Title: Life After London

Author: Hollyjp

Summary: This starts about a year after the Epilogue in ‘Life in London’ ends.

Disclaimer: JAG is the property of Bellisario Productions, CBS, and Paramount. I have borrowed their characters for entertainment purposes only. No monetary gain will result from their appearance in my story.

Author’s Note:

I know its not a very creative title, but it’s a sequel to another of my stories that didn’t have a very creative title...and it makes it easy to see these two go together.

I had hoped to have this out over a month ago, but real life had been a trip. There have been good days and bad of course but the real problem has just been every day for months has just plain been busy!

So, here it is. I hope you enjoy the sequel to Life in London...now on with Life After London.

LIFE AFTER LONDON

CHAPTER 1

August 2012

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

“Scott! Glenn! Let’s go,” Mac called from the back porch. She watched as the two olive skinned dark haired boys “flew” from the tree house and raced each other to where their mother stood on the back deck.

“Dad home yet?” asked Scott looking up as he stopped abruptly in front of his mother as if he had caught his tail-hook on the three wire.

“No, we’re going to pick him up and then go pick up Mattie and Ty. I need you to get washed up and into the clean clothes I set out for you.”

“Where’s Molly?” asked Glenn, the quieter of the two boys.

“She’s already getting ready. Now scoot.” Mac watched as her six year old twin sons scampered off to the bathroom pleased to know they could now shower without fights over who would go first this time.

Harm had solved the fights over the bathroom and shower last month when he redesigned the bathroom the boys used and put a shower head on each end of the bathtub. One person could shower with water coming from both directions, or the boys could shower at the same time, each having their own shower head to control. It had been a time saver in more ways then one.

“Mom?” called a sweet voice from the top of the stairs.

“Right here Molly. You need help?” Mac asked her nine year old daughter.

“Yes, please...Can you braid my hair again?” Molly asked as she skipped down the stairs toward her mother.

“Of course...Molly you look wonderful. Mattie’s going to be surprised to see how big you’ve grown.”

“Do you think Mattie will let me hold her baby?”

“I’m sure she will. Do you remember when we brought the boys home?”

“Not really...but I have the pictures so I know you and Dad let me hold them.”

“I’m sure Mattie and Ty will be glad to let you hold the baby, but don’t be disappointed if the baby is fussy at first and only wants to be held by her Mommy and Daddy. It will take the baby some time to adjust from the traveling. And she doesn’t know us. We’ll just have to give her time to adjust.”

“Are they all going to live here in the house with us?” Molly asked.

“No. They’ll stay with us for a week or so probably until they can get settled into their apartment in Dale City. There’s no housing available at Quantico right now, where Ty is stationed. Mattie is hoping she might get the assignment at the Naval Yard in DC until she finishes law school. Dale City should work so they will be somewhat close to their assignments.” Mac looked up the stairs wondering what was taking the boys so long. She could hear them, so she wasn’t too concerned.

“Mom?”

“Yes Molly?”

“When do we go back to school?”

“In two weeks. You look disappointed,” Mac smiled at her daughter.

“I wish school was all year round.”

“But you always like vacation when it comes,” Mac countered.

“Yeah...but the summer one is too long.”

“I don’t think your teachers would agree with you,” Mac laughed as she fastened the last braid. As if on cue, the two dark haired, brown-eyed boys came racing down the stairs.

“We’re ready!” announced Scott as they landed next to Mac and Molly.

“I see.” Mac looked them over and deciding they would pass muster, directed her young family toward the door. Once settled into their assigned seats, a system Harm and Mac had developed long ago to stop any fighting over who would sit where when they loaded into a vehicle, Mac put the mini-van in motion.

From their home near Arlington Village, Virginia, Mac drove to Falls Church and JAG Headquarters. So many memories flooded her when ever she went to the place she and Harm had been assigned together for so many years. She remembered their sweet good-byes and many conversations in front of that old building. She remembered the day that Harm’s battery blew up in his face thanks to Sadik Faad. Thankfully the battery acid had not burned him and his hearing had returned. She remembered the day in May when AJ, Harm and she had watched Bud guiding his wife and infant son into the ambulance after the baby had been delivered in AJ’s office. She couldn’t stop the smile.

“Mommy?”

“Yes Molly.”

“Tells us.”

“Tell you what Sweetheart?”

“You were smiling and giggling...tell us what’s funny,” Molly insisted.

“Mommy was just thinking of some things that happened here many years ago.”

“Like what?”

“Like when AJ Roberts was born. Do you remember when we told you the story?”

“Yes. That’s when you promised each other to have children someday.”

“That’s right. And you were born just about the time we thought we would have our first one...that’s one reason we knew you were meant to be with us, Molly.” Mac and Harm had made sure that Molly could always be proud of her real heritage while always assuring her they loved her as much as if they had made her like they had the boys. Mattie and Molly had talked together over the years about being lucky to be loved and being part of the Rabb family. Their was no denying they were loved and no question they were part of the family.

“I see Daddy!” called Glenn as they parked in the visitor’s lot.

Harm opened the passenger door and slid in, leaning over to exchange a kiss with his wife before addressing his young family.

“Hi troops. How was your morning?” All three voices began talking at once until Harm chuckled and held up his hand. “Scott?”

“Glenn and I turned the tree house into the tower. I got to be the CAG.”

“And who were you Glenn?”

“I was the air boss,” announced the second born twin.

“I see. What about you Molly?”

“I didn’t play with them...I got my things ready for school...but I got to wait two more weeks Mommy said.”

“It will go fast Molly, especially having Mattie, Ty and the baby here.”

“Babies are smelly,” announced Scott wrinkling his nose.

“They can be at times,” Harm agreed. “But babies also can smell very good...just like you guys.”

They chatted on the drive to Dulles Airport where they would pick up Mattie and her family.

1150 Local

Dulles Airport

“Can you see them yet Daddy?” asked Molly as she held his hand.

“Yes,” Harm smiled as he spotted his oldest daughter dressed in jeans and a t-shirt come through the door carrying a bag, while her husband, Ty Langley followed behind with another bag and the baby carrier.

As soon as the children could see Mattie, they ran to her. Mattie dropped on one knee to collect all three of her younger siblings into her arms to hug them. After kissing each one on the forehead, she stood up and opened her arms to be hugged by her dad, Admiral Harmon Rabb Junior.

“Dad...I’ve missed you...you too Mac,” Mattie added as she turned to hug Mac.

“We’ve missed you too,” Mac assured her as Harm shook hands with his son-in-law.

“Good to see you Ty. How are your folks?”

“They’re great, sir. They’re visiting Greg and Chloe right now.”

Mac and Ty exchanged a quick hug before Mac demanded, “I want to see our grand-daughter.”

Ty held up the carrier and Mattie lifted the blanket away from the face of the sleeping baby girl in her lavender bubble suit and white lace shoes.

“Meet your sleeping granddaughter, Hannah Grace Langley,” Mattie announced as she watched Harm and Mac’s faces.

The two people that had given her another chance at family and showed her what it was like to have a loving relationship gazed on the four month old baby girl. Scott, Glenn, and Molly looked on remaining quiet until Scott made his declaration.

“She doesn’t do anything. She looks like one of Molly’s dolls.”

“You won’t think so later Squirt, when she wakes up,” Mattie chuckled. Mattie took the baby from Ty while Harm and Ty went to get their luggage. Mac, Mattie and the children headed for the mini-van so they could pull around to pick up the men and luggage.

Molly held on to the carrier with Mattie, while Mac held onto her twin sons.

“Mac, how did you do it with a little girl and two babies?” Mattie asked.

“I had Harm and you to help me.”

“I know...Ty is really good about helping, but it seems sometimes I just can’t juggle everything.”

“Mattie you’re working...active duty and going to school. I was inactive reserves. It makes a difference.”

“Do you miss working?”

“Sometimes...when Harm gets excited dealing with a big case. Most of the time, I have my little troops to command and I’m very happy and content.”

“Was Dad disappointed when I told him that I was giving up flying after all I went through to qualify?”

“Not at all. He rarely flies now, except once in awhile in the Stearman. He made that choice because of the family. He understood why you made the choice.”

“Ty still enjoy flying helos?”

“Oh yes...and working search and rescue. He was pleased when he was asked to take a squad at Quantico.”

“Have you heard yet what your assignment will be?” Mac asked the young woman.

“Yes. I didn’t get the one at the Naval Yard...I’m going to be working at JAG.”

“For your father?”

“No...I’m going to be clerking for the Judiciary, so I’ll be under Admiral Sebring. The General won’t admit to it, but I think he pulled some strings to get that assignment for me.”

“How do you feel about that?”

“Well, I’m not sure if he did. It’s a great job and works perfect for me while I’m going to law school. I won’t have to travel, and there will be times I can do research from home, if Hannah is sick and can’t go to daycare or something.”

They paused to rearrange the seating in the van.

“Okay troops,” Mac instructed, “we need to change the seating plan for today. Glen, I want you to move to the window seat in the third row. Scott, you sit next to your brother. Molly, you’re going to sit next to Scott. Mattie, you sit behind the driver’s seat and put Hannah’s seat in the middle.”

“You’re the only one I know that can orchestrate seating arrangement with three little kids without a hitch or any arguments,” Mattie laughed in delight as she watched Mac direct the children.

“I learned it watching Harriet Roberts direct her four children and Bud.” Mac slid behind the wheel as headed for the terminal.

“I bet Dad will want to sit back here, won’t he,” Mattie asked.

“That’s my guess. You know I’m prepared to baby sit anytime you want me to,” Mac informed her as they pulled up in front of the terminal just as Ty and Harm stepped out of the building.

“I may take you up on that Mac...thanks.”

With the luggage safely stored behind the third seat, Harm indicated to his son-in-law to get in the front seat next to Mac. “I want to sit next to my granddaughter.”

As they headed back to Harm and Mac’s house in Arlington, Mattie told Harm about her new assignment. He beamed with pride as he watched his granddaughter sleep, sometimes reaching out a finger to touch her soft baby face or hair.

“Mattie and I are planning to get new cars in a couple of days. We’ve both been approved for loans and the cars have been ordered. They’re suppose to be ready for pick up this week.” Ty informed his in-laws.

“No problem. Until then, you can use my car, Harm informed them.”

“And what will you drive, Dad?” Mattie asked, sure she already knew the answer.

“My Corvette,” Harm responded.

“He doesn’t use it much anymore, but loves to have an excuse to take it out,” Mac told them.

“Hey I worked hard to restore it. I’ve paid money to keep it in storage and in working order while I was in London,” Harm said in his own defense.

“Harm, its okay. We’re just teasing you.”

“I know. It’s just sometimes I think I should get rid of it. Put the money toward other things.”

“Dad, you deserve to keep it and use it. I doubt Mac has any problem with it.”

“You’re right Mattie. I love the fact that every now and then he takes me out in it. Makes me feel like we’re recapturing our youth.”

“Oh now Mac...you make it sound like you guys are old. You’re not. You’re in your forties right?”

“Yes...” from Mac.

“Barely,” Harm responded.

“If you are going to start acting like an old fud-duddy, then we’re not going to call you grandpa or grandma,” Mattie threatened her parents.

“But,” Harm started his protest only to be stopped with Mattie’s laughter as she squeezed his hand at the same time the baby girl in the carrier beside him opened her eyes and smiled at the big man looking down at her. “She’s awake...” Harm’s voice was filled with awe as he gazed into the blued baby girl smiling at him. “Hi there Hannah. I’m your grandfather and nobody is going to keep you from calling me Gramps.”

“Gramps?” Mac questioned. “Is that what you really want the grandchildren to call you?”

“Yes...we’ll be Gram and Gramps.”

“Why not Grammy and Gramps?” Mac countered as she drove along missing Mattie and Ty exchanging a smile at the repartee they had already discussed would take place between them.

“Fine...be Grammy...as long as I’m Gramps,” Harm said then ignored the rest while he cooed to baby Hannah. Glenn, Scott, and Molly sat in the back giggling at how silly they thought their Dad was being.

Once they had arrived back at the Rabb house, they all had assigned duties. Mac had called ahead for pizza delivery which was due to arrive within minutes and was now organizing the troops into action. Glenn and Scott set the table, while Molly poured the drinks.

Harm took charge of Hannah, changing her diaper and giving her a bottle while Ty and Mattie got settled into their room and got the portable crib set up that Harriet had kept in storage. They had a crib that would be shipped with their things from California that had been a present from Gramma and Grampa Burnett.

Mattie joined Mac in the kitchen while Ty made a couple of phone calls.

“Dad’s a softy with babies, isn’t he?” Mattie commented.

“Yes...but if he thinks he’s hogging our grandchild, he’s going to have a rude awakening,” Mac smiled as she hugged Mattie. “It’s good to have you here.”

“It’s good to be close to you guys again. Ty and I are both looking forward to it. I didn’t realize how important family was to me until we had Hannah. I kind of pushed Ty into requesting the transfer.”

“Would he have agreed if he really wanted to stay put?” Mac asked.

“No...he agreed with me, but I insisted before I asked...we fought about it but when we stopped arguing and started listening to each other, we both decided it was the right thing for us and I agreed that we could wait one year unless the right opportunity presented itself sooner. Two weeks later, this landed in our laps.”

“Fate has a way of doing that,” Mac told her. “Here’s the pizza. Want to round up Gramps and the others?”

Harm finally gave in and put Hannah down after she had fallen asleep, just before the pizza arrived, so he could change out of his uniform. Dressed in jeans, t-shirt and athletic shoes, Harm joined the others at the table.

The twins sat on either side of Harm, while Molly sat on the corner to her mother’s right with Mattie on her right. Ty sat across from Mattie and to Mac’s left. The laughter and chatter as everyone enjoyed their pizza filled Mac and Harm’s hearts with love and happiness.

After they ate and Hannah woke up from her nap and was fed and clean and dry again, the three children and Mac finally had a chance to hold Hannah. Lots of pictures were taken.

2230 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, VA

“Felt good to have Mattie and Ty with us,” Harm murmured against Mac’s ear as she leaned against him when he slid his arms around her waist from behind her.

“It did. I’m glad Ty is as good about helping with the baby as you were...of course, no one gets a chance to do much with Hannah with you around.”

“Jealous?” Harm asked kiddingly.

“In a way...yeah I am...but I do love watching you with the baby, so I’ll forgive you.”

“Mac, you’re serious aren’t you? You really were jealous?”

“I’m over it Harm...and it was only for a second.”

“Do you want to try for another baby of our own?” Harm asked her.

“Do you?”

“I asked you first.”

“A new dance for us?”

“That’s up to you..answer my question, Mac.”

“Yes...I’d love to have another baby, but given the fact that I’m in my early forties, it would not be the wise thing to do...but if we came across another child that needed a home I’d consider adopting another. What about you?”

“I think I’d rather ‘try’ having a baby and then adopting...I don’t think I can handle the pregnancy and delivery again.”

“Harm you’re confusing me...you want to try but you don’t want me to get pregnant...never mind...I get it...that’s okay too...so what are you going to do about it, Admiral?”

“Turn around...” Harm commanded in a deep sexy voice. He took Mac’s hands and placed then on his shoulders as he pulled her to him wrapping his arms around her and crossing his wrists at her lower back. He lowered his head and kissed her long, slow and deliberate before raising his head and looking at her through hooded eyes. “How’s that for a start?”

“It’ll do,” Mac smiled as she stretched onto her tiptoes to kiss him back.

When Mac slid back so that her feet were both completely on the ground, she smiled up into her husbands eyes. “You know, you’re pretty sexy for a grandfather.”

“You’re the first grandmother that’s ever turned me on,” Harm whispered in her ear as he slowly walked backwards pulling her toward their bed.

“Show me how much,” Mac challenged him.

When Harm had finished showing her just what she did to him still, neither had any doubts about the way they still effected each other nor how much they loved one another.

CHAPTER 2

Next morning

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

Harm and Ty had taken off early. Ty was dropping Harm off and then heading to Quantico to report in early even though he wasn’t due to report until the following week. He was also going to stop and pick up the key to the Dale City apartment and check it out. Mac and Mattie would meet him there later with the children.

Mattie and Mac sat at the table eating breakfast after the three children headed outside to play.

“It doesn’t seem possible that the boys are six years old, Mac.”

“I know. Harm and I had always thought we’d try to have another baby, but we’ve decided now that we’ll skip the pregnancy part and instead adopt another child if we find one that needs us.”

“It will be a lucky child to have you, too.”

“Thanks Mattie. That means a lot to me...to Harm too...knowing that you think we did okay with you.”

“I wish sometimes that I could have been with you sooner...with both of you,” Mattie clarified.

“I know. I had a hard time back then imagining that Harm could love me...until you came into the picture. He showed me that he had the capacity to love unconditionally and to commit to something and stick with it and that he could put someone else’s best interest before his own.”

“I remember when I was going back to Tom that time and I came and asked you to take care of him for me...I thought with me gone, you’d get together sooner...but you didn’t.”

“No...it could have happened sooner, if I had stopped thinking the worse and pushing him away.”

“You don’t blame yourself, do you Mac?”

“Sometimes...but it doesn’t matter anymore. I have more then I ever hoped for now.”

“Hey have you talked to Chloe and Greg lately?”

“Yes. I got a letter from her last week. She’s enjoying having the Langley’s there with her.”

“Does she know if it’s a boy or a girl yet?”

“If she does she’s not telling.”

“Then she doesn’t know ‘cause that girl would be telling the world if she did...can’t help herself,” Mattie giggled with Mac. “You know, I never expected to feel like I had a sister...but Chloe and I really did become sisters in our hearts even before we both ended up being Langley wives.”

“I know. So many good things came out of us going to London,” Mac recalled.

“Remember when I told you that I didn’t think I’d ever feel like a sister to Molly or the boys?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“I was wrong. I do think of them as my little sister and brothers...and Harm as my dad.”

“But you’ve never thought of me really as your mother,” Mac smiled gently as she touched Mattie’s arm and reassured her. “It’s okay Mattie.”

“Maybe...sometimes I felt like you had become my mother, but most of the time I think of you more as either a good friend or an older sister.”

“There’s nothing wrong with that Mattie. You knew your mother and your memories of your mother will always be with you and that’s a good thing. We did become family and that’s what’s important. I don’t have a problem with you calling me Mac - never have...and my relationship with Chloe started with me being a volunteer Big Sister. Please don’t ever worry about it Mattie. I don’t.”

“The strange thing is, I want you to be Hannah’s Grammy.”

“Good, because I want it too. What do the Langley’s want to be called?” Mac asked.

“Nana and Bampa. Can you believe that?”

“It’s kind of cute, isn’t it?”

“Not something I would have thought the General would have chosen, but he insisted.”

Mattie and Mac chatted over breakfast and then took turns watching the kids while the other dressed. When they were ready, they loaded up the van and headed for Dale City where they were going to meet Ty at the new apartment and make sure the place was clean and ready to move into. Mac had put the vacuum cleaner, broom, mop, rags, buckets, and other cleaning supplies in the back along with plenty of rubber gloves in case they were needed.

1110 Local

Apartment Complex

Dale City, Virginia

“There’s Ty!” shouted Scott as Mac pulled in next to Harm’s vehicle that Ty was using. Ty’s shout startled Hannah and the baby began to cry.

“Now look what you’ve done Scott Mackenzie Rabb,” scolded Molly as she sat next to the baby and quietly tried to sooth her by talking softly and rubbing her tummy.

“Little Mother Hen?” asked Mattie.

“Yes. She’ll protect them from anyone else, but she doesn’t hesitate to remind them of the rules. Both of them look up to her and shape up when she speaks.”

“They ever accuse her of tattling?”

“That’s the thing. She doesn’t ‘tattle’ like most kids do. She deals with it herself and gets them to report in to one of us.”

“I always knew your kids would take responsibility for their actions...you and Dad model it all the time....how could they help but develop that knack.”

“Thanks Mattie,” Mac smiled at the young woman next to her as they exited the vehicle.

“Hi Honey,” Ty greeted his wife with a hug and kiss. “Enjoying family time?”

“Yes. Have you checked it out yet Ty?”

“No...I stopped and picked up the key and pulled in just ahead of you. Hey guys,” Ty greeted Scott and Glenn who had piled out of the car to join their newest hero.

Mac and Molly released Hannah’s seat and carried her between them as they joined Mattie, Ty and the boys on the walk up the steps into the apartment.

Mac looked around. “These units are more like condos aren’t they?”

“Yes...they all have ground level entrances,” Ty informed her.

They entered the unit into a small foyer with a coat closet. To the left was a set of stairs and to the right a living room area. There was an enclosed storage area under the stairs. Straight ahead was the washer, dryer and pantry which led into the kitchen. They turned right into the living room and discovered one large room with a sliding glass door on one end which led onto a small deck. The overhead light indicated a dining room area on one end of the large room. An archway at the far end of the room led into the small kitchen.

“Convenient lay-out,” Mac commented.

“Let’s look up-stairs,” Mattie suggested trying not to be disappointed in the apartment.

Ty, carrying Hannah in the chest carrier, and Mattie led the way with the three children following and Mac bringing up the rear. At the top of the stairs was a nice size full bathroom with in tub shower. There was a small linen closet and a larger full size closet on opposite sides of the landing. There were two bedrooms - one large and one small. The large bedroom had two closets - one a walk-in. The smaller bedroom had one good-sized closet.

“This is great up here,” Mattie enthused. “Makes up for my disappointment with the downstairs.”

“I think this will work,” Ty agreed.

“It’s very clean as well,” Mac added.

“The manager said they had just repainted all the walls and re-caulked the windows, tub, sinks and stuff. He also said that the carpet upstairs is all new, and the downstairs is scheduled to be redone tomorrow,” Ty informed them.

“Do we get a say in the color?” Mattie asked.

“I guess not. He said that it was a laminate floor they were putting down.”

“You can always get an area rug, Mattie, like we did in London. Remember?” Mac asked.

“That’s a great idea. It looks like our furniture will fit in here to, don’t you think Ty?”

“I brought a tape measure to be sure.”

Together they measured and recorded the size of all the rooms, making a sketch of the floor plan. They measured windows and doors. Finally, Mac and Mattie inspected the kitchen more closely while Ty took the children out to the back deck.

“You know, I was really disappointed when I first saw this place,” Mattie admitted. “But the more I think about it and get the last place out of my mind, the more potential I see here.”

“Do you have curtains and stuff that you brought with you?” Mac asked her.

“No. The last place came with window treatments.”

“I’ve got a box of curtains from London still that might fit some of these windows - if you want them,” Mac offered.

“Yeah...that would be good. I like the fact that the walls are all neutral. It makes it easier to put our things into the space.” The upstairs rooms were all a soft beige while the downstairs rooms were an off-white. The kitchen appliances were also white and the cabinets were a light oak.

“Mattie,” called Ty from the deck. “Take a look at this.”

Mac and Mattie exchanged a look and went onto the deck with Ty. The deck had a railing around it. To the right of the door, there was an outdoor outlet and the rail on that side had built in flower boxes and a bench to sit.

Scott, Glenn, and Molly all sat on that bench looking at the back yard which was also fenced in. A ball sat in the grass looking lonely and abandoned. Mac saw all three children looking longingly at the ball and the grassy yard. Without waiting for them to ask, she suggested they go run around and use up some of their energy. They were off like a shot to the amusement of the adults.

“This is looking better and better,” Mattie admitted.

“Honey we could get a grill for out here and put a little table and some chairs out here too. During good weather it would give us another room.”

“Mac has some curtains that will work so we won’t have to buy all new curtains for the place either.”

“Thanks Mac.”

“No problem...I think I even saved the curtain rods and brackets despite Harm’s pestering me about it.”

Half an hour later, grass-stained clothes and all, the three children happily climbed back into the van and their usually assigned seats. They waved good-bye to Mattie, Ty and Hannah as they settled into Harm’s car. They would all meet back at the Rabb Residence later for dinner.

Mac pretended to let them have fast food from Belt-way burger for lunch, so she could satisfy her own craving for their classic burger with all the fixings, fries and a soft drink.

Ty and Mattie drove to the dealership where they had ordered their cars to check on the status. Mattie’s car was in and ready for her to drive away in that day. She had decided on a blue four-door small American made SUV that would give her four-wheel drive as an option for winter driving. It had enough room for cargo while being economical on gas mileage.

Ty’s small club-cab pick-up truck would be ready the next day. He had ordered it in red and also with the four-wheel drive option. By the time they finished up at the dealer, it was time to go pick up Harm. Ty went to meet him while Mattie headed back to the house to tend to Hannah and help Mac get dinner ready.

The dinner hour was lively that evening as the adults all talked about the new vehicle Mattie was driving, their thoughts on the apartment, a case that Harm had dealt with at the office that had given everyone a healthy does of laughter, Ty’s meeting with his new CO, and Mac’s challenges with the children that afternoon which had resulted in them eating their dinner in their rooms that evening.

“I hated to resort to that, but after getting Molly settled down and the house cleaned up after that fiasco it was better for everyone that they didn’t join us. I still need to go process the whole thing with them all before bedtime,” Mac reminded herself.

“I’ll go with you Mac. Maybe between the two of us we can figure out exactly what started it all. You said they had been fine during the morning?” Harm asked.

“Yes. The three of them played while Mattie and chatted over breakfast, showered, dresses, took care of Hannah and got ready to go to the apartment.”

“How were they at the apartment?” Harm questioned.

“They were with Ty most of the time, but they seemed to be getting along,” Mac said.

“They were great,” Ty added. “I enjoyed having them tag along after me.”

“I don’t get it,” Harm said shaking his head, definitely puzzled despite using his best investigative techniques. “Walk me through the rest of the day until this happened, please.”

Mac smiled as Harm the investigator took over. The poor kids didn’t stand a chance when he used this tactic. He always stood for the truth and he was making sure the children were raised understanding that.

“I treated them to Belt-way Burger on the way home. There was no problem there. They all were on their best behavior. When we got home the two boys headed out to the back yard to play and Molly went with me into the storage area looking for the curtain rods and curtains I had promised Mattie and Ty they could take. It took us twelve minutes to find them and get them out.”

“Then , Molly helped me get the casserole ready for the oven and once we had that done, I suggested she go join the boys for awhile outside. I looked out every fifteen minutes or so to check on them and spend some time watching them play. The boys were in the tree-house the last time I checked and Molly was under the tree playing in her dollhouse.

“It was seven minutes later I heard Molly scream and as I went out to see what had happened, she came running in dripping wet and muddy. She was hysterical and couldn’t talk. She was gagging and trying not to throw up. She couldn’t talk to me, so I got her to the bathroom and went back out to see what the boys were doing and if they knew what had happened.”

“Where were the boys?” Harm queried.

“Still in the tree-house. I went up there as quietly as I could to see if I could hear anything.”

“Watch out, Marine in stealth mode,” Harm joked.

“Ex-Marine, Sailor...but yes, I went into stealth mode and still couldn’t find out anything much. They were giggling and whispering but I couldn’t hear what they were saying. When I spoke to them they jumped and looked very guilty, but I couldn’t get them to tell me anything. I order them down out of the tree and sent one to the kitchen and the other to the living room.

”I went back to check on Molly and she was still crying. Just as I got to the bathroom she started to throw up so I rushed in there to hold her little head. Then I stripped her down and got her into the tub and shampooed her hair. It really stunk...like urine...oh no! Harm, you don’t think...?” Mac’s voice trailed off as her face took on a shocked expression and she couldn’t say what she suddenly realized must have happened.

Harm must have been thinking along the same lines because he too shut his eyes, lowered his head and shook it side to side. “I’ll skin them,” Harm threatened as he stood up from the table where Mattie and Ty had been listening to this exchange in amazement. Still not sure what was happening they watched Harm and Mac excuse themselves from the table and turn toward the living room.

“We need to talk this through before we panic and before we confront them,” Mac said to Harm as they stood together in the living room.

“I know. If we’re wrong, then we don’t want to put ideas in their heads.”

“Harm, should we give Jenifer a call before we talk to them?” Mac asked. She was thinking that Jenifer’s psychology training might be helpful in dealing with what they were afraid had happened.

“Do you think we can talk to them without getting upset?” Harm asked Mac.

“I think so.”

“Then why don’t we wait and see what they say before we hit the panic button...hopefully they’ll talk to us now.”

“Let’s go check on Molly first. See what she can tell us.”

Together Harm and Mac knocked and then entered Molly’s room. “Molly, how are you doing?” Mac asked.

“Ok. Did you tell Daddy?”

“Yes.”

“Molly, Mommy and I want to know exactly what happened today. Can you tell us?” Harm asked as he gently pulled their little girl into the circle of his arms.

Molly leaned against him and nodded her head as she rested it against his shoulder.

“Take all the time you need, Honey...then tell us everything you can.” Harm urged her. Mac quietly waited, lightly rubbing Molly’s back. A couple of minutes passed before they heard Molly’s voice, barely audible.

“They peed on me...it got in my mouth...” Harm felt his little girl gag as she recounted what had happened outside during the day. She paused as she tried to keep from throwing up again.

“Do you know why they did it Molly?” Mac asked gently as she felt Molly relaxing again against her Dad.

“Uh-un...I felt something and looked up to see if it had started raining and I saw them. I told them to stop and that’s when it got in my mouth...”

“What did you do then Molly?” Mac encouraged her to keep talking as it still did not explain the mud or the dripping wet condition she was in.

“I tried to wash it off with the hose and I tripped myself and landed in the mud. They kept laughing at me. I was going to go spray them, but I fell in the sand again. That’s when I screamed and then came running in the house. I’m sorry I got things muddy Mommy.”

“Its okay...its all clean now. I see you ate a little supper. Would you like to go see Mattie and Ty for a little while?”

“Is Hannah awake?”

“She probably will be soon.”

“Okay.”

Mac and Harm watched the usually bubbly Molly walk from her room toward the living room.

“Oh Harm...what on earth were those boys thinking? Why would they do that?”

“I’m not sure Mac...but seems like I remember hearing one time that boys sometimes have pissing contests around that age.”

“Did you?”

“Not that I remember...but it seems like I remember Jack, Sturgis, and Luke talking about their escapades when they were kids...but I thought they were older.”

“Great...so how do we handle this?”

“Let’s call Jen...right now I want to ground them for the rest of their lives,” Harm admitted.

They went into their bedroom and called Jenifer Coates. She answered on the second ring.

“Hey Jenifer. How’s it going?” Harm asked.

“Very well sir. This is a surprise to hear from you.”

“Mac’s on the line with me Jen...we’ve got a problem we think we need your advice on before we deal with it.”

“I’m not sure I’m qualified to dispense psychological advise Sir, Ma’am.”

“Aren’t you specializing in children’s psychology?”

“Yes.”

“Then I think you can handle this...or steer us to someone that can,” Mac jumped in.

“I’ll try. What happened?”

“Scott and Glenn apparently were in their tree house today when they decided to urinate off the platform...onto Molly.”

“Oh dear...was Molly their target...or just in the wrong place at the wrong time?”

“We don’t know yet. We haven’t gotten anything from the boys...but I think they might have used her for a target,” Mac informed Jen.

“Don’t assume...you need to find out first. If they didn’t target her, then they were probably just fascinated with the way their bodies function and it’s a pretty harmless and typical things for little boys to do...if she was a target, find out why.”

“Then what do we do?” Harm asked.

“If its kid stuff...set clear limits for them you can live with. If she was a target, find out why and then give them alternatives ways that would be appropriate for them to deal with whatever it was that made her a target. Its okay in either event to tell them what they did was not acceptable.”

“Is making the tree-house off limits acceptable as a consequence?” Harm checked.

“Yes, I believe so,” Jen assured them. “If you think its something more serious, my mentor is Dr. Washburn. He’s very good dealing with family issues and children’s behavior.”

“Thanks Jen...I think we’ll be okay now,” Harm told her.

“Jen, Mattie, Ty and Hannah are here. Were you going to get a chance to come over and spend an evening with us?” Mac asked.

“I’d love to see them...I only have tomorrow evening free this week.”

“That’s perfect. Bring your guy with you if you want.”

“Thanks...see you tomorrow then.”

“You ready to deal with the boys?” Harm asked her.

“No...but we’ve got to do this together.”

“I agree. Why don’t you do the Marine thing with them first,” Harm suggested.

“Alright....Let’s go.”

CHAPTER 3

1930 Local

Rabb Residence

Harm and Mac joined the boys in their bedroom. Mac glanced at each son before doing her modified Marine drill with them.

“Front and center, men...its time for you to explain what happened today. We want the truth and only the truth. Is that understood?”

“Yes Ma’am.” both boys responded knowing their mother meant business.

“Then you will answer the questions we ask...and tell the truth. You know that it will be tougher on you if you lie to us...because we will find out.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Very well. Scott Rabb...step forward. Tell me what happened today that ended up having Molly run inside all wet and muddy and crying.”

“I’m not sure.”

“Step back. Glenn Rabb...step forward. Tell me what you know.”

“Molly looked up to tell us to stop and...”

Harm watched as Scott tried to stop Glenn from talking and Glenn hesitated not sure if he should keep going or not. He looked into his father’s face and the whole story as he knew it tumbled out.

“...and it got in Molly’s mouth...but we didn’t do it on purpose...get it in her mouth I mean...and then she grabbed the hose and I thought she was going to turn it on us, but she turned it on herself and then the hose was around her foot and she pulled it and it knocked her down and she started to scream and then ran to the house...then Mom snuck up behind us when we were trying to decide what we should say.” Glenn’s eyes dropped to the floor and he hung his head.

Mac and Harm exchanged looks.

“What did Molly want you to stop doing?”

Glenn shuffled his feet and then continued. Scott said he could pee further then me and I told him we were identical so we should be able to pee the same distance. We both had to go so we decided to test it out then. I didn’t think we’d get Molly...”

“Thank you Glenn...for being honest with us. Mistakes happen...but from now on, there is to be no more going to bathroom outside when you have a bathroom right here inside. I think you owe Molly an apology. How would you like to have some one do to you what happened to Molly?”

“I wouldn’t like it. Can I go tell her I’m sorry?”

Harm and Mac exchanged glances and one of their silent conversations.

“Glenn, you are not to go in the tree house for two weeks and you will make it up to your sister.”

“Yes sir.”

“Go join them in the living room until bedtime,” Mac directed.

They all watched as Glenn left the room and then all eyes turned to Scott.

“Anything to add to what your brother said?” Mac asked the remaining twin.

“No Ma’am.”

“Son, I thought you understood how important it is to be honest, yet you didn’t step up and take responsibility for your actions today. What you did was not acceptable, but refusing to own up to it is even worse. I’m disappointed in your failure to be honest with us.”

“Yes sir.”

“You will be banned from the tree house for two weeks like your brother...and then an additional two weeks for not being honest with us and telling us the truth.”

“Four weeks! That’s not fair,” Scott complained.

“What do you think would be fair?” Mac countered.

“Two weeks and an apology just like Glenn...we’re twins and we’re the same.”

“Except you had the chance to speak first and you didn’t....Glenn spoke up when asked.”

“But...”

“I’m sorry son...perhaps its time for you and Glenn to have some space from each other. Unless an adult is there with you, for the next two weeks, you will not play outside with your brother and sister...and I think you will get ready for bed now...you can apologize to Molly at breakfast in the morning. Understood?”

“Yes sir.” Scott was resigned to his punishment and knew that his father meant business this time.

“And do not take it out on your brother when he comes in to go to bed. We’ll be back in a few minutes to tuck you in.”

“Yes sir.”

Harm and Mac stepped into the hall and shut the door. Mac stepped into his embrace and they held each other for a few minutes without saying a word. Finally Mac looked up at Harm.

“So who do you think he got that stubborn streak from?”

“Both of us...he just hasn’t learned when to use it and when to lose it yet.”

“Do you think he understands the reason that we’re being tougher on him?”

“Yes...he doesn’t like it, but I believe he understands it.”

“I think we need to make sure that he goes to sleep knowing we love him...no doubts...but that we didn’t like his actions.”

“I agree with you.”

“Harm...I think I hear him crying...should we do in?”

“Yes....” Harm opened the door and his heart broke. His son was crying into his pillow. “Scott...son...come here.” Harm reached for his son and lifted him onto his lap.

“I-I-I’m s-s-s-orry Daddy...”

“Mommy and I love you very much Scott...we don’t like what you did today or how you handled it...but we love you as much as we always have and always will.”

“I won’t do it again...” the little boy quietly cried as he spoke.

“That’s good, Scott. It’s important that you learn from your mistakes...and we all make them at times...Don’t we Mommy?” Harm turned to include Mac in the conversation.

“Yes. Even Mommy and Daddy...come on now and crawl into bed.”

Scott slid into his bed and Harm tucked him in and kissed his son goodnight. Mac leaned down and kissed him also.

“Good night Scott...I love you.”

“I love you too Mommy.”

Mac and Harm closed the bedroom door and stepped into each other’s arms for a moment of solace.

“You okay?” Mac asked Harm.

“I think so. I’m finding out more and more things that I missed out on as a kid...”

“Don’t even think of reliving any of those kind of moments....you were smart enough not to bother as a child...don’t have a relapse now!” Mac informed him as she leaned back in his arms and looked up into his smiling face.

“I didn’t intend to Mac...besides...I know I could beat both of them,” Harm chuckled.

“Jerk!” Mac sighed and relaxed against him again. “Do you think we’ve messed Scott up somehow and we need to get him counseling?”

“No, I don’t. Jen said what he did was typical stuff. Scott has always been the dominant twin. Glenn needs to learn to stand his own ground with him and not follow him with everything he does. That concerns me more right now...how dominate Scott has become...and we tend to fall into their trap.”

“How do we do that Harm?”

“We go to Scott first. We say Scott and Glenn - not Glenn and Scott.” Harm raised his eyebrows waiting for Mac to process that information.

“We do don’t we. Okay, we need to make an effort to change that.”

“Without compensating to much the other way.”

“Right.”

“Let’s see how Glenn and Molly are doing. We’ll work on our game plan later.”

Harm and Mac found the two children cooing to Hannah as she sat in her seat. Mattie and Ty had cleaned up the dinner dishes.

“You two okay?” asked Harm as they approached.

“Yes, Daddy,” answered Molly while Glenn nodded.

“Son, come with me for a few minutes...I think you and I need to talk some more.”

“Okay Daddy.”

Glenn fit his hand into Harm’s as they went out to the back porch and sat on the steps.

“Glenn, Mommy and I noticed tonight that you don’t speak up very often. You let Scott or Molly talk for you. Do you know you do that?” Harm gently asked.

“Yes.”

“Why Son?”

“Cause if I say the wrong thing I’ll get in trouble.”

“With who?”

“I dunno.”

“Would try something for me? It might be hard at first, but I think you can do it.”

“What Daddy?”

“I’d like you speak up and talk for your self...try to answer first sometimes.”

“I’ll try.”

“That’s all I ask.”

“Daddy?”

“Yes Glenn?”

“Are you mad at us for what we did today?”

“I wasn’t angry, son...disappointed...upset...but I am very proud of you for speaking up and telling Mom and I the truth.”

“Okay. I think I’m ready for bed, Dad.”

“You have another twenty minutes,” Harm told him glancing at his watch.

“I know. But Scott’s probably feeling bad. I think I should go up with him.”

“Alright. Go ahead. I’ll come tuck you in soon, son,” Harm told the little boy.

Later that night Harm and Mac settled into their bed together. Mac’s head rested on her husband’s shoulder and her hand rested on his chest. Harm’s arm was under Mac’s neck and his hand curled up to play with her hair. His other hand rested on her hip.

“Quite a day, wasn’t it?” Mac asked, not sure what Harm would respond.

“Yes...I told Glenn I’d like to see him answer first once in awhile.”

“What did he say?”

“He’d try.”

“Did you send him up early?”

“No...he wanted to go. He was afraid Scott would be feeling bad and thought he shouldn’t be alone.”

“Well, he had a point. Glenn tends to sit back, watch and wait, but when he does something, he tends to do it the right way on the first try. Scott jumps in with both feet and if he does it wrong he tried to talk his way clear...when he can’t then he regroups and moves on...for identical twins, one ended up with my style and the other your style,” Mac observed.

“So Scott’s like me and Glenn’s like you?”

“More or less, yes.”

“If I wasn’t so tired maybe I’d feel like picking a fight with you over this,” Harm smiled as he kissed her forehead.

“You better be joking,” Mac threatened.

“I am. Molly seemed to be okay by the time she went to bed, huh?”

“Yes. She was touched by Glenn’s apology.”

“I’m sorry I missed it...Remember when you use to tell me that apologizing was a sign of weakness?” Harm recalled.

Yes...and I was wrong...avoiding your mistakes is a sign of weakness...not apologizing and learning from them as you move on.”

“Exactly.”

“Go to sleep...I don’t want to hear any ‘I told you so’ comments out of you Squid.”

“Squid...that’s not a name I’ve heard in awhile.”

“Go to sleep or you might hear something worse,” Mac joked sleepily.

“Yes, Ma’am.”

And with that, they both fell asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.

1548 Local

Apartment Complex

Dale City, Virginia

“Mattie, move a little more to your right...good...right there...let’s set it down. You okay?” Ty asked as he and Mattie set the sofa in place in the living room.

“I’m fine. You know, sometimes you worry about me as much as Dad does.”

“There’s a reason for that,” Ty grinned back at his wife.

“I know...you both love me.”

“Correct. It’s coming together pretty well. When your Dad gets here we’ll get the furniture put together upstairs and then we can start emptying boxes.”

“Ty, let me help you get the furniture upstairs put together...I mean we don’t have to haul anything upstairs...that parts done. Mac has Hannah and I’d like to have the house together as much as possible when they get here. Please?” Mattie begged looking up at her husband with her lips pursed ready to kiss him.

“You know I can’t resist that kind of temptation,” Ty admitted. “Let’s go get started then. Our bed or the baby’s first?”

“Ours please.”

Together they assembled their queen sized bed. They found the bed linens in a box that was nearby and made the bed up.

“There’s something about a freshly made bed that makes the room look inviting. Let’s do the crib next.” Mattie led her husband into the second room.

The dining room and living room had their furniture in place so next they tackled the kitchen and pantry. By the time Harm and Mac arrived with Hannah and Molly, Ty and Mattie had both bedrooms usable, although all their clothes had not been unpacked; the living room and dining room waiting for occupants and the kitchen functional.

“Hello...ready for the invasion of the Rabbs?” Mac called as Mattie opened the door.

“Yes we are...come on in...How was Hannah today Mac?”

“She’s been great. No problem taking the bottle. Only problem I had was Gramps and Molly arguing over who would sit next to her on the ride here.” Mac laughed.

“He does take his role of Gramps seriously, doesn’t he?” Mattie asked Mac.

“Yes...I’ve already accused him of starting his second childhood....it helped stop the fight between Molly and him for a minute.” Mac laughed as Harm rolled his eyes.

“Where are the boys?” Ty asked.

“With Bud and Harriet. There youngest two are a little older then the boys, but they enjoy getting together. Molly insisted on coming here with us.” Mac explained.

“If you are done dumping on Gramps, I suggest we get to work on the upstairs.” Harm stood with his hands on his hips looking around at the downstairs.

“No need...furniture is together. We just need to finish unpacking boxes,” Mattie smiled at her family.

“You sure?” Harm asked.

“Yes. Mattie and I took it one task at a time and have the place livable. Want to help with a few boxes?” Ty checked.

“Sure...kitchen functional?” Harm inquired.

“Yes...Does this mean you’ll cook dinner?” Mattie teased as she wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled up at her ‘dad’.

“Yes...if you got the stuff I need. Point the way.”

While Harm cooked dinner, with Molly’s help, Mac, Mattie, and Ty tackled the boxes of clothing and linens. They ironed and hung up things that would be used in the next few weeks. By the time Molly called them to eat, the last box was empty upstairs.

“You brought groceries, didn’t you?” Mattie accused when she saw the salmon, asparagus and boiled potatoes as well as the tossed salad.

“Guilty as charged,” Harm admitted with a sheepish grin.

“Well, I’ll forgive you this time.” Mattie hugged Harm before asking, “Are you ready for us to eat?”

“I am.”

Everyone washed hands and took seats under Mattie’s direction as she nursed Hannah while Harm served the dinner. Holding Hannah in one arm while she nursed under the blanket, Mattie ate with the other hand.

“Dad this is so good. You’ve got to stop spoiling me.”

“Yes, stop spoiling her,” Ty pleaded. “I can’t keep up.”

“It’s not that bad - is it?” Harm checked suddenly afraid that he had overstepped his bounds as father and grandfather, interfering with Ty’s role of husband.

“No...it’s not bad. Ty’s just teasing...aren’t you?” Mattie prodded him.

“Yes....but your dad, the Admiral, is a tough role model to live up to.” Ty admitted.

“I don’t mean to be Ty. You’re a good husband and father from what I’ve seen...and Mattie’s happy. That’s the most important thing. Being yourself is exactly right...don’t try to be me or anyone else. Understand?” Harm was kind but firm as he spoke.

“Understood sir.”

2240 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

“I think they are all finally asleep,” Mac informed Harm as she entered their bedroom. His lack of response got her attention and she turned to study her husband. “Harm?”

“Yeah?”

“I said that the kids are finally asleep. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“I know you Sailor...what gives?” Mac insisted.

“I still go overboard at times don’t I?”

“Is that’s what’s bothering you...Ty teasing you that you’re hard to live up to?”

“No...Yes...Am I?”

“At times...but its what makes you who you are and the reason we all love you. We’d rather put up with you just like you are that have you changed into someone that isn’t really you,” Math assured him.

“Thank you. I liked having them here.”

“I know. They aren’t that far away and Mattie will be working at JAG starting next week. You’ll see her.”

“Yeah, but what about Hannah...my granddaughter.”

“I’ll plan to bring her to have lunch with you and her mother at least once a week...how’s that?”

“Okay....”

“Or you could get away and come home for lunch once in awhile. Most of the time she’ll be here with me.”

“You’re lucky Mac.”

“Some would say you were the lucky one...Admiral Rabb - Judge Advocate General of the Navy.”

“Mac, do you regret reserving and then resigning your commission?” Harm asked looking her in the eyes trying to gauge her face.

“No. There were days I missed it at first...even now I’ll get a charge when I hear of a case that would have been fun and challenging...but then I look at Molly and the twins and know I did the right thing....tonight I look at you missing time with Mattie, and realize that you’re still missing time with the younger children. I see a few strands of silver sneaking into your dark hair, giving you a distinguished look...and I realize that I wouldn’t want to trade your career for mine at tall. I would miss out on too much...so no...I don’t have regrets.”

“You know...I think I’m going to be ready to retire at thirty years.”

“Good.”

“Think you’ll be able to put up with me underfoot?” Harm asked drawing his wife close to his body.

“Yes...I did when we were at JAG together...having you home won’t be that much different.”

“It might be.”

“Then I’ll take my chances,” Mac said as she leaned in to give him a kiss to remind him that she still was very in love with her husband.

CHAPTER 4

Ty, Mattie and Hannah settled into their new routine quickly once they were settled into their apartment and Mattie returned to work. They left about the same time every morning, Ty heading south to Quantico and Mattie and Hannah heading north to Arlington where Mac would meet them and take Hannah for the day just before Glenn, Scott, and Molly boarded the bus for school. Mattie would continue on to Falls Church where she would clerk for the Judiciary Team based at JAG Headquarters. Tuesday and Thursday she would have lunch with Mac and nurse Hannah before leaving the Rabb house to attend classes at Georgetown. She would return to pick Hannah up around seventeen hundred before arriving home about the same time Ty did.

Mac enjoyed spending her days taking care of Hannah. Monday, Wednesday and Friday Mac would take Hannah to Falls Church so that Mattie could nurse her there while she ate in her office. Only once had they connected with Harm. On Monday his staff meetings often lasted until one and Mattie’s lunch break started at 1130 on Monday. Every Wednesday he had been tied up in meetings with one officer or another in his command. It seemed that Friday he had a standing lunch meeting with the Secretary of the Navy and some of the other top officials on the hill.

Hannah was usually sleeping when the Rabb children arrived home from school and Mac looked forward to hearing about their day and overseeing the homework session while they are a snack. When Hannah woke up they all took a break to play with the baby and then they all headed outside to take advantage of the beautiful autumn weather until it was time for Mattie to pick up Hannah. The children returned to their homework until it was done while Mac worked preparing the evening meal.

In the evening, Harm would arrive home just as dinner was going on the table and then he was filled in on the events in every ones’ day and he would share things from his day if he could. It was mid-October when Mac realized that Harm was unusually quiet in the evenings and moody. She wanted to give him time to work through what was bothering him but she also knew he would need a nudge to open up as usual.

October 14

2130 Local

Rabb Residence

“Harm, what is it?”

“Nothing.”

“It doesn’t seem like nothing. What are you obsessing over now?” Mac pushed.

“Nothing Mac.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Fine. That’s your choice.” Harm’s voice had a distinct edge to it that confirmed for Mac that something was not right. She watched as he turned his back to her and stared into the darkness through their bedroom window.

Mac let him have a few minutes to think while she went to the bathroom and prepared for bed. He was still there when she returned and approached him in her bare feet, wearing her tank top and undies she often wore to bed...until he removed then from her of course. Sliding her arms around his waist and resting her face against his back she held him for a moment until she felt him relax against her too.

“Talk to me Harm...please?”

Slowly he turned then and wrapped her in his arms, lowering his head to kiss her. Mac enjoyed the kiss while waiting for him to say something. She sensed his kiss growing deeper and his passion increasing. They had never used making love as a bargaining tool or an escape from dealing with reality and she wasn’t going to let him get away with it now. Reluctantly she broke off the kiss and arched her back so she could look into his face, her hands braced on his chest...their lower bodies tightly together leaving neither in doubt as to the potency of their kisses.

“Harm...don’t do this to us...I love you and want you as much as you want me...but something is bothering you and I need you to talk to me.”

“I don’t know how to explain it Mac..”

“Please try.”

“Here’s the thing...if I don’t say it right I’m going to hurt you and I don’t want to do that.”

“I know...so just say it. You’ve prepared me...I know you don’t want to hurt me...I’ll help you figure it out.”

“I need something more in my life Mac...”

Harm’s words hit her hard. Reminding herself that Harm wasn’t trying to hurt her and that she had promised to help him talk this through without getting defensive...she forced herself not to be hurt and to stay calm.

“Does this have to do with our sex life?” Mac asked quietly.

“No! God, Mac...if things were better between us I don’t think I could survive...no...that’s not it at all.” He leaned closer to kiss her again before adding, “I want to get back to where we were before you insisted we talk about this tonight.”

“Okay then...are you dissatisfied with being JAG?”

“There are times I miss the court room and the investigations but overall, I’d have to say I enjoy the challenge and I think I’m good at it.”

“So do I...so the more you want...is it personal? Professional? Philosophical?” Mac prompted.

“Sometimes I feel I’m getting old Mac. I’m going to be fifty years old soon.”

“Oh Harm, let me assure you, you are one physically fit, sexy, man regardless of your age. One might almost be tempted to say you’re ageless.”

“Flattery is appreciated but not necessary. I don’t think that’s it exactly...I mean, yes I’m getting older, but then we all are...but then that’s the problem...the kids are growing up and I don’t have enough time with them now. You get to see Hannah all the time...she hardly knows me. The boys and Molly go to you first and Mattie turns to her husband. And Chloe...I haven’t talked to her in a long, long, time....but at one time we were all so close. What am I doing wrong, Mac?”

“Nothing. Its not what you are doing, but rather what we are doing to try and make things easier on you...looks like we were wrong.”

“What do you mean Mac?”

“Mattie and Chloe have both told me at different times that they still need us sometimes...but they also don’t want to add to your load. They are grateful to what you’ve done for them and feel they are making you proud by standing on their own two feet and choosing men that have many of your attributes.”

“So you guys decided to shut me out?” Harm asked a little upset.

“No, Harm...but you always seem to be there when any one needs a helping hand and we all want you to know that we can pull our share and that you don’t have to carry all of us. We thought lightening your load, would be a good thing. Looks like I advised then wrong.” Mac looked down, upset that she advised Chloe and Mattie to do something that had in fact hurt Harm.

“Mac...Wow...I don’t know what to say...I am proud of the girls...and you. I’m glad you pushed me to talk about this...and I think I can put things in perspective a little better now.”

“You’re not angry with me?”

“No...but I have a request.”

“Tell me.”

“I want us to talk to the girls and let them know that I am proud of the way they’ve turned out...but I miss them calling me and asking me stuff. I don’t expect them to consult me on everything...but at least one or twice a year would be nice to know that my opinions still matter to them.”

“And what about me and our three?”

“You are amazing with them...but I need to be a part of their life and the decisions...not every one of course...you’re good at keeping things going...too good maybe,” Harm said smiling and bumping against his wife to let her know he still wanted her. “But I need to feel that I’m apart of this family and lately I haven’t felt...needed.”

“We need you Sailor...I need you,” Mac whispered as she closed the gap between them. Mac reveled in the feel of the kiss. Harm’s lips so soft and gentle on her own before they hardened just a little before the hot moisture of his tongue sought entrance into her mouth. They way his lips caressed and enticed her as his mouth opened over hers before he tasted and consumed her made the wonderful passion between them build as only he could do.

Taking his hand, Mac led him to their bed. Before turning toward him once again and stepping into his arms.

“Harm...When I said I need you...I meant more then just in bed. I need you to need me too at times...like tonight. It feels good to talk things through.”

“I know. I promised you I would always be here and yet there are times I know I still close myself off. I’m glad you don’t let me get away with it.”

“You don’t think it’s a turn off then?” Mac smiled as she gazed into her husbands eyes and felt him brush his lower body with the obvious evidence of his arousal against her again.

“You know I don’t,” Harm growled in his ear as he began kissing and tasting her soft skin from behind her ear and down to her neck. He felt her hands working to remove his clothes. He helped her until they were both wearing just their underwear. Then he went to work removing hers while she slid her hands against his skin, trying to remove his. Once they were both naked, they held each other tightly, her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, as his hand supported her by holding her buttocks.

“Harm, your back,” Mac started to protest when she realized he had lifted her and he was supporting both of their weight.

“I’m fine. Mac you are still as beautiful and slender as ever and just as light in my arms.”

“No more cracks about beltway burgers and ten percent extra body fat?” Mac teased remembering another time when he was much thinner and had less muscle then he did now.

“No need....you eat healthy - most of the time- for the children I know...but still, since I added some muscle so I could impress you after you calling me ‘Stick Boy’ I figure I might as well enjoy the benefits.”

“Then stop talking, Squid. Impress me...” Mac challenged.

Harm slowly lowered her onto the bed and began kissing his way down her body. She threaded her fingers through his short hair, and threw her head back as he stopped to trace her navel with his tongue before continuing to kiss and lick her skin even lower. She felt his hand teasing her and urging her to open for him. Waiting to feel his hands and those long fingers work their magic, she almost lost it when instead she felt his mouth there instead, as his tongue tickled and teased the nerve bud before dipping lower and drinking her sweet nectar.

Mac cried out his name as he took her to the heights with is mouth before kissing his way up her body to her breasts and letting his fingers and hands work their magic. Again she cried out his name as she scaled the heights yet again.

They couldn’t seem to get enough of one another that night. Mac brought Harm to the brink as many times as he sent her over, before he finally buried himself inside her and they reached the pinnacle together, collapsing in each others arms well sated and ready to sleep. Three hours later the alarm rang and signal the start to another day. A day filled with love, passion and the knowledge that their love was as strong as ever.

1220 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

“Mattie, I know we all agreed that we didn’t want to overburden Harm...but I didn’t take into account that he needs to feel needed. You don’t suppose you could call him for advice a couple times a year do you?”

“Of course! Do you mean that he’s been all moody lately because he thought nobody needed him?”

“Partly, yes. But he also wants to get to know Hannah better. She accepts everyone now, accept Gramps.”

“I know...I feel bad, but its so hard to stay later until he gets home, and I don’t want to take advantage of you anymore then we already do,” Mattie told Mac.

“Oh Mattie, you aren’t taking advantage of us...not at all. I love spending the time with Hannah. Mattie you know that Harm and I have always wanted a large family and that we were very lucky that I was able to have the twins. I had hoped that I would get pregnant again soon after the twins were born, but it never happened.”

“It still could Mac.”

“Mattie, I don’t think so. I’m in my mid-forties now. Harm and I stopped using any kind of birth control and figured we’d let nature take its course. I never got pregnant again...and Harm told me once that he didn’t think he could handle going through pregnancy and delivery again.”

“So you guys decided not to have another child?”

“We thought about adopting or doing foster care.”

“It’s not the same...foster care. There’s always the fear that the child will have to leave.”

“Is that how you felt Mattie?” Mac asked.

“Yes...and I did leave...thank God Harm never gave up on me...and you on him.”

“Those were difficult days...but I try not to look back and I try not to wish for something that isn’t meant to be.”

“You awfully smart Mac...”

“Thanks Mattie...I think. Do you still feel like you’re imposing on me...on us?”

“No...as a matter of fact I’ve got an idea...do you think you and Dad could keep Hannah overnight once in awhile?”

“We’d love to!”

“I think that Ty needs my attention sometimes and I tend to dote on the baby.”

“I think that we all do that.” Mac smiled as she hugged Mattie. “How about we start Friday night?”

“Okay. We’ll come get her Saturday morning.”

“I have a better idea. Why don’t you and Ty enjoy your Saturday and then come for dinner Saturday evening and take her home with you then.”

“Are you sure?” Mattie asked.

“Yes.”

“That would be great. And maybe sometime Ty and I can stay here while you and Dad get away for a weekend.”

“I like the way you think!” Mac smiled at Mattie pleased that they had found a way for Harm to spend more time with Hannah; Mattie to spend more adult time with Ty; and for Harm and Mac to have their adult time together too.

Mac and Mattie firmed up the plans for the first stay-over deciding to surprise ‘Gramps’. Their discussion turned to his birthday which was approaching later in the month.

“I’m confused. Is this his forty-ninth or fiftieth birthday?” Mattie asked.

“Forty-nine! He’s already feeling old...he’ll be impossible by the time he is fifty,” Mac laughed remembering his stress over the kids growing up.

“I’m glad I asked. Are you going to do anything special for him with the family?” Mattie checked.

“Well, his birthday is on a Tuesday this year, so we’ll probably just have a cake after dinner that night. I think I’ll have him open his gifts during breakfast.”

“I like that idea,” Mattie concurred. “When did you guys start opening gifts at breakfast anyway?”

“Oh, I don’t know...I think it started when we first met and were working at JAG. I think Harm started it first. He brought a gift in for me one time and gave it to me as soon as he saw me. He said it was so he wouldn’t forget. Then the next time I ended up doing the same kind of thing. After we got married, it became a breakfast ritual.”

“Well I think its cool. Ty and I have started doing it too.”

“So you’ll join us for dinner that night?”

“Of course.”

CHAPTER 5

Friday 1740 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

“Daddy!”

“Daddy!”

Harm scooped up the two boys racing toward him as he stepped out of the garage and headed for the house.

“Hey guys,” Harm greeted them as he knelt down to take them in his arms for a mini-group hug. “What are you all excited about?”

“Hannah’s staying over night.”

“Yeah, and Mattie and Ty are gonna leave her here until tomorrow night!”

“Really? Let’s go see Mom.” Harm directed the two in front of him as he entered the house. “Mac?”

“Hi Gramps. Look who’s come to visit?” Mac smiled as she leaned up to kiss his cheek as she handed his granddaughter to him. Mac stayed close so that Hannah could re-adjust to her grandfather without fussing.

“Hey Hannah...I’ve missed you little girl.” Harm snuggled the infant against his chest, cupping her head gently with his whole hand.

It wasn’t long before Hannah remembered the gentle giant that was her grandfather and relaxed against him. Mac stepped away then shifting her attention to her two quiet sons. “What quieted you two down?”

Both boys shrugged watching their father cuddle the baby. “Daddy?”

“Yes Scott, I did.”

“I’m Glenn.”

“Sorry Glenn...but yes, I did cuddle with both of you. You’ve seen the pictures in the scrapbook.”

“Yeah...” Glenn agreed.

“But were we that little?” Scott asked this time.

“Yes, you were. Where’s Molly?” Harm asked realizing the pre-teen wasn’t around.

“She is at her friend, Marcy’s, and will be home after supper,” Mac informed him.

“She actually left knowing Hannah would be here?”

“No...she didn’t realize that Hannah would be here and I didn’t enlighten her when she called from school to ask permission.”

“So, shall I help you fix dinner?” Harm offered still holding the baby and dressed in his uniform.

“Dinner is under control. Why don’t you go change? We’ll keep track of Hannah for you, right guys?” Mac asked.

“Uh-huh,” they answered in unison.

“Okay...Gramps will be right back little girl...be good,” Harm instructed placing a feather light kiss on the little forehead before handing the baby over to Mac.

After dinner, they adjourned to the living room where Mac’s guys stretched out on the floor on their stomachs surrounding the baby as they talked and cooed to her, showing her toys, kissing her hands and playing with her bare toes. Mac returned from the kitchen with the digital camera in hand and took some pictures and video segments of them as they entertained little Hannah. So many memories of the evenings together with the twins came back to her as she watched the two rough and tumble boys and their giant sized father be so gentle and loving with the tiny girl.

If Mac was honest with herself, she would have admitted immediately that her desire to raise another child was just as strong now as it had been before she had the twins. Instead it took her ten minutes of watching the scene before her to admit to herself that it would all be worth it to see Harm with his own baby girl. She thought then about Harm’s concern and worry if she was to get pregnant again and quickly pushed the thought out of her mind.

Sarah Mackenzie Rabb had been fortunate to have gotten pregnant even once. The fact that she had been told she had a less then a five percent shot at conceiving had been over come with little effort at all. She would not push her luck and even hope for another pregnancy. Instead, maybe she could start actively looking to take in a foster child. It wasn’t like she didn’t have a full life keeping up with her adopted daughter and her ‘little sisters’ and their families. The boys before her seemed to have inherited their father’s knack for finding trouble and her restlessness. Now having Hannah to watch during the day, she was busy and active and more fulfilled then she had ever dared hope until that day that Harm faced the deadline of them being sent in separate directions and he stated his desire for them to marry and at long last admitted openly that he loved her.

Tears came to Macs eyes as she stood watching him now with his grandchild and sons. He was a good man. As the tears started to roll now her cheeks, she brushed a hand at them. It was too late. Harm had turned and spotted the tears.

“Watch Hannah, boys. I’ll be right back.” He had gotten up then and come to Mac, brushing her tears away. “Mac, what is it?”

“Nothing...I was just thinking and got all teary and emotional. Must be further into my cycle then I thought.”

Mac’s explanation was excepted but he still pulled her into his arms and held her. His face rested on top of her head and his voice vibrated in his chest under her ear when he spoke. “Thank you for doing this so I could have more time with Hannah, Mac.”

“Your sons suddenly seem more interested in what their early days were like seeing you with Hannah. Did you notice that?” Mac asked from the shelter of his arms.

“Yeah. They keep asking if I did the same things with them when they were little. I assured them I did.”

“I think I’m going to contact children’s services after the weekend. I think we’re ready to add to this family, don’t you?”

“Are you ready?” Harm asked Mac, knowing as she did that the brunt of the work load would be on her.

“Yes. Having Hannah here has been delightful, but I think the boys and Molly should have another child to share their lives with twenty-four seven.”

“I agree.”

“Thank you.”

“Mac, I know you had your heart set on having another baby at one time...are you not thinking that way because I said I found the pregnancy and delivery so stressful?”

“No...but I know it is. I guess knowing the risk helps me to embrace a safer option.”

“Ok. Let me know when we need to go meet with them. Right now I’d better get back to the dynamic duo.”

Just as Harm finished speaking, the phone rang. “I’ll get it,” Mac informed him as she returned to the living room to scoop up the phone. “Rabb Residence.”

“Mommy?”

“Molly! Are you okay?”

“Yes Mommy. Mommy?”

“Yes?”

“Can I sleep over at Marcy’s tonight?”

“Molly...Marcy has never been to our house. Before you can stay there, I would like to have Marcy come for dinner at our house and play with you here. Maybe after that.”

“But Mommy,” Molly started in such a tone that you could almost hear her foot stamp on the floor over the phone.

“No Molly. I’ll expect you home soon. Are Marcy’s parents still bringing you home or do I need to come get you?”

“I don’t know.”

“Don’t pout...I’ll be there in ten minutes. I expect you to be ready.”

“But Mommy...”

“Ten minutes Molly.”

“Yes Ma’am.”

Mac hung up the phone with a smile. The teenage years were approaching so rapidly. Returning to the living room to fill her husband in she chuckled imagining his reaction.

“Harm, I’m going to go pick up Molly. She’s a little upset because I wouldn’t let her stay overnight until Marcy’s been here for a visit. I don’t want to inconvenience her parents, so I’ll go get her. I have a feeling the teenage years will come early with her.”

“You mean I’m going to finally get to see what teenagers are like first hand that aren’t as mature as Mattie,” Harm asked her.

“I’d say so...remember Chloe when you first met her?”

“Oh ‘mi-god’! Do you really think that’s what our Molly will be like?”

“You didn’t hear the foot stamping the floor and the pout in her voice when she didn’t get her way.”

“You want me to go?” Harm asked.

“No. Enjoy the time with Hannah. She’ll be ready for bed soon anyway.”

“Alright. The boys and I will get Hannah ready for bed while you retrieve our daughter. Drive carefully.”

“I will.” Mac kissed him and waved to the boys as she left.

Mac pulled up in front of a typical home in that area of Virginia near Bailey’s Crossroads. Why Marcy’s parents didn’t appear to be especially affluent, the home appeared neat and tidy on the outside, as if the property was well cared for. Mac eased her way into the driveway in reverse so she could drive back onto the street.

A very peitite woman, in her late twenties came to the door.

“May I help you?”

“I’m Sarah Rabb, Molly’s mother. Is she ready?”

“Oh...she just went with Marcy and her Dad to his house. She said you didn’t mind if she stayed over.”

“She what?” Mac tried hard not to shout. “I told her I would be right over to get her and I expected her ready for me. I can’t believe she went anyway.”

“I’m afraid so. Marcy does that all the time. She can be a handful. Molly on the other hand seems a little timid,” commented Jean Garron, Molly’s mother.

“Only when she thinks she’s in trouble.”

“Why would she think she’s in trouble? She’s a typical kid...making up things, demanding their own way...you know.”

“No, I don’t know. Would you give me the address where I can find my daughter?” Mac asked knowing that Molly would not be staying at Marcy’s mother’s house for sure.

“Yeah...sure...it’s the third house on the right on Cotton Road Lane in Fairfax - near the Calvary Memorial Gardens.”

“Thank you. If they call, please let them know I’m on my way.” Mac turned then and practically raced to her vehicle. She called Harm while starting the car and heading toward Fairfax.

“Rabb.”

“I’m on my way to Fairfax...Molly told them she could stay and then went with Marcy and her dad to his place in Fairfax.”

“You want me to go with you?”

“Yes...but you can’t. Stay with Hannah and the boys. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”

“I’ll be waiting. Call if you need me.”

“Thanks Harm.” Mac disconnected the call and concentrated on driving. It took her more then twenty minutes to find the house. Molly, Marcy and Mr. Garron were just getting out of his car and heading toward the house.

“Molly...isn’t that your mom?” asked Marcy.

“Yes...and I think I’m in really big trouble.”

“Molly Mackenzie Rabb...what do you think you’re doing?” asked Mac as she bailed out of her car and approached Molly.

“I thought...”

“No, you didn’t think. You just went ahead and did what you wanted to do without thinking about the rules, the consequences or anything else. Go get in the car...now.”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“I assume you are Mr. Garron, Marcy’s father?” Mac asked. At his nod, “I’m Sarah Rabb, Molly’s mother. I’m sorry for the scene, but Molly was told she could not stay over.”

“I see.”

“Do you Mr. Garron?”

“I think I do. Marcy, did you put Molly up to this?”

“No...” when her father and Mac continued to drill her with a look, she caved. “I guess so.”

“Why?” asked Mr. Garron.

“Mommy says when we want something from you we don’t have to take no for an answer...we just pretend we forgot or act like we never heard the answer and go ahead and do it anyway.”

“I see. I’m very sorry Mrs. Rabb. I wasn’t aware that my daughter had picked up my wife’s bad habits to this extent. Go ahead in Marcy. You and I will talk later.”

“I need to get my daughter home. Goodnight.”

“Mrs. Rabb, please accept my sincere apology. Perhaps you would consider letting Molly come another time?”

“I’ll discuss it with my husband.”

“Thank you...maybe I could come over with Marcy sometime so that you can get to know me and see how much different she acts when she’s with me. I can promise you that she won’t get out of this without facing the music either.”

“Call us, Mr. Garron and we’ll arrange something next week or the week after.” With that, Mac climbed in and turned her vehicle toward home. Molly sat in the back seat in silence as they drove home in the dark. Mac let her stew for awhile but about ten minutes before they would arrive home she glanced at her daughter in the rearview mirror to gauge her reaction when she was spoken to.

“Molly, do you understand why Mommy is upset with you?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Explain it to me, Molly.”

“We didn’t know Mr. Garron and he could have been a bad guy and done something bad to me.”

“What else?”

“You were scared and didn’t know where I had gone.”

“I knew you were a smart girl Molly. Why didn’t you use your head before you went with Marcy?”

“Cause she dared me.”

“Oh Molly...I need to think about this. When we get home I want you to go get washed up and ready for bed. Daddy and I will be up to tuck you in and we’ll talk more then.”

“Yes Ma’am.”

Mac was exhausted by the time she got home again. The emotional toll the night had taken on her amazed her. She felt like she had to fight to keep her eyes open and to put one foot ahead of the other to walk into the house. Harm was there to meet her.

“You okay?”

“Just tired.”

“What do we know so far?”

“Mr. Garron seems like a decent sort. He felt bad that he didn’t realize what was going down. Seems Marcy gets this trick from her mother. Anyway, Molly knew better, but couldn’t resist the dare Marcy issued. Her father wants to come over in a week or so and give us all a chance to get to know each other. He said he hoped we would let Molly come over another time. I told him we’d talk about it.”

“Garron...he isn’t in the army is he?”

“I don’t know. Why?”

“There was a Garron at the Army Navy county club in Fairfax that I met one time. He seemed like an upstanding kind of guy.”

“Maybe Molly will know. Any ideas on how we should handle this?” Mac asked leaning against her husband as she spoke.

“You gave her the silent treatment on the way home before you asked for an explanation?”

“Yes.”

“And you said that she voiced why we would be upset with her?”

“Yes...she’s a smart kid.”

“Maybe she’s been through enough.”

“Maybe...but I’d also like to add one more thing.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“No Marcy after school for one week...and then only if she comes here after that. I don’t want her in that woman’s care again.”

“I can agree to that.”

“We ready to impose sentence?”

“Let’s go Judge Rabb.”

Together they tucked a remorseful little girl into bed who was very happy to know her mommy and daddy loved her even though she had made a bad choice. She said her prayers and asked for help to make good choices from here on out.

CHAPTER 6

Monday October 24

0530 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

Mac had been having bouts of nausea for two days. The first day she thought it might have been from the dinner they had eaten the night before. She had gorged herself on rich lobster and butter sauce. This morning however, the nausea made her stop and think. Her cycle had never been regular even on birth control pills that should have regulated it. It had made it more predictable but that was all.

Now that she wasn’t using them under the doctor’s advice, she never knew when her cycle would start. It was usually every other month which made since as one ovary had been compromised much more then the other with the endometriosis. Since the birth of the twins, the symptoms had practically disappeared. As Mac lay there thinking about her cycles, she decided that she must be getting close to starting. She had sometimes experienced nausea then. At forty-four, her doctor had told her that she could start experiencing some of the changes that would lead to menopause...something she didn’t want to think about. Her yearly physical was today so unless she started and needed to cancel, she’d talk to her doctor about these new symptoms.

As they day went on Mac found herself exhausted and decided to lay down when Hannah took her nap. She fell into a deep sleep and started to dream.

She could see the delivery room and Harm’s anxious face with the sprinkles of gray in his hair as he coached her to breathe through the pain. His hand gripped hers and gave her the anchor and focal point she needed. Soon, they told her to push and before long they placed her new baby on her stomach. It was a girl.

Mac sat up in bed with her hand on her abdomen. Shaking off the dream she went to the bathroom and then went down to start dinner. Mattie would be here soon. She was going to stay with the children while Mac went to her appointment.

1640 Local

Naval Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland

“How are you doing Sarah?”

“I’m not sure Dr. Chen. I’m hoping you can tell me what’s going on.”

“Describe your symptoms please.”

“I’ve been tired then usual, the last couple of days I’ve had bouts of nausea.”

“I see. When did you have your last cycle?”

“Well, I’m not very regular, but I think it was in August.”

“Could you be pregnant?”

“That’s what I’m hoping you’ll tell me.”

“No home pregnancy test?”

“No. I just thought of it as a possibility this morning.”

“I see. Did you leave a urine sample with the nurse when you came in?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I’ll have them run a test and if that’s a possibility we’ll draw blood as well. Why don’t you scoot up there and let me examine you?”

“Okay.” Mac lay back and lifted her knees to fit her feet in the stirrups. Dr. Chen felt her abdomen and asked her several questions.

“Are you urinating more then usual?”

“No.”

“Any tenderness or bleeding during or after intercourse?”

“No.”

“Excuse me. Nurse?”

“Yes doctor?”

“Please draw blood from Sarah while I complete the exam. Run a pregnancy test for me. Put a rush on that.” Turning back to Mac, “You’ll feel some pressure...try to stay relaxed. Any extreme discomfort?”

“No.”

“Well, the urine test confirms you are pregnant. WE should have the blood test back in the morning and we’ll call you with that. I’m guessing you want this baby.”

“Yes! We didn’t plan it...at all. We thought the twins were our miracle...now we’re having another.”

“This will be a high risk pregnancy, Sarah. I want to do amnio at four months. We’ll do ultra sounds monthly starting next month. Are you prepared to deal with a child with a handicap if it comes to that?”

“Yes. What are the chances that will happen?”

“The blood work will tell us more. Woman are delivering healthy babies later and later in life. Prenatal care makes a huge difference. I want you on iron pills, prenatal vitamins and drinking orange juice every day at breakfast.”

“Okay.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you. This will be quite a birthday present for my husband.”

“His birthday today?”

“Tomorrow...but I’ll tell him tonight anyway...maybe he’ll recover by tomorrow!” Mac wasn’t sure she had recovered from this wonderful shock. It was a shock to find you were pregnant when you had given up all hope and had resigned yourself to providing foster care and possibly adoption to someone else’s children. It was wonderful just the same.

“Call the office tomorrow. We’ll give you the results of the blood test, have your due date calculated- a little closer then sometime next May or June- and we’ll also let you know if we’ve detected anything of concern in the blood work.”

“Thank you Dr. Chen.”

“You proved me wrong by getting pregnant and carrying them to full term and like you, I really didn’t think you would be getting pregnant again. I’m glad I’ll have a chance to enjoy this wonderful experience with you.”

“Me too...although you might not enjoy my husband all that much.”

“Strong opinions?”

“Bull headed.”

“But he loves you and the children?”

“Yes. Very very much...he’s our world and we’re his.”

“Then I’ll enjoy. Will he come to the next appointment?”

“I’m sure he will.”

“See you next month.”

1815 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

Mac arrived home as the food was going on the table. Mattie declined saying Ty would have dinner waiting. Mac walked her to the door and Mattie turned to her ‘step-mother’.

“I left a gift for Dad to open in the morning with the others in the drawer in the hutch.”

“You don’t want to wait and give it to him tomorrow night?”

“No...he should open in the morning.”

“Thanks for staying and helping out, Mattie.”

“No problem. See you tomorrow.”

Harm and Mac had a busy evening checking homework after the cleaning up from dinner. All three children were tired and cranky. After all three had bathed and were dressed in their pajamas they gathered on their favorite couch. Harm held a son in each arm and Molly curled up in her mother’s lap while Mac held a book and turned pages, Harm read aloud to the three children.

Whenever things got crazy, Harm and Mac had stopped the world and reset it with some quiet cuddle time together before bed. Together they tucked in Glenn and Scott. Everyone, including Molly, heard their night time prayers. Then it was off to tuck in Molly. Together they would do the night time ritual with her and listened as she always said a special thank you to the brother, mother and father she had lost for helping God to watch over her and for giving her a new family that loved her.

“Good night Molly. We love you.”

“I love you too...goodnight.”

Harm and Mac quietly closed her door and turned toward the stairs. It was after nine o’clock and they still needed to secure the house before they could turn in.

“Harm, there’s something I need to tell you. Do you want coffee or tea or anything while we talk tonight?”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes...we’ll talk in our room. Do you want anything?”

“No...I’m fine.”

“Then would you mind securing while I get ready for bed.”

“Go ahead. I’ll be up soon.”

Mac turned toward the bedroom and fished in her closet. She had been planning to put on the baby under construction maternity top but she had given that to Mattie when she was pregnant with Hannah. She looked for something in her closet that she could wear that would get Harm thinking. Unfortunately there was nothing left.

She didn’t even have an EPT stick to show him. She would have to find a way with words and that had been a problem for them for years. She hoped that her words didn’t fail her now. She heard him coming up the stairs and knew that she was more excited then nervous about telling him.

“Mac, what’s wrong? What do we need to discuss?”

“You know I had my annual physical today with Dr. Chen, right?”

“Yes...oh God...is the endometriosis coming back again?”

“No...”

“Did she find something? Cancer?”

“Harm relax...yes she found something and no it wasn’t cancer.”

“Then what?”

“A fetus.”

“A fetus?”

“Yes. I’m pregnant Harm.”

“Pregnant?”

Mac nodded.

“We’re going to have a baby?”

“Yes.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?”

“No. I am considered high risk because of my age but they will monitor me carefully. They did some tests today and I’ll have the results tomorrow.”

“What are the risks?”

“The biggest one from what I understand is Downs Syndrome.”

“But now that more woman are having babies in their forties, they are finding that many more children are born normally. They also have improved the tests so they can tell if there are any problems before the baby is born. Sometimes they fix things before the baby is even more.”

“So we might have a child with a learning problem?”

“There is a chance. But there is also a chance that everything will be fine.”

“What about risk to you?”

“No more so then usual.”

“That’s okay...right?”

“Yes.”

“Wow...we’re going to have another miracle. What did Dr. Chen say?”

“That she couldn’t believe the first time it happened and she’s thrilled for us now.”

“So am I.”

“Are you really?”

“Yeah.”

“Happy Birthday Daddy...shall we tell the others after dinner tomorrow?” Mac asked as she slid her hands up Harms chest and around his neck as she went up on tip-toe.

“How do you think they’ll react?”

“I think Mattie and Molly will be thrilled and I think Scott and Glenn will think its cool...only they’ll demand we have twins again.”

“Is that a possibility?”

“I don’t know...I guess it could be. I’ll see what Dr. Chen says tomorrow when the blood work comes back.”

Harm held his wife against his body and rocked her side to side. He lowered his head to kiss her tenderly, the way he was feeling at the moment. He closed his eyes and took in her unique scent, the feel of her body against his, and the sound of their hearts beating. This was what made his life worth living now. Be a good husband and father...and a grandfather to Mattie’s daughter. He sighed in contentment.

Mac felt Harm relax and heard his sigh. She smiled against his chest. She felt a surge of pride that she had given Harm something that he had wanted and gave him his new identity. Now that he didn’t fly for the Navy, although he still had his pilots license to fly the Stearman and took it up once in awhile giving the children rides, she knew that he no longer identified who he was with the airplane. Now he was Mac ‘s husband, Molly, Scott, and Glenn’s father, or Hannah’s grandfather that also happened to be the JAG. It was the side of Harm she never expected he would become in the early days, yet it was the part of life he embraced and that mattered most to him now.

“Harm...are you sleeping on your feet?” Mac asked to break the silence that lingered.

“No...just enjoying holding you and thinking about adding to this family. I’ll be almost sixty by the time this child is Molly’s age...and Molly will be twenty...and could be a mother herself.”

“The time thing seems to be bothering you more and more Harm.”

“Doesn’t it bother you?”

“Not any more. If we weren’t meant to have this child, fate wouldn’t have made it happen.”

“You could be right.”

The next morning, Mac got up and made her way to the kitchen before Harm so she could prepare him his birthday breakfast. Most mornings the family arrived in the kitchen one by one. This morning all three children arrived at once as no one wanted to miss seeing Daddy open his birthday presents.

“Happy Birthday Daddy!” greeted Harm as he entered seconds later.

“Good morning to you too. Is today my birthday?” Harm asked surprised.

“Yes!” all three children called as they surrounded him.

“Then do I have gifts to open?”

“Yes,” then giggled.

“Here Daddy,” offered Molly, reaching for the first gift.

“Thank you Sweetheart. Let’s go sit down first,” Harm instructed as he kissed Mac’s neck on the way by.

“Happy Birthday Sailor,” Mac smiled back as she followed her family to the table where the orange juice and cold cereal waited. Mac brought coffee for the adults.

Harm sipped his coffee between gifts as he unwrapped a picture frame Molly had decorated with items that she had saved and inside was a new picture of the family that had been taken the weekend Mattie, Ty and Hannah had arrived. He announced that it would go on his desk at work so everyone could see it.

Next was a nozzle for the garden hose from Scott and then a sponge for washing his car from Glenn. He opened an album from Mattie, Ty and Hannah that had some of memories of their family from the time Mattie had joined them until now. There were pages at the back that were empty with a note attached that read, “This is so you can add more pictures of your grandchildren here as they come along.”

Harm swallowed back the tears that sprang to his eyes and the lump that formed in his throat. He was touched by the gift and time Mattie had put into it. He turned then to the last gift on the table. He knew it was from Mac but that it wasn’t the real gift she had given him.

The real gift couldn’t be wrapped up. It was the life they had. Their family, including the baby she now carried. The box he opened contained a pair of running gloves. Harm had lost one of his last spring when they had gone running and hadn’t gotten around to replace them. It was getting cooler now and Harm would need them when he went running. They had reflective material on them so he would be seen if he ran after dark.

“Thank you. I really needed these.”

“Is everyone ready for breakfast?” Mac asked.

The kids helped themselves to cold cereal while Mac presented Harm with his favorite egg white omelette loaded with veggies and a sprinkle of cheese.

Tuesday 1430 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

Mac listened to Dr. Chen on the phone as she went over the results of the blood work. Levels did not indicate twins this time nor did they indicate any thing to be alarmed over. Iron, folic acid, and sugars were all in optimum zones for the pregnancy.

“I guess Harm’s fitness and healthy eating demands paid off again,” Mac told Dr. Chen.

“That and the fact you exercise regularly and have stayed in top physical condition even though you decided to retire have certainly helped.”

“Again, my husband gets the credit. He runs, bikes and swims and I often go with him. Now we take the children so we don’t go as fast, or as far, but we go as a family.”

“That’s great. I take it your husband is okay with diaper duty again?”

“Yes. He’s very pleased.”

“Well I’ll see you next month...oh, it looks like you are due May thirtieth. We calculated this from what you told me about your last cycle and then confirmed it with the blood work.”

CHAPTER 7

1725 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

Mattie parked in front of the house and dashed inside to help Mac with the dinner preparations.

“Need some help Mac?”

“Hi Mattie. Everything is under control. Why don’t you go spend some time with your daughter?”

“She in her bed?”

“Oh no...she’s keeping Molly, Glenn and Scott out of trouble. They’re all congregated around her on the living room floor seeing who can make her laugh the loudest.” Mac smiled.

“Who’s ahead?”

“Not sure...I think it’s a draw,” Mac admitted.

“Well let’s see what the Mom factor can do.” Mattie stepped into the living room and watched her younger siblings entertaining her daughter. She couldn’t help but laugh which they heard and turned their attention to her.

“Mattie!”

“Hi Mattie,” Molly smiled as she turned to greet her sister.

“Hi guys...Molly...I hate to interrupt but I need to feed Hannah.”

“Okay...Henry’s mother feeds his baby brother with a bottle. He helps sometimes.” Scott informed Mattie.

“That’s good.”

“How come you never give her a bottle and only our Mom gives her a bottle sometimes when she’s here?”

“Because I nurse her, just like Mom did you.”

“And Molly?”

“No...not Molly...remember we told you that Molly came to live with us just before you were born. She didn’t have a bottle by then.”

“Did her other Mommy give her a bottle?” Glenn asked.

“We don’t know.” Mattie watched Molly quietly sitting up and withdrawing from the conversation. Although they had always been open and honest about Molly’s heritage, it was sometimes hard to know what to say when questions about her baby years came up and they didn’t have the answers. “Why don’t you go help Mom set the table while I feed Hannah. We’ll come join you in a few minutes.”

“Okay.” The boys rushed off and Molly followed more slowly.

Mattie opened her uniform and tossed the blanket over Hannah’s head so she could nurse her without exposing her breast to Molly or anyone else should they come in.

“Does it hurt?” Molly asked.

“Not really. It tugs and when she starts teething I’ll have to watch her...but once you get use to it you forget about how weird it felt at first.”

“I remember Mom use to put her milk into bottles sometimes so that we could take turns feeding Scott and Glenn.”

“Yes...she did. I do that sometimes too.”

“How do you do that?”

“We use a breast pump.”

“Eeww...that sounds like it would hurt.”

“Not really. You should ask your Mom to tell you about it if you have questions.”

“I know. Its just I was really bad a few weeks ago and I’m trying to be really careful. I don’t like having Mom and Daddy mad at me.”

“Was that when you went to your friends house after she said you couldn’t stay over?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sure they are over that by now, Molly. Didn’t they have Marcy and her Dad over for dinner last week?”

“Yes.”

“How did that go?”

“Okay. Daddy had met Mr. Garron once before playing golf.”

“So is she coming over again?” Mattie asked.

“Yes. Next week...and the week after she might get to stay on an overnight with me.”

“Very good...but you still can’t go there?”

“Maybe after she is here if Mommy and Daddy think she’s a good girl.” Molly shrugged as she shared the possibility of a future overnight.

“You know why they have these rules, right?”

“To protect me...us.” Molly acknowledged.

“That’s right. If they didn’t love you, they wouldn’t have rules and set limits like they do.”

“I know.”

“Molly, we’ve all done things we knew we shouldn’t do. It can be really embarrassing when you get caught. But our parents know that and understand it. Don’t worry so much about what happened...just don’t do it again.”

“I won’t!” Molly declared emphatically. Mattie hid her smile. Looking up at a sound in the doorway, “Hey Mac. Molly and I were just discussing life’s embarrassing moments. I told her we’ve all had them.”

“She’s right Molly.” Mac walked further into the room and held out her hand to her daughter. “Molly, are you still worrying about what you did?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, Sweetheart...please don’t worry about it. We want you to remember what happened when you made a bad choice and learn from it...but we didn’t mean for you to be worrying about it all the time. Is there something else that’s bothering you as well?” Mac asked gently as she hugged Molly to her.

“Are you going to send me away because of what I did?”

“Oh Molly, no! Daddy and I love you very much and we will never send you away. You’re a part of our family forever and ever and ever,” Mac cried as she drew her adopted daughter into her arms again and held her close. “Do you hear me Molly? No one can ever replace you in our lives.”

Mattie tried to hide the moisture that sprang to her eyes as she watched the scene unfold before her. It was the sound of thumping feet on the stairs that got their attention. “Hey guys,” Mattie called, “You sound like a thundering heard of horses. You’re gonna scare Hannah.”

It did the trick. Scott and Glenn slid to a halt and tiptoed into the room to see if Hannah was now afraid of them. They were greeted with a big smile and then a burp. Scott and Glenn collapsed on the floor giggling while Mattie shook her head and smiled. Mac relaxed a little when even Molly had a small smile on her face.

“You okay now?” Mac asked quietly. Molly nodded her head.

With another crisis averted, Mac returned to the kitchen to finish dinner preparations. She smoothed one hand over her stomach and spoke to her unborn baby. “You and I are going to need to be very careful not to upset your big sister, little one.”

Mac looked out the window to see Ty climbing out of her truck. He had no more then entered the house when the birthday boy arrived.

Ty held Hannah as Mattie greeted Harm when he entered the house.

“Mattie! This is a nice surprise.”

“Happy Birthday Dad.”

“I love the memory book you did for me. Thank you.”

“Your welcomed. I worked on it while I waited for Hannah to be born. I go thte idea when I realized how much of ourliives you were missing out on.”

“It’s wonderful. Good evening Ty.”

“Happy Birthday Harm.”

“Hey Hannah...Gramps will hold you right after I change out of this uniform.” He tickled the babies chin and got a smile in return as he passed her. Scott and Glenn each hug a thigh as he tried to move forward.

“Come on guys. You’re getting too big for me to carry you like this,” Harm gently removed each son from his legs. Harm noticed Molly holding back, so he reached an arm out for her which she quickly stepped into for a hug.

“Why don’t you let Daddy go change and then we can eat when he returns?” Mac suggested. Ty was in uniform also, so Mac suggested he might be more comfortable changing as well.

Some how dinner was served at exactly the right time, having given the guys time to change out of their uniforms, the children time to clean up and Mattie and Mac time to finish the last of the decorations on Harm’s cake.

When the family had finished eating their dinner, Mac went into the kitchen and brought out the carrot cake she had made for Harm with the decoration in one corner that looked like his yellow Stearman pulling a banner that proclaimed, ‘Happy Birthday! We love you’ across the creamy white frosting in bold blue letters. Instead of forty-nine candles, the numbers four and nine were placed in one corner and lit.

Harm closed his eyes as the kids insisted that he make a wish before blowing out the candles. With one puff the candles were out. Harm reached with one arm for Mac, who stood beside his chair. He hooked his long arm around her thighs and drew her closer to him. She rested her arm on his shoulder as he looked up into her smiling face. When she nodded, he stood up.

“This is a very special birthday for me. Not just because you are all here and I got some great gifts this morning - although that in itself would have made this a great day...but last night I got another gift. I’m going to be a father again.”

“Around the end of May,” Mac added as they watched the puzzled faces. Mattie figured it out first.

“Really? Oh I’m so happy for you.” Mattie got up and hugged both of them.

“Congratulations,” Ty added as he held Hannah in one arm.

Molly, Scott and Glenn still didn’t understand, so Mac explained more clearly.

“I’m going to have another baby next spring.”

Scott and Glenn were declaring it cool and ‘high-fived’ each other, while Molly got up and ran from the room.

“Molly?” Harm called after his daughter. “What’s this all about?” he asked looking from Mac to Mattie and back.

“Molly is still feeling pretty bad about what she did the night Mac went and got her and wouldn’t let her stay with Marcy. She thinks that its just a matter of time before you’re going to send her away. I think she’s afraid if you have another baby, you won’t need her,” Mattie explained.

“I thought I got through to her before dinner,” Mac exclaimed. “I told her she was ours for ever and ever and nothing she could do or say would change that.”

“Maybe I should give it a try this time,” Harm suggested. They all agreed.

“Can we have cake now?” asked Glenn.

“Yeah, or do we have to wait for Molly to come back?” Scott added.

“We’re going to wait for the whole family to be here,” Mac informed them as they sat back down and waited for Harm and Molly to join them.

Upstairs in Molly’s room, Harm knocked on the door and waited to be admitted.

“Molly? Can Daddy come in and talk to you?”

“Yes,” came the muffled response from the depths of a pillow.

“Thank you. I know you’re upset about something. Is it because Mommy’s going to have another baby?”

He saw her head nod and heard her sniffle into the pillow. “Can you tell me why?”

“Cause you won’t need me anymore?”

“Molly, you’re a part of this family. We’ll always need you and want you.”

“Uh-uh...”

“Molly you know that’s not true. Where is this coming from?”

He saw the little shoulders shrug.

“I think you do know. Come here, Molly. Let Daddy hold you.” The ten year old girl flung herself into her fathers arms and her arms around his neck and cried against his shoulder. “Oh Molly, you’re breaking my heart, Sweetheart. I wish you could tell me where you got these ideas. They are not true. Talk to me, please?”

“Samantha was adopted like me. Her mom and dad had a new baby and they told her they didn’t need her anymore now they were having their own baby. Now she is living with these new people and she has to call them Mister and Mrs. Fouche and they make her go to bed early and won’t let her stay after school for any clubs and they send her to school in clothes too big for her.”

“And you think that will happen to you because we’re having another baby?”

Molly just nodded and sniffed.

“Well let me tell you something. Mommy and I wanted a big family. She didn’t have any brothers or sisters and neither did I when I was growing up. I didn’t know about your uncle Sergei until we were both all grown-up. Now I want you to think about something. Can you do that?”

“Yes.”

“Good,” Harm smiled at the frightened, sad child in his arms. “I want you to think about when you first came to us. Did we know we were going to have Scott and Glenn when you came to live with us?”

“Yes.”

“That’s right. And before you came and before we got the babies, do you remember us telling you about how Mattie and Chloe were part of our family...and always would be?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Good. Now I want you to think about AJ Roberts, Jimmy, and their younger brother and sister. Did Harriet and Bud send AJ or Jimmy away when the twins were born?”

“No.”

“Then do you really think that Mommy and I will send you away because we’re having another baby?”

“I guess not.”

“Didn’t Mommy tell you the same thing earlier...that you would be with us forever and ever and ever?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Let’s dry the tears now...and give me a big hug. We’ll always want you with us Molly. I don’t want you to ever think otherwise. All you have to do is ask for a hug if you’re feeling like you need to be reminded of that, okay?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Now, I think we need to go back to the others. I bet they are waiting for birthday cake. What do you think?”

“Maybe.”

“Mommy’s not going to let them start without us. You know why?”

“Because its your birthday?”

“Because we’re family...and family celebrates important days together.”

“Then we better go or they’ll be mad at me,” Molly shook her head as she slid off Harm’s lap.

“Molly, they’ll be worried, but they won’t be mad.”

“Scott and Glenn will. They love carrot cake,” Molly declared as she wiped her eyes one more time, took Harm by the hand and led him back to the table and the family waiting for them there.

“Cut the cake Dad,” Mac directed as they returned. “Molly, can you help Daddy hand out his cake?”

“Yes Mommy....I’m sorry...”

“It’s okay Molly. We’ll talk later. Let’s enjoy the cake.”

2105 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

“Already to be tucked in Molly?” asked Mac as she eased open the door to find her daughter already in bed.

“Yes. I said my prayers already.”

“You did?” Mac asked. Molly nodded as she went on. “I’m sorry it took so long with the boys. Daddy is still trying to get them to settle down.”

“Too much cake,” Molly told her mother sounding much like an adult.

“That’s what Daddy said too. He’ll be into to say goodnight later, and if you’re already asleep he’ll just give you a kiss and make sure you’re still covered, okay?”

“Okay...Mommy?”

“Yes, Honey.”

“I’m sorry if I upset everyone tonight.”

“Everyone was worried when you ran away from the table, but they were also very happy when you came back and smiled.”

“I know you and Daddy love me...but sometimes I worry that something will happen and I’ll have to go away. I know it upsets you and Daddy so I don’t say much about it.”

“Would you like us to find someone that you can talk to about things that bother you - that won’t get upset?”

“Like who?”

“Well, one time I went to this nice lady to help me think through things that were bothering me. I didn’t want to talk to Daddy about it, because he was one of the things that I needed to figure out.”

“He was?”

“Yes.” Mac smiled at her daughter. “I wasn’t sure how your daddy felt about me or how I felt about him. Sometimes when I wanted him to hug me and hold me...I’d get mad at him and tell him to leave me alone. I wanted him to tell me everything would be okay, but then I’d get mad because he’d walk away like I told him too.”

“So you talk to the lady?”

“Yes. She helped me to understand what I was doing and helped me to sort things out. It was Christmas Eve eight years ago. I was really upset because it seemed like the things I wanted most - Daddy and a family - were things I couldn’t have. But I was wrong. You see I had an accident with my car and ended up in the hospital. When they had me in the ambulance I kept calling for your Daddy. They found his name and number in my things and called him to tell him that I had been in an accident and was calling for him.”

“What did he do?”

“He went to visit the Wall every Christmas eve, and that year he had stayed late at work. He had decided to go on his way home I think. But then he got the call that I was in the accident. He dropped what he was doing and came to the hospital right away. By the time he got there, I was in bed in my room and I hurt a lot. My face was red and puffy from the air bag and I was sore. My tummy hurt some too so they took some tests...x-rays.”

“What was wrong?”

“You know, that’s the most amazing thing. First, Daddy found me in the hospital. Then the doctor came in and told us that other then being a little sore, I wasn’t hurt at all. The car I had been driving was totalled and it was a miracle that I even lived.”

“Wow...”

“I know...and that night, even though I had pushed Daddy away and told him I didn’t want him around me for months, he was right there. He told me nothing had changed and we should enjoy the fact I was alive. I knew then that no matter what, I needed Daddy in my life and that Daddy needed me. We held hands and he stayed by me all night long in the hospital. He never made it to the Wall that night and told me that there was next year. But the next year we were in London and I was waiting for the twins to be born...and for you to come into our lives.”

“And talking to the lady helped you?”

“Yes. Even when things happen now, I think about things we talked about and it helps me to understand why I feel the way I do at times.”

“Can I see the same lady?”

“I don’t know. I can find out. She use to be in the military like Mommy and Daddy. She might be in the area and in private practice now. You want me to find out?”

“Yes...I think it would be good.”

“I’ll call tomorrow. How’s that?”

“Good. Mommy, I’m really tired now?”

“Okay Baby, let’s get you tucked in.”

“Mommy, I thanked God in my prayers tonight for giving me you and Daddy as my second Mommy and Daddy.”

“And I thank him every night for giving you to us. Good night, Molly. Sleep tight.” Mac kissed Molly’s cheek and before she got to the door she heard the changing in breathing indicating that she was already fast asleep.

“She asleep,” Harm asked just as Mac shut the door.

“Yes. The boys?”

“Finally. I’ll give Molly a kiss then join you in our room.”

“Okay. See you in a second then.”

CHAPTER 8

0935 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

“Dr. McCool?”

“Yes.”

“This is Sarah Mackenzie Rabb. I’m not sure if you remember me,” Mac started.

“Of course, Sarah. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine...but I’m concerned about my daughter.”

“So you ended up making something of the four percent you had to work with.”

“More then you could imagine! Harm and I got married, moved to London with his teenage ward, ended up getting pregnant with twins, adopted a little girl before the twins were born, and then I just found out I’m pregnant again after six years.”

“Congratulations. I know pregnancy was important to you.”

“Yes. Only I’m afraid that the news sent Molly, our daughter, into a tailspin. She finally admitted to us last night that she has a classmate that was adopted and when they found out that she had gotten pregnant they gave up their adopted child. Molly was convinced we’d do the same. She said sometimes she wants to talk about how she’s feeling, but she doesn’t want to upset us. I told her how you had helped me figure things out and she thought it might help her too. Do you see ten year olds by any chance?”

“I do. I have an opening later today if you can make it.”

“What time?” Mac asked.

“Three-thirty. My private office is in the Woodley Park area,” Dr. McCool explained and gave Mac the street address.

“Thank you. I’ll pick the children up from school and head over.”

“That would be good. For the first visit I like to include family members so I can watch interactions. Then I’ll talk to Molly alone for about fifteen or twenty minutes. We can schedule a follow up meeting after that if you’d like.”

“Perfect. Thank you Dr. McCool.”

“I look forward to meeting those miracles of yours.”

Mac watched Hannah play as on the floor as she folded laundry and called Harm to fill him in. He had been thrilled with Molly getting help from Dr. McCool which had surprised Mac a little.

“Mac, she was so helpful to you, why wouldn’t I want someone that I know can do good talking to our little girl?”

“I know...its just...”

“You thought I’d want to keep it to ourselves. I’d rather she didn’t need the help, but as long as she does, I think we’re doing the right thing.” Harm’s smile could be heard over the phone.

“Yeah...I guess that’s why I love you so much,” Mac smiled before hanging up the phone.

Mac then called the school to tell them to have Molly and the boys wait for her and not to get on the bus.

1530 Local

Dr. McCool’s Office

Woodley Park Area

Washington, D.C.

“So this is the result of your four percent investment?” Dr. McCool greeted Mac warmly as she stepped from her office into the waiting area.

“Yes it is. Let me introduce you. This is Molly our daughter. Molly, this is Dr. McCool, the lady Mommy told you about.”

“Hello,” greeted Molly reaching out to shake hands with Dr. McCool.

“Nice to meet you Molly. These must be your twin brothers.”

“Yes. This is Glenn and that’s Scott,” Molly added to the introductions.

“And who is this?” Dr. McCool asked nodding to Hannah in the carrier against Mac’s chest.

“This is my ‘granddaughter, Hannah.”

“Granddaughter?”

“You remember I mentioned Mattie, Harm’s ward?” Dr. McCool nodded and Mac continued, “This is her baby. I babysit while she and her husband are at work.”

“Very nice return on your investment, I’d say.”

“Yes, it has been...I guess you’d say its really paid dividends,” Mac and Dr. McCool laughed sharing the joke which none of the children of course understood.

“Molly, would like to come in and talk to me a few minutes today?”

“Yes, please.”

“Can we go too?” asked Glenn.

“Not today. Maybe another time I can talk to you if you’d like.”

“Okay.”

“We won’t be that long,” Dr. McCool reminded Mac, before ushering Molly inside with her.

“Have a seat Molly. Your Mommy tells me that you thought you’d like the idea of having someone to talk to. Can you tell me why?”

Molly was thoughtful a minute as she settled into her seat. “Sometimes I hear things that happen to other kids and I think about what Mommy and Daddy would do. Most of the time I know and I don’t worry about it, but sometimes I’m afraid it could happen to me too.”

“Like what?”

“One of the girls in my school was adopted after her Mom and Dad were killed like mine were. They sent her away when they had their own baby and said she was bad and they didn’t want her anymore.”

“And you think your Mommy and Daddy would do the same thing?”

“Not now...but I did before.”

“Tell me about it.”

“I did a bad thing...I lied and then Mommy had to come get me late at night and she and Daddy were upset with me.”

“Did they yell at you?”

“No.”

“Did they spank you?”

“No.”

“What did they do?”

“Mommy said I didn’t think. I went ahead and did what I wanted to do without thinking about the rules, the consequences and stuff. Then she told me to get in the car. She didn’t say anything else on the ride home and then she asked me if I knew why she was upset.”

“What did you tell her?”

“That I knew she was scared because something bad could have happened to me.”

“What else happened?”

“When we got home she told me to get ready for bed. Then she and Daddy came up to tuck me in and told me that I couldn’t go to Marcy’s house after school again. They told me they loved me and kissed me goodnight.”

“Did you believe them?”

“Yes...at first.”

“What changed?”

“At school the girls said that they say that now but that I should be careful because they’ll start comparing everything I do to other kids around me. Another one of the girls said to watch them when there were babies around.”

“Did she say why?”

“She said they’d realize how much easier it was with a new baby then a bad girl and decide they didn’t want me.”

“Did you feel that way when the twins were born?”

“No...but I wasn’t bad then.”

“Oh...so because you were bad one time you think they’ll send you away.”

“I did. Mommy and I talked about things again yesterday. She said even with the new baby she and Daddy will love me and that I am a part of the family forever and ever and ever.”

“And you believe them now?”

“Yes...mostly.”

“Did something happen to day to give you doubts?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Tina, another girl in my school said that they were lying to me and I told her my Mommy and Daddy wouldn’t do that.” Molly started to cry then. Dr. McCool handed her a tissue and encouraged her to keep talking.

“It’s okay Molly. You can cry if you need to...but then I want to hear the whole story.”

“Mommy and Daddy don’t like it when we are naughty, but if we tell the truth we don’t get into big trouble like we would if we lie.”

“What is ‘big trouble’ like at your house Molly?”

“Mommy and Daddy are sad and then we have to go to our room or can’t do something we want for two weeks sometimes if we’re really bad and lie.”

“And what if you tell the truth?”

“Then Mommy and Daddy talk serious and help us fix something if we broke it or clean up our mess. If we hurt someone else then we have to say we’re sorry.”

“Have they ever spanked you or threatened to send you away?”

“No...not ever.”

“When they are upset with you, do they send you to bed without talking about things or saying goodnight?”

“No. Mommy and Daddy always say goodnight and tell us they love us...even if we fall asleep before they come in.”

“Do you get along with Scott and Glenn okay?”

“Yes...most of the time. One time they were bad and had to tell me they were sorry. Mommy and Daddy were very mad at them, especially Scott because he lied.”

“So what do you think of Mommy and Daddy having another baby in the house?”

“I like to see Hannah when I get home from school. Mattie says someday I’ll be able to babysit for her like she use to babysit me.”

“Does it bother you that Mommy takes care of Hannah during the day when you are at school?”

“No.”

“What about the new baby that Mommy and Daddy told you about? What do you think about that?”

“I guess its going to be okay.”

“But you still are worried about it?”

“Yes - a little maybe.”

“So let’s see how things go for a couple of weeks. Then we’ll talk again...about anything on your mind. How does that sound?”

“Okay. Mommy said you helped her by listening one time too.”

“Yes...I think I did. Shall we go join the others?”

“Okay.”

“Here we are,” Dr. McCool announced as they returned to the waiting room.

“How did it go?” asked Mac.

“Okay...I”d like to see her again in two weeks. Same time?”

“Of course.”

“If you can, try to explain to her about the sequence or time line around the pregnancy and her being bad.”

“Oh...okay. I can do that.”

“Good. I’ll see you in two weeks. Bye now, Molly.”

“Bye Dr. McCool.”

“Bye Dr. McCool,” the boys chorused.

Mac ushered her family back to the mini-van and got them secured. Once on the way she glanced at the time and decided it would be a ‘take-out’ meal that night. She would call for delivery when she got home.

“Pizza or Oriental food tonight folks?” Mac asked.

“Pizza!” they all agreed.

They got home just in time for Mattie to pick up Hannah. Then Mac called for the pizzas to be delivered at six o’clock. While the boys were out playing, Mac called Molly to come talk to her.

“Dr. McCool thinks you are old enough to understand somethings about the baby inside me. What do you think?”

“I think so.”

“Okay...you know it takes a long time for a baby to grow inside, right?”

“Yes.”

“It takes nine months. Let’s get Mommy’s desk calendar.” Mac and Molly stood at the desk and found the end of May. They flipped back nine pages and ended up at August. “Now, let’s find the day on the calendar when I came to get you.”

Molly pointed to the day in October right away.

“What does that tell you?” Mac gently asked Molly.

“That the baby was growing in you before I was bad?”

“That’s right. Daddy and I didn’t even know about it until this week.”

“You didn’t try to have a baby?”

“Not this time.”

“Oh.”

“Does knowing this help?”

“I think so...”

“Can you tell me what’s worrying you?”

“I understand when I talk to you, but then the girls at school make me worry again.”

“Oh Molly, I’m so sorry. It’s hard when your friends don’t support you. Would it help if you had them come over after school and they could talk to me themselves?”

“Maybe.”

“Why don’t we do that?”

“When?”

“How about Friday?”

“When Hannah’s here?”

“Yes.”

“Cool!”

“I’ll bring everyone home after we eat between seven and seven-thirty.”

“Thanks Mom.”

“You’re welcome. Why don’t you call them now and ask?” Mac watched her daughter’s eyes light up as she reached for the phone to make the first call.

Friday 1735 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

Harm got home to a house full of children that evening. Scott and Glenn had each been allowed to invite home one friend. Three of Molly’s friends had been able to come: Marcy, Tina, and Samantha. While the boys were raking up leaves and jumping in them in the back yard, Molly and her friends were helping Mac in the kitchen.

Mac’s pained face caught his attention right away as he entered the kitchen and bent to kiss Mac. “You okay?”

“Yeah. I’ll talk to you later about it.”

“You sure.”

“Yes.”

“Can I help?”

“I have four great helpers. Why don’t you get changed and call the boys into wash. Supper will be ready soon.”

“Okay.”

Harm made quick work of changing before going out to join the boys and meet their friends.

“Hey guys. You going to introduce me to your friends?”

“This is our Dad,” announced Scott.

“And who are these two boys?”

“That’s Mike and this is Joey,” Glenn filled in.

“Nice to meet you Mike...Joey...I understand that supper is about ready. Let’s go in and clean up shall we.”

“Come on guys!” Scott called racing off ahead of the crew. Harm followed behind to try to prevent any lasting damages from the four whirlwinds. Leave it to Mac to take on five extra kids for supper and not blink. He once again was amazed by what his Marine was capable of.

Harm noticed during dinner that Samantha and Tina watched everything Mac and Harm did with big eyes. Samantha seemed to pick at her food and eat very little, while Tina seemed to be a bottomless pit. Molly seemed not to notice her friends lack of manners. Marcy on the other hand, seemed to take things in stride and be on her best behavior.

After dinner all the children pitched in to help clean up the table and kitchen. Harm got Hannah ready for bed and put her down just as the clean up crew finished.

“Harm, I’m going to take the kids home now. Do you mind staying with Hannah?”

“Not at all. Do you want me to keep the boys home with me?”

“No, they can go.”

“Drive carefully.”

“I will. Let’s go everyone.”

Mac had carefully planned her route and directed the children into the seats that made the most sense. Molly said in the front while the four boys sat in the far back seat, Scott and Glenn on the driver’s side and Mike and Joey on the passenger side. Molly’s three friends sat on the middle seat. They dropped Mike off first, and then Marcy. They lived on the same street. Mac took the time to speak to each parent as she brought the children home. Tina was the last one to be dropped off. Molly had moved back to sit with the girls when Marcy went home.

“There are no lights on, Tina. Are you sure they’re home?” Mac asked.

“No...I don’t know.” Tina tearfully admitted.

“Let’s go check. If there not here, we’ll wait a few minutes and see if they come along. I’m sure they just got held up in traffic or something.” Mac knocked on the door.

“This door isn’t locked. Let’s go onto the porch and knock.” Tina suggested moving ahead of Mac.

Outside the door was a packed duffle bag and a ratty looking stuffed animal on top. An envelope was taped to the glass window in the door with Tina’s name on it.

Tina removed the note from inside. Tears rolled down her face and she wept against Mac’s stomach as she wrapped her arms around Mac’s waist and held on to her.

Mac pried the note out of her hand and read it for herself. In chicken scratch the was hard to read were the words that broke Mac’s heart.

Tina - We’ve got to leave and can’t wait for you to get back. Here’s your stuff . Maybe you can stay at your friends. Laura Blanchard

“Oh Tina...of course you can stay with us. Come on now. Let’s dry your tears. We’ll see if we can find out what’s going on when we get home. They probably had to go somewhere for the weekend and will be back.”

“No...they’re gone. She told me the first chance she had to leave this place she was going and she had no intentions of taking me with them.”

“Did you have a case worker with children’s services?”

“Yes...Mrs. Nicholby was her name I think.”

“Okay. We’ll try to call her but in the meantime you can stay with us.”

2230 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

“Mrs. Rabb? This is Cindy Nicholby. I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner, but I went to investigate when I got your message.”

“What did you find out?”

“Laura and Harold Blanchard have packed up and left town. Collected their last paychecks today and it seems they had this planned. Left while Tina was in school from what we can gather.”

“That’s terrible. Tina tells me that she’s been getting bounced around in foster homes for some time now.”

“Yes. Four years. She’s had her share of bad luck. The first foster family had hoped to adopt her, but then the father was killed in a freak accident and his wife had a break down. We moved her to another home that had mostly handicapped children. When they found out they were going to have their own child, they kept the handicapped children but requested a new home for Tina saying she was turning out to be a handful.”

“That’s horrible.”

“Yes...but it gets worse. We placed her in another foster home - a new home. We had high hopes but they decided that it wasn’t the money maker they thought it would be. They practically starved the children and so we got them out of there and the Blanchards were willing to take one more foster child. They had recently seen the last two they had grow up and graduate. They had agreed to take one more child...but Tina was the youngest they had taken. They weren’t happy with the long term commitment raising Tina would be. They’ve been grumbling about things for awhile, but I didn’t realize it was this bad or that they would have pulled this.”

“Do you have another place for her?” Mac asked.

“No...not tonight.”

“I didn’t mean tonight. As I said she’s welcome to stay here...and I’ve talked to my husband since I called you. We’ve raised foster children before and have even adopted a child. We have twin boys and are expecting a baby next spring, but if you are willing, we’d like to keep her.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes.”

“No I mean...I was going to ask you if you were interested. Your name was on file as interested in taking children and I was going to see what you needed to do to be approved...this would be great.”

“We’re on file?”

“Yes. Didn’t you sign up?”

“Yes, but we thought we’d have to be interviewed and go to seminars and stuff.”

“Normally yes, but your names were in the system already so you were activated as on call.”

“I think Tina has her miracle this time.”

“Sounds that way to me. Thank you Mrs. Rabb. I’ll come out tomorrow morning if its okay and we’ll go over some paperwork. Feel free to tell Tina in the morning.”

“I will. See you tomorrow then.” Mac hung up the phone and turned back to Harm. “Did you follow that?”

“Yes. Sounds like we’ve got a new daughter.”

“Are you sure? I mean we can’t have any doubts about this. Tina isn’t going to be able to take any more failed situations.”

“I’m with you a hundred percent. She’s got issues, but nothing a little love and care won’t fix up with time. Molly seemed to like the idea when we talked to her.”

“I know. I heard her tell Tina that we were interested in having her live with us and be part of our family. Tina wouldn’t believe her at first and then she looks at Molly and says, ‘You mean they really would keep you and take me too even with a baby coming?’ and Molly said, ‘I told you my family wasn’t anything like what you and Samantha have had.’”

“Our daughter is something. I think we’ll need to take Tina shopping for some clothes and I think the bedroom needs a make over to make it there’s and not Molly’s. What do you think?”

“I think every time our family grows, I love you even more.”

“I love you, too. Good night Harm.” Mac pulled his arm over her and held his hand as she prepared to fall asleep. She heard his goodnight wish to her.

“Goodnight.” Harm knew that Mac was already asleep and he soon followed.

CHAPTER 9

0228 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

“Rabb,” Harm mumbled half asleep as the ringing phone roused him from his sleep.

“Hey Harm.”

“Chloe? You okay?”

“Yeah...Is Mac there?”

“Yes...Chloe she’s asleep...it’s the middle of the night here.”

“I know...but this just couldn’t wait...please wake Mac up for me.”

“Alright...Mac...Chloe’s on the phone. She said it can’t wait.” Much to Harm surprise, Mac sat up turned on the light and grabbed the phone to him almost in one motion.

“Chloe?”

“Harm can hear this too.”

“Hear what? Chloe is everything okay.”

“Its fine...its just I only want to say this once.”

“What’s going on?” Mac asked again.

“It’s a boy!” Chloe announced and gave into her laughter.

“A boy?”

“Yes...He weighs six pounds four ounces and his hair is light. His eyes look blue and his fingers and toes are all tiny but perfect.” Chloe beamed as she described her new son to Mac and Harm.

“You had the baby! Oh Chloe, that’s wonderful. Mattie will be thrilled.”

“Yeah she was. She threatened to tell you the news herself and I told her no way. So before I ended the call with her, I had Greg dial your number on the cell phone.”

“Cell phone...in the hospital?”

“No...at home...I gave birth at home with a mid-wife,” Chloe informed her.

“So you called while you still were connected to Mattie so she couldn’t call us first...you always did like to win!” Mac laughed. “Well, not to steal your thunder, but we have news too.”

“Harm retiring already?”

“No...not yet...better...I’m pregnant.”

“Oh my God! Another Rabb-it! That’s so cool. Mattie, you and I will all have babies in diapers together.”

“Leave it to you to figure that one out in the middle of the night Chloe,” Harm mumbled.

“Go back to sleep Harm.”

“How’s Greg holding up?”

“Good. He’s showing the baby to his parents at the moment.”

“You take care...and both of you remember to enjoy every minute of this. The years go so fast,” Harm told Chloe while Mac and he listened together.

“I will. Love you guys.”

“We love you too Chloe. Hug Greg for us. Any chance you’ll make it to Arlington for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year?” asked Mac, loathe to hang up and lose the connection with Chloe.

“Yes...probably Christmas.”

“Good. Did you name the baby yet?”

“Yes. Adam Gregory Langley.”

“A good strong name. I like it.”

“I think deciding on a name was the hardest part of my pregnancy,” Chloe laughed. “Mac, I’m going to let you go. Greg’s back with the baby.”

“Love you.”

Mac hung up the phone and snuggled up to Harm with a smile on her face. “Harm, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have everyone here for Christmas this year?”

“Yes. You know I think its great whenever the whole family gets together.”

“Harm?”

“What Mac?”

“Have you thought about any names for the baby yet?”

“No. Have you?”

“No. We’ve got time.”

“Yes we do. Go back to sleep now, Mac.”

“Okay.”

1030 Local

Skyline Shopping Mall

Arlington, Virginia

“Okay girls, take a look at the furniture in here. Let’s see if we can find something that is perfect for you now and still will be when you are teenagers,” Mac held the door for Molly and Tina to enter first.

“Wow! Look at all this stuff...” Tina exclaimed in wide-eyed wonderment.

“What about that white set?” Molly asked.

“It’s nice...” Tina hedged.

“Mattie had a set a lot like that,” Molly told her.

“I like the plain wood better,” Tina told her. “I use to have a painted bed and the paint chips off and it looks really bad.”

“Oh. Okay. Mommy, what color is the wood in my bed?”

“Light ash, I think,” Mac told her.

“What about a darker wood?” Molly asked Tina.

They walked around the show room and discussed each bed set like two seasoned shoppers. Mac stayed back and let them try to work it out, smiling as she listened to them reasoning with each other. Finally they found a cherry wood bedroom set that Mac thought was too dark for the room, until Molly and Tina started talking about painting the walls a soft pinky-purple color. Mac could suddenly picture the room and realized that it would be just perfect.

“Mommy, I think this is the color we want...but we don’t like this set.”

“Okay girls. See the man over there?” They nodded so Mac continued. “Let’s go ask him if the set you liked in white, comes in cherry.”

Molly took Tina’s hand and pulled her along. She asked the salesman himself and he ignored her. Mac came along after observing his snub of the girls.

“Excuse me. Do you have a problem answering my daughter’s question?”

“I don’t have time for kids playing house...I’m a busy man.”

“Too bad. They weren’t playing house. I’m re-doing there room and teaching them how to shop. You just lost a sale. Come on girls.” Mac led the way from the store.

“But Mommy,” Molly complained as she was being hustled from the store, “I thought we were going to buy that bed if it came in Cherry. Now what are we going to do?”

“Ma’am! Ma’am, please. I’m sorry, I’d be honored to sell you the furniture,” the salesman called as he ran after them.

“I’m sure you would. Took bad you didn’t think of that before you ignore my child. There’s another store across town that carries the same brands. We’ll go there.”

They were already carrying packages from the other stores they had visited in the mall so Mac didn’t hesitate returning to the van.

“We’re not done shopping girls...so don’t worry. We’ll go up to Tyson’s Corners. There’s another store from this same company up there, and we won’t have to carry the packages while we shop.”

Thirty minutes later Molly, Tina and Mac found the exact bed set in the exact color they wanted and it was on sale. Two beds, two bureaus, two desks and two chairs were purchased and delivery arranged for later that day.

Next they went to the paint store and bought the light mauve color they had described. They would leave the trim in the cream color. They found a self-stick border that brought in aqua, cream, mauve and a dash of a darker shade of the mauve, almost a burgundy. They would put that at chair-rail height.

The next stop was for new bedding and curtains. Most of the sheets they had would be fine, but Mac wanted Molly and Tina to start out with the same new set of sheets and new blankets. They went with the darker mauve color for their blankets and a medium mauve for the sheets and pillow cases. Mac bought them each a new pillow too. The curtains for the room were cream with the dark mauve and teal trim. The quilts for the bed were aqua, with splotches of cream, teal, light and dark mauve all over it. They found two scatter rugs to put beside their beds. Tina chose one in mauve with teal flecks trimmed with the darker mauve. Molly went with the identical one, but trimmed in teal.

Mac spotted two stuffed animals that she snuck into the cart to surprise them and make the room seems like two pre-teens lived there. The plush bears in mauve and aqua would just put the finishing touches on each bed.

With two tired, hungry, excited girls in tow, Mac paid for the things and they returned to the car. She called to tell Harm they were heading home and that she would pick up pizza for lunch. Then she called the pizza place near home for their lunch.

2100 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

“You girls comfortable?” Harm asked as he and Mac tucked them into bed in the guest room. Two sleepy yawns and nodding heads was the answer he got. “Well, I promise you that tomorrow night your new room will be finished and you can sleep there. We don’t want you breathing in the paint fumes tonight,” he explained.

“Harm, they’re already asleep. Come on.” Mac lead him back to the living room where she had their coffee and cookies waiting for them.

“I keep telling you that keeping up with you when you shop is enough to exhaust anyone,” Harm teased his wife.

“It wasn’t the shopping that did them in, Harm. It was helping you with their room.”

“They had a blast didn’t they?”

“Yes. Tina is quiet but a real delight. She and Molly never argued even once today.”

“I know. I think when they have their first tiff and make up, we’ll know they’ve bonded like real sisters.”

“Not necessarily. Mattie and Chloe didn’t have any tiffs but they bonded just fine.”

“I guess you’re right. I was trying use that as an excuse for Glenn and Scott. Those two haven’t agreed on anything much lately.”

“Maybe they’re too close. Mike wants Scott to come to his house after school one day next week. Maybe he should go alone. Glenn could either have Joey come over or go to his house.”

“You might be on to something Mac. You know, I really enjoy our evenings together after a hectic day with the family.”

“Thanks for taking Hannah and this boys this morning so I could focus on shopping with our girls.”

“You’re welcome. You know, I think Mattie was a little jealous when she got here and discovered that Tina was going to be living with us too.” Harm shared with Mac.

“Really? I didn’t have that impression at all. I thought she was stunned that we agreed to take Tina on when we’re pregnant - like we did with Molly and the boys. She asked me if keeping Hannah was going to be too much and I assured her it wasn’t. Then she asked me how I could find the energy to juggle all these children.”

“What did you tell her?”

“That being a Marine was great training and then I had years of experience keeping you, Bud and Harriet in line along with Gunny and Tiner at times, not to mention Coates.”

Harm laughed. “Speaking of Coates, I talked to her this morning.”

“How’s she doing?” asked Mac.

“Good. She’s going to stop by tomorrow so she can meet Tina. Oh yeah, and she’s bringing her boyfriend along.”

“Someone new?”

“She didn’t say. I got the feeling it was someone we knew maybe.”

“Tiner? Mikey?”

“I don’t know Mac. We’ll have to wait and see.”

“Did you tell her about the baby?”

“No. I thought we could do that when she’s here.”

“It will be good to see her. I’m glad that she’s finally getting serious again. I thought she and Kyle were going to get married, but as soon as he found out she was planning to return to the states and focus on getting her psychology degree he dropped her. She was very hurt by that.”

“I know. She’s dated some I know, but never seemed to find the right guy. Her history made her hesitate at times too.”

“I know that feeling,” Mac omitted to Harm.

“Mac I wasn’t trying to bring up your history or make comparisons. You know that right?”

“Yes, of course. I was though. Sometimes even when you know you love soomeone, it takes a lot of courage to try to make it work. You risk so much and there’s always the fear of getting hurt again.”

“Is that part of why you held me at arm’s length to start with - telling me my smile was nice but it wouldn’t work with you?” Harm asked nuzzling Mac’s ear.

“Yes...but you’re arms were longer then mine and that smile of yours did work.”

“Not very well...it took you nine years to come to me.”

“Did not...you kept holding me off.”

“Well, we’re together now. That’s all that matters.” Harm ended the potential argument that often brewed just under the surface when they would reminisce about the early years.

“Yes...and I get to have another of your babies. I’m not sure its totally processed in my brain.”

“What about Chloe being a mom now? That call almost seemed like a dream until Mattie mentioned it today.” Harm was slowly rubbing Mac’s arms with his hands as she leaned back against him, within the circle of his arms.

“I know. We need to reconnect with Greg and Chloe. I’m glad they are planning to be in the area at Christmas.”

“Yes, it seems that Mattie and Chloe have already decided that Greg, Chloe and Adam will sleep in Mattie and Ty’s room, while they’ll sleep in Hannah’s room with her. Fewer disruptions for the children. Those girls have got it together.”

“How about you and I move this session to our bedroom and do a little getting together ourselves?” Harm smiled as he placed kisses along her neck while he continued to stroke her arms.

“I could do that,” Mac admitted. “You going to show me again that you still got it?”

“Damn straight I am. Come on Mrs. Rabb. Let me help you up.” Harm stood and reached for Mac, pulling her first into his arms for a kiss and then scooping her into his arms to carry high against his chest.

“Harm, put me down...you’re gonna hurt yourself.”

“Just relax. I’m good.”

“Yeah...you are,” Mac murmured between kisses before her husband got serious and proved just how good he really was.

CHAPTER 10

1420 Local

Next Day

“Hey Jen, come on in,” Mac greeted. “Tiner?”

“Yes Ma’am. I hope you don’t mind me crashing the visit.”

“Not at all Jason. Come on in. Harm’s upstairs getting the last piece of new furniture in place for the girls. Why don’t we go in the kitchen and get some coffee? He should be down soon.”

“Sounds good to me,” Jen smiled pleased that Mac had welcomed Jason so easily.

As they entered the kitchen two dark haired whirlwinds came in from the back door and almost barreled into Mac and her guests calling, “Hi Jen!”

“Attention men,” Mac smiled as she slowed them down placing a hand on each shoulder. “Jason, I don’t believe you’ve met these two yet. Scott Mackenzie Rabb age 6 and Glenn Mackenzie Rabb also age 6 meet Jason Tiner an officer in the Navy like Daddy. What rank now Jason?”

“Lieutenant, but I’m on the list for Lt. Commander.”

“Congratulations. I understand you’re stationed at Norfolk.”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Alright, both of you, you are officers, off duty and in our home. It’s Mac and Harm...please...” Mac implored of her two guests. “Glenn, would you go up stairs and tell Daddy that we have company. Scott, would you please go upstairs and tell Molly and Tina nicely, that I would like them to come down to meet my guests.”

“Yes Mommy,” they chorused before taking off at a full out run.

“They’re adorable,” grinned Jason watching the boys take off.

“They haven’t change a lot...just gotten bigger,” Jen smiled. “How do they like school?”

“Believe it or not, they are actually tired at the end of the day sometimes. I think they like school though. They aren’t crazy about the homework, but so far it gets done without question.”

“So tell me about the new addition to the family,” Jen suggested as they settled around the table with cups of coffee.

“Her name is Tina. She’s been bouncing around in foster care and her most recent experience was less then satisfactory. I took her home after having had dinner with Molly and two others friends here one night and the house was dark. Her bag was on the porch and a note was on the door telling her they had to leave and couldn’t wait for her. I brought her home, made some calls and we got permission for her to stay with us. We’ll be starting adoption proceedings soon, unless she decides she doesn’t want to be a part of our crazy family.”

“How long has she been here?”

“Only a couple of days. As soon as we could we redecorated and refurnished the bedroom she and Molly will share. I have Molly in counseling with Dr. McCool by the way.”

“I know her well. She’s one of my mentors.”

“Good. You’ll have great support and training with her.”

“Hey Jen,” Harm greeted as he joined them, dressed in a pair of old very worn and patched jeans, an equally as as worn t-shirt and sneakers. “Jason? Are you dating this guy Jen?”

“Yes I am.”

“Good for you. How are you Tiner?”

“Great sir...uh...Harm.” Jason stuttered through the name situation but was rewarded by a beaming smile from his hosts.

“Harm do you want coffee or water?” Mac asked.

“Water would be good for now. The girls will be right down. They’re making their beds up. I told them could finish it first before they joined us.”

“Okay. And the boys?”

“In their room putting away the stuff they took out and didn’t put away earlier.”

“Good job. Here’s your water,” Mac said handing him a bottle from the refrigerator.”

“So, Jen, you’ve become almost a stranger around her. This guy have anything to do with it?”

“Maybe a little. My internship has kept me quite busy.”

“How much longer before you’ll hang a shingle?” Harm asked.

“Three more months. I’ve got my next orders already.” Jen glanced at Jason and then to Mac and Harm. “Norfolk.”

“So I don’t suppose you’d be thrilled to find out I was moving Tiner from Norfolk to Headquarters?” Harm asked keeping all expression from his face.

“Wow, really?” Jen asked trying not to look crestfallen.

“No...but it could happen. You’re getting a reputation down around Norfolk.”

“I’ve only been down there a few months. I did my stint on board ship and when we got back that put me at Norfolk on the base. I know I’ll be doing another stint on board before long, but that’s only six months,” Jason reviewed with them.

“Harm’s right,” Mac interjected. “We can’t always control our assignments. It was a fluke that we were stationed at Headquarters as long as we were. The fact that Bud is still there is a testament to how useful he is with his multitude of talents as a researched, investigator and lawyer. I think Harm and I had those multiple roles down as well. Sturgis on the other hand, was a good lawyer and did okay as an investigator, but he wasn’t as multi-dimensional as the others at JAG. What do you think Harm?”

“Mac’s right. As JAG I’ve come to realize that you want and need the people there that give you the biggest bang for the buck. If you want to eventually end up back at JAG Tiner, develop a variety of skills and excel are more then one.”

“Thanks for the advice.”

“Your welcome. So Jen, if you’re gong to be focusing on children’s psychology, how did you get the Navy to buy into it?”

“I proposed a special project. Bases that have a high concentration of families need someone that can help the children deal with one or both parents being gone for long stretches of time. They may need help dealing with an injury or death of a parent. If the services are available for the children through the Navy will benefit in the long run.”

“Excellent. So you’ll be starting your practice at Norfolk?” Mac asked.

“Yes. One of my classmates is going to Pensacola and another to North Island in San Diego all about the same time.”

The giggles on the stairs alerted the adults that the children were returning. Molly and Tina, dressed in new jeans, sweaters and sneakers joined them. Molly broke into a smile. Jen was one of her favorite people and she hadn’t seen her for awhile.

“Hi Jen!”

“Hi Molly,” Jen stood to greet her and give her a hug. “This is my friend Jason. Are you going to introduce me to your friend?”

“Hi Jason. This is my new sister, Tina.”

“Tina, its nice to meet you. So you’re Molly’s new sister?”

“Not really...I mean in a way I guess I am. I’m going to live her for awhile.”

“That will be nice. I hear you just redecorated the bedroom. I’d like to see it.”

“Come on. We’ll show you, huh Molly?” Tina checked.

“Yeah! Come on Jen. You coming too Jason?” Molly asked.

“I need to talk to your Mom and Dad for a minute. I’ll come up later.” Jason had seen the small shake of her head Jen had given when the invitation had been issued.

“Okay. Come on girls...let’s go.” Jen, with Molly on one side and Tina on the other, each holding a hand, headed up the stairs.

Mac called after them, “Molly, will you check on your brothers when you get upstairs?”

“Okay Mom.”

“Quite a family you have,” Jason smiled. “This year’s gathering at the Robert’s will be amazing with all the kids there.”

“Yes it will. Remember Mattie and Chloe?” Mac asked.

“Of course. Jen talks about Mattie a lot. I understand she has a little girl.”

“Yes, Hannah. Chloe called to tell us she just had a boy, Adam.” Mac smiled fondly as she thought of the girls.

“So Tiner, how serious are things with you and Jen?” Harm asked.

“Serious...I’m planning to ask her to marry me later tonight. I was hoping you’d give your blessing. Jen thinks of you as her family.”

“If Jen wants to marry you, of course we’ll give our blessings,” Mac informed him. “Right Harm?”

“Right. But I’ll tell you the same thing I told Ty and Greg Langley...if you ever do anything to hurt her, I’ll find you and you’ll pay.”

“I know. I just hope she’ll agree to marry me. You know for years I thought she had a think for Mike Roberts.”

“He’s much younger then she is Tiner,” Harm scoffed.

“Doesn’t matter sir...Harm...its what I feared. I think you can relate to that.”

“Yeah...I guess I can.”

“So is life as an Admiral a lot different?”

“Only at work,” Harm smiled as he picked up Mac’s hand and held it in his.

Same Time

Upstairs

“So Tina, what do you think of the Rabb family?” asked Jen while Molly was next door.

“I like them.”

“How long have you known them?”

“I’ve been going to school with Molly all year. I know her brothers too. I met her Mom a couple of times when she picked Molly up at school. I didn’t meet her Dad until Friday but Molly talks about him a lot. He’s a hero she said.”

“Yes, he is. He’s helped out many of us when no one else would. Do you think you and Molly will like living like sisters?”

“Yeah!”

“Have you had sisters in other foster home, Tina?”

“Not really.”

“Did you have a lot of other foster homes?”

“Yeah...but the Rabb’s said they will adopt me if I want them too.”

“What do you think of that?”

“Its cool.”

“What do you call them?”

“Molly’s Mom and Dad?”

“Yes.” Jen waited for Tina to answer. She only shrugged.

“Give it time. I’m sure they’ll like it if you called them Mom and Dad...but if you aren’t comfortable with it, I’m sure they’ve said to call them Mac and Harm.”

“Uh-huh...Molly said I should just call them Mom and Dad now.”

“You need to do what you are comfortable with. Are you uncomfortable with living here at all?”

“No. I feel safe here. I don’t want to ever leave...but I know I probably will.” Tina sat down on her bed and looked down at her feet. Jen sat next to her and thought for a minute about what she wanted to say next.

“You know what, Tina?” Jen paused but didn’t get a response. “When I first met Harm and Mac I was older then you and had gotten in trouble with the law. I did something really stupid. All my life I wanted to belong somewhere and when I finally did, I didn’t want it to end, but I figured it would, so instead of waiting to be sent away, I did things so I would have to leave.”

“What happened?” Tina asked with interest.

“I met Harm and then Mac. Neither of them - but particularly Harm - would give up on me. I thought there was no way they could understand what I was going through...what life was like with no one that wanted you and feeling alone and unloved. They were both so perfect to look at and had nice clothes; drove nice cars; lived in great apartments. I didn’t know that they had both had really traumatic things happen to them.”

“They did?”

“Yes. Mac went into the Marine Corps and Harm went into the Navy, like his Dad. They had to fight for everything they got and work really, really, hard. It wasn’t easy, but they didn’t give up. They each had someone that believed in them...and they believed in me. They made me want to fight for what I wanted and they trusted me when no one else would.”

“Wow.”

“There was one thing they each wanted and couldn’t have though...each other and a family. Finally they got to have each other. When they did they vowed to create a family. Mac didn’t think she would be able to have any babies because she had been sick.”

They finally got to be together. Mattie had been Harm’s ward. When Mac and Harm got married, they considered Mattie they’re daughter. Years ago, Mac had a ‘little sister’. Have you heard of the Big Sister Program?”

“Yes...I was suppose to get one a couple of years ago, but they moved me so I was too far away and I didn’t get another chance.”

“Well, Chloe was convinced Harm and Mac would get together. She told me that the first time we met. I knew she was right too. When Harm took on Mattie, he asked me to help and I agreed. In some ways, Mattie and I were like sisters, although I never called Harm ‘Dad’. I knew he was always there for me...and so was Mac. When they were sent to London, I went with them. I lived on my own, but they were still my family. It was just understood.”

“Its like you don’t have to saying anything because everyone just knows,” Tina told Jen.

“Exactly. But you still have to talk and tell people the details of what you’re thinking and feeling. Harm and Mac almost lost each other because it took them so long to get that part right. Anyway, Chloe came to spend time with Mattie that first summer they were together. Later that year they found out that Mac was going to have two babies. But when Molly suddenly came into their lives the night her parents and brother were killed, there was no doubts in anyone’s mind they belonged together.”

“Why?”

“Well, Molly’s last name back then was Mackenzie. Before Mac got married, her last name was Mackenzie. Then they found out that Molly’s grandmother lived in the United States and was a friend of Chloe’s grandmother. She was old and couldn’t take care of Molly so when she knew that Mac and Harm wanted her, she agreed. Does Molly ever talk about her first family?”

“No...I mean she said her first Mommy and Daddy were killed in a car accident and sometimes she’s afraid that something will happen to this family too.”

“Did Molly tell you that she talks to someone sometimes about things she’s feeling that she isn’t comfortable telling her Mom and Dad?”

“Yes...Dr. McCool -she’s got a cool name,” giggled Tina.

“She does. Would you like to have someone to talk to like Dr. McCool sometimes?”

Tina shook her head ‘no’.

“Can you tell me why?”

“Cause that’s when they take you away from your family.” Tina said as she burst into tears.

Jen gathered her close. “Not always, Tina...not always.” Jen knew then for sure that Tina would need counseling and more then what she was trained for yet. She also knew that until Tina was comfortable and felt she had a place in the family, the counseling would not help. “I wonder what’s keeping Molly,” Jen said then to change the subject. Molly had been gone longer then Jen could have anticipated. “Shall we go find her?”

“Okay. Jen?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you for telling me that story.”

“Your welcome.”

Together they moved down the hall to watch Molly directing her younger brothers in the cleaning of their room.

“Sorry I didn’t get back there,” Molly apologized. “My brothers were suppose to pick up their room and they had pulled out even more stuff, but I got it under control now.”

“You’re not our Mommy!” Glenn hollered at his sister.

“You’re not even a real sister!” Scott threw in.

“Mommy and Daddy say I am in all the ways that count.”

“Let’s stop this now,” Jen directed. “You are all very lucky to be a part of the Rabb family. What are the Rabb Rules about family?” Jen asked them.

“Be good to each other.”

“Do your best.”

“Tell the truth.”

Jen looked from Glenn to Scott and to Molly as they spoke stating the things that the adult Rabb’s lived their life by for the most part. “See Tina, they all have their moments but they know one thing above all else...somebody really loves them and that’s what makes this family so special. Now, boys, don’t you have something to say to Molly?”

“Thanks for helping us Molly.” Glenn gave his sister a quick hug.

“Thanks Molly...I know you’re my sister...I’m sorry.”

“We’d better go check in with Mom and Dad. Did you like our room Jen?” Molly asked, once again composed.

“Yes, its wonderful. Tina and I spent most of the time talking though.”

“About what?” Molly asked taking Jen’s hand.

“Just stuff...and what it feels like to want to belong and not know if you do or can.”

“I know. Dr. McCool is helping though...maybe Tina should come too.”

“Probably not to your time with Dr. McCool, but maybe she should have her own time.”

“Maybe.”

“I don’t think Tina’s ready for that though Molly so we shouldn’t push her into it.”

“Okay.” By the time Molly and Jen got to the living room, Scott was reporting in.

“Scott was just telling us that you ended a potential family crisis. Thank you Jen. Mac and I appreciate it.”

“Not a problem. Tina and I had a great chance to get to know each other. Just know, Molly and I got caught up a little too.”

“You two have got to stop being strangers to us,” Mac informed them. “Anyone want refills?”

“I’ll take some coffee now.” Harm held up his cup with a grin.

“Jason?”

“No I’m all set.”

“I’ll have a cup...as a matter of fact, why don’t I help you,” Jen offered before following Mac to the kitchen.

“What do you think Jen?”

“I think Tina is not ready for counseling. She needs time to bond with the family first. I think redecorating the room to help make it ‘theirs’ and not Molly sharing her room, was a smart move. As for counseling, Tina says every time she’s talked to a counselor she’s gotten moved. For that reason she is fearful of talking to someone at this point. Give her time to bond with you more. Be prepared to listen and hold her when she cries. Right now, I think her emotions are locked up so that she doesn’t have to deal with all the upheaval. She’s reluctant to get attached because she doesn’t want to hurt when you send her away again.”

“Thanks Jen. We really appreciate your insights.”

“I noticed that you’re not drinking coffee...does that mean...?” Jen let her question tail off not sure she should be asking.

“That I’m pregnant? Yes it does. End of May this time.”

“Congratulations. You’ll have a house full.”

“And we love it. This was a surprise you know. We didn’t think we could get pregnant. It has been six years since the twins were born...”

“And now there will be another baby Rabb.”

“Yes. So, are you serious about Jason?”

“Yes...Mac, I think he’s bought me a ring.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Say yes and start planning a wedding! I want to join the ‘mommy club’.”

“I highly recommend it.” Mac smiled as she rubbed her stomach above where her unborn child grew.

CHAPTER 11

December 22

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

Harm and Mac woke up to four children excitedly yelling and laughing at the same time as they made their way into their parent’s room and onto the bed.

“It’s snowing! Let’s go make a snowman!” The bed moved under the impact of the eight knees, eight hands, and four bodies making their way up the bed to snuggle on each side of Harm and Mac.

“Good morning to you too!” Mac greeted her family.

“Be careful please,” cautioned Harm as he cringed seeing Glenn’s knee barely miss Mac’s abdomen as he scrambled to find a place between his parents and then felt him narrowly miss his own groin area.

Once everyone was settled Harm started teasing them about playing in the snow.

“You don’t want to go out there do you?”

“Yes we do,” insisted Glenn.

“But its cold out.”

“We can put on our snowsuits,” Molly reasoned as she snuggled against his left side.

“But your feet will get cold,” Harm continued to object.

“We just got new boots,” insisted Scott.

“But how will we ever warm up if we get cold?” Harm tried one more road block.

“We could have hot cocoa when we come in,” suggested Tina as she snuggled against Mac’s right side.

“They’ve got an answer for everything, don’t they Dad?” asked Mac.

“It sounds that way...but I’m still not sure they’ll be warm enough.”

“We will!” all four children insisted.

“I suppose you could show me,” Harm slowly suggested.

The four bodies, eight arms and eight legs all went into motion again as they scrambled off the bed and out the door to go find their clothes and get dressed to go out.

“We’d better get up and get dressed while we’ve got the chance. I have a feeling it won’t take them long to get dressed,” Harm smiled, kissed his wife and slid out of bed. “You know, it’s a good thing we looked out last night and saw the snow so we were wearing something when they barged in this morning.”

“I know...or we could have left the door locked,” Mac grinned at her husband as she slid out of bed wearing a long t-shirt.

“And miss a wake up like that? Not a chance.” Harm noticed that Mac was moving a little more slowly then usual. “You okay?”

“Yeah...just a little dizzy.”

“Again?”

“Hey, if this is what I get instead of morning sickness, I’ll take it.”

“When’s our appointment with Dr. Chen?”

“Monday.”

“And she wants to do the amnio this time right?”

“Yes...Harm, I’m not sure you’re going to be able to handle being there for that one....I’m not sure I can.”

“This is the one with the needle?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll manage...I’ll look at your face and let you squeeze my hand as hard as you want.”

“Thanks...ready?”

“Yup,” Harm replied as he pulled on his sweater. “You ready?”

“I guess so...although I thought maybe I would stay in and fix breakfast while you are out freezing your six off in the snow.”

“Chicken,” Harm grinned as the troops lined up outside their door for inspection dressed in snow suits, boots, hats, and mittens. “Well, I guess you’ll be toasty enough. Go ahead. I’ll be out in a few minutes. Stay in the back yard,” he reminded them as they cheered and broke ranks to run for the back door.

“You sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine. I’ll get food ready and cocoa. Then I might get the Christmas decorations ready for the tree. I think we should decorate that after they come in.”

“Sounds like a plan. See you in about twenty minutes or so.”

By the time Harm got outside, each child had rolled a snowball about as far as they could go with it. Harm rolled each one the rest of the way to the front yard. There he lined them up. As each child rolled a smaller snowball, Harm would go carry it to the base and set it on top. While he was adding the body of the snowman, The children were working on the heads.

Inside, Mac had watched the progress they were making while breakfast baked. She took out a box of old hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves and set it out front just as the heads were being added.

“Here you go...there’s some stuff you can use to dress your snowman.”

“Mommy, we need carrots for his nose and coal for his eyes,” Molly called.

“I’ll see what I can do,” Mac responded before heading for the kitchen. She glanced out in time to watch Tina and Scott making another large snowball and adding it to the snow family. By then, Molly and Glenn were making another one.

Mac selected six carrots, found a box of stale prunes, added a half dozen small potatoes, dug into her stash of Christmas treats and selected six candied orange slices in a pink color and opened the door again. “I found stuff for their faces and for buttons if you want them.”

“Cool!” the twins ran to gather the trim she offered.

It was closer to an hour then twenty minutes before they came in for breakfast and cocoa, but their rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes made it worth every second. Once they were out of their snow clothes, they settled at the table for their cocoa and breakfast casserole.

While they ate Mac explained the plans for the rest of the day. “After breakfast we’ll decorate the Christmas tree and hang our stockings. By then we will be ready to have some lunch. After lunch everyone needs to take a bath, get dressed in the clothes I laid out for you on your beds and then have some down time when you can read or color quietly in your rooms.”

“We don’t have to sleep?” checked Scott.

“No...unless you want to. We need to leave here by three-fifteen to go to the Robert’s house for their party. Mattie, Ty, Hannah, Chloe, Greg and Adam will meet us there.”

“Will Grandpa AJ be there too?” asked Glenn.

“Yes.”

“And Jen and Jason?” asked Tina.

“Yes.”

“Harriet’s going to out do herself again isn’t she?” Harm asked.

“Probably...but we always have fun.”

“Are we having dinner at the Robert’s house?” asked Molly.

“Yes after we go sing Christmas songs to the people at the two nursing homes and the Senior Center and the houses on the way. Then we’ll have some dinner before we come home and get to see our Christmas lights on at night for the first time this year.”

“Awesome...I’ve never gone Christmas caroling before,” Tina told them.

“We use to go in London, didn’t we?” asked Molly.

“Yes we did,” Mac agreed. “Now, we have a busy week ahead of us before Christmas, and today is just the first of many busy days. We need to remember to have fun and take time to rest when we can.”

“That’s right,” Harm seconded as he looked around the table at his happy family. Mac caught his eye and smiled. She knew they were thinking the same thing. They had truly been blessed again this year.

Mac thought back over all that had happened in less then two months time. Tina had come to live with them, and already she was legally Tina Rabb. Chidlren’s services had been able to track her history and discovered that parental rights of both parents had been terminated years ago. Tina had been free for adoption and after a twenty minute hearing before a judge, Tina had been adopted and her name legally changed. That had been just over a week ago. For her adoption day gift, Mattie had presented her with a Christmas stocking that would match the ones Glenn, Scott, and Molly had and would hang for Christmas.

Mac had also noticed that Tina was calling them Mom and Dad now just like Molly and the boys. It had taken Tina a little longer to feel comfortable with Harm then she had with Mac, but since the adoption she noticed that Tina climbed on his lap just like Molly did at times.

Molly’s sessions with Dr. McCool had tapered off to once a month. At their last visit they had invited Tina to join them. Both girls left the office grinning from ear to ear. Mac had stepped into the office to speak to her for just a moment and Dr. McCool had been quick to assure her that Molly and Tina had found a bond and that adopting Tina had actually assured Molly that she had nothing to fear about the new baby and her place in the family. They wished each other a happy holiday and Mac took her girls for ice cream before heading home.

Mac’s pregnancy was now visible, although she and Harm decided that she wasn’t as large as she had been with the twins at this point. She knew they were both hoping that the baby was developing normally and that all indications would continue to show that the baby was healthy.

Harm’s mother and stepfather had joined then for Thanksgiving and they had shared the news with them about the baby and Tina during the visit. While Frank had been enthusiastic and supportive immediately, Trish had been less then impressed to begin with. Mac thought back to the conversation she had with Trish while they had prepared the dinner.

< FLASHBACK>

“Sarah, do you really think its fair to be having another baby at this point in your lives?”

“Why wouldn’t it be, Trish?” Mac had asked a little surprised at the censor she heard in her mother-in-law’s voice. “It’s something both Harm and I are happy about.”

“It’s just that Harm will be almost fifty years old by the time this child is born.”

“And that should matter how?”

“I certainly couldn’t imagine having a child Molly’s age when I was sixty.”

“Trish, for most people that may be true. You need to remember that when most people were raising their families, Harm and I were traveling the world, having adventures, saving the world. We never expected to be blessed with another baby after the twins...we had hoped for awhile, but by the time they were three we accepted that it wasn’t going to happen. We had talked about adopting, but then he got called back here to JAG and was promoted to Admiral...well, things were hectic. We had just started talking about doing foster care and maybe adopting again when I found out I was pregnant.”

“Well, I guess you have some points there. And if you are happy about it, then I guess I should put my doubts aside and just let you do what you’re going to do anyway.”

“Thank you Trish.”

“So, are we taking the girls shopping tomorrow?” Trish had effectively ended the subject and changed it to something they both could enjoy talking about.

<End Flashback>

“Hey Mac...you with us?” Harm asked as he caressed her shoulder on his way by. “Did you zone out on us?”

“I guess I did.”

“Shall we go decorate. The tables been cleared and they are waiting for your instructions on the tree.”

Mac joined her family in the living room. She gave each of them an area of the tree to be in charge of. Scott and Molly had the right side of the tree, while Glenn and Tina were in charge of the left. Mommy and Daddy had already put lights on before they had gone to bed the night before so all they had to do was add ornaments and garland on the lower half while Mommy and Daddy did the upper half.

Right on schedule they had finished the tree. They gathered around the table for the pizza that was delivered on time. As they finished eating, Mac sent them to their rooms for baths and rest, telling them she would check on them at two-thirty to make sure they were awake in case they took a nap after their baths.

While the house quieted, Mac and Harm cleaned up the kitchen from breakfast and lunch. Together they checked in on the children and discovered them all clean and sound asleep in various states of undress near the clothes Mac had set out for them. Once they had all been covered with a spare blanket, Harm and Mac headed for their room.

“What do you think put them out, the cold weather before breakfast or the baths?” Harm asked.

“Combination. We’ll have to remember it when we need them to settled down some other time,” Mac laughed as she drew water for her own bath.

Harm watched her get ready for her bath remembering the time they had been in Paraguay and he had walked in on her soaking in the tub. Her beauty had stolen his breath. She had caught him looking at her and he had admitted that sometimes he forgot how beautiful she was. It was one of the few fond memories he had of that trip. He shook himself to stop that particular reel of memories. Mac saw him do it.

“Harm, what’s the matter? You cold?” Mac asked as she slid into the tub of warm suds.

“No...just lost myself on thought and had to shake it off...suppose I could join you in there?” he pointed at the tub of water.

“Sure...we haven’t done this for awhile.” Mac skid forward and Harm, after quickly stripping off his clothes stepped in behind her and slid down into the water.

They enjoyed an intimate and leisurely bath, before the water cooled and they stood up to rinse off. They wrapped themselves in fluffy towels to dry off and then complete their personal preparations for going out.

Harm shaved, while Mac dried her hair and put on a light coating of make-up and lip gloss. By the time they finished dressing in their dark green corduroy slacks, red turtlenecks and favorite sweaters it was time to wake the children up and help them finish dressing.

Mac knew that Harm hadn’t yet realized that the family would be dressed as a matching set, because they were all wearing different sweaters. Mac knew that once Chloe and her family arrived along with Mattie and her family, and their picture as one big family on the Roberts stairs was printed off, that it would be more obvious.

The Rabb family of six piled into the mini-van on time and made it to the Roberts home just as two carloads of Langley’s arrived. The twelve people considered to be the Rabb family made their way onto the porch. They waited behind Mac and Harm to the door where they were warmly welcomed and by Harriet, Bud and their four children.

AJ Roberts, now twelve, along with his brother Jimmy, now nine, gathered the coats of their guests and put them in the den on the couch. Nikki and Nate, the seven year old twins, showed the other children their Christmas tree in the living room and then pointed them to the stairs.

“That’s where Mommy says we’re getting our pictures taken tonight,” Nate informed the others. “We had to be careful today going up and down stairs and make sure we didn’t ruin the decorations.”

“We don’t have decorations on our stairs, do we?” Glenn asked the rest of his family to back him up.

“No...but it looks nice,” Tina told the younger child with a smile.

“I told Mommy I thought we should get a sister for me like the Rabbs did for Molly,” announced Nikki.

Molly and Tina smiled at each other and then turned to Nikki. “What did she say?” asked Molly.

“She said that she thought Daddy would have a heart attack if she asked him about that.”

“So does that mean you won’t get a sister?” asked Tina.

“I guess so.”

Before anyone could answer, the adults called to the children. Grampa AJ had arrived and they were going to take pictures.

Harm and Mac had Molly and Tina go up the stairs and then they sat down with the girls sitting behind them. Glenn and Scott sat at their feet. Mattie didn’t think it looked right and directed the twins and the girls to change places. Then Chloe said it wasn’t working and moved Tina and Molly to the side of the stair to lean on Harm and Mac’s shoulders, while the boys leaned forward on the stair behind them with their chins on their hands. AJ quickly took two pictures. Then Ty and Mattie holding Hannah dressed in her green corduroy jumper with red tights and a red turtleneck, moved to the steps above Harm and Mac on the right side, while Greg and Chloe holding Adam in his green coveralls and red turtleneck moved to the steps on the left.

AJ took several shots before anyone could protest. Once the Rabb family was done, the Roberts family took to the stairs. While the pictures were being taken Mike Roberts and Cammie Creswell arrived followed shortly after by Jennifer Coates and Jason Tiner. Jen was wearing the diamond engagement ring Jason had given her almost two months before.

When their pictures were finished, Harriet directed them all to the living room where the baby grand piano was waiting. Cammie took her seat at the piano and Harm brought out his guitar and they warmed up together while Harriet organzied the children.

“Listen up now...we’re going to practice some Christmas carols here with the piano and then we will bundle up and start our evenings main event...singing for the neighborhood and at the nursing homes and senior centers in this part of town. We want to feature the children on some songs and the adults on others, although we can all sing along with any song. Let’s warm up with Jingle Bells!”

Cammie took the lead on Jingle Bells, but Harm played along. The adults and children sang out loud and strong and sounded great. Harriet would call out a song and then as the music started, they would all join in. After the entire group sang Joy to the World, Silent Night, Away in the Manger, and O come all Ye Faithful, Harriet asked that only Harm play guitar and the children song the main part of the next song, with the adults sang back up on Little Drummer Boy.

Mac wiped a tear from her eye as the children’s voices accompanied by Harm on guitar, sang the entire song through. Mac turned to Harriet when they finished and said, “That’s a keeper.”

“Yes...and Bud got it all on video. I’ll make sure you get a copy.”

“Thanks Harriet.”

“No problem...okay gang...that was fantastic! I’d like the adults to sing lead on the next one. Can you guys sing back up on the next one?”

After the children all agreed with mile wide grins on their faces, Harriet asked the adults to gather closer together and attempt Angels we Have Heard on High. Bud got them started with his rich voice and as usual Harm came in strong with him. Mac and Harriet’s voices encouraged the others to join in and not get lost listening to the men sing.

Finally satisfied that they could pull this off, Harriet sent everyone scrambling for their outdoor clothes. The party of thirteen adults and ten children gathered outside the Roberts house and started singing Winter Wonderland as they slowly walked through the neighborhood singing as they went. They had decided at the last minute not to bring the guitar and just do their best with voices.

Holding hands as they walked, only passer-bys noticed the children with eyes wide-open in amazement as they walked and sang right along with the adults for people every where to see and hear. It took them fifteen minutes to get to the first nursing home. They entered and Harriet stepped forward to speak to the woman on the front desk. They were allowed in and directed to the solarium, where many patients and their families had gathered.

They continued to sing as they walked. Once inside, Harriet instructed the children to once again sing Little Drummer Boy. They did a wonderful job and the residents of the nursing home loved it. They followed it up with O Come All Ye Faithful and then the adults sang their special number.

They sang a total of five songs and then walked out of the first nursing home and toward the Senior Center that was next door. They went smoothly from one song to the next as Harriet would call them out. The entered the Senior Center as they sang, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and then took requests. Harriet was already to apologize for not being able to sing one request, when Tina Rabb stepped forward with Aj, Jimmy and Molly and took over. They sang the requested song, “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” without missing a beat. Even the adults in the group applauded when they finished.

Finally after five songs, they left the Senior Center and headed two blocks over to the other nursing home. Once there they repeated the most popular songs before they returned to the street and singing to the neighbors as they walked back to the Roberts house.

CHAPTER 12

Saturday Evening

Robert’s Residence

Everyone was cold, tired but very happy when they returned to the house. Harriet had hired someone to come in and get the buffet ready while they were gone. As children visited bathrooms and washed their hands, the adults helped them fill their plates and find a seat. Chloe and Mattie had taken their babies upstairs to Bud and Harriet’s bedroom to nurse in some privacy.

“Seems like old times, but better, don’t you think, Mattie,” asked Chloe.

“Yes. This was a great get together and the kids had as much fun as the adults.”

“Harriet and Bud have always had this thing about Christmas parties. Bud was dressed like a Santa and Harriet an elf the first time I met them.” Chloe smiled as she remembered.

“That was a long time ago wasn’t it?”

“In a way...and at times it seems like yesterday.”

“I know...I think it’s the effect of Harm and Mac. Can you believe that Mac’s pregnant again?”

“I think its great.” Chloe beamed.

“Me too. Harm is a great Dad...and Gramps.”

“Did he really say that’s what he wanted to be called?”

“He certainly did.” Mattie laughed at Chloe’s horrified expression. “You haven’t gotten to know Tina very well yet have you?” Mattie asked.

“No...but I could see tonight she fits right in.” Chloe looked at her son in her arms. “I owe this group so much. Without them, I might not have this guy.”

“I know how you feel. Harm told me once that he thinks fate plays a roll on in getting the right two people to meet. After that he said its all up to them and that’s why it took Mac and him so long to get it together.”

“I guess he should know.” Chloe chuckled. “Ready to go join the others for some food?”

“I am. Hannah will sleep now. You know, both babies did well with the caroling.”

“Hey, they love to hear us sing,” Chloe giggled as she led the way to the food, her son snuggled in his carrier on her chest.

Greg and Ty were waiting for their families as they descended the stairs.

“Let me take Hannah so you can get some food, Mattie,” offered Ty.

“Thanks...did you already eat?”

“Not yet. I’ve got my plate and Scott’s guarding it for me.”

“I’ll take Adam Chloe. You go with Mattie and meet us in the den.”

“Thanks Greg...Go to Daddy Adam.” Chloe cooed as she past her sleeping son to his father.

“Look at this food, Chloe!” Mattie exclaimed as they entered the room where the buffet was set out.

“Too much temptation...I’m struggling to get the baby weight off. How long did it take you?”

“Not long...but I’m in the military and have PT to be ready for at the drop of the hat. It really help me get the pregnancy weight off...that and nursing.”

“Nursing doesn’t seem to be helping me...oh well, Greg doesn’t seem to mind that I’m still packing an extra fifteen pounds,” Chloe sighed as she helped herself to the steamy scallop potato and ham casserole.

“How much weight did you gain with Adam?” Mattie asked.

“Fifty-five pounds. After I had him I still had forty-eight pounds to lose...I’ve gotten rid of the first thirty-three. How much did you gain?”

“Twenty-three pounds.”

“No wonder you got it off so fast.”

“Chloe, it’s only been seven weeks. I think you’re doing great. Just don’t get discouraged and stay with it.” Mattie encouraged her friend not to give up the battle.

“Thanks Mattie. I feel a little better about it now.” Chloe stopped filling her plate and added only some salad with the casserole before she followed Mattie to where the guys were waiting for them.

Harm and Mac watched ‘their’ oldest girls, including Jen as they mingled and enjoyed the wonderful evening Harriet had orchestrated.

“Harm, have you seen Tina and Molly?” Mac asked.

“The last time I saw them, they were heading into the kitchen with Jimmy and AJ. I peeked in and they were sitting at the table eating.

“Thanks for keeping tabs on them. Scott and Glenn seem to be glued to Ty and Greg tonight. Did you notice that?” Mac asked.

“I did. Nikki and Nate have been hanging with them too.”

“Harm. Mac.”

“Grandpa AJ...good to see you tonight sir.” Harm greeted his friend and former commanding officer.”

“Your family has been a joy to watch this evening. The Roberts and Rabb kids have some musical talent among them.”

“Thank you sir,” grinned Mac.

“And how is the newest addition doing?” AJ asked nodding toward Mac’s slightly rounded stomach.

“Fine sir. This one doesn’t seem to mind my diet choices and hasn’t started punching me yet like the twins did.”

“I see my former yeoman have gotten together. Told me they are planning a spring wedding.”

“Yes...Jen seemed to distance herself from us when we first came back from London, but since the end of October when they came to visit and tell us they were serious, we’ve heard from her more often.” Mac shared with AJ.

“Tina seems to be a good match for your family. I had a chance to talk to her and Molly earlier,” AJ Chegwidden told Harm and Mac.

“She’s really opening up now. The adoption went through and her name is Tina Rabb now. It seems to have made a difference,” Harm shared.

“Her coloring isn’t a perfect match to the rest of the Rabb’s but close enough,” AJ chuckled. “Wonder who’s temperament she has?”

“Hers,” Harm grinned pointing at Mac.

“His,” Mac responded at the same time.

“Glad to see some things don’t change.” AJ shook his head and walked away to visit with the next group.

1945 Local

Rabb Mini-Van

Approaching Arlington, Virginia

“Wow! Daddy do you see those lights?” asked Glenn as they passed a house with lights along the walk-way to the door, across the porch railings, and along the eaves.

“It is nice, son, but I think you’ll be impressed when you see our house too.” Harm told his usually quiet son.

The collective oohs and aahs as they passed a number of houses fully decorated gave Harm pause that maybe his masterpiece wouldn’t measure up after all. He hoped that their efforts would have a major WOW factor. They had trimmed the house and the garage, the walkway and the porch. The Christmas tree would be on inside as well, thanks to the timer he had installed. With the new snowman family on the front lawn right in front of the floodlights that Harm had switched from motion to timer, he hoped that it would have the hoped for effect and be the perfect ending to a wonderful day with the family.

Finally they turned the corner onto their street and as they approached their home, the gasps, wows, and sighs from his family told Harm what he had hoped for. They liked the effect of his efforts.

“Its so beautiful Dad,” Tina spoke out in awe of the scene before her.

“We got our own winter wonderland,” smiled Molly.

“Santa will be able to see our house even if its foggy,” added Scott.

“Cool job, Daddy,” was Glenn’s contribution.

Mac silently reached over and squeezed Harm’s hand letting him know she approved also. She’d explain later that she was too choked up with emotions to say anything right then.

“Thank you for the praise,” Harm smiled in the rearview mirror at his children.

“When did you do all that Daddy?” asked Molly.

“Oh every weekend now since Thanksgiving I’ve been adding to it, putting a string of lights here and another there. Last weekend I had it almost done, then it snowed this morning, and you guys with your snowmen gave me the finishing touch.”

“Thank you Daddy. It’s beautiful.” Molly spoke for all of them.

“Your welcome.”

“It’s going to be the best Christmas I ever had,” announced Tina. Her voice was so confident and filled with love that Harm was glad they were home. His eyes filled with tears as his newest family member expressed her joy at being a part of their family.

“Okay, everyone. Inside...gets your coats and boots off, hung up and put away. Who would like a cup of hot spiced cider before they go to bed?”

“I do!”

“Me!”

“Me too!”

“Yeah!”

“Sounds like everyone. Meet me in the kitchen when you’ve got your pajamas on,” Mac called as they piled out of the van and headed for the house. “Nice work, Dad,” Mac softly said as Harm took her arm to walk her into the house.

“Do I need my pajamas on to get some hot cider too?”

“No...you can help me serve it and then I’ll help you get undressed later,” Mac flirted with her husband.

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Mac smiled.

As the entered the house, the smell of cinnamon, apple, and spice filled everyone’s senses and made their mouths water. Mac had left the cider in the crock pot on low so it would be ready when they got home. Harm took Mac’s coat to hang up along with his.

In the kitchen Mac took down six mugs and ladled up the spiced cider. Mac took out two donut holes for each of them and put them on a plate. She had picked them up at the bakery yesterday just for this occasion. The donuts weren’t homemade, but when she warmed them for a few seconds in the microwave they were almost as good.

“Looks like you’re almost done here. Anything left for me to do?” Harm asked as he snuggled up behind her and kissed her behind the ear.

“Put out some napkins and have a seat....hi guys...have a seat...the cider is warm but not hot enough to get burned on. You can each have two of the donut holes if you’re still hungry,” Mac instructed as the children trooped in their pajamas, robes and slippers.

“Did you have fun tonight?” asked Harm as he sipped his cider and smiled at his family.

“Yeah it was cool.”

“Glenn, ‘cool’ wouldn’t be your favorite word these days would it?” teased Harm.

“Maybe,” Glenn grinned knowing he’s been caught.

“I heard you use it a lot today. Let’s try to use some different words tomorrow...I don’t why you limiting your vocabulary by forgetting to use lots of words.”

“I will Daddy.”

“Good boy. So what was everyone’s favorite song tonight?” Harm asked.

Mac listened to their responses and the way Harm kept them talking about the activities of the day. She enjoyed just sitting back and listening to these sessions as Harm took the opportunity to reconnect with each child and get to know them a little better. He may not have as much time with them each day as she did, but he made sure he had quality time with them all every chance he had.

Mac noticed that the eyes were beginning to droop and that mugs were empty. “Time for bed,” she announced.

No one grumbled. They got up, put their cups on the sink and threw away their napkin before filing passed Mac and Harm for a goodnight hug and kiss before heading upstairs.

“We’ll be up to tuck you in a few minutes. Don’t forget to brush your teeth before you go to bed,” Harm reminded them.

Arms around each others waist they watched the children climb the stairs before turning to clean up the rest of the kitchen and unplug the crockpot. Once that was done they turned off the lights and by mutual agreement decided to call it a night once the children were in bed.

Monday Christmas Eve Day

Dr. Chen’s Office

Naval Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland

“How are you feeling Mac?” asked Dr. Chen as she joined her in the procedure room.

“I’m okay...a little nervous maybe,” Mac admitted.

“Is your husband with you today?”

“No, at the last minute he had to stay home to babysit while I came on my own. I offered to stay home, but he didn’t think it would work for him to come in my place.”

“Sometimes that would be nice, wouldn’t it? Men have no clue what woman go through in order to bear children,” Dr. Chen stated.

“No, I suppose most don’t. Harm on the other hand will read everything he can get his hands on and he’ll ask questions so he can relate as much as possible.”

“He’s the exception then.”

“Yes he is. I’m very lucky to have him.” Mac smiled as she shifted in the special maternity gown she wore.

“Let me explain again what we are going to do. First I’ll get the baby on the monitor where we can see what’s going on. Then while the nurse holds the wand in place I will insert a fine needle into your abdomen and into the amniotic sac. I’ll draw out a small amount which is what we send to the lab. I’ll remove the needle and you’ll get dressed. That’s all there is to it.”

“Sounds simple...except for the needle part.”

“I’ll use a local anesthetic on your stomach so it won’t hurt too much, although you will feel it some. Ready?”

“I guess so.”

Dr. Chen brought over the Ultrasound and took a couple of pictures so that Mac could have one to take home. This was the first ultra sound they had taken of the baby.

“Every thing looks good. Hearts beating strong and steady. Nurse, can you hold this in place please?” Dr. Chen asked the nurse that quietly joined them.

“Okay Mac, this swab will numb the area where I’ll insert the needle. The baby is in a great position so I don’t have to worry about that. Try not to move.”

Mac felt the doctor wipe a cool wet cloth on her skin and then felt the icy hot sensation like you got when you put on a muscle lineament. She felt the doctors hand press and then a sharp quick pain that made her gasp and freeze in place.

“Very good Mac...I’m in and I’m drawing the fluid. It’s going well...we’re almost done, so hand in there...okay almost done...and I’m out...nurse?”

“Everything looks clear.”

“Good, we’ll put a band-aid on where I inserted the needle. There will be some bleeding on the surface, but not much. How are you doing?”

“Glad its over.”

“I’m sure. We should have the report on the lab work back in about three days. If there are any concerns I’ll call you. Otherwise, you’ll get a report in the mail. You can go ahead and get dressed. I’ll see you in a month unless there are any problems.”

“Thank you Dr. Chen...and have a nice holiday.”

“Thank you. Happy Holidays to your family as well.”

Christmas Eve found the Rabb family joining their friends at the small chapel for Christmas services. Afterward they made their way to the wall to pay their respects to Grandpa Rabb. Snow fell softly and lightly, almost floating in the air at times. Tina was introduced as the newest member of the family.

That night over dinner, before they left for the chapel, Harm told them all the story about his father again...and Tina for the first time heard the whole story. Mac loved the fact that her husband had such a rich legacy to pass on to their children.

While they were at the wall, they heard a noise and turned to see who was coming. It was Ty, Mattie and Hannah joining them at the wall. Without a word, Harm took Hannah and brought her to the wall.

“Hey Dad...remember Mattie...she was my first daughter...Mac brought her to me right here at this wall on Christmas eve. Well she’s all grown up now Dad...and this is her little girl, Hannah...my grand daughter...your great granddaughter. I wish you could be here with us, Dad. I do my best to keep your memory alive...and Mac helps me make sure that our family knows all about you...but we also embrace Frank in our family.

“I know now that you’d have liked Frank...and that Mom did what you wanted in making sure I had a father if something happened to you. I didn’t truly understand it until I became a father. Now I can appreciate what you were trying to do. Thanks Dad...Merry Christmas”

Harm stood quietly composing himself for a few minutes before he stepped back with his family and handed Hannah back to her mother. “Shall we go?”

The Rabb family returned to their cars. Christmas day would be a busy one.

CHAPTER 13

New Year’s Eve

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

Mac had changed her dress three times. She had bought a new dress for the New Year’s Eve party the week before Christmas. The dress had fit well, floating over her barely rounded pregnant belly. Tonight the dress was too tight across her chest and over her stomach. It had been cast aside in favor of the dress that Harm had bought her for Christmas, only to discover that she couldn’t wear that one either.

“Harm, do I look like I’ve grown that much this past week?” Mac asked in exasperation.

“You’re beautiful, Mac.”

“That’s not what I asked, Squid!”

“Well, yes, you do look like you’re really pregnant this week, more then last week.”

“What am I going to wear?”

“What about your black dress?”

“Maybe...” Mac had pulled it out and slipped into in only to take it off again just as fast. The low cut front didn’t begin to cover her breasts. “Harm, what am I going to do?”

“Don’t panic...do you have any of the clothes you had before when you were pregnant?”

“No...I gave them to Mattie and Chloe.”

“Let’s see the phone...” Harm dialed a number and waited. “Mattie? Glad I caught you...Look do you have any of the maternity dress clothes Mac gave you to use?...You do? Great!....yeah, that would really help...perfect....I’ll tell her and we’ll see you soon. Thanks Mattie.”

“What? She has them?” Mac asked.

“Yes...as a matter of fact she and Chloe were going to surprise you and had gotten them ready and were returning them to you tonight anyway. Mattie and Chloe will be here soon. I had caught them as they were ready to walk out the door.”

“They knew nothing was going to fit...”

“Mac, isn’t that a good thing? Didn’t Dr. Chen say that she hoped to see the baby grow a little more rapidly by your next appointment?”

“Yes...I guess this is a good thing then.”

“Put your robe on and relax. I’ll go meet the babysitters and help get the kids settled. I’ll bring the clothes up when the girls get here. We have time.”

“I know...thank you.”

Thirty minutes later, Harm returned with his arms loaded with clothes. Mac spotted the dress she had worn to the Christmas ball when she had been pregnant with the twins. She didn’t care that she had been seen in that dress before. She slipped it on and it fit like an old friend. She was comfortable and knew she looked good in it.

Fifteen minutes later, Harm escorted her downstairs to join Mattie, Ty, Chloe and Greg. They were all going to the Langley’s for New Year’s Eve and had enlisted Jen and Jason for babysitting duty for all six children.

“Mac you look wonderful,” Chloe gushed as she stepped forward to hug her ‘big sister.’

“Thanks Chloe...I had to fight the hormones so I wouldn’t get upset and then not want to go. You guys rescued me having these clothes available.”

“We were going to surprise you with them anyway,” Mattie admitted, “But when Harm called we knew we had to come to the rescue.”

“That you did. Are we ready?” Mac asked.

“We are. Jen...Jason...and last minute advice needed?” Harm asked.

“We’re good. Have fun you guys,” Jen called as she waved to them from the door and watch them get into the Rabb mini-van. When they drove down the street she closed the front door and went to check on Jason and their charges. She found Tina and Molly on each side of him vying for his attention, while Scott and Glenn were on the floor playing with Hannah. Adam was asleep in his portable crib. Jen stopped and listened as the girls talked to Jason.

“You knew Mommy and Daddy before they got married too?” Molly was asking.

“Yes...I remember when they use to fight and drive the Admiral nuts.” Jason chuckled at the memories.

“They don’t fight,” Tina insisted.

“Not in front of you maybe...but I can’t believe they don’t have words sometimes,” insisted Jason.

“Jason, remember how they use to work so well together that no one wanted to come between them?” Jen hinted to Jason to get him to change his focus a little. Unfortunately he didn’t pick up on her hint.

“I remember how competitive they were. You father bet your mother that he could beat her in a race if she had a six minute lead.”

“Did he?” asked Glenn suddenly interested in the conversation on the couch.

“Not exactly,” Jason hedged.

“Mommy won?” Molly asked beaming with pride.

“No...”

“Who won?”

“Well they tied...and Commander Turner beat them both.”

“Wow...he must be fast.” Scott joined in with the others because Hannah had fallen asleep.

“He was...one of the only people that could out run your dad.”

“Jason, I think they should hear what they did after finishing their race.” Jen urged him to keep talking now.

“Oh yeah...the winner got to be in charge for the day and so Commander Turner insisted that the three of them go back and finish the race with Commander Roberts...of course he was only a Lieutenant then.”

“Did they?”

“Yes. That was the kind of thing they always did...helped someone out that was down on their luck.”

“That’s why they adopted Tina and me,” insisted Molly. “We needed a family and they wanted to make us part of their family.”

“That’s right.” Jen and Jason both confirmed what the girls were saying.

“They couldn’t find boys that needed them so they grew us,” announced Glenn.

“Did not,” returned Scott.

“Did too.”

“Hold on guys...they were lucky to be able to have you two guys...and they were lucky to find two little girls that needed them too. The new baby could be a boy or a girl...we’ll have to wait and see.” Jen tried to explain that natural children and adopted children weren’t chosen or ordered to specification...they were all lucky to be a part of the Rabb family.

“If Mommy has a girl, will they adopt another boy?” asked Scott.

“You’ll have to talk to them about that,” Jen laughed. Deciding to change the subject she asked, “Anyone want popcorn?”

“Yeah!”

“I do!”

“I do too!”

“Yummy!”

“I’d say that’s a yes. Jason, you and the boys pick out a movie while the girls help me make the popcorn and cocoa.”

Fifteen minutes later they were all cuddled together watching one of the new animated movies Grandpa Burnett had given them for Christmas.

1930 Local

Langley Home

Capitol Heights, Maryland

“So this is their new house?” asked Mac. “Looks nice.”

“It’s beautiful,” exclaimed Chloe.

“Yeah, Mom’s been chomping at the bit to get a place of their own and get out of government housing,” added Greg.

“Didn’t they own the place in London?” Mattie asked.

“Yes, but because it was historic they were limited with what they could do with it,” explained Ty.

They all got out and headed for the house. Before they could get to the door, Lillian and Tyler Langley Sr. opened the door to welcome their guests.

“You found us. Any problems?”

“None at all,” smiled Harm as he guided Mac to the door as he shook hands with General Langley.

“Admiral, glad you and the Colonel could join us this evening. I hear congratulations are in order and your family is growing again.”

“Yes thank you...we’re a little surprised, but pleased,” Harm returned.

“Sarah, let me take your wrap,” offered Lillian.

“Thank you.”

“Ty...Greg...put the girls’ wraps in here and then we’ll go through to the living room. Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes.” Mrs. Langley directed traffic with ease.

They two younger couples and two mature couples chatted easily about the ‘shared’ grandchildren. Over a sit down dinner of filet mignons and lobster, a potato cheese souffle, asparagus tips and glazed baby carrots, they reminisced about several shared experiences in London, watching the children graduate from Annapolis, the weddings, and the birth of the grandchildren.

“Harm, I don’t regret retiring at all. I think you’ll also enjoy the additional time it will give you with your family when you finally decide to give it up.”

“You’re probably right. Every day I think about retirement a little more seriosuly.”

“How many years do you need to put in for your thirty?” asked Ty.

“I’ll have my thirty in two and half years.”

“Sarah, do you regret retiring?” Lillian asked.

“I haven’t had time to miss it...at least not on a daily basis. Every now and then Harm will come home and talk about a case or situation and I think about what I would do...but day to day...no way! I don’t miss it.”

“She organized the children and runs our home and her schedule as efficiently as you would expect from a Marine...but she’s also learned to soften the edges and let go of being Ms. Gung Ho Jarhead,” Harm teased.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I decided not to serve a dessert with our dinner. We have a few other guests that will be joining us shortly, and I’m serving dessert once they get here.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Mac smiled.

2350

Langley Home

Capitol Heights, Maryland

Harm held Mac in his arms as they slowly danced in the sun room of the Langley’s home which had been converted into a dance floor. The few guests had turned out to be an additional twelve people, a mixture of friends of the Langley’s and friends of their children. The mixed age group had settled on music from the big band era and were all enjoying dancing and mingling with one another.

“You know Mrs. Rabb...its almost midnight.”

“Yes I know...my internal clock is working fine thank you.”

“Are you getting tired?”

“A little maybe.”

“Why don’t we load up and head home as soon as we can after midnight?” Harm suggested.

“Ty and Greg probably want to stay later...and I’m sure Chloe and Mattie are enjoying the dancing...”

“How would you feel about taking care of the two babies until they can come get them tomorrow?” Harm asked.

“Well, they did leave enough bottles just in case...”

“And Jen and Jason will have them all settled by the time we get home. What do you say?” Harm asked again.

“We’ll ask them right after midnight...it’s in sixty seconds.” Mac started the count down for everyone. “Get ready everyone...forty-five...thirty....twenty....ten...nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one....Happy New Year!”

Harm wrapped Mac in his arms and kissed her deeply. “Happy New Year Mac.”

“Happy New Year to you too Harm.”

For the next few minutes they hugged and kissed their fellow revelers wishing every one a Happy New Year. When they found Chloe and Mattie together with their husbands they shared their idea with them.

“If you guys want to stay here and stay over, we can come get you tomorrow...we’ll baby sit for tonight if you’d like. What do you think?” asked Harm.

“That’s nice of you to offer Dad, but I’m ready to go anytime.” Mattie looked at the others.

“I’m with Mattie,” agreed Chloe.

“Your wish is my command,” Greg said before kissing Chloe again.

“I hate to end your night early if you want to stay,” objected Mac.

“Mac, I’m exhausted,” Mattie assured her.

“Me too.” Chloe looked at Greg. “And I know Greg must be too.”

“I am. Ty?”

“I’ll tell the folks and get your wraps.”

“Are you going to drive all the way back or do you want to crash at the house?” Mac asked them.

They talked it over and decided that they would stay over as they didn’t want to take the babies out if they didn’t have too.

0740 Local

January 1, 2013

Rabb Residence

Arlington, Virginia

“Mom?”

“Dad?”

“Yes, Tina?” asked Harm rolling over and getting one eye opened.

“Are you going to make pancakes for us this morning or should we have cereal?”

Looking at the clock, some what startled that it was as late as it was, Harm smiled at his newest daughter. “I’ll be down in a few minutes to make pancakes. Do you want to get the ingredients out for me like you did last time?” Harm asked.

“Okay...and Molly will get the juice poured.”

He watched her scamper off before he slid out of bed. Mac stirred but slept on. Pulling on his jeans and a sweatshirt, he headed for the bathroom and then the kitchen.

By the time he had finished cooking the pancakes, everyone was up and seated around the table. They were on their second pot of coffee and enjoying the start of the new year together as a family.

CHAPTER 14

March 2013

On the Road

Bethesda to Arlington

“Mac’s what’s wrong? I thought the appointment went rather well.”

“We still don’t know if I’m carrying a boy or a girl?” Mac admitted.

“Does it really matter that much?” Harm asked his wife, his voice filled with love.

“No...its just I wanted to decorate the bedroom just so and not knowing makes it hard to do.”

“So focus on redecorating our new room for now,” Harm suggested.

For Christmas Harm had designed a new bedroom in the basement of the house for them. Eventually it would have a walk out patio through a sliding glass door, although that part wouldn’t be done for a few more weeks when spring arrived. The baby’s room was off of theirs along with a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a step in shower and a large spa tub. When the baby was ready to move to its own room, the nursery would be converted to a sitting room or office.

“Harm I know how I want our room to look, but I have to wait until its finished more before we can do anything.”

“Well Dr. Chen said that she’ll do another ultra sound in three weeks. Maybe the little one will cooperate for us then.”

“Maybe...Harm we haven’t decided on a name yet either.”“

“Mac, why are you rushing things?”

“I’m not...” Mac saw Harm look at her and roll her eyes. “Maybe I am.”

“Why Mac? I thought you were enjoying this pregnancy more - you felt better then with the twins; you haven’t gained as much weight this time; you know what to expect; and you know I’ll be right here with you.”

“I can’t explain it Harm. It’s like I feel a need to have this stuff decided on right away...like something might happen to me and I won’t be able to decide...or I’m going to miss it...I know I’m being silly.”

“No...not if you’re telling me what you’re feeling...that’s never silly, Mac...I like it when you are open about things. Are you having premonitions?”

“I’m not sure...if I am...its not good.”

“Why?”

“Because I have a feeling that if we don’t do this stuff now, you’ll have to do it without me.” Mac spoke so softly Harm could hardly hear her.

“Don’t go there Marine. I will not let something happen to you...we need you.”

“Harm...you might not have a choice...”

“So how do you want to prepare? I mean, in case you’re right...which you’re not...how can I help ease you’re mind?”

“Let’s decide on names.”

“Alright...tell me the two names you like.”

“Oh no...I know what you’ll do...you’ll agree to make me happy.”

“I won’t Mac...”

“Tell me the names you like?”

“What makes you think you won’t do what you’ve accused me of?”

“Find, Harm...when we get home you write down a boys name and a girls name and I’ll do the same...then we can exchange them.”

“Fine.” They rode in silence until they were turning into their driveway. Just before he shut the engine off he turned to Mac and added, “Nothing bed is going to happen to you.”

Together they got out of the car and went into the house where Mattie was watching the children for them. She sensed the tension the minute they came into the house.

“Is everything okay?” Mattie asked.

“According to Dr. Chen, yes...according to Mac, maybe not.” Harm said as Mac headed to the living room to see her children.

“Want me to talk to her?” Mattie offered as she watched Harm watching Mac disappear into the other room.

“Give her a few minutes with the kids...I think she’ll come out of this funk,” Harm suggested.

“What started it?”

“I’m not sure...she had her heart set on finding out if the baby is a boy or a girl but the baby wouldn’t cooperate...couldn’t get even a hint.” Harm explained.

“Legs crossed or turned toward her back.”

“Legs crossed and turned sideways.”

“Sorry...I didn’t think it really mattered to you what you had.”

“It doesn’t Mattie...at least to me...but I’m beginning to think it does to Mac for some reason.”

“You said she thinks something’s wrong with the baby. What is she worried about?” Mattie probed.

“I’m not clear on that either...Dr. Chen said the baby is fine...but Mac seems to think she won’t be here to help name the baby. She wants us to each right our favorite names for the baby down and compare notes.”

“Why not just say them?”

“She’s got in her head that I’ll just agree with her.”

“Like that happens very often,” Mattie teased.

“Don’t you have to head home?” Harm shot back at Mattie with a grin.

“Actually I do. I’ll get Hannah and be on my way. Call if I can help.”

“Thanks Mattie...I’ll do that.”

Harm helped Mattie gather Hannah’s things together and saw them on their way before joining the children as they finished their homework.

“Did Mommy go upstairs?” Harm asked when he saw Mac was no longer there.

“I think she went down to look at the new room Daddy,” Molly told him.

“You finish your homework up. I’m going to go check on Mommy.” Harm kissed the top of each child’s head before he went downstairs. “Mac?” he called. Rounding the corner he found her sitting on the floor in the nursery area with her knees drawn to her chest as best as she could with her baby belly in the way. She was sobbing and her tears wet with tears.

“Oh Mac...Sweetheart...come here,” Harm lowered himself to the floor beside her and wrapped her in his embrace. “Talk to me, Mac.”

“I had one of my dreams...and I watched you holding our son as you cried...I was dead...” her tears started again.

“No, Mac...you’re fine...the baby is fine. I might cry but they’ll be tears of joy when I hold our baby.”

“Then why do I feel like this? Why am I having these dreams?” Mac demanded.

“I don’t know Sweetheart...when did they start?”

“The first one was three nights ago.”

“And since then?”

“Every night.”

“Is that why its so important to you to know if the baby is a boy or a girl?”

“Yes...if it’s a girl then I can write this off as a bad dream...but if it’s a boy...God Harm! I don’t want to die...I want to raise this baby...I want to see them grow up and make us grandparents...I need to know if I’m carrying a boy!” Mac was working herself up as she talked.

Harm held her and did his best to sooth her. After a few minutes he realized that she had cried herself to sleep. Carefully he eased her onto the floor and covered her with is jacket.

He ran upstairs and called in an order for a pizza as he checked on the children.

“Homework done?”

“Yes Daddy.”

“I ordered a pizza. Mommy and I will be downstairs for a while...Molly and Tina, you can go to the door together and pay for the pizza...here’s the money. Boys, you get out the plates and napkins and the girls will get you each a soda...a special treat for tonight. Afterward if we aren’t up here yet, you can each have two cookies.”

“Can we watch a movie?”

“Yes, Molly...you or Tina can put in a DVD movie...you know which ones.”

“Yes Daddy...Is Mommy okay?”

“Yes. We’ve just got to talk about some things. We’ll be back in awhile.”

“Okay.”

Harm returned downstairs with a blanket, paper, two pens and a box of Kleenex. He carefully covered her with the blanket and sat down next to her waiting for her to stir. Ten minutes later she sat up and looked at him.

“I fell asleep?”

“Yes.”

“The kids...”

“Are fine...I ordered pizza and they will watch a movie afterward. We’re going to talk and make some decisions...okay?”

“Thank you.”