Title: Comfort and Joy

Spoilers: This was written back in November, *before* "Answered Prayers," aired, so none of that applies. Hmm...guess great minds think alike? <g>

Thanks to Kim for betaing. All remaining errors are the sole responsibility of the author.

Summary: Sappy, sappy holiday story set in 2002

For Susan: This is the other part of your gift. Have a very merry and blessed Christmas.

Monday, December 23, 2002

North of Union Station

Early morning

An entire chorus of "Jingle Bell Rock" blared through the radio alarm's speakers before Mac threw a hand over to hit the snooze for the first and only time of the morning. She jolted a little, but then smiled sleepily as strong arms pulled her closely against a bare chest and she felt warm breaths on her neck. Even after spending the last two months of sharing a bed...and a home and a life...with Harm, Mac at times still couldn't get used to the idea that they were married. Harm, however, enjoyed reminding her, just as he was doing now as he ran a hand down her arm until his fingers reached hers. Even though his eyes were closed in an effort to get more sleep, Harm toyed with the plain gold band on Mac's hand...the band whose mate rested on the third finger of his own left hand.

Mac simply reveled in the sweet, simple gesture and almost let herself drift off to sleep again when she felt Harm's breaths even and his hand go lax on hers. Unfortunately, the alarm clock chose to disturb them once more. This time, strains of "Winter Wonderland" serenaded the couple.

"Harm, we have to get up now."

Mac heard only an unintelligible grumble from Harm as she turned off the offending alarm. As she pulled away the covers and rose to grope for her slippers and robe, she watched Harm burrow under the blankets and mumble, "Some winter wonderland. It's freezing."

Glancing out the window, Mac stared into the steel gray sky. It was true. The December temperatures in D.C. had dropped below freezing several times, and Harm's beloved, but drafty loft didn't always offer the best protection from the elements. As she turned away from the window, however, a wicked smile grew on Mac's face. In one swift movement, she pulled the covers from Harm and was rewarded with a single yelp. Laughter prevented her from anticipating Harm's next move, and Mac suddenly found herself lying back on the bed, his body covering hers.

"You think that was funny, Colonel?"

An amused gleam in her eye, Mac replied simply, "Yeah, I think so."

Harm simply shook his head and placed a single kiss on his wife's forehead. He smiled sharply, however, as he stood and headed for the bathroom. "Then I hope you find it as funny when you hit the shower second, and there's no hot water left."

Mac knew all too well the state of the pipes and water heater in the old building. Shivering, she rose from the bed once more and walking quickly, reached the bathroom door at the same time as her husband. Her arms snaked around his waist and her head rested on his shoulder as she suggested, "How about a truce?"

Turning his head a bit, Harm replied, "What did you have in mind?"

"Umm...I was thinking we could share. Conserve energy, water, heat."

Harm smiled wryly as Mac moved slowly around him until she could look up into his eyes. "I see right through you, Mrs. Rabb. You just don't want a cold shower."

Slowly loosening the belt at her waist and letting the robe fall from bare shoulders, Mac watched as Harm's smile warmed. Softly, she replied, "I don't think you want one, either." She turned, walked into the bathroom, and was followed by the low sound of laughter as the shower curtain was slowly drawn.

JAG Headquarters

A little later

Mac impatiently watched the elevator lights slowly brighten and then turned to Harm. "We're late."

"And just whose fault is that?"

Her glare gave Harm the only answer he needed. He shrugged, however, as he continued. "Don't try to pin this on me, Miss Let's-Conserve-Water."

Crossing her arms across her chest, Mac countered, "If memory serves, the hot water ran out well before we did, Commander."

Harm couldn't stop the smirk that crossed his face as he moved closer to his wife. "Your memory serves you very well...but maybe I could use a reminder."

Mac's arms slipped around Harm as easily as the scowl slipped from her face. "Maybe I can help."

His mouth had barely touched hers before a ding sounded, and they quickly pulled away from one another. The doors opened into a loud, bustling bullpen as both straightened uniforms and placed appropriately professional looks on their faces.

Those careful masks faded, however, when they realized the source of some of the noise. Chipmunks provided holiday cheer as they sang about their desire for Christmas to not be late.

Harm stopped Bud as he walked by on the way to his office. "Bud, I thought the Admiral put a ban on any singing holiday rodents a few years back."

Soberly, Bud answered, "Uh, yes, Sir. I think Harriet provided the music today."

Together, the three of them turned to look across the room where Harriet was happily instructing Tiner on the correct placement of Secret Santa gifts under the tree. She placed one hand on the small of her back while the other rubbed gentle circles on her expanding stomach.

Smiling, Harm said, "It's kind of hard to deny her anything, isn't it?"

Bud nodded, but his eyes stayed on his wife. He turned only when he heard Mac's voice.

"The doctor still says that everything's going well, right?"

His face lighting up, Bud replied, "She assured us that everything looked great when we were there last week. Our next appointment is the day after Christmas. It's getting so close that we're going each week."

Mac gave Bud's arm a reassuring squeeze. "Well, we'll still be at Harm's grandmother's then, but if you could give us a call and let us know..."

"Yes, ma'am. And thank you."

Taking a quick glance back at his wife, who had spotted the trio and was heading towards them, Bud asked, "When do you leave for Pennsylvania?"

"Tomorrow afternoon," Mac replied quickly and then looked towards Harm. "We have a few things to do in D.C., and then we'll head up there."

Harm nodded imperceptibly, knowing that Mac understood exactly why they'd need to spend at least a few moments on the Mall on Christmas Eve. His expression lightened, however, when Harriet joined the group.

"Good morning, Harriet. How are you feeling?"

"Fine, Sir. This little one has been active today, though. I think he or she wants to get in on the Christmas spirit."

Mac couldn't help but reach out a hand and place it on Harriet's rounded stomach. Her friend guided her hand over a few inches, and then Mac felt a kick that had her smile brightening and her eyes shining. "That is amazing."

Bud slipped an arm around Harriet's waist as she said, "We think so, Ma'am." She leaned a little into her husband's light embrace as she continued, "So, you're leaving tomorrow?"

Harm finally shifted his gaze from watching Mac intently and curiously. After a second's hesitation, he nodded and answered dryly, "If we get all our paperwork done today, yes. No new cases cross our desks, and we'll be out the rest of this week."

"You've earned the time away, Sir, and I'm sure your grandmother will be so happy to have you all for a nice long stay." Turning her attention to Mac, Harriet said slowly, "And did you get that...delivery you needed, Ma'am."

Mac smiled at her partner in crime and avoided her husband's eyes all together. "Yes, the gift arrived safely. Grandma Sarah is taking care of it for me until we get there. By the way, Lieutenant, thanks for all your help getting it delivered on time."

"It was my pleasure, Ma'am."

Both Harm and Bud watched this little exchange with confusion and interest. Before they could ask, however, Mac spotted the Admiral step into the bullpen. "I think we might want to move this party or maybe postpone it to this afternoon?"

Harriet pulled away from Bud, but he kept a supportive hand on her back. "Good idea, Colonel.

I'll see you all at two for the Secret Santa exchange?"

Mac smiled again and said, "We'll be there." She made a hasty exit before Harm could ask anything else about his Christmas gift.

North of Union Station

Late evening

"So, I don't get any hints at all?"

"For the millionth time, no, you don't." Mac rolled her eyes as she snuggled more deeply under the blanket Harm had thrown over them as they sat in front of the roaring fire.

His attention momentarily pulled from his prospective Christmas present, Harm asked, "You cold?"

"No, I'm fine."

Harm could tell his wife wasn't being entirely truthful with him. He felt her lean more closely against his side and she entwined chilly legs and feet with his. After a long moment, he said, "I was thinking..."

Mac chuckled softly against his shoulder. "Nope. No thinking. We're officially on vacation, remember?"

Leaning down, Harm brushed a kiss on the top of her head. "Not work thinking. Thinking about us. This apartment. Christmas. Harriet. The new baby." He stopped suddenly, realizing that he may have had said more than he'd meant to.

Mac sat quietly for a moment as she thought about the man she loved so much. She rose, began pacing, and then said slowly, "Harm, I know that Christmas has never been easy for you, and I know this time of the year brings back some hard memories for, well, for a lot of us for different reasons. But I also know that I can't possibly understand how you..."

Mac broke off when she saw Harm shaking his head with a gentle smile on his face. "No, Sarah, that's not it. Not at all." He stopped and allowed his eyes to move over to the photo of himself and his father for just a moment. Just as quickly, his focus returned to Mac. "I mean, yes, I do remember a lot of things, but that's not what I was talking about. And being with you, this year especially, as your husband, helped to take away so much of that old hurt."

He saw that the confusion remained on Mac's face, but then he also noticed that she was shivering standing on the bare floor of the apartment. Holding his arms wide, he welcomed her back into them. He could still feel the tension in her body as she settled into his embrace. Sighing deeply into her hair, he continued, "This is actually exactly what I was talking about. This apartment. It's freezing, and it's not as convenient as it once was. I was thinking about us and about how we'll need to find a place. A house."

Mac turned so that she could look into Harm's eyes. "You want to buy a house?"

"I want to buy a home." Mac only continued to stare at him, so he spoke again. "I know we decided to live here after we were married, but I think that maybe it's time we looked for something different."

Mac's confusion had faded a little. "But, Harm, you love this place. You've put so much work into it. That's one of the reasons we decided to stay here. Why now?"

Harm swallowed audibly and thought about what he wanted to say next. He heart spoke before his head had a chance. "I watched you today, Sarah. I saw that look on your face when you felt life move under your hand. I saw the joy and awe wash over you when you felt that miracle, and it wasn't even your...our miracle."

"Harm, are you saying..."

Mac's voice broke before she could finish. Instead, she felt Harm take her hand. "I know we said that we'd like to wait a year or so before we tried to have a baby, but I'm not so sure I want to wait. I don't even think I can. Life is so short, so precious. The last year or so has taught us that, if nothing else. We need to make as much happiness as we can, and I want more than anything to make that with you. We already have an amazing beginning to our life, now I want our home and our child, our children."

By this time, quiet tears streamed down Mac's cheeks, and she squeezed Harm's hands in hers. She sniffled and said, "You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that. Oh, Harm..."

Mac wasn't able to finish her statement, however, as the phone interrupted them. Wiping under her eyes, she glanced at the clock and saw the hour nearing midnight. "We need to get that."

Nodding, Harm broke his gaze from Mac's concerned face and picked up the receiver. "Hello?"

"Sir? We're so sorry to bother you, but we weren't sure who else to call."

"Bud, slow down. Is everything okay?" As Harm spoke, he felt Mac come to stand closely beside him. Her hand was held firmly in his as he waited for Bud's reply.

"Yes, Sir, I mean, I think so. I mean, Harriet's water broke. Her contractions are getting a lot closer together. Little A.J.'s sitter is out of town, and we..."

Harm heard Harriet call from the background and then glanced quickly at Mac. "And you need to get to the hospital. Okay, get them both in the car, and we'll meet you there. We'll take A.J. for as long as you need." Harm smiled as Mac threw him some clothes and began stripping flannel pajamas to put on jeans and a sweater.

"But, Sir, your trip, your grandmother."

Harm heard Harriet protesting, as well. Laughing a little at the situation, he commanded, "Stand down, Lieutenants, and stop arguing. Go to the hospital. That's an order."

Training kept Bud from answering with anything other than, "Yes, Sir."

Disconnecting the phone, Harm looked at Mac, who was pulling on heavy socks and shoes. "So, looks like our holiday plans are changing."

Mac glanced up at him before he rose to find her coat. "Did Harriet sound okay?"

Harm pulled a sweatshirt over his T-shirt. "One minute she was yelling at Bud to hurry up and the next she was apologizing for messing up our Christmas plans."

Fleetingly, Mac thought of the present that would be waiting for Harm at his grandmother's house. Hoping things would somehow work out, she let that slip her mind for the moment. Instead, she said, "So, she's okay. Anyway, it's a good change, Harm. A new life, a miracle is going to happen tonight, and we get to be a part of it."

The clock on a mantle began a set of twelve chimes Harm found his keys and then opened the door for Mac. His hand briefly rested on her shoulder, and then he brushed a soft kiss on her lips as she walked by. "Christmas Eve is a good time for miracles."

Tuesday, December 24, 2002

North of Union Station

Early morning hours

"Tired, Aunt Mac."

Mac shifted the little boy in her arms as Harm opened the apartment door. "I know, sweetie, but we'll get you to bed in just a minute."

A.J. was exhausted. His parents has taken him from his nice, warm bed to the hospital, where he'd been picked up by his Uncle Harm and Aunt Mac. They'd spent a little time in the waiting room, but it didn't actually take that long until his daddy had come out to tell them that his little sister had been born.

Abigail Sarah Roberts entered the world only forty-five minutes after her parents checked into the hospital, and both she and her mother were doing very well. After congratulations, quick hugs, assurances, and a few tears, Mac and Harm took the new big brother to get some things at his house before he prepared to spend the next few days with them.

It took Mac a few minutes to remove his thick coat and reveal the pajamas beneath before she placed him in the bed with a favorite stuffed animal and a pile of blankets. "Good night, sweetheart." She kissed his hair and stood there a moment making sure he was settled before she turned to descend the short flight of stairs leading to the bedroom. She hadn't realized that Harm was watching her from the landing.

"You look really natural doing that, Mrs. Rabb."

"You think so, Mr. Rabb?" Mac whispered in reply before she put an arm around Harm's waist and led them both down the steps.

"Um-hmm, I do. In fact, I think we're going to like this little practice run with A.J."

Mac smiled because she'd been thinking the same thing. "And we'll get to have Christmas for him, too."

Harm watched Mac peel away her jacket and sit down on the sofa. "As we were leaving, Bud told me where 'Santa' hides his gifts. We'll have to get those some time tomorrow and make sure they're ready for Christmas morning."

Yawning, Mac looked at the little tree that stood on the coffee table. They hadn't bothered with a large one since they'd be celebrating at the farm. "Do you think they'll fit under there?"

Thinking of the list Bud had given him, Harm shook his head. "I doubt it, but I also doubt that little boy upstairs will mind."

"No, I guess not," she replied sleepily.

Harm looked over at Mac and how she'd curled into the corner of the sofa. The dying fire was the only light in the room, but Harm could still see the shadows on Mac's face. Whispering to himself, Harm shifted Mac a little so she'd be more comfortable before he draped an afghan over her still form. "A.J.'s not the only one who is tired, huh?"

Kicking off his shoes, Harm sat on the other end of the sofa and spent a few long moments watching his wife sleep before closing his eyes and joining her.

Tuesday, December 24, 2002

North of Union Station

7:30 am

Mac felt the sofa shift underneath her, and she sat up quickly. "Harm, what's the matter?"

"Shhhh. Go back to sleep. I am going to get up and check on A.J. Harriet warned that he gets up early no matter what. I don't want him waking up scared, not knowing where he is."

Stretching a little, Mac said, "I think you're a natural at this, too. Why don't we both go up and get him? We can get some breakfast, maybe do a little last minute shopping so A.J. can get a present for his new sister."

Harm rose and then sat again on the edge of the couch. Leaning closely, he touched Mac cheek. "Why don't I check on him, and you stay here and get some more rest? You still look exhausted."

"Gee, thanks. That's exactly what a new wife wants to hear from her husband."

She said this with a smile, so Harm knew Mac wasn't quite serious. Regardless, he replied, "You're beautiful, and you know that. I just..."

With that, they heard some noise coming from the bedroom. Both stood quickly and headed up the stairs. "Good morning, A.J."

The little boy looked around, confused for a moment before he saw his godparents. "Mornin'."

"Did you get enough sleep? Do you want some breakfast?"

Sleep still in his eyes, A.J. simply nodded and lifted his arms. Harm reached him first and rested the boy easily on his hip. "Let's go cook breakfast for Aunt Mac, what do you say?"

"Pancakes and sausage?"

Cringing a little at the thought of the sausage, Harm grinned first at the little boy and then at his wife. "That sounds like a plan."

Over an hour later, the three sat around the breakfast nook, sticky plates and glasses in front of them. Mac wiped gently at A.J.'s mouth before she asked him what he'd like to do for the day.

"Can we go see the baby?"

Mac smiled. "The hospital has visiting hours this afternoon, and I know your mommy and daddy will want to see you, too."

Harm's head shot up. "This afternoon. Mac, we need to call my grandmother and let her..."

"Taken care of. While you two were making breakfast, I called her. She understands and sends her love to the Roberts'." And, Mac added silently, she was sending that special present down to D.C. as soon as she could. "Bud also called from the hospital. Everyone is still doing well, and the doctor has said that they'll release Harriet and Abigail some time tomorrow afternoon."

Turning her attention to her godson, Mac said, "So, it looks like you'll be spending Christmas here. Is there anything special you want?"

"Santa will know how to get here?" the little boy wanted to know.

"Aunt Mac has been very good this year, so he'll definitely know."

Mac just shook her head, but then she suggested, "Why don't we get stuff and make some cookies for him?"

"And cawots," A.J. nodded decidedly.

"Carrots?"

"For Wudolf."

Mac smiled at Harm. "Reindeer food, Harm. Didn't they teach you anything at Annapolis?"

"Apparently not." Turning to A.J., he said, "Well, I think we should get ready and go to the store. We need stuff for cookie baking and decorating...and carrots. Anything else, Mac?"

"Milk, definitely, and anything else this little guy will need." Mac rose to start cleaning the kitchen, and when Harm tried to stop her, she said, "Nope. House rules. You guys cooked, I'll clean. Why don't you get cleaned up and shop, and then come back here for cookies?"

"Looks like we're elected to go shopping, A.J. Let's go."

No sooner were the boys ready and out the door before Mac picked up the phone again. "Grandma, it's Mac. Did Sergei get off okay...Great...And he has the cell phone...Good...I think there might be a change of plans, and I'll need to call him...No, it's a good thing...I wish you could have come with him, too, but we'll all drive back up there and stay through the weekend...I miss you, too...Thank you...I love you, too...Merry Christmas."

Tuesday, December 24, 2002

North of Union Station

Late afternoon

"Okay, guys, we need a little of the icing on the cookies, too." Mac looked at the ruins of what had been a small, but efficient kitchen only a few hours before.

"Ah, Mom, you're no fun." Harm grinned over at Mac and expected to see a reproachful look. Instead, he saw a wistful smile, and then he watched as she suddenly glanced down at her watch.

"If we're going to make it for visiting hours, we'd better finish up, okay?"

In a matter of minutes, all the cookies were decorated and lying on plates and paper towels and every other flat surface in the kitchen. Surveying the results, and damage, Mac looked at Harm. "Clean up duty. You want to take the kitchen or the kid?"

Harm knew Mac had already cleaned the kitchen once that day, so he plopped A.J. on the counter and spoke firmly. "Okay, Sailor, you did a great job. Now you need to go let Aunt Mac get you ready for inspection. Big brothers have to be in top shape to meet their little sisters."

"Yes, Sir!"

Mac shook her head at both of them and picked the little boy up from the counter. Taking his hand, they made their way up the stairs and to the bathroom. It took surprisingly little fuss before he was cleaned and dressed. Mac could still hear Harm in the kitchen washing bowls and cookie sheets, so she had time to sit A.J. down with a book and make another phone call. Turning on the radio to block Harm from hearing the call, she smiled as she heard "I'll Be Home For Christmas," sighed, and waited for a slightly familiar voice to answer.

"Um...Hello?"

"Sergei? It's Mac."

"Mac, you sound really close."

"I hope I am. Where are you?"

"I am sitting on the...what do you call it...Beltway."

"Sitting? Is something wrong?"

"I think I am in one of those traffic jams that you and Mrs. Ra...Grandma Sarah warned me about. I believe things will start moving soon."

Mac looked at her watch again and down at A.J. "I'm so sorry, Sergei. I can't believe you're having to drive in D.C. traffic when you just got in the country yesterday. This is all my..."

"Please, Mac, don't worry. I am under strict orders from Sarah to not let you worry. I just want to thank you. I can only imagine what you had to go through to make this happen, but I do know I would not be here if it weren't for you. This means a lot to me."

Blinking back unexpected tears, Mac said, "This will mean a lot to Harm, too. I can't wait for you two to see each other again." Listening carefully for noises downstairs, Mac stopped and then continued. "I really hate to do this to you, but I think it'll be worth it. So, I hope you won't mind if I make another change in plans. You're still sitting, right? You can write something down?"

One eye on the still traffic in front of him, Sergei nodded soberly as he wrote down Mac's directions.

Tuesday, December 24, 2002

D.C. Area Hospital

Early evening

"So, when do they kick us out of this place?" Harm looked around the room where Little A.J. was snuggled beside his mom on the bed and Mac was sitting in a rocker, cradling a tiny newborn.

Harriet looked at the clock on the bedside table. "The nurse will be here to get Abby in thirty minutes."

Bud thought briefly about the formidable woman who ran maternity ward with as much fervor as any two star Admiral. "From the looks of her, you all might want to be out the door before she comes back."

"Bud! I can't believe you said that. Nurse Owens is just doing her job." Harriet looked stern as she chastised her husband, who looked over at Harm with a 'What did I do?' look.

Smothering a smile, Mac said, "Well, it is getting late, and it looks like we should let you all get some rest." She rose carefully and handed the sleeping bundle to her father. "Before we go, I'm going to excuse myself to the rest room."

As she walked out the door, Mac heard A.J. and his parents exchange good nights, Merry Christmases, and promises to celebrate Christmas again with his family after everyone was home the following afternoon. Checking behind her, she pulled out her phone and dialed again.

"Sergei, it's me...again. Did you find it?"

It took him a moment, but Sergei finally answered, "I did. It is beautiful, more than I ever imagined. I am so glad you thought of allowing me to come here."

Mac didn't speak for a moment, either. She only imagined the emotions the young man felt. Clearing her throat quietly, she said, "Have you been there long?"

"Not really. Just long enough to walk around and see...I am glad I had some time alone here."

Understanding, Mac smiled sadly. "Well, we'll be there soon. I promise. And, Sergei, I want to...I just want to thank you again. I know this has not worked out the way we planned..."

"But sometimes things work out better than we planned."

"That's true. I'll see you soon?"

"Very soon, sister."

Tuesday, December 24, 2002

The Mall, Washington, D.C.

Dusk

The almost deserted streets had allowed them to find a parking space easily, but they still had a short walk to reach the Wall. Harm had little A.J. in one arm and clung to Mac's hand with his other.

"Mac, it's getting late and chilly. Maybe we shouldn't have brought the little guy out here in this."

She looked over to where A.J. had laid his head on Harm's shoulder. "You cold, sweetie?"

The boy brightened up immediately and looked around at the illuminated flags that waved boldly at the base of the Washington Monument. "No. It's pwetty. I wike it, but mommy and daddy never bwought me at night."

Harm looked over at Mac accusingly. "See?" he murmured.

Mac just shook her head. "Well, I'm sure your mommy and daddy won't mind just this one time. We're going to take you to a special place." She looked over at Harm and noticed that A.J.'s attention was somewhere else. "And I didn't want you to come alone. Not this year."

Squeezing her hand more tightly, Harm turned right onto the sidewalk that would lead him past the statue onto the lighted walkway of the Wall. "I won't ever have to be alone again, Sarah, and maybe soon, we will be bringing our kids here."

"Soon," was the only word Mac spoke as they neared the panel that both she and Harm knew well. She noticed the tall, young man who stood with his back turned to them a few yards ahead of them, but Harm did not. He still had a faraway expression on his face, but then he felt Mac squeeze his hand again.

"Here, let me take A.J." He handed her the boy, who settled easily onto her hip. Then he reached for the single red rose Mac somehow remembered to pick up in the chaos of the last 24 hours.

Smiling at his wife and the sleepy boy, he said, "We won't stay long, I just want to..."

Mac only nodded. "I know." Nudging him gently, Mac directed him towards the Wall and then took a step backwards. She then just watched the next moments unfold.

Harm finally noticed the young man who stood stiffly in an obviously new coat. As he walked closer, his attention wasn't on the slick, black marble, but on the profile of the man who stared intently at the same panel Harm had spent many years studying.

Sensing that he was being watched, Sergei turned and allowed a smile to grace his features. "Merry Christmas, Brother."

"Sergei? What are you doing here?"

"I came courtesy of a certain Marine Colonel. You are very lucky, Harmon Rabb."

With that, Harm tore his eyes away from his brother and looked at his wife. She stood there, tears filling her eyes and a child in her arms. Turning back to Sergei, he said, "I am...very lucky."

Finally able to move, he took a few steps forward and embraced his brother. "You have no idea how happy I am that you're here...especially here."

Returning the whisper, Sergei said, "This is a beautiful place. It is an honor to stand here with you."

Unable to keep emotion from his voice, Harm only nodded and they broke apart and turned towards the Wall. Their hands met briefly as the rose was dropped at the base of the cold marble. After a sharp salute, they stood in silence for a moment. Harm then turned towards his brother again. "We have a lot to talk about."

Sergei nodded and then followed Harm as he walked towards Mac. "Sergei, I'm so glad you made it. It's wonderful to see you."

"Sister, you look especially beautiful." Mac accepted the kiss on the cheek her brother-in-law offered. He frowned and said, "You're cold. We should get you home."

Mac shook her head. "You're a lot like your brother, you know that?"

Harm walked over and placed a hand on Mac's shoulder. "Is that such a bad thing?"

"Not at all." Mac looked up at Harm as she shifted little A.J. in her arms. She watched him mouth, "Thank you," and she whispered, "You're welcome" in return.

"Let's go home." Harm laid a protective hand on the small of his wife's back and then fell into step with his brother. He took only one quick look back, but when he did so, he smiled.

Tuesday, December 24, 2002

North of Union Station

Evening

Harm pulled Mac down beside him on the sofa as soon as she set steaming mugs of coffee on the table. He smiled over at his brother as he laced fingers with his wife. "So, how long has this been going on and how many people have been in on it?"

"Ummm...we actually started trying a few months before the wedding, but I just couldn't make it happen then. As for the people involved, well, it was the Admiral, Harriet, Webb..." Mac broke off and looked towards Sergei to continue.

"My commanding officer, Volkonoff, my mother..." Smiling mischievously, he nodded back to his sister-in-law.

"Your grandmother..."

Harm finally interrupted. "I get it. I have to say this, though. It was worth it."

Thinking back to the looks on both Harm's and Sergei's faces, Mac knew it was worth every minute, every penny. She yawned contentedly and leaned a little closer to Harm, whose arm tightened. "It's barely after eight. You can't be tired yet, Marine."

Sergei's expression changed to concern. "You should get some sleep, Mac. Like I told you on the telephone, Mrs. Rabb...Grandma Sarah gave me orders to not let you worry or get too tired."

Harm would have been surprised to know that his expression changed to one just like his brother's. "What's all this about? Why is my grandmother so worried about you all of a sudden?"

Mac gave what she hoped was a stern warning glance to Sergei before she smiled brightly and turned to face Harm. "Oh, you know your grandmother, Harm. She's not happy unless she's worried about someone."

Harm knew nothing of the sort, but before he could say so, Mac turned her head towards the stairs. "It sounds like he's out for the count. Why don't I go out to Rosslyn and get his gifts now? You two can stay here and catch up."

Looking closely at the shadows that were present once again beneath Mac's eyes, Harm rose quickly as he squeezed Mac's hand. "Why don't Sergei and I go play Santa? You stay here in case the little guy wakes up...and to put out the cookies and milk and carrots."

"Carrots?"

Harm glanced at his brother. "Don't ask." He then turned back towards Mac and stooped to give her a quick kiss. "So, it's a deal, then. We'll be back soon."

Walking behind his brother, Sergei turned to look at Mac and whisper, "He does not know?"

Mac only shook her head and mouthed, "Not yet."

Sergei nodded in understanding just before the door closed behind him. Mac moved to the kitchen and prepared Santa's goodies, knowing that her secret was still safe, but only for one more day.

Wednesday, December 25, 2002

North of Union Station

After midnight

"I think it was a good idea that we put these things together back at the Roberts' house. I don't think we could have gotten it done here without waking A.J.," Harm whispered as he carefully brought toys in the front door.

"Does every American child get so many gifts for Christmas, Harm?"

Harm tried to stifle a laugh as he watched the younger man balance approximately a ton of preschool sporting equipment. He hoped the question was rhetorical and directed Sergei to the small tree on the coffee table. "Let's get everything under, or at least around there. And then when we finish, we get cookies."

"And carrots."

Looking at the plate lying near the tree, Harm chuckled. "She actually cut up the carrots." He

snagged one and took a bite before passing a cookie to Sergei. Then he looked around for Mac. It took a few minutes before he climbed the stairs and saw her curled next to A.J., her arm laying protectively over him.

"She's amazing, isn't she?"

Sergei only nodded at the whispered question and then he headed back down the stairs, Harm trailing slowly behind him. After they settled in front of the fire, Sergei spoke quietly, "I do not know how to thank her for this. It is the best Christmas gift I have ever been given."

"Wait, I thought the gift was for me?"

They shared a quiet laugh before Harm's gaze swept the apartment. "I'm sorry I can't offer better accommodations."

Sergei smiled wryly. "I have had worse, big brother. This is fine, it's wonderful."

Harm's own smile faded and an expression of guilt took its place. "I'm sorry you were held all those months. I'm so sorry I wasn't able to do something, to help you..."

"In the last few months, I found out exactly what you tried to do, Harm. You know that I would not have wanted you to sacrifice your career or your life for me, just like he would not have wanted you to."

Staring into the fire, Harm's voice was low and strained. "I can't even imagine the hell you've been through, but maybe you understand him better now."

Sergei let that thought sink in a moment before he asked, "What do you think he would say if he knew we were spending this holiday together?"

Harm thought for a moment about his life, the woman sleeping upstairs, and the miracles yet to come and then turned to his brother. "I think he knows...and I think he loves it."

Wednesday, December 25, 2002

North of Union Station

Late morning

Mac sat on the sofa and looked around the room at shards of wrapping paper and empty plates. "So, did everybody get enough breakfast?"

A.J. was obviously more interested in the toys that littered the floor than his disregarded plate of ham and eggs, so Harm rose and began clearing. "I think everybody's had their fill."

He glanced at Sergei who was carefully stepping over a red fire engine on his way to the kitchen. "Yes, Colonel, it was wonderful. Thank you."

Mac smiled as her brother-in-law slipped and addressed her as an officer. "You're welcome." She noticed that blankets were folded neatly on the sofa beside her. "I'm so sorry that I flaked out on you guys last night. You should have woken me up when you..." She paused and took a quick look at A.J., who was occupied with his toys. She decided, however, not to take any chances. "When Santa showed up with the goods."

Harm had moved over to stand behind his wife and gently kneaded her shoulder. "Santa didn't want to wake you. But he said you had been a very good girl this year, and he did leave you something." He then produced a small box from his pocket and held it over Mac's shoulder.

Her hands reached for the box before she began to protest and motion towards the small mound of unwrapped gifts at her feet. "Harm, you already gave me my gifts."

By this time, Harm had skirted the couch and knelt near his wife. "Those were from me. This is from Santa."

Knowing it was unwise to argue and feeling more than a little curious about the box, Mac slipped the thin red ribbon from the box and opened it slowly. "Oh, Harm. It's beautiful." Her fingers touched the two delicate stones that shimmered from a thin gold chain, and then she leaned over to brush her husband's lips in a thank you kiss.

Harm's hand covered hers and light played on the gems. "One for you, one for me...and lots of room to add others. For anyone else who might come along."

Mac took a quick look a Sergei, who had reentered the room and was playing with A.J. as he half listened to his brother and sister-in-law's conversation. His wide grin gave her the only encouragement she needed. She began slowly as she clasped both Harm's hands in hers, "Harm..."

A knock on the door stopped Mac's next words. With Harm looking at her curiously, she squeezed his hands before she broke contact. "We should get that."

Sergei was already on his way to the door when Harm replied, "Whatever it is, it'll wait. What were you going to tell me?"

She almost told him when she heard A.J. shout, "Mommy! Daddy!"

The little boy had already reached his parents at the door when Mac and Harm walked over to the couple. "Bud, Harriet, you should have called. We would have brought him over after you three got settled in."

Mac couldn't help but steal a look inside the bundle in Harriet's arms, and then she felt Harm wrap his arms around her. Leaning into him a little, she said, "Come in, please."

Harriet smiled down at her daughter and then her son. "Actually, Ma'am, we came directly here to pick A.J. up so we could have our first Christmas as a family." Glancing at Sergei, Harriet grinned at the young man. "It seems like you're doing that, too."

Harm only nodded and then smiled broadly as he officially introduced his brother to his friends.

They all exchanged greetings and holiday wishes before Sergei and Harm offered to carry A.J.'s things down to the van so the young family could be on their way home. When they came back into the apartment, they found Mac cleaning up wrapping paper and dishes. Christmas hymns played softly behind her and she hummed along as she worked.

Smiling, she looked up at the brothers as they walked in, "So you two had the fun of hauling those toys again?"

Sergei shook off some of the light snow that had fallen on his hair in the few moments he was outside. "I have never seen so many gifts."

A light suddenly came into Mac's eyes. "Speaking of gifts, I actually have some I've been saving." She walked to the closet near the door and pushed away some things before she retrieved a midsized crate. "Harm, this is from your mother."

Harm looked at Mac and then quickly nodded to Sergei. Mac understood instantly. "She knows he's here, Harm. In fact, we could have added her and Frank to the list of people who helped get Sergei here."

"Your mother is a special lady, Harm."

Neither of them knew how special until they opened the simply wrapped gifts that Mac handed them after she led them to the sofa. As the paper fell away, both saw matching albums. Both men were speechless, so Mac spoke up. "I can't imagine how long it took her to find those photos and get original copies of the newspaper clippings."

Harm flipped through and saw photos that were familiar and precious, but his gaze soon fell on his brother, who was seeing it all for this first time. "She did this for me? She does not even know me."

Closing the album, Harm ran a hand over the leather cover. "She felt it was more important that you knew him. Maybe we can fix both those things."

Without even being asked, Mac handed the phone to Harm, who dialed a long distance number as his gaze locked with Mac's. "Hey, Mom. It's me. Merry Christmas to you, too."

Mac nodded barely and then heard her husband continue, "Mom, I have someone I'd like you to meet."

Wednesday, December 25, 2002

North of Union Station

Night

Harm added another log to the fireplace before he joined Mac on the floor. He arranged several layers of blankets over the both of them after he sat, resting his back against the base of the sofa and

pulling Mac so she lay against him. "Comfortable?"

"Umm-hmm." She rested her head against his shoulder and felt his arm tighten around her. "Do you think we're ever going to reclaim our bedroom?"

Thinking of the child who had slept upstairs and the young officer who reluctantly claimed the bed now, Harm shook his head and continued their whispered conversation. "Well, we'll be at the farm for three nights, and I just bet that Grandma Sarah will have one of those great, drafty old rooms ready for us. Big, feather bed, down comforter, homemade quilts, that big, stone fireplace..."

"You'd better stop while you're ahead, Harm. Keep up that description, and we might not want to come back here."

Harm paused for moment before he replied, "Well, when we do come back, I think our first resolution should be to find a house, our own home."

Pulling back just enough to look at her husband, Mac said, "You were serious about that, weren't you?"

"Very serious. I'm only sorry that things have gotten so hectic that we haven't gotten to discuss it anymore." He shifted a bit so he could look directly meet her gaze. "I wanted to make sure you knew that I was serious about the house...and everything else. I don't think I've ever wanted anything more."

Harm's tender, sober expression contrasted greatly with Mac's grin. His eyes narrowed a bit as Mac looked over at the clock, noting the late hour. Returning to face him, she said, "Looks like we have a few minutes until Christmas is officially over, so I guess this is as good a time as any to give you your last gift. Maybe it's the best time."

Confusion still evident on his face, Harm began, "Mac, you already gave me an amazing gift. I can't imagine how much time or energy and money it took to get Sergei here, and between his being here and your being here, I also can't imagine anything else I could ever want."

Still smiling, Mac replied, "I can think of one thing." Laughing softly, Mac remembered the last few weeks. "I have wanted to tell you so many times, but then I decided to wait until Christmas. And then when I tried to tell you, things always happened and then it looked like your grandmother or your brother was going to somehow let you know before I had the chance and..."

She stopped when Harm cupped her cheek gently, and then she whispered, "I'm babbling, aren't I?"

"Just a little. Now, I think you need to show me this gift that apparently everyone in my family,

except me, knows about."

Taking a deep breath, Mac bit her lip lightly and grasped Harm's hand in her own. After squeezing it gently, she began to lower it slowly until they both rested on her flat stomach. "Merry Christmas...Daddy."

Harm's eyes grew wide as his focus moved from Mac's face to their joined hands. Awe erased all traces of confusion from his expression as his gaze turned upwards again. "We're having a baby?"

Eyes shining, Mac replied, "Next Christmas, we'll have our own miracle to celebrate."

It seemed as though it took a moment for it to sink in, but Mac soon found herself wrapped in a tight embrace. She whispered, "I wanted to tell you the day I first suspected I was pregnant, but like you said, we hadn't really planned for this for another year or so. I guess I wanted to be sure, I needed to. And, then, that night, when you said that you wanted a baby now..."

Harm released Mac only enough so that he could see her face once more. "You were going to tell me then."

"And then again when you gave me that beautiful necklace."

Shaking his head, Harm could only reply, "So maybe we need some work on our timing."

Mac listened as the clock began a set of twelve chimes signaling the start of a new day. "I think our timing is pretty good."

~Epilogue~

Wednesday, December 24, 2003

Vietnam Veteran's Memorial

Dusk

"Are you sure it's safe for us to bring her out in this?"

Mac had answered this question somewhere in the vicinity of fifty times in the last several hours, so she merely glared at her husband. She did, however, make sure the four month old she held in her arms was still covered by the blankets. Then she felt Harm's grip tighten on her elbow as they turned onto the sidewalk covered by a light dusting of early winter snow. In quiet thanks, she said, "She'll be fine. Besides, she had to come. It's a tradition."

Harm smiled at that, something he rarely allowed himself to do when he came to this sacred ground. As he looked over at his wife and daughter, though, he couldn't help it. Yes, this was a tradition for them, one that hadn't even known they'd begun the year before. It was the first of many that he hoped to begin.

As they neared the panel bearing his father's name, Harm drew his family even closer to him. "You're right. She had to be here. We all did."

They spent a few minutes in silence before Harm touched the Wall briefly and then turned back to Mac. "I've spent some pretty tough evenings standing here. The first year I was stationed here in Falls Church. The Christmas after we found out what happened to him. When Jenny Lake told me that story that made me doubt him and somehow respect him even more. And then when Sergei was missing, and I thought about giving it all up."

Mac looked up at him as a few snowflakes began dancing through the air to land on their dress coats and the bundle in her arms. She saw a solemn smile on his face and she leaned closer into him.

He brushed a quick kiss onto her hair before he said, "I didn't think anything would be more amazing than last year. Seeing Sergei here, sharing this with him."

"And now?"

"Now I realize every day I spent with you and Hannah amazes me a little more than the last. I can't thank you enough for that gift."

Not knowing what else to say, Mac could only whisper, "You're welcome." She then turned and took another look at the Wall, thinking of the man she had never gotten to know, but then focusing on the one who stood by her side. As she returned her gaze to Harm, she saw his eyes were clear and a gentle smile still remained on his face.

He took a final look at the Wall and then whispered, "Let's go home."

The End