Title: Porch Talk

Author: Hollyjp

Summary: Harm and Mac realize the importance of porches and decks in their lives and may the only choices possible.

Spoilers: Anything up through season 9.

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.

PORCH TALK

1830 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

*Bbrring-bbrring*

“Rabb Residence.”

(Commander Rabb, this is Martha from the realtor’s office. Are you still interested in seeing the two houses in Falls Church that we talked about?)

Harm closed his eyes and swallowed. He knew that Mattie would be going back to her father’s soon, although there may be times she would want to come visit. While one part of him was deciding to say no, the other part of him - apparently with more will power - answered, “Yes, very much.”

(Great. Oh I also have another new listing in McLean that you may be interested in as well. It has many of the same features that you said were important and its in your price range and in move in condition. Would you like me to set that up as well?)

“Yes, might as well. Can you do it this Saturday?”

(Yes. What time and where shall I meet you?)

“Why don’t you meet me at the house in Falls Church that is on the dead end road?”

(Alright.)

“Say about one o’clock?”

(Sounds good. Saturday at one o’clock it is.) Harm hung up the phone and sighed. Then before he could lose his nerve, he picked up the phone and called Mac.

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

*Bbrring-bbrring*

(Colonel Mackenzie.)

“Hey, Tiger. How you doing?”

(Alright.)

“Mac, are you busy Saturday afternoon?”

(Not really. Why?)

“I’m going to meet the realtor in Falls Church and look at a couple of houses there and one in McLean. If you aren’t busy, I’d really like you to come with me.”

(Isn’t Mattie...)

“Probably but I hope she’ll come visit sometimes...and I...aahh...well I thought maybe someday...” Harm’s voice trailed off and Mac held her breath waiting to see what he would say.

(Harm?)

“Yes, Mac?”

(Just say what you want to say.)

“I’d like your input on a house because maybe someday, if we can work things out, we’ll be living there together.” Harm was breathless by the time he got the words out.

Mac smiled and tried to contain herself as she answered, (I love to...thanks.) Mac smiled as she listened to Harm take a deep breath as if he had been holding it waiting for her reaction more then her answer.

“I’ll pick you up about 1230 and we’ll see what’s available. And Mac?”

(Yes...)

“If we get our miracle, I want a back yard and room for a growing family...what would you like?”

(Beside our miracle?)

“Yeah.”

(Well I’ve always thought I’d like a porch...)

“Me too...we do seem to connect on porches, don’t we?”

(Yeah, I guess we do.)

“What else besides a soaking tub and a porch?”

(I didn’t mention a tub.) Mac tried to hide the grin on her face.

“But you were thinking it and I happen to know you love to relax in a bubble bath - quite beautifully I might add.”

(Harm....) Mac couldn’t believe the effect Harm’s voice was having on her over this rather innocent conversation.

“Yes, Mac?”

(A fireplace might be nice.)

“So far, as much as I hate to admit it, you haven’t mentioned anything I didn’t already have on my wish list that I gave to the realtor. I guess we’ll see what they have for us on Saturday.”

(I guess that’s a good omen then.)

“Yes, I think it is...Mac, I know this bugs you when I ask, but...” Harm let his voice trail off.

(You’re going to ask me how I feel and if there’s any news from the doctor.)

“Yeah, I was...but I hate to keep bringing it up, even though I worry about you.”

(It’s okay Harm...it’s actually kind of nice knowing someone really cares...I’m feeling pretty good as the medicine she gave me seems to be working. I got a letter from the doctor saying that my hormone levels at this point are within normal range.)

“Is that good?”

(Yes. Sometimes the scar tissue can trick your system into releasing too much or not enough hormones. She put a note on the bottom of her letter.)

“Are you going to tell me what it said?”

(Yes...I was going to wait and show you actually, but I might as well tell you. The note said that if I wanted to go ahead and try to conceive naturally I should probably try during the next four to six months. If it doesn’t work, then she feels there will be time to try other methods.)

“That’s good news...I know this isn’t going to sound right but when you’re ready to try let me know, okay?”

(I will...)

“Mac, what’s wrong?”

(Nothing really, it’s just I had hoped we could let it happen naturally and not have to stage anything...)

“I know...and I didn’t mean it like that really...I just meant I didn’t want to push you into something if you weren’t ready. You’ve just lost a man that you thought you were in love with and I know I’ve hurt you in the past and I don’t want to rush you through your time to mourn what you lost.”

(I know Harm...but I think I mourned what I thought we’d lost longer and more deeply then what I’ve mourned for Clayton Webb. Maybe its because of his work or maybe because I really don’t blame myself for his death or maybe its just that I’ve always wanted this chance with you and now that its possible I don’t want to wait - for any reason.)

“You really mean that don’t you Mac?”

(Yeah, I do.)

“Maybe I should come over there tonight...”

(Maybe not!) Mac laughed at his obvious eagerness. (Harm, you’ve been so good to me through this whole thing...are you sure?)

“Mac, it took me way too long to get to a place where I could let go and move into a relationship with you. I wanted it to be perfect, but I know it won’t be. I also know that I will do anything in my power to make it work. Your are my best friend and I’ve always thought that my wife should be my best friend.” Harm heard the gasp from Mac on the other end of the line. “Mac?”

(I’m here.)

“Did I say to much or go to fast for you?”

(No...you did surprise me but in a nice way. I - aahh - wasn’t sure just how far you were willing to take this commitment.)

“Guess you know now, huh?”

(Yeah...funny thing because I always thought it would be great to marry my best friend...)

“Mac, this isn’t a very romantic way of asking you to marry me, but maybe Saturday I can do better and we can talk about wedding dates after we’ve looked at the houses.”

(Did you just ask me to marry you?)

“Actually I think it was more of a discussion and a fact finding mission. The official question will probably come on Saturday...we’ll make a day of it...I’ll pick you up at 1230 and then we can look at the houses and afterwards maybe we can go shopping and then later on we’ll go out for dinner and dancing and then when it’s a little more romantic I can ask you officially.”

(Wow! Saturday’s going to be a big day for us by the sounds. What about Mattie?)

“She’ll be gone all day Saturday with her father and then she and Jen have plans to go to the movies with a couple of friends Saturday night followed by midnight pizza back at their apartment. Mattie won’t miss Saturday with me at all.”

(Okay, then...I’m looking forward to it.)

“Me too...and Mac?”

(Yes, Harm?)

“I’ll see you tomorrow at JAG, right?”

(I’ll be there. Good-night.)

“Night, Mac...Love you.”

(Love you too...) Mac murmured smiling from ear to ear and listening to the dial tone.

Saturday

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

<Knock-knock>

“Come on in Harm. I’ll be ready in just a second,” Mac said as she opened the door and turned to go back into her kitchen. Harm followed behind her after closing the door. He smiled as he admired her figure without her seeing him.

“No rush.”

“I do believe you are actually a little early, Flyboy.”

“Wow, that’s a nickname I haven’t heard in awhile.”

Mac just smiled as she continued working at the counter. Finally she turned with a smile and offered Harm a basket.

“What’s this?”

“I thought I’d pack us a picnic lunch. Do you mind?”

“Sounds wonderful. Ready?” Harm asked as he took the basket and stepped aside for Mac to proceed him to living room and into the hall.

Together they climbed into Harm’s Lexus and headed for the first place in Falls Church. The realtor had pulled in just ahead of them.

“Hello Commander.”

“Martha. I’d like you to meet Sarah. She is interested in seeing that I make the right decision buying this house.” Harm introduced the two women. They shook hands, and Martha led them to the front door.

“As you can see this is a nice neighborhood and the house has good curb appeal. It’s a three bedroom, two bathroom ranch with a finished basement and two car garage. It was built in the early eighties and has been redecorated within the last year with appliance updates and upgrades. I think you’ll find it quite lovely.” Martha opened the door with a flourish and allowed Harm and Mac to enter and wander through the place on their own, trailing after them in case they had questions or missed important selling points in the property.

All of the rooms were painted in either soft taupe, eggshell or beige and the carpet throughout was a Berber in a neutral light tan color. The kitchen and bathroom floors were a wood laminate. The appliances and fixtures sparkled. The dining room was small and one wall was made up almost entirely with a glass slider that led to a small deck. The bedrooms were all about the same size, with the master bedroom only marginally larger and an attached bathroom distinguishing it from the others. It didn’t take them long to complete the tour and return to the cars.

Martha had instructed them to follow her to the next house a few blocks over. Once in the Lexus, Harm and Mac allowed their disappointment to show.

“Pretty bland, huh?” asked Harm.

“You know there wasn’t anything wrong with the house really, but it just didn’t seem to have personality,” Mac suggested.

Harm agreed and in no time they were pulling into the driveway of a colonial blue split level house with a small porch entry and attached two car garage. The landscaping was minimal and Harm and Mac shared a smile as they spotted the rose bushes on either side of the walkway.

This house was slightly older but again had been remodeled and updated within the last two years and was in move in condition. The back yard included a deck with stairs leading to a patio area and a children’s swing set and sand box. Harm reached for Mac’s hand as they stood looking at the backyard. In this house the bedrooms were on the lower level and the living space was above. The six steps leading from the hall entrance to the living room were hardwood with a carpeted runner on the stairs for quiet.

The living room, dining room and kitchen area were fairly open with a pantry off the kitchen and a bathroom and den on the opposite side from the kitchen being the only enclosed rooms upstairs. The living room had a nice fireplace.

Down stairs almost half the space was dominated by the large master bedroom and bath with two walk-in closets. The master bath had a soaker/whirlpool tub as well as a large shower stall. There were three other bedrooms and a bathroom as well as a linen closet and laundry room downstairs.

The price tag was on the high end of Harm’s range, but the owners really wanted to sell and Martha felt that a lower offer might be accepted.

With instructions to follow her to McLean where the third house was located, Harm and Mac discussed the Colonial split level.

“The back yard was great, didn’t you think Mac?”

“Yes...if we get our miracle.”

“There was a porch and a deck, a fireplace, and I saw your eyes when you spotted that tub,” Harm teased Mac.

“It was nice...”

“...But it still didn’t seem just right did it?”

“No...almost two big in away.”

“Well, McLean is a little further away from JAG, but it is still closer then our current commutes...and it was good enough for the Admiral.”

“Well, if we don’t see something we like today, we keep looking. I don’t want to just settle on something, do you?”

“No, me either.” They rode in silence for a few minutes each lost in their own thoughts. When Martha turned onto a familiar side road, Harm and Mac exchanged glances in disbelief.

“Mac?”

“It isn’t the Admiral’s house is it?”

“There are one or two houses near him, but not many. I’m sure its just a coincidence.”

“He never mentioned that he was selling his house, did he?”

“Not that I remember...Oh my!” Harm and Mac stared in amazement as Martha parked in front of Admiral A.J. Chegwidden’s house. Slowly they got out of the house and started up the steps to the porch where they first admitted to loving each other - at least in a vague sense.

Neither of them really heard what Martha was saying as they entered the house, now empty of all of the Admiral’s personal belongings. Harm reached for Mac’s hand as they moved from room to room. The beautiful hardwood floors, the fireplace, the dining room - all held such memories for them, yet as they wandered from room to room they realized that this house had personality and grace and comfort and was almost perfect the way it was.

Both Harm and Mac had run with the Admiral on his trail which wound through the five acres beyond his back yard. There was a garden area that had produced vegetables and other areas that had boasted of beautiful flowers.

“This home could use some updating but its solid and in good shape. I believe the owner retired from the service and is selling to return to his roots in Texas or something,” Martha explained. “I figured it was worth a look.”

Harm and Mac, still holding hands, gazed into each others eyes and shared one of their infamous non-verbal discussions before saying at the same time, “We’ll take it.”

It was only a few minutes before they made their offer and signed the paperwork to start the process. They would have to wait to find out if they got it.

They spent the afternoon wandering the parks in McLean after their picnic lunch. They then decided to check out the local stores.

Mac found her self more relaxed and happy then she had in years. Harm was attentive, but not smothering. He would wander away to look at something and then go to her when she called his name, or he would call to her to share one of his findings with her. When they were together, they would link fingers or Harm would settle one hand lightly near the small of Mac’s back.

Harm was equally as relaxed, which surprised him considering what he was planning to do later that evening - ask Sarah Mackenzie to marry him in an official and somewhat public way. Yet all he could think about at the moment was finding the perfect home, spending the day with his best friend, and making a commitment to her to spend their lives together. He reached for her hand again and smiled at her when she looked at him.

“You okay, Harm?” Mac asked as he continued to look at her and smile.

“Yeah...you?”

“Yes. Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’m not sure how I’m looking at you, but I’m looking at you because I like looking at you and because I love you.”

“I love you too Harm...”

“I know...took us a long time to get things right, but I think we’ve learned from our mistakes and I feel our bond is stronger because of it.”

“I agree.”

“What time is it?”

“Wow...time doesn’t usually get away from me like that - it’s 1825 - no wonder everyone seems to be closing shop.”

“You ready for dinner?”

“Sure...”

“I thought we’d head back toward the city if you don’t mind...I made reservations.”

“Harm I didn’t bring anything dressy to wear.”

“You don’t need anything dressy...you’re fine just the way you are. I only made reservations because I wanted to be sure they had a special table for us.”

“And I don’t need to dress up?”

“No...you could if you wanted to, but you look great just as you are.”

“Thank you, kind sir.” Mac gave a slight curtsey to Harm.

“Let’s head back to the car and start back. It should be just about right.”

“You going to tell me where you’re taking me?”

“No...not unless you guess correctly. I’ve already given you some hints.”

Mac took it as a challenge to try to solve the puzzle. All the way back she turned in her seat and asked him questions.

“Have we been there together before?”

“Yes. But we were with other people.”

“Is it a place with things we both like on the menu?”

“Yes.”

“That leaves out Beltway Burger then.”

Harm laughed as Mac tried to think of restaurants they had both been too. There had been many over the years.

“Well, if we don’t have to dress up that would eliminate several places like the Oasis, the new Thai restaurant, the Willard Hotel...does it have a dance floor?”

“No.”

“Oh.” Mac’s disappointment was clear in her voice.

“But there’s a dance place not far away and we’ll go there after we eat - at least that was my plan.”

“Good plan, Flyboy,” Mac grinned her approval. As they passed one exit Mac smiled, “Well that lets out McMurphy’s - must be Benzinger’s!”

“Sorry. That’s not it either.”

Mac was running through the clues when Harm turned off the highway onto a side road and doubled back just to try to keep the surprise a few seconds longer by approaching the restaurant from a different direction. Before Mac recognized where they were, he gave her one final clue and an explanation of why he chose this restaurant.

“In honor of the road not taken - yet.”

Mac turned to Harm with her eyes glistening as he turned into the restaurant they had gone to with Bud, Harriet, Sturgis, and the admiral in celebration of Jennifer Coates’ promotion.

“Are you going to tell me the whole story?” Mac asked smiling and trying to keep her tears at bay. She really didn’t like getting emotional in public.

“Yes, I will tell you all about it over dinner. Shall we?”

Mac joined Harm and arm in arm they entered the restaurant. Harm spoke to the hostess who recognized him and brought them to the smaller table in the same location near the fish tanks. Once they were seated and had ordered their food, Harm retold the entire story to Mac about what he had envisioned that day thinking about the road not yet taken and his hidden desires.

Mac never interrupted but did reach out to hold his hand and once moved her chair closer to him. He finished with how he had realized that day that its fine to let someone go that wants to go, but at the same time its only fair that they know what they are walking away from.

“Harm, I think I started to realize something that day, too. No matter what we’ve faced or thrown at each other we keep coming back together. That saying about a fine line between love and hate is very true for us I think...which is why we fight - to hide how much we love each other. Right?”

“I think so. I also know I don’t want to fight with you all the time - although once in awhile so we can make up wouldn’t be bad I guess,” Harm grinned.

“You are bad!”

“Usually you tell me I’m a prude.”

“Well you are at times.” Mac grinned as she finished her meal. She leaned back in her chair and looked over at Harm again. “I have a such a wonderful day, Harm. Thank you.”

“It’s not over yet, and I hope I don’t ruin it...”

“I don’t think that’s possible.”

As the waiter approached, Harm nodded. A fortune cookie was placed in front of Mac on a little plate while Harm’s plate had the bill and his cookie. Harm handed the man some money and told him to keep the change. Once he had left, Harm chewed on his bottom lip waiting for Mac to open her cookie and read it.

“Your turn to read your fortune cookie Mac.” Harm smiled.

Mac picked it up and broke it open. She turned the paper right side up and read the message there. Not quite believing it she read it again and looked up at Harm.

“Read it to me Mac. What does it say?”

“You have the power to make a man happy by agreeing to become his wife. He loves you.”

Harm smiled and broke open his cookie. He looked at the message inside and held it out to Mac. It read, “Your secret desire is the road not taken. Take it!”

Harm reached into his pocket and removed the simple diamond solitaire in the platinum setting and reached for Mac’s hand. He slid from his chair to one knee in front of her and looked into her eyes. He held the ring on the tip of her left ring finger.

“I’m in love with you, Sarah Mackenzie. You are my best friend and the only women I have ever wanted to let go completely with. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and face whatever challenges and joys are sent our way together. Will you make me a happy man and agree to marry me?”

Mac had to swallow the lump of emotion in her throat as she pulled Harm close to her with her right hand as he continued to hold her left ready to slide the ring into place. “Yes...I am in love with you too, Harm.”

In one motion the ring was on her finger and Mac found herself wrapped in Harm’s arms in the middle of a Chinese restaurant with all the other customers and the staff applauding. They kissed but pulled apart conscious of the public forum and the attention they were getting.

Together they left the restaurant and once in the car they headed back closer to the city, but only went a few miles before Harm pulled into a parking lot next to a club where the JAG crew had sometimes gone after Happy Hour at Benzinger’s. They played a variety of music and had a nice dance floor. There were places where large groups could gather or small intimate tables for couples in love and only interested in each other.

Harm and Mac found a small table not far from the dance floor and before Mac could take a seat he led her on to the dance floor. It was a soft love song playing, perfect for their first dance as an engaged couple. {...Could I have this dance for the rest of my life... Will you be my partner every night?...} The words floated on the air around them as Harm held Mac close and allowed himself to enjoy the feel of her body against his.

One song turned into another while one couple just kept dancing as if they were listening to their own music, oblivious to the others around them. It wasn’t until the place was ready to close and someone interrupted them to tell them about last call, that they realized that they had never taken a seat or had a drink all evening. They had just held each other and danced.

They picked up their things and arm in arm they went to Harm’s car. He held the door open for her and kissed her as he buckled her seat belt around her. Pulling himself away he shut her door and took a few deep breaths as he composed himself before sliding behind the wheel to drive them home...her home.

“Mac, do you want me to take you home or do you want to come home with me?” He reached for her hand as he asked, really not sure what she would chose to do.

Mac smiled at his gentlemanly behavior and leaned over to kiss his cheek. “I want to go home with you.”

Harm just smiled as he drove them back to his place north of Union Station. Mac met him in front of the Lexus as he parked and locked the vehicle after getting out. They kissed once under the street light before they went up the stairs to Harm’s place.

Once the apartment door was closed, Harm pulled Mac back into his arms and kissed her with all the pent up longing and passion in him. Later, Mac would remember the gentle touches, the soft but firm lips that worked such magic on her body; the velvety touch of his tongue - that tongue that had tormented her for years when it peaked between his beautiful white teeth; the strength and power leashed to provide her with just the right amount of passion to make her appreciate her femininity while giving her the freedom and confidence to explore tease and tantalize in return; and the love, care and giving nature of the man that vowed to always be there for her.

Sunday morning

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Harm opened his eyes and smiled at the beautiful woman asleep beside him. Harm had worried that the first time they were together would feel awkward or staged as Mac had described it. Instead, it was magical. From the moment they had decided to buy the Admiral’s house, everything else seemed to fall into place. They had not had one moment of nervousness or discomfort as they moved closer together physically and emotionally.

Harm smiled as he watched Mac start to stir. Before her eyes opened he saw the most beautiful smile light up her face and heard her whisper, “Harm...”

“I’m right here,” he whispered back.

“Mattie will be coming over for breakfast soon. Are we going to tell her the news?”

“I don’t think we need to tell her that her guardian just spent the night in the arms of his finance having the most mind boggling sex of his life, do you?”

Mac burst out laughing before she thumped his arm lightly with a fist and said, “Jerk...you can’t stand to have a hallmark moment can you?”

“I thought we did pretty well last night - or this morning.”

“We did...I love you, you know.”

“I love you too...but I do have one problem.”

“Just one?”

“Well, one that I want to deal with at the moment,” Harm grinned at Mac’s typical good natured jab at him.

“What’s that?”

“I almost always call you Mac...because that’s how you introduced yourself to me when we met. It use to drive me crazy when your boyfriends called you Sarah all the time - because to me you were Mac.”

“Yeah. Where’ the problem?”

“I don’t want to remind you of some other guy if I call you Sarah, but I’m not sure calling out Mac at certain times is right either. So what should I do?”

“Well, you could call me ‘Sweet thing’ again,” Mac suggested trying not to grin.

“I did not call you ‘Sweet Thing’!”

“Yes you did...and someday you will tell me what was going on in your head...but for now I’ll let you off the hook.”

“Gee thanks...”

“Harm, as long as I hear your voice, I don’t really care what you call me. My name sounds very different when you say it then when anyone else says it...so its up to you. Say what feels right.”

“Okay, Tiger...you’ve got it. Speaking of which...I think we made a pretty smooth transition from friends to lovers last night, don’t you?”

“Yeah...like a switch was flipped. I guess it was because it was meant to happen and we finally got the time and place right.”

“Tell you what...I’ll go jump in the shower and get dressed first, then I can get breakfast while you shower and dress...how’s that sound?”

“Good plan.” Mac relaxed and watched her fiancé climb out of bed and walk naked to the bathroom. He glanced over his shoulder and caught her watching him.

“Like what you see?”

“Not a bad six - for a middle aged ex-fighter jock turned lawyer I guess.”

Harm rolled his eyes and shook his head as he entered the bathroom while Mac snuggled into the bed a little more smelling his pillow.

Harm quickly showered and dress before turning the bathroom over to Mac after claiming a quick but thorough kiss, and turned his attention to fixing the Sunday morning brunch we often prepared for Mattie and Jen. It was almost 1000 and Mattie and Jen would be arriving anytime. He couldn’t wait to share his news with Mattie and hoped she would be as happy for him as he was for her being able to reconcile with her father.

Harm was setting scrambled eggs, pancakes, strawberries, bananas, bacon, sausage, orange juice and coffee on the table when the knock at the door announcing Mattie and Jen came. The door opened only an inch and Mattie called out, “Safe to enter?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” Harm asked somewhat amused and puzzled.

“Because you were seen arriving home with a women in the wee hours of the morning and your car is in the same exact place as it was last night.”

“You spying on me?”

“No...I was up late thinking and happened to look out and see you kissing her...”

“Morning Mattie,” Mac called as she came down the steps and opened the door pulling both Mattie and Jen into the room.

“Mac!”

“Ma’am!” Both girls burst out laughing when they realized the woman Mattie had seen Harm kissing under the street light had in fact been Mac. They exchanged glances and smiles before turning their attention to the food on the table.

“Looks great, sir...Harm,” offered Jen. He had told Jen that when they were off duty and out of uniform especially in their apartments, that he would prefer she try to call him Harm. Most of the time she did pretty well. She had grown up with a father that was Dad at home and Reverend in public so making the switch was usually not a problem for her...unless she was surprised or nervous.

It was after they were all seated at the table and were almost finished with breakfast when Mattie let out a squeal and jumped out of her chair to go around the table to Mac who was sitting across from her on Harm’s right.

“Is that what it looks like? Is it real? Can I see it? When did he give it to you?” The questions rolled from Mattie non-stop.

Everyone else had paused to figure out what had caused Mattie’s barrage of questions and to lose her ‘cool’ as she put it. About the time Harm and Mac realized that she had zeroed in on the engagement ring Jen spotted it too.

“Are you two getting married?” Jen asked.

Harm reached for Mac’s hand and held it to they could see the ring, before he answered, “Yes...I asked her last night.”

“When’s the wedding?” asked Mattie.

Mac could appreciate her excitement, “We haven’t discussed it but I think after waiting for eight years we won’t be going for the long engagement...at least I don’t think so.” She glanced at Harm and saw him smile. They had their silent conversation going on for a second before Harm saw Mac nod and then he added.

“We have some other news too. We made an offer on a house yesterday and are waiting to see if we get it.”

“Where is it?” asked Mattie.

“McLean, Virginia.”

“Isn’t that where the admiral lives,” asked Jen.

“Yes, exactly,” laughed Harm and Mac.

“Is it near his house?” asked Mattie.

“We just told you, Mattie...pay attention.” Harm tried to hide his grin.

“Harm...” Mattie let her exasperation with her guardian show in her voice. “You didn’t tell us that. Jen asked if that wasn’t where the Admiral lived and all you said was...Oh! You are buying the Admiral’s house?” she asked amazed.

“Yes. We didn’t even know he was selling it and when the realtor turned onto his road we thought it would be to show us one of the few houses in his neighborhood. Instead she pulled up at Admiral Chegwidden’s house.”

“Does he know you want to buy his house?” asked Jen.

“I don’t know...we didn’t even know until we were there and it just seemed like the right thing to do. We have to see if he’ll accept our offer.”

“When will you find out?”

“It could be today, it could be a week...you never know with these things,” Harm explained.

“When Harriet bought their house, it was about a month from the time she made the offer until she closed and started moving in. That was a nightmare, remember?” Harm turned to Mac with a smile.

“What happened?” asked Jen.

“It was when you and Bud were on the Seahawk. She let Harm think she had talked it over with Bud and that he was okay with it and she hadn’t said a thing. Harm was gullible and fell for it...”

“I was not gullible...she was convincing...besides, who would think Harriet would lie about anything?” Harm defended his involvement in this situation. Mac, Jen and Mattie rolled their eyes and laughed at his antics.

“Anyway,” Mac continued, “Singer overheard and spilled the beans about the house and that Jen was Bud’s ‘legal-man’ on the Seahawk, which Harriet didn’t know.”

“When are you going to tell Bud and Harriet and the others about you guys getting engaged?” asked Mattie.

“And the new Admiral?” added Jen.

“Well, we haven’t talked about it yet,” Mac stated, “But we will probably tell the admiral in the morning and then I’ll have Harriet, Bud and Sturgis come to my office so we can tell them. What do you think Harm?”

“It could work.”

“You have another idea, Flyboy?”

“Settle down Tiger...I just thought letting Harriet, Bud and Sturgis know outside the office might be more prudent given that we don’t know how tolerant this new JAG is going to be. I was going to suggest that we try to get them together this evening to tell them. As for the new JAG, there’s been such secrecy around who has been appointed to take over for AJ that I think we may need to think this through carefully as to how and when we tell him or her.”

“You still think it could be Krennick don’t you?” asked Mac.

Harm just shrugged and then turned back to the others. “Why don’t we see if the others can get away later and meet us at Benzinger’s?”

“You know, Harm, with the baby and little AJ, Harriet and Bud might not be able to get out this evening. What if we see if they would mind if we came over there?”

“Won’t that give it away...if we call and ask to come over there to tell them something?”

“Harm...leave it to me...” Mattie ran to get the phone and brought it back for Mac. She pushed the speed dial number and waited for Harriet to answer.

(Hello?)

“Hi Harriet...”

“Mac...how are you?”

“I’m fine Harriet. I was just thinking we haven’t gotten together for a while outside of work - just to chat. Are you and Bud busy later this evening?”

“No we’ll be here. Is everything okay?”

“It’s great...I was going to invite you over for dessert but I thought packing up two little boys to go out for an hour or two on a Sunday evening might not be worth dessert. I figured I could offer to bring it over,” explained Mac.

“Sounds great! You’re right, we haven’t done that for a long time. Remember when you and the Commander use to come over on Sunday evenings to spend time with AJ when he was a baby? He mentions that once in a while especially if he’s been looking at the pictures in his baby book.”

“Those were special times,” Mac reminisced with her friend.

“Maybe we should call the Commander and see if he would join us,” Harriet suggested.

“That’s not a bad idea...although I’m sure Mattie and Jen would come with him.”

“That would be great!” Harriet enthused, always willing to play hostess. “Perhaps Sturgis and Varese could join us too.”

“Why don’t you call them? I’ll get a hold of Harm and the girls.”

“Shall we say 1900?” asked Harriet.

“Perfect. I’ll see you then...and Harriet?”

“Yes?”

“I’ll bring dessert.”

“I have all the fixing for a lemon meringue pie just waiting to be made so I’ll make an extra one anyway. See you later.”

Mac hung up the phone and grinned at her audience. “Mission accomplished! Harriet’s even making Lemon Meringue Pie. What are you going to make for us Harm?”

“Actually, I’d like to make something,” offered Mattie. “Harm showed me how to make his key lime pie and I promised I’d show Jen. We can go get the stuff at the store and then make it before we start our chores we didn’t get to yesterday.”

Jen nodded her head in agreement and then asked, “Anything we can pick up for you at the store?”

“Actually, yeah,” Mac said. “I need some things to make a Chocolate Silk Pie.” Mac went to Harm’s desk and jotted some things on paper and reached for her pocket to get some money before she realized that she didn’t have it with her. “Harm?”

“Yes, Dear...” Harm grinned knowing what she was going to ask.

“Can I borrow some money so they can get this stuff for me?”

“Yes...but I might charge a heavy interest payment.”

“Please...I promise I’ll pay you back.”

“I’m sure you will...” Harm drawled as he handed Jen the money to go with Mac’s list.

The girl’s headed off on a mission leaving Harm and Mac to clean up after their breakfast. They made short work of it and Mac had an idea of how to spend the time until Mattie and Jen returned.

“Harm, why don’t we make a list of the furniture we have that will work in the house and what room we see it in?”

“Mac, there’s no assurance that we’ll get the house, even though we know the owner and we really want the house. Maybe we should wait so we don’t get our hopes up.”

“Or maybe we should be positive and go ahead and do this - besides, we need to see how we do planning our living space that we are going to be sharing, right?”

“We did okay sharing a bed last night, don’t you think?” Harm asked grinning.

“Yes...but we practiced sharing a bed before last night and the only thing new for us mostly happened before we ever got to the bed,” Mac grinned back as Harm blushed remembering how they had both let go in the early morning hours after they had danced the night away.

“You’re okay aren’t you? I mean I didn’t hurt you or anything did I?”

“No, Harm...although the condition I have can make things uncomfortable, I was fine...and that’s a good sign. Please don’t worry about it all the time and I will promise to be brutally honest with you about this okay?”

“I’m counting on it Mac.”

“I know, Flyboy. I know.” Mac reached up to kiss her fiancé and smiled at how wonderful it sounded and felt to call him that. “Now can we make the list?”

Harm agreed knowing that she was right about keeping a positive outlook. They had mentally inventoried Mac’s apartment and discussed her furniture and where it would go in the house and the girls had not returned..

Mac’s living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture would go in the new living room, dining room and guest bedroom, while Harm’s living room furniture would go in the den along with both of their desks. The dining room table would work in the kitchen. Harm’s bed was comfortable and they agreed the only thing it needed was a headboard and frame. Because Harm’s closet had so much built in storage they decided that buying new bedroom furniture to match the new bed frame was a wise move. They also wanted to get some deck furniture and a grill once they got settled in. As they finished their virtual room arrangements, Harm stood up and pulled Mac away from the table.

“Harm...where are you taking me?”

“Away from this for awhile,” Harm wiggled his eyebrows at her as she stood and stepped toward him.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah...I played your game of virtual furniture arranging so now you need to come play my game.”

“And what would your game be Commander?” Mac flirted right back at him suspecting where he was taking this.

“I don’t know if this game has a name...maybe you can name it for me.”

“How do we play this game?” Mac asked as she stepped as close to Harm as she could without touching him with her body.

“Well, it starts just like this with us standing here very close...”

“And then what?” asked Mac smiling up looking at his beautiful green eyes.

“And then I make the next move like this...” and Harm lowered his head to kiss her forehead, each eye, her nose, each cheek, her chin and finally her lips with light barely there kisses. “Your turn...”

Mac stretched up to reach Harm’s forehead and he bent down to make it easier for her to reach him and to deliver the kisses like he had her. When Mac got to his lips he held her there a little longer and returned the kiss before letting her pull back as he had done before. “You’re cheating Harm,” Mac chided him with a grin.

“I’d never cheat on you, Mac...”

“I know...back to the game...I kind of like this one.”

Harm lead Mac to the couch and settled her across his lap. “Now the next level of this game is to explore more areas and see what feels good...but we have to stay in control, because an interruption could come at any time. Still want to play?”

“Yes...but I do like it when we let go of that control...” Mac whispered seductively in his ear.

Harm groaned and felt his body react as he informed her, “I do too...and we’ll find time for that later if you want...but until after Mattie and Jen get back with the groceries and that pie is made...”

“Yes...you know, they say reformed rogues make the most over-protective father’s. If we have a daughter, do you think you’ll ever allow her to date?”

“I won’t be that bad...but it won’t be easy.” Harm liked it when Mac spoke positively about their future. The engagement was still new and although he had no doubts about their future - and he didn’t think Mac did either - it was still new and little things meant a lot. Before Harm could up the ante on their daring exploration. Jen and Mattie returned.

Harm helped Mac make her Chocolate Silk Pie and while she worked they talked about their ideas for the wedding.

“Harm, do want a military wedding at the Naval Academy Chapel?” asked Mac.

“Is that what you want?”

“If you want a formal wedding with lots of guests I’ll go along with it.”

“Mac, when you dream of your wedding, what do you picture?”

“You and me - dressed in white - with a few close family and friends as guests. Maybe a picnic or barbeque afterwards...what about you?”

“I see me kissing you and dancing with you and then going away with you...now if you asked me about the honeymoon...”

“Harm, be serious,” Mac scolded.

“I am. Mac, as long as my mother, Frank, Mattie and maybe my grandmother can be there with us, I don’t care how many others are there. What about you?”

“Chloe would be heart broken if I didn’t have her at the wedding. I guess Bud, Harriet, Sturgis, Jen and maybe Admiral Chegwidden would be the others I would at least want to invite...You know, Mic wanted this big elaborate wedding and I went along with it. It wasn’t what I wanted. I would be much happier with an intimate gathering like we’ve just mentioned...but you have to want it too.”

“I do Mac...You know, if we do get the house, I think we should get married on the front porch and have Chaplain Turner perform the wedding.”

“The Admiral could give me away if there isn’t a baseball game that day!” They laughed before Mac continued more seriously, “You know, if Varese isn’t touring she would provide the music for us, I bet.”

“I think we’ve got a good plan going... as a matter of fact, if we don’t get the house, we could do the same thing even in Harriet’s back yard.”

“I love you, Harmon Rabb Junior.”

“I love you too, Sarah Mackenzie.”

Just as their lips met the door opened and a voice called, “Do you have any extra eggs?”

“Yes, Mattie. What happened?”

“Well Jen swore we had a dozen and I thought she must have picked more up but when we got home there was only one egg and I need two for a single batch and I wanted to make a double batch.”

“Help yourself,” Harm chuckled as he planted a quick kiss on Mac’s lips before moving away from her.

Mattie took the eggs and then apologized for interrupting as she ducked out grinning, shutting the door behind her.

“She’s loving this isn’t she?” Mac asked.

“Yes. By the way, are you going to call Chloe and tell her?”

“Good idea...” Mac picked up the phone and dialed the familiar Vermont number. Chloe answered on the second ring.

(Hello?)

“Hi Chloe.”

(Mac! How are you?)

“I’m fine. Enjoying summer vacation yet?”

(Not yet. Another week to go. So what are you up to? Been out with that Bodacious Commander you work with yet?) Chloe always asked her that and Mac had just waited for the question to come up.

“As a matter of fact I have.”

(You have? Tell me about it - was it a real date?)

“Yes...as a matter of fact, he even asked me to marry him.”

Mac held the phone away from her ear as the shriek came as she knew it would. (You are not joking are you?) Chloe asked.

“Not at all. He’s right here. Want to ask him yourself?” Mac held the phone out to Harm.

“Hey Chloe.”

(Harm did you guys really get in engaged?)

“Yes. I asked her last night and when she said yes I slid a ring on her left hand and then took her dancing. Does that meet with your approval?”

(You did good, Rabb.) Chloe complimented him on his actions. (It took you guys long enough but at least you finally got it right.)

“Thanks Chloe. Here’s Mac.”

Taking the phone back they chatted a little longer before Mac disconnected the call. Then handing the phone to Harm she asked, “Your mother or grandmother first?”

“Mom it is.” Harm dialed the number and waited for her to answer.

(Hello, Burnett Residence.)

“Hi Mom.”

(Harmon! To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?)

“I have something to tell you...and although I would rather tell you in person I can’t get away right now, so a phone call will have to do.”

(You’re not sick or hurt are you?)

“No Mom...I’m fine. As a matter of fact I am happier then I have been in my entire life.”

(There’s a special girl in your life isn’t their?)

“Yes, Mom...and I don’t mean my ward, Mattie either.”

(Good...I don’t suppose it would be Mac would it?)

“As a matter of fact it would.”

(Why on earth did it take you so long to admit to what everyone around you could see?)

“I don’t know Mom...I just know that we love each other and the time is right for us to get on with our lives together.”

(Are you getting married?)

“Yes. I asked her last night and she said yes. We’ve even been looking at houses and made an offer on one.”

(Did you give her a ring?)

“Yes. I bought a solitaire in a simple platinum setting.”

(Is she there with you now?)

“Yes. Would you like to talk to her?”

(Will you let me?)

“Mom...if she’s put up with me this long as her work partner, there’s not much you can tell her that she probably doesn’t already know.”

(Really? Let me talk to her then.)

Harm handed the phone to Mac and grinned.

“Hello Mrs. Burnett.”

(Mac, dear, you either call me Mom or Trish, understand?)

“Thank you, Mom. Does this mean you don’t mind me marrying your son?”

(Mac, I’ve been waiting for him to wake up for at least six years - maybe seven!)

“Well, it’s not all his fault. We had trouble getting on the same page at the same time.”

(I’m glad you’ve made it. It sounds as if you aren’t going to waste a lot of time on a long engagement. Can I help with the wedding plans?)

“I think we are going with something simple. If we get this house we want to get married on the porch - its where Harm and I first admitted that we loved each other.”

(On a porch or on the porch of the house you are buying?)

“The porch of the house we’re buying.”

(Coincidence or plan?)

“It just worked out that way and felt right.”

(Are you planning on having a family?)

Mac hesitated and swallowed the lump that formed quickly in her throat. “We hope to have a family yes. I take it you are looking forward to having grandchildren?”

(Oh yes...I can’t wait to tell Frank all this exciting news. I’m sure he’ll call later when he gets home and I’ve filled him in.)

“I’m sure Harm will enjoy talking to him.”

(Tell Harm I love him and that he did a good thing. We’ll talk later, Mac.)

“Thank you...Bye.”

“What did she say?”

“That she loves you and that you did a good thing.”

“I knew she’d be happy for us.”

Harm called his grandmother next who was equally as happy as his mother had been.

Sunday Evening

Robert’s Residence

Rosslyn, Virginia

Harm parked the Lexus and Mattie, Mac and Jen all piled out and headed for the back to retrieve the desserts they had brought.

“Any bets on how long it will take Harriet to spot the ring?” asked Harm quietly as they walked up the steps.

“I’m hoping to be able to announce it to everyone before she spots it. Wish me luck,” Mac whispered back.

With a deep breath and a smile in place they rang the door bell. They all laughed when they heard little AJ running toward the door squealing with delight, “Uncle Harm! Aunt Mac! It’s Uncle Harm and Aunt Mac! Hurry! Come on Mom, open the door!”

“Relax, AJ...I’m right here...” Harriet’s voiced tried to calm her insistent son as she opened the door to her guests. Before she could say anything, AJ threw himself against Harm’s legs. In an effort to avoid disaster, Harm picked him up and gave him a bear hug.

“Well, hello to you to Ace. How you been?”

“Okay...I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too. So how’s that baby brother of yours?”

“My baby brother cries a lot and still doesn’t do much - just sleeps and eats and spits up his food and makes stinky diapers. Babies are gross, aren’t they Uncle Harm.”

“I wouldn’t say that AJ. You were a baby once you know.”

“That’s what Mom and Dad say too.”

“So cut your brother and your parents some slack and say hi to Aunt Mac, okay?”

“Hi Aunt Mac.” AJ leaned down from Harm’s arms and kissed Mac’s cheek.

“Hey AJ. You remember Mattie and Jen don’t you?”

“Yeah...but who’s that?” AJ asked as he spotted Sturgis and Varese coming up the walk behind them.

“Glad you could join us,” Harriet greeted the newcomers as she ushered everyone inside. Bud and Mike are in the living room, so go ahead and join them. Ladies, let’s put the pies away for now okay?”

“Great idea,” Mac enthused.

In the kitchen Harriet busied herself finding places for the pie collection and starting the coffee pot and hot water for the tea drinkers. Varese was introduced to everyone and no one noticed that Mac kept her hands in her jeans pockets most of the time. They were just settling into the living room when they heard the doorbell ring at the same time Harm’s cell phone rang.

Harriet got the door while Harm answered his phone.

“Rabb.”

(Yes, this is Martha with the realtor’s office. Your offer on the house in McLean was accepted. The owner just dropped off the paperwork a few minutes ago. Everything looks in order and he would like to close as soon as possible.)

“Thank you. That’s great...ah, did the owner saying anything about knowing us?”

(Actually he did. Something about he could have saved himself the cost of a realtor if he’s known you were interested in his house.)

Harm chuckled and thanked Martha saying he would be in touch to set up the closing. Shutting off his phone he headed toward Mac and pulled her to one side.

“Mac, we got the house and the Admiral just walked in. Shall we ask him to keep it quiet until we’ve made our announcement?”

“Good idea...I’ll talk to him.” Mac approached the Admiral just as Harriet was hurrying away. “Good evening, sir.”

“Its AJ, Mac, and considering...”

“AJ may I have a word with you, please?” Mac’s voice and the way she interrupted him stopped him from saying what he had been planning to say.

“Sir, I’m sorry, its just Harm and I wanted to make an announcement tonight and , uhmm...”

“You don’t want me spoiling the surprise.”

“Well, I guess I can do that much for you...” he smiled at Mac and asked, “Finally got his act together, huh?”

“We both did.”

“Happy?”

“Yes.”

“Then that’s all the matters...and I do want to hear how you came to buy my house the day after I put it on the market.”

“You’ll get the whole story over dessert, sir.”

Harriet waited until everyone was seated before asking if anyone was ready for coffee or tea.

“Harriet?”

“Yes, Commander?”

“Harriet, could you hold up just a minute so that I could share some news?”

“Sure...good news, I hope.”

“Yes. First, I just want everyone to know that Mattie and her Dad have been spending more time together and things are going well. I’m proud of them both, and while I’ll miss her, it won’t be long before she’ll be moving back with him.”

“That’s wonderful news!” Harriet and everyone else were busy complimenting Mattie and didn’t see the smiles Harm and Mac exchanged.

“There’s more...the call I got a few minutes ago was to tell me that the offer I made on a house was accepted. It won’t be long before I’ll be moving from the loft into a wonderful house.”

“Congratulations!” chorused around him.

“Even though Mattie’s probably not going to be with you?” Sturgis asked.

“Yes. It’s time to buy a house,” Harm stated.

“Wow! You certainly have lots of news for us tonight, Commander,” offered Bud.

“Well, I saved the best for last. As all of you know, the past couple of years have been pretty rough on many of us. I’ve watched Bud face terrible odds and come out stronger for it. I’ve watched Mattie, Mac, Jen and Harriet struggled with what life dished up for them and take it in stride and keep on going. It took tragedy and some plain talk from the Admiral to make me realize that I had to do things differently if I was ever going to find happiness.” The room was quiet as everyone including Mac watched and listened to Harm.

“Five years ago I knew what I wanted for my future. What I didn’t know was when I would be ready to settle down and how to get what I wanted. I didn’t know if the woman I loved would want me when I was finally ready, too. I made a promise the day little AJ was born that in five years I would be ready to settle down and start a family with little girls that looked like their mother and had my brains or little boys that looked like their father but had their mother’s brains...but only if the woman I loved wasn’t in a relationship with someone else and she still wanted the same dream that I did.”

“The problem was, I didn’t know how to go about showing her or telling her that I still wanted to share the dream with her and that I loved her. She seemed to be involved with someone else, too. But again, tragedy struck and I found out that she had loved me as long as I had loved her. We were both afraid to take the next step, but we both believed that marrying our best friend would be perfect.”

Harriet gasped as she looked back and forth at Mac and Harm, just realizing that they were standing close together - almost touching.

“Oh! You’re getting married?” Harriet squeaked.

Everyone burst out laughing and Harm pulled Mac into his embrace.

“Yes Harriet...Mac and I are getting married. We got engaged last night and we set this evening up so we could tell you all together...oh, and we are buying the Admiral’s house in McLean!” Harm finished the news quickly so that everyone could come congratulate them and wish them well.

They all enjoyed the pies and most everyone tasted a bit of each kind. It was after 2100 when they all piled into their vehicles and headed home.

“Mac, I know you want to stay at your place tonight as we have work tomorrow, but would you mind if I drop Mattie and Jen off first, before I take you home?”

“That’s fine. Why don’t you grab a change of clothes and stay at my place tonight?”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

“I love you, Sarah Mackenzie.”

The Following Friday

1945 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Harm and Mac sat at the glass table planning the wedding. They had stayed with the plan of a small wedding. If the weather was good, people could sit on chairs on the lawn and face them as they stood on the porch of the house to exchange their vows.

If it was rainy, the group was small enough so their chairs could be moved onto the porch and they would just stand in a slightly different place then they had planned. It didn’t matter to them as they had moved around the porch that night as they had sought privacy as they talked. The whole night had been key in their relationship. 

Varese was not going to be available to sing at the wedding, so they had decided to use a recorded version of the wedding march and Mattie offered to put together a CD collection of their favorite songs to play as guests were being seated and waiting as well as at the reception/barbeque as background music.

Chaplain Turner had said he was open to an evening or daytime wedding and thought that a Saturday late afternoon wedding would be good to avoid the heat of the day. They had decided that will a little work they could squeeze in a June wedding on June 26. They had agreed to a five o’clock ceremony.

Although the closing on the house was scheduled for June 18, there was little they needed to do to get the house ready. The moving truck and men would pack up the truck with the things from both Harm and Mac’s on June 23 and unload at the new house putting things where they were directed.

Now they were focused on the invitations. They decided to still send them out even though they only needed to buy about a dozen cards. Later they would send out hundreds of announcements with a note that directed well wishers to send contributions to their favorite charitable organizations in lieu of gifts.

“So Mac, we’ve had a week with the new JAG. What do you think?”

“I think Admiral Krennick is fair, tough and still after your six although she’s learned to be a bit more subtle maybe.”

“Sheath the claws, Tiger. No need to be jealous.”

“I’m not jealous, but everyone one of her plans centered around me be shipped elsewhere - not you.”

“True, but she agreed to reassign me when she was made aware of an option, didn’t she?”

“Yes...you really don’t mind be reassigned to Annapolis?”

“Not at all. I think it will be a good change and I will still be on loan to JAG when I’m not teaching courses at the Academy and working with the Naval Ship Research and Development Center. If things go well it could help me move into a command position eventually...something I thought might not be a possibility after this past year.”

“The SecNav must like you.”

“You like me,” Harm teased.

“No...I love you and most of the time I like you too.”

“Only most of the time?”

“Yes...but you’ve been so well behaved lately that I must admit I like you a lot these days.”

Harm leaned closer to her and let his breath softly touch her neck as he talked, “Mac?”

“Yes, Harm?”

“Do you think we could go pick out the bedroom furniture tomorrow?”

“Sure...We still have three weeks before the wedding, I’m surprised you don’t want to wait.”

“Well, I thought they might need to order it or something and I want to be sure it is here for the move. It will be easier to put it all together when we move in.”

“Good plan, Mr. Rabb.” Harm beamed at Mac’s praise and she chuckled and shook her head in amazement that this man, who was the picture of arrogant, cocky, flyboy, confidence in an airplane or in the courtroom, could be such an unsure, sometimes gullible and vulnerable man in everyday life. It was one of the many things she loved about him.

“So do you trust me to plan the honeymoon?” asked Harm.

“Of course. Are you going to tell me what you were thinking of doing?”

“Originally I was going to surprise you - like you want to do with your wedding dress - but I decided that unless I wanted to pack your suitcase, I should tell you. Besides if you really don’t like the idea, I want you to tell me.”

“Okay...but you can surprise me if you want.”

“No that’s okay. I had originally thought about going to the Bahamas, but then I thought about the fact that it was June and it does get stormy sometimes this time of year, so then I thought about something we talked about years ago...”

“Alaska?”

“Yes...I booked us on a one week cruise along the coast. Frank and my Mom went last summer and loved it. Frank said the days were warm and the evenings cool - perfect for cuddling...more then I wanted to know at the time, but it sounds pretty good now.”

“Isn’t that cruise usually booked?”

“Yes, but they had someone that had to cancel at the last minute. They can’t guarantee a king size bed for us, but they did promise we wouldn’t have twin bunks in our cabin.”

“Did you tell them it was our honeymoon?”

“Yes, and they will do their best to accommodate us, although it was an older couple that canceled, and they already had booked the honeymoon suite, but they felt they could serve us well.”

“There. That’s all the invitations. How are you coming on the menu?”

“Well...I called a catering place today and they will prepare the foods we want, serve, and clean up after so that we can enjoy the evening with our friends. The price they quoted me was reasonable.”

“The menu?”

“They’ll have a veggie platter and dips as well as an assortment of salads - tossed, cole slaw, potato, pasta, fruit; corn on the cob; grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, portabella mushrooms and eggplant; and finally they’ll serve the wedding cake. They are willing to make that, we just have to tell them what we want.”

“Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, of course,” Mac grinned.

“Not chocolate?”

“That’s better with peanut butter frosting.”

“I see...are you almost ready for dinner?” Harm asked.

“Yes. Are we ordering in or going out?”

“Which would you prefer?”

“I vote for ordering in.”

“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”

“Because I’d love nothing more then to get out of this uniform, curl up in your arms and feed your appetite...” Mac whispered in a husky voice.

Harm growled in her ear, “Which appetite are you planning to feed?”

“Both...first one and then the other...” Mac purred in his ear.

“And what shall we order?” Harm gasped as Mac tasted his ear with the tip of her tongue.

“I could probably have some fun with Lo Mein and Spare Ribs...” Mac smiled at the look on Harm’s face. “And what would you be imagining, Commander?”

“N-n-nothing...why?”

“Because you’re blushing.”

“I think I’ll show you later...why don’t you call in the order and I’ll go get it while you get comfortable.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.” Harm thought it would be the safest thing for him to do. He wasn’t sure why he was reacting to having Chinese Food with Mac quite this strongly, other then he was thinking about places he could drape the LoMein on her body and picturing her licking off her fingers as she ate the ribs. He was in such a state of anticipation by the time he returned with their order, that he was in pain before she had taken a half dozen bites of her food.

He realized that once again he and Mac were on the same wave length when they both set their food aside at the same time and satisfied their other appetites before they reheated their dinner and finished it shortly after midnight.

Sunday June 20, 2004

2130 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Mac and Harm flopped on the sofa in the one clear space they could find.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted,” Mac declared as they sat together looking at the work they had accomplished over the weekend. Saturday they had packed up Mac’s apartment and had everything ready for the movers. All the boxes were clearly marked with colors that matched the rooms where they would be unpacked in the new house. Kitchen items were green, master bedroom was blue, the guest bedroom was hot pink, the den was yellow, living room red, dining room orange and so on.

“Thing we were crazy to try to pack, plan a wedding, and move all within about a months time?” Harm asked as he picked up her hand and kisses it.

“Probably, but I don’t want to change a thing...thank you.”

“For what?”

“Loving me...waiting for me...needing me...and letting me be there for you.”

“It’s helped this weekend being busy...I haven’t thought about Mattie moving out...but I do think of her.”

“She’ll stay in touch, Harm.”

“I know...it’s the best for everyone...we were there for each other when we were both feeling alone and we helped each other believe again...trust...open up. Now we can both move on and be glad we had each other...”

“Things will only get crazier this week. I booked two suites at that new place in Falls Church. One starting Wednesday night and the other starting Friday night. I figure we can stay in one room and Chloe can stay in the other with us when she comes in Thursday night. I figured your parents and Grandma Rabb could take the other when they get here on Friday.”

“I thought it was some tradition that we weren’t suppose to see each other from the night before the wedding until you walked down the aisle.”

“It is...but we’ve spent so many nights apart that I really don’t want to waste another one.”

“If you’re sure. If you change your mind you just say something.”

“Harm, we will all be unpacking at the new house Saturday morning and decorating and getting set up.”

“Don’t over do things, Mac.”

“Why?”

“Save some energy for our wedding night,” Harm instructed.

“Have you forgotten that we will be on an airplane to the west coast most of the night so that we can board the cruise ship early Sunday morning?”

“I haven’t forgotten. But did I tell you that Frank’s arranged for us to fly on the company jet and it has a bedroom on board?”

“Oh...well that’s different then. Glad you mentioned it. I’ll be sure to save some energy,” Mac grinned as she tried to hide a yawn. “Sorry, I guess I’m more tired then I realized.”

Those words would prove to be true the next morning as well. Mac overslept, something she rarely did. Even once she was up, showered and dressed she had to fight being drowsy. Harm frowned as he observed her. She seemed a little pale and was obviously tired. They had cuddled but gone right to sleep the night before.

Harm headed for Annapolis to meet with his new CO Monday morning, while Mac headed to JAG for a court session. Twice during the morning session she caught herself getting sleepy and had to drink ice water and find ways to stay alert. She was glad when the judge decided to call an early lunch break and pleased to see Harriet arriving with a picnic lunch for them as she stepped out of the courtroom.

They chose to eat on the patio and Mac ate her salad and sandwich with gusto - something she was to regret a short time later. As they were heading back inside, a car went by emitting strong fumes due to its failing catalytic converter. The rotten egg smell sent Mac to the nearest bush and then a trash can as she lost the contents of her stomach. Harriet stood by looking slightly worried until Mac burst into tears next to her.

“I’m a mess Harriet. I’m so exhausted and there’s so much to do before the wedding and I feel like everything is getting to me and I just want to curl up and sleep and now I have a horrible taste in my mouth and I’ll probably be hungry long before dinner...”

“Ma’am...I don’t mean to pry, but are you by any chance pregnant?”

“I doubt it, Harriet. Last month, the day of the Admiral’s Dining Out the doctor told me that I may have trouble getting pregnant because of the endometriosis. She did some procedures and gave me some medicine for discomfort and sent me on my way. She said that there was still a chance...oh Harriet...do you think I could be?”

“You’d know better then I would Ma’am.”

“Call me Mac, or Sarah, please...”

“I try Mac, really I do.”

“I know, Harriet. What is the most reliable early home pregnancy test?”

“I’ll pick one up for you and leave in your car if you’d like.”

“Do you mind? I’ll give you the spare key to the car and you can just lock it inside when you come back.”

“No problem...as long as you tell me what you find out.”

While Harriet was shopping for her, Mac went in and prepared to return to court, only to have the clerk notify her that the defendant changed his plea to guilty and had accepted a non-judicial punishment. The case was over.

Mac was putting her desk in order and tying up loose ends when Admiral Krennick came to her door.

“Admiral,” Mac came to attention.

“At ease, Colonel. I heard that your trial ended early today.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Must be his lawyer saw what we all know...You’re a top notch lawyer, Colonel and I’m glad you will be remaining on as my Chief of Staff. I know you have a lot going on and you will be on leave starting Wednesday, but why don’t you secure early today. You’re looking a little tired.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Thank you Ma’am.”

Krennick left with her mysterious smile in place and a puzzled Colonel in her wake. Just when she thought she had Krennick figured out she did something nice like this that baffled Mac. Without hesitating, Mac hurried to her car and spotted the package Harriet and left for her and the note.

“They are fairly reliable if you get the same reading on both,” Harriet wrote, “But if they say positive I would certainly get it confirmed with my doctor.”

Once back at Harm’s apartment she read the directions and followed them on one box. The five minute wait seemed to go on for hours. Finally she found the courage to look.

Positive! If the test was right, she and Harm were pregnant.

Grabbing the second box, Mac went to get a bottle of water and drank it down. She then followed the directions on the second box. This one said to wait a minute. It still seemed like an hour. When it was time to check, she held her breath and looked. Positive again!

Without wasting time Mac immediately called her doctor. She told her to come in so they could confirm it for her - or not.

The doctor entered the room and smiled at Mac, “I take it you decided to go ahead and try to have a baby after all.”

“Well, we decided to let nature take its course and we have been busy planning our wedding and buying a house and just getting use to being together.”

“Well, you are definitely pregnant, but I will worn you, that you will have to be careful not to over do things so that you give this baby a chance. If we make it through the third month, we can be fairly sure you won’t abort.”

“Do I have any restrictions?”

“Not yet.”

“But you said to be careful?”

“Yes, but you shouldn’t have to alter your life much just yet. I wouldn’t go bungee jumping or skydiving, or run a marathon but enjoy your honeymoon and get some mild exercise. I want to see you in a month and you should start on the pre-natal vitamins right away.”

Mac went back to Harm’s and tried to take a nap, but was to excited. She started looking through his CD’s to find a way to tell him when she remembered a CD that Harriet had made when she wanted to break to the news to Bud about the twins. She had a CD made with songs about having babies, mother’s and daughters, fathers and sons, fathers and daughters, mothers and sons. She called Harriet.

“Harriet? It’s Mac.”

“Hi. Well?”

“Do you still have the CD you had made about babies?”

“You are?” squealed Harriet.

“Yes...but I don’t want everyone to know yet. So much can go wrong.”

“I have it right here. Look I’ll burn you a copy and drop it off when I take the boys to the Y pool in about an hour.”

“Thanks Harriet.”

Harriet delivered as promised and Mac found three more songs that she wanted to add to the mix. One was ‘It’s a Miracle’ which is what she and Harm often used to refer to them having a baby together. Another was an Anne Murray song that had a line in it ‘think I’m going to have a son,’ and the third was Garth Brooks song, ‘Working on a Full House.’

Mac put the CD in and had it playing when Harm arrived home to find her fixing dinner for them.

“Hey, you’re home early. You okay?”

“Yes. A little tired maybe.”

Harm changed into jeans and a t-shirt while Mac finished warming their dinner and serving it. They were about two-thirds finished with the meal before Harm commented on the music.

“What’s with the music, Mac?”

“Oh...did you notice a theme?”

“Not really...just didn’t really seem like music you usually listen to.”

Mac just smiled at him.

“You’re up to something aren’t you?”

“Maybe.” Mac smiled just as the song, ‘It’s a Miracle’ came on again. Harm jotted down the title. Mac had to give him credit. He was getting into her game.

Next he wrote down a question mark after listening to the Anne Murray song. He didn’t know the title and hadn’t picked up on the key line in the song. Mac chewed her lip as the third song came on - Martina McBride’s ‘In My Daughter’s Eyes.’ Harm jumped up then and played the Anne Murray selection again. He stopped it after the line, ‘think I’m going to have a son.’ Slowly he turned and walked back to Mac never taking his eyes from hers. He knelt in front of her and gently covered her stomach with his hand.

“Are we pregnant?” Harm asked in a whisper.

Mac couldn’t speak. Tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded and they shared the special moment together holding each other close. Neither spoke with words. Just holding on to each other and holding their hands over where they baby was growing inside her was enough for now.

Hours later when they finally could talk, they discussed their options and decided not to tell anyone. Harriet knew that they wanted to wait to tell people until they were beyond the critical stage and would honor their request. Harriet and Bud that anything could happen at any time, but they also knew that until the pregnancy was into its second trimester, the chances of something happening were even greater.

“Harm, what about telling your Mother or Grandmother...I mean I’d understand if you wanted to tell them now.”

“No, I’d think it would be better to wait. I’d hate to have them take this roller-coaster ride with us...its better if we wait awhile...besides, they’ll just think we conceived on the honeymoon - something they’ll latch right on to.”

“If you’re sure...”

“I am. Are you?”

“Yes. I don’t want to have to explain if something goes wrong. I don’t think I could handle it.”

“I know what you mean, Mac, but remember one thing...”

“What’s that?”

“No matter what, we have each other. We may need to give each other some space now and then, but we are always their to help each other through the challenges. Right?”

“You’re right. I love you for reminding me of that again.” Mac leaned over and kissed Harm one more time.

Thursday Evening

Dulles International Airport

Washington, DC

Mac and Harm waited, watching for Chloe to deplane. Harm was the first to spot her.

“Wow, Mac, she’s really grown-up since I saw her last.” He waved to get her attention. In typical Chloe fashion, she burst into a run toward them. Harm murmured, “Brace yourself for impact...” just before Chloe burst through the crowd and flung herself into Mac’s arms.

“I’ve missed you so much!”

“Me too!” murmured Mac as she held Chloe from her just a little. “Still Chloe, just more grown up.”

“Hey Chloe.”

“Hi Harm...haven’t backed out yet I see.”

“And I won’t. It’s taken us too long to get here to let anything happen now.”

“You hurt her again, mister, and you’ll answer to me.” Chloe informed Harm in her most threatening voice.

Harm could have laughed it off, gotten angry, or mad or asked her why she would say such a thin to him, but to his credit he took her threat seriously and responded accordingly. “Chloe, I promise that I will do my best not to hurt her...although I can’t promise not to disagree and I can’t promise we won’t have arguments sometimes, I can promise to be fair and honest.”

Chloe thought for a minute about Harm’s answer and she studied him carefully. Mac watched both of them without saying a word. Chloe finally decided to accept Harm’s promise and bounced back to herself as she smiled and reminded them both, “I’ve known you two were in love and belonged together before either of you would accept it, so if my intuition tells me that this is right - which it does - who are we to argue with it, right?”

“Right.” Harm and Mac chorused together. With that, Chloe opened her Arms to Harm and allowed herself the thrill of being enveloped in those long strong arms for a few seconds. Although she was still a teenager, and Harm was old enough to be her father, she could understand why Mac would be in love with this man. He offered a safe harbor while challenging her to dig deeper and reach higher in everything she did. He respected her as an equal and still treated her as a woman. Chloe hoped that there were still some good men around like Harmon Rabb Junior when she was ready to settle down.

Two hours later they were back at the hotel deciding what they wanted to eat. They decided to go with take-out food, and Harm was sent to pick up their order. While he was gone, Mac tried on her wedding dress to show Chloe. Mac had chosen to go with a classic design that was beautiful for its simplicity. It was a white silk dress, held up with thin straps covered in tiny pearls. The bodice was fitted and was almost straight across except where it dipped in the middle almost like the point of a heart. The veil was white tulle on a pearl covered head piece. Chloe gasped when she saw Mac.

“Wow! You are so beautiful. That dress is stunning.”

“You like it, huh?”

“Harm’s going to melt when he sees you in that.”

“I hope he’ll like it.”

“Mac, did you pick it out because it’s what you thought he’d like, or because it’s what you wanted?”

“Why Chloe?”

“It’s just it is so different then what you picked out when you were going to marry Mic...”

“This is what I like...and I think Harm will like it too.”

“Do you think Harm would have liked the other dress?”

Mac thought a moment before answering, “Actually, he would have if he thought I was happy.”

“And if he didn’t?”

“Then he’d probably tell me it looked like it was covered in knots like the quilts his grandmother use to make.” Chloe and Mac laughed over that until they heard Harm’s key in the door.

“Quick, get in the bedroom and change. I’ll try to hold him off,” Chloe shouted as she ran to the sitting area and tried to stop the door until Mac was in the bedroom.

“Hey what’s going on?” Harm asked.

“Nothing.”

“Chloe...I’ve been raising a teenage girl...I know better. What gives?”

“Mac was trying on her wedding dress for me and you aren’t suppose to see it.”

“Oh...is that all,” Harm said as he passed Chloe setting the food on the table and heading for the bedroom door. It took Chloe longer to realize that Harm was about to open the door because of his nonchalance response to her statement.

“Harm! No! You can’t go in there! Mac hide!” Chloe ran to get between Harm and the bedroom door, all the while yelling at Harm and trying to warn Mac.

On the other side of the door, Mac was just hanging up her dress in the closet, safe in its protective covering, when the door began to open. She could see Harm’s face through the crack between the door and casing as she stood their in her underwear, reaching for her robe.

Chloe was trying to wedge herself between Harm and the door, but keep the door shut. Over her head Harm winked at Mac.

“Chloe, its okay...the dress is hidden away,” Mac assured the girl as she knotted her robe’s sash around her. “Is the food here?”

“Mac, how can you be so calm? He almost saw your dress!”

“It’s okay Chloe. He didn’t see it and he also did it just to rattle you.”

Chloe turned to Harm then with her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Is that true?”

“ ‘Fraid so, Chloe. I just couldn’t resist.” Harm smiled at her and offered her a truce.

“I don’t know if I can trust you after that stunt, Harm.”

“Well, if you don’t trust me, you probably wouldn’t want any surprises I might have thought to pick up while I was out, huh?” Harm kept teasing.

“Harm...” Mac cautioned fearing he was getting Chloe wound up to much now.

“I’ll tell you what Chloe...I’ll give the surprise to Mac and then she can share it with you. Will that work?”

“Maybe...what is it?” Chloe asked softening toward him again even though she didn’t really want to.

Harm reached for one of the bags and handed it to Mac. Her face lit up when she saw what was inside.

“What is it Mac?”

“Oh this is too good to share unless my favorite people can get along and stop teasing each other while we eat,” warned Mac.

“But that’s not fair Mac...Harm knows what the surprise is and I don’t.”

“All I’ll say is I know you’ll like it...now is there a truce?” Mac asked.

“I’ll behave, Mac,” Harm promised in all seriousness.

“Me too...if you guys will tell me at least one story about how you fell in love,” Chloe added her own level to the game.

“After we eat, we might even be able to come up with two stories,” Mac promised as she took a seat and started setting out the food.

They were just finishing the last of their dinner, when Harm asked Chloe, “Did Mac ever tell you about how she rescued me from a mine field, after she put me there?”

“You’re kidding right?”

“No...Mac insisted on driving when we were in Afghanistan - what was it? Two years ago?”

“Yes...a lot has happened since then.”

“Anyway, there were sheep in the road and Mac dodged some and then hit a mine which detonated and tore up the tires on the jeep. The blast and Mac’s sharp turn to keep control of the vehicle resulted in me landed on my back in the minefield.” Harm explained.

“Wow...how did you get out of there?”

“Well, Mac was going to drive closer to me and then I convinced her that wouldn’t work, so I decided to take a chance and start walking toward her. The first step was okay and so was the second, but the third one we heard a click.”

“What did you do?”

“Well, I froze and tried to convince Mac to leave me and walk over the mountain back to base camp and get help.”

“Like I was about to leave you,” Mac stated rolling her eyes.

“So what did you do, Mac?”

“Well I looked around in the jeep and found an ammo box. Harm was lucky because some mines blow when you step on them and others blow when you take your foot off of them. As long as there was pressure on that mine, Harm would be safe...so knowing that Harm was in good shape, I thought if we could slow up the mine Harm might have a chance of jumping free. I jumped down on the ground...”

“Couldn’t you have landed on a mine too?” Chloe asked enthralled hearing about their adventures and forgetting that she really had wanted to hear about more romantic stuff.

“Yes,” Harm stated, “but Mac was in luck and she took the ammo box and slid it over the mine. I put my foot on top and Mac accused me of being macho when I told her to get on the far side of the jeep.”

“ For once he was right and not working on emotions, so I got down on the far side of the vehicle and the next thing I knew he was beside we with his arm around me while the mine detonated.”

“What did you do, Harm?” Chloe asked.

“I jumped for the hood and used it to catapult myself over the jeep and to the ground beside Mac.”

“Wow! Did someone hear the blast and come rescue you?”

“Not that night. We had to walk up into the mountains and we had just settled down to get some sleep...”Mac was explaining when Harm jumped in.

“...It gets cold at night in the desert, but Mac was making up her own bed quite a ways from me. I offered to call down to the desk and get a divider brought up and all Mac would say is she thought I needed some space.”

“I didn’t want to crowd him,” Mac explained.

“Middle of the desert and chances of dealing with hypothermia real and she wants to tough it out...”

“I moved closer,” Mac defended herself.

“Yeah, after I suggested it would be better then sleeping with scorpions.”

“I will admit it felt good to cuddle close...too bad we were interrupted.”

“What happened? I thought you weren’t rescued that night.”

“We weren’t...they called in an air strike and we had to make a run for it and dodge shrapnel and strife.”

“Yeah, we didn’t get much sleep that night and they found us the next morning.”

“You guys get into some pretty dangerous stuff sometimes, huh?” Chloe asked.

“Sometimes...but most of it we are trained to handle,” Harm assured her.

“You know, that story was interesting, but I was hoping for a more romantic story.”

“Sorry Chloe...I’m sorry to say that Mac and I haven’t really had that many ‘romantic’ moments at least what most people would see as romantic.”

“Why?”

“I think because our relationship grew from our partnership to friendship before either of us would admit that there was something there between us that was more then friendship.”

“It’s true, Chloe...usually one or the other of us would turn a potential romantic moment into something humorous or we would pick a fight.”

“Why? I don’t get it. You are both gorgeous and intelligent and could have anyone you wanted. Yet you both denied that there was anything between you until now...why?”

“Chloe, I’m not sure we are prepared to get into all of that with you, but I think there’s another story we could tell you that might satisfy your need for a romantic story...right Harm?”

“You tell this one.”

“Well, when I was engaged to marry Mic, the Admiral hosted an engagement party for us. Harm was waiting for Renee to join us and so I went out on the porch to talk about a case with him while he waited. We started reminiscing about when we first met and some assignments we had been on. Anyway, I asked Harm why he backed away from me when we were in Australia that time and before he could answer, Renee got there so we went back in.”

“That’s it?”

“No...now be patient Chloe...anyway, I left my p purse so I went out to get it and while I was out there Harm came out.”

“I thought she was upset about something so I went to check on her. Mic was being kind of loud and boisterous and I thought maybe he had said something to upset Mac.”

“He hadn’t, but I told Harm that since he had come out, maybe he could answer my question from before. He of course claimed that there were complications. Anyway, it started us off on another tour down memory lane. One thing would lead to another. Harm asked me if I loved Mic and instead of answering him I said he didn’t get to ask that question. I started to go back into the house and Harm called me back and handed me my purse, which I had forgotten again. When he handed it to me, our fingers touched and the heat that radiated between us took my breath away.”

“Mine too,” Harm admitted smiling into Mac’s eyes.

“Harm told me that when I had been on trial Mic had said that some of the men I worked with were in love with me and I asked Harm which men. He wouldn’t answer me but walked to the other end of the porch. Finally he told me that I would always have someone that loved me and I said that he would always have someone that loved him. We both still believed that it was the love between friends that we were talking about.”

“It wasn’t though, was it?” Chloe asked.

“No...but it took much longer for either of us to admit it,” Harm went on.

“Well, I think it took you longer then it took me...but I’ll explain that later,” Mac went on. “Anyway, I told him that he looked sad and he said not to feel sorry for him. I leaned up to kiss him good-bye and he surprised me when he pulled me into his arms and kissed me like he wasn’t ever going to let me go.”

“Wow...”

“My knees were buckling, but he held me up. I’m not sure how I ended that kiss and walked away...”

“Probably because I was in shock. I couldn’t believe I had just kissed you like that and told you I loved you when I was dating another woman and you were engaged to marry another man. This was a breach of conduct I would normally never allow myself,” Harm explained.

“Why did you?” Mac asked in a whisper.

“Because I was getting desperate and I knew I didn’t want to lose you.”

“I started having second thoughts after that too,” Mac admitted.

“Guys, that was three years ago!”

“Yes, it was. We just couldn’t seem to get on the same page together at the same time,” Harm explained.

“What got you there this time?”

“Well, I’ve sort of had a time table set in my mind for years. I figured that I would fly until I was about forty and then take a desk job. When you were leaving to go to Vermont to live with your grandparents and AJ Roberts was born I was also leaving to go back to flying. I had just broken up with Jordan and knew that it was too soon to jump into another relationship and I wanted to see if I could still be a fighter pilot. Mac was pretty down and I want her to know that when I thought about my future I pictured her in it.”

“Really?”

“Yeah...but I didn’t want to ask her to wait for me and I didn’t know if she felt the same, so I came up with an idea. We both have always talked about how someday we saw ourselves with children, so I told her that in five years if neither of us were in a relationship we could have a kid together. I knew she thought I was a prude, so I figured she would know I was offering her the whole package - commitment, marriage, babies and love.”

“Wow...did you realize that was what he was offering?”

“No, I thought he was just trying to make me feel better. The problem was, I was already in love with him but he didn’t seem to want anything more then friendship so I tried to hide how I felt. After Mic left and I went TAD, things were pretty rough between us. I thought we might work things out after JAG-a-thon. We started spending time together and we seemed to be closer again. I even slipped and told Sturgis back then that I was in love with Harm. Then we ended up in Afghanistan and Bud lost his leg and it was hard to focus on us again.”

“Yeah and the Admiral assigned us to the bench about the time Sergei was returning to Russia.”

“...Then Singer got pregnant and disappeared and there was the investigation into JAG. Just about the time that was resolved they arrested you for Singers murder and then I left for Paraguay and everything fell apart for awhile.”

“It took us a year but we’ve made it through Mac. Look where we are now.”

Mac moved closer to Harm and rested her head on his shoulder. He took her hand and kissed it.

“Hey, you two...you want me to leave?” Chloe asked.

“No...we were just getting to the romantic part of the story,” Mac told her.

“A few weeks ago we were at a retirement ceremony for the Admiral. Harm and I walked out onto the deck and started talking. I realized that no matter what, Harm has always been there for me. He cared about me enough to sacrifice his happiness and his desire so that I would be happy. What I didn’t understand was that if I wanted to be happy with him, I had to let him know that.”

“I also had learned that when Mac asks a question, I can’t hesitate - I need to have an answer for her.”

“Harm brought up that it had been five years since AJ was born and he had mentioned his five year plan. I asked Harm if he would always be there for me and without hesitation he said yes. That was when I realized that Harm was prepared to make a life time commitment to me and that he loved me as much as I loved him.”

“Did you asked her to marry you that night?”

“No...it was a couple of weeks later.”

“That is romantic.”

“When you see where we are getting married and the house we bought you’ll really appreciate how romantic we’ve become,” Mac smiled. “And now, how about our surprise?”

“Are you going to tell me?”

“Harm brought us those delicious cannelloni like we had at that restaurant we went to the last time you came down, remember?”

“Oh! Thanks Harm...you really are the best...even if you are a brat sometimes!”

They indulged in the sweet rich dessert before Chloe’s eyes started to shut and she couldn’t stop yawning.

“Time for bed Chloe,” Mac suggested as the teenagers head bobbed again.

“Yeah...G’night Mac.” Chloe gave her big sister a hug and then held her arms out to Harm, “G’night, Harm. Thank you.”

“Your welcome Chloe - and maybe tomorrow you can tell me why. Get some sleep.”

Harm and Mac sat together on the sofa, just content to be together, each lost in their own thoughts.

“Penny for them...” Harm broke the silence first.

“Sometimes when we share our stories with people I realize how someone watching us could be totally baffled and other times I can’t figure out how we could be so dense.”

“I know what you mean...yet I think that if we had tried to force the situation before we were both ready, it would have been a disaster.”

“You don’t worry that it still could be?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because I will do whatever I need to do to make you happy because that is the most important thing to me. Now that I know you love me and that you are okay with me loving you-anything else will be icing on the cake.”

Mac stood up and took Harm’s hand, pulling him to his feet. Quietly he followed her to their room. Once in bed, they held each other falling asleep in each other’s arms.

Friday 1630 Local

Guest Suite Hotel

Falls Church, Virginia

Harm had just showered and dressed in preparation for meeting his mother, step-father and grandmother at the airport. To save time, he had taken a towel and a change of clothes from the suite he shared with Mac and Chloe to the one his family would be using. Cleaning up his things he was just getting ready to return through the connecting door when his cell phone rang.

“Rabb”

[Surprise, Dear!]

“Mom! Where are you?”

[In the limo on our way to you if you’ll just tell us where you are.]

“We were just getting ready to come get you. Did you change your flight?”

[Yes, Frank had a meeting in New York this morning so we flew out from there and picked Sarah up on the way. Now tell us where to find you.]

“We’re at the new Guest Suites Hotel in Falls Church, Virginia. Just give them your name at the desk to get your key - I have Grandma’s key already.”

[See you soon, son.]

Harm disconnected the call, took one last look around and went to tell Chloe and Mac that they did not need to go to the airport.

“At ease ladies...we do not have to make the trip to the airport.”

“Oh, Harm, no....why aren’t they coming?” asked Mac with genuine concern.

“Oh they’ll be here - we just don’t have to go get them. Frank had to do a meeting in New York this morning so they flew there last night and then stopped and got Gram on their way here. Mom just called for directions from the limo.”

“Good - I was scared they were refusing to come for a second.”

“Mom wouldn’t do that. She’s been after me to go after you for years. Like Chloe she knew my mind before I did I guess. By the way, did I mention that you ladies look stunning?”

“You didn’t, but thank you for mentioning it. You look pretty good yourself, Mr. Rabb,” Mac stepped close to Harm, sliding her arms around his waist and resting her face on his chest, just below the shoulder. Harm wrapped her in his arms loosely, resting his face atop her head.

“Tired?”

“A little I guess.”

“Maybe you should take it easy tonight. You’ve worked hard today.”

“You did too...the house and grounds looks great.”

“I’m glad you thought of those little white lights...they’ve been there for some important moments...and they are safer then candles.”

“Harm, I love you...Thank you for everything.”

“Don’t thank me, Sarah, I’m getting as much out of this as you are you know.”

“You really think so?”

“Yes...” {knock-knock} “...They’re here.” Taking Mac’s hand Harm led her to the door and opened it.

“Harmon...Hello Mac.”

“Mom...Gram, how are you?”

“I’m fine son. Are you going to introduce us?”

“Gram, Mom, Frank, I’d like you to meet, Sarah Mackenzie - my fiancé and her ‘little sister’, Chloe Madison. Mac...Chloe, this is my grandmother, Sarah Rabb; my mother Trish Burnett and her husband, Frank Burnett.”

“Mrs. Rabb, Mrs. Burnett, Mr. Burnett...”

“Please call me Gram, both of you.”

“Trish and Frank, please...”

“Thank you...feel free to call me Mac or Sarah - I answer to both.”

Harm helped them get their bags next door and when Gram discovered that Harm was staying with Mac the night before the wedding, she instructed that other arrangements be made. Chloe moved into the room with Mac, Gram took Chloe’s room and Harm took the extra bedroom in his parents’ suite. Harm and Mac exchanged glances and when they were alone later that evening, before they said goodnight, Mac teased Harm.

“Now I know where those ‘prude-like’ tendencies come from, Mr. Rabb.”

“Sorry about this Mac - but she’s tough to fight on things like this.”

“I understand - and I think its sweet. Besides, I should be able to hear some great stories while we are spending time together!”

“Ma-a-a-a-c-c-c-c!”

“Don’t worry Harm...I’ll use them wisely,” Mac giggled as she pushed him through the connecting door to the suite he’s share with his family.

Harm turned to see his Mother and Frank watching with grins on their faces.

“Join us in a night-cap Harm?” asked Frank.

“Thanks - Hey, I can get it Frank. Stay seated.” Harm poured himself a bourbon and sat in the chair at an angle to the sofa where his mother and Frank sat.

“You look happy, Son,” Trish started.

“I am Mom.”

“Why have you two fought this so long?”

“Well at first it could have been considered fraternization and then when we got promoted about five months apart, things were so complicated that we couldn’t seem to find our way to each other...and I had a lot of growing up to do Mom.”

“Yes, but that’s typical of your type,” offered his mother.

“My type?”

“Naval aviators? Jet jockeys? Your father was the same way, Harm.”

“But he wasn’t forty years old before he could get his life in order and marry you.”

“No...but he married me - Thank God - or I wouldn’t have had you - and then left to play with his jets and take risks and sought challenges that I don’t even want to think about - because I know you’ve done the same kind of things. He got shot down and we lost him forever. Mac’s lucky, Son. You’ve been there done that and now you know what your priorities are I suspect and although you’ll always love to fly, you have a career that can allow you to have a family and be there for them. Mac’s not going to have to survive the six month or longer deployments and worry if you are going to come home.”

“Things can still happen to me - or to her.”

“True, but where are the risks greater?”

Harm didn’t have the heart to tell his mother that he still ended up in his fair share of dangerous situations - and so did Mac - but he exchanged knowing glances with Frank.

“Harm, your mother will always worry about you, but I think now that you and Mac are together she’s going to spend most of her time thinking about potential grandchildren. Right, Dear?”

“Frank, let’s see them get married and have a honeymoon first.”

“Yes, Dear.”

“You are planning to start a family soon aren’t you Harm?” asked his mother in the next breath.

“Yes, Mom. Both Mac and I want a family and given Mac’s age we know that we will be lucky to be able to have a child. If it doesn’t happen soon, we have talked about adoption.”

“That would be wonderful, Harm.”

“You wouldn’t mind if your grandchildren were not related by blood?” Harm secretly smiled knowing that if all went well, the Rabb grandchild would be born next winter.

“Of course not Harm. I’ve always tried to raise you that family is about loving and caring and not about blood.”

“I know...and I understood that kind of late in life when it came to you Frank. I’m very sorry for all the headaches I gave you.”

“Don’t worry about it Harm. After all, you were a good kid for the most part. Didn’t get into a lot of trouble or anything. Of course I’m sure that had to do more with your plan to get into the Academy then anything we did.”

“Still, without your help after I made my trip to Vietnam I could have thrown that dream away. I didn’t know at the time that you had pulled some strings, Frank.”

“When did you find out?”

“About six years ago when you hooked me up with Hugh Blackadder when I was in Russia...Thank you for everything Frank, especially for being there for Mom.”

“No thanks needed, Son.”

“Well, we have a busy day tomorrow I understand.”

“Yes, we still need to get a few more things settled at the house in the morning, and then we have the pre-wedding luncheon at Bud and Harriet’s. after that we can all relax for an hour or two before we get dressed for the wedding.” Harm couldn’t stop the grin on his face.

“Does Mac know where you are going on the honeymoon?”

“Yes. I wanted her to be able to pack her own bags and take things that she would be comfortable with.”

“I think you are going to make good husband material, Harm...although I understand you had Chloe in quite a state last night over the wedding dress.”

“Yes, that was after she issued me an ultimatum so I figured I owed her...Mac knew I wouldn’t ruin her surprise.” Harm chuckled.

“Will Mattie be coming to the wedding Harm?”

“Yes, Tom said he would bring her and I have encouraged him to stay, too. HE said he would see how he was feeling.”

“You miss having Mattie with you, don’t you?”

“Yes, Mom, I do. But it was important for her to reconnect with her father. She was blaming him when it really was just an accident. She knows I’ll always be here for her - and so will Mac.”

“I’m very proud of the man you’ve become Harm...and now I really am going to go to bed. We can’t have the mother of the groom falling asleep at the reception, now can we?”

“You have more energy then women half your age, Mom. G’night. Frank.” Harm sat in the quiet for a few more minutes before he also got up and went in to go to bed. He lay in the dark thinking how quickly he had become use to Mac beside him in bed.

June 26, 2004

Noon

Robert’s Residence

Rosslyn, Virginia

The group was seated at the long dining room table in Bud and Harriet’s dining room. Mattie, Chloe, Jen, Trish, Frank, Harm, Mac, Sarah Rabb, Sturgis, AJ, Little AJ, Bud and Harriet. Bud stood and offered the toast.

“When Mac and Harm told us what they were planning for a reception, Harriet and I decided that we would offer the luncheon today so that we could offer up a few of the traditional things that we felt Mac and Harm were leaving out of their plans. One of those things being the toasts. So I would like to start a round of toasts as the Best Man...Harm and Mac...we have watched you over the years struggling with your relationship. Harriet and I tried to show you how it should be done, but you were so busy fighting each other or protecting each other you missed it. So what ever it was that helped you to realize what we around you have known for years, thank you! You two belong together and we are so happy to be sharing in this day with you. To Harm and Sarah!”

Everyone raised their glasses and took a sip of their sparkling cider. As they set the glasses back down, the tinkling sound of silverware against the glasses began. Harm and Mac looked at each other and grinned. Leaning toward each other they let their lips touch lightly, a bit self-conscious about kissing in front of everyone.

AJ Chegwidden stood next. “Harm, I know I was awfully harsh on you this past year, but you got the message even better then I had hoped. You are an amazing officer and I would be proud to serve with you any day. Sarah, you also are an amazing officer. I’ve seen you kick butt as good as any Seal and I’ve see you manage an office full of misfits and help them become part of the JAG family. You however, my dear are about to make a commitment to a man that has been described by most as intelligent, stubborn, headstrong, duty and honor bound, loyal and arrogant as they come. He’s also one of the luckiest men I know - he convinced you to marry him.” Everyone laughed.

“And you Sarah, are the only woman I know that is up to the challenge of living life with Harmon Rabb. May you both find your way along the road not yet taken and find your true desire.”

Mac and Harm linked fingers between them and looked into each others eyes as their family and friends raised their glasses again to them.

After a few more words of congratulations and best wishes along with some barbs by Sturgis, Frank and Grandma Rabb, the group broke up to get ready for the wedding. Mattie, Chloe and Mac were staying with Bud and Harriet, while Frank, Trish, Harm and Gram returned to the Hotel.

Part 10

Harm and Bud stood in their dress whites next to Chaplain Turner on the porch of the house that use to belong to Admiral Chegwidden. At exactly 1700 local time, the Limo pulled up and the music began to play. Harriet stepped out first and proceeded past the white chairs set up on the front lawn to the porch. The music changed then and Sarah Mackenzie floated down the walk between the guests and up to the porch on the arm of Retired Admiral AJ Chegwidden. He handed her over to Harm by placing her hand on his extended arm and then returned to the first row of seats next to Chloe and Mattie.

The music stopped as Mac and Harm turned toward Chaplain Turner who welcomed everyone to this celebration of love and unity.

Chaplain Turner kept the ceremony simple, beautiful and to the point. Harm and Mac exchanged platinum wedding rings engraved inside. Harm had ALWAYS engraved in Mac’s ring, while she had ILY (I Love You) engraved in his. When the Chaplain got to the part where he instructed the groom to kiss his bride, Harm and Mac exchanged smiles and a memory of another kiss on this very porch three years before.

Slowly they moved together and Harm lowered his head as Mac reached up to relive that kiss again. Harm took her in his arms as he had that night and deepened the kiss. Their guests gasped and then giggled. Only a few knew the real reason they had chosen to marry on this very porch and even less knew they were reliving a special moment. Finally, Harm and Mac slowly released each other, smiling into each others eyes.

“I give you, Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Rabb Junior.”

Harm and Mac walked arm and arm off the porch and down the steps to join their guests. Jen had brought her camera and was taking pictures like crazy. Chloe and Mattie each had digital cameras that they were using to capture moments as well. After the well wishers each greeted the bride and groom, Mac and Harm led them to the back of the house. Music began to play and an assortment of patio tables and chairs were set around a plywood dance floor Sturgis and Harm had constructed that morning with Frank’s help while Mac, Jen and Harriet had set up tables and decorations under Trish and Grams’ guiding eyes.

The caterers moved among the small gathering making sure people had the food and drinks they required. Harm and Mac took to the dance floor as soon as they heard the Anne Murray song play that they had danced to the night they had officially become engaged.

“I love you Sarah Mackenzie Rabb,” Harm whispered in her ear as they moved around the dance floor.

“I love you too, Husband,” Mac grinned up at him.

“You are so beautiful you took my breath away when you stepped out of that limo.”

“Well, I must admit that the dress whites and gold wings have always buckled my knees when I see them on you.”

“Oh really...I thought they didn’t do much for you.”

“They don’t - unless they are on you.”

“Well, it won’t be long before we can leave here and will see if I can make you weak in the knees without them.”

“Oh I think you probably can, Mr. Rabb.”

“Then it’s only fair to tell you that you make me weak in the knees too, Mrs. Rabb.”

As the dance ended, Frank approached with Trish and asked for a dance with the bride. Harm took his mother in his arms to dance her around the floor as Frank and Sarah moved away from them.

“You are a beautiful bride Sarah.”

“Thank you Frank. You are looking very dashing this evening.”

“Trish makes sure I’m not an embarrassment when we go out. I’m happy in khaki’s and flannel shirts most of the time.”

“I think Harm’s inherited his mother’s flair for style when it comes to clothes. He looks dashing in his uniforms but he knows how to dress in civilian attire as well.”

“Do you think Harm will ever be happy if he leaves the Navy?”

“Why? Has he said something about it to you?” Mac asked a little nervous that Harm was back to making decisions without her.

“Oh, no, Sarah. I guess his mother has thought about the possibility of him retiring and coming home someday to work for my company that I got caught up in the idea. Personally I can’t see him happy as a lawyer in corporate America. I just wondered if he had ever said anything about it.”

“No. I think he might consider working in family law but I see him having his own business where he can investigate and defend clients he believes in before I can see him working in some bug law firm.”

“What about you?”

“I haven’t given it a lot of thought recently, but I tried the big firm route and I didn’t like it. I could see Harm and I having our own firm someday maybe.” The song ended as they approached Trish and Harm again. Once more the bride and groom were back in each others arms.

Throughout the evening Harm danced with Mattie, Chloe, his grandmother, Harriet, and Jen while Mac took turns with AJ, Bud, Sturgis, Tom Johnson, and Little AJ. They had cut the cake and fed each other a piece and no one smashed it in the others face, a ritual that neither of them were crazy about. Harm and Mac were finally dancing together again. The sun had set and the little white lights twinkled in the summer night.

“I’m ready to get away from here if you are,” Harm suggested.

“Let’s go.”

“Are you going to throw your flowers?” Harm asked.

“No...and there is no garter to go find either,” Mac teased him.

“Good...I’d rather do my hunting under your skirts without an audience.”

“Harm!” Mac blushed at his bold comment. “You are getting frisky.”

“Ready?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s start thanking everyone for coming and be on our way,” Harm led Mac from the dance floor and toward his family. “It’s time,” he told them.

AJ had been sitting with Harm’s parents and took command calling for everyone’s attention. “Our bride and groom are about to depart. Shall we see them off?”

“Everything is loaded in the limo, Harm and the plane is ready to go.”

“Thanks Frank.”

Harm and Mac hugged and kissed everyone good-bye, thanking them for coming. Finally they were able to slip into the limo and head for the airport.

Part 11

Sunday Morning

Cruise Ship

Seattle Washington

“Welcome aboard, Mr. and Mrs. Rabb. The steward will show you to your room on the Verandah Deck. Enjoy your cruise.”

“Thank you,” Harm responded as their steward introduced himself next.

“I’m Tony and I will be your steward on this cruise. If there is anything you want or need, you call for me and I’ll see what I can do to get it for you.”

“Thank you Tony,” Mac smiled as she took Harm’s hand in hers and followed Tony to their deck.

The room they were shown had a queen sized bed, a shower and a tub, a private deck area, a seating area and a small kitchenette space with a refrigerator and sink. Their luggage was waiting for them when they arrived and rested at the foot of the bed.

Harm tipped Tony after he told them about the amenities on board and explained that they would be getting underway around noontime. He had gone over the dining arrangements with them and explained that they had the early seating for dinner but they also had room service available, a continental breakfast bar that served from five until ten every morning, a salad bar and sandwich shop that served from eleven until three each day and of course the midnight buffet every night.

“Well, Mac, looks like we won’t have to worry about a hungry Marine on this cruise.”

“Cute, Sailor,” she said, poking him in the ribs good naturedly.

Once Tony left, Harm pulled Mac into his arms and kissed her. “And how would you like to spend the time until we get underway, Mrs. Rabb?”

“Unpacking? Exploring?” Mac suggested.

“I could go for some exploring,” Harm suggested raising his eyebrows and grinning at his wife.

“I think you explored every inch of me on the flight out here last night,” Mac teased him.

“Well, I think you did some exploring of your own on me, but we may have each missed an inch or two.”

“You think so?” Mac began looking over her new husband. He had dressed in an aqua sports shirt with white jeans when they finally dressed this morning before heading for the ship. She admired the way the material hugged his fit body and allowed her hands to rest on his chest where she could feel his heart beating beneath her fingers.

Mac had dressed in white jeans as well and paired them with a form hugging tank top in red with a see through white blouse over it. Harm had slid his hands into her back pockets and used them to hold her close to him.

“We could always practice the undressing part of this routine...” Harm murmured as he kissed his wife throughly before moving her slowly toward the bed. Mac’s hands slid under the hem of his shirt, which she had already pulled from his waist and slid the material up over his head. They parted long enough for the shirt to come off and be tossed across the room before Mac whispered in a husky voice.

“I think I found a place I missed last night...” and she started placing kisses on his collarbone and down the center of his chest as her fingernails lightly scraped across his nipples on their way to his belt.

They spent the rest of the morning making love and napping before they heard the bell warning that they would be underway soon. They dressed and stepped out onto their private deck as they got underway. While both of them had spent time at sea as part of their careers, they had never had the chance to enjoy the experience at their leisure. Both savored every second of the trip and made sure they found time to explore the scenery and take advantage of the day trips into Alaska as well as time to get to know one another in more intimate ways.

While both of them had enjoyed the wildlife they had seen along the Alaskan coast and on their sight-seeing trip they took into Alaska’s interior, the rugged mountains and the huge glaciers were unforgettable.

The week passed quickly and it was time to fly home from Alaska. As much as they had enjoyed the time alone, they were both eager to get home to their new house and begin settling into a new life and a new routine together.

The first morning in their new home found Mac experiencing her first real bout of morning sickness. Harm was a basket case, not sure what he should do to help her. He called her doctor and was told that ginger tea and crackers were usually helpful.

From that morning on for the next two months, Harm was up early and prepared the crackers and ginger tea for her before she attempted to get out of bed. It worked. She only threw up once after that first morning and that had actually been after she caught a whiff of some milk in the refrigerator that had soured.

While Harm settled into his new assignment at the Academy and Research Center, Mac found working with Admiral Krennick was okay. She treated the staff fairly and with high expectations of their abilities. The family atmosphere at JAG was gone, but Bud and Harriet, Jennifer Coates and Mac and Harm got together at least once a month for dinner or to go out and they also continued to spend holiday time together.

Part 12