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?”