tears.

“Mattie, the doctor has moved the time table up a great deal. I think its reasonable.” Mac was able to make eye contact with Mattie and hold her gaze. Much the way Harm and Mac communicated without words, Mattie read Mac’s message loud and clear.

“Okay Mac. It probably would be better if Harm was home when I got home. You think he’ll be back by next week?” Mattie asked.

“I hope so Mattie. Mattie, I’ve got to run. I’ll see you tomorrow okay. I’ve got some calls to make.”

“Okay...tell Harm my news okay?” Mattie called as Mac rushed from the room waving to her with her phone in her hand.

Mac answered the phone as she crossed the lobby before she had actually left the center. “Harm?”

“Hi Mac...you sound like you’re running. You getting in some exercise?”

“No...I was in Mattie’s room when the phone rang and I’m not suppose to use the phone in there so I ran outside so I could answer it. How are you?” Mac asked breathlessly.

“I’m okay...kind of tired...this is the first break I’ve had since we got here.”

“Can you tell me what’s going on?”

“Yeah...but I’d rather talk about you...I miss you.”

“I miss you too. We have good news on Mattie...she’s coming home a week from Friday...if there are no set backs.”

“That’s great. How’s the move coming?” Harm asked feeling guilty he wasn’t there to help.

“Everything is moved and the phone is in. Just call my cell until you get home. When I’m home I have all calls forwarded there. How long do you think you’ll be?”

“I should get back to London Saturday if all goes well. McBurney’s good and will be able to take over once we get things under control. Captain Stefanoupolis and the Air Boss are having some problems with each other. Captain Stefanoupolis requested me thinking I’d be a push over and discovered that the truth is more important to me then his reputation. Now I understand he’s trying to get me removed from the case.”

“Is it working?”

“No. So have you stayed in the cottage yet?”

“No...tonight will be the first night...Tim and Suzy are coming over later for coffee and brownies.”

“You make them?”

“Yes.”

“Mmmm...I wish I had one about now...”

“You need my comfort food?” Mac asked kidding him.

“I guess so. Give Mattie a hug for me and I’ll see you soon. I love you.”

“I love you too. Be careful...” Mac heard the dial tone in her ear and flipped the phone shut before running back upstairs to say goodnight to Mattie.

“Hey Mac...Harm okay?”

“Tired, but safe. He sends his love,” Mac said as she hugged Mattie. “....and a hug. Look I’ve got to go. Suzy and Tim are coming over for coffee later so I’d better run.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Harm thinks he’ll get back this weekend.”

“Okay...night Mac...and thanks for coming back to give me an update.”

Thursday 2010 Zulu

Rabb Cottage

Charing Cross, England

“Thanks for helping me out to night Suzy. That place was a shoppers dream. I never would have found it without you.” Mac set down the armful of packages she had been carrying and turned to take the ones that Suzy Gordon had carried in for her.

“No problem. Gave me an excuse to shop without spending a cent of my own money,” Suzy laughed. “Did you get everything you needed?”

“More then I needed probably, but the deals were too good. I think Harm will be happy with everything I found...and they are delivering the rug tomorrow morning. I am so glad that the case I had last week wrapped up quickly. We had anticipated that it would go for another week, but Commander Roberts dug up a bit of dirt on the accuser and everything else crumbled from there. We were done before noon last Friday. General Langley hasn’t called me with another case yet, so I get to be...”

“...Suzy-homemaker?” Suzy Gordon asked with raised eyebrows. Mac and her new friend Suzy burst out laughing. Their easy camaraderie had made them ideal neighbors, even though Tim was in Harm’s command. There was nothing to stop Susan Gordon and Sarah Rabb from becoming friends. “Mac this has been a lot of fun but I’ve got to go. My daughter is suppose to call tonight. I can’t miss her call.”

“Thanks again Sue. Good-night.” Mac had just shut and locked the door when the phone rang. “Rabb residence.”

“I like the sound of that.”

“Harm! I’m so glad you called. How’s it going?” Mac asked delighted just to hear his voice.

“I don’t know Mac. Either I’ve lost my touch or this place is a disaster waiting to happen. McBurney and I thought we had things about wrapped and our last witness that was just suppose to confirm what we had already been told, blows this thing wide open with new information and more potential witnesses...and takes us in a different direction.”

“I’m sorry...I wish I could be there working the case along side you. Anything I can do to help from here?” Mac asked.

“Maybe...do you have the computer set up for internet access yet?” Harm asked.

“Yes. Wireless connection is running. What do you need?”

“I can’t access the London office data base from here. I want you to try it. My passwords are in the box I kept on the desk with extra post-its and stuff. If you can see if there are any prior records in London’s database on Captain Denision, Commander Sturdevant, or a Lt. Grayson. Those are the three names that keep coming up and something isn’t adding up. Email me what ever you find, okay?”

“Got it. I’ll do it right after I talk to you. Now, how are you, really?”

“Missing you. I don’t sleep so good without you next to me, you know.”

“Me either...but don’t even think about finding a replacement, Sailor...I don’t share.”

“Yes Ma’am. Me either...so how are things in the cottage?” Harm asked wanting to talk about normal stuff for a few minutes.

“Good. I went shopping tonight with Susan Gordon. She took me to this discount place that was perfect. I found a room rug that will tie our living room furniture together, and some toss pillows and a throw. It’s got the same green, ivory and black in a subtle pattern on a peach background.”

“Peach? Is that a pink or yellow color?” Harm asked.

“It’s a light orange color...like my apartment walls in Georgetown.”

“Oh..that’s sounds good then. Did you see Mattie tonight?”

“Yes. Sue and I took her dinner and ate with her and then we left with her list as well.”

“Do I want to know how heavy a hit my charge card took?” Harm asked.

“Mattie’s things came to about one hundred and fifty dollars..and that included an area rug for next to her bed, two sets of sheets, a blanket, a bedspread, and curtains.”

“Wow...that’s not so bad. Must be a great discount place. You’ll have to take me when I get home.”

“It’s a deal...Harm? Harm, what’s going on?” Mac heard a lot of noise in the background.

“Got to go Mac...I love you.”

“I love you too. I’ll send that stuff as soon as I can.”

“Bye...” the line went dead as he spoke, but not before Mac heard someone in the background hollering that there was ‘another disaster on deck’.

Mac immediately booted up Harm’s personal laptop to begin searching for the information that he needed. She was still at it two hours later when she heard a knock on the door. Cautiously going to answer it, she was surprised to see Victor Galindez on the other side.

“Gunny? What’s going on?” Mac asked as she opened the door for him to enter.

“Sorry to bother you Ma’am but I got a call from Captain Rabb. He said he had asked you to pull up some information for him. With this latest disaster he found something that connects to a case I was investigating for him already. He asked me to come over so we could put the information together and see if we could make sense of anything. He said to tell you he thinks that its another Lt. Abby Cowen, Ma’am...does that make sense?”

“Unfortunately, Gunny it does. Come on in. Let’s take this stuff in the dining room....coffee’s on if you want some. Help yourself. I’ll grab the laptop and the stuff I’ve got and join you.”

“Thanks Ma’am.”

“Tell me what you’ve got Gunny,” Mac instructed as she returned and set down the laptop and a stack of print outs.

“They had another plane crash on the deck. It missed the tower this time, but several aircraft were being readied to take off. Thankfully there had been a delay in fueling and armaments and so it didn’t go up in a ball of flames. They do know it was a private plane this time. Someone spotted it and alerted two others who also witnessed the crash.”

“Lost lives?”

“Other then the pilot and passengers on the small aircraft - if there were any - they didn’t know when I talked to him. Anyway, the description of this private plane matched the one in a case I’m already investigating.”

“Small white two or four seater with wings?” Mac asked with a smile picturing the private planes she was use to seeing.

“No, Ma’am...this one is smoke gray in color with orange and yellow lettering.”

“Very unusual. And who does it belong to Gunny?”

“Don’t know for sure, but we do know that it is registered in Syria.”

“Are you telling me that this plane that is involved in another case that Harm is involved with, has just crashed on the carrier where Harm is doing an investigation?”

“Yes Ma’am...I guess I am.”

“Victor, someone is after Harm. They know that Harm would apt to be called for an investigation on board ship...and it’s a perfect place for them to be able to get to him. Tell me about the case you’ve been investigating for him,” Mac commanded.

“A pilot was force to land with wing damage near the Turkish boarder. His had been clipped by the private plane that I told you about. The pilot had radio and been given permission to make an emergency landing, yet when the Turkish military showed up, instead of having the materials to assist him so they could send him on his way, they took him and the plane, refused to assistance and locked him up instead. He got away but was recaptured and then returned with his plane to the United States. The Turkish government claimed no knowledge of this incident and accused Syrian rebels of posing as Turkish military. The pilot’s story didn’t match with what the leader had told officials when they turned the pilot over to us. Captain Rabb was called in to investigate and determine if there is just cause for an Article 32 hearing.”

“Had he made any decision yet?” Mac asked.

“I don’t think so, but he was called to investigate this problem on the carrier. Now there has been another incident there and the plane the pilot described in his debriefing matches what the witness reported seeing with this latest incident.”

“Gunny, am I being paranoid or is someone trying to set up my husband?” Mac asked in a hushed voice.

“It looks that way to me Ma’am.”

“I’m calling him now on his cell with what we’ve got so far.”

“That’s not much Ma’am. I think you should look at this and see what you make of it,” Gunny said handing her a paper with notes and scribbles on it in Harm’s writing.

Mac looked at the notes and among the scratched off letters she read the name, “Lt Kaid A Hesser.”

“Where did Harm find this name?” Mac asked Gunny.

“Actually it’s a name I found in one of the reports outlining the incident with the pilot that landed on the Turkish border. We’ve not been able to track Lt. Kaid A. Hesser down, and there’s little information on him. Captain Rabb said that the name Kaid has cropped up twice on the carrier and the name Hesser sometimes sounds like the more common name in the middle east of Hasser. He faxed me that and said to bring it to you with the message. You follow it?” Gunny asked.

“I might...a long time ago we got word that Clayton Webb had been killed. We were shocked but something didn’t set well with Harm...he went to visit Webb’s mother and she got a call from a Lt. Abby Cowen. He and Bud were trying to find out who Lt. Cowen was and I came along and unscrambled the letters and discovered in was a code name for Clayton Webb and he was alive.”

“And you and the Captain think that this Kaid Hesser is a code name for someone.”

“Looks that way. Give me a minute Gunny...” Mac focused on the letters on the paper and the attempts Harm had made. In less then two minutes, Mac turned to Gunny.

“Do a search and see what you can find on a Tekid al-Hasser.” Mac sat back and grabbed the stack of papers she had printed off before. She had seen that name somewhere.

At the same time Gunny and Mac called, “Got something!”

“Go ahead, Ma’am.”

“It’s not much, but the name shows up on a recent list of suspected Taliban. What do you have?”

“He’s of Syrian decent. He lived in the United States from the early nineties until August of 2001. He learned to fly planes and has his own private plane. There’s a picture of it...smoke gray with flames and lettering in orange and yellow.”

“Good job Gunny. There’s the nexus. Now I think we’ve got something to call Harm with.” Mac reached for the phone and dialed Harm’s cell phone. It rang and then went into voice mail.

“Harm...Gunny’s here and we’ve got something for you. You were right. The pilot with the smoke gray plane is Tekid al-Hasser; born in Syria; educated in the states; and on the list of suspected Taliban. It was another Abby Cowen...by the way you almost had it on the paper you faxed to Gunny. It helped a lot. Harm, we think someone is trying to set you up...maybe this guy. Call when you can...don’t worry about the time. I love you.”

“I’ll be going Ma’am. It was great working with you again.”

“I agree Gunny...and hopefully you and I won’t have to go rescue my husband.”

“I concur Ma’am. Keep me posted?”

“Yes. You let me know in case he doesn’t get through to me, okay?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

It was 0214 Zulu when Mac crawled into bed alone that night. She had feared she wouldn’t be able to sleep earlier, but she was out before her head hit the pillow.

CHAPTER 11

0550 Zulu

USS Kennedy

Arabian Sea

Harm had been awake thirty-six hours by the time he had a chance to check his voice mail to see if Gunny or Mac had found anything. This investigation had turned into even more of a nightmare with the latest crash. At least the eye-witnesses had been able to described this plane so that he had a lead. He hoped that Mac and Gunny had been able to connect the dots for him.

As he listened to the message that Mac left, pieces began to fall into place. He needed to bring McBurney up to speed before he interviewed anyone else...especially the prisoners.

“Major,” Harm spoke into his cell phone. “Captain Rabb...meet me in my quarters. I’ve got information for you.”

“Aye. Aye, sir...I’ll be right there.”

“Come on in...”

“What you get sir?”

“Lt. Kaid A Hesser is an anagram for Tekid al-Hesser a Syrian by birth; pilot; and owner of the smoke gray plane that crashed. He’s on the suspected Taliban list.” Harm watched the information process in McBurney’s brain.

“Sir...the prisoners that are on board...do you think they’ve been able to get information and feed it to someone off this ship...or do we have a US military person that serves on board and is feeding information?” McBurney asked.

“There are two officers on board with the last name Kaid. One is a pilot and is a lieutenant. The other is the ATO and a Commander.”

“ATO sir?”

“Air Transfer Officer...which is why we may be seeing the finger pointing between the Air Boss and the Captain. Did you get some sleep?”

“Six hours sir.”

“Excellent. I want you to follow up on this. I need to catch a couple hours sleep. Wake me if you need me.”

“Yes sir.”

“Dismissed.” Harm watched the Major leave and close the hatch. He hit speed dial for Mac’s cell, hoping he didn’t fall asleep before he could talk to her.

“Harm?” Mac’s sleepy voice made him smile.

“I woke you...I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. Everything okay? Did you get the message?”

“Yes. I’m tired but the massage really helped. McBurney’s following up. I’m going to try and catch some sleep and then I’ve got to get back to work.”

“I know. I’m glad it helped. Gunny and I are here to help if you need us.”

“Thanks Mac. I’ll talk to you later...Love you.” Harm’s voice drifted off. Somehow he disconnected the call before falling sound asleep.

0939 Zulu

Captain Rabb’s Quarters

USS Kennedy

Arabian Sea

“Captain Rabb! Captain, wake up, sir!” Major Mike McBurney called letting himself into the Captain’s quarters.

“Yeah....I’m awake...Major, what’s happening?” Harm asked as he struggled to sit up, slipping his feet into his shoes as he waited for McBurney to fill him in.

“I’ve tracked down and interviewed both Lt. Kaid and Commander Kaid. I believe they are both involved. Lt. Kaid was the pilot that radioed for help after the wing of his aircraft was supposedly clipped...”

“Are you saying it was a ruse?”

“Yes sir...and there’s more. When Lt. Kaid was sent back, he somehow smuggled at least two people on board the carrier and hid them with the prisoners. One of them was killed during the first crash and disaster. It seems that the man got away with Kaid’s help and hid in one of the aircraft. He somehow rendered the pilot unconscious and took control of the plane that crashed into the tower, damaging the bridge and the Pri-fly.”

“And Commander Kaid?” Harm asked having a sick feeling that he was beginning to get the picture.

“He recruited several malcontents on the carrier to create the distraction by pointing the finger at Captain Denision.”

“Captain Stefanoupolis have any idea what was going on?”

“No, sir...he suspected that something wasn’t adding up right with the ATO and had requested you to come on board by that time. What he didn’t realize was he was playing into Kaid’s hands.”

“Which one?” Harm asked.

“Both of them sir...they’re brothers. They took different tracks several years apart waiting for a chance to be stationed together. It finally worked for them...but they didn’t let anyone know they were related and that it was just a coincidence.”

“Coincidence my ass...Stefanoupolis suspicious too?” Harm asked thinking there was no way someone as savvy as Stefanoupolis wouldn’t have a clue.

“Don’t know sir. Sir, it seems that we have a couple of prisoners that are CIA...they’re the ones that spotted the gray plane and reported it. They’ve been gathering intel among the prisoners and have asked to speak to you again.”

“Again? I’ve already spoken to them I take it.”

“Yes sir...the gray plane, remember?” McBurney reminded the still tired Captain.

“Sorry McBurney. Look I need to get some coffee into me and then we’ll see the prisoners and then file our oral report to Stefanoupolis. By then we should be able to at least go back to Bahrain with some of the accused.”

“I agree sir. I’ve had Commander Kaid and Lt. Kaid taken in to custody waiting for transport along with the prisoner that was smuggled on board.”

“Great...but I don’t want them to be ale to speak to each other...and I wanted them transported separately. We still don’t know if one of them is really Tekid al-Hesser or not.”

“I’m on it sir. I’ll meet you at the brig.”

Saturday 1148 Zulu

Rehabilitation Center

London, England

“Still no word from Harm?” Mattie asked as Mac entered her room and sat beside her.

“Not yet. He could be tied up there or on his way home now. I’m going to go by the old adage, ‘no news is good news.’ Think you can do the same?”

“No way, Mac! I’m waiting for news on which of the therapists is going to do home visits with me when I get out of here.”

“Do you have ones that you prefer?” Mac asked smiling indulgently at the teenager she was looking forward to having a chance to mother.

“Sylvia is my favorite OT and Gary’‘s the coolest in PT. They both told me they would be willing to do the home visits and Sylvia lives near the cottage, so I’m hoping its them. They said that they should know when the schedules are posted at noon today.”

“It’s almost noon...maybe after lunch they’ll let you know. Oh, by the way, I don’t know if you’re interested but I made us each a wrap for lunch...and a brownie...and I picked up a soda on my way up...interested?” Mac checked trying not to grin at Mattie’s expression as she set each item on the table as she named it.

“You know I am. The food here’s okay but I am so ready to eat home cooked food. Thanks, Mac.”

“You’re welcome. After we eat do you want to take a walk outside?”

“Sure.”

“Harm got things started with that soccer match and a bunch of them have been getting together almost every weekend to play. They have a match set for this afternoon and I thought we’d go watch if you were up to it.”

“Cool! Mac, is Jen seeing someone?”

“I don’t know Mattie. Has she said anything that gave you that idea?”

“No...its just she seems really busy and doesn’t drop by like she use to. I miss talking to her.”

“Harm does keep her busy in the office, but he’s been really careful not to keep her late most nights...he tries to make sure they are both out of the office by six.”

“She’s just probably sick of coming here. I am.”

“Don’t get down on yourself now, Kid...you’ll be home soon. I know Jen was taking courses at college, maybe she’s taking one now over here.”

“Yeah...maybe...”

“You don’t sound convinced.”

“I’ll ask her when I see her...if she doesn’t say something first.”

“I thought I might find you here,” Harm’s voice from the doorway of her room made both Mac and Mattie jump.

“Harm!” They spoke in unison, but Mac flew across the room to him, wrapping her arms around him even though he was in uniform. He held her and kissed her although not as thoroughly as he wanted.

Together they walked closer to Mattie’s bed and Harm put his other arm out to give Mattie a hug and hold her close to him.

“Harm, you look exhausted. Are you okay?” Mac asked him as she studied his face.

“I’ll be fine now I’m with the two of you. I called the house and when there was no answer I guessed you’d be here. I had Ruiz bring me over. He said the staff is playing soccer again this afternoon. Were you going to watch?”

“Yes, but we don’t have too.”

“No that’s okay. I’d like to go for awhile.”

“Harm, have you eaten?” Mac asked him.

“I’m okay.”

“Take part of my wrap...let me fix it for you.” Mac unrolled her sandwich, took out the roast beef and re-wrapped it, handing it to Harm.

“Mac...”

“No arguments. Eat.”

“Yes Ma’am.” Harm took the wrap and bit into it shutting his eyes and savoring the vegetables and cheese Mac had left on the sandwich. She ate the roast beef she had pulled out of it, knowing he would prefer not to indulge in her favorite sandwich filler. She split her Brownie and poured some soda into a plastic glass Mattie handed her that had been left fresh with the water pitcher.

Mattie watched quietly as Mac got Harm to sit down to eat. She knelt in the chair next to him and began massaging his neck and shoulders. “Relax, Harm...You’ve got knots on knots you’re so tense.”

“That feels so good...mmmm...I wish I could tell you more about the case Mac, but I have a feeling there could be a tribunal on this one...and you could be called as one of the judges.”

“What’s a tribunal Harm?” Mattie asked, enjoying watching Mac taking care of Harm.

“It’s a trial usually involving suspected espionage and there are usually three to five judges called to sit on the panel...almost like a Supreme Court case for the military.”

“Harm, when we tried the tribunal on the carrier, the Admiral defended the suspect...” Mac let her voice trail off.

“I know...but it seems someone has stepped forward to defend the suspects in this case and so I’ll be able to prosecute. McBurney’s not as good as you Mac, but he’s solid and with Gunny helping to investigate we’ll be in good shape.”

“Hey, have you heard any more on Gunny’s promotion?” Mac asked changing the subject.

“Yeah. Next week he’ll become Master Sargent Victor Galindez...word came in the day I left.”

“Guess we’ll all have to get use to calling him Victor or give him a new nickname,” Mac suggested.

“Excuse me,” a woman with an English accent knocked on the door.

“Hey Sylvia...did they post the schedule yet?”

“Yes they have...that’s why I stopped by. Looks like you’re stuck with Gary and me when you go home.”

“Awesome! Sylvie, these are my parents, Harm and Sarah Rabb. This is my occupational therapist Sylvia Weston.”

“Nice to meet you.” Harm shook hands with the woman.

“Mattie was telling me she hoped you and Gary would be the ones to come to our home. We look forward to having her home and your assistance will be welcome.” Mac smiled warmly at the therapist.

“Are you enjoying your cottage?” Sylvia Weston inquired.

“I’ve just gotten our things into it. My husband has been gone and hasn’t even seen it since our things were put in place. Hopefully he won’t be disappointed when he does get home.” Mac said glancing at Harm with a twinkle in her eye.

“Never...it will be good to be home but lets go see if that soccer match is going yet.” Harm finished the last of his lunch and stood to help Mattie if she needed it. He watched her move to the edge of the bed and then with the walker, stand up and begin heading for the door.

“Hey, shouldn’t you use the chair?” Harm asked.

“She’ll be fine without it to go out there...but you should probably take it incase she needs a place to rest or sit when she gets there,” Sylvia assured him.

“Mattie I can’t believe the changes in you in just a week. This is fabulous.” Harm pushed the chair and Mac wrapped her arm around his as they let Mattie set the pace. Once on the elevator, Mattie pushed the button to the basement and grinned at her parents.

“I found a short cut to the soccer matches...the back door by the kitchen!”

The men and women gathered for the soccer match surrounded Harm when they spotted him welcoming him home. Mac and Mattie stood back proud of how much Harm’s officers liked him. They showed their respect for him as a person and their appreciation for his approach as their commanding officer by trying to emulate him.

Jen joined Mac and Mattie after a few minutes, “Hey Mattie. Glad you could join us.”

“Me too. I was getting a little stir crazy from my own company.”

“Sorry I haven’t been around as much. I’m tackling two classes this summer. It’s keeping me busier then I had anticipated.”

“I thought maybe you had a man in your life.” Mattie teased as only she could do.”

“Maybe,” Jen grinned getting Mac and Mattie’s attention.

“Jennifer...we want to know more,” Mac grinned at her.

“There’s this guy in the classes I’m taking and he’s been coming over during breaks and talking with me a little. After class the other night he asked if I wanted to go out with him tonight,” Jen elaborated.

“What did you tell him?” Mac asked, a look of concern coming over her face.

“I told him that I wasn’t sure but that we would be here playing soccer this afternoon and he’d be welcomed if he wanted to join us.”

“Is he coming?” Mattie asked.

“He said he would.”

“What’s his name?” Mattie urged.

“Kyle Jenkins...and I think he’s military too, but I haven’t asked yet.”

“Why not?”

“I’m afraid too...what if he’s an officer...then it will be over before it even begins,” Jen admitted.

“It doesn’t have to be. It will depend on a lot of things- what branch; his commanding officer; duty station...its worth exploring,” Mac insisted.

“I guess...here he comes,” Jen walked toward a tall dark haired young man, with a military style hair cut.

As they walked closer, Mattie and Mac watched carefully and checked out details. He was muscular and had green eyes - darker then Harm’s but still green. Mattie whispered to Mac, “If she described him it would have sounded like Harm.”

“I noticed that too,” admitted Mac. “Think we can handle a second one?”

“Only if he’s as decent as Harm,” Mattie consented.

“Mattie, Mac..this is my friend from class I told you about...Kyle Jenkins. Kyle my ‘sister’ Mattie and her replacement Mom, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie Rabb, USMC.”

“Colonel Rabb,” Kyle said as he came to attention.

“At ease Kyle...when we’re here for soccer matches we keep it informal...please call me Mac or Sarah. Where do you serve Kyle?” Mac asked putting the young man at ease.

“I’m stationed at Molesworth, Ma’am.”

“Air Force,” Mac acknowledged with a smile. “Are you a pilot?”

“No Ma’am...I’m ground support for now. If I get through college I’m hoping to go to officer training school. Right now Airmen Jenkins is happy doing what he does.”

“And what is that?” Mac asked with a smile.

“Basically I pack parachutes and pick up jumpers Ma’am.” Kyle’s smile was almost as disarming as Harm’s and Mac sensed that the two men had some similarities that Jennifer Coates had picked up on as well.

“Kyle, I’d like you to meet my husband, Navy Captain Harmon Rabb Junior. Harm, this is Airmen Kyle Jenkins. Jen invited him here today.”

“Welcome. Did they tell you when we’re here we ditch the titles. I just returned which is the only reason I’m in uniform.” Harm shook hands with the young man as he sized him up.

“Nice to meet you sir. You’re Jen’s CO?” Kyle asked.

“Yes. Jen, why don’t you and Kyle go see if you can get into the match. I think Vic’s having trouble putting together a competitive team today,” Harm suggested.

“Shall we?” Jen asked Kyle.

“Lead the way. Nice to meet all of you.”

Harm, Mac and Mattie watched Jen and Kyle walk away and join the others. Mattie spoke first.

“I think he’s kind of cute...”

“He’s too old for you,” Harm shot back with a grin and a shake of his finger. “And too young for you,” he told Mac as he leaned into sneak a quick kiss.

“I have my man,” Mac informed him. “But I think he’ll be great for Jen.”

“Where did she meet him?” Harm checked.

“He’s in two classes with her. He’s planning to finish college and go to Air Force OTS.” Mattie explained.

“What’s he do?”

“Packs parachutes and picks-up jumpers after training jumps.”

Harm looked at Mattie. “You two went to work getting the scoop on him already.”

“We knew what you’d want to know and just asked the questions...well Mac did,” Mattie admitted.

Harm. Mac and Mattie sat together and watched the match. They talked to different ones that came over to speak to them. Victor Galindez joined them at one point and asked Mac if she wanted to take a turn in the line up.

“Thanks, Vic, but I’m going to sit this match out. I’m very happy sitting her with my husband and our daughter and chatting with everyone. Maybe next time.”

“Okay...hey who’s the new guy with Coates?”

“Airmen Kyle Jenkins...he’s in classes with Jen. He asked Jen out and she put him off until we’d met him and she’d had a chance to get to know him better outside of class,” Mac informed her fellow Marine.

“He’s fitting in well. Looks like breaks over. Catch you later.” Vic returned to the match.

The JAG team eventually prevailed with Airmen Jenkins assistance. Several of the players decided to meet that evening for dinner and drinks and Kyle asked Jen if she’d go with him if he went. She agreed.

After the match Harm and Mac walked Mattie back to her room before hugging her and promising to come pick her up in the morning for a day at home. Then they headed home to their cottage. Mac waited and watched Harm for his reaction when he entered the home with their furnishings in place.

“Mac it looks great. The glass table looks good in the sun room too. Wow...this living room looks like something out of a magazine spread.”

“Not too much?”

“No, not at all. I like it...it’s comfortable but not cluttered. You did a fantastic job, Mac.”

“Thank you. Harm you looks so tired.”

“I am...but I’ve missed you more then I’ve missed my sleep.”

“Oh yeah?”

“What would you say to taking a nap with me after I take a shower and change?” Harm asked his wife.

“Would you like help in the shower?”

“Maaaac...”

“What? I could wash your hair and pamper you a little.”

“You don’t have to do that, Mac.”

“I know...but I want to.”

“Then let’s go.”

Washing his hair turned out to be a bit of a problem due to his height, but Mac, soaped and rinsed his back and neck. She slid her arms around his waist from behind him and washed his chest and stomach. She started to slide the washcloth lower and Harm stopped her, turning so that she was facing him.

“I want you now, Mac,” he whispered in a husky voice.

“About time,” she mumbled as she moved into his arms and met his lips with her own. They managed to shut the water off and grab a towel on their way to the bedroom as they continued to kiss. Mac pulled back the covers just before Harm eased her onto the mattress and covered her body with his own. They made love for the first time in the cottage bedroom. It was intense due to his absence but it was over quickly. They settled in each other’s arms and slept.

CHAPTER 12

June 12 0730 Zulu

Rabb Cottage

Charing Cross, England

“Morning, Sailor,” Mac whispered while she watched Harm sleeping stretched out beside her in their bed.

“Hey...morning to you too.”

“Harm, my temperatures up this morning...feeling like working on our family?” Mac asked as she ran her hand over his chest and through the patch of silky hair she enjoyed feeling.

“I could be persuaded very easily, Mrs, Rabb.”

“Oh...what would it take?”

“You could start by kissing me,” Harm grinned, eyebrows raised.

“I can do that.” Mac leaned over him and lightly rubbed her lips against his. As she started to pull back, Harm slid his arms around her and pulled her against him, opening his mouth and covering hers as he deepened the kiss. Their joy at being together made them giddy, something that neither of them normally allowed themselves to be. They laughed with each other as they teased and kissed and touched one another. Eventually the passion took over.

“Remember what the doctor said, Mac. If you lay on your back with your knees up it will increase your chances of getting pregnant.”

“Yes...and from that position it increases our chance of having a boy. Is that what you want?” Mac asked as she relaxed in position looking up at Harm who was leaning over her.

“I want a healthy baby and I really don’t care if we have a boy or a girl. Do you have a preference?”

“No. Not at all...I just want to be able to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby.”

“Next time we’ll try some others positions just in case, okay?” Harm asked grinning devilishly.

“Sounds like fun to me,” Mac grinned back. “So, did you really like the way I set things up here?”

“Yes. I’m sorry you got stuck with it all.”

“I’m not. It was fun making the decisions and trying to balance what I thought you would like with the ideas I had. It was challenging,” Mac admitted.

“You did great...of course, I won’t know where anything is, so you’ll have to find stuff for me when I want something,” Harm said with a straight face.

“Think again Har-mon. You can learn quite quickly by looking or asking for directions.”

“Aw-shucks...can’t blame a guy for trying.”

“Just remember payback can be rough,” Mac chuckled as Harm leaned in to sneak a kiss.

“I’ll just kiss you until you forget I said anything,” Harm murmured as he lowered his lips to hers yet again.

“Harm...Harm...I could kiss you all day, but we have things to do today, remember?” Mac stopped his kisses which took more will power then she thought she had. “Harm, we promised we’d pick Mattie up and bring her home for the day.”

“I know. Think you’ve stayed in position long enough to risk being upright again?”

“I think so...we’ll just have to repeat the process tonight so I’m off my feet even longer afterwards.”

An hour later, Harm, Mac and Mattie returned to the cottage. Harm watched in awe as Mattie was able to get around with a walker. It took her a few minutes to do the stairs, and Harm stood behind her just in case, but she made it without help.

Mattie wandered around the house noticing how Mac had set it up. “Mac it looks good. I can’t wait to see my room.”

“Well let’s go check it out. If there’s anything you want changed, you just say the word, okay?” Mac asked the teenager. Mattie nodded as she entered her bedroom. Her eyes grew large as she took in the things that Mac had done. The ivory short pile area rug with the red ribbon border woven into it accented the bed. The ivory curtains with the red stripe on the hem and valance the red bedspread and ivory and red toss pillows cut the effects of the once overwhelming red and pink rose covered wallpaper.

“Mac I love it!” Mattie cried as she reached out her arms to Mac for a hug. “Thank you...It’s wonderful...thank you so much.” Mattie hugged her tightly. Mac and Harm exchanged smiles. Harm noticed the shine in Mac’s eyes which told him she was fighting back tears.

“Your welcome Mattie. I haven’t unpacked your things yet. I thought you’d want to work on it...but I’ll help you however you’d like,” Mac told her.

“Thanks, but I want to try and do as much as I can. I’d like to work on it some now, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course not. Harm, can you pull the boxes out of the closet for her. I want to go get our dinner started so we can eat around one I think,” Mac instructed.

“Sure. Where do you want them Mattie?” Harm asked as he took the boxes out of the closet.

“Can you set them next to the bureau?” Mattie asked.

“Sure. Do you want a chair to sit on? We didn’t bring the wheel chair.”

“Yeah, that would be good.”

“What about the chair at the desk? You can roll back and forth if you want to.” Harm suggested.

“Sure I’ll try it. Now, go do something somewhere else and let me give this a shot.”

“Call if you need help?”

“Yes, Dad.”

“Good girl.” Harm started out of the room and turned back. Mattie was watching him and shooed him away with her hand as if she had known he would hesitate.

1905 Zulu

Rabb Cottage

Charing Cross, England

“Mac, where did Mattie disappear to?” Harm asked as he joined Mac in the sun room where she was folding a load of laundry.

“Isn’t she in the living room with you? You were watch that special together when I came out here.”

“She left right after you came out here...I thought she’d followed you out. Must be she went back to her bedroom.” Harm turned and proceeded down the hall. Just as he raised his hand to knock, he heard the sound of Mattie crying. Tapping on the door, it easily swung open. “Mattie? What’s wrong?” Harm quickly approached her bed where Mattie lay across it crying into her bed.

“I...don’t...want...to...leave...” Mattie got out between her tears as she sat up and leaned into Harm as he wrapped his arms around her.

“I know, Mattie, but you’ve only got a few more days and then you’ll be home.”

“But I’ve been great all day...and I got to stay a whole weekend before...can’t I stay here tonight and go back tomorrow morning if I have to go back,” Mattie pleaded.

Harm’s heart broke hating to make her go back, yet knowing the doctor had set a date at the end of the week for her release. “Let’s go talk to Mac and see what she thinks,” Harm suggested.

Wiping her eyes and trying to stifle her sobs, she was just getting onto her feet when Mac appeared. “Hey...what’s going on?” Mac asked as she approached Mattie.

“Mac I don’t want to go back. Can’t I at least stay until morning?” Mattie requested.

Mac looked at Harm and their silent communication was visible. “Sure...I don’t have to be any where special in the morning. We can drop Harm off at his office and then I can take you back,” Mac offered.

“That we can’t promise, Mattie. When you get back to the Center tomorrow, you and Mac can ask the doctor if you can move up your release date. If he agrees, then you and Mac can pack up your things and bring it home with you. Fair enough?”

Mattie’s eyes were bright and the giant smile was enough thanks for Harm and Mac. Mattie, however, had other ideas and threw her arms around both of them hugging them and planting a kiss on both of her parents. “Thank you! I promise I won’t give you any more grief even if the doctor says I have to wait until Friday. After Friday, however, all bets are off.”

“Understood. We want you home with us too, you know,” Mac told her resting her forehead against Mattie’s.

“I know...Thanks Mac.”

Monday 0845 Zulu

Rehabilitation Center

London, England

“Well, you made it back,” the doctor chuckled as he joined Mattie and Mac in her room. “I have expected you’d refuse to come back this time.”

“I didn’t want to, but Mac told me I had to.” Mattie stood next to the bed, ready to prove her point. “I also had stuff here I wanted to bring home with me.”

“How have things gone at home?” the doctor asked looking at Mac.

“She does very well. She was very careful not to push herself to far to fast, but managed to unpack her things and put them away in our new house.”

“How did you manage that young lady?”

“I stood up when I needed to hang things up and sat down when I was folding...and I used an office chair to roll back and forth between the bed and the bureau.”

“Creative.”

“My dad’s idea.”

“So you want to go home?”

“Yes.”

“If I allow you to move the time table up, will you still come in on Tuesday and Thursday for your whirlpool treatments?”

“Yes!”

“Alright...you can go back home...but if we see signs that you are pushing too far too fast, I’ll have you back in here.”

“Thanks!” Mattie quickly went to work packing up her things.

“I’ll have the paperwork drawn up so you can sign her out. The nurse will be in to check her vital signs before she leaves as well.”

“Thank you doctor. This means a lot to all of us.” Mac smiled and shook the doctors hand before turning to help Mattie get her things together.

1245 Zulu

Rabb Cottage

Charing Cross, England

“Hello?” Mac answered the phone when it rang just as they finished their lunch.

“Mac, did you get Mattie back okay?” Harm asked from his office.

“Yes.”

“Did she ask the doctor about coming home?”

“Yes.”

“What did he say, Mac?”

“He said yes!” Mac’s laughter warmed Harm’s heart.

“She’s really home?”

“Yes. She has to go in on Tuesday and Thursday to have the whirlpool treatments still, and she’ll have daily therapy at home with Sylvie and Gary...but she’s home.”

“This is great news! Let’s do something special for dinner tonight,” Harm suggested.

“Not tonight...Mattie and I have already put tonight’s dinner plans in gear. Alright. I’ll leave the office no later then eighteen hundred...okay?” Harm checked.

“Perfect. We’ll see you then...hey Harm?”

“Yeah?”

“We love you.”

“I love both of you too.”

Mattie and Mac spent the afternoon preparing food and just spending time together, getting to know each other better.

While Mattie cut up fruit for a fruit salad, Mac sliced and pressed the eggplant for the casserole they were going to make.

“I’m so glad to see you and Harm work things out and get together. He always seemed to be so lonely, even when he had Jen and I around him.”

“Did he?”

“Yes. Why did it take you two so long to get together?” Mattie asked. “I mean, it was like over a year ago that he admitted to me that he was in love with you.”

“Oh really...well Harm has always had trouble telling me what he feels about me...and in all honesty I had trouble telling him how I felt too. I told Sturgis once about two and a half years ago that I was in love with him...then swore him to secrecy,” Mac admitted.

“I use to get mad at you for not caring about Harm...until I saw you with him when he lost his hearing. I knew then that you did care about him. I couldn’t figure out why he never asked you out and I started thinking it was because of me.”

“Is that why you were so ready to go home?”

“I guess. A part of me thought that if I was the reason then I wouldn’t be in the way. I mean I know things were complicated between you...he told me how you had to keep things professional. Of course once he admitted to me how he felt about you, I guess I figured that you were to blame...I know that’s not true, now.”

“In a way you were right. I was pushing him away. As much as I loved him, I kept finding reasons not to trust what I saw and heard from him. At Christmas he finally started getting through to me. I knew that his feelings for me ran deep...he chose to stay with me instead of going to the wall. It’s the first time I know that Harm put me or anything before the wall on Christmas Eve.”

“But you still didn’t say anything, did you?” Mattie asked.

“No...and he didn’t either until we were down to twelve hours. He said he needed a deadline and I told him he got it. It didn’t take long then...and I had also decided that I didn’t need to words...but I got them anyway.”

“Can I ask you something, Mac?”

“Sure.”

“Is there any chance that Chloe could make a trip over here this summer?”

“I hope so...we’ve been so busy that I haven’t really followed up on that yet.”

“Let’s talk to Harm about it tonight and then call Chloe...Can we?” Mattie asked.

“I think that would be a great idea.

1823 Zulu

Rabb Cottage

Charing Cross

“Anyone home?” Harm called as he let himself in the back door.

“Hey,” Mac greeted him with a smile and a kiss as she stepped from the kitchen to the sunroom. “Go wash up and change into something comfortble for dinner. We’ll eat when you’re ready.”

“Feeling domestic today were we?” Harm asked kiddingly.

“Mattie and I wanted to make you a special dinner to celebrate her coming home. It was also a great way for us to talk about a lot of things and get to know each other better,” Mac explained.

“It will only take me a couple of minutes. Where’s Mattie?” Harm asked realizing that she wasn’t there to greet him like he had anticipated.

“She went to rest for a little while. I’ll called her about ten minutes ago so I’m sure she’ll be in the dining room when you rejoin us...now go.”

“Yes Ma’am.”

Mac took the last of the food to the dining room just as Mattie came in the other door.

“Dad home?” Mattie asked as she slowly moved with the walker to the chair at the table.

“Yes. He’s changing. He asked where you were.”

“Did you tell him I had to rest?”

“Yes. Mattie its okay, you know. We’re not going to send you back there just because you got tired. Look at all you’ve done today. I’m amazed that you were able to hold on as long as you did.”

“Thanks. I know I was a brat before...but you were right. I’ll try to remember to listen to you in the future.”

“Mattie you’re a teenager. We’ve got to expect you to test your independence against our guidance at times,” Mac waited until Mattie was seated and then hugged her.

“You going to tell Dad?” Mattie asked.

“Not unless you think I should. I figure its up to you to share that part of our day together...if you want to.” Mattie just nodded at Mac’s words.

“There she is. Welcome home Mattie,” Harm said as he dropped a kiss on top of her hair. “How does it feel to be home?”

“Good...I was pretty foolish today though.”

“Oh?”

“This afternoon Mac suggested that I go rest. I told her I didn’t need to and I kept pushing. We were getting the dishes ready to set the table and stuff and I was determined that I was going to walk. I hung on the the counter instead of using my walker...”

“Did you fall?”

“Kind of...I more like crumpled,” Mattie admitted.

“Oh Mattie,” Harm shook his head. “You’ve got to be careful...you’re still healing.”

“I know. And the doctor told me that if I did too much I’d be back in the Center...but I didn’t realize my legs were that tired...or that holding on to the counter would make that much of a difference.”

“And now you know. How did you get up?” Harm asked.

“Mac...she untangled my legs and then went and got my chair...she got me back up into it and pushed me into my bedroom and helped me lay down on the bed. I was a brat though,” Mattie admitted remembering the way she had hollered at Mac that she didn’t want to go into her room and she wasn’t her baby to be put down for an afternoon nap.

“Mathilda Grace...”

“I know, you’re disappointed in me. I’m disappointed in me too...and Mac, I’m really, really, sorry for what I said,” Mattie interrupted Harm and then turned to Mac with tears in her eyes as she apologized again.

“Mattie its okay. You were over tired and emotinal and upset with yourself...I love you anyway,” Mac admitted to the teenager.

“You do?”

“Yeah...Harm was right when he told me you’d grow on me just like you did on him.” Mac smiled at her as she reached across the corner of the table to squeeze Mattie’s hand reassuringly.

Harm watched the exchange in silence knowing that this was a special moment for the two of them and to the three of them as a family.

“Well, I’d like to eat this meal you to worked on together. Think we can eat before its cold?” Harm asked eye brows raised.

“Yes....” They took turns telling him about how they had worked on the meal together and talked about lots of things. Harm felt good seeing them both happy and relaxed. He felt like it had finally come together. He had a family and he was proud of them.

“So Dad,” Mattie was saying, “do you think we can call Chloe and see if she can come over for a couple of weeks?”

“Mac?”

“I use to always have her come stay with me for a couple of weeks in the summer and sometimes at Christmas. It would be nice to have her here...and for Mattie and Chloe to get to know each other.”

“Then call her. We do have a big case coming up that both of us will be involved with Mac, but we’ll be around evenings and the two girls can probably find things to do together.”

“Yes!” Mattie shouted pumping her fist in the air. “Thanks Dad.”

After dinner, Mac called Chloe and talked to her grandmother first.

“Mrs. Anderson...Sarah Mackenzie Rabb,” Mac introduced herself.

“Oh Sarah its good to hear from you...congratulations on your wedding.”

“Thank you. We’re stationed in London you know and well we’d love to have Chloe come stay with us for a few weeks this summer. I know I usually ask her to come for two weeks, but I thought if it was possible we’d like to have her stay longer this summer. We’d like to do some weekend trips while she’s here. Would that be okay with you?”

“It would be wonderful. I know she’s been fretting because she didn’t get to the wedding and she hasn’t nailed down a summer job. Maybe it was fate’s way of making sure she’d be able to come.”

“Fate has been playing a major role in my life the past couple of months. So you don’t mind that we ask her?” Mac asked again.

“Heavens no...I mean you are a newly wed, but if you want to have a teenager around, I know she’d love it.”

“Actually, we already have a teenager around. Harm had a ward that is about Chloe’s age and she lives here with us now.”

“Well that would be perfect, then wouldn’t it?”

“I hope so.”

“Just a minute...Chloe! The phones for you. Nice talking to you Mac.”

“Thanks Mrs. Anderson.”

“Hello?”

“Hey Chloe,” Mac said anticipating the shriek that would follow.

“Mac! How are you? How’s London?”

“I’m wonderful and London is great...would you like to find out for yourself?”

“Really? Are you asking me to come to London to see you?”

“Yes...and Harm...and Mattie.”

“Cool! When? All summer?”

“Are you out of school yet?” Mac asked.

“Last day in June 17. Lots of snow days this year.”

“Okay. I’ll go on line and see what I can find for tickets from Burlington to Heathrow and then we’ll email you the information. How’s that sound?”

“Great! How’s Mattie doing?”

“She’s coming along nicely. She’s home from rehab now, although she still has to go in for treatments twice a week and the therapists come to our home to see her the other three days a week. She can walk with a walker now and will probably be graduating to crutches or canes soon. The head injury has had minimal effect on her so far...although she does sometimes get irrational or have outbursts when she overdoes...but not very often anymore.”

“I really have enjoyed emailing with her. It will be fun to get to know each other in person.”

Mac ended the call. She went on line to research airfare and found a deal that would have Mattie joining them June 25 and not returning home until August 6. A six week visit could be the best thing for Mattie or the worse if she and Chloe didn’t get along. Dr. McCool had told Mac she should learn to be more optimistic and she decided now was as good a time as any to try it out. She bought the ticket and then went to join Harm and Mattie in the living room.

“Think you can deal with three women in the house for six weeks, Harm?” Mac asked as she slid on to the couch next to him.

“Sure.”

“Six weeks? Really?” Mattie asked, smiling from ear to ear.

“Yes. I just hope you two really do get along with each other.”

“We will.”

CHAPTER 13

June 25

2015 Zulu

Heathrow Airport

London, England

“Can you see her yet?” Mattie asked for the fourth time.

“No...wait...I see a hat with flowers on it....nope it’s a little old lady.” Harm grinned at the disgusted look on Mattie’s face.

“One flower Harm. Chloe only has one flower on her hat...she said it was a great big open rose.”

“Aahhh...a red one?”

“Yes.”

“On a blue denim floppy hat?”

“Yes.”

“Then brace yourself because here she is,” Harm warned just a second before Mac heard her name and felt the teenagers arms wrap around her.

“Mac!”

“Oh its so good to see you. How was the flight?”

“Good...Hey Harm.”

“Chloe...glad you could make it. I’d like you to officially meet Mathilda Grace Rabb, more commonly known as Mattie.”

“Hi Mattie...I’m Chloe...It’s good to finally meet you.”

“Thanks for coming.” Mattie was feeling a little awkward at having to be in the wheelchair, but with the distance she would have had to walk, it was the smart thing to do. Carefully she stood up to give Chloe a hug to welcome her. “I’m only in the chair because of the distance. At home I don’t use is it hardly at all anymore.”

“Cool. Mac said you’ve come along way back already.”

“Yeah...some days it seems like there’s an awful long way to go. Therapy sessions are sometimes a drag.”

“OT and PT?” Chloe asked.

“Yes.”

“Cool...I’ve thought about doing that for a career...I’m just not sure which one I find most fascinating.”

“Really...come with me to my sessions and you can talk to Sylvie and Gary...maybe they can help you decide.”

“Awesome...hey can we go get my bags now?” Chloe asked.

Harm and Mac shook their heads as they watched Chloe take over the wheelchair and start for the baggage claim area as she and Mattie talked like they’s always known each other.

“Would you look at that?” Harm said shaking his head.

“Emailing each other really helped I think.” Mac took Harm’s hand and rested her head against his shoulder as they walked.

“You okay, Mac?” Harm asked.

“Yeah...just feeling a little emotional today.”

“Uh-oh...not pregnant yet, right?”

“Right...maybe next month.”

“You’re taking it well Mac.”

“Harm I didn’t expect to get pregnant on the first or even second try. Just think how much more practicing and experimenting we can do now,” she laughed.

“That will be fun,” Harm admitted. Together they followed the girls to the baggage claim area. Chloe had checked two large suitcases and had brought a large bag as her pocketbook as well as a carry-on bag.

“Mac, you got a plan for us to get everything to the car?” Harm asked when he saw the luggage.

“Yes...Chloe give me your carry-on bags. You’re in charge of Mattie and the chair...and you my dear husband, get to carry those two suitcases...they look to be about the same size so you should be balanced carrying them.”

“Great idea, Mac,” grinned Chloe.

“I also tell everyone how strong my Dad is, Harm...now you can prove it to us,” Mattie added with a matching smile.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah...I think I’ve been had. This could be a long spell with the three of you working together,” Harm shook his head unable to hide the smile on his face. They all knew he loved being the man and doing things for them.

2230 Zulu

Rabb Cottage

Charing Cross

Mac slid into bed next to her husband and snuggled up to him, her head on his shoulder.

“The girls asleep?” Harm asked.

“Not yet...but they are in bed. They insisted they would rather share the double bed then be in separate rooms. I suggested we could get a roll away to put in Mattie’s room, but they both wanted to try this first. I know Chloe use to love sharing my bed with me when she stayed over. She’d talk and talk until we both fell asleep,” Mac reminisced.

“You miss that time with her don’t you?” Harm asked.

“Some...but I love having Mattie around and I love the fact that they are already friends,” Mac admitted.

“What do you think we should do tomorrow?” Harm asked.

“I think we should ask the girls and give them some choices.”

“You know, Mattie hasn’t even seen much of London and nothing outside the city...” Harm began.

“...Neither have any of us really,” Mac finished for him.

“Weather is suppose to be pretty hot tomorrow, we could take a cruise along the Thames River; or we could take the tour on the double decker; or we could go shopping I guess...” Harm rattled off the ideas he was coming up with. When Mac didn’t respond, he looked down at her snuggled against him. “Mac?” He realized then that she was already asleep. Shutting off the light he joined her.

Sunday 0650 Zulu

Rabb Cottage

Charing Cross, England

Mac woke first and dragged herself out of bed. The endometriosis still gave her serious cramps during this phase of her cycle, but with the prescription the doctor had given her it was tolerable once it took effect. She managed to get to the bathroom and take the pill that would make her feel human again in twenty minutes or so.

After cleaning up she returned to the bedroom and slid back in bed against her still sleeping husband. Her movements roused him.

“Mac, you okay?” he asked his voice still thick from sleep.

“I will be in a few minutes.”

“Cramps again?”

“Yeah.”

“Want me to rub your stomach like I did last time?”

“Do you mind?”

“No...here...does this help?” Harm asked as his large hands gently covered her lower abdomen and began to lightly rub the area.

“Mmmmm...you are good with those hands Captain,” Mac smiled.

“I’m glad I have my uses.” They stayed there like that for twenty minutes before nature called to Harm. They could hear the girls starting to stir at the other end of the hall. “Guess I should get up and get dressed so I can prepare breakfast.”

“I’ll be along shortly,” Mac promised as Harm threw on jeans and a t-shirt before he headed barefoot to the kitchen to prepare pancakes for his girls.

Harm had the bacon that Mac loved so much in the oven and the first batch of pancakes on the griddle when Chloe and Mattie joined him in the kitchen.

“Where’s Mac?” Chloe asked.

“Getting dressed. Good morning to you too,” Harm tossed over his shoulder.

“Sorry...Good morning Harm...are you making your famous pancakes?” Chloe asked peeking around him.

“I bet he’s got bacon in the oven and fresh orange juice in the refrigerator for us too,” Mattie added as she stood on his other side as he cooked.

“Give me a little room to work here girls,” Harm requested as he went to move pancakes from the griddle to a warming plate and almost bumped Mattie.

“Whoops....sorry Dad.”

“Cool...I always knew Harm was going to be a cool Dad...do I get to call you Dad while I’m here this summer too?” Chloe asked with a giggle.

Harm rolled his eyes privately pleased that they wanted to call him ‘dad’ but giving them a casual answer, “I suppose...if you want to.”

“Let’s go hurry Mac along,” Chloe suggested to Mattie. “Do you call her Mom?”

“I’ve thought about it...I haven’t asked her yet,” Mattie admitted.

“Come on...let’s go ask now. We can pretend to be sisters...I always wanted Mac to be my mother...”

“Chloe...Mattie...Mac’s not feeling great this morning...go easy okay?” Harm cautioned.

“Sure Dad,” they giggled as they made their way to Mac and Harm’s bedroom and knocked on the door. “Mac? Can we come in,” Chloe called.

“Yes. What are you two up to?” Mac asked as soon as they entered the bedroom where Mac had just finished making the bed.

“Nothing... well not much...Harm said that I can call him Dad too this summer, so we wanted to know if we can call you Mom. I mean, we know you aren’t our real mom but we feel like sisters and it would be nice to pretend to be a real family for a few weeks...so is it okay?” Chloe asked in a rush.

“Chloe...”

“Wait Mac, before you answer, its been a long time since either Mattie or I have had both a Mom and a Dad around at the same time. You and Harm are the most stable thing either of us has had in a long time. We don’t take the title lightly...and we don’t take what you’ve done for either of us lightly either...so just think about it okay?”

“Chloe...Mattie...come sit here with me a minute...one on each side...” Mac put an arm around each girl. “You know that my mother walked out on me when I was a little younger then the two of you. You’re both old enough now to understand what’s real and what’s not. One thing that is very real is how much Harm and I love the two of you. If you want to call me Mom...I would be honored...but only if you are comfortable with it. Deal?”

“Deal,” Chloe smiled.

“Mattie?” Mac asked.

“Deal!” Mattie added.