Title: Reduce Altitude

Author: Hollyjp

Summary: Harm and Mac find a way to each other.

Rating: PG-13 with a couple of NC-17 chapters. They are marked.

Spoilers: Anything and everything I’ve read as well as all episodes through Season 10 and my imagination.

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

Author’s Notes: I just loved that line Mattie used at the end of Corporate Raiders. I got to think about how Mac could use it and here I am writing another FanFic! Oh well, with no new episode this week, I’ll need something to entertain me.

CHAPTER 1

Harm stood by the door still holding Mattie’s sweater, staring at the closed door and smiling. He shook his head thinking about Mattie’s parting ‘command’ to him...’reduce altitude’ indeed! She was even more of a pilot geek then he use to be. He returned to his desk and the work waiting there for him, tossing the sweater back onto the chair where he had taken it from.

The paperwork that Turner was throwing at them was about to drive him insane. Even Mac had been expressing her frustrations more and more and had actually refused to work on one file Sturgis had handed to her. Harm wasn’t sure which event amazed him more - Mac’s refusal to comply with orders from Turner or Turner’s apparent lack of understanding that she was balking at his directives.

Shaking his head again he tried to focus on the work in front of him. Before he could settle in, the phone rang.

“Rabb.”

{Hey Harm...am I interrupting?}

“Oh, Hi Mac...no, I seem to be unable to focus on anything this evening. This ‘make-work’ Sturgis is dishing out is getting out of hand.”

{You can say that again.}

“I couldn’t believe you practically told him to shove that file today Mac...and that he didn’t get what it was you were actually saying to him.”

{Now Harm, don’t start trouble...I didn’t refuse...I just told him I’d have it ready when pigs fly.}

“Great, he’ll probably asked Bud to find out when he can expect that event to happen so he’ll know when to expect the file from you.”

{At least he won’t ask you to do it.}

“No, but Bud’s been great about helping wade through all the files and getting the paperwork in order. If he sends Bud on a fools errand, I’m stuck with it.”

{Whoa! Is this Harmon Rabb Junior sounding sorry for himself and admitting he needs help?}

“Yup...I think I’m getting pretty good at it. What do you think?”

{You have changed a lot this year Harm. Any particular reason why?}

“I don’t know, Mac...I guess being responsible for a teenager, losing everything that means anything to me, and having to grovel to get even a portion of what I had back can be a wake-up call - even for me.”

{I think most of it is Mattie...}

“You could be right,” Harm chuckled thinking about her latest command.

{What?}

“Nothing much...Mattie left not long before you called to go have dinner with her Dad. She came back to get her sweater and ask me again to join them. I told her I had too much work to do and go ahead without me.”

{Harm, you shouldn’t let work come between you...but then I guess it doesn’t surprise me that you are starting to put up walls.} Mac gentley scolded.

“That’s not what I’m doing. You know, Mattie reassured me that she knows I’m not trying to get rid of her.”

{That’s a good sign.}

“Yes, it is. She also told me that she still needs me because my personal and annoying questions do make a difference. I told her that I knew that so she left but without the sweater she came back for. I grabbed it and called her back. She came in and she tried to convince me again to go with them. Then she told me to ‘reduce altitude’ ...”

{What did she say?}

“Reduce altitude...”

{Why?}

“So she could kiss my cheek...”

{Harm that’s so cute!}

“It’s typical Mattie. Anyway, she ended up leaving her sweater behind after all that.”

{She does adore you.}

“I love her Mac...she gave me a purpose when I needed one. It felt so good to be able to help and to have to find it in me to meet the challenges she offered time and time again.”

{You make a good Dad...}

“Yeah, well I took the easy way out on one thing.”

{What was that?}

“Mattie has a boyfriend in Blacksburg and I asked her if she knew about sex. She told me she’d learned the basics from MTV and the popular girls at school. I told her she needed to go to her Dad on that one. She agreed she would.”

{You are a prude!}

“No I’m not...out of practice maybe, not a prude...”

{Sure...if you say so.} Mac grinned trying to picture Harm’s face and the way he moved around trying to hide the fact he was nervous.

“It has been almost three years...Mac why did you call?”

{Three years?}

“Never mind. Why did you call?”

{To talk.}

“About what?”

{Anything...}

“You okay?”

{I’m fine...I just felt like talking...but if you’re busy I’ll let you go.}

“Mac, wait...I’m not that busy...I just thought I’d try to get a handle on this busy work Sturgis has handed out.”

{I know. I got mine done.}

“Did pigs fly?”

{No. I just didn’t want it hanging over my head anymore.}

“Me either.”

{Okay, I’ll let you get back to it.}

“Gee, thanks Mac.”

{Harm?}

“Yes?”

{Want to have lunch with me tomorrow?}

“Sounds great.”

{I’ll see you in the morning.}

“Thanks Mac.”

0740 Local

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

“Get all your busy work finished last night?” Mac asked as she saw Harm step off the elevator.

“Most of it, yeah. You give yours to Sturgis?” Harm asked with the lop-sided grin and raised eyebrow look on his face.

“I’ll get to it...”

“Yeah, I know...when pigs fly!” Harm laughed then.

“Good morning, Colonel...Commander.”

“Good morning to you too Commander,” Mac smiled looking at the man that had been through so much in the last few years to seemingly come out on top.

“Hey Bud.”

“What’s this I hear about pigs flying?” Bud asked.

“Mac told Sturgis she’d give him the paperwork he wanted when pigs fly,” Harm chuckled.

“Oh...that’s why I was asked to find out when to expect that occurrence...” Bud somehow kept a straight face as he innocently looked at Mac and then Harm.

Mac looked horrified and Harm laughed aloud.

“Bud, tell me he didn’t...” Mac started before Bud couldn’t keep it together anymore and burst out laughing along with Harm.

“Did you set me up Commander Rabb?” asked Mac stepping up toe to toe to Harm trying to ‘get in his face’ despite the several inches he had on her.

“Mac, I swear I never said a word.”

“But that’s exactly what you said last night...” Mac accused.

“It’s just I know Sturgis and Bud,” Harm explained.

“I overheard part of your conversation and I guess I know the commanders pretty well myself,” Bud chuckled enjoying the fact that he could indulge in humor with the other senior attorneys now without having rank pulled on him all the time like they used to do.

“So Bud...do you think you will get to the point where you will be able to call us by our first names anytime in the next few years?” Harm asked.

“I do try, Harm, really I do, “ Bud assured them.

“Good man.” Harm praised him.

“Well I guess I’d better get to work.” Bud left Harm and Mac standing outside Mac’s office. Harm glanced up at the name tag holder on the office next to hers, his old office before Admiral Chegwidden had ordered Sturgis to move into it and make it his space. Mac saw his look.

“You still miss this office don’t you, Harm?”

“It’s just an office - a room - why would I miss it. I have a desk and file cabinets and everything I need in the office I have now.” Harm denied her claim.

“Harm...” Mac warned him.

“I miss being next to you Mac...not the office.” Harm admitted before turning on his heel and returning to his small office down the hall.

Since he had been at JAG, he had shared a small office with Meg before being moved into the larger office when he became a Lt. Commander. He had stayed there until he return to flying. Then he lost the office to Mic Brumby and had been moved into the larger office next to Mac. When he returned after his stint with the CIA he had been demoted to the out of the way office he had now. He had made it home after they had gotten rid of the smell. Now, all he missed was being near Mac...but then he missed her spending time with him in his home and during off duty hours too, so changing offices wouldn’t fix that.

Mac watched Harm walked away and decided to do something about the situation. She stalked into the outer office and asked Petty Officer Coates if Commander Turner was available.

“Yes Ma’am. Just a minute...Commander Turner?”

{Yes Coates}

“Colonel Mackenzie to see you sir.”

{Send her in}

“Thanks Jen.” Mac smiled before turning to speak to Sturgis Turner.

“Have my work for me Colonel?” asked Sturgis.

“Pigs flying today?”

“What?”

“Nothing. I’ll have it for you shortly. I came to see you about another matter.”

“Have a seat Mac. What’s up?”

“Sturgis you said you have no idea when the new JAG will be appointed, correct?”

“Yes...”

“And you don’t use two offices at the same time. It would be a time saving and therefore cost effective measure to move Commander Rabb back to his old office as you have assigned us to work together several times and when the new JAG comes on board, you will likely work more with Commander Roberts then either of us.”

“You might have a point there, Mac. Did Harm put you up to this?”

“No Sturgis, I thought this up on my own.” Mac struggled to keep her contempt for Sturgis Turner out of her voice.

“It does make sense. I’ll tell Coates to pack up my things and have Harm moved in as soon as possible.”

“Very well, Commander. And I’ll have those files and reports you wanted on your desk within the hour.”

“Anything else?” asked Sturgis and at Mac’s negative response. “Dismissed.”

Mac left Admiral Chegwidden’s old office feeling some small measure of vindication for the raw deal that Harm had received after rescuing her and Clay. Returning to her office, Mac settled in to work until it was time to have lunch with Harm.

****

CHAPTER 2

1315 Local

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Harm and Mac were laughing as they returned to their offices. Harm had been surprised when Coates had informed him that his office would be moved while he was at lunch. As they had rounded the corner by Mac’s office he looked up and once again his name hung above the door. He couldn’t help but smile.

He saw Mac snatch a note off her office door and smile.

“Good news?” Harm asked.

“Clay called.” Mac said just as Petty Officer Coates rushed up to them.

“Commander Turner wants you both in his office ASAP! Sec Nav’s on the line and doesn’t want to be kept waiting so go right in.”

Harm and Mac hurried after Coates, figuring that it must be something big. She opened the door and announced them.

“Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Rabb are here now, Mr. Secretary,” announced Commander Turner.

{Good. We have a situation on the USS Stennis that needs immediate attention. Mackenzie...}

“Yes sir.”

{Your language skills will probably play an integral part in this investigation as well as your diplomacy. Rabb.}

“Aye, Aye Sir.”

{Your reputation for going after the truth and your ability to be diplomatic - a rare combination I might add - are critical to this situation. I want you on the next transport out of Andrews. I will have all critical information waiting for you when you arrive on your flight as well as your flight schedule and connections. I’m counting on you to get to the truth and not start any insurrections.}

“Aye, aye sir,” Harm and Mac chorused as if they had rehearsed it at the same time they heard the dial tone.

“You heard the SecNav. You don’t have a lot of time. Anything I need to know before you leave?”

“No sir. All reports were in before we left for lunch. I’ll have the new Ensign contact the two people I had appointments with and reschedule them,” Mac informed Turner.

“Rabb?”

“No sir, but if you don’t mind I’ll have Coates tie up a couple of loose ends for me.”

“Go ahead. Will you have time to see Mattie?” Sturgis asked.

“Unfortunately no, but she’ll probably spend some time with her Dad anyway. Coates will fill her in.”

“Harm, make sure you two keep me posted.”

“Yes, sir! May I be dismissed, sir?”

Sturgis rolled his eyes as Harm went into ‘respect-for-superior-officer’ mode. “Get out of here Harm.”

Harm stopped by Jennifer Coates desk to fill her in.

“I’ve got you covered, Commander. I’ll call the school and let them know that I’ll pick Mattie up. I think her Dad is picking her up tomorrow night anyway.”

“Yes, he is. Thanks again Jennifer.”

“Just be careful, Commander.”

Harm met Mac at the elevator. “You already packed?”

“Sea bags in the car. You?”

“Ready to roll. Mac, why don’t I pick you up and then we only have to leave one car at Andrews.”

“You don’t mind?”

“I have the Lexus.”

“Good plan. Thanks.”

They parted in the parking lot and Mac pulled out ahead of Harm. He used his cell phone to call and leave a message for Mattie.

“Hey, Mathilda Grace...sorry I couldn’t be there with you this evening. Jen knows your Dad is picking you up tomorrow from school. She’ll take you in for me in the morning. Be good. I miss you already. I’ll call when I can...so check the messages. Love you kid.”

Harm pulled up in front of Mac’s to see her come out of her parking area with her sea bag. He jumped out to get it for her knowing how heavy they usually were.

“I’ve got it Harm.”

“I know...I guess being a gentleman is as much a habit for me as addressing us formally is for Bud.” Harm grinned at her.

“I’ll forgive you seeing as you put it that way,” Mac smiled as she climbed into the car.

They arrived at Andrews and reported in. As promised a courier was waiting for them with files for each of them. Mac opened hers to find them all in another language with a note on top. ‘Our allies are providing you with these files. Hope you can read them as fluently as you can speak it.’

“Great...”

“Problems?”

“My files are not in English.” Mac watched Harm’s eyes grow wide as he hurriedly opened his package and then saw the relief on his face as he discovered his were in English.

“Thank you!”

“Sir? Ma’am? Follow me to your transport.”

“Lead the way, Gunny,” Harm instructed.

The plane they were on was fitted with a few airline type seats for transport purposes. Harm looked into his package again and found the travel itinerary. He read it to Mac.

“The transport out of Andrews will take you to Gitmo where you will board a helicopter for the Stennis. Good luck.”

“Harm, I thought the Stennis was in the Gulf of Arabia. When did they head this way?” Mac asked quite puzzled having been on the Stennis less then a month ago.

“Don’t know. I’ll read the file after we take off and see what I can find out. Hell, Mac, we don’t even know what this case is about yet...just that you have a file in Farsi and I need to get to the truth while both of us employ our best diplomatic skills.” Harm shook his head as they settled into their seats.

An hour later Harm closed his eyes and leaned back against the head rest. “This is going to be intense Mac.”

“What have you found out so far?”

“It appears that Ahmed Abdul Farisi went undercover to investigate some of the prisoner abuse reports. Your file should give us background on him. Anyway, he was captured during an insurgents uprising in Tarik. He was later transported with another twenty prisoners to Gitmo aboard the USS Stennis. It appears that the Stennis took a turn as a prisoner shuttle seeing as they were planning to return to Mayport for some repairs.”

“What else is there? SecNav doesn’t normally over react,” Mac commented. “So far I haven’t heard anything that would prompt his reaction.”

“I agree.”

“That’s a switch...we should let AJ know...” Mac teased.

“You seem to be in a good mood for being sent on an investigation, Mac.”

“What can I say? Things just seem to be going good in my world for the first time in a long time.” Mac smiled but went back to reading the file in Farsi.

Harm watched her smile and his heart sank. He had felt that they were working things out since Webb’s reappearance and Mac’s announcement that it was over with Webb. Although she had said she didn’t know what she wanted while they were sitting on the beach that day, Mac had called him to talk at times and if she turned down his invitation, she always offered an alternative suggestion. He was feeling like they were getting their working rhythm back and she had even started doing things with Mattie and him. He had seen her smile more often in the last few weeks although today she seemed more happy then usual. She seemed content and he had noticed it shortly after she had announced that Clay had called.

Harm knew deep in his soul that whatever made Mac happy he would accept. He would still be a friend and try to be happy for her. He pushed his dread and heartache aside and went back to the file.

Talking on a chopper was not convenient so Harm and Mac completed the last part of their journey without talking. They both tried working on their respective files. Harm knew when they were close to the Stennis and tapped Mac’s arm so she could watch the approach. As many times as he had done this, it always gave him a thrill.

Harm and Mac were met at the chopper and shown to the on-board JAG office.

“Sorry, Ma’am, Commander...we are experiencing close quarters on this trip because of the prisoners. We were told that you could both make due with sharing the JAG office.”

“We’ll be fine, Petty Officer Sanderson. Dismissed.” Mac closed the door as he left. “Okay, what else do you have for us, Harm?”

“It seems that the crew of the Stennis is being accused by Farisi of perpetuating the abuse and humiliation of prisoners. What have you found out about Farisi?” Harm asked not liking the way this case was adding up.

“Better sit down. It seems that Farisi is related to one of the guards and he’s got a bone to pick with him. It would appear that its one of the men on the Stennis.”

“What’s the bone?” Harm asked, his puzzlement clear in every word he spoke.

“Farisi grew up in Philadelphia and his brother was on the airplane that went down in Pennsylvania on September eleventh. One of his cousins was suppose to have made the flight and switched with Farisi’s brother at the last minute. Another cousin is serving on the Stennis...Chief Petty Officer Marc Abdul. Abdul has a clean record and has served with distinction. Anyway, Farisi is claiming that Abdul has been abusing the prisoners.”

“You don’t sound as if you believe it, Mac.”

“Let’s just say I’m open to the possibility that there is something else going on here,” Mac informed her partner.

“Good. We’re in agreement on that then. I think I’m beginning to understand why the SecNav wants the truth and diplomacy combined on this one.” Harm sighed and closed the file. He had been sitting for hours as they traveled and felt the need to stretch his long legs. “Mac, I’m going to take a walk on deck while the flights crews are out. They’ll be coming in soon and we’ll need to eat before long or get caught up in the high traffic. You want to come with me?”

“No, go ahead. I have a couple of calls I need to make and I’ll update Sturgis while I’m at it. Come and get me before you go to the mess.”

“See you later.” Harm closed the door to the JAG office and started on his walk feeling the his world was collapsing around him. Mac had gotten a call from Clay before they left and ever since had seemed happier and freer then he had seen her for almost a year. He wanted Mac to be happy and he had started to have hope that they would find happiness with each other. He should of known that was too good to be true.

By the time Harm had walked the deck for the third time, he had resolved in his own mind what he would do. He would do his best to not let Mac see he was hurting; he would be the best friend she had ever had if it killed him; and finally he would start dating again. He would keep an open mind and try to find someone that he could enjoy spending off duty hours with. With that resolved in his own mind, he returned to the office to find Mac just coming out.

“Thought you were waiting for me,” Harm commented.

“I was...I was actually coming to meet you.” Mac smiled and passed Harm leading the way to the officers dining quarters.

They ate the meal and discussed their approach to the case in general terms. When they finished eating they began conducting their interviews.

“Commander Rabb, it’s good to see you sir.”

“Seamen Holly, right?”

“Yes sir.”

“How are things going?”

“Great sir. It will be nice to get home and see my family sir. How can I help you?”

“Well Seamen Holly, I understand that you’ve been taking guard duty shifts with the prisoners on board.”

“Yes sir. We’re all chipping in. It helps with the tight quarters and no one has to take the abuse all the time.”

“The abuse Seamen?”

“Yes sir. The prisoners will keep up a stream of comments all the time you’re in there. They tell you about the plans they have in store for more terrorist attacks; they make derogatory comments about family members; and they look for things that will get the men charged up. Once they’ve identified them they spread the word amongst themselves and needle each of us while we are standing guard duty. Some of the men have short fuses and with the kinds of insults and threats they listen to they don’t always keep their emotions under wrap.”

“Have you ever observed and kind of physical abuse going on toward the prisoners from the guards?”

“No sir. I have seen guards get in their faces and stare them down and I heard one guard tell a prisoner, that Farisi guy that his time would come. I haven’t seen any abuse from guards toward prisoners.”

“Thank you Seamen Holly. That will be all for now. I may call you again if I have more questions.”

“Seamen Raff and I owe you a lot Commander. I wish there was something more I could do to help you.”

“Just tell me the truth. That’s all I ask.”

“Yes sir.”

****

CHAPTER 3

2350 Local

USS Stennis

JAG office

It was almost midnight in Washington D.C. when Mac and Harm wrapped up their interviews for the day. They returned to the JAG office to review their notes and decide on the course of action for the next day. Mac tried to stifle a yawn but Harm caught her.

“Mac, go get some sleep.”

“I will. You need your sleep too.”

“I know. Look take the bunk and I’ll take the chairs...”

“Harm if you do that you’ll end up in sick bay unable to walk.”

“Mac, I’ll be fine. I’ll sit in the arm chair and put a pillow behind my head. I can put my feet on my bags or up on the office chair. I can probably stretch out as good their as I can in one of these midget racks.” Harm smiled. “Please Mac, go hit the rack and get some rest.”

“Alright...but if I wake up in the night I’ll switch places with you.”

Five hours later, Mac was awake listening to Harm’s breathing as he slept. She turned on her side and watched him sleep in the chair. He actually looked quite comfortable but and he was right. The bunk in the JAG office was short. Mac’s head and her feet touched the wall on both ends of the bunk. Considering that Harm had at least seven inches in height on her he wouldn’t be any more comfortable on the bunk then his makeshift chair bed.

Mac saw Harm’s eyes flutter open. She smiled and spoke quietly in the pre-dawn dark.

“Harm, do you want to lay down for awhile. We’ll have to be up in about an hour...”

“Thanks, but I’m fine Mac. Stay where you are.”

“I’m going to get up anyway. Thought I’d take my walk on deck this morning.”

“Okay.”

Mac slid out of the bunk and took her things to the head to get dressed. As she slipped out the door, Harm called, “I may join you shortly.”

Mac smiled and went on her way. Harm got up and stretched out the kinks in his body. He knew that trying to sleep while resting his head on Mac pillow wouldn’t work. Her scent would just remind him of all the things that he wouldn’t share with her. His resolve to remain her friend and support her so she would be happy was too new to be tested like that yet.

2030 Local

USS Stennis

JAG Office

“What do you think Mac?” asked Harm as she joined him after interviewing a few more prisoners.

“I think we have a mess here and when we dock at Gitmo in the morning, we’re going to have to be careful where we step.”

“That’s reassuring. Any suggestions?” Harm asked.

“Let’s go over exactly what we’ve got and make sure you and I are in agreement and that we are not missing a thing. Then we should call Sturgis and make him earn his post by making the difficult decisions.”

“Evil, Mac...but I like the way you think,” grinned Harm.

For the next hour they reviewed their notes and built their summary for Sturgis. They could either charge the guards as a whole and once again shed a negative light on the US military, or they could charge specific individuals and bring in to the open some very incriminating evidence that showed incompetence on the part of the United States intelligence system. Neither position was a good one, but at this point Harm and Mac couldn’t see a resolution.

“I’ll call this time - but feel free to jumo in whenever,” Harm invited Mac.

{Commander Turner}

“Rabb and Mackenzie here.”

{Go ahead.}

“Here’s what we’ve got. Farisi appears to be a double agent and has detailed plans of how he can continue to make others in the United States pay for the loss of his brother on September eleventh.”

{Victim or terrorist?}

“Appears to be terrorist, Commander.”

{Go on.}

“Farisi had two American born cousins both serving in the military. Chief Petty Officer Marc Abdul is on the USS Stennis and is guarding the prisoners. He speaks fluent Farsi and Mac has interviewed him several times as well as having bugged his quarters and reviewed the surveillance tapes on the brig. We have nothing on him, sir, accept the accusations of a prisoner related to him and angry with him for the loss of his brother.”

{What do you have?}

“Lance Corporal Ben Abdul has been serving with the Corps in Iraq and has been on prisoner detail. He looks quite different from his brother Marc and did not learn his grandparents native language like his older brother, Marc, did.”

{Are you saying that Lance Corporal Abdul has been abusing the prisoners while serving the United States military?}

“It looks that way Commander...and there’s more.”

{Go ahead.}

“Ben Abdul had planned to be on the airplane that went down in Pennsylvania but at the last minute convinced the younger brother of Ahmed Farisi to take that flight. Farisi has been trying to make him pay ever since.”

{I thought that Farisi was angry with Marc Abdul for his brother’s death but you are saying that its Ben Abdul that he has the beef with?}

“It would appear Commander that Farisi lost his brother and so in order to get back at Ben Abdul he must discredit and or kill Ben’s brother which is Marc,” explained Colonel Mackenzie.

{This tail is getting more and more twisted.}

“Yes it does...and you still haven’t heard it all, Sturgis.” Harm was almost enjoying the stress he could hear in his old friend’s voice.

{Then give me the rest of it.}

“Are you familiar with Representative O’Malley from Pennsylvania?” Harm asked.

{Yes...he’s on the armed forces intelligence committee. Why?}

“He’s maternal grandfather to both Ben and Marc Abdul and Ahmed Abdul Farisi and his deceased brother...” Harm paused to let the information sink in.

{Are you telling me that the grandfather of the four men involved and somehow connected to nine-one-one is on the Intel Committee and could have effected the outcome of the intel we received?}

“That’s about the size of it Commander.”

{What do you suggest?}

“We could go after Farisi as a double agent and expose the link which could discredit our intel further or we could focus on the prosecution of Ben Abdul who is the only one that we can be certain was involved in the abuse of the prisoners. OF course there is no guarantee that US intel still wouldn’t be compromised as part of the defense attorney’s attack.”

{Colonel Mackenzie...You are awfully quiet. What do you recommend?}

“ I agree with the Commander on this. We have two options. I think you’ll need to discuss this with the SecNav and decide how you wants us to proceed. We dock at Gitmo in the morning. I’m assuming the SecNav will want to meet us there.”

{You could be right Colonel. Alright...I’ll call SecNav and we’ll see what he feels is the best course of action. He did say he wanted the truth.}

After the call was disconnected, Harm, perched on the edge of the desk and watched Mac stretch and try to loosen the knot in her shoulders.

“You okay Mac?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You just seem tense.”

“I’m fine Harm...it seems that the bunk in here isn’t the most comfortable after all. I think I ended up with the sore neck while you seem to be fine after sleeping in a chair all night.”

“I was a little stiff this morning, but the walk helped work out the kinks. So you want the bed or the chair tonight?” Harm asked with a kind smile.

“Suppose you could message my neck for me a little...work the knots out?”

Harm gulped. He wasn’t sure he was ready to touch her that way. He remembered the other times he had given her a neck rub and the little sounds she made had gotten to him. Feeling as he did and in cramped quarters he was playing with fire...but he couldn’t stand to have her in pain if he could fix it.

“Sure...why don’t you put your tank and shorts on first then I won’t mess up your uniform.”

“Thanks Harm.” Mac stepped into the bathroom and less then three minutes later was back wearing the tight tank top and shorts she usually wore for sleeping on assignment aboard ship.

Harm patted the office chair. He continued to perch on the corner of the big desk. Her skin under his hands seemed to come alive. It was like warm silk to the touch. He was close enough so every breath he took, he could smell her scent. It was a light spice scent so uniquely hers.

Mac could feel the gentle strength of Harm’s long, warm fingers working the muscles in her neck. She was feeling a lot of stress on this case. She felt that over the past month she and Harm were getting back to where they had been two years ago. She also felt that they would move forward. Getting the call from Clay before she left had thrilled her as well. Not because he was trying to get back into her life, but because she finally knew without a doubt what she wanted and she felt that it could happen.

Harm abruptly stopped messaging her neck. The little sounds she made were driving him wild. Although he was glad he could ease her stress, his own had increased ten-fold.

“Why don’t you get some sleep Mac...I’m going to get some fresh air and then I’ll be back.” Harm didn’t wait for her to agree, but left the office to make his laps around the deck.

Mac shook her head as she watched him go. Sometimes she just didn’t know what to make of him. He was a puzzle at times. One minute so tender, caring and supportive and the next it seemed as if he couldn’t get away from him fast enough. She thought about Mattie telling him to ‘reduce altitude’ so she could kiss his cheek. He always seemed to blush over those truly caring gestures yet could tell the raunchiest of jokes to the guys, even with her there, and not miss a beat.

Mac settled into the bunk and smiled thinking about the roller coaster ride that was their relationship. She knew that she was to blame for the most recent challenges they had faced. Thinking back over the past year she could see now where she had made poor choices. Her first mistake had been saying ‘never’ to him in Paraguay. She also knew that it had been her adrenaline talking and that he had forgiven her for that. He understood it because he had done it too. It hadn’t hurt any less at the time, but as with many things, time can heal many wounds.

Her next tactical error had been punishing him for not returning her calls. Instead of accepting that it was his way of dealing with the hurt she had inflicted on her adrenaline high, she had chosen to pretend she hadn’t missed him and that it was fine he was back but she could have lived with him not returning too. On top of that, every time he had tried to find out if the relationship between her and Clay was serious, she had evaded his question or given an answer that could be taken in more then one way. She wasn’t proud of her actions, but she was certainly beginning to understand them with the help of Commander McCool.

Mac had to admit to herself that when Harm came to talk to her about Mattie and all she could do was get angry with him for not fighting for their relationship, his reaction shocked her back into humanity. She did a lot of soul searching after he slammed out if her apartment that night and she knew that no matter what else happened, Harm was right. The life of a young girl depended on him putting up a good fight and making the court understand how much he could do for the girl. When the judge had ruled to send Mattie to a foster home, Mac had gone into Marine mode and executed a brilliant counter attack on Harm’s behalf. It had worked. Tom Johnson saw the intelligence of her argument and agreed to go to the judge with her so her decision would be changed.

Tom had asked Mac to take Mattie to him, because he feared he would cave watching his daughter walk away. Mac had been delighted to do it and she remembered feeling how lucky Mattie was that she could just say what was on her mind with Harm and not have to worry about how others would take it. She had agreed to see Clay that night and when Harm had asked her to join them, it killed her to say no. She had wanted to share what they already had. They were willing but she couldn’t risk letting go to join them.

After Harm lost his hearing and Mac took out Sadik Faud, she had known at some level that things between her and Harm weren’t over, yet once again she had let the adrenaline control her better judgement and she had crossed the line with Clay into a physical relationship. She had missed that in her life since Mic had left and tried to make it work with Clay. When he wasn’t drinking he was good company and they had fun. The only thing that matter was the here and now. When Mac had started feeling some discomfort during sex, she had attributed it to an injury from fighting Sadik. Later she had decided that she was too tense and that never knowing where Clay was and what he was doing or where he was going was creating the tension. She had almost reached the point where she was going to call it off when Clay had asked her for one more chance. She had agreed.

That was when she learned he had died and that he hadn’t sent the gifts, but his secretary had. That was when she decided that she couldn’t take the deception. That was when Harm got her to the doctor and took care of her until she could handle the pain and the disappointment again. During that time she had spent more time with him and with Mattie. She still had trouble accepting his need to find answers and take action but from her talks with Commander McCool she was beginning to understand why. She was beginning to accept his attention and see that he needed to be needed too at times. She also was beginning to accept that not everything was her fault.

Then Clay had shown up alive. She knew for sure it was over...yet once again when Harm had asked her if that was what she wanted, instead of giving him a straight forward, ‘yes,’ she had responded that she didn’t know what she wanted.

Again she had lied to Harm. She knew what she wanted. She wanted him - as her best friend, her partner, her lover, her husband, and the father of her children. Dr. Chen had assured her that she still had a couple of years to have a child following the procedure she had done the day of the Dining Out provided the treatments were effective. Two weeks ago she had been told that everything was looking encouraging. She had also learned - thanks to some of Harm’s research that he had left in a file on her desk, that once she had a child, her chances of getting pregnant again within two to three years was even better if the endometriosis stayed under control. There had been another flyer in the file about first time parents in their forties. She had laughed because it was his subtle way of letting her know they had time before that dream had to be conceded.

Mac sighed and wrapped her arms around herself. Clay had called just before they had left on this assignment. She knew without a doubt that things were over between them. She wasn’t going to look back. She wanted to move on with Harm, and as soon as she thought he would be ready to hear it, she planned to let him know that she wanted them to turn back time and try to make their relationship work.

Mac fell asleep then with a smile on her face pretending that her own arms were those of Harmon Rabb Junior holding her in the night.

 ****

CHAPTER 4

0730 Local

Guantanamo Naval Base

Cuba

Harm and Mac disembarked from the USS Stennis and were met by the Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Sheffield.

“Commander Rabb, Colonel Mackenzie, thank you for your diplomacy on this case. I know it couldn’t have been easy.”

“Thank you sir.” Harm waited until they were inside the office before continuing. “Has a decision been made on the best way to proceed?”

“Yes it has. There will be two trials. The first will be for the abuse of the Iraqi prisoners. We know thanks to your investigation that abuse did occur. Farisi is saying that it was Marc Abdul and your investigation showed it was Ben Abdul. Colonel Mackenzie, I would like to have you prosecute Ben Abdul in this case.”

“You want me to present the defense?” asked Harm.

“No Commander Rabb, you will begin preparing your case against Farisi for espionage, terrorism and treason. I’m asking Tracy Manetti to defend Abdul.”

“And Farisi?”

“That will be Commander Turner. It looks like we will have the new JAG on board by the end of the week. I understand he knows you Colonel.”

“May I ask who it is sir?”

“Colonel Cresswell has been approved for a double promotion and will be assuming the role as Judge Advocate General very soon.”

“I have heard of him, Sir.” Mac frowned as she thought about the implications on her career. Harm noticed her expression and made a note to himself to ask her about it later when they were alone.

“When you and Tracy are finished with the first trial, you will join your respective teams on the Farisi case,” Sheffield instructed. “If you have completed your investigation for now, you will accompany me back to Washington, D.C. The accused will be transported to the brig there after they have been processed here. Tracy and Sturgis are anxiously awaiting your reports. I trust you will have them ready for disclosure by tomorrow morning?”

“Yes sir,” they answered in unison.

“Very well. Our transport awaits us.” Sheffield led the way to a car which drove them onto the airstrip where they boarded a waiting Leer jet. Once they were seated, Harm started telling Mac about the time he landed in Cuba with Krennick and Meg. Secretary Sheffield started to laugh.

“I heard about that Commander.”

“Sir?”

“I know the man who had ‘heart failure’ with you at the controls. Seems like I remember you sabotaged an F-14 and then had to reverse the procedure before you hightailed it out of Indian Country.” Sheffield shook his head as he recalled the incident from an old acquaintance of his.

“Harm has given me heart failure a few times when I’ve flown with him sir,” Mac offered.

“You know Rabb, for a pilot with as good a reputation as you have - an award winning pilot - the people that you know don’t have very good luck flying with you,” Sheffield was having fun ganging up on Harm with Mac.

“Well, there have been a few odd accidents - but I won’t take the blame for all of them. I mean, the first time I took Colonel Mackenzie up in a plane we ran into a little mechanical problem, but we would have been just fine if we had stayed with the plane instead of walking into that nest of psychotic poachers.” Harm grinned at Mac as if he had been waiting to get that point in for years.

“What about the Admiral, Harm? How did he manage to get ejected?” Sheffield asked.

Harm shook his head recalling the incident. “Well sir, it’s a bit embarrassing really - for the Admiral at least. You see, its not unusual for gases to build up in your system when you are doing some of the maneuvers. Pilots know to eat carefully before flying and how to prepare their bodies for the side effects. I advised the Admiral to expel any gas build-up as he would be more comfortable. He unhitched his safety belt to do that and gave me the all clear before he had reclasped it. When I went into a roll, he grabbed to secure himself and accidentally grabbed his ejection seat.”

Mac, Harm and Sheffield all laughed at AJ Chegwidden’s expense. Sheffield through his laughter told them, “I’ll have to give him a hard time when I talk to him. He never did tell me exactly what happened...and I didn’t know the questions to ask to get to the truth before. I must say Harm, whether you look for trouble or not it seems to find you.”

“Yes sir. I’ve been trying to change my life a little so that trouble passes me by a little more often.” Harm told them.

“From what I understand, Commander, you have become quite the family man. Is this child a relative?”

“No sir. Mattie is someone I met when I was out of the Navy last year. She had been left alone and I offered to help her out. Colonel Mackenzie helped make that happen as well. We owe her so much for what she did.”

“You don’t owe me anything, Commander. I was glad to be able to do something to help out.” Mac looked at Harm and smiled.

“How long have the two of you worked together now?” asked Sheffield.

“Almost nine years,” answered Mac.

“Well, I know its unusual for billet to last as long as the ones at JAG have, but we want our best people in here and you two are among the best there is. If the time comes and either of you need a change, you let me know and I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you sir,” they chorused.

When they landed at Andrews, Sheffield instructed them to report back to JAG headquarters the following morning with their reports ready to pass on and to be prepared to meet the new JAG at some point during the day as well.

Together they walked to the lot where Harm had parked his SUV and once settled in they headed for Mac’s. Harm heard Mac’s stomach growl as he reached Highway 4.

“Shall we stop for lunch or are you in a hurry to get home?” Harm asked.

“Lunch sounds good. Hunan East is right up here on the right. How’s that?” Mac asked.

“Perfect.” Harm swung the car off the highway and into the parking lot. Together they got out and proceeded into the restaurant. It had the typical display of tropical fish popular in so many Asian Restaurants. Harm and Mac were seated and placed their orders. While they waited they talked about the case and the newly appointed JAG.

“So Mac, what do you know about Cresswell?”

“He was in Okinawa and was a contemporary of John Farrow’s. He is the one that saw us together the night before I left Japan and questioned our relationship. He never filed charges but John told me that he held it over his head until they were reassigned. John then took command of a squad that ended up in Haiti and you know that story.”

“Yes I do...and Cresswell?”

“Apparently he got the command of the TSO at Okinawa which is what he had been bucking for. Looks like he’s become a mover and a shaker and has the attention of somebody. This is unusual for the Marine Corps to have a someone appointed as JAG.”

“You sound surprised.”

“You know, Harm, the more I’m around Sheffield, the less I’m surprised by anything. I think he takes great pleasure in being unorthodox.”

“You might be right, Mac. He did enjoy hearing the stories on the flight back.”

“Speaking of which, have you heard from the Admiral lately?”

“No...have you?”

“I got an email about two weeks ago. He sounded like he was having fun. He said Francesca is getting sick of baseball but is being a good sport about it. They have an agreement I guess. She gets to check out local fashion designers at each location where there is a major league team.”

“Well San Francisco, Anaheim and New York are probably more interesting for her then places like Phoenix, St. Paul’s and Kansas City,” Mac chuckled. They enjoyed their lunch and although both avoided the fortunate cookies, they each slipped one into their pocket to read at a later time.

Three Weeks Later

1745 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Mattie looked up from the table as she heard the commotion at the door. From the laughter she knew that Harm wasn’t alone, yet it didn’t sound like Mac’s laugh.

“Hey Mattie,” Harm greeted his teenager. “I’d like you to meet Alicia Montez. We’ve been working on a case together and it’s finally settled. I invited her over for dinner to celebrate with us.”

“Oh...”

“You sound upset Mattie. Something wrong?”

“No, Harm, every things great. Nice to meet you Ms. Montez. If you’ll excuse me I’m going back so I can work on this assignment.”

“Aren’t you going to stay for dinner? Did you already eat?”

“No...I’m not hungry. I’ll talk to you tomorrow I guess.” Mattie took her things and left. Harm watched her walk out the door. He was a bit puzzled by her behavior. He turned to Alicia to apologize. “I’m sorry about that. She gets moody every now and then. I’ve been gone so much lately between this case and the ones I’ve pulled at JAG that I thought she’s prefer to have me home.”

“Don’t worry about it Harm. I have friends with teenagers and I know that moodiness is part of the growing phase they go through. Besides, I kind of like the idea of having you to myself for a change.

“Really?” Harm’s eyebrow went up and he flashed his big smile. “I promise you I won’t let anything else interfere in our celebration this evening. I’ll talk to Mattie in the morning before school.”

Harm set out the take out food they had picked up. They had gotten enough for three figuring Mattie would be with them. He had put the food in the oven to warm it up when he heard a knock on the door. Thinking Mattie had changed her mind, he pulled it open and then stopped short when Mac stepped through the door.

“Hey Harm, I had something I wanted to talk to you about...”

“Can it wait Mac?” Harm asked. He hoped she would be honest with him. If she needed him, he wanted to be there as he had promised, but he also knew he couldn’t put his life on hold anymore. With Clay ‘back from the dead’ and Mac’s contentment since she got the call from him just before they left for the USS Stennis, he knew he had to try and move on. He didn’t want to become bitter. There had to be someone out there for him, if he kept looking.

“Yeah...sure...sorry I didn’t realize you had company.” Mac made her exit as gracefully as she could, pulling the door shut behind her. She made it to the elevator before the tears started. By the time she got to the entry, she had to stop and compose herself. With her arms wrapped around her waist, she tried holding herself together. Harm had moved on! Taking a deep breath she made it to her car and called Commander McCool.

{Commander McCool.}

“This is Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. Do you...have some time...this eve...ning to...see me?” Mac sobbed.

“Right now. I’m in my office and will wait for you. Are you okay to drive?”

“Yes...Thank you.”

Mac disconnected the call and started her car. Her heart felt shattered. She had waited too long to tell Harm that she knew what she wanted.

Once at Commander McCool’s office, Mac paced as she told her story. “About three and a half weeks ago I knew for sure what I wanted. You see Clay called me and begged me for another chance but I said no...that I didn’t want what he had to offer and that I had only been fooling myself and him into thinking we could have what it was I wanted. A real family life...two people that are there for each other no matter what...two people that can love each other and children - whether or not they are biological children. Someone I can trust and count on. Someone that needs me as much as I need him...I realized that I wanted to take what Harm and I have to the next level. I had accepted that Harm might want that too...he’s been there for me so many times...he doesn’t judge me. He accepts me for who I am - weak or strong. We can give that to each other.”

“Did you tell him that?”

“No...there was no time. We were called away on assignment and when we got back we each were hit with heavy caseloads. Harm was also involved in a case on his own time. I knew that the case had been settled today so I went over to congratulate him and hoped that we could talk. I wanted to tell him and its too late. He’s moved on.”

“How do you know that?”

“I saw her there...in his apartment...alone with him. Mattie wasn’t there...the table was set for two and she was lighting candles and pouring wine...”

“Did you tell him you wanted to talk to him?”

“Yes...and he asked if it could wait...so much for being there for me, huh?”

“Sarah, think about what you just said...he asked you if it could wait and what did you tell him?”

“That it could wait.”

“How is he suppose to know you need him when you let him think that what you have to say isn’t important?”

“He’s suppose to know!”

“Sarah, listen to yourself. You’re looking for trouble here. I want you to think back very carefully to the day that Clay called. Did you say anything to Harm that day about Clay calling?”

“Yes...”

“Did you tell him why he called?”

“No...we got called away.”

“Don’t you think its possible that Harm thought you had patched things up with Clay and that you were resuming that relationship?”

“I suppose so.”

“And in the three or so weeks since Clay called, have you invited Harm or his daughter to spend time with you?”

“No...we’ve all been very busy.”

“So why is okay for you to assume things because you are busy but Harm is condemned for not being able to read your mind?”

“How long has he known this woman?”

“I think about a month.”

“Have you ever heard him talk about her?”

“Only in regards to the case they were working on...and I teased him about getting stuck with another brunette instead of a blonde.”

“So in fact you were pushing him to look at this person as a woman and not just a colleague, weren’t you?”

“Was I?”

“You tell me what you think?”

“I guess I was,” Mac admitted.

“You are an investigator Sarah...think about the evidence? Has he come in tired? Has he had lipstick on him? Has he acted secretive at all?”

“No...he’s been busy with the cases and I know he was upset about not having more time with Mattie.”

“What do you and he do when you work together on a tough case and win?”

“Sometimes we go out for dinner or eat in at his place or mine...You think they might have just been celebrating their win?”

“What do you think? You saw them together? What does the evidence tell you?”

“That I’ve over reacted...Thank you Commander McCool.”

“Sarah, you’ve made great strides this summer working things through. Tonight proves it. Instead of waiting until your next appointment and letting things simmer and get out of control and punishing people for what you have assumed, you called for help now. What will your next step be?”

“Go home and get some sleep. Tomorrow I’ll see Harm at work and congratulate him on his case and then ask him when he has time to talk to me...and that its important and can’t wait too long.”

“Are you going to be angry with him?”

“No...I need my energy to tell him how stupid I’ve been.”

“Good job. Call if you need me.”

“I will Commander. Thank you.”

Mac drove home with a lighter heart and a glimmer of hope.

****

CHAPTER 5

1930 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

“Harm...Harm? Hello, earth calling Harm?”

“Sorry Alicia. I guess I’m not very good company this evening after all.”

“No problem. You’re worried about Mattie aren’t you?”

“Yeah...and Mac.”

“Why Mac?”

“She’s just starting to reach out when she needs something. I hope that she meant it when she said it could wait.”

“I’m sure she did. Besides you’ll see here tomorrow.” Alicia leaned closer to Harm, to let him know she was interested in more from him and that talking about another woman or a teenager wasn’t want she had in mind.

Harm looked at the woman moving toward him. He knew that she wanted him to kiss her. He touched his tongue to his lips and abruptly stood up.

“Would you like coffee? More wine?”

“No thanks...come back here and I’ll show you what I want...” Alicia purred.

“Aahhh..Alicia, I’m sorry if you’ve gotten the wrong impression. You are an attractive woman, and another time and place and maybe I could enjoy what you are offering, but...”

“There’s someone else isn’t there?”

“Yes.”

“And that’s why you haven’t made a move on me?”

“Yes.”

“Did I ever really have a chance?”

“I tried to tell myself you did, Alicia.”

“Well she’s a lucky woman...but foolish if she’s turning down all that you have to offer.”

“I haven’t really offered much yet...but I hope to change that.”

“Good luck Harm. Thank you for taking this case. I couldn’t have done it without you.” Alicia got her things and gracefully left Harm’s apartment.

He moved around the apartment, picking things up and then looked at the clock. Knowing Mattie would still be up he headed over to see her.

[Knock knock]

“Commander...come in.” Jennifer Coates greeted him.

“Hey Jennifer...she locked in her room?”

“She’s in there, but the door’s not locked. What happened?”

“I’m not sure. I think we need to talk.”

“Mattie? Harm’s here to see you. Why don’t you come out here and then I can go to bed and read.”

Mattie appeared in her bathrobe and slippers looking a little rumpled.

“Hey Mathilda Grace...what’s up?”

“Nothing...”

“Mattie, come on...its me. I know I have been busy lately and you’ve been with your Dad more and more...but I was looking forward to sharing dinner with you tonight and I wanted you to meet Alicia.”

“Why? She your girlfriend?”

“No...is that what this is about? You don’t want me to have a girlfriend?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“So tell me what’s going on.”

“I thought you were working thinks out with Mac. Mac should have been here celebrating with us...not Alicia.”

“Mattie...I think Mac is seeing Clay again. As for Alicia, she worked this case with me and is an instructor at Georgetown University. I thought she would make a good reference for you if you got to know her.”

“Oh...you aren’t dating her?”

“No although I’ve thought about it.”

“Because you think Mac is seeing Clay?”

“Yes.”

“Harm, have you asked Mac if she’s back with him?”

“No. She told me he called one day and she’s been very happy and content ever since.”

“Oh...”

“Yeah, oh...”

“But you are still hoping to work things out, right?”

“Yes...I guess I am.”

“Then stop inviting other women home, Harm!” Mattie looked up at him as he stood beside her and grinned. “Any food left over?”

“You didn’t eat did you?”

“No. Are there leftovers?”

“Yes, come on...”

“Jen, I’m going over to raid Harm’s refrigerator...be back soon!” Mattie turned to follow Harm and when she caught up to him she took his hand and threaded her fingers into his. Looking up she grinned, “Reduce altitude, Dad...”

Harm smiled and leaned down to her knowing what was coming. Mattie kissed his cheek again before leading the way to the leftovers.

0745 Local

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Mac was just climbing out of her Corvette when Harm parked his SUV the next morning.

“Morning Mac.” he called as he opened his door.

“Hi Harm. Congratulations by the way on your win. I hear you and Ms. Montez did a hell of a job.”

“Thanks Mac...every thing okay?”

“I think so...I do need to talk to you though. Are you busy after work?”

“If nothing major breaks, I should be able to get out of here by 1600 today. What did you have in mind?”

“How about a walk in the park?”

“Okay. Which one?”

“Brentwood Park has some good trails now...how about if I come over to your place and we walk from there...then we can pick up supper and eat with Mattie.” Mac suggested.

“Okay...I’ll have Jen pick up Mattie from school after practice.”

Then arrived at their offices, now next door to each other, with plans in place. They had witness interviews scheduled for the morning and a pretrial hearing with the judge after lunch. Mac made sure the board had them cleared for off duty by 1600.

Harm had left the SUV for Jen and rode with Mac. They stopped at her place so she could change into civvies. She grabbed a change of clothes in case they decided to run instead of walk. Harm quickly changed into sweats, t-shirt and sneakers and grabbed a sweat shirt in case it turned cool quick. They did start off at a walk but by the time they got to the park they decided to run the trail before they talked.

They slowed to a walk again after the five mile run.

“Harm, you told me to tell you when I’m ready to talk to you...are you ready to listen?”

“Yes. I’m sorry about last night Mac.”

“It’s okay...it’s my own fault for telling you it could wait...yet I guess it could after all.”

“I’m listening.”

“Remember just before we left for the USS Stennis, I told you Clay called?”

“Yes. How are things going with you two?”

“They aren’t.”

“I’m sorry, Mac...”

“Harm...listen first, okay?” He nodded his agreement and Mac went on. “I had more or less decided that I was glad at the way things worked out. There were things I liked about the relationship I had with Clay. It was about the here and now. It was fun and we laughed...but there was no future to it. I realized the night before that I wanted more...so much more then Clay had to offer. It was like he sensed it and he called. He begged me for another chance Harm and I told him no. He did not have what it took to make me happy long term. The doubts, I thought were all gone. I wanted to tell you but the time as usual never seemed just right...and you were sometimes right there and other times I felt like you were running from me. I waited. Now that our case load is more manageable with just this one big case we’re working on I wanted to congratulate you last night and tell you that I was ready not only to talk, but to take another look at what we have...”

“And when you got there I was alone with Alicia...

“Yes.”

“Mac, it’s not what you might think...not really.”

“Are you dating her, Harm?”

“No...I did think about it. I thought that if you were happy with Clay then I needed to keep looking to find the right person for me. But I couldn’t do it. Mattie was suppose to have eaten with us, but she was mad at me and wouldn’t stay.”

“What did you do?”

“I had invited Alicia for dinner and not you...”

“Mattie said that?”

“Yes...when she finally started speaking to me again last night.”

“You worked it out last night?”

“Yes. I figured she’s be hungry and I knew I wouldn’t sleep much with both of you upset.”

“And you used her hunger to get her to listen to you?”

“No, actually we talked it out before her stomach started growling.”

“Poor Harm...surrounded by chocolate loving, junk food and meat eating women...”

“I don’t mind it...most of the time.”

Mac shivered and Harm handed her his sweat shirt. “Come on, Mac, it gets cool quick after the sun goes down this time of year. Let’s head back.”

“Alright...why don’t we stop and pick up pizza for supper?”

“Or we could go back and have it delivered so we can get cleaned up before we eat.”

“Good idea...” Mac slipped her hand into Harm’s as they walked. “Can you listen while we walk?”

“Sure.”

“Harm, I know its taken me a long time to get to this point, and I’ll understand if you aren’t there yet...but the way we’ve been there for each other over the years is something important to me. I haven’t had that kind of relationship with any other man...”

“Thanks...I think.” Harm smiled down at her.

“Anyway, I’ve thought a lot about the people that I know with happy marriages and the one common denominator they all seem to have is the ability to be there for each other. It’s there out of love or respect or need or lust...and once in awhile it’s there for all those reasons and more. We share so much in common, Harm. We’ve each overcome our own demons and as a result we both want a family. We both love children and we love our jobs and feel privileged to serve our country. We both believe in finding the truth even though we sometimes approach it from different view points...”

“Mac...are you telling me that you want us to try to work things out?”

“Yes. I love you Harm. I know that I’ve told you that I’ve said it to other men...but its always after they’ve told me they love me. This time I want to tell you first. I think you feel the same way about me, because you’ve shown me in so many ways that you do. I know before I needed you to say the words...now I just want you to keep showing me that you care about me...about us...and if the words come...great and if they don’t then as long as you show me what’s in your heart I don’t need the words.” Mac felt Harm’s hand squeeze her hand as she talked. They were almost back to his place and still walking hand in hand. Harm hadn’t said much, but Mac hadn’t expected him too. Instead he just held on to her and tried to keep his composure.

Jen and Mattie were just getting back as they came around the corner of the building. They stopped and waited for them by the front door. Harm didn’t see Mac looking up at him, longing for him to kiss her or at the very least, letting her kiss him. Mattie recognized the look on Mac’s face and grinned.

“Hey Mac...try this...Harm, reduce altitude, please...”

Harm bent down and Mattie planted a kiss on his cheek. Before he could stand up again Mac leaned over and kissed his other cheek.

“Thanks Mattie. I’d heard about that but hadn’t seen it work before.” Harm let go of Mac’s hand as she and Mattie proceeded him into the hall and up the stairs.

“Thanks Jen.”

“No problem, Commander.”

“Join us for pizza?”

“No thanks...I have class tonight. I’ll get a bite there.”

“Okay. Thanks again Jen.”

****

CHAPTER 6 (Rating: NC-17)

2215 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

“Wow! I didn’t realize the time. Mac, thanks for the pizza. I hope you’ll spend more time with us. It’s fun having you around.”

“Thanks Mattie. I’ve had fun too.” Mac smiled at the teenager who was putting her things away in the kitchen. Harm had stood up too with the intent of refilling their coffee cups. As he met Mattie coming out of the kitchen, he grinned knowing what was coming. Before she could issue the now standard command, he bent down.

“See Mac...if you tell him enough what you expect, he can learn it! Night Dad...Love you...”

“I love you too Mathilda.” Harm kissed her cheek in return.

Mattie then hugged Mac and made her way to her bedroom in the apartment she shared with Jennifer Coates.

“Harm, she’s come so far. You’ve been good for each other, huh?”

“We have. I had to change the way I did things for her. I learned first and foremost that I could change and then I learned that I liked the man I was becoming better then who I use to be.” Harm smiled at Mac. “Have another cup of coffee with me?”

“I’d like that.”

“Me too.” Harm fixed the coffee and brought their cups over to the couch. “Here you go.”

“Thanks...” Mac patted the seat next to her. Harm sat down and reached for Mac’s hand, pulling her closer to him.

“There’s something I’ve been wanting to do for hours...”

“What’s that, Harm?” asked Mac.

“Kiss you...”

“You do?”

“You doubt it?” Harm asked.

“No...sometimes. I just thought crossing that line wasn’t something you were ready for.”

“Mac, remember you said that sometimes I seemed to want to run away from you?”

“Yes.”

“I did...because I was afraid I would be taken to task if I touched you the way I wanted to.”

“If I promise not to take you to task, will you stop talking and start touching?” Mac whispered.

Harm pulled her into his arms, much as he had on the Admiral’s porch during her engagement party to Brumby, and kissed her. This time they were exploring each other and making mental notes of the response each touch or taste elicited.

Harm’s large hands were warm and gentle on her body, but the heat they created inside of her was rapidly burning out of control.

“Harm...Oh God...you certainly can kiss...” Mac rested her head against Harm’s chest and felt his heart racing as fast as her own.

“Mmmmm...you too...I can’t get enough of you, you know. Mac, touch me...please?”

Sarah Mackenzie reached out her trembling hands and started by caressing his face. She placed a kiss on his lips and then his chin. She smoothed her hands over his t-shirt covered chest until she reached the hem at his waist. She slid her hands under the hem and lifted the t-shirt up. Harm cooperated by helping her remove his t-shirt over his head.

Mac sat back to gaze at his chest. She had always been mesmerized by his chest and now she let herself reach out and touch it. She felt his heated flesh quiver under her touch. Her fingers lightly traced his collar bone and pecs. She allowed herself the freedom of tangling her fingers in his chest hair. She scraped her nails over his hard male nipples and felt the heat shoot through her when she heard him groan at the feel of her mouth on his nipple.

“Mac, you’re killing me here...I need to touch you...”

“Yes...oh Harm...yes.”

Together they removed Mac’s top and bra. Harm took the weight of her breasts in his hands and then lowered his lips to taste her. He drew her into his arms and against his body. Her bare breasts rub against his chest and they both felt her nipples stand erect from the friction.

“Are we moving too fast? Tell me Mac...is this too much too soon? Can we handle this?” Harm whispered in desperation against Mac’s lips.

“Probably...maybe...I hope so...” Mac answered each of his questions between kisses. They were both panting as they sat together wrapped in each other’s arms both naked to the waist.

“I think I’d better get dressed and go home for tonight.”

“I suppose...Mac, will you go away with me this weekend?...no flying I promise.” Harm asked before letting her go.

“Yes...”

“Good. I want our first time to be special and I know I don’t want to wait too long. We’ve already waited longer then we should have.” Harm whispered against her.

Mac put her t-shirt on and stuffed her bra into her pocket. Harm licked his lips and carried the picture in his head while she left and got into her car. “Call me when you get home, please.” Harm called after her.

Mac called and they said a quick good-night before they each crawled into their own bed, alone, to spend a somewhat restless night.

Harm and Mac smiled a fewer kilowatts brighter the next morning when they met over the coffee pot. “Get any sleep last night, Harm?” asked Mac.

“Yes...had a lot of dreams though....You?”

“Same...thought about where we’re going this weekend?” Mac asked unable to dim her smile.

“I have. Would you prefer something rustic? Something metropolitan? Seaside?”

“ I will leave that up to you. I just want to be where you are.” Mac brushed against him as she left the coffee break room.

Harm groaned as Mac’s body pressed into him as she passed. Harm took his coffee and went to his office. He reached for the phone and called an inn that he had seen on his way to visit his grandmother’s years ago. It looked like it would be perfect. He and Mac could stay there, drive up to visit his grandmother and then stay there again before heading home on Sunday. He smiled picturing Grandma Rabb’s reaction to him bringing Mac home to meet her.

The day flew by with interviews, pre-trial motions being filed and more pre-trial meetings with the judge and finally having the final stage set in one of the biggest cases Harm and Mac had ever tried. Mac had already won her case prosecuting Ben Abdul for the abuse of Iraqi prisoners. Information came out in that trial that had led Harm to further information for this case. Turner and Manetti had come to Harm and Mac with a settlement offer. They declined. Tomorrow, Wednesday morning, Harm and Mac would make their opening statement and by noon hoped to have called their first witness. If all went according to plan, they would be able to present all their witnesses on Wednesday and Thursday. They knew that Turner and Manetti were struggling to come up with a solid defense hence the settlement offer. They anticipated that they would have their defense witness available for Friday morning and than they would have closing arguments on Friday afternoon. Harm and Mac planned to leave for the weekend when court recessed for the weekend.

“Mac, will you join Mattie and me for dinner tonight?” Harm asked as they walked out to the parking lot together.

“You sure? I know you usually like to run through your opening the night before a big trial.”

“I’m sure Mac. Mattie and you can hear what I have planned and give me your input.”

“What’s Mattie think of that role?”

“It was her idea. I leave out or change names for confidentiality if I need to, but its helped her with the public speaking class she’s taking. I get to hear her practice her speeches in return.”

“You are a good dad...how did you think of these things?”

“I told you, Mattie gets the credit. She’s teaching me to be a better adult and a father. I figure if I can keep her on track then if I am lucky enough to have other children - and younger children - maybe I won’t mess them up too badly.”

“I think you’ll do great, Harm...and I’d love to join you.”

“Good. I’m looking forward to it.”

2045 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Mattie stifled a yawn as Harm finished his opening. He saw it and asked, “That boring?”

“Sorry Harm...It’s not boring...I just was up late last night finishing that paper. Actually if it had been boring I would have fallen asleep.”

“That’s encouraging. Mac, what did you think?”

“I think you’re ready to go Harm...I knew you would be.”

“Okay guys, I’m going to go to bed. Night Mac...” Mattie hugged her before turning to Harm. Before she could speak, Harm lifted her up and planted a kiss on her cheek. Mattie laughed.

“Didn’t realize that I’d be increasing altitude tonight...” She threw her arms around Harm’s neck while wrapping her legs around his waist and hung on. “I use to do this to my father when I was little and he would carry me to bed and tuck me in.”

Harm had locked his hands around his own wrists to create a sling for her to sit in, the surprised look on his face making both Mac and Mattie laugh.

“Well...I...ahh...guess, I can...but the doors....” Harm stuttered not sure if it was a good idea or not.

“My mom use to get the doors for us...maybe Mac could...”

“Sure Mattie...come on Harm...time to put our girl to bed...” Mac decided to have some fun with Harm and chimed right in with Mattie.

Mac opened the door from Harm’s apartment as he carried his ‘little girl’ to her bed. “At least he’s not telling you to lay off the belt-way burgers like he did me when he had to carry me one time.”

“He carried you once? What happened?” Mattie asked.

“I had hurt my leg and I couldn’t walk and we were taking fire, so he carried me to safety,” Mac explained, which prompted Mattie to kiss Harm’s cheek.

“Our hero!”

“Stop it you two...”

“Look Mac! He’s blushing....” Mac and Mattie were laughing when they reached Jen’s door. Mac opened it and called to Jen.

“Hey Jen...man on deck!” Mac announced.

Jennifer looked up from the sofa and laughed at the picture before her.

“Dad’s going to tuck me into bed,” Mattie informed Jen. “He’s our hero you know.”

“I know. Commander Rabb rescued me at a time I didn’t think I even wanted to be rescued...Colonel Mackenzie too.” Jen added.

Mac looked around at the little family they had created and for a second she felt tears come to her eyes. The picture would have felt more complete if Chloe was there with them. Jen must have sensed it too.

“Will Chloe be coming for a visit anytime soon?” Jen asked Mac.

“I’m not sure. I was hoping she could spend some time with me at Christmas, but now that she has a job and school, she finds it more difficult to get away.” Mac explained.

“Where does Chloe live?” Matttie asked.

“Northern Vermont.”

“How long does it take to drive there?” Jen asked.

“About ten hours.”

“Guess it’s too far for a weekend trip, huh?” Mattie asked.

“Alright, Mathilda Grace...I need to put you down.”

“But you were going to tuck me in, Dad.”

“Go get into your pj’s and I will. Go.” Harm released her legs and she slid to the floor. Mattie went into the bathroom and came out a few minutes later ready for bed.

“Come on Dad...you too Mac.” Mattie led the way to the bedroom she shared with Jennifer. She slid into bed and pulled the covers up. Harm leaned down and tucked her in good.

“Remember when you asked me what I got out of having you in my life?”

“Yes...you said you got me.”

“I did...and I wouldn’t have missed any of it for the world. Thanks for giving me a chance, Mattie Grace.” Harm kissed her forehead and hugged her tight. Mac stood beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder.

“Night Mac...”

“Night Mattie,” Mac added as she stepped up and leaned down to hug the teenager. “You ever need to talk, you know how to find me right?”

“Yeah...thanks...night Harm. I love you guys.” Mac and Harm left her room and turned down the light as they left. Jennifer was waiting for them in the living room.

“She’s still a little girl in many ways, isn’t she?”

“Yeah...thankfully. It’s scares me that she has a boyfriend now.” Harm admitted to Jen and Mac.

“She told me about the talk you had with her, sir.” Jen smiled as she told Harm.

“Well...I told her she should talk to her father actually. She agreed she would.” Harm explained. Mac smiled and thought of how bashful this hero of theirs could be.

“See you tomorrow Jen.” Harm and Mac left to return to his apartment, hand in hand. No sooner had the door shut, when Harm pulled Mac into his arms and kissed her.

He had been craving her taste and wanting her in his arms all day. While he wanted to wait for this weekend, to consummate their relationship, he saw noting wrong with sharing some kisses and getting to use to each others touch. Mac agreed with him as she moved into his embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck. Stretching as much as she could to meet Harm half way, Mac mumbled into Harm’s mouth.

Harm pulled back, “What did you say?”

“I said ‘reduce altitude’,” Mac grinned as she reached up to capture Harm’s lips with hers again.

Harm kissed her soundly then set her from him. Before Mac could protest, Harm had woven his fingers through her and pulled her to the living room. He sat down and pulled Mac into his lap.

“I think I could just sit here with you like this kissing and talking all night.”

“As nice as that sounds, Commander, we have a big trial starting in the morning.”

“I know, Mac. I just need to spend some time alone with you like this tonight. Do you mind?”

“Of course not Harm...” Mac kissed him again and threaded her fingers through his short dark hair. It was silky to her touch. She let her fingers wander to his ears. She had always been fascinated by his ears. While one was picture perfect, the other was crooked and stuck out more then the other. Mac let her fingers trace the shape of each one, while she continued kissing him.

Harm could feel his body burning with the barely controlled fire that Mac seemed to be able to unleash in him. Her fingers played with his ears and it was driving him wild. He never realized how much of an erogenous zone his ears were.

“Mac...” he groaned her name as her mouth and tongue replaced her fingers in his ears. Her delicate tongue was following the curves and ridges of his right ear...the crooked one. “Mac...stop...I can’t take anymore and stay in control.”

“So let go of the control for once, Harm...trust me not to do anything that will hurt us...please?” Mac whispered into his ear.

Harm gulped and then nodded his agreement. To Mac’s credit she backed off his ears a little and went back to playing with his hair while she kissed his lips. Some how Harm understood that Mac needed to know he trusted her enough to let her be in control. This was about give and take. Harm had given Mac a great deal of pleasure before they had agreed to wait until the weekend. She needed to do the same for him tonight. So as difficult as it might be not to take control away from her, he would put himself in her hands...literally.

Harm’s eyes flew open as he felt Mac’s hands wandering into his lap...he knew there would be no mistaking the effect she was having on him and he was a little fearful of her reaction. He swallowed and closed his eyes again, letting her do what she needed to do to test him. He felt his body tighten as her warm hand touched the ridge barely concealed by his clothing. His pants seemed too tight but still he let her touch him. One hand remained on the bulge in his pants while the other rested against his face and she kissed him again, letting her tongue tease his lips apart. Mac could feel him grow harder and larger as she kissed him. She heard him groan and she smiled at how difficult this was for him. She wanted to reward him for his willingness to go along with her. She whispered in his ear then telling him what she wanted to do but then giving him the control to decide if she should continue.

Harm’s eyes opened and locked with hers. For seconds they didn’t speak, just looked into each others eyes. Then, slowly and deliberately Harm nodded to Mac. “Yes...”

Without breaking eye contact, Mac slid off Harm’s lap and knelt on the floor between his legs. She reached for the button at his waist and undid it. Carefully she reached for the zipper and slowly lowered it. Harm smiled as Mac realized that he was wearing nothing under his jeans. She parted the fabric and let her finger trace the fine line of hair that went from his navel down. She could see the edge of his erection but ignored it for now, as she watched the muscles in his stomach clench and quiver at her touch. She leaned forward and placed kisses along the line of pubic hair that her fingers had followed as she nudged open his pants. She felt the movement next to her cheek and looked up ready to scold him. He hadn’t moved, at least not intentionally.

The part of his body that had a mind of its own, had partially escaped its confines. Mac, knowing that he must be fairly uncomfortable, tried to free him completely. She had always wondered if he was as well endowed as she had thought and now there was no doubt left. Mac licked her lips in anticipation. She let her fingers slip around his thickened penis and the silken steel throbbed in her hand. She watched as the pearly colored drop formed on the tip and she let her tongue touch it. He tasted as she had imagined and began kissing and licking the throbbing flesh in her hand. She thought that by now Harm would try to regain control of the situation. Abut he sat there with a smile on his face, his pants opened and his private parts exposed to her view, her hands, her mouth and her will.

Mac knew that doing to this to Harm would have her so turned on that she would need to do some self maintenance in order to sleep, but she didn’t care. She wanted to bring him pleasure. She wanted the freedom and control to make the decisions. With her head buried in his lap, Mac kissed, tasted, licked ans sucked the throbbing erection until she heard Harm cry out a warning and then she backed off a little not quite ready to end it yet. While one hand stroked him, the other slipped inside and caressed the part of him still hidden from her view. She could feel the weight and heat of his testicles in her hand and lightly caressed him over and over. Cupping him, she resumed her oral attack on his senses. Once more he cried out to her and she felt his hips lift toward her. This was it and Mac was ready. She felt his orgasm as it gripped him and the hot fluid that hit the back of her throat. She swallowed all the he had to offer as she supported him with one hand on his testicles and the other at the base of his penis. She still encased the tip of his penis in her mouth and let her tongue flicker at the nerves at the base of the head.

A sound got her attention and she looked up to see tears on his face. His eyes were open and he was watching her.

“Harm? You okay?”

“I’m fine...thank you...that was intense....gentle....loving...”

“I didn’t hurt you?”

“No. Did I hurt you? I mean I tried to stay still but it got so intense that I know I started moving into you.”

“It was fine Harm. Thank you for letting me do that.”

“Trust me, it was my pleasure.” Harm reached for her. “Come let me hold you for awhile?”

Mac, helped him straighten his clothes and then sat in his lap. They didn’t kiss but just held each other in silence for awhile. “Mac, stay here tonight. We won’t do anything...I just need you close to me.”

“I’d like to Harm, but I really need to go home...I can stay for awhile though,” she offered. Harm nodded and led her to his bedroom.

“I’ll be right back.” Harm answered natures call and stripped while in the bathroom. He wrapped a towel around this waist and returned to the bedroom. Slipping under the covers, he pulled Mac into his arms. She had stayed on top of the covers. It was only minutes before Harm was sound asleep.

Mac leaned over and kissed him. Carefully she got up and picked up her things and left. As much as she wanted to stay with Harm, she needed to get some sleep and that wouldn’t happen until she had found release for herself.

****

 CHAPTER 7

1330 Local

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

The week flew by with the trial, even faster then they had hoped. Manetti and Turner didn’t have much of a defense to put forth. They also didn’t have many questions for the witnesses Harm and Mac brought forward. The few times they did try to cross examine them, the information that was revealed was more damaging for their client and helpful to the prosecution.

Closing arguments were delivered on Friday morning. The members had the trial by 1000 local and at 1330 local, Harm, Mac, Sturgis and Tracy were waiting for the verdict to be published.

Judge Sebring called for the president to publish their findings.

“The members unanimously have found Ahmed Abdul Farisi guilty of desertion from the armed forces, treason toward the United States Government, and espionage.”

“Thank you. The members are dismissed. We will reconvene on Monday at eleven hundred for the sentencing phase of the hearing. I anticipate it will be short. Dismissed.”

Mac had to stop herself from hugging Harm and she could see in his eyes that he knew it. Instead she sedately shook his hand in congratulations the same as she did when Sturgis and Manetti offered their congratulations. As soon as they could, they left the courtroom. They were met outside their offices by General Cresswell.

“I’d like to see the two of you in my office immediately.”

“Yes, sir.” Harm looked at Mac. “Any idea what this is about?”

“Not a clue. We’d better go,” Mac suggested as she headed for the JAG’s office.

Coates wasn’t at her desk and Harm and Mac exchanged questioning looks before knocking on the door to the JAG’s private sanctuary.

“Enter!”

Harm and Mac came to attention and waited for the General to put them at ease or invite them to sit. It wasn’t forth coming.

“Colonel Mackenzie, I can’t surprised to hear you are involved in this but I am surprised at you Commander Rabb. You act like you have no idea what I am talking about. Do you?”

“No sir.” they answered in unison still standing at attention.

“It has come to my attention that you have both engaged in behavior that would appear to be inappropriate. I’m not saying it is...” he rushed to add, “however, even the look of impropriety can be cause for charges such as behavior unbecoming an officer. I had heard that this office was investigated and cleared about a year and a half ago but in my estimation where there is smoke there is fire - or at least the potential for fire. Had I heard what I heard this morning before the trial began, I would have pulled you both of the case. We cannot have trials that are this big and this important tried by people with less then stellar reputations.”

Gordon Cresswell paced back and forth attempting to make eye contact as he passed each of them. Mac stared straight ahead refusing to let this get to her at least until she knew more. Cresswell had to look up as he passed Harm getting no more then a good look at the underside of Harm’s chin.

“I want to know why I heard my yeoman talking on the phone about two senior attorneys in the office where she works playing house with an enlisted person and a teenager. What else is going on between you two that I should know about?”

Still standing at full attention Harm felt a little better now that he knew what had gotten General Cresswell’s attention. “If I may sir?”

“Is this a long story?”

“Could be sir.”

“At ease and have a seat.”

Cresswell returned to his seat behind the large desk while Harm and Mac took their usual seats.

“Sir, I’m not sure exactly what you heard, but let me explain a few things. Petty Officer Jennifer Coates was having some problems with her roommates last year and Admiral Chegwidden ordered to find a solution immediately as it was affecting her work. At about the same time I was awarded custody of a teenage girl. I have a one bedroom apartment and although I am still looking for housing I needed a place for her to stay immediately. An apartment opened in my building on my floor and I suggested that Coates look into it. She said she couldn’t afford it so I told her that I would pay half of the rent if she would share the apartment with Mattie, my ward, until I could find a house.”

“And Admiral Chegwidden approved of this?”

“Yes...Petty Officer Coates is not technically in my command as the JAG’s yeoman.”

“That may be...and how are you involved with this Colonel Mackenzie?”

“I have known the Commander for many years and when he needed a reference in court, I went to speak on his behalf. I have also gotten to know Mattie this past year and she is about the same age as the girl that I have mentored since she was eight years old. She is a bright young woman but every now and then needs to feel like a little girl still.”

“So you provide the maternal role in this picture?” Cresswell asked.

“Yes sir,” Harm answered before Mac could.

“And why were you at the Commander’s house Colonel?”

“We often work together at his house in the evening so that he doesn’t have to leave Mattie alone.”

“Yes, well I suppose that is commendable parenting on the Commander’s behalf. I still don’t like what this looks like and I want it stopped.”

“General, there is nothing in the Uniform Code of Military Justice that says we can’t associate outside of work. We are both oh-five officers and we have worked together for a long time. How can you order us not to see each other outside of the office? We have done nothing wrong.”

“That’s enough Colonel Mackenzie! You forget I know about your relationships with commanding officers.”

“That was one relationship and I was rotating out. It ended. I was reprimanded for my actions after the fact even though it was outside the time limit. Personally I have paid for that mistake for many years, not that it is any of your business.”

“I’ve already warned you to watch your tone with me, Colonel Mackenzie. You’re awfully quiet Rabb. Nothing to say?”

“Oh I have plenty to say sir, but I am not sure that it will help the situation. In the old days I may have let you have it with no fear of consequences or retribution, however, I’ve grown up and I know how to make my point without jeopardizing my career or my family.”

“Fear...that’s interesting. I had heard you were the fearless Rabb, ice water in your veins. You seem rather human to me. Feet of clay so to speak.”

Harm clenched his jaw suspecting that Cresswell had purposely used the one term that would bring other things to mind for himself and Mac.

“You apparently heard wrong sir. As a matter of fact I have been accused of running on pure emotion and as a result have found myself and others in serious trouble at times.”

“So what is your solution, Commander Rabb? I assume you have something in mind.”

“Yes sir. I understand that the NAVAIR Counsel Command position is open. I would like to be considered for that billet.”

“Why?”

“It is a command position opened to both Commanders and Captains. I am hoping that I will eventually make Captain, but without command opportunities, I won’t. Secondly it will move the Colonel and I out of the same chain of command which will reduce any appearance of impropriety if we are seen together outside our work. Third, if the Colonel and I decide we want more then friendship from our relationship, which has already last longer then some marriages, then we will be able to do that. Finally, NAVAIR is a particular good match for me as a pilot.”

“You presented a solid case Commander with little prep time. I’m not sure I would want to lose you from JAG.”

“Well sir, I would be close enough to pick up some cases for JAG once in awhile or to use some of my team to help out.”

“Commander, as this would be a career boost for you I would be foolish to stand in your way. I will have the proper forms forwarded to Pax later today. As for you Colonel, I still have issues with you.”

“Sir?”

“You have served as Chief of Staff, on the bench, with the CIA, been TAD to the fleet in the Pacific and yet I haven’t seen you take command either. Are you hoping to become a full colonel at any time?”

“Yes sir.”

“Then why aren’t you asking for one of the command posts that are open? Rather take the easy way out or isn’t there anyone that attracts you Mackenzie?” Cresswell demanded.

Had Harm detected a sneer or anything other then good command reasoning, he would have jeopardized it all and taken him to task for speaking to Mac with such contempt and disrespect. As it was he contained himself and let Mac handle it.

“I felt JAG needed me.”

“And you may be right, Colonel, but we need more good lawyers coming along in the ranks. That’s not happening. They don’t see many chances for promotion which is one reason that the military usually requires officers to change positions when they are promoted. Gives everyone a chance to move up before they move out. Now I know of three command positions that are open which you would be suitable for. One is with Naval Legal Services at the Navy Yard, another is Assistant Chief Legal Officer with the Commandant of the Marine Corps at the Pentagon and the third is the TSO command in Guam.”

“I’ve always been interested in working at the Pentagon...”

“Then I will submit your papers today as well. Hopefully you would be able to still help us here at JAG at times. I understand you have both requested to be off duty this weekend. Should I be concerned?”

“General, I will promise you that we will do nothing to embarrass the military.”

“And I should believe you, why?”

“We wouldn’t want to jeopardize potential promotions, sir.”

“Alright. You have satisfied me that you know the importance of appearances and I will respect your decision to leave JAG so that you can pursue all that the rumor mills are telling me. Oh one last thing...Petty Officer Coates is no longer my yeoman. She has chosen to return to Norfolk in their TSO office as a jagman investigator while she pursues her degree in psychology. You are dismissed until Monday morning at oh-eight hundred.”

Harm and Mac quickly gathered their things and without any discussion, headed for Harms car. They had planned to leave directly from JAG so Harm had picked Mac up that morning. As he backed out of his space he turned to Mac.

“That was something. Mac, we need to check on Jen.”

“I agree Harm. Let’s go.”

1455 Local

Jen’s Apartment

North of Union Station

[Knock, knock]

“Jen? It’s Harm and Mac. Let us in. We know you’re home and we heard what happened. We need to talk...” Harm coaxed her to respond to them with his big brother voice. When the door opened, Mac went in first and sat beside the teary eyed Jennifer Coates on the couch.

“Talk to us Jen. What happened?”

“I’m sorry if you got in trouble, Ma’am...Sir...It’s so stupid! During break I went out to the public phone and called Harriet. I was telling her how you guys came over and tucked Mattie into bed the other night. We were planning to spend some time with Harriet this weekend helping with the boys because Tom Johnson called last night and cancelled his weekend with Mattie again.”

“She didn’t say anything to me.”

“No sir, we had already decided she would come with me to help Harriet, and we knew you wouldn’t mind...anyway, General Cresswell heard part of what I said and jumped all over me. I tried to explain. He wouldn’t listen and told me that I was not suited to be his yeoman and that he felt I belonged on the streets with investigators. He asked me if I preferred Norfolk or Paxtuent and I said I didn’t care, so he informed me I was to report to Norfolk Monday at oh-eight hundred and that a Captain McNally would get me started. Sir what about Mattie?”

“It’s okay Jennifer. Mac and I are changing jobs too...for the better probably.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Commander Rabb will be moving to Paxtuxent Naval Base and becomes the NAVAIR System Command Officer.”

“Wow...will you make Captain?”

“Could be Jen...Mac’s leaving JAG too. She’s landed herself a position at the Pentagon. We’ll both be at JAG some too for a while. Are you okay with this Jennifer? I don’t want you blaming yourself for something that needed to happen eventually and Cresswell decided to make it happen on his watch. The good news is, we won’t have to work for the man.”

“I hadn’t thought of it that way sir. I just kept thinking about letting you down. What about Mattie, sir?”

“Mattie will be fine. I’m still looking for that house and this will just expand the area where I will look.”

“In the meantime Jen, I can stay here with Mattie at night.” Mac offered.

“Are you still going away this weekend?” Jen asked.

“Yes...but we needed to check on you. Do you want us to stay and help break the news to Mattie?” Harm asked her.

“I’ll do it, sir...Harm. Do you want me to wait to tell her about your changes?”

“You can tell her - as long as you assure her that Mac and I are not abandoning her with our job changes.”

“No problem...now getting going. I’ve got things covered here...and thanks for checking on me. I don’t know what I’d do with out you guys.”

“You won’t have to find out, Jen...ever. You’re part of our family and when you come to visit be sure to be in civvies and call us Mac and Harm and there will be nothing to worry about - now that we’re going to be in different places.” Harm assured the young woman.

****

CHAPTER 8

1930 Local

Mount Vernon Inn Motel

Uniontown, Pennsylvania

“Nice place Commander...”

“Thank you. I hope it is as nice inside. I’ve been by it lots of times and thought it looked like a special place to visit.”

“Oooo, a romantic...I’m not use to this side of you.” Mac teased.

“By the time we head home, I plan to know every inch of every side of you...you have a bit of a head start on me, if you recall.” Harm raised his eyebrows as he grinned at her. He got the reaction he was hoping for...Sarah Mackenzie blushed!

They got their things and Harm registered them at the front desk.

“Good evening. You have reservations?”

“Yes. Harmon Rabb.”

“Yes, Mr. Rabb. A non-smoking room for two with a King-sized bed. This is for two nights?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Thank you. And how will you be paying?”

Harm handed the man his credit card and turned to smile at Mac. She slipped her hand in his while they waited. Finally the man gave Harm his credit card and two keys to the room. Harm signed the paperwork as requested.

“You are in room three hundred. It’s on the top floor and features a balcony. We have a restaurant here and room service is available. Do you need help with your bags?”

“We’re fine, thank you.” Harm picked up his bag and Mac’s hand and headed for the elevator.

“Are you planning to feed me tonight?” Mac asked.

“Yes. I thought we’d get settled first. Would you like to try the restaurant or have room service?”

“Let’s do the restaurant. Room service is usually pretty expensive.” Mac smiled as they stepped off the elevator and Harm leaned down to kiss her lightly on the lips.

Once settled in the room and after freshening up they returned to the restaurant. They were seated immediately and offered menus. Mac went for the Filet Mignon, baked potato and asparagus tips in cheese sauce. Harm just shook his head, envying her ability to eat that way and not having to worry about packing on pounds, heart disease or some of the other things that he was concerned with. Harm selected the tossed salad, grilled swordfish, and asparagus tips without the sauce. They both asked for sparkling cider and ice water with their meal. They took their time just enjoying being together without an agenda.

“So Harm, how far does your grandmother live from here?”

“About twelve miles.”

“How are you going to explain that we aren’t staying? What is you see someone that knows you and your grandmother?” Mac asked.

“I’m going to tell her it’s a last minute visit and that we need to head back. IF someone sees us and rats me out, then I’ll deal with it, but if I know Gramma Rabb she would be more disappointed in me if I stayed there.”

“Why’s that?”

“She keeps telling me I’m not getting any younger and she was hoping to meet her great grandchildren before she died.” Harm smiled at Mac. “You know what, she is the most amazing woman and she more then anyone - until I met you - proved to me over and over again just what a woman was made of. I may not have had the same respect for women if I had only been influenced by my mother and her side of the family. My mother is a strong woman, but I might not have noticed it and I certainly didn’t respect her for it as a kid. As an adult, I do.”

Mac reached across the table for his hand. “I look forward to meeting her, Harm. Tell me...not to change the subject, but when did that Pax River Command post come to your attention?”

“Oh that...well I know the guy that’s been there and he called me this morning and left a message for me. He thinks I’m perfect for it and seeing as he’s retiring I decided to go for it...I was actually planning to talk to you about it this weekend, but Cresswell sort of forced my hand.”

“He certainly did. I think we are a threat to him Harm.”

“Maybe. He does want to get us out of there but you know what...Bud deserves a chance to move up now that he’s made Lt. Commander. That was a class act by Chegwidden to make that happen.”

“Yes. Bud deserved it.”

“Anyway, as much as I like being at JAG headquarters, I think with both of us moving on, we won’t have to deal with one of resenting the other. We can let it go and move on. And we no longer have the added pressure of how we can be together when we work together. There is one thing I’m having trouble with however.”

“What’s that Harm?”

“Why was Cresswell so nasty? He could have accomplished the same thing by just talking to us.”

“I have a theory. I think Cresswell wanted to start a relationship with someone and didn’t give in to it. Every time someone does and gets away with it, he kicks himself for not taking the chance.”

“You think he’s bitter?”

“Maybe...I know he is married, but I wonder if she was military and she gave it up so they could be together.” 

“It might account for his annimosity toward women that seem to have it all I suppose.”

“Harm?”

“Yeah?”

“No more shop talk tonight okay?”

“What would you like to talk about?”

“Us...how we are going to handle not having Coates to back us up with Mattie? Where we can find you a house?”

“Okay...let’s talk about a house.” Harm played with her fingers as he held her hand. “Will you come live with Mattie and me?”

“Harm are you sure?”

“Yes...now the logistics we’ll talk more about later. I thought we should have a house that has at least three bedrooms, two bathrooms a den and a garage.”

“No living room or kitchen?”

“Mac...you know what I mean.”

“Yes I do...what about a porch or balcony?”

“Yes and a fire place or wood stove I think.”

“That will run the insurance up you know.” Mac reminded him.

“True...that can be on the maybe list. I’d like to find a place that has a good neighborhood for running and that is safe enough for Mattie.”

“When we get back, why don’t we call the realator again and expand the area from the one she’s been looking at.”

“Mac, did I tell you that I won’t have to drive all the way to Pax River every morning and night?”

“No...why?”

“Well, there is a shuttle that flies out of Andrews every morning and back from Pax River every afternoon. That’s how Scott and Beth both made the trip every day.”

“Wow...I hadn’t realized that. It will make the commute so much more reasonable for you.”

“Yes...now about the other topics...Mattie is very involved with school activities and she has been after me to let her get a job. I’ve held off because I want her to focus on school, but I might give in depending what she does.”

“And the reason you’re giving in?”

“I’m not yet. Mac, would you mind dropping her off and picking her up from school for me. Even with the shuttle it will make it pretty difficult.”

“No problem. I’m looking forward to spending more time with her anyway.”

“Good...now us...”

“I like the sound of that, Harm.”

“Me too Mac. You know I’ve called you Mac for so long that I’m not sure I can think of you as Sarah.”

“It’s okay. As long as you call me...I don’t care if it’s Mac or Sarah.”

“Are you ready for us to take the next step? Because if you need more time...”

“Harm...I’m ready. The doctor has told me that I shouldn’t experience the discomfort anymore and she also told me that I could get pregnant so plan accordingly.”

“What do you want to do?”

“I want to have a baby with you...I’m just not sure if we are rushing it if we go ahead now, you know?”

“Mac, when I suggested the baby deal, you know what it was really about?”

“Having a family?”

“Yes and no...it was about having you in my life. I couldn’t say the words back then, but I think I knew I was in love with you and I wanted to be able to come to you without my demons. In order to get rid of them, I had to face them. In Sydney when I said location didn’t change who were are...I meant myself. Those demons would be there and I needed to know I could commit without being obsessive. I didn’t want to destroy what I thought we could have.”

“Harm, I think I punished you for that night for at least two years..maybe longer. But I understand now. I had to keep you at arms length until I could work out my demons.”

“And have you?”

“Yes...Commander McCool really helped me with the last few hurdles. When I came to your house that night and Alicia was there...”

“Mac you don’t have to go into that again...I should have listened to you.”

“No...it was good you didn’t..I had one more hurdle and didn’t realize it. Now I’ve faced it. We can move on and I am healthy physically and emotionally for the first time in many many years.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too Harm...as a matter of fact, I have a surprise for you.”

“I’m not sure I can live through another of your surprises if its like the other night,” Harm whispered.

“Yes and no...tonight you can particpate and touch...”

“I like the sound of that already. So what’s the surprise?”

“I want you to stay here for about fifteen minutes before you come up to the room. Will you do that for me?”

“Yes.”

“Good...I’ll make it worth your while, Sailor,” Mac flirted with him as she stood up. She dropped a quick kiss on his lips before walking away.

Harm watched her go. He hadn’t fully recovered from the night before the trial when she had taken him on the wildest ride of his life and he had given up control to her. Every time he thought of what she had done, how she had given to him, he felt himself becoming aroused. He had tried so hard to push it out of his mind so he could concentrate on the trial. When Cresswell had hauled them into his office, he had almost panicked and thinking that Cresswell had somehow found out about that intimate experience they had shared - or rather she had given him.

Harm paid the bill and wandered into the gift store. He found some condoms and purchased them in case Mac decided to wait. He wondered what she was doing and what kind of surprise she had in store for him tonight. He had one himself he was hoping to spring on her. He fully intended to ask her to marry him and put a ring on her finger. She could take as much time planning the wedding, but he wanted the commitment from her and to make one to her. Finally it was time to join the most beautiful woman he knew and consummate their relationship.

Harm tapped on the door as he opened it. “Mac? Can I come in? Where are you?”

“I’m right here Harm...Come to me...” Mac’s voice was soft and seductive. Harm looked around as his eyes adjusted to the candle-lit room. Mac stood by the bathroom doorway dressed in a beautiful white nightgown...the one she had worn in Russia when they had ended up sharing a room. He had dreamed of her wearing that gown for years.

“How did you know I’ve always pictured you in that gown the first time...”

“I didn’t know...I just bought it with the hope that you would see me in it and want me so much that nothing else mattered. I’ve never worn it for anyone else...” Mac stopped as Harm stood in front of her and slid his hands up her arms.

“I want you Mac. I want to make love to you the way you did to me the other night...and then I want to love you again and again. I can’t get enough of you or stop thinking about you.”

“Reduce Altitude Commander...I’m all yours.”

PART 2 The SEQUEL

CHAPTER 1

0730 Local

Mount Vernon Inn Motel

Uniontown, Pennsylvania

“So do you feel like you’ve gotten to know every inch of me yet, Sailor?” Mac asked as she awoke in the arms of the man she loved.

“Not yet...but we have another night here...and there’s time before we need to leave to go visit my grandmother,” Harm grinned as he buried his face in the hollow between her neck and shoulder. “Mmmm...you smell so good.”

“Harm?”

“Yeah...are you going to sniff my neck or make love to me again?”

“Hhmmmm, tough choice...”Harm teased causing Mac to pounce on him. “Ooofff..Mac don’t damage the goods...”

“Use them or lose them Sailor...” Mac threatened as she straddled his waist and leaned down to capture her lips with his.

Harm stopped talking and returned to kissing Mac until she couldn’t breathe. He rolled them over and braced himself on his arms as he looked down into her beautiful brown eyes, filled with desire for him. He couldn’t believe they had finally made the step over the line completely from friends to lovers. They were most certainly still friends but they were enjoying the new status of being lovers as well.

“What? Harm, say something...or do something.” Mac whispered.

“”Sorry. Just thinking how good it feels to be with you,” Harm told her before he once more took them to the heights of passion.

1130 Local

Mount Vernon Inn Hotel

Uniontown, Pennsylvania

“You ready to meet my grandmother and see the place where I recovered from my ramp strike?” Harm asked Mac as she slipped on the light weight jacket that completed her outfit.

“Let’s do it.”

Harm took her hand and they walked to his car. Sliding inside he leaned over and gave Mac a quick kiss.

“Harm, what are you going to give your grandmother for a reason we won’t stay?” Mac asked.

“I’m not sure. I thought I would just tell her we need to head back tonight. If she argues, which I don’t think she will, I’ll come up with something...like we don’t have anything with us as we had planned t make it just a quick trip.”

“This ought to be interesting,” Mac grinned as she pictured Harm being taken to task by his grandmother as if he was still a little boy.

Mac looked with interest at all the things Harm pointed out to her. Places he had hung out summers when he had visited and places she had told him were favorites of his father’s or grandfather’s or both. Before long they pulled in to the long driveway of a country farm house complete with barn and fenced pasture, chicken shed and dog yard.

“This isn’t quite what I had picture, Harm.”

“It isn’t? What were you expecting?”

“I guess a little rose covered cottage...but this is better.” Mac smiled at Harm and reached for his hand.

As Harm opened his car door, a tall woman appeared on the porch. She looked to be late sixties, but Mac knew that if this was his grandmother she had to be at least eight-five.

“Harm?”

“Hi Gramma,” Harm bounded up the steps to hug the tall gray haired lady who hugged him back and kissed his cheek. “I brought someone to meet you.” Harm turned and held his hand out to Mac. “Gramma, this is my friend and partner from JAG, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie...but we call her Mac. Mac, meet Sarah Rabb, my grandmother.”

“Nice to meet you Ma’am,” Mac smiled and offered her hand.

Sarah Rabb took her hand in both of hers and pulled it toward her bringing Mac closer to her. “So this is Mac...It is wonderful to finally meet you face to face. Harm has spoken of you over the years and I am thrilled he has finally brought you home to meet me.”

“Thank you, Ma’am.”

“Please, call me Gramma or Sarah...I much prefer it to ‘Ma’am’. Now I’m not complaining, but what brings you out here with no notice?”

“Well, I’ve been wanting to bring Mac up here and we finally had sometime today so we kind of made a spur of the moment decision and just decided to do a day trip...we won’t be staying over or anything, Gramma.”

“I’m sure...well, maybe another time you will feel more comfortable staying here for a few days. So Harm, tell me what’s happening - besides finally bringing Mac home to meet me.”

“Well, I’ll be leaving JAG for a new billet.”

“Where?” Sarah Rabb’s voice filled with dread and Harm quickly put her mind at ease.

“Pax River...I’ll continue to be in the DC area, Gramma.”

“Good. It’s nice that you can make a day trip up here once in awhile. Who knows if I’d ever see you if you lived further away.”

“Gramma, you know I’d come whenever I could.”

“Yes...you have always been good about staying in touch. Hey have you heard from my other grandson?”

“Not in awhile. I think Sergei and Galina have been busy settling into married life. I guess its been at least three months since I got a note from them. Sergei’s ability to write in English has really improved.”

“Then I guess I have the most recent news from them. I got a call about six weeks ago. Galina is pregnant. Isn’t that wonderful?”

“I’m thrilled for them. Hey Mac, I’m going to be an uncle!” Harm turned and grinned at Mac.”

“That’s great Harm.” Mac smiled at his genuine pleasure hearing the news about his brother and his wife.

“Come on in you two. Have you had lunch?” Sarah Rabb invited as she led the way to the kitchen.

“Mac, has a healthy appetite Gram...sure you want to feed us?”

“Harmon, be nice...its good she’s a good eater. Wish you weren’t so fussy.”

“Gram...”

“Never mind. You do it for the right reasons I guess. Besides, even I know you look good in that uniform of yours. Surprised you’ve escaped marriage this long,” she quipped as she moved about the kitchen setting the old farm table for lunch. “Nothing fancy but I must have sensed you were coming because I made up some deviled eggs, baked a triple berry pie and put together a larger salad then usual...”

“Oh, Mac...wait until you taste her pie.” Harm grinned and reached for Mac’s hand on the table between them.

His grandmother saw the gesture and hid her delight. She knew that Harm was in love and that this woman held his heart and soul in her hands. 

They enjoyed a leisurely lunch. While Mac was in the bathroom later, after they had cleaned up from lunch, Sarah asked her grandson the million dollar question.

“You love her?”

“Yes.”

“You going to ask her to marry you?”

“Yes.”

“Do you have a ring yet?”

“No.”

“Would you like the one you grandfather gave me? I think it will fit her.”

“Gramma I can’t ask you to give up your ring...”

“You’re not asking. I’m offering it. I haven’t worn it for years - accept on special occasions when I wanted to feel close to your grandfather. Take it. It’s a beautiful ring and I thing Mac would like it. I like her Harm...I think she’s perfect for you.”

“Really? Why?”

“She’s feisty enough to hold her own with you, and woman enough to keep you on your toes. She seems to love you as much as you do her.”

“Thanks Gramma. We’re still kind of new at this...admitting how we feel and all.”

“Do you have doubts?”

“No.”

“Then take the ring, take her for a walk and ask her.”

“I think I will do just that. You don’t mind?”

“Will you stay for dinner?”

“Yes.”

“Will you bring her back again?”

“Yes.”

“Good, then I can take my afternoon rest while you two are out for a walk and we can enjoy fixing dinner together later.” Sarah Rabb smiled at her grandson and excused herself to go get the ring.

Mac came downstairs while she was in her room and Harm presented her with the plan - at least part of it.

“How would you feel about a walk around the farm? Gram wants to rest for awhile but wants us to stay for dinner. I told her I thought we could. What do you think?”

“Sure. She’s a doll Harm. She reminds me a little of my own grandmother...lots of energy, pride and love for her family.”

“Harm?” Sarah Rabb called from the other room. “Could you come here for a second?”

“Coming Gramma...I’ll be right back, Mac...then we can go for a walk.” Harm hurried to his grandmother’s room. She held out the ring and smiled.

“Take it....go ask her to wear it and let her know you want her forever Harm.”

“Thanks Gramma...” Harm bent down and kissed her cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you too, my boy.”

Harm slipped the ring into his pocket and went back out to join Mac who was standing on the porch. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and began to kiss her neck. He felt her shiver in his arms.

“Are you cold?”

“No.”

“I felt you shiver...”

“...with desire - for you...for us.”

“Let’s walk before I take you here on Gramma’s front porch,” Harm was only half kidding as he led Mac away from the house. They walked past the barn and up on the hill behind the farm. The hills were rolling and the tall grass waving as they climbed the hill hand in hand. When they got to the cluster of trees at the top of the hill, Harm led Mac over to sit looking down the back side. A babbling brook rolled through the field. Harm turned Mac to face him.

“Mac, I know the words haven’t come easy for either of us at times in our relationship, but I want you to know that for years you have been the only person in my life...I love you.”

“I know. I love you too, Harm, and I’m sorry it took me so long to realize that we felt the same about each other.”

“I hope you’re right, Mac, because there’s something I want you to ask you.”

Mac looked up at Harm and she caught her breath. The intensity in his gaze robbed her of oxygen and she gasped realizing what he was about to do. Taking her left hand in his he dropped to one knee before her.

“I don’t want there to be any doubts Mac. I love you and its not going to change. Will you marry me?”

“Oh Harm...” she gasped as he looked up into her eyes. “Yes...” Mac wrapped her arms around him and leaned down to kiss him.

“Mac, would you accept this ring as a token of my love and wear it on your left hand?” Mac looked at the beautiful ring Harm held on the tip of her left ring finger.

“Yes....yes!”

Harm slid the ring into place and stood up gathering Mac into his arms and kissing her thoroughly. Between kisses they talked about the ring and Harm told her how it had been given to his grandmother by his grandfather but she had seldom worn it because of the farm work and she didn’t want to take a chance of ruining it or losing it. When his grandfather had been killed she stopped wearing it for years - accept at special times when she wanted to feel him close to her again.

“Harm its perfect. Thank you.”

They sat and cuddled on the hillside for over an hour, talking about his time spent on the farm as a child and as a young naval officer after his ramp strike. They resumed walking and he showed her where his plane, Sarah, had been parked and how he had worked on it for days and nights on end trying to restore it. They spend time swinging on the rope swing in the loft of the barn and jumping into the hay like Harm had done as a child. They laughed and they enjoyed the time they had together.

Over dinner, Sarah asked Mac, “So it will probably seem strange not to have Harm at JAG now that he’s got this new assignment.”

“Well, I’m sure it will, but I’ve also got a new assignment. I’ll be working at the Pentagon as an assistant legal counsel to the Marine Corp Commandant.”

“You’re both leaving JAG?”

“Yes.”

“I guess that might be good,” Gramma concluded as she looked from one to the other. “Won’t be any reason for resentment between you then, right?”

“Right. We’ve talked about that, already. It will be strange not working together, but I think I’d rather come home to Mac after a long day at work then go home without her.”

“Yeah, we’ve done that for nine years...it’s time to try it the other way.” Mac offered.

“So when do these changes take place?”

“We have a hearing to finish on Monday and then we each report to our new CO Monday afternoon,” Harm explained.

“And will you both be up for promotion?”

“Harm will probably come up for promotion within a couple of months...I’ll have to wait now until the next round of Marine Corps promotions which won’t be for about eight months.” Mac explained.

“Now neither of you have said anything, but I see some jewelry on your left hand that wasn’t there before. Did my grandson manage to get the words out without tripping over himself?”

Mac looked down at the ring sparkling on her left hand, “He was eloquent, Gramma. Thank you for the ring. It’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it. Take care of my grandson, Sarah Mackenzie...by the way, will you be changing your last name when you get married?”

“Yes.”

“Good, I’ll be proud to share the name with you...two Sarah Rabbs.” Gramma commented.

“Dear, Lord...what have I gotten myself into?” Harm prayed skyward with a grin on his face prompting both his grandmother and Mac to take him to task.

By 1930 local, Harm and Mac thanked his grandmother for everything and took their leave. They only had to go the short distance to the Mount Vernon Inn Hotel where they made love for the first time as an engaged couple. Harm didn’t think it could get any better or more intense then their love making had been the night before, but he was wrong. They both were brought to tears at one point as their emotions overwhelmed them.

In the early dawn hours, Harm held Mac in his arms and whispered in her ear. “Any regrets not using protection?”

“No. You?”

“No. Now that you’ve agreed to marry me, what ever happens, happens. I hope that I’ve given you a baby already.”

“Mmmm...but can we keep trying until we know for sure?” Mac whispered back.

“Sure...and after that as well...I love you Mac.”

“I love you too Harm.”

CHAPTER 2

NAVAIR System Counsel

Command Headquarters

Patuxent River, Maryland

“Hello, I’m Commander Harmon Rabb, Junior. I was asked to meet Captain McNally here,” Harm told the Petty Officer at the front desk.

“Yes, Sir. Pleased to meet you sir. Captain McNally and Admiral Ferland said to have you come up as soon as you got here sir. You need to go to the fourth floor and Ensign Travers will meet you there to show you to the Admiral’s Office.”

“Thank you Petty Officer...Wilkes.” Harm smiled at the nervous young man and stepped into the elevator.

Stepping off on the top floor, Harm was greeted by another eager sailor.

“Ensign Travers? Commander Rabb for the Captain McNally and the Admiral.”

“This way sir.”

Harm followed the young ensign down the short corridor behind the reception area on the floor and through a door marked Private.

“Commander Rabb is here sir,” announced the ensign.

“At ease Commander. Have a seat. You know Captain McNally?”

“Yes sir.”

“I was surprised to receive the papers indicating your interest in this position. I’ve followed your career in the Navy Times for years and we’ve often wished we had you on our team.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Commander, I am curious as to why you are requesting this billet now when you have the chance for most any billet you want including staying at JAG headquarters.”

“Well sir, as you know I’ve been at JAG about ten years. That’s an unusually long time for anyone to stay in one billet. I also am thinking about my chances for promotion. I have enough dings in my record that making Captain and staying in place won’t work. I feel that this billet allows me to combine my experience and knowledge as a pilot with my knowledge and experience as a lawyer. I feel that it could be instrumental in making many key decisions.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Commander. Tell me more. Why now? I suspect there’s more then potential Captain’s bars.”

“Yes, sir. I’m going to be getting married and currently my fiance’ and I are in the same chain of command. We both decided that it was only fair if both of us looked for a change so that neither of us have to deal with resentment for the person that got to stay at JAG. We both however, would like to work with the team at JAG once in awhile when we can fit it in. A case or two each year perhaps.”

“Yes, well I can see that being a real possibility here. So Commander, at JAG you have had to train and supervise a few people, correct?”

“Yes sir. The most I’ve had under my command at once on a regular basis was six. I’ve also taken a turn on the bench as a judge and have filled in as acting JAG a few times as well.”

“Do you see yourself in that role someday, Commander Rabb?”

“No sir...my fiance’ maybe, but not me.”

“Why’s that?”

“I don’t tend to mince my words or adhere to political pressure as well as the JAG needs to. I can do it short term, but I prefer to speak my mind.”

“Yes...I had heard that about you Commander. You do come highly recommended and despite your rather unorthodox approach in the court room, I feel that you are the best choice for this billet.”

“Thank you sir.”

“I would like you to spend as much time here this week as possible to transition command to you from Captain McNally . You will take full command next Monday following a ceremony at oh-eight-hundred. I take it your fiance’ will be able to get away and join us Monday?”

“I will ask her sir.”

“I would suggest you tell her that she should be here. It will give you a stronger presence as you take Command.”

“I understand sir. Have you ever tried to tell a Semper Fi, gung-ho Marine what they will and won’t do sir?” Harm smiled at his new commanding officer.

“Ah...I had assumed she was Navy as well. My mistake...well, Commander, use your negotiating powers to win her over. I’ll have Captain McNally show you around. I’m sure you’ll want some time to talk.”

“Thank you again , sir.” Harm shook his new commanding officers hand and followed Captain McNally from the office.

“This floor houses the Admiral and his Chief advisors, both military and civilian. Your offices are one floor down.”

They stepped out of the elevator and onto the third floor. The operation space before them was much like JAG’s bullpen. Captain McNally introduced Harm to Petty Officers, Ensigns, Lieutenants and Lieutenant Commanders as they worked their way toward the door marked Private.

The Petty Officer outside the office door came to attention. The Captain put the young man at ease and introduced him to his future commanding officer.

“Commander Rabb, this is Petty Officer Tony Angelo”

“I hope you’ll be staying on to help me learn the ropes Petty Officer.”

“Yes sir. I’ll do my best sir.”

Harm swore the kids chest about burst open with pride. Ian McNally turned to Harm as they stepped into the inner office.

“You made his day.”

“He appears to be well organized and know what’s going on. That’s going to be key to helping me.”

“He is that,” he smiled as the door shut. “How’ve you been Harm?”

“Pretty good, Ian. I couldn’t believe it when you called and said you were retiring. I thought nothing would tear you away from this job.”

“I didn’t think so either Harm, especially after Sheila left me. But life goes on and I’ve met someone new.”

“Congratulations.”

“Thank you. I decided to leave the service and go into private practice back home. Sheila has two young children and we’d like to have one of our own after we are married. She has a teaching job she enjoys as well. Made since to go to her. So tell me about this Marine your going to marry.”

“Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie...you’ll have to meet her. She is one smart, tough lawyer and a kick-ass Marine when in uniform...but she is also the most beautiful,., warm loving, giving person I’ve ever known.” Harm grinned at his own description.

“Even more beautiful then Diane?” Ian asked. Harm stopped and looked at him and then smiled before he thoughtfully answered the Captain.

“Yes, she is actually.”

“Wow, everyone at the academy thought Diane Schonke was drop dead gorgeous and that you and she were the wedding cake couple.”

“That wasn’t to be Ian. You’ll see for yourself Monday I guess, but I better warn you that Mac, my fiance, looks enough like Diane to be her twin. They are as different as night and day otherwise, but physically they are identical...at first.”

“You’re kidding right?”

“Judge for yourself Monday.”

“Does Mac know about Diane?”

“Yes...and it was a hurdle between us for a long time. She was convinced that I saw Diane when I looked at her and I didn’t know how to go about setting her straight on that point. I finally convinced her I guess.” Harm smiled thinking back to the weekend they had just shared as he had kept his promise to explore every inch of her.

“Well, take a look around what will be your office Harm. What do you think?”

Harm nodded his approval at the large beige room with light oak bookshelves lining one wall. There was a blue leather sofa and two matching chairs with an oak coffee table positioned in front of them and two floor lamps. The wall adjacent to the book-shelved wall, was covered in long dark blue brocade drapes and in that corner was a round oak table with four blue leather side chairs. Two matching chairs were positioned in front of the large oak desk which jutted out perpendicular to the drape covered wall. The third wall opposite the book-shelved wall was plain beige with faint traces of picture frames that had hung above an oak credenza. Two doors in that wall revealed a private bathroom and a closet for clothing and for storage of records. The fourth wall held the door they had entered through. Along that wall were a bank of six beige fire proof locking file cabinets.

“Impressive,” Harm commented nodding his approval to Ian McNally.

“Well I saved the best for last,” Ian told him and he pressed a button and the drapes slid back to reveal the view out of the window that stretched along the drape covered wall.

“The air field...and a balcony?” Harm asked spotting the sliding glass door in the back of windows.

“Go ahead,” Ian nodded.

Harm moved to the slider and opened it stepping out onto the iron railed balcony just as two jets took off one after another. His heart raced and the blood pumped through his body with a thrill he hadn’t felt for awhile...at work at least. He couldn’t stop the grin he had plastered to his face.

“I take it you’ve kept up your quals and ratings on F-14's. You rated on anything else?” Ian asked.

“Yes. I flew with another agency for awhile last year and have several other ratings including F-18's and C-130's. There were some other aircraft too, but I’m not at liberty to disclose that information.” Harm spoke as he gazed around the airfield. He spotted the stairs coming up to the balcony. “Back door?”

“Yes. As you know I usually came in on the Helo or flew my own Piper Cub. You may want to do the same. If so, the shuttle can pick you up and drop you off at the stairs. There is also a company car in the underground garage that is yours to drive or be driven in and there is a parking spot in front if you should drive your own personal vehicle.”

“Well, Ian, I am impressed with the perks. Let’s go in and talk about the nitty gritty part of the job.” Harm stepped back inside and closed the slider. Captain McNally led the way to the seating area and took one of the chairs. Harm took the other one.

“Harm, you have four senior attorneys working for you here at Pax as well as eight junior attorneys. In addition there are sixteen researchers and investigators. You also have two engineers that can advise you. Then you have your yeomen, Petty Officer Angelo, two public affairs officers and access to the secretarial pool on second floor. Sound overwhelming?”

“I think it could be, but it sounds like it could be set up in squads and therefore be quite manageable,” Harm suggested.

“Exactly. Think structure and organization like a pilot and execute plans like a lawyer and you’ll be in good shape.” Ian informed him.

“Do you spend most of your day filling out forms and preparing torts?” Harm asked.

“Actually Harm, you’ll be consulting with your team, providing direction, gathering information, and making decisions. You’ll find in the summer you’ll want to wear peanut butter most days as you’ll be on the line checking, investigating and testing theories. In the winter you’ll want your sweater and spare pants for being out on the line with a change of clothes for when you have meetings or have hearings scheduled.” Ian paused.

“NCIS will tap you for system information and advice when there are mishaps they are called in on. You won’t be bored and some days you’ll feel more like a pilot then a lawyer and other days you’ll feel more like a lawyer then a pilot. There will be other days when you’ll feel like a commanding officer which is a little like being a father with a few college aged kids, a few teenagers, and a bunch more pre-teens...at least if you approach things like I have. Scared you away yet?”Captain McNally asked.

“No...I’m very excited about this. Thank you for taking the time with me today, Captain.”

“No problem, Harm. Tomorrow wear ‘peanut butters’ and we’ll spend some time on the line. A new case came in and we’ll take you through the initial phase. You’ll also have a chance to meet your squads.”

Harm shook hands with Ian McNally and made his way back to the elevator and down to the first floor. As he stepped outside the building he met two officers coming in. He couldn’t believe his eyes. One of them was none other then the pencil sharpening lawyer that had been assigned to his trial when he had been arrested for Lt. Singer’s murder. They saluted him but didn’t stop and he wondered if she even recognized him. Tomorrow he would see if he could find out what she was doing here. In the back of his mind he already knew the answer. Lt. Commander Faith Coleman was an attorney on his team.

Harm arrived back to his apartment North of Union Station and found a message from Mac waiting for him and another from Mattie. He pushed the play button on his machine.

{Hey Sailor...Guess you aren’t back yet. I picked up Mattie for you and she’s at my place with me. We’re fixing dinner. Why don’t you come join us? Hey if you see my fiance’ tell him I love him okay?}

Harm chuckled before listening to the next message.

{Harm where are you?...Can you come get me at school?...I tried your cell phone and JAG...where are you?} Harm started to panic until he remember that Mac had called him after Mattie had and Mattie was safe with Mac. After changing into jeans and a sweater and lacing on his athletic shoes, Harm grabbed his leather jacket and headed for Mac’s. He checked his cell phone when he got to the car and discovered it needed to be charged and plugged it in.

(Disclaimers in Chapter 1.)

CHAPTER 3

1755 Local

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

Harm bounded up the stairs to Mac’s apartment and knocked on the door. Mattie opened it and flew into his arms.

“Hey, Mathilda Grace...what’s going on?” Harm tried to look into her face. He glanced hopelessly at Mac.

“Mattie’s boyfriend dumped her Harm...”

“Oh Mattie...I’m sorry...I know it hurts. Come on...let’s sit and you can talk to me. We’ll decide if its you or him that is losing out the most...okay?” Harm was answered with a sob as he gathered the teenager against his chest. Harm knew how it hurt when his heart broke when Mac said never and as much as he hated to think about Mattie growing up he accepted that she knew her own mind and if she felt she was heartbroken who was he to question what was in her heart.

Mac stood between the kitchen and dining room and watched Harm going into father mode. She smiled - not at Mattie’s pain, but at the pleasure she took in seeing Harm step up and be there for this girl now and when she thought she had no one. Mac had remembered thinking how devastated Harm would be when he found out he hadn’t been there for Mattie and how glad she had been that Mattie had thought to call her. She had thought that Mattie had it together after they had talked, but she realized that she had only been helping her keep it together until she saw he ‘dad-of-choice’ as Mac referred to Harm.

She heard the timer go off in the kitchen and went to tend a meal while Harm dried teenage tears and consoled her during her first broken heart. Mac hoped that Mattie was lucky and didn’t have to experience many of them.

“Mattie, I know how much it can hurt when the person you live and breath for says its over or that it will never even start. You’re going to feel like crying or punching things for a few days, but eventually it will get better and one day you’ll realize that you are ready to take the risk again with someone.”

“But I loved him Dad...”

“I know, Honey, but if he can’t see how lucky he is to have you in his life, then he doesn’t deserve you.”

“You have to say that...you’re my Dad.”

“Only by choice, Mattie. Remember I chose to take on this role and to be here for you.”

“Why?”

“Because I was smart enough to see how lucky I would be to have you a part of my life. You make me happy Mattie. It’s as simple as that.” Harm explained.

Mattie sat up and let Harm use his handkerchief to wipe her eyes. “Better?”

“Yeah...did you and Mac rehearse this?”

“No...why?”

“You said a lot of the same things.”

“Just common sense and we share the fact that we love you.”

“And each other?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go eat...I feel better now.”

“Don’t be surprised if it comes and go. If you need a hug you know what to do?”

“Thanks, Dad,” Mattie hugged him before releasing him and going to the kitchen to join Mac.

They had taken seats around the dining room table as if they had done it for years. Mac looked around at “her family” and smiled. This is what she had been craving and it was all she could ask for. Anything else would be icing on the cake.

“So Harm, tell us about your new job,” Mac suggested.

“I basically command four squads of lawyers and investigators made up with about thirty or so people. Although we do mostly corporate work with major companies another portion of our job is to obtain proof that Naval Air System acquisitions are safe and meet Naval standards for use and negotiate procurement contracts with various companies for the equipment we need. There will be times I’ll need to go on the hill to defend Naval Air Systems for funding purposes.”

“No more overseas trips?” Mattie asked eagerly.

“Sorry, squirt. Sometimes I will be negotiating with foreign countries and may be gone - but usually they will be planned trips not drop what your dong and fly over here at the drop of the hat stuff.” Harm looked around at his family feeling very content. “So what’s on your calendar for next Monday morning?” Harm asked looking back and forth between Mac and Mattie.

“Duh...I go to school, Dad.” Mattie teased Harm.

“I hope I’ll be wrapped up at JAG and starting at the Pentagon. Why?” Mac asked.

“Well, I will officially take command Monday morning and they will have a ceremony and I have been told to have you there...” Harm held up his hand as he saw Mac start to bristle. “I’m telling you what I was told. I was also told that if my fiance refused I should practice my negotiating skills. Mac, I know that you have things scheduled too. But it would mean a lot to me if you and Mattie were both there. If you can’t get free I’ll understand.” Harm had effectively plead his case and put the ball back in Mac’s hands. The choice was hers and he would abide by her decision regardless of how it looked for him.

Mac smiled and took his hand on the table between them. “Of course I’ll be there for you. What time do we need to be there?”

“Early...eight hundred...I thought maybe we could travel down together Sunday night and stay over at a nearby hotel. Then you can take me to the base in the morning and after the ceremony you two can drive back, Mattie can still go to school part of the day and you can still be at work too.”

“How will you get home?” Mac asked.

“I can take the shuttle and pick up my car at Andrews...of course we’ll drop that off before we head down on Sunday,” Harm explained.

“This is going to be cool!” Mattie declared.

“You think?” Harm teased her. “You’ll have to wear a dress and act like a lady.”

“No problem. Mac?”

“Yes, Mattie?”

“Will you be wearing civilian attire or Marine green?”

“Well actually if I wore my uniform I would wear my blue dress uniform...but I think in this case I would rather just be Sarah Mackenzie and wear civilian attire.” Mac explained.

“Why’s that?”

“Well, for one thing if we are both in uniform then we are bound by military protocol and it would limit my participation in the ceremony.” Mac added.

“That’s one reason it took Mac and I so long to work things out Mattie...we were in the same chain of command and it prohibits couples that are married from working together. Neither one of us was ready to walk away from JAG at first.”

“And now you are?”

“Yes.” Mac and Harm answered in unison, smiling at each other.

“So have you set a wedding date?” Mattie asked.

“Not yet. Mattie we just got engaged this weekend,” Harm reminded her.

“So?”

“So, we will set a date and plan a wedding but I think we need to find a different place to live...sooner then later,” Harm announced.

“I agree. Why don’t we go online and see what’s available after dinner?” Mac suggested.

“I like the way you think Marine!” Harm smiled at her and squeezed her hand.

“You guys can kiss in front of me you know,” Mattie informed them.

“You think so, huh?” Harm raised his eyebrows as he looked at his foster-daughter. “Maybe Mac and I don’t want you to see us kissing.”

“Why not?” Mattie asked.

“Harm, stop teasing her...Mattie, I’m sure we all need to make adjustments to this new relationship. If it took him all this time to admit how he feels about me, don’t you think it will take him some time to feel comfortable kissing me in front of anyone?”

“Probably...” Mattie’s disappointment showed in her face but she accepted Mac’s explanation. Harm looked at Mac and mouth the words, ‘Thank you,’ so that she knew he understood that she appreciated his discomfort level and that it had nothing to do with how he felt about her.

After dinner and dishes, Mac and Mattie sat together at the computer while Harm straddled a chair behind them watching them with their heads together at the keyboard.

They started their search in Washington DC but didn’t find anything that was even close to what they wanted.

“Let’s search Maryland as its closest to Andrews Air Force Base first,” suggested Mac.

Mattie clicked on Maryland and then read off the choices they could make. They agreed they wanted three or more bedrooms; two or more bathrooms; and a garage. There were other things they would like but agreed to not include them in the search until they saw what was out there. Among those items was a separate dining room, fireplace, finished basement, fenced in yard, a porch, and space for an office. They agreed not to enter a minimum price but set the maximum at $350,000. If Harm made Captain it wouldn’t be a serious stretch as he had saved a decent down payment in the past year. Mattie clicked the search button and they waited to see what it offered.

“Wow!” Mattie exclaimed as the first picture opened. It was a four bedroom Colonial in District Heights Maryland. Mattie read off what it offered and the price of $319,000. Harm and Mac looked at the picture as Mattie read the description to them.

“This house is on a corner lot. House has three levels, 2 and a half bathrooms, 4 bedrooms, wall to wall carpet, fenced yard, forced air heat and central air conditioning. Kitchen table space with separate dining room. One car garage.” Mattie turned to Harm and Mac and asked, “Well?”

“Print out the page Mattie. IT’s worth taking a look at. Price might be a little high and I was hoping for at least a two car garage, but we should look at it. Don’t you think so Mac?”

“I do. It looks wonderful. Let’s see what else is there, okay?” Mac suggested.

Mattie continued scanning down the page. They saw townhouses, condos and ranches but nothing on the rest of the page that caught their interest. Mattie clicked on page two before Harm or Mac could give up the search for tonight. The first house on the page drew everyone’s interest and they all pointed at it at the same time, “That one!”

“Read that one, Mattie,” Harm instructed.

“Detached style Victorian in Capitol Heights with 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, brick house built in 1950. Floors are either hardwood, marble or tezzaro and shine like new. The fireplace is surrounded by bookshelves. The house also features a formal dining room, sit in kitchen, sun porch, large basement with wet bar, wine cellar and rec room.”

“What else does it offer, Mattie?” asked Harm as Mac turned to look at him with a grin on her face.

“Let’s see...built-in bookcases, cedar closet, laundry chute, walk-in closets, wall to wall carpeting, washer/dryer hook-up, included the following appliances - dishwasher, disposal, dryer, exhaust fan, extra refrigerator freezer, washer and stove. Basement has walk out stairs, and is fully finished with space for rooms. Keep going?” Mattie asked. Harm and Mac just nodded as they held each others hand.

“Okay...Enclosed glass porch, laundry room, recreation room, 2 master bedrooms...”

“I’ve heard enough to wonder if we could afford something that sounded so good. Anything about a garage?” Harm asked.

“It doesn’t say but that was a requirement on our search and it looks like there might be a detached garage in the picture,” Mattie informed him.

“No price listed, huh?” No but it must be under $350,000 or it wouldn’t have come up in our search.”

“True. What do you think Mac?”

“I think we’d be fools not to check it out.”

“Then let’s do it. Print that one out too Mattie.” Harm instructed. “Wow! Where does the time go. We got to get you home, Mathilda Grace. School tomorrow. You have a lot of homework?”

“It’s done. I did it with Mac while we waited for you.”

“Good girl. Guess I’ll keep you around another day or two,” he grinned at her.

“Harm, I’ll called the relator tomorrow if you want and see if they can set up a viewing for this weekend.”

“That would be great, thanks. Oh and thank you for picking Mattie up today.”

“Not a problem.” Mac assured them.

“I have after school activities every day but Friday this week. I can always catch a ride with someone.”

“No...either Mac or I will pick you up or we know the person that picks you up - like your father,” Harm frowned at Mattie’s carefree approach.

“Yes sir.”

Mac walked then to the door, holding Harm’s hand. “Call me when you get home, okay?”

“I will...” Harm hesitated. He wanted to take Mac in his arms and kiss her for real, but didn’t feel he could do that with Mattie standing there waiting for him. He settled for giving her a hug and whispering in her ear, “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Mac softly spoke in return. Harm started to release her and then leaned down to give her a quick kiss on the lips. Mattie saw it and smiled but didn’t say anything, just winked at Mac. 

(Disclaimers in Chapter 1.)

 CHAPTER 4

Tuesday, 0800 Local

NAVAIR Command

Patuxent, Maryland

“Good morning Commander Rabb. Ready to meet some of the team today?” asked Ian McNally as he met Harm outside the hangar.

“Yes sir. I tried the helo today. Is it always as reliable?”

“Certainly is Harm. Come on. We’ll go up to the office first. I left orders for one of the teams to meet us there at eight-thirty.”

They were picked up by a jeep that ran officers all over the field as needed. Taking the stairs to the balcony, Ian McNally let them in to the back door of his office. “Have a seat Harm...and when its just us drop the formality.”

“Sure thing Ian. Hey, on my way out yesterday I saw a Lt. Commander Faith Coleman going into the building. Does she work here?” Harm asked as Ian grabbed some folders for them to review.

“She sure does. How do you know Faith?” Ian asked.

“Long story. Short version is she was appointed to defend me before NCIS found evidence to dismiss the charges against me.”

“What on earth with you charged with?”

“Murder.”

“You? Murder? I don’t by it Harm. I’ve known you too long to even consider that an option.”

“Yeah, well I was framed. So tell me, is Commander Coleman still about having every pencil razor sharp and everything in order?”

“Oh yeah...I can imagine that drove you crazy.” Ian chuckled thinking about the Harmon Rabb he had known since the academy.

“It did...but she was sharp. How long she been here?”

“Let’s see, she came here a year ago last spring...about a year and a half. She was pretty shaken by a case she had just worked and decided she wanted to try more corporate lawyering for awhile. She’s good. Trust her judgement.” Ian instructed.

“That was after my trial...I wasn’t sure she even recognized me and she certainly didn’t acknowledge me. This could be interesting. So, tell me, is it general knowledge that I’m coming on board?”

“A few people may be aware that you’re going to be here and a few may assume that its you, but as yet there is no formal announcement. That will be changing shortly,” Ian grinned.

“You seemed pleased to be turning this over.”

“I liked the job, Harm. Never doubt that. But I love my family more. Hey, did you ask the fiance about Monday?”

“Yes, and my foster-daughter. They may as well see up front that I am a family man - or at least trying to be.”

“She coming as a Marine?”

“No. We agreed that it was better for all of us if she was in civilian attire. They’ll see her in uniform eventually, I’m sure.” Harm accepted the files Ian handed him.

“Let’s get you up to speed on the project that the first team is working on before they arrive in...eight minutes.” Ian sat at the desk and Harm took one of the side chairs across from him. This is a project that is being done in conjunction with one of the biggest aerospace companies in existence today, as well as the governments of Great Britain, Israel and Russia. We are well on our way to presenting this project to the joint chiefs and congress to get approval on testing this in real use.”

“What exactly are we talking here? This is the new prototype for the remote fighter plane isn’t it?” Harm asked.

“You’re familiar with it.” Ian stated. “Was that from your days with that other company?”

“Yes.”

“You really are perfect for this job.” They continued to review the file and Ian saw Harm make note of a few things he wanted to ask the team. “It’s time Harm. Remember they are going to be under your command. Don’t hesitate to set the stage now even though I’m here.”

“Understood.”

Ian McNally instructed the yeoman, Petty Officer Angelo to send the team in. The door opened and Lt. Commander Faith Coleman led a team of eight men and three women through the door. They came to attention all dressed in their khaki uniforms, also referred to as peanut-butters.

“At ease. I’d like you to meet Commander Harmon Rabb, Junior. He will be taking over for me beginning on Monday. As some of you may already know, Commander Rabb has been both a distinguished pilot and lawyer. I think you will find him to be perfect for this job. Lt. Commander Coleman, please identify your team for Commander Rabb.”

“Yes sir. Lt. Commander Josiah Bickford is our engineer; Lt. Wes Martin and Lt. Marcia Kessler are part of our legal team. Ensigns Greta Marks, Kay Barclay, Mike Fisher, Bob Raymond, Manuel Galindez, and Frank LeBlanc provide all support.”

“Now, let’s get to work.” Captain McNally led the way to the table where they gathered around the file. “Reports please. Commander Coleman, begin.”

For the next hour Harm listened to each team member report in and noted a few more questions for the team. As they wrapped each section, Captain McNally would ask questions and Harm checked them off as they were asked, noting the response. They were on the third section of the report when Harm realized that they were preparing to move on and he had two questions on his notes that McNally had not asked.

“Excuse me, Captain. I have a couple of questions.”

“Go ahead Commander,” instructed the Captain.

“You noted in the first section of your report that the company had stated they would include the cost for the repairs in the original price, yet in the third section you have indicated an increase in the line item on the contract that would indicate the repairs are being charge back to us. Could you clarify this for me?” Harm looked over the team and focused on Commander Coleman as she began to answer.

“Sir, I believe the third section line item is talking about the repairs to the component that is on the aircraft, not the component that is on the weapon.”

“I see...are you aware that it is the same piece? That bracket can be attached to the aircraft or the missile - not both.”

“I see. I wasn’t aware of that sir. I will have my team review and correct that section of the report immediately and we will bring it to the attention of the companies counsel. Was there anything else sir?”

“Thank you Commander Coleman...actually there is one other thing. You indicated is the third section sub section b that only commissioned personnel would have access to this system. How can that be when you have non-coms working on flight lines all the time? On a carrier you rely on the non-coms to keep the machinery in top working order. Engineers are not handy out there to solve the problems. Perhaps it needs to be reworked so that all personnel working with this aircraft must be certified so they have been trained to handle repairs accurately.”

“So noted sir. I will look into this.”

“Commander Coleman, Commander Rabb is correct and I should have picked that up myself. Good catch, Commander Rabb. Shall we move on,” asked Captain McNally.

It was another forty minutes before they had finished all reports and all questions had been asked. The team then went with their commanding officers to the field and to see the actual prototype they were working on. They broke at noon and Harm and Ian left the team to return to his office and lunch. They ate in the commissary and afterward returned to the office and Petty Officer Angelo. Angelo spent the next two hours explaining the filing system to Harm so he would be able to locate information without assistance if he was so inclined.

Ian looked at Harm and cracked, “Knowledge is power. IF you don’t need them to survive, they work harder and are more loyal then if you’re lost when they are out. Secret to having a successful command the former CO told me when he transitioned to me. It worked and so I pass on his gems of wisdom.”

“I appreciate it. Are the other teams as together?” Harm asked.

“Yes...but different. You’ll meet two more teams on Wednesday and the third one on Thursday before we take a field trip to New Jersey. Each team has their own personality. The other teams are as good but have a different approach from team one. I tried loosening them up and it didn’t work. Don’t waste your time...they just don’t get it.” Captain McNally informed him.

Ian offered to fly Harm back to Andrews with him in his plane that afternoon.

1735 Local

Andrews Air force Base

Naval Annex

As Harm unlocked his car the cell phone rang.

“Rabb.”

“Hey, Dad...Mac picked me up and we thought we’d start supper. How long will you be?”

“I’m just leaving Andrews. You at home or at Mac’s?”

“Home. Hungry?”

“A little.”

“You sound tired.”

“I am Mattie. Thank you for getting dinner. I’ll see you soon.”

“Bye..drive carefully.”

Harm disconnected the call and started the Corvette. As he headed for home he thought about his family waiting for him and smiled.. He had only traveled ten minutes when he saw the sign for District Heights and wondered if the house they had heard about would be theirs. If so, he would be almost home instead on another fifteen minutes away. He continued thinking about Mac and Mattie waiting for him.

Same Time

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

“What’s wrong, Mattie?” Mac asked as she added tomato to the salad.

“Dad...Harm...he sounded so tired.”

“First few days on a new job can be exhausting. It won’t be as bad once he adjusts.” Mac assured the teenager.

“But you started a new job today too Mac.”

“Not really. I went to meet people and see the office...like Harm did yesterday. I also spent some time at JAG before I picked you up...and you rejuvenated me. I think you will Harm too.” Mac tried to perk the teenager up so she wouldn’t worry about her ‘dad-of-choice’ so much.

“Did you get an appointment for us to see the houses?” Mattie asked.

“Yes, I did. We have a busy day ahead of us Saturday. The relator said she has comparable homes in other locations as well including one in Temple Hills.” Mac added the mushrooms and set the salad aside for Mattie to put on the table.

“How long before the chicken will be ready Mac?” Mattie asked.

“Eight minutes.”

“We should do something special for Harm tonight,” Mattie suggested.

“What do you have in mind?”

“I’m not sure...wait! I know. You know how he’s all nervous about kissing you when I’m around?”

“Yes.”

“Well, what if I run over to the other place right after he gets home so you guys can have a real kiss hello?”

“Mattie, you don’t have to do that. He’ll get use to it...after all last night he hugged me and gave me a quick kiss with you right there.”

“I know but still, I think it would be nice...I won’t be gone long...but you guys need time alone too.” Mattie reasoned.

“You know what Mattie...you’re right, we do need time alone, but now I’m going to stay with you in the other apartment, we can have some time alone after you go to bed. You don’t need to leave us...as a matter of fact, Harm won’t be happy if you avoid us...and that’s how he’ll see it.”

Mattie sighed and thought about what Mac said, “You’re right...I guess a group hug is in order for him when he gets home.”

The table was set, the chicken was ready and Harm opened the door to the apartment.

“Hey there! I’m home.” Harm shut the door and turned back to find Mattie and Mac approaching, arms open to greet him. As if they had done it a thousand times before, Mac stepped into the curve of his right arm while Mattie stepped into the shelter of his left. He pulled them both to him, kissing first one then the other on the cheek. They heard him sign in contentment.

“Welcome home Sailor,” Mac whispered in his ear as she kissed him on the lips quickly, lingering just a second or two longer then usual. She figured it was a good way to get him comfortable showing affection to her in front of Mattie.

“Long day?” asked Mattie.

“An intense day...it went fast though. Ian flew me back with him in his Piper Cub. He keeps it in a hangar at Andrews.” Harm explained.

“Does that mean you can keep your Stearman there?” asked Mattie.

“I suppose I could, but I’m not going to. With an open cockpit it won’t do me much good from late October until at least April. No, the helo shuttle is just fine.” Harm explained knowing what Mattie was thinking.

“Come on...dinner is ready. Think you can carve a chicken tonight?” Mac asked.

“I think I can handle that. It looks and smells so good. You didn’t have to do something so fancy, Mac.” Harm told her.

“Harm, a baked chicken isn’t fancy. I can’t do it all the time, but today I had the time to throw in a chicken and bake some potatoes so I did.”

“Thanks. It’s great. Any luck with the real estate agent?” Harm asked.

“Yes. She has some other houses to show us as well. We’ll meet her Saturday morning at ten and she’ll drive us to the various locations.”

“So how were things at the Pentagon today?” Harm asked as he added dressing to the salad on his plate.

“Well, Commandant General Daniel Russell is an old friend of uncle Matt’s. I didn’t know that before I met him today, but he apparently use to hear Matt talk about his ‘niece with gumption’. Anyway, he seems to be easy going and well respected by his staff. I’m struggling a little with exactly what I’ll be doing but at least the people there seem to be all business yet friendly...hard to describe. They mind their own business yet when they do speak to you they are pleasant.”

“That’s good Mac. Who else did you meet?” Harm prompted her.

Well, the Chief legal counsel to the Marine Corps Commandant is another of Uncle Matt’s contemporaries, Colonel John Lane. Colonel Lane is actually older then the General, but he’s been passed over for promotion a few times and only has a few years left before he’ll be retiring. Anyway, there are actually three assistants and we each have an area of specialty. Because of my language skills I will be highly involved in any Middle East cases. I also was told that I would take the lead on both foreign policy issues and issues before the joint chiefs.”

“Really?” Harm’s eyebrow went up.

“What?” Mac asked.

“I’ll be bringing things before the joint chiefs at times myself. I wonder if they’ll let you and I work together on anything?” Harm smiled liking the idea immensely.

“I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Anyway, Lt. Colonel Pat -as in Patricia- Johnson and Colonel Samuel Behr are my counter-parts. We each have a team of litigators, researchers and investigators at our disposal along with support staff. My assistant is non-other then Major McBurney. Remember him?” Mac asked.

“Well, I’ll be. The leader on my first squad turned out to be Lt. Commander Faith Coleman...two names and faces I had no particular wish to see again. Did McBurney remember you?” Harm asked.

“I think so. Coleman?” Mac asked.

“Never let on one way or the other. Sorry Mattie, you must be bored with us talking about people you don’t know.” Harm apologized to the teenager.

“Its okay...at least if I hear the names I can associate them better when I do meet them.”

“Tomorrow they are going to have me review candidates for the rest of my team. They have a few they’ve suggested and I can basically decide which ones will be the better match for me to work with. I’ll do interviews on Friday...oh, I’ve explained that I need to be gone on Monday morning and they had no problem with that. I’ll actually wrap up my final business at JAG on Monday afternoon and then I will begin my new duties on Tuesday.”

“Do you want or need me there for a ceremony or anything?” Harm asked trying to be as supportive of her as she was of him.

“No...but keep some time open in early November, Sailor...there’s a ceremony celebrating John Philip Sousa that I have to attend and the Marine Ball is coming up and I must attend those. I will need my handsome escort at my side for both events,” Mac informed him.

“Alright, I think I can manage that,” Harm smiled back.

1940 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

They had just finished the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen and dining room after dinner when Mattie began to yawn and stretch.

“Hey guys, if you don’t need me anymore, I’m going to head over to my room and do some homework and catch some sleep.”

“It’s early yet Mattie. Do you have a lot of homework?”

“Just some reading to do. I’m just tired.”

“Alright...”

“Harm?” Mattie stood patiently at his side.

“Oh yeah, right, ‘reduce altitude, right?” Harm asked grinning.

“Yes, please...Night,” Mattie kissed his check and hugged Mac good-night before she left.

As soon as the door was shut, Harm wrapped his arms around Mac and started to nuzzle her neck. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“Harm, Mattie did this on purpose so we could have some time alone together tonight.”

“She did? See I was afraid she’ be uncomfortable around us...”

“No Harm, she’s trying to help you not be uncomfortable to show me affection around her,” Mac patiently explained.

“I know Mac, its just...”

“This is still new to us too. So we are alone...you missed me...I’m here...I’m ready...I’m willing...” Mac’s next words were swallowed by the kiss that Harm gave her. When he finally came up for air, he smiled and led Mac to his bedroom. “I need to reexplore a few things. You mind?” Harm asked referring to his statement that he was going to get to know every inch of her body.

Mac practically purred and answered in the most sultry voice she could, “I’d mind if you didn’t.”

(Disclaimers in Chapter 1.)

CHAPTER 5

Saturday 1000 Local

Relator’s Office

Wisconsin Avenue

Washington DC

“Good morning. I’m Mary Anders. Can I help you?” The distinguished blonde woman in her medium blue suit greeted them in the plush office area.

“I’m Sarah Mackenzie. I called you about seeing some houses today.”

“Yes, Sarah, nice to meet you. And this is the family?” Mary asked looking at Mattie and Harm.

“Yes, my fiance’ Harmon Rabb and our daughter, Mattie.” Mac introduced her family with pride in her eyes.

“Nice to meet you. Well, if you’re ready we can head to the first house. My van’s right out here...” Mary led the way out the door, locking the office behind her. She led them to a powder blue mini-van. Harm and Mac sat side by side in the two back bucket seats while Mattie slid into the front seat. Mary Anders gave them a little bit of a strange look, figuring the tall good-looking man would ride up front with her.

“You have enough room for your legs, Dad,” asked Mattie.

“I’m fine, Mattie. Thank you for asking,” Harm reached for Mac’s hand and smiled. He was enjoying the family feel of this outing and he knew when they had a chance later, Mac would needle him about riding in a “mom” car.

They drove out to Temple Hills first to see a house that they hadn’t picked out on the internet. It took them nearly half and hour to get there. The description Mary gave them certainly sounded like something they would want to see and the price was in their range. The location wasn’t bad either. Harm frowned slightly when he saw the property. It wasn’t what he had pictured but it did have over a half acre lot and it was closer to Andrews and the Pentagon. He decided to keep an open mind.

They stepped out of the mini-van and approached the brick and stone house. There was screened in porch that opened into the kitchen. The kitchen was equipped with dishwasher, disposal, exhaust fan, a refrigerator with an ice maker, electric oven and range. Harm noted the hard wood floors and was pleased to see they were in good condition. There was space for a table in the kitchen. From there they looked at the separate dining room, living room and laundry room and one room with a full bath off it that could be a guest suite or office space. All of the rooms on the main level had hardwood floors. They went upstairs and saw the master suite with its own bathroom and the two other bedrooms on that floor that shared a third bathroom. They all nodded and looked around without saying much. They went downstairs to the basement and found a full size recreation room that would make a great place for working out or relaxing as it also had a fireplace. There was a half bath there as well. There were two rooms finished off that were undefined that could be made into bedrooms or office space.

Mary Anders watched the family as they wandered around, not asking questions, not saying much, but taking it all in. “There is also a garage, a shed, and a backyard you may want to see,” she suggested.

They went outside and continued to walk around and look at everything quietly. Each taking in features they thought were good or bad and filing it for later. Harm took out his small notebook and made a few notes in it a couple of times. Mac smiled knowing he either had found something he liked or didn’t like and wanted to know more.

They spent about twenty minutes at the first house before they loaded up and headed to District Heights and the Colonial home they had seen on the internet. Again they strolled around in near silence looking at what the home had to offer. Mary Anders tried to point out a few hidden features that she thought they might miss, but basically left them alone to wander and learn about the house on their own. Although she tended to try to talk and sell her listings, she sensed that with this couple they would see through any selling techniques and she would do better to just let then approach this their own way.

The tan colonial with blue shutters had an attached one car garage and a fenced in yard, but little else appealed on the outside. The interior was beautiful, Harm could tell that both Mattie and Mac were pleased with what they saw inside. He it was a newly built house only about three years old. He felt that it lacked character or something. In less then fifteen minutes they were on their way to the house they found online in Capitol Heights.

It didn’t take Mary Anders long to figure out that this was the one for this family. They had taken in the features of the other homes without talking, but not at this house. The chatter started before they got inside and didn’t stop.

“Harm, look at this set up!” Mattie called over her shoulder. She had walked up and looked into the window of the two car garage. Harm joined her and smiled. While it looked like a simple two car garage, it was much deeper and in fact three vehicles could easily fit - two in one bay and one in the other. At the back of the garage was a wood-working room which could be used as storage if one didn’t like working with wood. Harm did. There was also room to park a riding mower and snow blower with a smaller garage door at the back for easy access to the back yard.

They had then gone into the house and Mac and Mattie each took turns calling Harms attention to one feature or another as they moved through the house. In the basement area, the space that had been set up as a wine cellar was easily convertible to other purposes, such as a root cellar, similar to the one his grandmother had on the farm. She always kept the fall harvest in there during the year until everything was gone or processed. It also was a great place to keep extra cases of soda or a bottle of wine until there was room in the refrigerator or a desire to chill them.

“Harm, look...this room would be great as a guest suite and then in our old age we could use it as a master bedroom and not have to deal with stairs.” Mac teased, “Of course we may have to move you down here before I’m ready to need that kind of accommodation,” she laughed as she went on to the next room.

Harm smiled and shook his head as he followed her. The sun porch faced the back and side yards with an exit making it perfect for barbeques and entertaining.

“How long has this listing been posted?” Harm asked Mary Anders.

Mary checked her file before answering, “About three weeks. There was an offer made, but the financing fell through and it was put back on the market. I take it you are interested.”

“Yes, but there is a lot to discuss with my family.”

“Look, you guys make yourselves to home and go ahead and talk. I need to make a few calls and I can do that in the car. I’ll wait for you there.”

“Thanks Mary.” Harm watched her close the door and Mac and Mattie approached Harm with anticipation on their faces. “Well?” he asked them.

“I think we should go for it. If Jen is re-stationed after her six months in Norfolk she could rent the basement if we put in a little efficiency apartment...or when my other Dad needs a place to stay...or when I’m older I could rent it from you - you know when you have your own kids and you need the room upstairs for them...or...”

“I get it Mattie...Mac?”

“It’s got the lowest asking price of the three we looked at and I like the neighborhood best. There is flexibility with how we use the space and there isn’t one room that I feel I would need to re-do before we moved in. I like the charm of the house and I feel at home here...I can see your furniture in some rooms and mine in others.”

“Then let’s make an offer on it today,” Harm decided. He had seen a few things that he wanted checked out and repaired if necessary so he made an offer that included those things being done as a condition of meeting their asking price.

Mary Anders told them that she thought it would be accepted and that she would call the offer in it when they returned to the office and be in touch with them as soon as she heard. Harm had told her that he had been pre-approved for a loan last winter when he had first started looking at houses, but in a different area. He didn’t anticipate any difficulty in that regard. He figured if they could get a thirty year mortgage for under a thousand a month with property taxes in escrow there would be no problem with being approved on his income alone.    The fact that he was getting married to a military woman of equal rank also with a good credit history should qualify them for an even better interest rate.

Mac, Mattie and Harm decided to go out to lunch to celebrate their house hunting morning. They drove back to the Capitol Hills area and ate at the Lucky Star Restaurant. It was good food but not elegant dining. They had a lot to choose from. Harm and Mac went with the Caesar Salad and tomato bisque soup while Mattie settled on the hamburger and tossed salad. Harm was secretly pleased when both of his girls passed on french fries. It wasn’t that he thought there was anything wrong with french fries once in awhile he just felt that healthy eating was smart. Although Mac and Mattie still kidded him about being a health nut, he knew they did it lovingly. He also knew that they knew loved chocolate as much as they did. He would indulge with them sometimes partially because he just wanted to and partially as a reward for them eating better.

“What?” Mac asked as she heard Harm chuckle.

“Nothing important...I was just thinking we must all want Hot fudge sundaes later because we all went with healthy items for lunch,” Harm smiled at his family knowingly.

“Yeah, but let’s make them at home,” Mattie suggested.

After the meal they went to explore the vicinity. They checked out the Capitol Heights Recreation area and drove by ‘their’ house again. They went to the Rollins Hill Park and walked the nature and exercise trails they found crisscrossing each other over the field and woods in the park. They stopped at the chamber of commerce to get information on the school system and found out that Capitol Heights had elementary schools but Junior High and High School paid tuition and offered a choice of schools. As a result, Mattie would not have to change schools.

They got home, North of Union Station, just before 1630. The light on the answering machine was blinking so Harm hit the button on his way by.

“Hello, this is Mary Anders. I presented your offer to the home owners and they already have had the items you wanted inspected taken care of and have the report available. They are willing to accept your offer providing that you are able to close the deal within the month. They are in escrow on the new home and need to close one immediately or they risk losing the other. Please call me when you get this message on my cell phone. Congratulations!”

“Harm...the house is ours?” Mac asked amazed. They looked at each other and Harm nodded with a big grin.

“Looks that way! You have her cell number?” Harm asked Mac.

Mac found it and gave it to him. He spoke with her briefly and listened as she told him what the next steps were. He nodded, thanked her and hung up the phone.

“Well, I need to call the credit union on Monday and see what they need from us. Then once they say they’re ready we call Mary to schedule the closing. It looks like we will be able to start moving before this month is over.”

Mattie called for a group hug. Harm held them both tight unable to believe how easy today had been. Mattie broke away first.

“Can I go call Jen and tell her about the house?” Mattie asked.

“Sure. Call from here if you want,” Harm suggested.

“Thanks, but if I call from over there then you guys can call your friends and tell them at the same time...or cuddle if you’d rather!” Mattie laughed as she danced out the door just as a toss pillow came after her.

Mac still had her arms around Harm. You know, if we’re going to move into the house soon, I think we should seriously talk about setting a wedding date. We shouldn’t sleep together openly with Mattie living with us, and I don’t want to stay here while you guys are in the house. What do you think, Harm?” Mac asked looking up at him.

“A month or less isn’t long to plan a wedding, is it?” Harm asked.

“Answering questions with questions again, Commander?” Mac asked her eyebrows raised.

“Sorry...I like the idea of getting married right away but I also don’t want you to miss out on the perfect wedding of your dreams. I was just trying to collect intel before I made a decision.” He kissed her nose and studied Mac’s face.

“Harm, I planned a huge wedding to Mic but it wasn’t what I wanted. He was the one that insisted on the grand affair it would have been. I would have been happy getting married to the man I love on a hillside...”

“...with goats for witnesses.” They finished together while sharing a smile.

“Well, I think we need more then goats for witnesses, but if you say the word I’ll marry you next weekend in a small private ceremony here or in a church, or on a hillside. I just know what people are going to think with us getting married that fast,” Harm admitted.

“I don’t care what they think. Harm, we haven’t done one thing in a conventional way since we met. Why should we change that now? Do you think Chaplain Turner would marry us this fast?”

“Good idea Mac. I think he would. You know, I was thinking that Harriet and Bud are going to be hurt if we don’t include then in things. I haven’t talked to Harriet for weeks. I’m assuming you’ve told Bud we’re engaged and he told Harriet.”

“Actually I’m not sure he knows. When I’ve been at JAG he’s been busy and we haven’t talked that much.”

“I think I know what we need to do this evening if possible...” Harm started.

“...call Bud and Harriet and get together to tell them what we are doing,” Mac finished. They both realized what they were starting to do again and smiled. “Ill call,” Mac offered.

1900 Local

Bud and Harriet’s House

Rosslyn, Virginia

Mac and Harm were greeted warmly by Harriet before being led into the family room where Bud was playing with Jimmy and AJ on the floor. He looked up at his oldest son’s squeal of delight at seeing his godparents standing in the room with him. After hugging and kissing them both he returned to the floor and the cars and blocks spread around them.

“How’ve you been Harriet?” Harm asked.

“Just fine. I can’t believe all the changes I keep hearing about at JAG. I go inactive, the Admiral retires and you two leave for Pax River and the Pentagon. I just don’t know what else to expect.”

“Well, we have some news to share with you, Harriet,” Mac started.

“You do...besides leaving JAG?”

“Yes.” Mac held out her left hand with the ring Harm had given her sparkling in the light.

“Oh Mac! You’re engaged...to the Commander? To Harm?” Harriet looked amazed.

“Yes.”

“Congratulations Harm...you too Colonel - I know, call you Mac...” Bud smiled at his own formal address and ability to self-correct. Harriet wiped tears from her eyes, over come with the emotions that engagement and happiness still brought her.

“If you’ll excuse me, I’ll get the boys to bed, then we can talk more comfortably. Sweetie, you want to start the coffee?”

“Sure Bud. Night AJ...I love you...sleep tight.” After another kiss and hug, from each of the adults and he was on his way. Bud carried Jimmy up the stairs and they other marveled at how confident and sure he was on stairs now despite his missing leg.

“Let’s go to the kitchen,” Harriet invited. “ I made lemon meringues pie. Would you like a piece?”

“Sounds great, Harriet.”

“Me too.”

Once they were settled around the table, Bud included, Harm and Mac started telling them about the new jobs.

Harm introduced the house hunting and told them about the house that they were pretty sure was theirs in Capitol District. Bud and Harriet were eager to see it and offered to throw a house warming.

“Actually, there may be something we need help with sooner then that - like next weekend.”

“Harm and I have talked it over and we don’t want a long engagement. We want to be married. It’s going to be just a small private affair,” Mac told them.

“And you want to go look for dresses next weekend?” Harriet asked.

“No...we want to get married next weekend.” The room got silent following Mac’s words and then everyone started talking at once. Somehow among the laughing, talking and even a little speculation the wedding plans were made...well if everything worked out.

“Harriet are you sure you’re up to us having a party here?” Mac asked her friend.

“A reception,” Harriet corrected her, “And yes, I would love to have it here. Now if the chapel isn’t available or if it rains we can always do the wedding here too, but you check out the other two options tomorrow and let me know. I’ll talk to my neighbor and get an idea of what she will charge to cater it for us. I’ll need to give her numbers.”

“Twenty is plenty. We really want to keep it small.” Mac insisted.

“Isn’t Chloe going to be hurt if she’s not here?” Harm asked.

“Probably...okay let’s do a guest list. Harm do think your Mom and Frank can make it on such short notice?” Mac asked.

“Maybe. Okay...I get your point...we need to do this very small scale, don’t we...or wait?” Harm sighed. “You seem to have an idea in mind, Mac. Spill it.”

“Alright, you’re right to include everyone that wants to be here we will need to hurt someone because not everyone will be able to drop things and come to us at such short notice. Hurting your family or Chloe is not a good idea, yet I know that all of them will be happy for us when we do get married.” Mac stopped to see if anyone was catching on to her thinking.

“I’m not sure where you are going with this, Mac.” Harm mumbled.

“I think I do,” Harriet spoke up. “You could elope! Just the two of you go off and get married. No announcement, no guest list, just the two of you, who ever performs the ceremony and two witnesses.”

“Exactly!” said Mac.

“Do you mean we just wasted all this time with a plan that’s not going to happen?” asked Harm.

“Not at all. Look, I want Harriet to be my Matron of Honor and you wanted Bud for your Best Man, right?” Harm nodded and Mac continued. “So, we either get Chaplain Turner or a Justice of the Peace to come here and get married with Bud, Harriet and the boys as our witnesses.”

“And you’re alright with this?”

“Yes, Harm. We can send out announcements and have a reception later and invite everyone and maybe we can even have it at our new house. We’d have the room...everyone could see where we live...it’s a perfect solution.”

“It is Mac...you know, Mattie’s not even home next weekend. Tom’s picking her up after school and she’s going with him. That will be a little easier then leaving her out of it while she’s at home. We’ll even be able to take a short honeymoon, won’t we?” he wiggled his eyebrows at Mac.

“Behave yourself...or I’ll embarrass you at your ceremony Monday,” Mac threatened lovingly.

“Ceremony?” asked Bud.

“At Pax River they have a ceremony when there is a change of command. I officially take over as the NAVAIR Systems Counsel Command then when Captain McNally steps down.”

“Will you be getting promoted to Captain too?” Bud asked.

“Hopefully, but probably not until I’ve been there six months or so. Hey did I tell you that Lt. Commander Coleman is on my first squad?” Harm asked Bud as Harriet and Mac wandered into the other room to talk shopping trip.

“But Harm, I’m sure that she’s on the list to make Commander and if she does, they’ll need to bump you to Captain so you out rank her.”

“You sure Bud?”

“Yeah, and we should check Captain’s list. It came out you know about two days ago but I hadn’t looked at it. Hold on...” Bud went in to the den which doubled as his office and the boy’s playroom and turned on the computer. Harm had followed him.

“Here it is, Harm...and let’s see...Congratulations sir! You are on it!” Bud grinned in delight at his friend.

“Bud...let’s keep this between us for now. Mac will be there on Monday and I think they may be trying to surprise me. If she knows it is a surprise, let her have that...and if she doesn’t then let her be surprised.”

“Great idea, sir...Harm.” Bud smiled as he slipped into the more formal address and then corrected himself.

“Thanks Bud...for everything.”

“No problem Harm...after all you’ve done for Harriet and me over the years it seems the least we can do for you.

(Disclaimers in Chapter 1.)

CHAPTER 6

Sunday 1000 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

“You got everything, Mattie?” Harm asked his daughter.

“I think so. I’m wearing a dress now, I’ve got a dress for tomorrow and jeans to change into later and school pants for tomorrow afternoon. I’ve got my books, and the shoes I need...yes Dad...I’ve got everything I need.” Mattie grinned, hands on her hips.

“What about you Mac?”

“Uniform for tomorrow afternoon, jeans for later today, I have on a dress now, but I think I need to shop for a dress for tomorrow.” Mac grinned at Harm. “What about you? Do you have everything?”

“I feel like I’m packing to leave home! I’ve got my dress blues, the peanut butters I need for after the ceremony, an extra set of each for my work closet, spare shoes, jeans for later, and a dress for now...” Harm watched them realize what he had said and laughed at their expressions before he corrected himself, “No wait a minute I have on a suit not a dress.”

“You are so bad, Harm...let’s go.” Mac headed out the door with her things.

“I’ll follow you with the Corvette, you take the Lexus, okay?”

“Harm, wouldn’t it make more sense for us to go together in the Lexus and I’ll pick you up at Andrews when you get back Monday.”

“I guess. Okay, we’ll do it your way. You are always the better planner,” Harm conceded.

“Hear that Mattie? Harm just admitted to us that I’m the better planner. Make a note of it and don’t let him forget it, okay?” Mac pulled Mattie in to side with her seeing as they both delighted in teasing him.

They drove to the chapel in Alexandria where Chaplain Turner was filling in that day. He spotted them as they entered the vestibule where he was greeting people.

“Harm, it’s good to see you.”

“We heard you were going to be here today so we drove over. You remember Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie and my foster daughter, Mathilda Grace?”

“Of course I do son. It’s good to see all of you.”

“Mac, why don’t you and Mattie go pick out a seat...I want to talk to the Chaplain for a second,” Harm suggested. He watched Mac and Mattie walk away and then turned to the Chaplain. “I know this is short notice and if you can’t do it I’ll understand, but Mac and I are planning to get married in a private ceremony - next Saturday. We’re sort of eloping, sir, but we’d like you to perform the ceremony.”

“Harm, I’d be honored. Tell me one thing, though, is there any special reason you are marrying in haste?”

“Yes - but not what you might think. Mac and I have loved each other a long time but let our careers get in the way. We finally saw a way past that and we realized that neither of us feels comfortable living together because I have custody of Mattie. In order to be together we need to get married and we just bought a house and will be moving within the month so one of us would have to wait to move in if we waited to get married.”

“Then I’d be happy to do it for you. When and where?”

“Thank you Chaplain. We are going to get married at Bud and Harriet Roberts house around eleven or so on Saturday. Do you want us to pick you up?”

“No...I can drive to their house. I know right where it is. Eleven is perfect. Now go join your family and I promise I won’t say a word to anyone.”

“Thank you Chaplain.” Harm shook the man’s hand and went to find Mac and Mattie.

“Every thing okay, Harm?” Mac asked.

“Perfect. Just hadn’t seen the man in awhile and I wanted him to hear from me some of the changes in my life.” Harm assured her. Mac got the silent message and knew that Chaplain Turner would be performing their wedding ceremony next week.

1230 Local

Apple Way Restaurant

Alexandria, Virginia

Harm, Mac and Mattie shared the sampler for an appetizer while waiting for their orders. Mattie had selected the Mexican Pizza; Mac the baby-back ribs; and Harm the Oriental Salad. Anyone seeing them would have never known that they weren’t the typical family.

“Dad, I still think you’re glass top table goes better in the kitchen and Mac’s table goes better in the formal dining room.”

“I suppose it does. Alright...what about the living room furniture?” Harm asked already knowing what they would say, he thought.

“I think your leather sofa and chair should go in the room with the book cases and fireplace. My set would be better suited to the guest suite or in the efficiency apartment,” Mac watched Harms face as she spoke. “Surprised you didn’t I?”

“Yes, you did. What do you think Mattie?” Harm asked.

“I agree with Mac, sort of, but I think the room is big enough for both sofas and chairs. The colors would work together too,” Mattie looked to one from the other as she made her announcement.

“Harm...Mattie may be on to something. I think the room does need more furniture and that could be a solution. Now...what about bedroom furniture?” Mac asked.

“Well,” began Harm, “I think if we put my bed in the ‘guest suite’ and Mac’s bed in one of the other rooms and the your extra bed in another room, then the twin set Mattie and Jen have could go downstairs and I think we should get a new bed that is ours.”

“That might work, but perhaps the twin beds should go upstairs and the double bed downstairs,” Mac suggested.

“You know, this is entirely too easy...I think we need to discuss the den and the sun porch,” Harm decided.

“Mac has wicker furniture that would be perfect for the sun porch and you could each have an office or share one. There are enough rooms. So what do you think you’ll do?” Mattie asked.

“I think the guest suite will double for our office and we will just have one. What do you think, Mac?” Harm questioned.

“I think we can wait on making an apartment in the basement and instead I think we should each have office space down there. Let the guest suite be a just that. My office space can double as a guest room as well, but I think we need to have one private office and that would be your office as well.”

“I’ll share Mac,” Harm promised.

“I know you will, but my desk locks and yours doesn’t so mine can be furniture in a room and secured.”

“Maybe I should get a different desk,” Harm said.

“Probably, but for now, I think we all have enough to deal with.” Mac scolded him gently.

They finished their meal while making more plans about moving into the house.

1600 Local

Pax River Motel

Near Patuxent Air Base

Harm, Mac and Mattie arrived at the motel that catered to military families. The motel had one suite available which they took. As they took their shopping bags and overnight bags inside, they looked around at the clean, basic accommodations. They entered into a sitting room area with a kitchenette. There was a chair and a sofa that each made into a bed. There were two doors. One led to the bathroom and the other to a separate bedroom with a queen-sized bed. They hung up the clothes they didn’t want to get wrinkled and changed into jeans. They were planning to take a walk along the beach in the cool fall air.

While they were shopping, Mac had found and purchased two dresses. One so far she had been able to keep hidden from Mattie and Harm. It was an ivory strapless sheath dress with a matching bolero jacket. She had also found shoes to match it perfectly. In the same store she had found a royal blue dress with long sleeves that was perfect for Monday’s ceremony. She found comfortable black shoes as well as a purse and bought it all. The shoes could be worn with several items in her closet.

Mac slipped into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and turned to join Mac and Harm in the main room. She quickly grabbed the dresser to steady herself as she had felt dizzy for a few seconds. It seemed to pass so she rejoined her family.

“It can be a little cool on the beach even when the sun is shining in October. Better grabbed a sweatshirt or a jacket,” Mac suggested to Mattie.

“You okay Mac?” Harm frowned.

“Yeah, why?”

“You look a little pale.”

“It’s nothing. I turned too quick just before I came out here and was dizzy for a few seconds. I’m fine. Let’s go,” Mac insisted touched that Harm would notice something so minor. “You know, sometimes I have to wonder what you’ve done with the real Harmon Rabb...then I remember that you grew up, huh?”

“I hope so. Maybe I won’t screw things up so much anymore.”

“As a commanding officer, you’ll do fine. You always rose to the occasion when you were acting JAG,” Mac reminded him.

Hand in hand they waited by the car until Mattie came running up to them without her sweater. Harm rolled his eyes.

“Mattie, sweater?”

“Oh, I left it in the car.”

“Let’s go then!”

The three of them had fun at the beach. Mattie picked up a few shells and jumped out of the way of the in-coming waves. Harm and Mac strolled along hand and hand just enjoying being together.

“So much as changed so fast, Harm. Sometimes I pinch myself and try to wake myself up because it doesn’t seem real.”

“I know Mac. With the Admiral’s retirement, your medical issues, Clay, Sturgis in charge, the new JAG, our rapid change in assignments, reaching this point in our relationship, the engagement, the house,” and dropping his voice to a whisper, “our wedding.”

“And all of these changes have basically taken place inside six, maybe seven months. Do you ever wonder if we’ve just gotten swept up in things and that everything is moving to fast?” Mac asked.

“No. Do you Mac? Are you feeling like we’re rushing things? Do you have doubts?”

Harm asked looking for reassurance.

“No, I don’t have doubts. Sometimes I feel like things are being rushed, but I think its for a good reason...maybe because we didn’t rush into anything for so many years it makes it feel like this.”

“Yes, it could be that...I was hoping that breathless feeling you were having was because of me...” Harm hinted.

Mac smiled in return. “Fishing for compliments, Commander?”

“Maybe.”

“Then yes, you leave me breathless. I wish you could take my breath away tonight, but that wouldn’t be appropriate. Harm, I love you so much and I have never been happier then fitting myself in to the family you’ve put together. Thank you,” Mac leaned up and kissed his cheek.

“Hey! No public displays of affection on public beaches!” Harm and Mac whirled around to see Jennifer Coates running down the beach to join them. Mattie turned around and came running back to them.

“You made it Jen. Thanks!” Mattie took looking proud of herself.

“How did you find us?” Harm asked.

“When Mattie called to tell me about the house we were talking about the wacky schedule they have me on. I work Tuesday through Saturday and have Sunday and Monday off. She said you were going to be here and I caught a ride and came to join you. I’ve missed you guys so much!”

Mac and Harm each hugged Jen in turn. “What ride did you catch? It’s over four hours to drive here.”

“Yeah, but they had room on a helo that was coming to Pax with some dignitaries and they let me fill the empty seat up and back. Once we landed I got a taxi and saw your car at the beach so came to join you. Hope you don’t mind.”

“We certainly don’t. Where are your things?” Mac asked.

“At the motel. They were short on rooms but I was able to get a room with two beds. I thought maybe Mattie could share with me so we could enjoy some girl talk tonight. Would you mind Commander?” Jen asked.

“It’s up to Mattie. What you want to do?” Harm checked in with his foster-daughter.

“I’ll stay with Jen. Come on Jen...let me show you what I’ve found.” Mattie and Jen raced off down the beach leaving Mac and Harm alone again.

“Well, maybe I will have a chance to leave you breathless tonight after all,” Harm growled in Mac’s ear.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Mac assured him.

An hour later they were all chilled from the walk on the beach and glad to be back at the car. They loaded up and then decided to go out to eat at one of the seafood restaurant’s on the bay. Most were closed at this time of year, but a few stayed open for the locals. Harm located one place he had remembered from previous visits to the area. Although it wasn’t his first choice because of all the fried foods they served, he knew it would be a hit with ‘his girls’.

Mac had oyster stew with fried clams, while Jen and Mattie split on order of fried shrimp and one of fried scallops. Harm decided to go with the broiled haddock. Mac kept trying to get him to eat some of her oyster stew and Harm had informed her he didn’t need any. They had pretended to not know that oysters were considered aphrodisiacs as they bantered back and forth. Jen pretended to ignore them and they all hoped that Mattie hadn’t caught on. They all enjoyed the cole slaw and Jen and Mattie also enjoyed the french fries.

1945 Local

Pax River Motel

Near Patuxent Air Base

Jen and Mattie took Mattie things to Jen’s room on the other end of the motel when they returned from dinner. They had stopped and bought hot chocolate and cookies to have in their room while they talked and watched television. Once the door shut behind them, Harm reached for Mac and went to work on taking her breath away.

In Jen and Mattie’s room, they were making themselves comfortable on their beds with the television on when Mattie turned to Jen.

“I bet they are already in each others arms after the Oysters Mac ate in that stew. Don’t you?” Mattie asked.

Jen ‘snarked’ her cocoa and looked at Mattie, “You know what oysters are suppose to do?”

“Yeah, doesn’t every body? My mom use to make oyster stew for Dad and she said to remember when I’m married that if my husband wasn’t paying me enough attention, fixing him oysters should always do the trick.”

“Mattie, you are priceless. Poor Harm - and Mac. They try so hard to protect your innocence and make sure they don’t do anything to corrupt you, and you come out with a gem like that.” Jen smiled at her younger ‘sister’ in amazement.

“They were trying to pretend that they didn’t know about oysters but I knew they did. Hey thanks for letting me stay with you. Harm hardly lets Mac hold hands or kiss his cheek when I’m around. Now maybe they can enjoy the evening alone without me.”

“Are you feeling in the way, Mattie?”asked Jen.

“Not really. They always want me to be with them and Harm is getting better about public displays of affection. I think once they get married he’ll be cool about things. So how’s your new job?” Mattie changed the subject.

“It’s good. I miss everyone at JAG but I met someone and we’re not in the same chain of command and we’re the same rank.”

“Is he cute?” asked Mattie.

“Yes...he even looks a little like Harm did when he was about the same age...but not quite.”

“How did you meet him?”

“Terry is in the same class with me. We’re both working on our college degrees and have an interest in psychology. He’s taken more classes then I have, so he’ll probably graduate first, but there are several classes we can still take together.” Jen smiled.

“That’s cool.”

“Look, I’m sorry I’m talking about the new man in my life when you just got dumped. Let’s change the subject,” suggested Jen.

“Do you know why Harm’s new job is such a big deal that we had to all come for a ceremony?” Mattie asked.

“I’m sure it’s because he’s taking a command post and was given a rapid promotion to Captain in order to get the billet. Why?” Jen questioned.

“Captain? Harm’s going to be a Captain? He hasn’t said anything. Does he even know?” Mattie squealed with delight as she pounced on a red-faced Jennifer Coates.

“Ssshhh, Mattie...if he hasn’t said anything then maybe he’s planning to surprise you guys. You don’t want to spoil it for him do you?”

“No...but Captain! Wow! He told me he didn’t think he had a prayer of making Captain because of the stunts he’s pulled over the years.”

“Probably in normal times he wouldn’t...but Harm’s background as a pilot and a lawyer makes him perfect for his new job. He has to be a Commander or a Captain for the billet and one of the people in his command is being promoted from Lt. Commander to Commander, so he needs to have a higher rank then her. He’s made some bonehead moves in his career but he’s also considered a hero and is highly decorated.” Jen tried to explain the intricacies of Navy rank and military needs versus records.

“How did you hear about this? I saw his name in the latest Navy Times as a last minute addition. Then when we were flying up today the big shots on the helo were talking while we waited for the shuttle and I heard several of their discussions.”

“Well, this certainly makes more sense to me now. I won’t say a thing. Mac must not know either.”

“Have they said when they are getting married?” Jen asked.

“No...I figure with buying the house and starting new jobs its been too crazy for them to even think about. I thought I’d start putting some pressure on them after I get back from Dad’s next weekend.”

“How’s that going, Mattie?”

“Good. I told Harm that even though I’m patching things up with my dad I still need my Navy Dad to ask me personal annoying questions and keep me focused. He’s doing better about me spending time with Dad. I think he thought I was trying to leave him and didn’t need him anymore. I’ve got him set straight on that point I think.”

“Good. You two have been good for each other.”

(Disclaimers in Chapter 1.)

CHAPTER 7 (Ratings Change to NC-17)

(This is a short chapter but anyone wanting to by-pass won’t miss the story.)

1945 Local

Pax River Motel

Near Patuxent Air Base

While Mattie and Jen talked in their room, Harm and Mac made up for lost time.

When the door had shut behind Mattie and Jen, Harm had pulled Mac to him and started placing kisses along her neck and near her ear. He felt Mac’s hands wandering over the muscles of his back and felt her lips trying to reach his ear.

“I’ve been waiting to do this for hours,” Harm informed Mac.

“And you think I haven’t? Mmmmm....” Mac ran her tongue around his ear and along the pulsing cord in his neck. “You taste almost as good here as you do in other places. Anyone ever tell you that before?” Mac purred as she increased her attack on his senses with her lips, tongue and hands.

“Alright, Tiger...you are playing with fire you know. You sure you can handle it?” Harm asked, his voice deep and raspy.

Mac’s hand cupped his package and she caresses him enough to know she had no doubts about what she wanted to handle. “That didn’t take much to get your attention, did it?”

“Mac, you should know by now you already have my attention. I have to fight my body so it’s not saluting you all the time...and I’m not talking about a hand salute either.”

Mac giggled, “I’m not use to you talking this way Harm...its cute.”

“Not sexy?”

“You are always sexy - you can’t help it...but when you’re like this I love you the most because you are relaxed, and fun and cute and sexy...all rolled into one.”

“Aahh I’m irresistible, am I?” Harm teased.

“I’m not sure. Shall I try resisting you?” Mac asked.

“No...not tonight...I want you Mac....I need you....” And with that his playfulness stopped and he kissed her with the passion that had been building for the last few days. Mac met his passion with her own. They moved to the bedroom and their clothes were stripped off one article at a time until they were both completely naked.

Mac lay on the bed writhing from the caresses and oral assault Harm was lavishing on her body. He licked, kissed, kneaded and sucked each breast and nipple in turn. When his mouth was on one breast and hand was on the other and while his fingers slide between her legs, searching, playing and discovering all the things that turned her on. Harm would then switch breasts and give oral attention to the one his hand had caressed. Mac would caress his head when she could reach it, until he moved down to taste her secret places and entice her bud to throb with desire for his attentions.

Mac’s hips lifted off the bed as he brought her closer and closer to the edge. She made whimpering sounds that she could not control and her body trembled all over until she slowly felt herself come back to earth just long enough for Harm to start the process over again. After the third trip around the sun he sent her on, she reached for him needing to taste herself on his lips and feel his body against hers. Harm, acquiesced and pulled her into his arms, his head resting on the pillow next to her. His fingers continued to play with her breasts and her hands played with his chest- tangling in his chest hair and playing with the hard nubs of his nipples.

“I can’t get enough of you Mac...”

“Me either..I mean I can’t seem to get enough of you either...Harm...what you did...how you made me feel...that was a new experience for me. I want to do the same for you. I want you to feel what I’m feeling.”

“I do Mac...every time you touch me.”

“No, I mean I want you to have a powerful orgasm like you gave me...”

“I will...you do that to me...”

“I want you now, Harm...” Mac pleaded. Harm raised himself over her and kneeled between her legs, nudging her legs apart.

“I don’t want to hurt you Mac...”

“You won’t. You didn’t before.”

“But if I loose control...”

“I hope you do Harm...I know you. You won’t hurt me.”

“Would you tell me if I did?”

“Yes...ever heard the expression, ‘hurts so good’?” Mac spoke against his lips.

“Yes...”

“Then don’t worry about being gentle...be good...”

With that Harm, began nudging Mac’s opening with his erection. Slowly he slid in a little then pulled back. He kissed Mac and then did it again, sliding further into her body before pulling out until only the tip was inside her warm moist heat. He repeated the slow tantalizing thrusts over and over until Mac was crazy waiting for him to fill her. He slowly entered her one more time, this time, stopping to kiss her while his shaft was buried in her warm moist body. He traced her lips with his tongue asking for entrance. Mac complied as she wrapped her legs tightly wrapped around his hips and pulled her even closer to her.

Harm rolled them then so that Mac was sitting on him, his shaft still buried inside her. He lifted his head to taste her breast as his hands rested at her hips. At the same time as Mac began to ride him, he began to lift her body and help her set the rhythm. Their senses were overcome with the sight, sound and taste of one another. Each taste, each touch, each movement took each of them to new heights in love-making. When they both reached their orgasm at the same time, crying out the other’s name and collapsing in each others arms, Mac wiped the tears from Harm’s face. He had been as over come this time as she had been the previous time.

Before morning they had made love two more times.

(Disclaimers in Chapter 1.)

CHAPTER 8

0615 Local

Pax River Motel

Near Patuxent Air Base

“Harm, we need to get up and get ready. You take command today, Commander.” Mac spoke to the exhausted man next to her.

“Mac...just a minute...’kay?” Harm mumbled.

“I’ll go take my shower first and get started then you can have your few minutes extra without sleeping over.” Mac suggested.

“Works for me...thanks Mac.” Harm closed his eyes again and rolled over. It wasn’t that he wanted to go back to sleep, as much as the fact that he was a little sore and wanted to work some of the kinks out without an audience. As he heard the bathroom door shut, Harm started to stretch before getting out of bed.

On the other side of the bathroom door, Mac leaned against the closed door with her eyes shut tight. For a few seconds she felt light headed as she had the day before when she was rushing around. It didn’t last long and she went ahead with her shower and morning routine so that she could get ready in the bedroom while Harm dressed.

By the time Mac stepped from the bathroom with her underwear on Harm was limbered up and ready to shower and face the day. His night’s growth of beard was something fairly new to Mac. She had seen him unshaven a few times, but it brought an even higher level of intimacy and sexiness to her awareness when she saw him like that.

Harm shut the door to follow his morning routine while Mac applied make-up and dressed for the day in the long-sleeved blue dress she had found. A classical look that appeared modern but was timeless.

Once dressed Mac called Jen and Mattie to make sure they were awake and getting ready. There had been no need to worry as Jen had them up and getting ready. They agreed to meet at the restaurant for breakfast in fifteen minutes.

“Harm...Mattie and Jen are ready. They are going to meet us at the restaurant for breakfast in fifteen. You going to be ready?”

The door opened to reveal a freshly shaven boxer clad man. “I think so...Wow...you look fabulous Mac.” Harm leaned over to kiss her. “Good morning...”

“Good morning to you too. Now get ready.”

Mac had there things packed and by the door by the time Harm finished getting dressed.

“Thanks Mac. Let’s put this stuff in the Lexus before we meet the girls.”

0750 Local

NAVAIR System Command

Patuxent River Naval Base

Harm parked the Lexus and waited for his little family to assemble.

“Thanks for coming here with me today. I love all of you...” Harm looked at them each and smiled.

“We love you too Harm,” Mac told him. Mattie and Mac hugged him while Jen looked on. She had dressed in her uniform as she would be flying back after the ceremony with the VIPS. She and Mattie were ready to burst with the surprise that was waiting for Harm.

Together they entered the building and walked to the elevators. Harm was greeted and saluted by a number of people. When the elevator opened on the third floor they were greeted by a room full of people in military attire. They stood at attention and fell into formation in the operation area. Harm stopped and came to attention as well when the call of “Attention on Deck!” rang out as the door at the end of the hall opened and several heavily decorated dignitaries approached.

“Attention to orders!”

“Commander Harmon Rabb, Junior, approach.”

“Aye-aye sir.” Harm responded as he came to attention in front of the dignitaries.

Captain McNally stood beside Admiral Ferland. “Raise your right hand. Repeat after me: I, state your name, do solemnly swear to uphold the duties and responsibilities placed on me as Captain in the United States Navy. I pledge my continued allegiance to the United States of America.”

“ I, Harmon Rabb, Junior, do solemnly swear to uphold the duties and responsibilities placed on me as Captain in the United States Navy. I pledge my continued allegiance to the United States of America.”

“Congratulations Captain Rabb.” The Admiral handed Harm a folder which contained new shoulder boards. Someone stepped up and eased his blue jacket from his shoulders and helped him into one with Captains bands on the cuffs. They shook hands and then the Admiral continued.

“Before we continue with the traditional well wishing of a promotion ceremony we have one more ceremony to complete. Captain Rabb, are you prepared to take over the command of NAVAIR Systems Counsel at Patuxent Naval Base for the Northeast Region?”

“I am sir.”

“Very well. Captain McNally step forward please,” instructed Admiral Ferland.

Captain McNally stepped forward and saluted the Admiral and Harm.

“Captain McNally, you have fulfilled your duties as NAVAIR Counsel Command with dignity and forward thinking. It was an honor and a privilege to have you serve in my command and we all wish you well. You are being replaced by both a pilot and a lawyer, a rare combination. It is my belief that like your predecessor you will bring dignity and intelligence to the command. I heard many stories from my friend, your previous commanding officer, Admiral AJ Chegwidden, now retired and I still welcome you to my command. Captain McNally, present Captain Rabb with the key to the Command Office.”

The exchange was made and the two men saluted.

“Exchange positions.” Instructed the Admiral. The two men changed positions and Harm was able to see all the people that had been behind him. He tried hard not to show a reaction but he felt a lump in his throat. Once Captain McNally was facing the Admiral they saluted each other and then the Admiral dismissed Captain McNally who stepped back into the crowd.

“I present Captain Harmon Rabb, the new Commanding Officer of the Naval Air System Counsel.” When the applause died down he turned to Harm. A few introductions and a few words would be in order Captain.”

“Yes, sir.” Harm watch as the Admiral stepped back and gave him the floor. “I am feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment. It seems that many people that are very important to me managed to arrive without my knowledge and be here with me today as a surprise. First I’d like to introduce you all to my fiance’, Sarah Mackenzie and my foster daughter, Mathilda Grace. They came with me today although I’m not sure how much of today was a surprise to them.” Mac and Mattie joined Harm and stood at his side. “I also see my mother and step-father in the audience. This is quite a surprise...Admiral Chegwidden! Sir...it’s good to see you...I look forward to having time to talk to all of my family and friends. I also look forward to getting to know my new co-workers. Most of you I got to meet last week. I am thrilled at the level of professionalism and skill that has been assembled and I will strive to be my best. Although as most of my former colleagues will attest, I am no holes barred when I go against an opponent, but I am also a team player and I won’t ask you to do anything I wouldn’t be prepared to do myself. Thank you for this warm welcome. Dismissed.”

The group dispersed and the Admiral stepped up to be personally introduced to Harm’s family. Mac held his elbow and smiled with pride at him. His mother hugged him and kissed his cheek while Frank and AJ shook his hand. Mattie held on to Mac’s other hand and smiled at each of the welcomes she received.

When the fervor died down they went into Harm’s office and closed the door. Mac turned to Harm hands on her hips and her toe tapping.

“Why didn’t you say you were getting the promotion today?”

“I thought you knew and were trying to surprise me. I just found out thanks to Bud. He saw it in the latest issue of the Navy Times.”

“That’s where Jen saw it too,” Mattie grinned.

“Did you know Mattie?” asked Harm.

“Not until last night. Jen thought I knew and said something...we decided you were trying to surprise us.”

“Ian McNally called me,” Trish informed him.

“Admiral...AJ, did you have anything to do with this?” asked Harm.

“Not really. They asked me what I thought and told me they were fast tracking the promotion and I said that I felt that you could rise to the occasions.”

“Well thank you...all of you.”

“Harm, I need to head back,” Mac reminded him. I know. Let me walk you out to the car and I’ll get my things. What about the rest of you?” Harm asked.

“We need to get going, but we’ll see you later at home,” said Trish and Frank.

“Thanks.”

They all walked to the parking lot together. Mac gave Harm a kiss before she got into the Lexus and headed back to Washington DC with Mattie. Frank and Trish got into their rented car and followed them.

“Harm, I’ll see you later at your wetting down. Good luck son.”

Loaded with his extra things, Harm returned to settle into his new office and new command.

1420 Local

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Mac looked around her now empty office. She had one box of things to take with her to her car. She turned at the light tap on the door.

“Hey Bud...looks a little empty in here right now,” Mac acknowledged.

“Colonel, I’m really going to miss having both you and Commander Rabb here.”

“Captain, Bud...Harm got his promotion. He’s a Captain now.” Mac was still a little surprised by the mornings events and found herself getting emotional. Her throat tightened and she felt the tears burn the back of her eyes.

“Yes, Ma’am...Captain...I forgot.”

“Did you know Bud?”

“I read it in the Navy Times. I told Harm...he wondered if you knew and were planning to surprise him.”

“No...I was the one surprised today. I really hate that feeling.” Mac shared with Bud.

“Don’t be mad at him, Colonel...”

“Oh I’m not Bud. I’m very happy for him. After all he’s put on the line for people over the years he is certainly entitled to make it. I know sometimes the military can be very unforgiving, but sometimes when you have a good man doing the right thing for the right reasons, you need to over look the black and white rules.”

“It surprises me to hear you say that. You tend to be by the book.”

“Only because I’m afraid to take the chance, Bud. I play it safe.”

“Can I take that box out for you, Ma’am?”

“Thanks Bud, but I can get it. I still have to see Cresswell before I go.”

“Yes, Ma’am. I think he’s waiting for you.”

Mac turned then and shut the office door. She was closing one chapter of her life and starting a new one...just like the Admiral had said. She had been surprised to see the Admiral today until she learned that he was a good friend on Admiral Ferland, Harm’s new commanding officer.

{Knock, knock}

“Come in Colonel Mackenzie. At ease...are you ready to go?” asked General Cresswell.

“Yes, sir.”

“Rabb settled in his new job?”

“He was sworn in as Captain this morning and took over his new command. I’m sure it won’t take him long to learn the new routines.”

“Yes, well, I wish him well. You to Colonel. I wish you no ill will, you understand that?”

“No sir, I’m not sure I do. You served as judge and jury based on your perceptions and misconceptions and sent two good people into a tumultuous period of time. I have no doubt that we will come out on top in this, sir, and if we do it will mean someone is going down.”

“That sounds like a threat Colonel Mackenzie.”

“It is not intended as a threat, sir, just a statement of fact.”

“Dismissed Colonel.”

“Thank you sir!” Mac spun on her heel and left Cresswell’s office. She had no regrets moving on if staying meant working for Cresswell.

1530 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Mac heard voices in Harm’s apartment so she checked it out. Trish and Frank were there.

“Hi Mac! How was your trip back?”

“Fine, thanks. Hey Mattie...how did you get home?”

“Grandma and Grandpa Burnett picked me up. I tried to call you.”

“That’s fine Mattie...I just figured I had time to come home first before I went to get you. I’m glad they were available.”

“Mac, we don’t want to interfere with any plans that you might have, but Admiral Chegwidden said you use to get together after a promotion at McMurphy’s or Benzingers for a party. We called and made arrangements at Benzingers. You were going to pick Harm up at Andrews right?”

“Yes.” Mac could feel the resistence in her beginning to build at the whirlwind that was Harm’s mother. She hated that feeling.

“Great. We’ll take Mattie with us and meet you there. Just tell him that you’re taking him out for dinner,” Trish smiled and waved as she escorted Mattie out the door that Frank held open for them. Mac watched as it shut after them as she glared in their direction.

“You don’t mind do you, Mac...just tell him that...we don’t want to interfere...” Mac mocked Harm’s mother and the way she had taken over, not that she had let her anger show through in front of Trish and Frank or Mattie. Still she could feel the heat in her face and the unreasonable feeling of irritation that haunted her.

Mac had brought in some of their things from the Lexus from the weekend, and decided to go get the rest of the things. She hung up her new ivory dress in the dark bag in the back of Harm’s closet where no one else would see it. The rest of her things she put back in the apartment she slept in with Mattie. They knew they needed to start packing things soon for the pending move.

Mac changed into a pair of black fitted pants and a lime green top with matching sweater. The pants seemed snug but the stretch in the fabric allowed her to get them buttoned and zipped. She was able to breath so she decided to wear them anyway because they made her feel sexy - not that she needed much to do that when she was around Harm. Mac then went to Harm’s bedroom and took out his black jeans and the blue-gray sweater she liked so much. She took them with her and headed to Andrews to meet Harm.

Mac sat in the Lexus and watched the helicopter land. She saw Harm duck low as he passed under the blades of the helicopter, straightening when he was clear. She saw him locate her and smile as he approached her.

“Hey Captain Rabb...congratulations.” Mac greeted him.

“Thanks...” Harm pulled her into his arms for a hug and quick kiss. “Let’s get out of here.”

“The apartment full of people?” Harm checked.

“No...no one there.”

“What’s up, Mac?”

Mac grinned as she glanced at his lap and muttered, “Well apparently not you.”

“Mac!”

“Sorry,” she grinned feeling frisky, “I couldn’t help myself.”

“I can’t wait to get home and get out of this uniform.”

“Captain’s bars heavy?” Mac teased.

“Yes...you could say that. Look Mac, I know you don’t like surprises anymore then I do. I should have said something to you when Bud clued me in, but I thought maybe you knew and were trying to surprise me...I didn’t want to ruin it for you.”

“Thanks...I think. I’m okay about it all, Harm. That’s not what’s eating at me.”

“What is?”

“It’s nothing really.”

“Mac, come on. Talk to me.”

“I was thinking we could have a few people over tonight after dinner to toast your promotion, but you parents have taken over.”

“Oh God, no. What has Mother planned?”

“We’re on our way to Benzinger’s and she said I was to tell you that I was taking you out to dinner. I think everyone is suppose to be there to surprise you.”

“Damn!”

“Look it wasn’t my idea...”

“It’s okay Mac...I understand. Where’s Mattie?”

“She’s with them. I had no say in that either. They picked her up from school early, without letting me know. I didn’t think the school was suppose to do that without parental consent. I have a mind to go down there and let them have it...”

“Mac, they’ll be gone for the day at this point. Maybe tomorrow you can speak to them if you still feel the need. And maybe Tom Johnson gave consent.”

“Hadn’t thought of that...” Mac admitted, she obviously out of sorts.

“So, we’re going to Benzinger’s?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s stop at the apartment so I can change first.”

“I brought you a change of clothes and my apartment is closer. I thought we could stop there.”

“Good idea Mac. Thanks.” Harm smiled his appreciation at Mac, and she responded with a genuine smile and reached for Harm’s hand.

They were getting out of the car and Benzinger’s when Mac had another bought of dizziness. Harm saw her grabbed on to the SUV to steady herself. Rushing around the vehicle to be at her side, he called out to her.

“Mac? You okay? I’ve got you. Lean on me.” Harm put one arm around her and she rested her hands against his chest. Carefully she looked up into his face.

“I’m fine. I guess I’m hungrier then I realized. Must be low blood sugar.”

“Have you done this before?”

“A couple of times. It doesn’t last and it’s usually before we’re planning to eat. I’m fine now.”

“Does that mean I have to let go of you?” Harm spoke in a soft sexy voice.

“You hadn’t better, Captain...” Mac leaned into him and they kissed letting it linger and begin to smolder before a voice interrupted them.

“Take it off the street you two...”

“Admiral! Good to see you sir.” Harm greeted his mentor of many years.

“It’s AJ tonight, son. How are you Mac? Sorry we didn’t have long to talk this morning.”

“I’m fine, AJ. I hear history has already been made in Boston, sir.”

“It has indeed. Francesca and I were there at Fenway Park to see the slaughter on Saturday and then again that Sunday night or Monday morning when Ortiz hit that walk-off home run in game four to stay alive. We had held tickets for games three, four and five and because game three was rained out we were able to go on Monday for game five. Then I followed them to New York and I was able to get tickets for games six and seven for myself. My daughter had to return to Italy but hopes to be back this weekend. It’s not over yet.”

“Sounds like Francesca is hooked on baseball just like you.” Mac kidded him.

“Mac, she is intelligent enough to follow the game from a technical stand point but she admitted that there were worse ways to spend the summer then watching muscular men in tight white pants.”

Mac and Harm laughed along with him as they approached the door to Benzinger’s. AJ opened it to let Mac and Harm enter first. The cheers began as soon as they spotted Harm. Harriet, really showing with her twins, approached Harm to give him a hug.

“Congratulations, Captain.”

“Thanks Harriet. How the acrobats doing tonight?”

“Behaving so far, sir. This has actually been my easiest pregnancy other then their activity level.”

“Good for you, Harriet.” Harm glanced from Harriet to Mac and couldn’t hide a smile. He wondered if the bout of dizziness and Mac’s irritability could be an early sign of pregnancy. He pictured Mac round with a his baby and the smile got wider.

“Harm!” Mac called getting very frustrated at his lack of response.

“Sorry, Mac. What were you saying?”

“I wasn’t saying anything, but your Mother was.”

“Sorry, Mom. I hear you and Frank are behind all this.”

“Yes. I’ve missed every promotion since you graduated from the academy...I thought I deserved to help celebrate this one.”

“The first and then the last, huh?” Harm noted.

“Last? What do you mean last, Harm?” asked his mother.

“Mom, I never thought I would make Captain. It was a fluke that it happened. I’m capped at this rank I’m sure.” Harm gently explained.

“Not necessarily Harm,” AJ stepped in. “You prove your self as a Captain and it could still happen. I’m always thought you’d be JAG someday.”

“Not always, Sir.”

“Yes, Harm...I know I put you through a lot last year, but it was because I felt you needed a hard lesson. I take it you never viewed your file for yourself.”

“No sir.”

“Take a look at it Harm...there’s no break in service reflected in your file.”

“Sir?”

“You turned it around, Harm. If you hadn’t the gap would have showed. But you did what needed to be done and I corrected the notations and made sure you were taking care of.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“Now let’s enjoy the evening.”

(Disclaimers in Chapter 1.)

CHAPTER 9

1915 Local

Benzinger’s

Falls Church, Virginia

There were toasts and stories from many people including Harm’s family and friends as they celebrated Harm’s promotion. They were laughing over a story that Bud told about one of their early investigations when there was a commotion at the door. They all turned and their gazes were fixed on the big man that stood, hands on his hips looking around the room. Everyone knew the second that he had found his target.

“Rabb!”

“What are you doing here?” Harm glared hands on his hips matching the stance of the man who had entered.

“Looking for you.”

“You found me. What are you going to do about it?”

“Kick your ass,” the man stated as he slowly started moving toward Harm.

“Your delusional.” Harm began to move forward to meet the intruder.

“No more then you if you think you’re the better man.”

“I am.” Harm stopped about three feet from the aggressor.

“So you say.”

“How the hell are you Keeter?” Harm finally broke into a smile as the two men embraced and everyone took a breath.

Mac glared at Harm and glanced around for Mattie who was still a little pale from the scare. Every maternal instinct Mac had in her kicked into high gear as she marched up to the two old friends embracing.

“You cold-hearted, thoughtless, cruel excuse for a man! Do you have any idea how badly you scared your daughter? I’m ashamed of you.” Mac raged at Harm ignoring his old roommate.

“Mac...take it easy.” Harm glanced to where Mattie was now sitting and laughing with Harriet and Grandma Burnett. “Mattie’s fine.” Mac glanced over at Mattie and instead of being calmed by what she saw, she turned her anger on Keeter.

“If Harm and I are going to have a chance at making our relationship work, you are going to have to grow-up or leave us alone. I will not have you dong this to us.”

“Mac, calm down. Everything is fine.”

“I don’t need you to defend me, Buddy. This little tiger lady is just protecting her cub.”

“Little tiger lady?” Mac’s voice rose as she repeated it, “Little tiger lady? You are the most condescending, arrogant, jerk! Maybe we should have left you behind.”

Harm took Mac’s arm and led her toward the door. She went willingly thinking he was as willing to leave this disaster as she was. She never heard him tell the others he would be back. Once they were outside they walked over toward the park across the road.

“Mac, what’s going on? Talk to me.”

“There’s nothing wrong, Harm. Why do you think something is wrong?”

“Mac, you are like a high speed roller coaster tonight. Is there something you need to tell me?”

“No. A high speed roller coaster? Explain what you mean.”

“Mac, since you picked me up at Andrews you’ve been loving, angry at my mother, in a rage over the school, sexy as hell and in a rage with me and Keeter. I think I even heard a threat about us not making it if Keeter comes around. This isn’t like you. Tell me what’s going on, Mac. Please?” Harm watched Mac’s face as it darkened as if she was going to give him hell again and then crumbled.

“Come here...Mac.” Harm gathered her in his arms and held her against his chest while she cried. He knew she hated to cry so it surprised him more then when she started to feebly pound his chest mad at herself for giving in to tears and made at him for seeing her like this.

“Ssshhh...it’s okay...let it out. I love you Mac and nothing is going to change that. I want to make things better and I don’t know what to do for you.” Harm spoke in his soft soothing voice as he held her and let her cry.

“Harm...” Mac sniffled as she began to compose herself. “I’m sorry...hate it when...” sniffle, “ break down.” She hiccupped and then continued. “Why do you put up with me?”

“Because I love you and I can’t imagine my life with out you.” Harm took out a handkerchief and dried her eyes, dropping a kiss of her nose. “Think this could be hormones?” hinted Harm.

“You mean...oh God, Harm...I am a couple of days late...you think...no I don’t dare to get my hopes up.” Mac realized that Harm thought that she might be pregnant. It certainly would explain her emotional response to everything. “I guess I had better go back in there and apologize to people...especially Keeter. Harm?”

“Yeah,” he put his arm around her as he lead the way back to Benzinger’s.

“Let’s not say anything yet about pregnancy as a reason for my emotions.”

“Agreed.”

0900 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

“Have you got everything Mattie?” Harm asked as she gave Mac a hug.

“Yes.”

“Have a good weekend. Be prepared to spend the next two weekends packing and moving, okay?” Mac instructed as she hugged the teenager again.

“I will. Ready Dad?”

“Let’s go. Have a good weekend, Captain...Colonel.”

Mattie hugged Harm and Mac each one more time before she hurried after her father. Mac looked at Harm and studied his expression for a minute realizing how disappointed he had been last night when she had told him she knew why she had reacted so erratic the past week. They had been sitting together on the couch after a long week of adjusting to new jobs and new routines. Mac had left to use the bathroom and when she came back she had slipped into Harm’s arms.

*Flashback to the night before*

“What’s wrong Mac?”

“I’m not pregnant.”

“You’re not?”

“No...I started...At least I know why I was such a basket case all week. It was PMS. I’ve never had it like that before.”

“Think you will again?” Harm asked half smiling.

“That bad, huh?” Mac asked still leaning against him.

“I bet that all the changes we went through the last few weeks have just taken a toll on you and this was how it came out. Maybe once we are settled into the new house and have adapted to our new jobs, you won’t react so strongly.”

“You’re probably right...it’s just...”

“What Mac? It’s just what?”

“Tomorrow we’re getting married and it won’t be much of a wedding night,” Mac explained.

Harm held her tighter. “It’s okay Mac...there are still things we can do...and if you aren’t feeling up to that, then that’s okay too. I love you and just knowing we will spend the rest of our lives together is what I need most. We can work on that baby after tomorrow with a clear conscience, right?”

“I’m not sure how I ended up lucky enough to find you, but I’m glad I did,” Mac told Harm.

*End Flashback*

“Harm? You’ll see her Sunday night.”

“I know...it’s just one of these days she’s going to go away for good.”

“Harm...your own children will grow up and move away someday too, you know.”

“I know Mac...I guess that’s why I know I love Mattie as if she was my own daughter. It hurts as much as it makes me proud to see the young woman she’s becoming.”

“You are going to be a good Dad...I hope that I am able to have our children.”

“Let’s not go there right now, okay? We have a wedding to get ready for.”

Mac had dropped her new ivory dress off at Harriet’s during the week and for now slipped into the long sleeve blue dress she had worn Monday at Harm’s promotion. Harm wore his charcoal pinstriped suit with a pewter gray silk shirt and matching tie. He knew it was one of Mac’s favorites.

1030 Local

Robert’s Residence

Rosslyn, Virginia

“Good morning. You two ready for this?” Harriet greeted them.

“You bet,” Harm smiled as he kissed Harriet’s cheek.

“Bud’s in the den, Harm, if you want to join him. I’m going to steal Mac for a minute if you don’t mind.”

“No, go ahead.”

Harriet and Mac went up stairs to Harriet’s room where Mac got into the ivory dress.

“It’s so beautiful Mac...You are beautiful.”

“Thanks Harriet...unfortunately I’m not feeling that beautiful today.”

“Why?”

“I started last night. I was a few days late and I was hoping I was pregnant...but I wasn’t.”

“I’m sure Harm understands.”

“Oh he does. He’s been wonderful, but this morning when Mattie was leaving to go with her father for the weekend, I realized that he really was disappointed about there not being a baby.”

“Just think of the fun you can have trying...” Harriet wiggled her eye brows. The two women shared a laugh just before they heard the front door bell.

“You have the envelope I dropped off?”

“Yes.” Harriet handed it to her.

“Would you give it to Chaplain Turner?”

“Yes. What do you want me to tell them?”

“That I’ll be down in just a minute.”

“Okay...I’ll go corral the groom and the best man,” Harriet informed Mac before heading down the stairs.

Bud had let the Chaplain in and the three men were standing in the foyer when Harriet joined them.

“I thought we could stand by the piano near the bay window. Will that work?”

“Yes. Where’ Mac?”

“She’s on her way, Harm...don’t worry.”

Once Harriet had the small group assembled she sat at the piano and played the chords to the wedding song while looking up at the stairs. Mac came down the stairs dressed in the ivory strapless dress with the little matching jacket. Harm reached his hand out to her.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here this morning in the sight of God and these witnesses to join this man, Harmon Rabb Junior and this woman, Sarah Mackenzie, together in holy matrimony. The two of you have been on a long and wondrous journey finding your way to each other. You have faced challenges and cried tears along the way. You have formed bonds of friendship that have withstood gale force winds and the pain of careless human words. You have sacrificed all that you have and all that you are for each other and God has found a way for you both to survive and find your way back to each other yet again. Learn your lessons from the past, but this day forward let go of the pain and hurt and misunderstanding you may have inflicted on one another in the past. Today you begin a new life. One that God has blessed. Harmon, do you promise to take Sarah, as your lawfully wedded wife for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Do you promise to honor and cherish until death do you part?”

“I do.”

“And do you, Sarah, take Harm, to be your lawfully wedded husband for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Do you promise to honor and cherish until death do you part?”

“I do.”

“The rings please...” Harriet and Bud each handed a wedding band to the Chaplain. He took the smaller ring and gave it to Harm. “Repeat after me...Sarah, please accept this ring as a symbol of my love...”

Harm’s voice was again clear and strong. “Sarah, please accept this ring as a symbol of my love. Like the ring that never ends so goes my love.” Harm slid the band onto her ring finger.

Sarah accepted the ring for Harm from Chaplain Turner and repeated the vow, “Harm, please accept this ring as a symbol of my love. Like the ring that never ends so goes my love.” Mac slid the band onto his ring finger.

“With the power vested in me by the states of Virginia and Maryland as well as by the United States Navy, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Harm leaned in to give Mac a kiss and she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply before pulling back to grin at Harriet. “Don’t forget, I don’t share, Harm.”

“Good, because I don’t want to be shared.” Harm assured her.

Chaplain Turner shook their hands and Harriet and Bud congratulated them both. The five of them relaxed around the dining room table and enjoyed a lunch of homemade cream of broccoli soup in bread bowls. When they finished with the meal, Harriet returned from the kitchen with a eight inch round layer cake covered with cream cheese frosting. It looked a little like a wedding cake without decorations on it.

“Would anyone like a slice of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting?” Harriet innocently asked around.

“Harriet, I can’t believe you did this,” Mac looked at her friend with tears shimmering in her eyes.

“Mac, it’s just a cake...”

“No...it’s a memory and one I should have listened to years ago. Harriet, can you tell the story?” Mac asked her friend.

“Are you sure?” Mac nodded and Harriet continued. “Well when Mac was going to marry Mic, I went with them to pick out a cake because afterward we were going shopping for dresses. Anyway, Mac wanted carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and Mic told her he didn’t want any damn cake that was Harm’s favorite. They got into it pretty good and Mic insisted that the cake should be white on white and then stormed out. Mac changed the order to dark fudge chocolate cake with white frosting.”

“You didn’t?” Bud looked at Mac as she nodded while Harm just sat back and smiled.

Chaplain Turner smiled, “There were signs back then it seems. You two really seemed destined to belong to each other. Now, if you will excuse me, I must be going. I don’t want Sturgis asking questions I’m not prepared to answer as yet. Now don’t forget to drop those papers off at City Hall.”

“Thank you Chaplain. We’ll be sending out announcements soon so that everyone will know we’re married.” Harm assured the elderly gentleman.

Harriet packed up cake and a thermos of coffee for Harm and Mac to take with them.

“Thank you both for everything,” Mac told them as they prepared to leave.

“We’re glad we could do it. And we look forward to the official announcement.” Harriet and Bud stood arm in arm and waved the newly weds off.

They drove in silence as they headed out of the city toward Sarah Rabb’s farm. They had decided that she would be the first to know and they would tell her in person. They trusted her to understand.

1645 Local

Rabb Farm

Bealsville Pennsylvania

Sarah Rabb heard the car pull into her driveway. She got up to look out the window and recognized Harm’s SUV. Pulling on a sweater she stepped on to the porch and saw Harm and Mac getting out. She saw then take hands as they met in front of the car and noticed how dressed up they were. She studied them for a moment before she started to smile.

“Eloped didn’t you?”

“Hi Gramma...Are you mad?”

“Are you really married?”

“Yes. Chaplain Turner married us this morning at Bud and Harriet’s house. No one else knows yet.”

“Congratulations! Hello, dear. How does it feel to be Sarah Rabb?”

“Hi Gramma. It feels good...not real just yet, but it does feel right.”

“You didn’t give up the big ceremony or anything did you for him?”

“No...we decided we wanted a small wedding, but when we started making out a list of people that we either thought we should invite or would need to invite if we invited someone else, it kept growing. Plus, we bought a house and we want to be married so we can move in there together with Mattie.”

“I’m proud of both of you. As long as you are happy, I’m happy.” The elderly woman hugged them both and led them into the house. “You’re mother will probably have a fit, Harm.”

“I know, but its better this way. She got to see me get my Captain’s bars and organized the wet down, so she’s had her party. We will call her and tell her tomorrow probably.”

“What did Mattie think?”

“She doesn’t know either. She’s with her biological father this weekend. We’ll tell her and Chloe, Harm’s little sister, Sunday night.”

“They’ll be disappointed.”

“Yes they will, but less so knowing that neither of them got to be there while the other didn’t.” Mac explained.

Harm’s grandmother accepted their explanation and praised them for having common sense. She waved them off as they pulled out of the driveway and returned to the Mount Vernon Inn where he had proposed just two weeks ago. This time they registered as Mr and Mrs. Rabb. They danced in the lounge and enjoyed holding each other close. When they returned to their room just before midnight, they were both happy, but tired.

Harm got ready for bed first and slid between the covers while Mac changed. She wore the white nightgown again and as she slid into bed beside him, she again cursed silently at the injustice of having cramps on her honeymoon. Harm drew her to him and kissed her whispering words of love.

“Harm, you are going to get very frustrated if you keep this up.” Mac reminded him. “I’m not up for much tonight...I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay Mac...do you like being kissed?”

“Yes.”

“And do you like it when I touch your breasts, or does that hurt too?”

“No...you’re gentle so it doesn’t hurt my breasts...but they are sensitive.”

“Stop me if something doesn’t make you comfortable, okay?”

“O...” Harm swallowed the rest of the word with his kiss. Mac swore that Harm had found more ways to kiss and bring them closer that night then she had dreamed possible. They found a new way to reach the heights of passion together.”

(Disclaimers in Chapter 1.)

CHAPTER 10

1843 Local

The Apartments

North of Union Station

Mac and Harm had arrived home earlier that day and called his parents to tell them the news of their elopement. Trish had been hurt but Frank had helped her to accept she couldn’t change the way it was anymore then Harm had been able to stop their wedding. He reminded her that at least she would be able to attend the reception and see their new home in a few weeks.

Harm had also made his mother’s day when he informed them that they were planning to start a family as soon as mother nature allowed. In return, Trish promised to cut them some slack and not pester them about grandchildren.

They were expecting Mattie at any time and when she arrived they were going to call Chloe and tell them at the same time. In the mean time they both needed to remember to hide their left hands with the wedding rings.

“How do you think the girls will react, Mac?”

“I think Chloe will scream and say she told me so and Mattie will probably hug us both. I think coming to a party later will make it okay for both of them.”

“I think I hear her coming.” Harm went to the door to let her in. “Welcome Home Mattie.”

“Reduce altitude, Navy Dad,” Mattie instructed as she reached up to kiss his cheek.

“Where’s your father?” Mac asked as Mattie hugged her.

“He had to get back, so he just dropped me and headed back.”

“Did you have a good weekend?” Harm asked with a touch of concern as he saw the dark circles under her eyes.

“Yes...we stayed up really late last night talking about a lot of stuff. I told him I want a career in the Navy. He wasn’t too happy about it. I asked him if he would be happier if I choose a different branch - Marines, Air Force, and he still said no. We discovered that I share many of my mother’s beliefs and they are ones she and Dad didn’t have in common.”

“Sounds like it was a rough weekend.” Harm commiserated with her knowing they were things she needed to find out and work out for herself, but torn because he couldn’t protect her from the pain she felt as a result. “Would like some good news?”

“Of course...the house?” Mattie asked, not knowing that everything had already been put in place for the house.

“Sit down, Mattie. Go ahead and get Chloe on the phone Mac.” They all moved over to the desk area. Harm perched on the corner of the desk, Mac sat in the chair and Mattie sat on the side chair she had started leaving over there.

“Chloe?”

“Hi Mac! How are you?”

“Great Chloe...hey I’ve got you on speaker phone and Harm and Mattie are sitting here with me. Harm and I have a surprise for you and Mattie, Chloe.”

“You do?” Mattie and Chloe answered together despite the thousand miles that separated them.

“Mac and I got married yesterday,” Harm informed them.

There was silence and then Chloe asked, “Did I hear that right?”

Mattie launched herself at Harm and Mac pulling their left hands out to see if they were wearing wedding bands. They were.

“Chloe they did...they both have on wedding bands! Oh my God! I can’t believe you eloped. Why? Why would you do that?” Mattie started to tear up. Harm reached for her to hold her.

“Chloe, Mattie, listen...we didn’t tell anyone. We wanted a small wedding and there was no way we could see to do that without hurting someone. We also wanted to get married right away and be able to live together when we move into the new house. But we also know our family and friends want to celebrate with us, so we are going to have a reception later with everyone there. Mac’s going to wear the dress she wore and I’ll wear the suit I wore...”

“No dress white’s and wings?” Chloe asked.

“No...we decided to go civilian,” Mac answered her.

“That’s cool. So can I come down and spend sometime with you then?” Chloe asked.

“We would like you to do just that. You and Mattie need to get to know each other.”

“Yeah, we’re going to be like step-sisters, huh Mattie?”

“Right Chloe...well I guess I can forgive them if you can Chloe.”

“I think we’d better let them off the hook so we can have that big party later on...Congratulations Mac and Harm...You know Mac, I told you that you two were in love and that you’d get married someday.”

“I know Chloe...”Mac laughed and I told Harm that’s what you’d say. You really okay with this Chloe?”

“Yes, Mac. I just want you to be happy and you’ve been happier the last month or so with Harm then I’ve heard you in a long time.”

“Mattie, you tell me if he doesn’t treat her right, okay?”

“Yes, and when you come down you’re going to have to fill me in more on their early years.”

“I can’t wait!”

“Okay, Chloe, we’ll let you know as soon as we decide on a date for the party. We may combine it with Thanksgiving, what do you think of that?” Mac asked.

“Cool! Hey guys, you can email me too you know.”

“We know Chloe. We’ll email and talk to you soon. Love you.” Mac told her.

“Love you too.” Chloe said before hanging up the phone.

“Mattie?” Harm was studying the teenager.

“Yes?”

“You’re kind of quiet.”

“I’m fine. Can I call Jen and tell her?”

“Sure go ahead.” Harm told her.

Mac and Harm walked over to the kitchen together and started preparing hot water to make tea.

“What do you think, Mac?”

“I think they took it better then your mother did at first.”

“I know. Mattie had me worried for a few minutes. She looked like she was putting up walls.”

“Harm, when’s Mattie’s birthday?”

“November twelfth...why?”

“Just checking...I want to do something special for her.”

“You mean a party?”

“Maybe...if we can get settled in the new house enough, maybe she can invite her friends for a sleep over, order pizza, watch movies...” Mac thought about what she would have liked for a sweet sixteen birthday party.

“You’re pretty special, you know that Mac.”

“Thank you. So are you. I still can’t believe how special you made last night.”

“Well after all , it was our honeymoon. I didn’t think a little piece of string needed to put a stop to everything. I was just concerned I would make you more uncomfortable...I new you had been having cramps most of the day.”

“I had...but the more you touched me the more the cramps stopped...or I forgot about them.”

“Any time Mrs. Rabb.” He leaned down and kissed her.

“Suppose we should tell Mattie about the new sleeping arrangements and our security system?” Mac hinted.

“Yeah...Mattie?” Harm called as she hung up the phone after telling Jennifer the news. She looked up and Harm motioned her over. “Mattie, Mac’s going to be sleeping over here with me now...but I was concerned about you being alone. I looked into some temporary security systems and discovered that the most cost effective is a baby monitor...Now don’t panic...it won’t go in your room, but in the living room near the door so that we’ll know if someone tries to break in.”

“Or if I try to go out?”

“That too...but I’m not worried about that.”

“That’s cool. I’ll be fine over there, Harm. As a matter of fact I should go get my homework finished and I want to go to bed early. Is it over there?”

“Yes. We tested it when we got home.”

Mattie kissed then both and hugged them before saying good night and going to the other apartment.

Harm and Mac listened as Mattie entered the other apartment. They could hear her moving around and the music come on in her bedroom. They took their tea and settled onto the sofa together to spend a few quiet minutes at home.

“Mac, what would you think about hiring professional movers?”

“How expensive is it?”

“Well, there is a price tag, but with our new jobs, I think it would be worth it.”

“I don’t know Harm. I think I’d rather pack my own things.”

“Me too. But once the boxes are packed the professionals can come move everything to the new house. We can unpack and put things away ourselves.”

“That sounds great. Harm, I just thought of something.”

“What?”

“Do you have Captain’s uniforms ready for tomorrow?”

“Yes. I exchanged my Commander jackets for Captains and ordered three more sets of Captains board and two more Captain’s hats. I have some at the office and some here at home.”

“Good thinking.”

“Mac, have they talked about you being promoted?”

“Not yet. My assignment was a lateral move and the position tops out at Lt. Colonel. If another position higher on staff opens they I might get full Colonel if I get the job.”

“Does it bother you that I out rank you right now?”

“No...but thank you for asking.” Mac stretched up to kiss his cheek.

“You missed, Mac...” Harm touched his lips so she stretched again this time kissing his lips. Licking his lips he chewed his lip briefly before kissing her in return.

Mattie’s voice on the intercom stopped their necking session. “Night Harm, Night Mac...Love you... See you in the morning.”

Mac smiled at Harm as he stood up and pulled her after him toward the bedroom. They took the monitor into the bedroom and set it on the bedside table. They fell asleep in each others arms in their own bed that night.

(Disclaimers in Chapter 1.)

CHAPTER 11

One week later

1030 Local

Mac’s Office

The Pentagon

“Major McBurney, do you or do you not have the reports I asked for?” Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie Rabb demanded for the second time.

“No Ma’am,” replied McBurney

“You’d better have one damn solid reason Marine or your ass is grass. Do I make myself clear?” Mac hadn’t used her ‘command’ voice as Harm called it, very much when she was with JAG, but she was finding it necessary to use it more often and especially with McBurney. She hadn’t noticed any particular problems at first, but since she returned to work and announced she had been married and would be using her married name, Rabb, McBurney had seemed to take delight in punching her buttons.

“I haven’t been able to obtain the information needed to complete the report. The person with the information will not return my calls, Ma’am.”

“Why didn’t you say something before this McBurney? Perhaps I can help. Who has the information?”

“Commander Coleman at NAVAIR, Ma’am.”

“Major, are you aware that my husband is her commanding officer?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“Then why haven’t you said something?”

“I thought it was obvious Colonel Mackenzie - huh Rabb.”

“Not to me Major...Have a seat. Talk to me.”

“Thank you Ma’am. Well, you see, when you first came here you looked familiar but I didn’t place where I knew you from until you announced you had gotten married and that you would be going by Colonel Rabb. Then it clicked that I had prosecuted your husband. When Faith - aahh - Commander Coleman wold not return my calls I thought maybe your husband was the reason. I mean she had been his defense attorney...”

“Michael, this isn’t making a lot of sense. First, you were doing your job when you prosecuted Captain Rabb and secondly, he was innocent of all charges and the real murderer was found and you prosecuted him also as I recall.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“There’s something more that you aren’t telling me, isn’t there?”

“Not that I can think of Ma’am.”

“Michael, I heard you refer to Commander Coleman as Faith. Is there or has there been something between you outside of work?”

“No Ma’am.”

“Have you ever tried to call her to ask her for a date?” Mac asked beginning to hone in on what the problem might be. Major Michael McBurney sat in the chair in front of Mac’s desk and squirmed. “Mike?”

“Yes Ma’am. She won’t even listen to me.”

“What messages did you leave for her and with whom?”

“I left messages with Petty Officer Angelo and Ensign Barclay. Each time I identified who I was and that I was calling from the Marine Commandants Office. I asked them to have Commander Coleman call me as I needed information from her in order to finish a project.”

“Major McBurney, you are an intelligent man, but that does sound pretty lame.” Mac picked up the phone and dialed the number for Harm’s office.

“NAVAIR Counsel Command, Petty Officer Tony Angelo. How may I help you?”

“Hi Tony, This is Colonel Rabb.”

“Good morning Ma’am. The Captain is out on the line right now with Squad two.”

“Then he’s having a blast. Actually I’m trying to reach Commander Coleman. Is she available?”

“Just a minute Ma’am, I’ll put your call through.”

“Commander Coleman.”

“Yes, Commander, this is Lt. Colonel Sarah Rabb. Did you receive messages asking you to return calls to Major Michael McBurney?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“And did you return the calls.”

“Not yet Ma’am.”

“Could explain to me why you don’t return calls requesting information for a project being done out of the Marine Commandant’s office?”

“I’m sorry Ma’am. I don’t return personal calls I receive at work. The messages were unclear and I thought...”

“Go on, Commander.”

“I thought Major McBurney was parsing the truth.”

“Why would you think that?”

“I’m sorry Ma’am. What information did you need?”

“No I’m sorry Commander Coleman, but you need to call Major McBurney now and provide him with the information he asks for. He needs it for a report that was due on my desk yesterday.”

“Yes Ma’am. I’ll call him as soon as I end this call.”

“See that you do.” Mac hung up the phone and turned to her assistant. “Better get to your office. She’ll be calling you immediately. Dismissed.”