Title: Letters From Home
Rating: mostly PG-13, although it does drift a little close to R with a few scenes.
Disclaimer: If I owned them, the show would have to be moved to a later time slot. Since I don't, DPB and CBS can keep it where it's at.
Spoilers: Just about everything from seasons five and six.
Author's note: This starts out right after "Goodbyes" and goes from there. However, I've changed a few things from the show to fit the purpose of this story. If you haven't seen seasons five and six, you will probably get lost a couple of times, since I make references to things that happen during that time.
A huge thanks to Lisa for the wonderful beta job. To Jen: for having answers to all of the questions I managed to come up with during the writing of this story. And finally, to Selena: for so many things.
If you'd rather read the entire story at once instead of waiting for the parts to be posted, it can be found at my website: http://members.tripod.com/susanin_1/index.htm
2200 EST
Friday, May 28, 1999
McMurphy's Tavern
Harm walked into the crowded room and headed towards the bar. His bags were packed and sitting beside his apartment door, and everything he needed to take care of before he left for Pensacola was finished. Now all he had to do was keep his mind occupied for the next twelve hours so he wouldn't think about how much he missed Mac already.
After ordering his beer, Harm settled onto one of the barstools and turned his back to the bar. When he made his decision to go back to flying, he never imagined that leaving JAG would be so hard. He had expected Jordan to be upset with him, but he hadn't anticipated Mac's reaction to the news. And he definitely hadn't counted on how Mac's reaction would cause him to second guess his decision.
Harm closed his eyes as the scene from earlier in his office replayed through his mind. He hadn't been prepared for her tears. He had known that it wasn't going to be easy to say goodbye to her, but he never imagined that it would hurt so much.
Her tears had nearly been his undoing. She tried so hard to keep them from falling, but with the uncertainty of when they would see each other again looming over them, she had finally given in and let them flow. He wanted so much to give her what she wanted. It had taken every ounce of willpower he possessed to let go of her and walk out of that office without promising her that he would be back for her.
How could he do that to her though? How could he make a promise that he didn't know if he could keep? How could he put into words how much she meant to him when he had no idea how long it would be before they saw each other again? It wouldn't be fair to ask her to wait indefinitely for him to return.
Harm sighed and took another swig from his beer as he looked around the crowded room. A movement to his left caught his attention and he turned slightly and found himself face to face with the object of his current turmoil.
"Hi," she said softly.
"Hi," he replied.
"Is this seat taken?" she asked, motioning to the stool beside him.
"It is now," he answered.
Mac ordered a soda and then settled down next to him. "I wasn't expecting to see you here tonight. I figured that you'd be spending your last night with Jordan."
Harm snickered slightly before he replied. "Well, Jordan isn't exactly speaking to me right now. It seems that she only wants to be a part of my life if I'm a Navy lawyer, not a Navy pilot."
"She actually said that?" Mac asked. In response, Harm nodded and took another long drink of his beer. "I'm sorry, Harm."
He shrugged and turned to place his empty bottle on the bar. "There's really nothing to be sorry about, Mac."
"I know that you cared about her, Harm."
He shrugged again. "She's not the first woman who couldn't accept me for who I am."
Mac picked up her glass and slowly sipped it while she studied Harm's profile. After a couple of minutes, Harm turned around to face her. "What?" he asked when he noticed her watching him.
Mac shook her head and placed her glass back on the counter. "Nothing, Harm."
"So what brings you here tonight?" he asked. "I figured that Brumby wouldn't even wait until the elevator doors closed before he was trying to get you to go out with him."
Mac smiled slightly and turned to set her glass back on the bar. "He's not that bad, Harm." At his raised eyebrows, she continued, "He at least waited until you were in the parking lot."
Harm shook his head and looked away from her. "What a bastard."
"Why do you say that?" she asked. "It's not the first time he's asked me out."
"It's just different now," he replied.
"Why?" she asked. "Because you're not at JAG anymore?"
"Yes."
"Why should that matter, Harm? It's not like you and I are a couple or anything."
"Forget it," he replied with a noncommittal shrug.
"Maybe I don't want to just forget it," she challenged. "Maybe I think I deserve an answer as to why you're playing the jealous boyfriend all of a sudden."
"I just don't want to see you get hurt, Mac."
"And you don't think this hurts, Harm?"
"This is different," he answered softly as his eyes met hers.
"How?"
"Because you know that I care about you, Mac. I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you. I don't think that Mic Brumby's motives are quite so noble. After all, the man did try to pin a murder charge on you."
"That's in the past, Harm."
"I don't trust him, Mac. Not when it comes to you."
"I'm a big girl, Harm. I don't need you to look out for me."
He sighed and looked away from her. "I don't want to argue with you, Mac. Not tonight."
"What do you want then, Harm?"
"I want you to understand why I'm doing this," he replied as he looked back at her. "And I want you to be happy for me."
"I'm trying," she whispered. "It's not easy though. I keep thinking about the fact that when I go into work Tuesday morning, you're not going to be there."
Harm saw the tears glistening in her eyes and he reached out to gently cup her face. "I never meant to hurt you with this decision, Mac."
"I know that," she replied. "But knowing that it wasn't intentional doesn't make it any easier to deal with. I feel like I'm losing my best friend, Harm."
Their eyes locked and for several moments all they did was look at each other. Finally, Harm broke the silence that had settled over them. "Dance with me?"
Mac nodded her agreement, and Harm took her by the hand and led her to the dance floor. The soft music wafted around them as he pulled her into his arms. As they swayed back and forth in time to the music, they unconsciously moved closer together, each one longing to make the moment last, and neither one sure how to do so.
Harm felt Mac shift in his embrace and he looked down at her, not surprised when their eyes locked again. Her eyes held questions, but he shook his head to keep her from giving voice to them. Instead, he bent his head to hers and slowly brushed his lips across her forehead before pulling her closer and resting his cheek on the top of her head. He had no idea what he was doing or why he was doing it. All he knew for sure was that at this moment in time, he had everything he had ever wanted right here in his arms.
Mac sighed as she rested her head against Harm's chest. She could hear his heart thundering under her ear, and she knew that her own must be doing the same. What was going through his mind? Was he just feeling lonely after his break-up with Jordan? Or was it possible that in some remote part of his heart, he felt the same way for her that she did for him?
Not finding any answers with her face pressed to the solid wall of his chest, she leaned back again and looked up at him. The look in his eyes when they met hers took her breath away, and everything around them seemed to disappear as Harm slowly lowered his head.
Their lips were mere centimeters apart when Harm spoke. "Mac?"
Granting him the permission he was seeking, Mac nodded her head and closed the remaining distance between them.
It was a mere brushing of lips against each other, almost over before it started, but the intensity behind it caused them both to pull away slightly breathless. Meeting each other's eyes, it was as if by some mutual agreement they were once again drawn together.
Harm's conscience was screaming at him that they shouldn't be doing this, but before he could do anything to stop it, Mac's lips parted under his in invitation. Ignoring the voice inside of his head, he traced her lower lip with his tongue before delving into her mouth. His hands moved to either side of her face, angling her head slightly to allow him to deepen the kiss while her arms tightened around his waist, forcing their bodies into a more intimate contact.
Harm's voice was a harsh whisper when he pulled his mouth from hers. "Mac?"
Meeting his gaze, Mac barely recognized her own voice as she said, "Let's go back to your apartment, Harm."
"Are you sure you want to do that?" Harm asked. "I'm not sure that I'll be able to keep my hands off of you if we do."
Mac gently rocked her hips forward, eliciting a small gasp from him. "I'm kind of counting on that, Harm."
Seeing the hesitation on his face, Mac leaned up and gently brushed her lips against his again. "Well?"
Once again ignoring the part of his brain that was telling him to run away as fast as he could, Harm flashed her a smile. "I'll drive."
With an answering smile, Mac took a step away from him and reached for his hand. Interlacing their fingers together, Harm led them out of the crowded bar and to his new SUV.
*****
Harm unlocked the door to his apartment and stepped back to allow Mac to enter in front of him. Once he had closed and locked the door, he gave her a nervous smile. "We're here."
"Yeah," she agreed. "We are."
Harm cleared his throat and looked around the room once before asking, "Do you want something to drink?"
"No," she replied as she took a step towards him. When he took a step backwards, she smiled at him. "I'm not going to hurt you, Harm."
"I know," he replied.
She reached out and caught his hand in hers, pulling him closer as she said, "So why are you running away?"
He looked down at the bags that were stacked beside his door and then met her eyes again. "I'm just not sure this is the right thing for us to do."
"Are you afraid you'll regret it?" she asked softly.
"No," he replied. "I just don't want this to be a one-night stand, Mac."
"Who said it has to be?"
"I leave in the morning. I have no idea how long I'll be gone, and I don't think that this is fair to you."
"Do you hear me complaining?" she asked as she met his gaze.
"No," he replied. "But I feel like I'm pushing you into something that you're not ready for and I don't want this to be a mistake."
"We can make this work, you know."
"I can't ask you to do that, Mac."
"You're not asking."
"I don't even know when I'll be able to see you again."
"So we'll write each other, and we'll become competent e-mail users. And we'll have expensive long distance bills. I'm willing to take a chance on us if you are, Harm."
"I don't want you to regret this decision in the morning," he offered.
"I won't," she replied as she took a step closer to him.
"This won't be easy," he stated as he reached up and cupped her face.
"There are very few things in life that are," she replied, turning to place a kiss on his palm.
He smiled as he watched her tongue flick out and trace over the smooth skin at his wrist. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to seduce me."
"I am trying to seduce you, Harm. Now for once in your life, will you please stop thinking and just let yourself feel? I'm pretty sure you mentioned something about not being able to keep your hands off of me once we got back here and so far, you've been all talk."
Hearing the challenge in her voice, Harm quickly scooped her up in his arms and made his way towards his bedroom. Their laughter mingled as he unceremoniously dropped her in the center of his bed before falling down beside her.
"After tonight, you'll be spoiled for all other men, you know," he teased as he met her eyes.
"I'm counting on that," she replied honestly. "Now shut up and kiss me already."
"Yes, Ma'am," he managed to get out before his lips met hers in what started as a gentle kiss but quickly erupted into much more as their desire for each other was finally released.
It was much later when Harm reached up to push her hair off of her face, a soft smile in place on his. "I always knew it would be like this with you."
"What do you mean?" she asked as she propped herself up on her elbow to look at him.
"Perfect," he replied.
She smiled and leaned over to kiss him. "Now that you've spoiled me for all other men, you should get some rest. You've got an early flight in the morning."
He pushed himself up on an elbow so they were once again eye to eye before he said, "I know the timing is bad, Mac, but I do want this for us. I was serious about not wanting this to be a one-night stand."
"I don't either, Harm."
"It's not fair to you, though."
"Life isn't always fair," she replied.
"I don't want you to go through what my mom went through, Mac. I care about you too much for that."
She reached up and ran her hand down his arm. "Then be safe, Harm. And make sure you come home. The rest of it doesn't matter as long as you do that."
"I don't even know when that will be," he replied as he dropped onto his back and stared at the ceiling.
"When the timing's right," she stated. "Until then, we'll find a way to make this work."
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked with a sideways glance over at her.
"Are you?" she retaliated.
His reply was immediate. "Yes."
"Then no regrets, Harm. All we can do now is to give this a shot."
Harm smiled as he reached over and pulled her onto his chest. "The night is still young, you know," he said, moving his mouth to suck on her earlobe.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to seduce me," she said with a laugh.
"Is it working?" he asked.
"Definitely," came her breathless reply. "Please feel free to continue."
Their soft moans once again filled the room as they spent the night exploring this new facet of their relationship, thoughts of tomorrow put on hold for the time being.
June 18, 1999
To: Maj Sarah MacKenzie
From: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I want to start with an apology. Things have been so hectic since I got here that I've barely had time to eat and sleep, much less time to write.
I hope that my silence hasn't diminished what we have between us. The night we shared was very special to me, Mac. Please don't doubt that. I was serious when I said I didn't want it to be a one-night stand. I'd like to give "us" a chance. I know it won't be easy, especially with me so far away. But I'm still willing to try if you are.
Harm
June 19, 1999
To: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Maj. Sarah MacKenzie
You're right, Harm. It won't be easy. It hasn't been easy so far, and I honestly can't foresee it getting any easier. That doesn't mean I'm not willing to give it a shot though. When we talked about regrets that night, I didn't realize my biggest regret was going to be wondering why we hadn't taken a chance on "us" sooner.
I understand that you're busy out there. It's pretty crazy around here right now, too. Just write when you get a chance and I'll do the same.
Mac
June 21, 1999
To: Maj Sarah MacKenzie
From: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
My deployment is set for a week from today. I know this is really short notice, but I'd like to see you again before I go. If you can't make it down here, I understand. I know you're busy.
Harm
June 22, 1999
To: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Maj. Sarah MacKenzie
I've gotten it approved to have Friday afternoon off, but I'll have to be here for staff call Monday morning. I know that means I won't be there for the actual deployment, but I would enjoy spending the weekend with you.
Mac
June 23, 1999
To: Maj Sarah MacKenzie
From: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I'll be looking forward to seeing you. Call me with your flight information and I'll meet you at the airport.
Harm
June 25, 1999
1700 EST
Pensacola, Florida
Harm stood back from the crowd of people as he watched the disembarking passengers enter the terminal. He heard the squeals of laughter as loved ones were reunited, but his eyes never wavered. He was there for only one reason and she was walking towards him with a shy smile on her face. He returned her smile as he took a moment to appreciate the sleeveless sweater and khaki shorts she wore.
"You look great," he stated as he moved forward to meet her, his arms open in invitation.
Mac willingly stepped into his embrace, allowing herself to be enveloped in his hug. "How are you?" she asked.
"Better now," he replied as he looked down at her. "I hope you won't be offended if I wait until we're in a less public place to give you a proper hello."
"Not at all," she replied, giving him another brief squeeze before stepping out of his embrace.
He took her carryon from her and slung it over his shoulder before reaching for her hand and guiding her through the crowded airport and out into the warm afternoon sunshine.
"It's beautiful here," Mac commented as they strolled across the parking lot. "It sure beats the rain we've had in Washington this week."
"Nothing but blue skies and sunshine here," Harm replied as he led her to the rental car he'd been using for the past week.
He opened the trunk and put her bag in before walking around to the passenger side to unlock her door for her. However, instead of opening it, he moved until he had her trapped between the car and his body.
Mac looked up at him with laughter in her eyes as his hands moved to her hips and pulled her tight against his body. "I've missed you," he whispered as he lowered his face to hers, his lips brushing against the corner of her mouth.
"I've missed you, too," she replied as she wrapped her arms around his waist and tilted her face to meet his lips.
His kiss was demanding, his tongue seeking and gaining entrance into her mouth. She responded in kind, thrusting her tongue against his as he explored her mouth.
When the need for air finally forced them apart, Harm covered her face with gentle kisses before resting his forehead against hers. Mac let out a sigh of contentment as she hooked her thumbs in the waistband of his jeans and pulled him even closer.
They stood there in silence for several more minutes before Harm finally forced himself to take a step away from her. "We should go before I reach the point of not caring and simply throw you in the back seat and have my way with you here in the airport parking lot."
Mac laughed softly as she moved enough for him to open the door for her. Once she was settled, Harm closed the door and then took in a deep breath trying to get himself back under control. His intentions for this weekend weren't to simply ravage her. He wanted them to spend time getting to know each other as part of a couple so she would realize there was more to this for him than just great sex.
June 27, 1999
1600 EST
Florida
"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you to the airport?" Harm asked.
"Positive," Mac replied. "You should stay here and enjoy the party."
They had managed to find a quiet spot on the beach -- several hundred yards away from the traditional large scale deployment party going on -- and had spread out a blanket to spend their last few minutes together. Harm had settled Mac between his legs, his arms wrapping around her waist as she leaned back against his chest, to watch the waves lap against the shore.
"Thank you for being here, Mac."
"You know I wouldn't have missed it," she replied as she absentmindedly ran her fingers over where his rested on her stomach.
They were silent for several more minutes before Mac turned slightly to look up at him. "Harm?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you remember the day you left? How I told you that I couldn't find the words to say the things I wanted to tell you?"
"I didn't need the words, Mac. In fact, I think it would've made it harder."
"What about now?" she asked carefully. "What if I told you that I'd found them?"
Harm brought a hand up to her face and gently traced a finger over her features before his eyes locked with hers again. "I know this sounds like I'm running, but I'm not, Mac. I hope you understand that. But please don't say them now. Letting you go is hard enough already."
Mac nodded her agreement and then placed a kiss on his hand. "I understand, Harm. And I'll keep them to myself...for now anyway."
"Thank you," he whispered. Leaning forward to brush his lips against hers briefly, he added, "How much time do we have?"
"My cab will be here in five minutes."
With a groan of frustration, Harm untangled himself and got to his feet. After helping Mac to hers, he pulled her into his embrace. "I'm going to miss you."
"Nah," she replied with a grin. "You'll be too busy flying your planes to miss me."
"Not likely," he replied. "It can get lonely on a carrier."
"I'm never more than a whisper away, you know," she replied as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss.
They stood there for several moments, their lips gently caressing, tongues teasing, hands groping, completely lost in each other until the sound of a car horn shattered the silence.
"That's my ride," she whispered.
"Goodbye, Mac," he said softly.
"Goodbye, Harm," she replied just as tenderly. After one final kiss, she placed her hand over his heart and said, "Be safe, Harm. I'll be here when you get back."
With that, she turned and made her way towards the cab, stopping only long enough to pick up her bag and look back for one final wave before disappearing from his sight.
"I love you, too, Mac," Harm said once she was out of sight. "And someday, I'll find a way to say those words to you."
July 2, 1999
To: Maj Sarah MacKenzie
From: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I don't remember ever having to work this hard the last time I was on flight duty. I guess that's what happens when you suddenly find yourself surrounded by guys ten years younger than you.
How are things going there? Bud sent me pictures of little A.J. I can't believe how much he's grown already. Give him a kiss for me, will you?
I don't know how often I'll have access to e-mail while on board, but I'll do my best to keep in touch. Thank you for last weekend, Mac. You are an amazing woman and I appreciate the time we spent together before my deployment.
Harm
July 5, 1999
To: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Maj. Sarah MacKenzie
There is nowhere I would have rather been than with you, Harm. I only wish I could have been there for your actual deployment. I would have enjoyed watching the pride shine on your face as you boarded the carrier and stepped into your new role.
I celebrated the holiday with Bud, Harriet and baby A.J. yesterday. A.J. was asleep before the fireworks began, but that's probably for the best. He's still too young to appreciate the beauty of them. He is so precious, Harm. He's already changed so much since his birth. He's starting to look more like Bud everyday, except for the blonde hair. He definitely gets that from Harriet.
I hope you are taking care of yourself. You're not twenty anymore, you know. Nor are you invincible. Please keep that in mind when you're pulling g's out there.
Mac
July 30, 1999
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Mac did her best to keep from rolling her eyes as she listened to Mic give his closing arguments. Since she was sitting first chair on the defense council, she had opted to let Bud handle theirs. Brumby hadn't done a very good job with his burden of proof, and Bud had been instrumental in finding several holes in the prosecutions case. Because of that, Mac figured it was only fair to allow Bud to bring the case to a close. Looking over the head of their client, Mac met Bud's eyes and offered him a smile of encouragement. He looked somewhat nervous, but Mac had no doubt that once he began speaking, his nervousness would fade.
When Mic finally finished, he looked over at Mac and winked at her. This time, Mac didn't even bother to try to hide rolling her eyes. He wasn't just arrogant; he was nauseatingly obnoxious as well.
"Is the defense ready for closing arguments?" Captain Sebring asked.
"We are." Mac replied as she stood. "Lieutenant Roberts will be doing the honors today, Sir."
Admiral Sebring looked over at Bud with a nod. "Very well, Lieutenant, you may begin."
Bud took a deep breath as he got to his feet and began his speech. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, at the beginning of this trial, the prosecution promised they would present irrefutable evidence to the guilt of Petty Officer Jeffries. Instead of that, they have done nothing but lead you on a wild goose chase. This case has proven to be plagued with miscommunication, deceit and a lack of professionalism on the part of the investigators. Not only was evidence mishandled, but the truth behind Petty Officer Jeffries involvement in this crime was relegated to the back burner in an effort to distort the facts."
"The facts of this case are simple. There is no proof whatsoever that Petty Officer Jeffries is guilty. There is no murder weapon, there is no motive, there is no opportunity, there is even no physical evidence linking Petty Officer Jeffries to the scene of the crime. While the prosecution has paraded witnesses in front of you who claim that Petty Officer Jeffries had it in for the deceased, not one shred of evidence exists that support their claims."
Mac chanced a look over at Mic and couldn't help but smile as she saw the frustration on his face. He had sorely underestimated Bud. Mac felt pride well within her as Bud thanked the jury for their time and then returned to his seat. He reached for his glass of water as the jury was dismissed and then stood with the rest of the courtroom as Admiral Sebring dismissed court for the day.
"Nice job, Bud," Mac said as she reached over to shake his hand.
"Thank you, Ma'am," he replied. "How do you think we did?"
"I think we did great, Bud. Now we'll just have to wait until the jury decides."
Bud offered her a small smile before reaching down to pick up his briefcase.
"And here I thought I was going to get to watch you in action," Mic said as he stepped up behind Mac.
"Not today," Mac replied as she turned to face him.
Mic waited until she had gathered her things and then fell into step beside her as they headed out of the courtroom. "How about you let me buy you dinner tonight?"
"No thanks, Mic," she replied as they reached the elevator. "I already have plans tonight."
"Still playing hard to get, aren't you?" Mic asked as they stepped into the elevator.
"I'm not playing anything, Mic," she replied as she stepped to the far corner of the empty elevator, hoping he would take the hint and leave her alone.
"Come on, Mac," he argued as he once again stepped into her personal space. "Cut me some slack here. All I want to do is buy you dinner."
"How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not interested?" she replied as she turned to face him.
"Your mouth says you're not interested, but your body says something else," he replied as he reached out and tried to pull her towards him, his lips descending to hers.
Before he realized what was happening, she grabbed his hand and twisted him around, forcing him into the wall. Leaning in behind him, she said, "This is your last warning, Commander. If you want your career to remain more intact than your hand right now, I suggest you take a hint. I am not interested."
Mic winced in pain when she released her hold on him and he immediately pulled his hand around to look at it. "I think you broke it."
"You're lucky that's all I broke," she replied just before the doors opened and she stepped off the elevator. She was still fuming, but she forced a smile as she stepped into the bullpen and saw the small crowd gathered around Bud listening to his version of what had happened in the courtroom.
Getting Tiner's attention, she pulled him aside. "Tiner, you might want to go check on Commander Brumby. I think he might have hurt his hand on the elevator."
"Yes, Ma'am," Tiner replied before hurrying out of the bullpen.
"You were great up there, Bud," Mac stated, wanting the group to realize how proud she was of him.
"Thank you, Ma'am," he replied. "I've had excellent teachers."
Mac smiled at that as her thoughts drifted to Harm and she quietly excused herself to her office.
July 30, 1999
To: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Maj. Sarah MacKenzie
I swear that sometimes I'd just like to wring Mic Brumby's neck. You wouldn't believe the stunt he pulled today. He actually tried to kiss me in the elevator. He's lucky that he only ended up with a broken finger. I was considering breaking something else.
I sure wish you could've seen Bud in court today, though. You would've been so proud of him, Harm. He sounded a lot like you while he was giving his closing arguments. I think he might have won our case with those last few words.
Mac
August 2, 1999
To: Maj Sarah MacKenzie
From: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Do I need to set Brumby straight? I know we agreed to keep our relationship low key and somewhat quiet for now, but I'm not opposed to flying back there to kick his ass.
Harm
August 3, 1999
To: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Maj. Sarah MacKenzie
There's no need for you to worry about Mic. I can handle him. However, if you want to fly home under the pretense of defending my honor, I wouldn't be opposed to seeing you.
Mac
August 4, 1999
To: Maj Sarah MacKenzie
From: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
As tempting as that sounds, I don't think you really need me defending your honor. I'd be willing to bet that you downplayed the incident for my benefit.
Please tell Bud how proud I am of him, Mac. He's developing into quite the lawyer, isn't he?
Harm
September 20, 1999
USS Patrick Henry
Harm let out an exhausted sigh as he dropped onto his bunk. He'd been buried in legal paperwork on top of everything else that he was supposed to be handling. The briefings and de-briefings that went along with every flight were both mentally and emotionally draining, and it was starting to catch up with him. He was tired.
The last thing he wanted to deal with was the X-Man's complaint against his plane captain. Buxton was an overconfident, arrogant jackass and Harm wanted nothing to do with him. Yes, there was some competition there. Yes, Harm was struggling with the fact that he was no longer the top gun he once was, but that didn't change the facts. Buxton was dangerous.
Hearing a groan come from the bunk above him, Harm sat up. "Tuna, you okay up there?"
"Just feeling a little queasy," came the muffled reply.
"Maybe you should go get yourself checked out," Harm suggested. The last thing he needed right now was his bunkmate getting sick all over him.
"I will later," came the reply. "Right now I just want to catch some shuteye."
"I hear you on that one," Harm agreed as he dropped back down against his pillow. He looked up at the picture he had taped to the bottom of Tuna's bunk. He reached up and gently traced his finger across Mac's features before finally giving in to the exhaustion and closing his eyes. He was too tired to be second-guessing himself now.
September 22, 1999
To: Maj Sarah MacKenzie
From: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Please tell me that you're the one the Admiral is sending out here to investigate this mess. I need to see a friendly face and I'd really like it to be yours.
Harm
September 23, 1999
To: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Maj. Sarah MacKenzie
Mic and I will be there sometime tomorrow. And I have a surprise for you.
Mac
September 23, 1999
To: Maj Sarah MacKenzie
From: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
A surprise? You know how much I hate surprises, Mac. Why don't you just tell me now?
Harm
September 24, 1999
To: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Maj. Sarah MacKenzie
I think you'll get a kick out of this surprise. Sorry, no hints though. You're just going to have to wait. I'll see you in a few hours.
Mac
September 30, 1999
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I'm not sure which was more of a surprise...those shiny oak leaves on your uniform or the fact that you snuck into my bunk last night. I'm just glad that Tuna was still in sick bay fighting off the flu.
I'm sorry for acting like a jerk concerning Brumby. Can we just mark it up to jealousy this time and forget about it? When I saw the two of you working together like that, it just reminded me of how things used to be between us. I miss that, Mac. Probably a lot more than I'll ever admit to myself. I can't guarantee that I'll never overreact again, but I'll do my best.
In case I didn't tell you this, I'm very proud of you. You're one of the finest officers I've ever had the pleasure of serving with. I'm not just saying that because we're sleeping together, either. Granted, that might be what's given me the courage to own up to how much I respect you, but the respect has been there all along.
Thank you for being here this week, Mac. It means a lot to me. I miss you.
Harm
October 1, 1999
To: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I don't know what to say. Somehow, thank you just doesn't seem adequate. I hope you know that I'm proud of you, too. I might not have understood your decision to return to flying at first, but I think I do now. Being out there and seeing you do what you love to do...what you were born to do...it all makes more sense now.
For the record, jealousy doesn't become you, but it's water under the bridge now. And I honestly don't know what possessed me to sneak into your bunk like that. I just couldn't imagine another night of not being in your arms when you were that close.
I've got to get to court now.
Mac
P.S. I miss you, too
October 12, 1999
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I hear that it's been pretty interesting around there. Did you really get stuck defending the SecNav's son? That's got to be tough, Mac. I'm sure you'll do great though. You're an incredible lawyer.
Do you have any plans for Thanksgiving yet? I should be able to get some leave time that week if you're interested in getting together.
Harm
October 13, 1990
To: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
"If" I'm interested in getting together? I think all that fresh ocean air is making you delusional, Harm. Of course, I'm interested. You just tell me when and where and I'll be there.
As far as this case goes, I think the SecNav is just trying to punish all of us here for being friends with you. I've got Bud on my side though, so we'll do our best.
Mac
November 5, 1999
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
How is Chloe doing? I'm sorry that I wasn't around to help you look for her, but from what I hear, you didn't really need any help. So now that you've seen her for yourself, and you know she's okay, how is she adjusting to her new life? Is she doing okay in school and everything? She wasn't too disappointed that you weren't spending the holiday with her, was she?
Harm
November 6, 1999
To: Lt. Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Chloe is doing great. She gave me quite a scare though. Once I was convinced that she was really okay, we had a chance to sit and talk for quite a while. She's at that age where all she talks about is boys. Not that I really have any room to say anything. I tend to ramble about you every time I talk to her. I think that's part of why she wasn't too upset that I wouldn't be visiting her for Thanksgiving. She knows how much I'm looking forward to seeing you.
Mac
November 20, 1999
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
It's official, Mac. My promotion went through yesterday. I guess this means you can't order me around anymore. Unless, of course, you're wearing that little red number. Looks like you'll be spending Thanksgiving with a full Commander this year.
Harm
November 20, 1999
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Congratulations, Harm! I sure wish I could've been there to see you get your promotion. I guess we'll just have to have a private celebration this weekend.
Mac
November 30, 1999
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I'm sorry that you got stuck in the middle of this one, Mac. And I hope you didn't think I wasn't being supportive. I had to go with my instincts on this one, and I just couldn't believe that Skates had done anything wrong. I hope you understand that.
I really enjoyed seeing you again this week, even if it wasn't under the best of circumstances. I was afraid that after our weekend together, it would be several months before I got to see you again, and I wasn't sure how I was going to deal with that.
I hope we're still okay. I know we didn't really have much of a chance to talk before I had to leave again.
Harm
December 1, 1999
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
We're fine, Harm. We were both just doing our jobs. I didn't feel like you were being unsupportive, either. You were just expressing your opinion. Just because we're sleeping together doesn't mean we're always going to see eye to eye. I imagine that we're going to have to deal with that for some time to come. I think our relationship is strong enough to handle the occasional difference of opinion though, don't you?
Mac
December 14, 1999
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I'm glad we're okay, Mac. You know, I can't remember the last Christmas that I didn't visit the Wall. I hate that I'm not going to be able to go this year. Would it be asking too much for you to go in my place?
Harm
December 14, 1999
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I'd be honored to go in your place, Harm. As much as I wish you were going to be with me for Christmas, I know that's not possible. So please try to relax and enjoy the season. Don't drive everyone around you crazy.
I miss you.
Mac
December 25, 1999
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I don't know what to say, Mac. I guess I'm still shell-shocked by Jenny Lake's story. Part of me wants to think she's lying, but another part of me wants to believe that he wasn't alone. Even after having time to digest the news, I still don't know how I should react.
I love my dad, Mac. And I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that he loved both me and my mom with all of his heart. But I can understand his loneliness, too. It's not easy being away from the people you care about...especially around the holidays.
I feel lucky that I'm able to communicate with you on a regular basis. My parents didn't have the luxury of e-mail while my dad was at sea.
I miss you, Mac. Merry Christmas.
Harm
December 25, 1999
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I know this isn't easy for you to accept, Harm. Please know that I'm here for you if you need me. I'll always be here for you.
I got your package in the mail yesterday. Thank you very much. I'm sure I shouldn't ask where you managed to get your hands on it, but please know that it's my favorite book and having an autographed copy of it is amazing.
Little A.J. enjoyed the toy Tomcat as well. Harriet wasn't thrilled by all the different noises it makes, but I assured her that as his godfather, you were required to lavish him with toys that make noise.
Merry Christmas, Harm. Call your mother, I'm sure she misses you as much as I do.
Mac
January 11, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I'm jealous again, you know. If you wanted to visit a military school, all you had to do was say so. I would've been more than happy to give you a tour of the Naval Academy.
Seriously though, great job on the case. I still don't think Brumby deserves any of the credit. I'm sure that you handled all of the hard stuff. There's no way he can keep up with you. You're way out of his league.
Tell me about this recruiting commercial that's being filmed there. Bud didn't sound very excited about it.
Thank you for the pictures. You look like a natural with A.J. in your arms. Even if you were sitting on Santa's lap.
Harm
January 12, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
This commercial thing is ridiculous, Harm. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get any work done with the bitch director from hell hovering? I cannot stand that woman. She is rude and insulting to everyone. She even went so far as to call Bud the "Pillsbury Doughboy." I was afraid that I was going to need you to come and defend me again.
Mac
January 19, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Before I forget, Bud sent me a copy of the finished commercial and I think it turned out great. Having said that...how are you doing?
You have no idea how much I wish I could've been there for you when you argued Farmer's appeal. Mac, you shouldn't have had to go to his execution, especially not alone. I'm sorry. I can only imagine how tough that was for you.
I wish there were a way that I could hold you in my arms right now.
Harm
January 20, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I'm doing okay, Harm. It wasn't easy watching him die, but I survived.
Did you hear that Mic has been called back to Australia? I can't say that I'm sorry to see him go. He's been a pain in my ass since the day you left. You'd think the man would be able to take a hint.
So rumor has it that you're going to be receiving a second DFC. Any chance they'll let a Marine JAG officer on board for the ceremony?
Mac
January 21, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I just talked to Webb and he said Palmer's managed to escape. I tried to call you, but Tiner said you were in court for the afternoon. Please be careful. I know you're a Marine and you can take care of yourself, but please just be extra cautious. He's a lunatic and he'd do anything to get to me and that includes using you.
I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you...especially before I'd told you how much you mean to me. You are my world, Mac. I love you.
Harm
January 22, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I read your last paragraph several times before I convinced myself that I hadn't imagined those words. Do you mean it or were you just letting your fear get the best of you and talking without thinking?
By the way, Webb caught Palmer before he ever made it out of Kansas. He's back behind bars, so you can stop worrying.
Mac
January 23, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I love you, Sarah.
Harm
January 24, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Eight months ago, you asked me not to say the words once I finally figured them out, and I have honored that request. Now I'm asking you to release me from that promise because the feeling is mutual, Harm.
Mac
January 31, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Never have I heard anything more beautiful than those words coming from your lips. Being able to hold you in my arms and repeat them back to you was utterly amazing.
I need to see you again, Mac. I'm so glad you were here for the DFC ceremony, but it just wasn't enough. You know that line about "out of sight...out of mind"? Well, it's a load of horse manure. I haven't been able to get you off of my mind since you left the carrier. Skates has gotten a good laugh out of it, too. She says it's about time I let myself enjoy being in love with you. Don't tell her I said this, but I have to agree with her.
I love you.
Harm
February 3, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
When do we get to the flowers and chocolate candies and strolling through the park holding hands? I want to do all of that with you, Harm. I don't want to miss out on anything that love has to offer us. I want to share everything with you.
Mac
February 4, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
We'll be docking in a couple of days. I know that your caseload is ridiculous right now, but I plan on being in town for a couple of weeks before heading out to spend some time with my mom. I would like very much to get to spend some time with you as well. I have a full month before I have to report back to base.
Harm
February 5, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I'll be looking forward to seeing you, Harm. I can't promise that I'll be available the entire time you're here, but I will make as much time for you as I can.
Mac
February 9, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
It's probably a good thing that I'm halfway around the world right now and spending the time with my godson. Otherwise, I'd be on my way to Australia to teach a certain Naval Commander a thing or two about respect. Did he think that you and Bud were just going to roll over and let him have his way? And then to invite you to go to the topless beach with him. I have half a mind to come there anyway, just so I can set him straight on that one.
I know...I know...I sound like a jealous boyfriend. I can't help it. I'm stuck here in D.C. and Brumby's trying to put the moves on you. I don't trust him, Mac. Please watch yourself around him.
Harm
February 15, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I'm not sure how to tell you this without it sounding hideously bad, so I'm just going to be straight with you. After we finished the case yesterday afternoon, Bud and I agreed to have dinner with Mic. Well, apparently Mic convinced Bud that the two of us wanted to be alone, so Bud never showed up. We ended up on a dinner cruise and Mic decided that since I hadn't thrown him overboard, I was interested in him. The next thing I know, he's pulling out a ring and asking me to be his wife. I couldn't believe it, Harm.
Needless to say, I turned him down cold and left him standing there. But I still can't believe the audacity of that man. I wish you'd have been here, Harm. It would have been nice to see you knock that cocky grin off his face. Apparently, a broken finger just doesn't do the trick.
Mac
February 16, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Remind me that the next time I see Brumby, I owe him a right hook, will you? I wish I had been there with you, Mac. I can only imagine how beautiful you looked under the stars with the moonlight dancing across your face. I miss you so much that it hurts right now, Mac. I'll be waiting for you when you land.
Harm
Friday, February 18, 2000
Dulles International Airport
Washington D.C.
Harm leaned over and took A.J. from Harriet's arms as they headed down the terminal. "Come here, buddy. Your mom needs a break from lugging you around, I think."
"Thank you, Sir," Harriet replied as she watched Harm shift A.J. in his arms. "He was getting a bit heavy there."
"Harriet, we're not even in uniform here. Do you think it would be too much trouble for you to refer to me as Harm?"
"Actually, Sir, I think it would," she replied honestly.
Harm couldn't help but grin as they kept walking. In spite of the fact that Harriet had been furious with Bud for his comments on the phone, she was obviously very anxious to see him. Having spent much of the past week with her and A.J., Harm knew she was worried about Bud's broken jaw. Harm had tried not to laugh when he'd heard the story of how Bud had tried to break up a fight outside the courthouse, but he wasn't very successful. With as much time as he'd spent with Harm in the past, Bud should've known better.
Harm noticed the MP's as they finally reached the gate, and he briefly wondered exactly what all had transpired in Australia. He knew that Bud's injury had forced the Admiral to join him and Mac overseas, but the details of their case were sketchy at best. Other than a couple of e-mails from Mac in regards to Brumby, he hadn't heard from her.
In fact, he had been quite disappointed when he'd arrived in D.C. and found out that Mac had left earlier that day for Australia. He had been looking forward to seeing her, but he understood how assignments worked. You didn't always to get to pick when and where you went.
So instead of getting upset about it, Harm had decided to make the most of his time and had spent nearly every afternoon with Harriet and A.J. He had enjoyed getting to know his godson again, and Harriet had seemed to appreciate the company. She had finally stopped asking him what was going on between him and Mac, but he seriously doubted that she believed him when he told her that it was nothing.
They settled into the hard plastic chairs just as they heard the announcement of the flight Mac, Bud and the Admiral were on. "Looks like we're just in time," Harriet stated.
"You're not going to give Bud too hard of a time, are you?" Harm asked as he turned A.J. on his lap so the baby could look around.
"Oh, I plan to make sure he's okay first," Harriet replied. "But I am still very upset about his comments on the phone."
Harm merely shook his head and turned his attention to A.J. "Your daddy's in deep this time, buddy."
"And what do you think the Colonel's reaction would have been if she'd found out you'd been ogling half-naked women?" Harriet asked.
Harm tried to hide a smile at Harriet's not-so-subtle badgering. Choosing his words carefully, he replied, "I think that as long as she wasn't one of the women I was looking at, she would have marked it up it to typical male behavior and left it at that. Now, if it had been her, then I'd probably be in a lot of trouble."
"Yeah, right," Harriet snorted as she looked over at him.
Harm couldn't help but laugh at that and he met her gaze with a smile still in place on his face. "Easy there, Lieutenant."
"Sorry, Sir. Do you want me to take him?"
"We're okay for now," Harm replied as they saw the plane taxi up to the gate. "I'm sure you'll want to check on Bud as soon as he gets off the plane."
They stood up as the first passengers made their way off of the plane, but they tried to stay out of the flow of traffic. They saw Bud escorting a man off of the plane and they waited until he'd turned him over to the waiting MP's before they made their way over to him.
Harm watched as Harriet reached her husband's side and pulled him into a quick embrace before stepping back to make sure he was okay. Looking over their heads, he saw the Admiral and Mac making their way up the walkway and he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face. Even after sixteen hours on an airplane, she was absolutely breathtaking.
Harm slowly made his way over to the small group, his eyes never leaving Mac's. "Commander, it's good to see you," Admiral Chegwidden stated.
"It's good to see you, too, Admiral," Harm replied as he forced his eyes away from Mac long enough to acknowledge the senior officer.
Harm allowed Bud to take A.J. from his arms as he said, "Bud, I thought I taught you how to duck better than that."
Although his words were mumbled due to his jaw being wired shut, Harm was able to make out his, "I tried, Sir."
Harm chuckled slightly before allowing his gaze to return to Mac. "Mac," he said in acknowledgement.
"It's good to see you, Harm," she replied, careful to keep her voice neutral.
"You, too," he replied.
"Let's get out of here," Admiral Chegwidden suggested. "It's been a very long day."
A chorus of "Aye, Sir" followed his suggestion and they all fell into step behind him. Bud settled A.J. on his hip as he once again tried to apologize to Harriet. Harriet replied with "We'll talk about it later." And they fell silent as they walked through the airport.
Bringing up the rear of the group, Harm took Mac's shoulder bag from her as he said, "So how was Australia?"
"Oh, you would have enjoyed it, Harm," she replied. "There were women going topless on almost every beach we passed."
"Were you among them?" Harm teased.
Mac lifted her eyebrows suggestively as she lowered her voice and said, "You'll just have to check for tan lines and find out, won't you?"
Harm swallowed hard before reaching out and giving her hand a quick squeeze. "I missed you," he mouthed.
"Me, too," she responded in kind. Louder, she added, "So how long are you in town?"
"I'm on leave for two more weeks, but I'm leaving on Wednesday to spend some time with my mom and Frank."
Bud turned around and said something to which Harm merely gave him a blank stare. Mac couldn't help but laugh before she said, "He said he'd like you to spend some time with them this weekend."
"I'd like that, Bud. What did you have in mind?"
Bud said something to Harriet who in turn said, "How about dinner tomorrow night at our place? It would give us all a chance to catch up." Seeing Harm's quick glance over at Mac, Harriet quickly added, "Colonel, you and the Admiral are invited also."
"It sounds good to me," Harm replied. "How about you, Mac?"
"Count me in, too," she agreed.
Harriet turned her attention to Admiral Chegwidden who replied, "I'd be honored, Harriet."
"Then it's set. 1800 tomorrow."
As they made their way down to baggage claim, Mac and Bud talked about their trip to Australia with the Admiral throwing in a comment every now and then, and Mac doing a lot of interpreting for Harm's sake. By the time they had claimed their bags and were on their way out of the airport, they were all laughing and enjoying each other's company.
"Do you need a ride, Colonel?" Admiral Chegwidden asked as they headed out to the parking lot.
Mac looked over at Harm who replied, "I can take her home, Sir."
The Admiral gave them a knowing smile before he bid them good night and headed to his vehicle. They walked with Bud and Harriet out to where Harm and Harriet had parked earlier and said their goodbyes, with Mac being sure to give A.J. a kiss, before they all climbed in and headed out of the parking lot.
"Do you have any idea how much I want to kiss you?" Harm asked as he reached across the seat and took Mac's hand in his.
"So what's stopping you?" she asked as she interlaced her fingers with his.
"Bud and Harriet are in the car behind us watching our every move," he replied.
"So?" Mac replied.
Harm looked over at her as they pulled into the line of cars waiting to pay to exit the parking lot. "I've spent the last two weeks dodging Harriet on details of our relationship."
Meeting his gaze, Mac squeezed his hand. "I love you, Harm."
"Oh come here already," he replied before lifting his hand to her head and pulling her across the seat until their lips met. Mac gasped in surprise and Harm took the opportunity to slip his tongue into her mouth where he teased hers for a moment before slowly easing away from her. "I love you, too."
Mac smiled at him as she motioned in front of them. "It's our turn."
Harm slowly eased the car up and rolled the window down to pay. After rolling the window back up, he and Mac both turned around to wave at Bud and Harriet before pulling out of the lot and into the flow of traffic.
"We're never going to hear the end of this, you do know that, right?" Harm asked.
"I don't care," Mac replied. "It's better than trying to keep my feelings hidden tomorrow night."
"Speaking of tomorrow night," Harm said. "There's something that I wanted you to wear...if you don't mind."
"I am *not* wearing the red number to Bud and Harriet's, so don't even ask."
"Well, how about wearing this?" Harm asked as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box. He handed it to her and then pulled the car off to the side of the road.
Mac's hands shook as she opened the small box and saw the diamond sitting there. Harm reached over and lifted the ring from its resting place. "Will you marry me?"
Mac looked up from the ring and met his smile with one of her own. "Yes," she whispered before reaching up and pulling his lips back to hers. This time when they broke apart, Harm took her left hand in his and carefully slid the ring on her finger.
"I love you, Mac."
"I love you," she replied. "And I've missed you. Now get this car in motion and get us back to my apartment before I forget that I'm an officer in the Marine Corps and I drag you into the backseat." Harm couldn't help but laugh as he put the car back in gear and headed to her apartment.
February 23, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I tried to call and let you know that I'd made it here, but Tiner said you were still in court. I'll definitely call you at home later, though. My mother is very anxious to talk to her soon to be daughter-in-law. She and Frank were as excited about the news as I anticipated them being, I only wish you could have been here with me to tell them.
My mom tells me that I could've done something more romantic than pulling off the side of the road to propose to you, and I'm sure she's right. It's just that when you told me about Mic asking you to marry him in Australia, it was like a knife in my gut. I had wanted so badly to spend Valentine's Day with you so I could propose myself, but it just didn't happen. I swear that I had a nice proposal all planned out for you, Mac. But when I saw you walking off that airplane, all I could think about was how much I love you and how much I want you to be my wife. Part of me still can't believe you said yes. I know that I have to be the luckiest man alive right now.
I love you.
Harm
February 24, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I have to admit that you caught me by surprise with your proposal, Harm. But it was a good kind of surprise. I love you with my entire being and want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much you mean to me. I'll be looking forward to your call later. And please give my sincerest apologies to your mother for not being able to make the trip. You wouldn't believe the stack of paperwork that accumulated while I was in Australia.
Mac
February 28, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I know that I'm supposed to be flying straight from here to Pensacola, but I've decided that a slight change in plans is necessary. I'm leaving here tomorrow and I'm going to spend the rest of the week in Washington before I report for duty. I'm going crazy without you already and desperately want to see you again. I know that you're busy with the fallout from the Gunny's trial, but I hope we can manage to spend a little bit of time together.
Harm
March 2, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Oh Harm, you have no idea how sorry I am that I didn't get your message before I got on that flight. I would have called you and let you know that the Admiral was sending Bud and I to Korea. As you've probably already heard, there were a few tense moments in the air. Fortunately, there was an off duty pilot on board or we probably wouldn't be having this conversation right now. I miss you so much, Harm. I'm sorry that I wasn't here. You have no idea how much I want to see you...how much I want you to wrap your arms around me and just hold me. I love you.
Mac
March 3, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I should've known better than to just show up without checking your schedule first. Please don't feel bad about it. Just know that I love you. And the next time we see each other, you can count on being wrapped in my embrace and held for as long as you want.
Harm
March 28, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Have you talked to Bud? Did you hear the good news? I'm so happy for them, Harm.
Mac
March 29, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I actually got a phone call from Bud yesterday afternoon. He was nearly bubbling over with excitement as he told me about the baby. He said he's hoping for a girl this time...something about A.J. needing a little sister to look after. I'm sure that he didn't mean she wouldn't be capable of taking care of herself or anything, just that us guys like to feel needed, you know? <grin>
Harm
March 30, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Very cute, Harm. You're just a laugh a minute, aren't you? So how is land duty treating you? Are you getting in plenty of flying time?
Mac
April 2, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
As much as I miss tripping over someone else whenever I decide to go to my room, this land duty isn't so bad. We've been busy testing new equipment, though, so I'm not going to complain. You know how much I enjoy being in the air. Granted, it's not nearly as enjoyable as being in your arms, but it runs a close second. Speaking of which, we need to make plans to see each other again, Mac. I miss you.
Harm
April 4, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I know this is short notice, but I need to get away for a few days. Is there anyway you could get some time off? I really need to see you.
Mac
April 5, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
My door is always open, Mac. Do you want to tell me what's going on? You've got me a little worried.
Harm
April 5, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I have a late night flight out of Dulles. I'll be landing in Pensacola around noon. Don't worry about meeting me at the airport. I'll catch a cab to the base and get a room at the VOQ. I'll explain everything when I get there. I promise.
Mac
April 6, 2000
Pensacola, Florida
Harm signed off on the last of the reports from the test flights he'd flown that day and made his way over to Captain Long. Harm came to attention and waited for the Captain to acknowledge him before he spoke.
"Commander Rabb requesting permission to begin weekend liberty," Harm stated.
"You did a heck of a job up there today, Rabb," Captain Long commented. "Enjoy the long weekend."
"Thank you, Sir," Harm replied.
"Dismissed."
"Aye, Sir." With that, Harm turned on his heel and immediately headed to the VOQ. Mac should have been here for several hours already, but he had yet to see her and he was quite worried about her.
When he reached the front desk of the officers' quarters without spotting her, he decided to see if she'd checked in yet. "Excuse me, Lieutenant," Harm addressed the young man sitting at the desk.
"How can I help you, Sir?"
"Has Colonel MacKenzie checked in yet?" Harm asked.
"She has," came a voice from behind him causing Harm to quickly do an about face.
"Mac?" he questioned.
"Why don't you go get changed and take me out to dinner?" Mac replied.
Harm took a tentative step towards her, but something in her expression made him stop. "Give me five minutes," he replied. "I'll be right back."
"I'll be here waiting," she promised.
Unable to read her mood, but sensing that something was drastically wrong, Harm raced across the base to his quarters where he quickly changed into jeans and a t-shirt before climbing in his car and driving back to pick Mac up.
She was waiting outside for him and she climbed in next to him without a word. It wasn't until they were outside of the base and on their way into town that she finally spoke.
"Harm, I've made a mess of things this time."
"What happened?" Harm asked as he carefully maneuvered through the traffic.
"I saw the fitness report on Bud's client. Somebody left it in my car for me to find, and I got called on it." Harm's brow shot up at that, but he let her continue. "The look on Bud's face was one of total disbelief, Harm. And then the Admiral...he doesn't believe that I didn't intentionally read the report. I was dismissed from the case and I'm going to be facing ethic charges when I go back."
Harm pulled into a small shopping center and parked the car so he could turn to look at her. "Do you know who put it there?"
"It doesn't matter, Harm. I knew better than to even look at it."
"Wait a minute," he argued. "This is your career we're talking about. It does matter."
"You don't understand," she said, tears of frustration making their way down her cheeks as she opened the car door and got out.
Harm followed suit, walking around the car and wrapping her in his arms. She stood rigid for several moments, refusing to allow herself to draw from his strength...hating herself for needing him, but wanting desperately to give in to the warmth and safety of his embrace.
He continued to hold her, his hands stroking gently up and down her back until he felt her relax. He felt the sobs that racked her body as she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest. "I don't know what to do, Harm."
"It's okay, Mac," he whispered. "You're not alone. I'm right here and we'll get through this together."
They stood like that for several moments, until Mac finally took a small step away from him. "I hate feeling this vulnerable."
"I know," he replied as he reached up to wipe the remaining tears from her face. "But I'm glad that you trust me this much."
"I ran away from the problem."
He shrugged slightly. "Sometimes a strategic retreat is in order."
Mac chuckled lightly at that and then turned her gaze up to his. "I love you, Harm."
"I love you, too," he replied. Leaning down to plant a soft kiss on her lips, he added, "Now, not that I don't want to spend time with you, but we should probably come up with a game plan so you can get yourself back to JAG and get this mess cleared up. Somebody obviously went to a lot of trouble to discredit you on this case and we should figure out who and why."
"Can we do that tomorrow?" she asked. "Because tonight, I'd really like to just get lost in loving you."
"Well..." he began. "You did fly all the way down here."
Mac smiled as she reached up and pulled his face down to hers. Their lips met in a gentle kiss before she pulled away laughing.
"What's so funny?" Harm asked.
"Here we are...in yet another parking lot. What is it with us?"
Harm shared in her laughter before wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her to his side. "Come on, there's this great little Indian restaurant not far from here. We'll grab some dinner and then we'll go for a walk, or whatever."
"I should warn you that I'm spoken for," Mac teased as they walked.
"Would now be a good time to tell you that turns me on?" he asked.
"Not if you want to make it through dinner," she replied.
Harm drew in a sharp breath at the mental images that provoked and he heard Mac's laughter as she watched him. With a shake of his head, he led her across the street. "You're going to be okay. You know that, don't you?"
Mac nodded her agreement. "I know. I just needed you to remind me."
"Anytime."
"I'm learning that."
"Me, too."
April 12, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I still don't have any proof, but I'm fairly certain now that it was Singer who planted that file in my car. I think she and I have come to an understanding. But believe me, I'll definitely be watching my back where she's concerned.
So in case I didn't say it before I left...thank you. You were right, things are going to be fine. I love you, Harm.
Mac
April 13, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Hate to say "I told you so", but I did. I'm glad you came down here, Mac. It was good to see you, even if it wasn't under ideal circumstances. I miss you already.
Harm
April 20, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Just wanted you to know that I'm going to be out of touch for a while. I'm going on an investigation that will most likely require me to be undercover and away from the computer. I love you.
Mac
April 26, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
There weren't really pictures were there? I've gotten rather accustomed to the idea of being the only person who has the privilege of knowing exactly where you hide that tattoo of yours.
I'm really glad Bud was around to watch your six, Mac. I don't think I like the idea of you joining a cult...even if it was an assignment.
Harm
April 27, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I am still a Marine, you know.
Mac
April 28, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
The sexiest one I know, too. And yes, quite capable of taking care of yourself in any and all situations. Doesn't mean I can't worry about you occasionally, though.
Harm
May 2, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Speaking of sexy...when am I going to get to see you again? It was hard enough being apart from you before we were involved, but now that I know what I'm missing, it's terrible. I miss being in your arms. I miss the way you say my name when you first wake up in the morning. I miss your smile. I miss the sound of your laughter. I miss you, Harm.
Mac
May 3, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
You should warn a guy when the e-mail you send is going to send his imagination into overdrive, Mac. I miss you, too, you know. I miss the way you smell right when you get out of the shower. I miss how sexy you look when you're walking around wearing nothing but one of my dress shirts. I miss the spark in your eyes when you're trying to decide whether to throw something at me or to kiss me. I miss being able to just lay in bed and watch you sleep. I especially miss being able to tell you every day how much I love you.
Harm
May 16, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I wish you were here for this one, Harm. You and Commander Coulter always seemed to hit it off better than she and I did. I think maybe that's because I was so jealous of her at first. But I don't know what it is this time. I guess she doesn't trust me the way that she would you.
Mac
May 19, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
You did a great job, Mac. Nobody else would have looked that deep into the events surrounding Teresa's mom's death to find out it was a suicide. Hopefully, Teresa and her dad will be able to find a way back to some kind of relationship.
Harm
May 23, 2000
Surface Warfare Ball
"Are we going the right way?" Mac asked as she walked with the Admiral and Bud down the hallway.
"Yeah, it's just up here," Bud replied as the Admiral began reading over his speech.
"They kicked me out?" Admiral Chegwidden read aloud as he turned to look at Bud.
"Just a little humor, Sir," Bud offered.
"People like that, Sir," Mac added.
Admiral Chegwidden shook his head as they rounded the corner and they saw Sydney, Harriet and Lauren Singer all standing together. With a sigh of relief, the Admiral approached Sydney.
"Good evening," he said as he wrapped his arm around her waist.
"I was about to dump you for the bartender," Sydney replied with a smile.
"I think I'm going to take him if you aren't," Singer said.
Mac turned around when she heard Bud's soft, "Wow!" and saw Harriet step towards him with a shy smile on her face.
"Is it okay?" she asked as she nervously glanced down at her new dress.
"No, it's not okay," Bud replied. "It's great."
Mac couldn't help but smile as Harriet stepped towards him and kissed him on the cheek.
"Can we go in now?" Admiral Chegwidden asked.
"Lauren," a voice called, causing them all to turn back around.
Seeing Lieutenant Aldridge approaching, Mac turned back to Singer and caught her shrug and mumbled, "Plan B."
Mac merely shook her head as the Admiral said, "Let's go."
They had almost made it to the doors leading into the ballroom when another voice stopped them in their tracks. "May I have the honor?"
Mac turned around and saw Harm standing there in his mess dress, a bright smile firmly in place as he added, "Of escorting you in?"
"Harm." The name was barely a whisper as it escaped her lips, her eyes locked firmly on his.
He walked slowly towards her, his eyes drifting from hers long enough to take in the red dress she wore, how it clung to her body in all of the right places, before meeting hers again.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"I took a couple of days of liberty," he replied as he took her hands in his, bringing them to his lips and brushing each with a kiss before adding, "I wanted to spend tonight with the woman I love."
"Chit chat later, Rabb," the Admiral called. "We're going in."
"Aye, Sir," Harm replied with a smile as he held his arm out to Mac.
Suddenly feeling as if she had awoken in a fairy tale, Mac couldn't help but smile as she looped her arm through Harm's and allowed him to lead her into the ballroom.
As they made their way to the table, Mac made quick introductions. "Dr. Walden, I'd like you to meet my fiance', Commander Rabb."
Sydney held out a hand to him. "It's Sydney."
"Harm," he replied as he shook her hand. "And it's a pleasure to meet you."
"And this is Lieutenant Lauren Singer," Mac added, noticing how the younger woman was eyeing Harm and not liking it at all.
Harm shook her hand as well, his eyes narrowing as he finally put a face with the name. "Lieutenant."
"I've heard a lot about you, Commander," Singer replied.
"Don't believe everything you hear, Lieutenant," was Harm's only reply before he turned his attention to her date. "Lieutenant Aldridge, it's good to see you again."
"You, too, Sir."
Finally reaching the table, Harm pulled Mac's chair out for her and waited until she was seated before taking his place at her side. Turning to look over at her, he whispered, "You look amazing."
"You're not looking too shabby yourself," she replied as her hand dropped under the table and found his.
"We're glad you could make it, Sir," Harriet said.
"Thank you, Harriet," Harm replied, giving Mac's hand a squeeze. "And I have to say that you look wonderful. Pregnancy looks good on you."
"Thank you, Sir," she replied with a slight blush.
"How is Mikey doing, Bud?" Harm asked.
"Much better now, Sir."
"I'm glad to hear that," Harm replied.
Just then, Admiral Chegwidden was called up to the stage to accept his award and the group at the table grew silent in order to hear his speech. Keeping his ears tuned into the Admiral, Harm allowed his eyes to drift back to Mac and he gave her hand another gentle squeeze under the table, causing her to turn to look over at him.
"I love you," he mouthed.
"I love you, too," she replied in kind.
They turned their attention back to Admiral Chegwidden's speech, but their hands remained locked together under the cover of the table. Harm felt the ring on Mac's finger against his and he released her hand long enough to trace his finger around the ring, still somewhat amazed that she had accepted his proposal.
With Harm's hand otherwise occupied, Mac took the opportunity to let her hand drop to his thigh, feeling the contraction of the muscles under his pants as she slowly caressed his leg. She met his gaze again, seeing the question in his eyes and answering him with only a mischievous smile as she allowed her hand to continue to move along his leg.
She felt him shift slightly in his seat before his hand came to rest over hers, his fingers interlocking with hers and pulling her hand away from where he desperately wanted to feel her touch. As the room erupted in applause, he leaned over to her and said, "Later."
"Promise?"
"Count on it."
*****
Mac watched as Harm laughed at something Dr. Walden had said to him and she couldn't help but smile. It was good to see him laugh. Heck, it was good to see him period. She had missed him terribly since she'd last seen him in Pensacola. While her reasons for visiting him then weren't the best, they had still managed to enjoy each other's company.
She caught his eye as he twirled Dr. Walden across the dance floor again, and he winked at her. Mac felt her smile widen at the simple gesture and once again found herself wondering if she'd awaken in a fairy tale. Her very own Prince Charming had shown up to escort her to the ball, complete with his mess dress and those gold wings that he wore so well.
When the song ended and he escorted Dr. Walden back to the table, Mac found herself grateful that she was still sitting down, because the smile he flashed at her made her feel weak in the knees.
"May I have this dance?" Harm asked as he made his way to Mac's side and bowed graciously.
"Certainly," she agreed, allowing him to help her out of her chair and then to lead her to the dance floor.
She relaxed in his embrace as they began to move slowly to the music, their eyes locking as their bodies melded together. "You feel amazing," Harm said as he tried to force himself to remember protocol.
"So do you," she agreed.
Harm allowed his gaze to travel down the front of her dress, his eyes glazing over slightly as he watched the rise and fall of her breasts with each breath she took. When his eyes met hers again, he could see the laughter shining in hers.
"See something you like, Commander?"
Locking his eyes on hers, Harm grinned and replied, "I see a lot of things I like, Colonel. Interested in hearing about them?"
Mac saw the flash of desire in his eyes and was unable to resist the slight teasing in his tone. "Please share."
Harm shook his head as his smile widened. "Sharing is not something I'm very good at, Mac. You should know that by now. I want you all to myself." Allowing his gaze to once again drift down her body, Harm lowered his voice. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are? The twinkle in your eyes...the fullness of your lips...the curve of your breasts. I see the way your dress clings to your body and it makes me jealous. I want to be the one covering your softness. I want it to be my hands and mouth tracing over the smooth skin I know I'll find if I slip the straps off of your shoulders."
Mac felt her arousal growing as his eyes lifted to hers again and he continued, "I want to slowly trail my hands down your body, feeling your muscles tighten in anticipation of my touch. I want to hear those soft sounds you make when I reach that sensitive spot behind your knee. I want to see the passion in your eyes as you reach for me. I want to feel the freedom to let myself lose control that I have only found in your arms. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you, Mac."
Mac could hear her heartbeat pounding in her ears and she realized that her breathing had become somewhat erratic. "What you do to me," she stated.
"What I want to do to you," he replied.
"We need to find a way to make a hasty retreat," Mac decided for them.
"I don't think that's going to be possible," he replied. "Dr. Walden has invited us to join her and the Admiral for a small celebration later."
Mac groaned in frustration as she looked over at their table. "Can't we plead jet lag or something?"
"To the Admiral's girlfriend?" Harm asked.
"You're right, bad decision," she replied, forcing herself to put a little distance between them so she could think. After a moment of silence, she looked up at him with a smile. "How about a quick trip out onto the terrace, Commander?"
Harm's smile matched hers and he released his hold on her so they could walk across to the doors leading out to the terrace. Harm wasn't surprised to find several couples already out there, but he felt Mac stiffen slightly at his side. "Come with me," he said.
She followed him around a corner and in a move she didn't see coming, he pulled her into his arms and turned them around so that anybody who might happen upon them would only be able to see him. "How's this?"
Instead of answering, Mac leaned up and met his lips in a fiery kiss. When they broke apart several breathless moments later, she replied, "Perfect."
"We can't stay out here long," he said as his lips trailed down to her neck.
"I know," she replied. "I just needed to be alone with you for a minute."
Bringing his head up to meet her eyes, he winked at her again. "I'm all yours."
Her hands moved to his chest, feeling the thundering of his heart as he once again lowered his mouth to hers. His arms went around her, crushing her against his body, feeling her pressed completely against him.
When they broke apart again, Harm took a step away from her. "If we don't stop now, I'm not going to be able to."
Mac let out a sigh and forced her hands back to her side. "Later. At my apartment."
Harm nodded his agreement and took several calming breaths before he smiled at her. "Ready to go back in?"
"No," she replied. "But yes."
"I love you, you know that?"
"I love you, too," she replied. "And thank you for being here."
"My pleasure," he said as he offered her his arm.
"Not yet," she said as she looped her arm through his. "But it will be."
Hearing his sharp intake of breath at that, Mac couldn't help but laugh softly as they made their way back inside and over to their friends.
May 29, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet, Commander. I can't even begin to tell you what was going through my mind when I turned around and saw you standing in that hallway. And then your soft declaration of being there to spend the evening with the woman you love about did me in.
I know I sound selfish, but I wish I'd had you all to myself the entire weekend. It was torture keeping my hands off of you while we were at the ball, and then later when we went out with our friends. I thought I was going to spontaneously combust at one point.
Did I mention how much I love you? Just when I think I can't possibly love you any more, you do something like this and I find myself falling for you all over again.
Mac
May 30, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I was slightly terrified that you would think my sudden appearance somewhat overbearing and presumptuous. But when Bud told me about the Admiral's speech and that you were all going to be there, I couldn't help myself. I wanted to see you and it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
When you turned around and smiled at me, I knew that there was no place I'd rather be than right there with you. It took every ounce of willpower I had to keep from pulling you into my arms and ravaging you right there. It's probably a good thing that the Admiral was still standing there or you might not have made it inside to hear his speech.
Do you have any idea how sexy it was to hear you introduce me as your fiance'? I can't even begin to describe how it made me feel to hear you say those words. I love you so much, Mac.
Harm
June 2, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I've gotten several compliments on my date, Harm. It seems you were a hit. Even Dr. Walden commented on how dashing you looked. We need to talk about setting a date. Once we've decided on that, I think we can move on to things like where we want to have the wedding, how many guests, how many attendants...that sort of stuff.
There's no rush on any of it though, Harm. If you decide you want to run off to a Justice of the Peace, that's fine with me, too. I'm just excited about becoming your wife.
Mac
June 8, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I have a week of leave coming up in July. I plan on being in Washington for most of it, but I would like very much for us to spend the 4th in California. My mom is anxious to spend some time getting to know her future daughter-in-law, and I know you were disappointed in not being able to be there when I told her about our engagement. Perhaps we could give her a date by then. Do you think you can get the time off? I know that you are still a little short handed around there.
Harm
June 12, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I've talked to the Admiral and he's approved my request for leave for the 3rd and the 5th. I'll be all yours from Friday night until I have to be back on work on Thursday. Should I go ahead and book our flight out to LaJolla?
Mac
June 14, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
That sounds wonderful. I hate that you're having to do all the work though. Sixteen days, Mac. I'm counting the hours. Probably not as accurately as you, but I'm counting them anyway.
Harm
June 15, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Fifteen days, eight hours, forty-two minutes and ten seconds. But it will be worth every second when I get to wrap my arms around you again.
Mac
July 11, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I miss you already, Mac. This last week was the most incredible week of my life. I knew that you and my mom would hit it off, and although I don't agree with all of the story swapping that went on, I am glad that you enjoyed yourself.
I've already told Skates that we decided on April 28th for our wedding. She is very excited and has already put in her request for leave. (I told you that she didn't hold a grudge.)
I don't know how much help I'm going to be with the details though, Mac. I hope this isn't going to be too much of a burden on you. The last thing I want to do is add extra stress to your life. Promise me that you'll let my mom and Harriet help you.
I've got to get out to the hangar now. I just wanted to tell you again how much I love you.
Harm
July 19, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I picked up the invitation samples today as well as a few brochures for possible honeymoon spots. I'll be sending you a package later this week. Make sure that you're alone when you open it.
Mac
July 31, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Oh wow. When you pack a care package, you really pack a care package. Do I even want to ask who took these pictures? You're just trying to torture me, aren't you?
I looked over the invitations that you sent and I like the white ones with the gold writing the best. However, there weren't any of them that I didn't like so tell me which one you picked out.
Now, about a honeymoon spot...if it's okay with you, I'd like to plan that part. I have an idea about where I'd like to take you, but I need some time to see if I can put it together. And no, I'm not going to tell you where it is until I know for sure if I can make it happen.
Harm
August 4, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I actually picked the white ones with the gold writing myself, Harm. They reminded me of how sexy you look in your dress whites and the printer said we could put our own design on the front of them. With a little help from Bud, I've put together something I think you might like.
Now, about those pictures...I at least gave you fair warning this time.
Mac
August 9, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Mac, this is amazing. You've managed to combine not only the Navy and Marine Corps insignia, but you've also got the JAG insignia and gold wings included. I definitely like it. It's a good representation of our lives, too. You can't tell where one part ends and the next begins but it all combines to make something beautiful.
In case I haven't said it lately, I love you.
Harm
August 14, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I can't stay long, Harm. I have to be in court in less than five minutes, but I needed to take a minute and reconnect with you. I miss you. I thought that this would get easier the closer we got to each other, but I think it only makes the distance seem worse.
I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound so depressing. I just wanted you to know that you're on my mind. I love you.
Mac
August 15, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
You know, it's kind of funny how the heart works. When I left JAG to return to active flight duty, I thought that I was recapturing something that had been wrongfully taken from me. I thought that I was getting a second chance at making my dreams come true. Now that I've been doing it for a while, I realize something. You are my dream come true, Mac.
Don't get me wrong...I still love flying. I love the roar of the engines and the smell of jet fuel and the adrenaline rush I get every time I step into the cockpit. But it's different this time. Now when I strap myself in, my first thought is that I have to make it back safely because you're waiting for me.
You were wrong that night at your apartment, Mac. I don't value flying above everything. Especially not you. This is one fighter jock who finally has his head screwed on straight. I will always love flying. But I love you more.
Harm
August 17, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
It's nice to see that you haven't lost your way with words, Harm. Would it be unprofessional of me to admit that you brought me to tears? Guess we'll have to keep that our little secret.
It's been a hectic couple of months around here. What is it with summer time that makes people act crazy? I don't know which has been worse...the drunk and disorderly cases or having to baby-sit Lieutenant Singer. You would think that someone with aspirations of being the first female JAG wouldn't try her hardest to piss everyone she works with off, wouldn't you?
Anyway, enough about work. I'm sending you a finished sample of the invitations. I still need your list of people you want to invite, too. If you leave this up to me, I’m going to let your mom invite anyone she wants--and yes, that was a threat. I'm also sending you a tentative menu for the reception. I know you said cake and punch were fine with you, but I don't think we can really get away with leaving our own reception after only five minutes. After all, most of our guests haven't seen you since you left.
I know this sounds a little scary, but I've put Tiner and Gunny in charge of the music for the reception. And Harriet is searching for an available church. I've already secured a minister, but he wants to meet with both of us before the actual ceremony. I explained that you were stationed in Pensacola, so he has agreed to postpone the meeting until your next leave. Speaking of which, when will that be? I think I'm actually starting to have Harmon Rabb withdrawal symptoms.
I know you're busy, so I'll go for now. I love you.
Mac
August 24, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Is there anything that I can do from here that will help with the wedding preparations? Other than my list of people I want to invite. (I'm working on it, I promise.) I feel like all I have to do is show up and say "I do" and that doesn't seem fair to you at all.
Harm
August 28, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Oh, you have to do more than just say "I do." There are the vows, and the rings, and please let's not forget the kiss. And that's just the ceremony. Once we get to the reception, you'll be expected to help cut the cake and feed it to me without making a mess. Then we'll have our first dance together as husband and wife. After that, you'll have to remove my garter and throw it to all of the anxious bachelors. Of course, I'm wondering how you're going to concentrate on all of those things when I plan to be standing by your side letting you know in no uncertain terms what I plan on doing to you once I get you alone.
Do you think you're up to the challenge, Harm? Can you picture it? Your hands sliding under my wedding gown...smoothly gliding up my leg until you reach the edge of the garter. Can you feel the heat from my body? Do you realize how close you'll be to that place where only you're allowed to go? Do you have any idea how many people will be watching your every move? Do you think they'll notice the slight contraction of my muscles which will trap your hand...if only momentarily? Can you feel the goose bumps on my skin as you slowly lower the garter down my leg? Can you see the desire in my eyes as clearly as I can see it in yours?
Oh, I think you've got plenty to do, Commander. But for now, why don't you just finish that list and get it to me?
Love you.
Mac
August 29, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I can picture it, Mac. Believe me, I can picture it. However, I think you have a few of the details wrong. You didn't spend a lot of time discussing the ceremony, so let me. I'm standing at the front of the church, trying my best not to fidget while I wait. I watch as Chloe walks down the aisle, a smile plastered on my face, but not really seeing her. Next comes Harriet. I'm sure she looks absolutely stunning in the satin dress you've decided on, but still I don't notice. How can I? I only have eyes for you.
Suddenly, there you are. I have to remind myself to breathe as you start down the aisle, because you are so amazingly beautiful that it knocks the air from my lungs. My eyes travel the length of your body, memorizing and cataloguing every detail...from the baby's breath in your hair, to the simple white shoes you've chosen for this day. Finally, I bring my eyes back up to yours, and although there is a veil covering your face, I can still see the happiness shining in your eyes.
I feel myself swell with pride as it sinks in that you are about to become my wife. You have agreed to spend eternity at my side and the enormity of that decision makes me feel like I'm flying. I am certain that there are hundreds of people in the church, but I am only aware of you. I hope that you can see in my eyes how much I love you as you place your hand in mine and we turn to face the minister.
I know that years from now, you'll be able to tell our children every detail about the ceremony and you'll be frustrated with me for not being able to recall the name of the song that was played while we lit the unity candle. So let me tell you now the things that I'll remember about it. I'll remember the way my heart sped up when I got my first glimpse of you walking down the aisle. I'll remember the subtle scent of your perfume as you took your place by my side. I'll remember how my hands trembled with excitement as I slid the wedding band on your finger. I'll remember the look in your eyes as we said our vows to each other. I'll remember how hard it was to focus on the minister because all I wanted to do was to look at you. I'll remember the feeling of elation when we were pronounced husband and wife, and I'll remember the absolute joy I felt when I leaned down and kissed you for the first time as your husband.
Once the ceremony is over, it will be with great pride that I escort you through the arch of swords and then to the reception. And while you might have plans of distracting me with what you plan on doing to me once we're alone, it will only add to the thrill of the day for me, Mac.
So tell me, can you feel my hands on your thighs as I slowly work my way up to find your garter? Can you feel the tenderness and the love in my touch? Is it reflected in my eyes, mixed in with the desire I feel for you? Do you realize my intentions before I lean closer and seal my lips over yours or do I catch you by surprise? Do you suppose all of the people watching us will notice if I slide my hands just a little higher?
I can feel your muscles tighten as you attempt to capture my hand and it makes me smile against your lips. I pull back breathless, slowly lowering the small scrap of material down your leg, enjoying every second that my hands are in contact with your body. I can see the amusement in your eyes, but it does little to cover the desire I see there also. I am vaguely aware of the catcalls going on around us, but I don't care. I have to kiss you again. I lean back towards you and feel your hands move to cup my face before our lips meet again.
How can I begin to explain the rush of emotions I feel at that simple contact? It is as if everything that has happened in my life has led me to this point...to this moment in time where everything is perfect and only you and I exist.
I love you with my entire being, Mac.
Harm
P.S. The list is in the mail. There are a couple of addresses you'll have to get from my mom, but other than that, it's finished.
September 1, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Sometimes I find myself sitting in my office staring at the ring on my finger, wondering if I'm going to wake up and find that this last year and a half has been a dream. And then I'll open an e-mail or a letter from you and it makes me realize that this is very much our reality. It doesn't matter to me if you don't remember what color the flowers are, or how many of them are in my bouquet. I know that you love me and that's enough.
Now that I have your list of guests, Harriet and I are going to get the invitations ready to mail. Do you want me to mail you one to put in the scrapbook that I'm not supposed to know about?
Speaking of things I'm not supposed to know about...how are the plans for the honeymoon coming along? Last I heard, you wanted to handle that particular assignment. Please keep in mind that I would like to have you all to myself for at least part of it, okay?
Gotta run. Love you.
Mac
September 6, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Yes, I have been working on the details for our honeymoon. How does a private beach house on St. Thomas Island sound? Frank works with a guy who owns the house and he said it's ours for the week if we want it.
Speaking of our honeymoon, how much time is the Admiral giving you off after the wedding? If he's willing to do without you for two weeks, we can work in a cruise as well. If not, then you should be prepared to be ravaged the second you walk in the door from work that second week. And believe me, I'm looking forward to that. A lot.
Harm
September 8, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
You sure talk a good game, Sailor. I think I'd like to see a little action to back up your words though.
Anyway, I've already turned in my request to the Admiral for two weeks off. It hasn't "officially" been approved yet, but unofficially, it's all set.
So St. Thomas? That sounds like the perfect place to start our married life. Maybe I'll even have the opportunity to get rid of these tan lines.
I'm sending you the rough draft of the order for the ceremony. Look it over and let me know if there's anything you want to change. We need to get this to the printer by the end of the month.
Mac
September 12, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Can we move the vows and exchanging of rings closer to the beginning? I'm only kidding, of course. I do have a question about the vows though. Are we going with the traditional ones or are we going to write our own? Personally, I think I'd like to take a stab at writing our own. What do you think?
Harm
September 13, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I'd be lying if I said your request didn't surprise me. I know you don't always have the easiest time expressing your emotions, so I know this is a big deal for you. I think I'd like for us to write our own as well. We can always fall back on the traditional vows if necessary, but I've already got a good start on what I'd like to say to you.
You know, this next deployment isn't going to be over until three weeks before the wedding. I sure hope you don't think you're getting on that ship without seeing me again.
Mac
September 14, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I wouldn't dream of it, Mac. So how does your schedule look for this weekend? I think I can get liberty, and I'd love to come and see you...even if it is short notice.
Harm
September 14, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
What time will you be here? My schedule is completely clear.
Mac
September 15, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Flight 7843 landing at Dulles at 1945 tonight. I'll see you there. Love you.
Harm
1955 EST
September 15, 2000
Dulles International Airport
Mac paced anxiously around the small waiting area as she waited for news on Harm's flight. His plane was already ten minutes late and it was driving her crazy. It wasn't that she was worried, she knew that delays happened when it came to flying. However, she desperately wanted to see Harm. It had been over two months since they'd last been together and she was feeling the need to reconnect with him...in more than one way.
Hearing yet another announcement over the loudspeaker about keeping your luggage with you at all times, Mac dropped into a chair with a frustrated sigh. She should've brought something to read with her. At least then she might be able to keep her thoughts from drifting to the last time she and Harm had made love. Of course, once her thoughts went there, she found herself planning how she was going to show him exactly how much she had missed him these last two months.
Finally hearing the announcement for flight 7843, Mac got to her feet and walked over to the window. She watched until she saw the plane taxi over and then she allowed herself to relax and step back into the crowd waiting for loved ones to exit the plane.
A slow smile spread across her face as she got her first glimpse of Harm. Dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans and a white cotton t-shirt, he looked incredibly sexy as he winked at her. She held his gaze as he made his way over to her, dropping his duffel bag at her feet before pulling her into his embrace.
"God, I've missed you," he whispered as he held her tight.
"I've missed you, too," she replied as she wrapped her arms around his waist and returned the hug.
They stood there like that for several minutes before Harm finally released her and took a step backwards. "You look incredible," he commented, allowing his eyes to roam down her body. Deciding on comfort for the night, Mac had changed into a pair of denim shorts and a button down, short-sleeved red sweater that was cut just low enough to give Harm a hint of what was underneath without being too revealing.
"Thank you," she said, feeling the heat rise to her face as she saw the desire in his eyes. "You look pretty good yourself, you know."
Instead of answering her, he leaned down and brushed a kiss across her lips, resisting the urge to deepen it even though he felt her lips part under his. Reluctantly pulling away from her, he reached down and picked up his duffel bag. After slinging it over his shoulder, he reached for her hand. "Let's get out of here."
"Is that all you brought with you?" she asked, motioning to his bag.
"Yeah. I figured I've got enough clothes at your apartment now that I could pack light this trip. Besides, I didn't really plan on needing that many clothes this weekend."
Mac couldn't help but laugh as she shot him a sideways glance. "You sound pretty sure of yourself there, Mr. Rabb."
"Desperately hopeful would be a more accurate description," he replied. "After all, I am about to ship out for six months."
"True," she agreed as they boarded the shuttle that would take them back to the main concourse. "But after that, I hear you're getting married and are going to be stuck with the same woman for the rest of your life."
"That's half right," he said.
"Just half?"
"Yes," he replied. "I am getting married, and I am committing myself to one woman for the rest of my life. However, I'm not going to be 'stuck' as you put it. In fact, as far as I'm concerned, I've been committed to the same woman for a long time already. This is just going to make it official."
"Sounds like a lucky lady," Mac said as they settled into seats for the short drive across the airport.
"I think I'm the lucky one," he replied. Pulling her hand to his lips, he kissed her knuckles before smiling up at her. "In fact, I'd say I'm the luckiest man in the world."
"And the most romantic," she added before leaning over and kissing his cheek.
"I blame that on the present company," he replied. "So, what do you have planned for us this fine evening?"
"You're just going to have to wait and see," she replied with a sly smile.
He waggled his eyebrows at her and practically leered at her as he said, "Oh, I don't mind waiting a little longer, but be assured that I definitely want to see."
"You're bad."
"But you love me anyway."
"Yes, I do," she agreed. "And I plan on proving that to you as soon as I get you alone."
Harm looked to the front of the shuttle with a grin on his face. "I wonder if this thing moves any faster."
Mac couldn't help but laugh at that. "We've got all weekend. There's no rush."
"Speak for yourself," Harm said. "I've been undressing you in my mind since I saw you standing back in the terminal."
"And I've been planning what I'm going to do to you since I got your e-mail this morning," Mac replied. "But it'll keep for a while longer. For now, I'm just happy to be with you."
"Me, too," Harm agreed as he draped his arm around her shoulders. "I love you."
"I love you, too," came her soft reply as she settled back into his embrace to enjoy the rest of their ride.
Later
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
"Are you going to tell me why we're here instead of your apartment?" Harm asked as Mac parked the car outside of his apartment.
"I thought it'd be a nice change of scenery," Mac replied. "Besides, I've got a surprise waiting for you upstairs."
Harm groaned as he got out of the car and waited for Mac to open the trunk so he could grab his duffel bag. "Please tell me that you don't have twenty of our closest friends waiting upstairs."
"Would it be so bad if I did?" she asked as she watched him throw his bag on his shoulder.
"Only because I want you all to myself," he replied as he wrapped his arms around her.
Mac leaned into his kiss, her hands resting against his chest and her lips parting in invitation. His tongue dipped into her mouth, gently gliding against hers for several seconds before retreating into his own mouth. He broke the kiss reluctantly, resting his forehead against hers as he felt his heart thundering in his chest. "I guess we should head up."
"We'll finish this later," she said as she stepped out of his embrace and closed the trunk.
"I'm going to hold you to that," he commented.
"I'm counting on that."
With that, Harm draped his arm around her shoulders and they made their way up to his apartment. When they reached the door, Harm could hear soft music coming from inside and he mentally prepared himself for an evening of hanging out with friends instead of an evening spent making love to his soon-to-be bride.
Mac smiled at him as she pulled her keys out and unlocked the door. When she pushed it open and stepped back to allow him to enter, Harm forced a smile to his lips. He stepped into the apartment, expecting to be met with a chorus of "surprise" and stopped when it didn't happen.
Glancing around, he was astonished to see the table set for two, complete with unlit candles and a vase full of red roses. He also noticed the soft music that resonated through the apartment as well as several strategically placed candle throughout the room.
Turning his attention back to Mac, he saw the soft smile on her lips as she made her way around the room lighting candles. "How did you do all this?" he asked as he dropped his bag to the floor and closed the door.
"I had a little help from Harriet," Mac admitted as she stepped into the kitchen.
Harm made his way across the room and watched as she pulled a dish out of the oven. "That smells delicious."
Mac smiled up at him before she said, "Don't worry, Harriet was in charge of the cooking, so it's completely edible."
Harm held his hands up in mock surrender. "I wasn't going to say anything."
"Sure you weren't," she teased as she stepped around him to carry the dish to the table.
Harm waited until she'd set it down before he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "You didn't have to go to this much trouble, you know."
"I know," she replied as she leaned back against him. "But I thought it would be nice."
"It's very nice," he whispered against her ear.
Turning in his embrace, she wrapped her arms around him and leaned her head against his chest. "I love you," she said softly.
"And I love you," he replied as he placed a kiss on her head. They stood like that for several seconds before he pulled back slightly. "Since you went to so much trouble, I suppose we should actually eat dinner."
Mac nodded her agreement, but made no attempt to move from his embrace. "This is nice," she said. "Just holding you."
"Yes, it is," he agreed as they slowly started swaying to the music. "We don't get nearly enough of this in our lives."
"Are we going to be okay, Harm?" she asked as she pulled back to look up at him.
He nodded as he reached up to cup her face. "Yeah, we're going to be okay, Mac. It's not always going to be like this. I mean, I can only pretend to be a hotshot pilot for so long before someone realizes that I'm getting too old to keep up with the younger guys."
"And then where will we be?" she asked.
"An old married couple," he replied with a smile, his hand tracing across her cheekbone. "With tons of kids and grandkids and more in love with each other than we are now." This earned him a smile and he added, "I've actually been giving some serious thought to making this my last deployment."
"Really?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied as he maneuvered them around the table and into the open so their swaying wouldn't accidentally bump them into the table.
"Why is this the first time I'm hearing about it?" she asked as she met his gaze.
"Because I have no idea what it will entail," he answered honestly. "I know I can't go back to JAG once we're married, and to be honest, I'm not sure if I'd even want to."
"So what do you want to do?" she asked, her hands trailing up and down his back softly.
He shrugged slightly. "I don't know. How would you feel about being married to a Naval flight instructor?"
Mac pondered that a minute before she smiled at him. "I think I could handle that. It would mean you wouldn't be shipping out for six months at a time, right?"
"Yes," he agreed. "And if we're lucky, I might even get based in Norfolk."
"I could definitely get used to that," she replied.
Harm leaned down and brushed his lips across hers softly and then said, "I'll look into it once I get back to base."
"Are you sure about this?" she asked. "Because I don't want you to feel like you have to give up your dream, Harm."
"Don't you get it, Mac? I'm living my dream. I'm marrying the woman I love and we're going to be a family. I'm not giving up anything. I'm just moving to the next part of my life...with you."
Mac moved a hand to the back of his head and pulled him down until their lips met. When they finally broke apart, her words were a whisper against his lips. "I love you, Harm."
"I love you, too," he replied before his lips once again claimed hers.
Their kisses were soft, tongues gently exploring and teeth grazing as they continued to sway to the soft music. Neither of them wanted to break the spell of the moment, but they were both desperate for the feel of each other, so their hands began to explore.
It was some time later, their passion spent, when Harm broke the silence that had settled over them with a mumbled, "Sorry about dinner."
"That's why you have a microwave," Mac replied as she reached up to caress his face.
"Have I told you how amazing you are?" Harm asked as he propped himself up to look at her.
"You bring out the best in me," she replied.
"I'm looking forward to a lifetime of loving you."
"As I am you." After a brief pause, she added, "Now let me up so we can salvage dinner."
"And then dessert?" he asked with a mischievous smile as he moved to let her up.
"Definitely," she agreed.
He watched her walk over and pick up his t-shirt and boxers. Throwing his boxers to him, she pulled his shirt over her head and then moved to carry dinner to the microwave. As he pulled his boxers on, his heart swelled with love for her and he whispered a silent prayer of thanks to whoever might be listening for allowing her to love him.
October 1, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I honestly have no idea what Webb is up to, but he has managed to delay my deployment in order to fly to Russia to help with some legal mumbo-jumbo over there. Sometimes I wish I had never met Clayton Webb. Of course, when I start thinking like that, I realize that he's the one who brought you to Washington so I technically owe him a debt of gratitude and we should probably name our firstborn after him. However, I have no intention of letting Clay know that.
I guess I'll talk to you when I get back stateside.
Harm
October 9, 2000
Russian Army Base
Chechnya
"Why would he let us appeal? Why let us tell our story about him to the President?" Sergei asked as he looked at Harm through the bars of his cell.
"Maybe you touched him with your emotions?" Captain Volkonov suggested.
"Yeah, a man like that?" Harm said.
Before they could say more, the door opened and the guard told Sergei he had a visitor. He then stepped back and allowed Mac to enter the room.
"Hello, Harm," she said as she walked in.
"Mac?" Harm got to his feet, not believing his eyes.
"When you go on a road trip, you really go on a road trip," she teased. After a quick look around the room, she turned her attention back to Harm. "What's going on?"
Harm resisted the urge to pull her into his embrace, instead clearing his throat. "Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie, this is Captain Volkonov." Mac reached out to shake his hand as Harm continued, "Sergeant Sergei Zhukov, my brother."
Mac started to laugh at that, but seeing the expression on Harm's face stopped her. "Your father...in Siberia?"
Harm merely nodded and Mac could tell from the look in his eyes that he was hurting. She longed to take him into her arms, but instead she turned towards Sergei. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sergeant."
"Please call me Sergei," he offered.
"Then you should call me Mac," she returned.
"Mac, what are you doing here?" Harm asked.
"Besides meeting my future brother-in-law?" she teased.
"Yes," he replied. "I thought you were working with Bud on prosecuting Carlton."
"Until our defendant got blown up," Mac replied. "So what have you gotten yourself in the middle of this time?"
As Harm began to explain, Mac noticed Rokotof walking around outside. Once she pointed him out, they quickly compared notes and realized that the assassination was going to take place there. Within moments, they had managed to break out of the prison and eliminate the threat.
Standing off to the side, Harm and Mac watched the commotion going on around Webb and Sokol with amusement. "I'm glad you're here," Harm said. "But I'm afraid to ask how you managed to find me."
Mac smiled as she looked up at him. "An old friend of ours."
"Not Alexi?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied. "Although it took quite a bit of persuasion."
"What do you think of him?" Harm asked, motioning to where Sergei was answering Webb's questions.
"He definitely has the Rabb smile," Mac noted. "And the eyes." She paused, then added, "What do you think of him?"
"I think I'm still trying to get used to the fact that I have a brother," he replied honestly.
"I think that's pretty normal under the circumstances," Mac replied as she rested her hand on his arm.
"Maybe," he agreed. "But he is still my father's son. I can't help but feel responsible for him. It's like there's this bond there that I can't explain."
Mac smiled as she met his gaze. "It's okay, Harm. You don't have to figure it all out today. Give it some time. Get to know your brother."
"Thank you, Mac."
"You're welcome."
October 15, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Bud and Harriet are so excited, Harm. They're having a girl. Isn't that great? She's going to be perfect, I just know it. Don't tell Harriet, but I've already been shopping. I found the cutest little blue velvet dress with matching shoes and a little headband to go with it. It's adorable. Sydney and I are trying to wait until a little closer to her due date to throw her a shower, but I don't know if I can hold out that long before I show her all of the treasures I found.
I'm looking forward to the two of us experiencing this, you know. I can just imagine how wonderful you'll be with our kids. Love you.
Mac
October 16, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Please make sure to tell Bud and Harriet how happy I am for them. I've tried to sit down and write them a letter, but it's been so crazy here this week that I haven't had the time. I'm having trouble keeping my eyes open long enough to finish this e-mail, but I wanted you to know that I'm looking forward to seeing you in our children's faces. I love you, Mac.
Harm
October 31, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
It's official! I am the luckiest man alive. This fact was confirmed when I got back from flight ops today and was presented with a videotape of the sexiest Marine I know, in living color, doing what she does best...beating the socks off the defense. Way to go, Mac.
I especially liked the part where you used the talk show to your advantage. Actually, I enjoyed it all. Okay, maybe not the picture of you in that bikini ending up on late night, but I have to confess that when some of my squadron buddies saw that...well, I haven't been taking as much ribbing about dating a "legal weenie."
I'm sure it felt good to beat your former professor at her own game even though I know how much you hate the way you had to go about revealing the truth. It was a good win, Mac. You should be proud of yourself. I know I'm sure proud of you.
Harm
November 1, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I'm glad that something good came out of Craig Kilborn displaying that picture on his show. I would hate to think that your ego wasn't getting stroked well enough out on that carrier. I'm glad your buddies finally realize what a true lady's man you are.
Mac
November 2, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Whoa! Back up a second, Mac. The only reason I told you about that is because I thought you would appreciate the compliment. You're a beautiful woman, and I'm honored to be able to tell people that you're my fiance'. I never meant to insult you and I apologize if I offended you.
Harm
November 3, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I'm sorry. I've been a little stressed out this week and I guess I just wasn't in the mood for yet another comment about that picture. I don't even know where he got it, Harm. I sure wasn't posing for anyone while I was in Australia. I suppose it's possible that Mic took it without me realizing it, but why would he give it to them? You know what, never mind, I don't even care. Again, I'm sorry.
Now, about the case...you were right. It did feel good to beat Ms. Ressler in court. Almost as good as the first time I kicked your six. I still don't agree with the entire thing being publicized though. The cameras added an element that it was hard to prepare for. I'm just glad it's finally over.
I miss you, you know. And I love you. And for the record, there's nothing "weenie" about me. Only 25 weeks from tomorrow. (That's 175 days, for the record.)
Mac
November 6, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I wish I were there to help you de-stress. I've been told I give a pretty decent back massage, not that I'm trying to brag or anything. In all honesty, I'd love to just be able to touch you right now. If I close my eyes, I can even picture it.
You're sitting at your kitchen table, your laptop open and several files spread out around you. I walk up behind you and place my hands on your shoulders, feeling the knots of tension there. I slowly begin to knead them and I watch in fascination as you roll your head to the side, allowing me better access to work. Of course, then I see that smooth skin behind your ear and I'm unable to help myself. I have to lean down and taste it. You shudder at the sensation and I feel it where my hands have moved lower down your back, working on the muscles just below your shoulder blades.
When my fingers hit a particularly sore spot, you tense slightly, your breath hissing out from between pursed lips before the pain eases and you are once again able to relax. My tongue traces the outer shell of your ear, eliciting a small moan from you, even as my hands continue to move down your back.
When I reach the edge of your skirt, I move my hands out a bit before trailing them back up. I continue to massage even as my mouth moves from your ear to your jaw line. My lips make their way to your mouth, my tongue tracing along your lower lip before slipping inside and teasing yours. You sigh into the kiss and it is my undoing. My hands are no longer trying to relax you, they are trying to possess you. You feel the change and smile against my lips before pulling away.
At my groan of protest, you place a single finger to my lips before standing up to face me completely. I see the desire in your eyes and I know that I am truly loved. With a feral smile on your lips, you take my hand and lead me to the bedroom where you proceed to show me just how much you love me.
Mac, when did I become a Harlequin romance author? I have no idea either. All I know is that I love you with every fiber of my being.
Harm
November 7, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
It's entirely possible that you missed your true calling, Harm. In fact, the books that I've read have nothing on you. Of course, I'm sure the fact that I was imagining you doing the things you were describing has nothing to do with my feelings on the matter. I actually had to go take a cold shower after that last e-mail.
When did you become such a good writer, anyway? And why was it never reflected in your reports? <grin>
Seriously, that was amazing. But don't think you're getting away with just a descriptive. I have every intention of collecting on that massage when I see you again.
Mac
November 10, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Pleasant dreams until then, Marine. I know mine will be filled with images of you.
Harm
November 15, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Thank you for the phone call last night, Harm. I needed to hear your voice. I don't know how you do it, though. Don't you ever get tired of being strong for everyone else? I know Bud called you. That couldn't have been easy for you...being so far away and hearing the despondency in his voice. I still don't understand it, Harm. Why her? Why baby Sarah?
Mac
November 16, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I'm not always the strong one, Mac. I've done my share of leaning on my friends. We all have. That's why we're not afraid to reach out when we're hurting or when we know one of our friends are. Do I need to remind you of how many times you've helped me?
I wish I had an answer to why her, but I don't. I didn't have one for Bud when he called me last night, and I didn't have one for myself when I lay on my bunk crying. Sometimes there aren't any answers, just the questions. We will make it through this though. All of us. And we'll make it through together, because we're a family. I love you.
Harm
November 20, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to let you get on that plane this morning? I'm glad you were here, though. I don't think I could've made it through the memorial service if you hadn't been by my side. I have never seen Harriet so distraught. I don't even want to imagine what it feels like to lose a child, Harm.
I've never had a friend want to honor me by naming their child after me before. I'll never forget her. She was so beautiful. So perfect.
I hope your flight back was uneventful and you were able to get some rest. You looked exhausted this morning. Don't worry about us, Harm. We'll be okay. All of us.
I love you.
Mac
November 23, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Happy Thanksgiving, Mac. I sure wish I could be there to spend it with you. I know you're busy defending Admiral Boone, so I won't keep you long. I hope you know how much it means to me to have you on his side. He's a good man, Mac. I love you.
Harm
November 27, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I don't disagree that the Admiral is a good man, Harm. However, he's a very stubborn man. Especially when it came to his defense. Not to mention that he's impossible to get to open up. It's probably a good thing Webb still owed me a favor or I'm not sure I could have pulled this one off. Admiral Boone says he's retiring, Harm. I'm not sure I agree with the timing of his decision, but it is his decision to make.
Harriet stopped by to see me last night. It was hard, Harm. She was telling me about the night Sarah was born, and we both ended up in tears. It was good, though. To be able to talk about it. I think it would be good for Bud, too. Harriet says he's adamant about not discussing it with her. He wants to sue the doctor. Would you mind e-mailing him, Harm? He usually listens to you. Maybe you can get him to open up before this destroys him.
I love you.
Mac
December 1, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I've e-mailed Bud a few times in the past couple of weeks, Mac. He's writing back, but he doesn't seem interested in talking to me. I asked him about the lawsuit, and I can understand why he wants to follow through on it. He's hurting and he wants answers. He wants someone to take the responsibility for his little girl dying. Let him help on the case, Mac, but keep an eye on him. He'll reach his breaking point and he'll need someone there to catch him when that happens.
Harm
December 5, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I actually had to chew Bud out today, Harm. This is too much. I know he's hurting. It's obvious from looking at him that he's not sleeping. My problem is that I don't know how to help him. Do you have any suggestions?
Mac
December 6, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Other than just giving him some time, there's not much you can do, Mac. Let him know you're still on his side and that he has your support, but this is one of those times when you're just going to have to have patience with him. I know that's not the answer you were hoping for, but it's all I've got. I wish I could be there to help.
Harm
December 12, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Of all the cases I've ever lost, I think this one was the hardest. I'm not so sure it was a bad thing, though. I think Bud and Harriet are going to be okay. I think they're finally both on their way to recovery. I know they'll never completely be over losing Sarah, but I know that with time, the wound will heal. The scar will always remain, but the pain will lessen with time. This isn't going to ruin them. They're both a lot stronger than they look.
Mac
0400 EST
December 13, 2000
Mac's Apartment
Georgetown
Mac turned on the light as she reached for the ringing phone. "Hello?"
< "Mac, it's me." >
"Harm, what's wrong?"
< "Webb just called. It's Sergei. He's been shot down." >
She could hear the tremor in his voice and she knew that he had been crying. She took a steadying breath before she spoke again. "Did Webb have any details?"
< "They don't know if he's alive or not. Mac, I need to go over there." >
"Harm, I know you're upset, but what good will your being there do? I'm sure that the Russian army is looking for him, and I'd be willing to bet that Webb has already called in his contacts to help with the search."
< "He's my brother, Mac." >
"I know that, Harm. But you're in the middle of the ocean on a carrier. There's no way the Skipper is going to grant your request for leave."
< "Then I'll resign my commission." >
"Are you listening to yourself? Do you even know where he was shot down?"
< "Somewhere over Chechnya." >
"And with that little bit of information you're ready to give up your career and hop on a plane to Russia? What are you going to do when you get there? Who will you go to for help?"
She heard his sigh of frustration followed by a full minute of silence before he spoke again. <"He's my brother, Mac." >
Hearing the anguish in his voice, Mac longed to be able to hold him in her arms. Instead, she tried to reason with him. "Do you remember when you were telling me that there are times when we all have to lean on our friends?"
< "Yeah, I remember." >
"Then take your own advice this time. Let Webb do what he does best. If anyone can find Sergei and make sure he makes it home safe, Webb can. I know it's not what you want to hear, but you'd better be listening to me. Lean on your friends, Harm."
< "I'm listening, Mac. I know you're right." >
"And you're not going to be making any life changing decisions, right?"
< "No. Not right now. I'll sit tight and let Webb take care of it for now." >
"Promise me."
< "I promise." >
"I love you."
< "I love you, too." >
"Are you okay?"
< "No. But I will be." >
"I know you will. I'm here if you need me."
< "Thank you. Go back to sleep." >
"Good night."
< "Sweet dreams, Mac." >
Mac returned the phone to its cradle and climbed out of bed. Making her way to the living room, she pulled her address book out of her briefcase and picked up the phone. After dialing Webb's number, she settled herself on the corner of the couch.
< "You're up early, Mac." >
"Did you think he wouldn't call me?"
< "I'm sorry." >
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
< "Keep Harm on that carrier and as far away from Russia as possible." >
"Already taken care of. Anything else?"
< "Not now. I've pulled in as many favors as I can right now. I'll let you know when I hear something." >
"Thank you, Webb. And in case Harm didn't say it, thank you from him, too."
< "Go back to bed, Mac. I promise I'll keep you updated." >
"You're a good friend, Clay."
< "Don't let that out, Mac. I have a reputation to uphold." >
"Your secret's safe with me. Good night."
< "Good night, Mac." >
Mac put the phone down and headed back to bed. She seriously doubted if she'd be able to get back to sleep, but it was still a little early for her morning jog and it was cold sitting out in the living room. She picked up the picture that was resting on her nightstand and traced her finger along both Harm's and Sergei's face. "Keep them safe," she whispered. "Both of them."
She stared at the smiling faces for a moment longer before setting the picture back down and turning off the light, hoping to be able to at least warm back up before time to start the day.
December 14, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Would you believe that Webb actually flew out here to tell me in person that Sergei had been found? He's in a Chechen POW camp, but he's alive and not injured.
Thank you for not letting me go off half-cocked last night, Mac. Sometimes I just need a good swift kick in the six.
Harm
December 15, 2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I actually think you need a lot more of those than you get, but we won't go there right now. It's enough to know that you realize it. I actually talked to Webb earlier today and he said negotiations are already underway for Sergei's release. I know Webb has people looking out for his safety, so you're just going to have to trust him a little longer.
Mac
1600 EST
December 22, 2000
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
Tiner knocked on Mac's open door. "Colonel MacKenzie, the Admiral wants to see you in his office."
"I'm on my way, Tiner," Mac replied as she finished her latest e-mail to Harm and hit the send button.
With a smile on her face, she made her way across the bullpen. Even though she and Harm weren't going to be spending Christmas together, she was in an unusually festive mood.
Her smile faded when she walked into the Admiral's office and noticed that Bud and Harriet were already present. A sense of dread settled in her stomach as she came to attention with a crisp, "You wanted to see me, Sir."
"Have a seat, Mac," he replied with a wave to the remaining seat in front of his desk.
Mac settled in the seat, chancing a glance at Bud and Harriet before focusing her attention on what the Admiral was saying.
"I just got off the phone with Captain Ingles from the Patrick Henry," the Admiral began as he walked around his desk and leaned back against it. "There is no easy way to say this, but there's been an accident."
Momentarily forgetting protocol, Mac gave voice to the question on all of their minds. "Harm?"
"The plane he was piloting went down about an hour ago."
Mac closed her eyes in an attempt to keep her tears at bay. After several deep breaths, she met the Admiral's gaze again. "How bad, Sir?"
"Search and rescue is still out, but there's a pretty bad storm front moving through the area and it's slowing their efforts."
"What happened, Sir?" Harriet asked, reaching over to give Mac's hand a reassuring squeeze.
"Harm and his RIO were on their way back from a training mission when a bolt of lightning wreaked havoc with their electrical systems. Unfortunately, the storm was also causing problems with communications, so Captain Ingles wasn't entirely sure what happened after that. The last transmission they got was a distress call saying they were ejecting."
"Sir, I'd like permission to head out to the Patrick Henry." Mac asked, amazed that her voice didn't tremble.
"I expected as much," the Admiral replied. "However, until the storm passes, there aren't going to be any transports. For now, I've arranged to get us patched into the Patrick Henry, so we can at least listen in on how the rescue is progressing."
"Thank you, Sir," Mac replied. Drawing in a deep breath, she added, "Permission to be excused for a minute, Sir?"
The Admiral saw the struggle on her face and was once again reminded that his tough-as-nails Chief of Staff was also a woman in love. Knowing that she wanted a minute to get her emotions in check, he stood up and motioned to Bud and Harriet. "Actually, Colonel, you can stay here. We'll be outside if you need us."
"Thank you, Sir," she replied.
She waited until she heard the door close behind them before she collapsed back against the chair. The tears flowed unchecked down her face for a solid minute before she got to her feet and reached for a tissue from the Admiral's desk. She would not fall apart. He would be fine. Harm had been in worse situations than this before and had come through them all. He would be fine. He had to be.
Three Hours Later
Mac stood at the window in her office, watching the snow that was falling gently outside. Search and rescue had pulled Skates out of the water fifty-four minutes ago, but so far, they'd been unable to locate Harm. The Admiral had secured the building for the night, but almost everybody was still there. They were all waiting on word that Harm was okay.
Mac toyed with her engagement ring as she continued to stare out the window. For three hours now, her entire life had been on hold. She refused to allow herself to even think that Harm wasn't going to be okay. They would find him and get him back to the carrier and before she knew it, he would be sending her e-mails that would make her blush again.
A soft knock on her door interrupted her and she turned around to find Harriet standing there holding a cup of coffee. "I thought you could use this," Harriet stated.
"Thank you," Mac replied as Harriet walked over and handed her the cup of steaming liquid.
"How are you, Ma'am?"
"I'm okay," Mac replied, her attention once again drawn to the window.
"He's going to be okay," Harriet stated.
"I know," Mac agreed. "He has to be. We're getting married in 126 days."
Harriet placed a comforting hand on Mac's shoulder. "I've never known the Commander to give up on a fight."
"Neither have I," Mac replied. "Especially not when it really matters."
Bud's voice interrupted them. "Colonel, the Admiral has Captain Ingles back on the phone."
Mac sat the coffee on the windowsill before joining Bud and Harriet out in the bullpen where the Admiral had arranged for the line to the Patrick Henry to be set up.
"Mac, they've got him," the Admiral said as he listened to the conversation going on in his ear.
Mac said a quick prayer of thanks before she met the Admiral's gaze. "How is he, Sir?"
"He's suffering from hypothermia, but other than a few scrapes and bruises there are no other visible injuries."
With that, Mac let out an audible sigh of relief and smiled for the first time in hours. "Is he awake, Sir?"
Admiral Chegwidden passed the question along to Captain Ingles and listened for his reply before he said, "He was conscious when they pulled him out of the water. The Corpsman said he was asking for you before he drifted into unconsciousness."
"About that transport, Sir?" Mac asked, suddenly very anxious to hold Harm in her arms and reassure herself that he was alive.
The Admiral couldn't help but smile at her before he returned his attention to his phone conversation with Captain Ingles. As soon as he disconnected the call, he looked up at Mac. "Captain Ingles said that the front should be clearing within the hour. He believes that Skate's fiance' will be on board the next transport out of Andrews and there will be an empty seat with your name on it as well."
Mac started to say something else, but the Admiral held up his hand to stop her. "I imagine that they will keep Commander Rabb in sick bay for at least a couple of days, so why don't you get a bag packed and get out to Andrews. I'll expect an update on the Commander's condition upon your arrival on the Patrick Henry."
"Aye, aye, Sir," came Mac's reply. With a smile to Bud and Harriet, she made her way into her office and grabbed her things before making a hasty retreat out of the office.
0800 EST
December 23, 2000
USS Patrick Henry
Sickbay
Mac sat in a chair beside Harm's bed, both of her hands wrapped securely around his left hand. He had been drifting in and out of consciousness for the five hours she had been there, but so far, he hadn't been awake enough to realize she was there with him.
She heard the subtle change in the heart monitor before she felt him stir and she leaned forward in her chair, hopeful that this time he would be alert. He opened his eyes slowly and she watched as recognition dawned in them.
"Mac." His voice was hoarse from all of the saltwater he'd swallowed, but to her ears, it was the most amazing sound she'd ever heard.
"It's about time you woke up," she teased through the tears that ran down her face.
"For some reason, I don't think this is what you had in mind when you agreed to spend the rest of your life with me," he croaked out.
"I'm agreeing to for better or for worse, remember?" she asked, reaching up to stroke the side of his face.
His skin was still cold to the touch, but she knew it would take a while to get him completely re-warmed.
"I'm sorry that I scared you, Mac."
"Don't worry about it," she replied. "All you have to do now is get better."
"How is Skates?" he asked.
"She's fine. They treated her for a couple of minor scrapes and then released her. She told me she'd be down to check on you later."
Harm licked his lips as his eyes drifted close. "I'm tired," he mumbled.
"It's okay," she replied. "You just rest. I'll be here when you wake up."
"Love you."
"I love you, too."
1900 EST
December 24, 2000
USS Patrick Henry
Sickbay
Harm sat up in the bed with a smile when he saw Mac enter the room. "You're looking even better now than you did when I left," she offered as she made his way over to his side.
"I'm feeling much better," he replied, his voice still hoarse. "Especially now that you're back. I missed you."
"You're the one who insisted I leave for a while and get some food," Mac reminded him as she reached out to smooth his hair back before leaning down to brush her lips against his. "You actually have a little color in your face again."
"You mean besides blue?" She smiled at his attempt at humor, but he quickly grew serious again. "I really am sorry, Mac."
"I told you yesterday there was nothing to be sorry about, Harm," she chided him. "You're safe and that's all that matters."
"And you're stuck here in sickbay instead of at home for Christmas," he replied.
"Do you honestly think I'd rather be home without you than here with you?" she asked as she sat down on the side of the bed, her hip resting against his thigh. When he averted his eyes from hers, she reached a hand up to his chin and forced his gaze back to hers. "I love you, Harm. And I'm in this for the long haul. Now you might as well drop the overdeveloped sense of chivalry because it isn't working. And since we're both here, we might as well enjoy spending Christmas together."
"Did I hear someone mention Christmas?" Skates asked from the doorway. Harm and Mac both turned at the sound of her voice, and noticing Mac, Skates hurriedly added, "Ma'am."
Mac waved her into the room with a smile. "Relax, Skates. In here, it's just Mac."
"I was beginning to wonder if you really had made it back on board," Harm teased as Skates made her way over to his bed.
"Hey, it's not my fault you were unconscious when I stopped by last night," Skates smiled at him as she motioned to Mac. "Besides, I figured you were in good enough hands that you didn't need me around getting in the way, so I decided to spend some quality time with my soon to be husband."
"So in reality you were dumped for another man, Harm," Mac added with a grin.
Harm laid his hand over his heart as he replied, "Sure, kick me while I'm down."
"Now, what was that I heard about Christmas?" Skates asked again.
Harm reached out and took Mac's hand in his before he replied, "It looks as if Colonel MacKenzie and I will be spending our first Christmas together as a couple."
"That is so romantic," Skates replied.
"Sure it is," Harm replied. "Nothing like spending Christmas in sickbay on a carrier."
"Considering the alternatives, I'd say it's not so bad," Skates replied softly.
Harm immediately dropped his sarcastic tone and turned his attention fully to Skates. "I'm sorry, Skates."
"Nothing to be sorry for, Hammer. You kept us in the air as long as you could." They stared at each other for a long minute before Skates cleared her throat and looked over at Mac. "Take care of him, Ma'am."
"I'm trying, Skates."
Turning her attention back to Harm again, Skates added, "I'd better get going."
"Thanks for stopping in," Harm replied. "And Merry Christmas, Skates."
"Merry Christmas to you, too...both of you."
Harm and Mac both watched as she made her way out of the room before they once again turned to look at each other. "See, I told you there was nothing to be sorry about," Mac said as she shifted her weight on the bed to lean across his chest.
"Can I be sorry about the fact that you're practically on top of me and I can't take advantage of it?" Harm asked with a grin.
"Who says you can't take advantage of it?" Mac teased as she trailed a finger down the side of his face.
Harm chuckled as he allowed his hand to move down to rest just above her knee. "You do realize that this isn't a private room, right?" he asked.
"Sure," she replied as her finger traced along his lower lip. "But it's Christmas Eve. Surely nobody else is going to want to spend the night in sickbay."
"Well, since I haven't been checked on in over an hour, I'd imagine that someone will be in here any minute now."
Mac leaned over and replaced her finger with her lips, gently sucking on his lower lip before pulling away from him and standing beside the bed. "If that's the way you want to be about it."
"I never said you had to move," he complained as he reached for her hand and tried to pull her back down to the bed.
She swatted at him playfully and they both jumped when they heard a voice from the doorway. "Commander Rabb, it's good to see you awake."
Mac immediately came to attention and Harm sat up as straight as possible when they realized that Captain Ingles had joined them. Captain Ingles hid his smile as he made his way over to the bed. "At ease. How are you feeling, Commander?"
"Much better, Sir," came Harm's reply.
"I'm glad to hear that," Captain Ingles replied. "I spoke to Lieutenant Skates a few minutes ago and she said you seemed to be in good spirits."
"Yes, Sir," Harm replied again. "Colonel MacKenzie has done a good job of making sure of that."
"So it would seem," he replied. Sensing Mac's discomfort, he added, "I'm glad someone knows how to handle the Commander."
"I like to chalk it up to years of experience, Sir," Mac replied.
Captain Ingles nodded before he continued, "I've looked over the data from your flight, and while I'm sure there will be an official investigation, it looks like the accident was due to an electronics failure caused by the storm. I'm still amazed that you managed to keep her in the air as long as you did, Harm."
"Thank you, Sir."
"Get some rest, Commander," Captain Ingles said. "I'm pushing to get you out of here by morning so you can at least enjoy Christmas Day with the Colonel before Admiral Chegwidden sends the bloodhounds looking for her."
Harm and Mac both smiled at that, and seeing the look that passed between them, Captain Ingles turned to go. When he reached the door, he turned back to face them. "Colonel, I've ordered that a cot be brought in here for you tonight. Hopefully, having you here will encourage the Commander to get some rest instead of harassing the Corpsman about when he will be released. I'll see you both in the morning."
"Thank you, Sir," Harm and Mac replied together.
They waited until he left before Mac took a step closer to Harm with a grin on her face. "Do you suppose he realizes that an extra cot is a waste of time and energy?"
"Probably," Harm replied as he scooted over to make room for her on the bed. "But he does have a ship to run, you know."
"And to do that, he needs everyone in top shape," Mac replied as she settled down next to him. "Including you. Now here's the deal, I'll stay here if you agree to get some rest."
Harm nodded his head as he gave in to the fatigue he'd been fighting. "Deal," he agreed as he shifted his weight and pulled Mac into his embrace.
"Good night, Harm," she whispered as she leaned up and kissed him softly.
"Good night, Mac," he replied groggily as his eyes drooped shut. Within a matter of minutes, he was asleep and Mac watched him contentedly until her own weariness took over and she too drifted off to sleep.
December 28, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I hate being grounded. Captain Ingles has got me completely buried in legal paperwork for the duration of my no-flight status. I know you think I'm nuts, but I need to get back in the air. I've already passed the physical, but until the official inquiry is finished, I'm not allowed anywhere near flight ops.
I suppose I should look on the bright side. After all, I've had plenty of time this week to work on my wedding vows. In fact, I've actually got a handwritten rough draft completed. Not bad for me, don't you think?
Of course, working on writing my vows just made me think of you and how much I miss you being here. It was so nice holding you in my arms...even if I wasn't in any condition to do anything else. Just being with you, and getting to spend Christmas together, it was amazing. I love you. You do know that, right?
Harm
December 29,2000
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From what I hear, you're about to get your wings back. Hang in there. I know it's rough, but you can make it.
About these wedding vows...when do I get to see them? I'd love to say that mine are finished as well, but it's been pretty hectic here since I got back. I'm very familiar with being buried in paperwork.
I miss you already. I know the circumstances weren't the best, but I'm glad we got to spend Christmas together. So what are your plans for New Years? I plan on spending it at my apartment, curled up on my couch, watching Dick Clark and dreaming about you.
Mac
December 30, 2000
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
It looks like I'll be spending New Years Eve doing quals. I'm very excited about that. After that, I imagine that I'll be in my bunk, staring at a picture of you, and dreaming of how wonderful it would be to ring in the New Year with you.
I'm holding out on the wedding vows until I'm sure they're perfect. In all likelihood, you probably won't get to see a copy until after I've said them to you at the ceremony.
Harm
January 9, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Harm, you really need to talk to Bud. Sometimes, the man just sticks his foot in his mouth. On second thought, maybe you're not the one who should be talking to him. Maybe I can get the Admiral or Gunny to have a nice heart-to-heart chat with him about not telling his wife that he's attracted to a client.
Speaking of attractions, I met an old girlfriend of yours today. A Commander Kate Pike. The Admiral has offered her a position here in Washington, but she doesn't seem very interested in it. Of course, I'm sure that the whole sexual harassment issue with Admiral Hollenbeck has something to do with that.
Harriet came back to work this week. She's an amazing woman, Harm. Sometimes, I wonder how she does it. Well, I've got to get going. I miss you.
Mac
January 12, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I don't know what you've heard about Kate and me, but it's probably not true. First off, she was never my girlfriend. Yes, we spent a weekend together, but that's it. Secondly, she could never compare to you. Not in a million years.
Harm
January 14, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Okay, I take it back. I don't know what you said to Bud, but whatever it was did the trick. Harriet just left my office after gushing for ten minutes over how attentive and loving Bud has been since he finished his case with Corporal Antoon. They're so good for each other. Do you ever wonder if people think that about us?
Mac
January 17, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I don't have to wonder about that, Mac. I have people tell me all the time how good you are for me. I can't argue with them, either. My life is so much better now that you're in it.
So how does it feel behind that desk? I'd be willing to bet my wings that you look perfectly natural sitting there.
Harm
January 19, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
And I thought that there was a lot of paperwork involved with my job! Do you have any idea how much is involved with being the JAG? Not to mention trying to balance defending a former Marine being charged with assault. It's been a busy week.
Mac
P.S. Hang onto those wings, Sailor. There's just something about dress whites and gold wings.
January 20, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I thought you said they were overrated?
Harm
January 21, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I lied. Do you honestly think I'd ask you to wear them to our wedding if I thought they were overrated? Besides, when I said that, I was trying desperately to keep from throwing myself at you and begging you to have your way with me.
Mac
January 22, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Now there's a little fuel for my imagination...you throwing yourself at me and begging me to have my way with you. Perhaps we should explore this little secret fantasy of yours next time we're together?
Harm
January 23, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Bring it on, Commander. I'm more than ready for a little fantasy exploration with you. And while you're at it, make sure you have a pair of well worn, faded blue jeans and a button down denim shirt. That particular outfit has given me more than one night filled with pleasant dreams.
Mac
January 25, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
As long as you bring along that white, satin nightgown you had with you in Russia. I'm not even going to try to estimate how many dreams and fantasies that little number inspired.
Now, before I slip off into romance novel writing again, where are we as far as wedding details are concerned?
Harm
February 1, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Sorry that I've been out of touch. I had to join the Admiral on a trip to Italy to defend Captain Merrick. I wish I could say it was an enjoyable trip, but international incidents seldom leave time for taking in the scenery.
As far as wedding details go, we're looking pretty good. I've confirmed the menu with the caterer, invitations have been sent, the band is booked, the church is reserved, the flowers have been ordered, the dresses are ready for alterations...all we need is the groom.
By the way, if you want to slip into novel writing, I don't object. There's something incredibly sexy about you writing that way.
Mac
February 5, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I'll make sure that the groom is there. And don't worry, I won't be late.
I got a letter from my mother yesterday. She and Frank want to take care of the rehearsal dinner. Do you have any objections to that? I'm sure you already have the restaurant picked out and everything, so I wanted to check with you before I gave her an answer.
Harm
February 6, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I don't have any problems with that, Harm. In fact, I talked to your mom earlier today and we discussed it. I told her what we already had planned and she said she didn't see any reason to change anything except who was picking up the bill. Your mother is a wonderful woman. I hope you realize how much she and Frank love you.
Mac
February 7, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Believe me, Mac, I do know how lucky I am. I may not have always realized it, but I do now.
I got an e-mail from Bud this morning. He was telling me a little about his prosecution of Sergeant-Major Krohn. I guess it hit a little close to home for Bud. I think it was good though, because he told me that he and Harriet spent last night packing up the nursery.
I wish I could be there for them, Mac. They've always been such good friends to me.
Speaking of being there, I've been looking into my options after this deployment. Captain Ingles seems pretty confident that I'll be able to get assigned as an instructor at Norfolk. He told me that when I made my final decision, he would write a letter of recommendation.
Harm
February 8, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Are you sure this is something you want to do? I don't want you to feel pressured, and I certainly don't want you to make this decision based upon what you think I want you to do. I love you...all of you. And whether that means you're flying Tomcats, arguing cases, or teaching young kids how to become Top Guns, I'm in this for the long haul. I will support whatever decision you make, but I want you to be sure it's the right decision for you.
Mac
February 9, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I want us to be a family, Mac. I want us to buy a house, and then to fill it with kids. And I want to be around to watch them grow. I don't want to be gone six months out of the year. I've proven what I wanted to prove to myself. I can still do this, but I don't need to do this anymore. I need to be with you. I need to be a good husband, and a good father. I want to wake up to your beautiful smile every morning and fall asleep with you wrapped in my arms every night. This is the right decision for me, Mac. More importantly though, it's the right decision for us.
Harm
February 10, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I like the sound of that, Harm. There is nothing I'd like better than to fall asleep in your arms every night. Except maybe to see your smile reflected in our children's faces, and to hear their squeals of laughter as you tickle them, and to see the look of wonder on their faces when you take them flying for the first time. I want it all with you, Harm. And I'll take it however I can get it.
Mac
February 12, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I talked to Captain Ingles yesterday and told him that I'd made my decision. He said he would make some inquiries and let me know where things stand.
So what are your plans for Valentine's Day? I'm stuck here on the carrier with Tuna. I'd much rather be planning a nice, romantic dinner for the two of us though.
Harm
February 13, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
It looks like I will be spending Valentine's Day defending Sergeant Hart of bigotry. Most men I know are scared of even having one wife, and this one has two. And what makes it worse is that both of these women want me to get him cleared of the charges, even though they know about each other. There is something drastically wrong with this picture.
Mac
February 13, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
In defense of men in general...it's not necessarily that we're afraid of having a wife, it's that we're afraid of failure. And with fifty percent of marriages ending in divorce these days, those are legitimate fears. However, as a man, I'm not afraid of commitment. In fact, I'm very much looking forward to marrying you. Good luck with Sergeant Hart, though. I'm sure you've got your work cut out for you.
Harm
February 14, 2001
USS Patrick Henry
Harm's Quarters
"Hey, Hammer, you awake in there?" Tuna called as he stepped through the door.
"Barely," Harm replied as he stuck his head out from his bunk. "What's up?"
"You got a package," Tuna replied as he tossed the manila envelope to him. "Looks like it's from that sexy marine you hang out with."
"Easy there, Tuna," Harm warned as he sat up on the bed. "That's my future wife you're talking about."
Tuna held up his hands in defense. "Just stating the obvious, Hammer. So what did she send you?"
Harm quickly tore the package open and looked inside. Seeing a smaller envelope inside, he pulled it out and read the note on the outside.
"It's not another one of those 'don't open until you're alone packages', is it?" Tuna asked when he saw the grin on Harm's face.
"Actually, it is," Harm replied. "But she did send something for you."
Tuna couldn't help but smile as Harm tossed him a bag of chocolate candies. "She even sent the good kind," Tuna observed as he opened the package. "I can recognize a bribe when I see it. Enjoy your time alone."
With that, Tuna made his way back out the door, leaving Harm to open his gift from Mac. He carefully opened the smaller envelope and pulled out its contents. There were several pages of paper folded carefully around a stack of photos and Harm felt his heart rate accelerate as he saw the first picture. It was a Polaroid of Mac standing in her living room wearing a short, black dress with spaghetti straps and a low neckline. Instead of moving on to the next picture, he forced himself to read the letter she had included. Setting the pictures on the bed beside him, he leaned back on the pillow and began to read.
"Harm,
If I'm lucky, this will actually make it to you sometime in the month of February. If not, please know that I tried to make Valentine's Day special for you. Have you looked at all of the pictures already? If not, don't. I want to tell you a little story to go along with them.
It's Valentine's Day and you and I have special plans for the evening. You wanted to take me out for dinner, but I managed to talk you into coming to my apartment for the evening instead. The first picture is the dress I'll be wearing for our evening together. Do you like it? When I tried it on, I could picture the look on your face when you saw it, and I knew I had to buy it.
The next picture is of me sitting at the dinner table."
Harm reached for the pictures and moved the top one to reveal Mac sitting at the table in her dining room. The candles in the center of the table provided the only light, and her face was cast in shadows, making her look incredibly sexy and breathtaking. After tracing his finger along the outline of her face, he once again turned back to her letter.
"We're having vegetable stir-fry tonight. Since you refused to allow me to have dinner catered, I figured I'd better stick to something we could both agree on. Don't worry, there's plenty of strawberry cheesecake for later.
The next picture is from my living room."
Harm again reached for the pictures, this time finding himself looking into her smiling face.
"The coffee table has been pushed aside to allow us plenty of room for dancing. I love it when you wrap your arms around me and we lose ourselves in the soft beat of the music. I can feel the heat from your body where it's pressed against mine and I find myself looking up at you, longing for your lips to cover mine. You don't disappoint me and I sigh into the kiss as your tongue slides past my lips and gently glides along my teeth. Sometimes, I think I could spend an entire night just kissing you. I love the way your mouth feels on mine, the gentleness that belies the passion lingering just below the surface.
I feel your desire for me as you shift against me and I step away from you. You offer a groan of protest, but I silence you with a wink over my shoulder as I head towards my bedroom door. You are quick to follow and you stop just inside the door to take note of how I have decorated the bedroom."
Harm reached for the next picture and drew in a sharp breath. Her bedroom was lit with candles and the covers were turned down to reveal the red, satin sheets. The pillowcases were white with little red hearts all over them and there were rose petals scattered all over the floor.
"I smile at you from across the room and the look in your eyes when you meet mine takes my breath away. I can see the desire burning in your eyes and I long to lose myself in your embrace. However, I still have a couple of surprises in store for you. You slowly make your way over to the foot of the bed, your eyes never leaving me. Knowing that I have your full attention, I reach behind me and lower the zipper on my dress, allowing it to pool at my feet."
Harm reached for the next picture and swore silently. "Mac, are you trying to kill me?" he whispered as his eyes feasted on the strapless, black lace bustier and matching panties she wore. He took several deep, calming breaths before he picked the letter back up.
"You've mentioned the red outfit more than once, and I know you like the white one, but you and I both know that black is your favorite. Which is exactly why I decided on black for tonight. I know that traditionally, it's the man who tries to be extra romantic for Valentine's Day, but we've never really had a traditional relationship, so why start now? I want you to know how much I love you. I want tonight to be about you."
Unable to control himself, Harm picked up the stack of pictures again and quickly moved to the next one. Realizing that it was a snapshot of Mac at what appeared to be the JAG Valentine's party, he flipped to the next one. After going through the remainder of the stack, he dropped them back to his bed with a sigh. Apparently, the show was over for the day, since the rest of the pictures were of his friends from JAG. Trying to contain his disappointment, he picked the letter back up and continued to read.
"I assume by now you've looked at the rest of the pictures and I'm sure you're disappointed. But seriously Harm, there's only so far you can expect Harriet to go in the name of friendship. Don't worry, though, you'll get the full show when you're here to appreciate it in person. Until then, know that I love you.
Mac"
Harm smiled as he read the last part of the letter. So Harriet had been taking all those pictures. In a way, that was comforting. After all, she was going to be Mac's matron-of-honor and as long as he didn't let himself dwell on the fact that she was still a junior officer, it was okay. Now all that was left to do was to let Mac know he'd received and appreciated her gift. Tucking the pictures of Mac under his pillow, he climbed out of bed and booted up the computer. He was going to have a little fun with her.
February 14, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Wow! When you send a Valentine's Day surprise, you don't pull any punches. First off, make sure to tell Harriet I appreciate the lengths she's willing to go to for the sake of friendship. I'd tell her myself, but I know I'd never get over the embarrassment.
Now, about that letter and those pictures...are you trying to give me a heart attack or merely drive me insane? Talk about someone missing their calling in life. I actually had to take a cold shower after reading your letter. Oh, how I wish I were there with you tonight. I guarantee it would be a night to remember.
I'm saving this letter for our honeymoon and then I'm going to have you read it to me. As sexy as it was to read, I bet it will be even more so to hear it in your voice.
I can't wait to see you again, Mac. I love you.
Harm
February 15, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I'm glad you enjoyed my little present. I can't believe it actually made it to you on Valentine's Day. I do have a confession to make, though. The pictures were Harriet's idea. We were talking over lunch one day and I mentioned how we had yet to actually get to spend Valentine's Day together and how I wanted to do something special for you. She suggested that I send you pictures of myself, and when she volunteered to take some Polaroids, a plan started to form in my mind and I knew it would be perfect for the occasion.
The flowers you sent were beautiful. I was quite surprised when they were delivered last night. And even more amazed by the handwritten note that accompanied them. Please give my thanks to whichever accomplice you used this time.
Only 71 more days to go, you know. I've been giving some thought to where we're going to live after the wedding, and I wondered how you would feel about buying a house. It doesn't have to be right away, but it's something that I'd like to do. The house I lived in rowing up wasn't much of a home and I'd like for us to have a place that our kids will feel proud to call home. What do you think?
Mac
February 18, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I think buying a house sounds wonderful. After we get back from our honeymoon, we can start looking. Unless you already have a place in mind. If that's the case, perhaps we can take a tour of it as soon as I get home. I haven't lived in an actual house since before I left for the Academy. I'm looking forward to experiencing that with you.
Harm
February 20, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
You're not going to believe this one, Harm. Congresswoman Latham had gotten me assigned to serve on the Watertown. Is that not unbelievable? No offense, but I had my fill of submarines after our last little adventure there.
Guess who I ran into today? None other than your friend Captain Volkonov. He said to let you know that Sergei is doing well. I'm not sure why he's in the States, but I'm sure it has something to do with Webb. I guess it doesn't really matter as long as we know Sergei is doing okay.
Well, I've got to go pack my sea bag. I love you.
Mac
February 27, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
So how was sub life? You know, I've been having the strangest dreams about you this week. Perhaps my subconscious is trying to rewrite our time on the Watertown?
Harm
February 28, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I was not cut out to be a submariner, Harm. I don't know why Congresswoman Latham insists on involving me in all of her crusades. I'm much better suited to cases like Private Rivera's. A Korean War hero accused of desertion when he thought he was merely following orders. I'm glad Gunny decided to follow through on this one. Otherwise, we might never have had the privilege of honoring Private Rivera.
I wish all of our cases could have happy endings like this one.
Mac
March 1, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I'm glad the Rivera case turned out the way you wanted it to, Mac. I know how much it means to you to be able to bestow honor upon a fellow marine.
However, I just have to say that I think being stuck in a submarine with you would be a lot more comfortable now than it was the last time we were on one. Of course, you'd probably want to dress me down too if you knew how cute I thought you were in those shorts and t-shirt. Even then, in the midst of all our arguing, I was having daydreams about you.
Harm
March 3, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Exactly how long have you been having these fantasies about me, Harm? You've already admitted that my sleeping attire in Russia fueled a few of them, so how long has it been?
Mac
March 5, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Do you remember telling me that my smile wasn't going to get me anywhere with you? I think that conversation inspired my first fantasy about you. Of course, at the time, I was only thinking of you as an attractive woman. Once I got to know you, the dreams got better...or worse...depending on your point of view.
How about you? Care to share when you had your first un-partner like thought about me?
Harm
March 6, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I think when you climbed into that helicopter. There was something so incredibly...you...about the way you asked for permission to come aboard. And then when you defended Uncle Matt, well, let's just say I've seen "Top Gun" and "A Few Good Men" too many times for my own good.
Mac
March 8, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I just never pictured you as a Tom Cruise fan. Richard Gere, maybe, but not Tom Cruise.
Harm
March 9, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
It's all about the uniform, Harm. You should know that. But Tom Cruise has nothing on you. I mean, sure, he played the part of a great pilot in one movie, and a lawyer in the other, but you've actually lived it. And you managed to pull off both roles at the same time.
Mac
March 12, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I just got an e-mail from Bud telling me that you're on your way to the Persian Gulf. Be careful, Mac. I know I'm not supposed to worry about you, but I can't help myself sometimes. I love you and so I occasionally worry about you. Watch your back.
Harm
March 15, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
You know, the more times I work with Webb, the more I'm convinced that I don't really want to work with him. However, I'm fairly certain that I would never want to be on the opposite team. Sometimes, it's hard to tell who your enemy is, and even though I might not know what Webb is up to, I'm generally fairly certain that he's one of the good guys.
Mac
March 16, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Was it that bad? Do you want to talk about it?
Harm
March 17, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Thanks for the offer, but I'm okay. It's enough to know that if I decide I do want to talk, you're there to listen. Sometimes this job just doesn't make sense. Then again, sometimes life just doesn't make sense.
But enough about that, you were telling me about your fantasies.
Mac
March 18, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Actually, I think you were telling me about your fantasies. I'm pretty sure you mentioned something about wanting to throw yourself at me and beg me to have my way with you.
Harm
March 20, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
That's one of my favorites, you know. You're generally wearing your dress whites and I'm usually in some fancy dress. It generally starts with us dancing together, during which we somehow move close enough that protocol would demand we take a step back, but we refuse. Then you're leaning down and I can feel your breath tickling my neck as you whisper in my ear. It's usually at this point where I beg you to take me away from whatever hideous function we're stuck at and make love to me. Do I have to point out that in my dreams, you never refuse me?
Mac
March 21, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
No man in his right man would ever refuse an offer like that from you, Mac. How could he? You're both beautiful and intelligent. You're the complete package, and I can't tell you how happy I am that you agreed to marry me.
Harm
March 22, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Thank you, Harm. I needed to hear that today.
Mac
March 23, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
You're welcome. And you should get used to hearing how beautiful you are, because I plan on spending the rest of my life telling you.
Harm
March 27, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Do you suppose the Admiral might be trying to tell me something, Harm? He sent me to defend a dog. A dog accused of going UA and impregnating a female. How absurd is that?
Mac
March 28, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
You did win, didn't you?
Harm
March 29, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Of course I won! And I was even offered one of the litter. What do you think? Do you think we need a puppy?
Mac
March 30, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Do you really want to put Jingo through breaking in a new puppy and then breaking in a husband? I think it's going to be hard enough on him with me being around on a permanent basis, don't you?
Harm
March 31, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Permanently? Is there something you're not telling me? Have you gotten official word on your next assignment?
Mac
April 1, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Are you going to punish me if I admit to withholding evidence? <grin> Actually, I just got the official papers today. As of May 21st, I will be based in Norfolk.
Harm
April 2, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
If this is your idea of an April Fool's joke, I'm not laughing. If you're serious, I'm absolutely ecstatic.
Mac
April 3, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I would never kid you about something this important, Mac. It's official. When we dock on the 18th, my time on board carriers is over. I will be a land-based instructor.
I like the sound of that, don't you? Now we can move forward with buying a house and starting our family.
Harm
April 4, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
One thing at a time, Harm. First, let's get married. Then we can deal with the house and filling it with kids. Your looks and my brains...what a combination.
Mac
April 5, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Or your looks and my brains. Either way works, you know. Actually, I think I'd like at least one of each. Otherwise, one of us is going to be at an unfair advantage.
Harm
April 6, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Three weeks from tomorrow. Can you believe it? It feels like we've been waiting forever, and yet it feels like time is flying by. I go for my final dress fitting tomorrow. I think you're going to like the dress, Harm. I fell in love with it when I saw it and once I put it on, I knew it was perfect.
Harriet and Chloe are both going to be in royal blue dresses. I think they'll match perfectly with all of the dress uniforms that will be in attendance. I'm so excited. I can't wait to see you again.
Mac
April 10, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
How are you coming along with your half of the vow writing? I think mine are actually finished. I'm sure I'll want to brush them up a bit before the ceremony, but I've got down the basics of what I want to say.
Harm
April 11, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
The Valentine's Day gift I sent you was my rough draft of my vows. What do you think?
Mac
April 12, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Very funny. Although I have to admit that the thought of hearing you talk about seducing me turns me on. I just don't think the minister, the Admiral, or my mother will appreciate it as much as I do. Not to mention the rest of the guests. Well, except maybe Bud and Harriet. But we shouldn't go there.
Seriously, how is it going?
Harm
April 13, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Okay, you've got a valid point. For some reason, I just can't picture myself standing in front of your mother and describing how I want to make love to you. I guess it's back to the drawing board. Actually, I do have a rough draft of my vows written out. I was thinking that maybe we could run through them next week. Just the two of us...my apartment...a late dinner...what do you say?
Mac
April 14, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I think that sounds wonderful, Mac. It's almost hard to believe, isn't it? Only four more days and I'll be home.
There's something I want to discuss with you about the wedding. Actually, it's more about the honeymoon. You're going to think I've gone over the deep end on this, but I've been giving this some serious thought and I want your honest opinion on it. I know I'll be home on Wednesday, but since our wedding is only another week and a half after that, I'd like us to wait to have sex again until after we're married. What do you think?
Harm
April 15, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
You're not asking a simple thing, you know. I've been counting the hours until I could hold you again. Do you mind if I ask what brought this on?
Mac
April 15, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
I don't know what brought it on, Mac. It's just something that I've been thinking about. I figure we've been this long, another week and a half won't kill us. I think it will add a little more...anticipation...to our wedding night. If you think it's a dumb idea, just say so. Believe me, I'm not going to turn down the opportunity to sleep with you if you say you don't want to do this.
Harm
April 16, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
It's not that I think it's a dumb idea, Harm. I just think it's going to be very, very hard to keep my hands off of you. I'm up for the challenge though. So I guess if you're serious about this, you can count me in.
Mac
April 17, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Thank you, Mac. I know it's going to be a challenge - for both of us - but I think it will be worth it. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. You'll be at Norfolk when I dock, right?
Harm
April 17, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
Just try and keep me away. I love you.
Mac
1600 EST
Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Harbor
Norfolk, Virginia
Harm searched the sea of faces as he made his way off of the carrier, finally spotting Mac standing on a set of bleachers several yards away. With a smile in place, he hurried to her side, dropping his sea bag to the ground when he reached her and pulling her into his embrace. She laughed as he spun her around before setting her on her feet and claiming her mouth with his.
A throat being cleared behind them was followed by a gruff, "Welcome home, Commander." At the sound of the Admiral's voice, Harm and Mac immediately broke apart and came to attention.
"Thank you, Sir," Harm replied automatically.
The Admiral smiled and shook his head. "As you were, Commander, Colonel."
"Aye, Sir," they replied in unison and Harm quickly turned back to Mac and once again claimed her lips.
His actions caused the small group that had gathered around them to start laughing, which led Mac to pull away from him. "Harm!"
"What?" he replied. "I was just following orders."
Ignoring the look that passed between Harm and Mac, Harriet stepped forward and offered Harm a hug. "Welcome back, Sir."
"Thank you, Harriet."
Bud walked up next and held his hand out. "Welcome home, Sir."
Harm took the offered hand and shook it heartily before he leaned down to gather A.J. in his arms. "Hey there, little guy."
A.J. laughed as Harm hoisted him over his head and tickled him before handing him off to Mac so he could shake hands with the Admiral.
"It's good to have you back, Harm."
"Thank you, Sir," Harm replied. "It's good to be back."
"The Admiral has offered the use of his house for the evening," Mac said as Bud took A.J. from her. "We thought it would be nice for all of us to get together for a while."
"That sounds wonderful," Harm replied as he picked his sea bag up and slung it over his shoulder. "Lead the way."
Harm reached for Mac's hand as they made their way through the crowd to her car and leaned close to whisper in her ear. "I love you."
"I love you, too," she replied with a smile. "Welcome home."
Stopping in the middle of the parking lot, Harm gave a gentle tug on her hand and pulled her to stand in front of him. She looked up at him with a smile on her lips and Harm gave a soft sigh before moving his hands up to frame her face. Tilting her head slightly to the side, he slowly lowered his mouth to hers. Unlike their earlier kiss, it was a gentle kiss, full of promises and demanding nothing in return.
Mac wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned into him as they savored the feel of each other. It wasn't until a horn blasted behind them that they realized they were still standing in the middle of the parking lot.
Laughing, they made their way to Mac's car. "We should probably take a look at this whole parking lot issue we seem to be having," Harm stated.
"I have a feeling it's going to resolve itself," Mac replied.
"Oh yeah?" Harm asked as he settled himself in the passenger seat.
"Yeah," Mac said as she fastened her seat belt. "No more deployments mean no more reason to be meeting up in parking lots anymore."
"Good point," he agreed. "However, that doesn't mean that I won't suddenly get the urge to kiss you while we're out grocery shopping or something."
"As long as it's not in the parking lot at JAG, I think we'll be okay." Harm's eyebrow rose at that, so Mac quickly added, "Don't start anything we can't finish, Harm."
"This is going to be the longest ten days of my life, isn't it?" he asked with a sideways glance at her.
"I don't know about the longest," she replied as she deliberately allowed her gaze to travel the length of his body. "But I can pretty much guarantee it will be the hardest."
Harm groaned slightly at that. "You'd better start driving, Marine."
Mac couldn't help but laugh as she put the car in gear and headed to the Admiral's.
2200 EST
Wednesday, April 18, 2001
Harm's Apartment
Mac pulled into the parking space next to Harm's SUV and turned off the ignition. Turning to look at Harm, she couldn't help but smile when she realized that he had dozed off. She reached over and gently shook him as she said, "Harm, wake up."
Harm opened his eyes and looked around to get his bearings. "Where are we?"
"Your apartment," she replied. "Let's go."
Harm opened the door and stepped out into the cool night air. After stretching himself out, he met Mac at the trunk and grabbed his sea bag. With his free arm wrapped around her shoulders, they made their way into his building.
"I'm sorry I fell asleep on you," Harm stated.
"I don't mind," she replied. "It's good to have you here to be able to fall asleep."
"Do you have the keys?" Harm asked when they reached his door.
Mac pulled her key ring out and quickly found the key to unlock the door. "I put your keys on your desk," she said as they stepped inside and Harm turned on the light.
"Wow, this place looks nice," he commented as he looked around.
"Harriet and I spent the last couple of nights cleaning and making sure you have food in your refrigerator," Mac said.
"You didn't have to do that," he replied. "But I do appreciate it."
"It's no big deal," she replied as she watched him carry his bag to the bedroom, turning on lights as he went. "It was actually nice to have something to keep me busy. It's not easy knowing exactly how many minutes until I get to see you again."
Harm laughed as he stepped back down into the living room. "Are you ever going to tell me how you do that?"
"Maybe on our fiftieth wedding anniversary," she replied as she walked over to stand in front of him.
"I like the sound of that," he agreed. Reaching out to wrap his arms around her, he pulled her into a hug. "Are you staying here tonight?"
"Do you think that's a good idea?" she asked. "I mean, we are waiting until our wedding night to have sex, right?"
"Yeah," he agreed. Leaning back to look down at her, he added, "It's not like we've never slept in the same bed without making love though. I'd really like to hold you in my arms tonight."
"And if I can't guarantee that I'll behave myself?" she asked.
He shrugged and gave a soft laugh. "I promise I'll still respect you in the morning."
Mac couldn't help but smile at that. "Okay, you talked me into it."
Harm leaned down and kissed her gently. "Why don't you go ahead and get ready for bed while I unpack? You do still have to be up early to get to work in the morning."
Mac sighed as she stepped out of his embrace. "I'd like to play hooky and spend the day with you, but I don't the Admiral would let me get away with that."
"Especially not since you're in the middle of the investigation into the Osprey incident," Harm added as they walked up the steps to the bedroom.
Mac walked over to Harm's dresser and opened the bottom drawer, pulling out a t-shirt and pair of boxers. "I hope you don't mind that I took over one of your drawers," she commented.
"Not at all," he replied as he threw his bag onto the bed and opened it. "So how is Congresswoman Latham these days?"
Mac rolled her eyes as she walked to the bathroom. "The Congresswoman and I never seem to see eye to eye. I think it's because of you."
"Me?"
"Yes, you."
"How can it be my fault when I've been on a carrier for the last six months?" Harm questioned as he began hanging up his uniforms.
"Because you're the one who has a history with her," Mac called from the bathroom.
"It was a couple of dates, Mac. I wouldn't exactly call that a history."
"I think she wanted it to be more, and is bothered by the fact that you're with me now."
"Actually, she was jealous of you even then," Harm admitted as he carried a stack of clothes to the dresser.
"You're kidding!"
"No. You'd probably be surprised at how many of the women I've dated have been jealous of you."
"Why?" she asked as she walked out of the bathroom and stacked her neatly folded clothes on the chair.
Harm gave her an appreciative glance before he replied, "I guess I wasn't as good at hiding my feelings for you as I thought I was."
"Harm, we weren't even involved back then."
"Speak for yourself," he replied as he finished emptying his bag and carried it to the closet. "I may not have realized it at the time, but I was very much involved with you."
Mac smiled as she pulled back the covers and sat down on the bed. "Hurry up. This bed is too big for just me."
Harm flashed her a smile as he picked up his shaving kit and carried it to the bathroom. "After sleeping on a carrier for six months, I'm looking forward to having too much room in the bed."
"And after sleeping alone for six months, I'm looking forward to having company in bed," Mac replied.
It was only a couple of minutes before Harm walked out of the bathroom wearing only his boxers. After draping his uniform on the back of the chair, he walked down to check the lock on the door and turn off the lights. When he finally made his way back to the bed, he smiled down at Mac. "Do I need to set the alarm?"
Mac sighed as she replied, "You'd probably better. I don't want to get on the Admiral's bad side this week."
Harm quickly set the alarm on the clock and then turned off the light before climbing into bed. Mac waited until he was settled before she moved over next to him and rested her head on his chest. "Welcome home, Harm."
"It's good to be here, Mac," he replied. Their lips met in a brief kiss before Harm rolled to his side and pulled Mac against him. "Good night, Mac."
"Good night, Harm."
With soft sighs of contentment, they were soon both fast asleep.
1800 EST
Friday, April 20, 2001
Mac's Apartment
"Harm, are you still here?" Mac asked as she walked into the apartment.
"You didn't think I'd leave before you got home, did you?" he asked as he walked out of the kitchen to meet her.
"I wasn't sure. I know that Bud said you guys were meeting at 6:30."
"I don't suppose he told you what they have planned for my bachelor's party, did he?" Harm asked.
"Not a single detail," Mac replied as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "However, he did promise me that the night would not end with anyone needing bailed out of jail."
"That's comforting, I suppose," Harm replied before he leaned down to kiss her.
"Mmmm," Mac murmured when they broke apart for air. "I could definitely get used to this."
"Good," Harm replied. "Because I'm never going to get tired of kissing you."
After another breath taking kiss, Mac pulled back slightly. "If you plan on being on time, you'd better get going."
"I'd rather stay here with you," Harm pouted.
"And as much as I like the sound of that, it's not a good idea," Mac replied. "If you're more than five minutes late, Bud will start calling. If he doesn't get an answer, he'll send the Gunny to find you. I don't know what they've got planned for you, but I do know they've put a lot of planning into it, so you should at least show up."
"But what about you?" Harm asked, reaching up to cup her face, his thumb brushing along her lower lip.
"Harriet and Caroline are bringing dinner and chick flicks," Mac replied. "So you definitely don't want to stay here."
"Okay," Harm mumbled. "But I need one more kiss before I go."
Mac smiled before she leaned up and brushed her lips against his. "There."
"That's not going to do the trick," he replied. He then captured her lips again, his tongue invading her mouth, setting her senses on fire as he thoroughly kissed her.
When they broke apart, Harm winked at her and picked his jacket up off the couch. "Miss me while I'm gone."
"I will," Mac agreed. "And don't forget to behave yourself tonight."
"Yes, Ma'am," he replied.
Mac followed him to the door, giving him a gentle swat on the six as he stepped into the hallway. When he turned around to question her, she merely smiled at him. "I love you."
"I love you, too," he replied. "Have fun tonight."
"You, too."
Unable to help himself, Harm leaned down and kissed her once more before turning and heading to the elevator. As the doors closed behind him, he whispered, "One more week. I can do this."
0700 EST
Saturday, April 21, 2001
Mac's Apartment
Harm moaned in appreciation when Mac's hand trailed up his bare thigh, her fingernails barely grazing his skin, causing goose bumps to raise on his flesh. When he looked up at her, he saw the desire in her eyes and knew that he was lost. A smile slowly spread across her face as she moved until she was straddling his hips. He moaned again when he felt her pressing against him and he shifted to bring her closer.
Mac chose that moment to lean forward and press her lips to his, causing her body to brush against his bare chest and eliciting a gasp from him. His hands moved to her waist and slid under her nightgown, coming to rest on the small of her back. He sighed against her lips as their tongues dueled, but it wasn't enough.
He broke off the kiss and rolled them so he was on top, hearing her sharp intake of breath followed by his name on her lips.
"Harm...Harm...Harm!"
Harm awoke with a start, his breathing ragged and his arousal obvious. He looked around in confusion, startled to find Mac standing at the door to the bathroom instead of in the bed with him. She laughed softly as she realized his predicament. "That must have been some dream, Sailor."
"You have no idea," he replied as he leaned back against the headboard. He took several deep breaths in an effort to calm himself, but the mental images running through his head were competing with the reality of Mac standing across the room wearing only a towel, and he was having difficulty regaining control.
"Did you hear anything I said?" Mac asked as she walked over to stand beside the bed.
Harm shook his head as he looked up at her. "No. I'm sorry."
Mac smiled again when she saw the desire in his eyes and his obvious struggle for control. "I said you'd better get up and get in the shower if you're going to make it to the airport on time."
"Airport. Right," Harm replied as he forced his eyes away from her bare thighs. "What time is it anyway?"
"0710," came Mac's reply as she walked over to the dresser. "Your flight to Pennsylvania leaves at 0930 so you'd better get a move on it."
Harm watched from his spot on the bed as she dropped the towel and pulled on a matching set of blue lace panties and bra. "Have I told you how incredibly beautiful you are?" he asked.
Mac smiled over at him and shook his head. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Mr. Rabb. We made a deal and we're going to keep it. Now get your six out of that bed and into the shower. Your grandmother is expecting to see you this morning, and it is my duty to make sure you get to the airport on time."
"Yes, Ma'am," Harm replied with a mock salute once he got out of the bed.
Mac watched until he disappeared into the bathroom, then she pulled on a pair of jeans and sweatshirt. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she pulled on her socks and shoes and then headed back into the bathroom to dry her hair.
"What time did you get in last night?" Mac asked as she pulled the hairdryer out from under the sink.
"It was a little before two, I think," Harm replied from the shower. "You were out of it, so I tried not to wake you."
"And how was your bachelor party?" she asked. "Anything you can share with your future bride?"
Harm laughed as he rinsed the shampoo from his hair. "We ended up at a sports bar where we watched baseball, drank, and hustled several young kids at the pool table. We were having such a good time shooting pool that we lost track of time."
"So no strippers and no jail time?" Mac asked.
"Not a single stripper in sight," came his reply. "I actually made Bud swear that there would be no dancers or strippers before I would go inside. So how was your evening?"
"Harriet, Caroline and I had a great time eating popcorn and watching movies," Mac replied. "We did eventually turn off the t.v. and sit around talking about the men in our lives, but nothing you need to worry about."
Harm stuck his head out of the shower to look at her. "Please tell me that the subject of those pictures didn't come up."
In response, Mac turned on the hair dryer and began drying her hair. Harm merely shook his head as he watched her reflection in the mirror. He could tell by the grin on her face that they had indeed spent time discussing those pictures and he had a pretty good hunch they'd also spent time talking about his reaction to said pictures. With a sigh of resignation, he pulled his head back into the shower and finished rinsing the soap from his body.
Mac heard the water shut off and she watched in the mirror as Harm opened the shower door and reached for his towel. Paying only minimal attention to her hair, she followed his every move as he dried himself, enjoying the way his muscles rippled as he moved.
It wasn't until he looked up and smiled at her that she realized she'd been caught. With a smile of her own, she turned off the hair dryer and turned to face him.
"See something you like?" he asked as he wrapped the towel around his waist and stepped out of the shower.
"I like it all," she replied, reaching out to run her hand down his arm.
"Easy there, Mac," he stated. "You don't want to start something we can't finish."
"I think you started it with that dream you were having," she retorted as she circled him, allowing her hand to dip down to where the towel rested on his hips.
"Actually, in that dream, you were the one who started it," he replied, reaching out to pull her in front of him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him before he leaned down to kiss her.
Mac sighed when he broke off the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers with a mumbled, "Good morning."
"Good morning," she replied, trailing her hands up and down the smooth expanse of his back.
His hands weren't idle, sliding under her sweatshirt and tracing circles on the small of her back. "Okay, let's go over the plan one more time," he suggested.
"Today you fly up to Pennsylvania to meet your grandmother," Mac replied. "Then tomorrow, you both fly back here where we'll meet up for an early dinner before you take her back to your apartment and get her settled."
"Then I sneak back here to your apartment?" he asked hopefully as he leaned back to look at her.
"I don't think that's part of the plan," she replied.
"We need to update the plan," he snorted. "Anyway, Monday you go into work, right?"
"Right. Hopefully, this whole thing with the Osprey will be cleared up then. Tuesday at the latest."
"Okay, so then my mom and Frank are flying in Tuesday evening."
"Yes, and we're supposed to meet them at the airport and take them to their hotel. On Wednesday evening, we're supposed to meet with Reverend James one last time and he's going to want to see a copy of our vows."
"I guess that means we should practice them," he replied.
"Not right now, though. We don't have time."
"Do we have time for this?" he asked before his lips claimed hers in a searing kiss.
"No," she moaned softly. "And even if we did, we made a deal."
"Too bad," he commented before kissing her again.
"What happened to not starting something we couldn't finish?" she asked breathlessly.
"You're the one who was walking around your bedroom naked earlier," he argued.
"I was trying to get you up," she replied as her hands moved up to his shoulders.
He laughed softly at that. "No, you were just trying to torment me."
She shrugged slightly as her eyes met his. "Maybe."
Harm leaned down and kissed her again, then with one final squeeze, he stepped out of her embrace. "Okay, then on Thursday?"
Mac leaned against the sink to watch as he lathered his face to shave. "On Thursday, we're meeting with the florist and the caterer to make sure there aren't any last minute snags that need to be addressed, and then picking Chloe up at the airport. On Friday, Harriet, Caroline, Chloe, and I are spending the day relaxing. This includes manicures, pedicures, a bikini wax and a trip to the hair salon."
"Can I watch the bikini wax?" he interrupted.
"No," she replied. "However, you can inspect it Saturday."
When she started to talk again, he held up his hand. "Wait a minute. Let me enjoy that visual before you go on to the next thing."
She shook her head at that. "You're impossible."
"You make it sound like you didn't already know that," he teased. "Okay, so what's after that?"
"The rehearsal is Friday night followed by the rehearsal dinner. After that, your grandmother will escort you back to your apartment and I'll see you on Saturday when I walk down the aisle."
"I like that part, although I'm not too fond of the having to sleep without you on Friday night."
"Look at it like this," she stated. "You need to sleep at your apartment on Friday because you need to get all the rest you can. Once Saturday is here and we're officially husband and wife, I plan on making up for the last six months of sleeping alone, and believe me, you're going to need your strength."
"I love it when you talk dirty," he teased.
"If you don't get a move on it, I'm going to start playing dirty," she replied.
He rinsed his razor then bent down to rinse the remaining lather from his face before he turned to look at her. "I think I like the sound of that."
Mac rolled her eyes at that and headed out of the bathroom. "I'm going to start some coffee. Hurry up."
"Be there in a flash," he yelled after her.
Mac shook her head as she reached the kitchen. What on earth had she been thinking when she'd agreed to wait until the wedding? It was going to be a very long week.
April 21, 2001
To: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
From: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
Just wanted to let you know that I arrived safely. My grandmother is very excited about meeting you tomorrow, so you'd better make sure that you're on time to the airport.
Now, about this plan that didn't include me coming back to your apartment tomorrow night, we definitely need to adjust it. I've already explained to Grandma Sarah that she won't be putting me out of my bed by staying at my apartment because I'll be sleeping at your place. She's okay with that, so it looks like you're stuck with me.
Just one more week.
Harm
April 21, 2001
To: Cmdr Harmon Rabb
From: Lt. Col Sarah MacKenzie
I hope that when you told your grandmother you were coming back to my apartment that you made it clear it was just to sleep. I wouldn't want her to get the wrong impression about me.
Mac
1430 EST
Sunday, April 22, 2001
Dulles International Airport
Mac smiled as she walked towards Harm and his grandmother. When Harm spotted her, he gently nudged his grandmother and nodded in Mac's direction. It was with nervous apprehension that Mac closed the distance between them.
"Hi," she said.
"Hi," Harm repeated. Turning to the woman at his side, he added, "Grandma Sarah, this is Mac. Mac, my grandma."
Mac held out her hand as she said, "It's nice to meet you."
Sarah Rabb brushed her hand away and enveloped her in a hug, quickly erasing Mac's fears of not being accepted by the woman who had played such a huge role in Harm's life. "Welcome to the family, Sarah. Is it okay if I call you Sarah?"
Mac smiled as she was released from the embrace. "I would like that very much."
Harm reached over and took Mac's hand in his as they made their way down to baggage claim. "Do you realize how lucky I am?" he asked them both. "I now have two Sarah Rabbs in my life."
"Will you be making it three any time soon?" Grandma Sarah asked. "I would like to see my great-grandchildren, you know."
Harm and Mac both laughed at that before Harm placed his free arm around his grandmother's shoulders and said, "Grandma, we'll see what we can do."
2230 EST
Sunday, April 22, 2001
Mac's Apartment
"Took you long enough to get here," Mac said from her spot on the couch.
Harm locked the door and then pulled his jacket off as he replied, "I had to make sure my grandmother knew where to find everything before I left."
"I still can't believe you left her alone at your apartment so you could stay here," Mac commented as he walked over to her.
Harm reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet before he replied, "My grandmother's exact words were, 'If it gets me closer to great-grandchildren, I'm all for it.' How was I supposed to argue with that?"
"You might have tried explaining to her that while we're sharing a bed, that's all we're sharing until after the wedding," Mac stated.
Harm turned her towards the bedroom and then wrapped his arms around her from behind. "Now, what's the fun in that? Besides, my apartment really isn't big enough for two people."
"I've never heard you complain about it before," Mac commented as she stopped to turn off the lights.
"That's because I'm usually sharing it with you," he replied. "And when I'm sharing it with you, I don't mind being in close quarters. It gives me an excuse to join you in the shower."
"Like you need an excuse to do that," she said dryly.
"She likes you," Harm said when they reached the bedroom.
"I like her, too," Mac replied as she stepped out of his embrace and turned down the covers on the bed.
When she turned back around, Harm had already taken off his shirt and was working on toeing off his shoes. "I'm glad. It means a lot to me to be able to have her here."
"I know," she replied as she slipped off her robe and crawled into the bed, content to watch him as he finished stripping off his jeans. "I know how important she is to you."
"So are you," he said as he walked into the bathroom.
When he emerged a couple of minutes later, Mac pulled back the covers in invitation. He smiled as he made his way over to the bed and joined her. "I meant what I said earlier," he stated as he rolled onto his side to face her. "I feel very fortunate to have two Sarah Rabbs in my life."
"And I feel very fortunate to be one of those Sarahs," she replied.
He leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead before moving down to her lips. After a very brief good night kiss, she rolled over to turn off the light and then scooted back against him, feeling one arm slide under her head and the other coming to rest across her middle.
"Good night, Harm."
"Good night, Mac."
1900 EST
Monday, April 23, 2001
Harm's Apartment
"Harmon, shouldn't you be spending the evening with that lovely fiance' of yours instead of doting on me?" Grandma Sarah asked as he carried their dinner to the table.
"I enjoy doting on you, Grandma," he replied. "But to answer your question, Mac is in the middle of a case and since it's a Congressional hearing concerning military funding, she's trying to get it cleared up before she goes on leave. She told me she wouldn't be home until late tonight and that I should enjoy the evening with the other Sarah in my life."
"She's a remarkable woman," she stated.
"Yes, she is," Harm agreed as he sat down across from her at the table.
"It's good to see you happy, Harmon."
"Mac makes me happy, Grandma. She is everything I've ever wanted and more. I don't know where I'd be now if it weren't for her."
"Your mother told me about how she followed you to Russia."
"Which time?" Harm asked with a grin.
"Both times," she replied. "When you first learned that your father was dead, and then again when you found out about your brother."
"She has been a pillar of strength for me, Grandma. I only hope that I can be the same for her."
"You know, I could tell she was someone special the first time I heard you mention her name. I wondered then how long it would be before you would be announcing your engagement."
"I wasn't that transparent, Grandma," he argued.
"Not transparent, no. You just didn't work very hard at keeping the admiration and respect you felt for her out of your voice. Sometimes, it's easier to hear what you're saying if you listen to what you don't say. It took me a while to figure that out about you, but once I did, I started listening in a different way. And that's how I knew that this feisty Marine had you captivated from the beginning."
Harm nodded in acknowledgement. "That she did. And to think that I almost let her get away from me frightens me. I'm glad she knew when to push. Otherwise, we wouldn't be here now."
"Then I propose a toast," she replied, holding up her wine glass. "To the newest Sarah Rabb."
"To Sarah," he agreed, clinking his glass to his grandmother's before sipping his wine.
2145 EST
Tuesday, April 24, 2001
Mac's Apartment
"So do you want to talk about it?" Harm asked as he followed Mac into her apartment.
"About what?" she asked, feigning ignorance.
"About whatever it is that has had you so preoccupied this evening," he replied as he shrugged out of his jacket and hung it in the closet before reaching for hers and hanging it up as well.
"I'm getting married in a little over eighty-seven hours," she replied. "I think I'm entitled to the occasional moment of preoccupation."
"If I thought this was about the wedding, I wouldn't be asking," he said softly as he sat down on the couch beside her. "Even my mom asked why you looked like you were carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders tonight."
"She didn't?" she asked as she met his gaze.
"She did," he replied, reaching for her hand. "So I'll repeat the question. Do you want to talk about it?"
Mac sighed and dropped her head back against the couch. "It's this whole Osprey mess."
"Is it a classified mess?" he probed.
"No," she replied with a small smile in his direction. "It's a Congresswoman Latham mess."
He pulled her hand to his lips and placed a kiss on it before he said, "Then you're allowed to share with me."
"She's the one pushing the issue about the Osprey not being safe, and because of that, she's trying to get funding cut off from it."
"Right," he said. "And you and Bud have been investigating the cause of the mishap that occurred on the flight she was on."
"Right," she said as she stood up and began to pace. "So in the course of our investigation, we find out that the dear Congresswoman was two hours late for the flight."
"And they went ahead with the mission?" Harm asked, watching her restless pacing and being reminded of years of watching her in the courtroom.
"Yes," she said as she suddenly stopped pacing and turned to look directly at him. "And because of the two hour delay, they were flying directly into the sun."
"And the glare off the water was bad, causing the pilot to misjudge how close he was?" Harm guessed, seeing where she was going.
"Exactly," Mac stated. "Only the pilot refused to say anything at first about the delay having a negative effect on the mission. We had to find that out for ourselves."
"And are you planning to present this bit of information before the committee?" Harm asked as he stood up, moving to stand in front of her.
"Yes," she replied firmly. "And I'm very much going to enjoy watching the Congresswoman squirm."
Harm couldn't help the slight chuckle that escaped. "You really don't like her, do you?"
"Believe me, it's mutual," Mac stated. "She and I have never seen eye to eye."
"So I've noticed," he replied as he reached out and ran his hands up and down her arms in an attempt to calm her down.
"I was so jealous of her at first," she admitted, dropping her gaze from his. "That night when I went to your apartment and found the two of you together, I wanted to drag her out in the street and tear her to pieces. And I really didn't care if was unprofessional of me. She had what I wanted."
"Not really," he said softly. "Nobody has ever had a claim on my heart the way you do, Mac." He reached out and tilted her chin up until their eyes met. "Nobody."
She let out a deep sigh as she covered his hands with hers. "Sometimes, I just want to get in her face and ask her how it feels to know she can never have you."
Harm laughed softly and pulled her against his chest. "I never knew you had this jealous streak in you," he teased.
"Only when it comes to you," she replied as her arms snaked around his waist. "But she seems to bring it out of me."
"She's really not a bad person, you know," he said as his hands trailed up and down her back. "I think if you two sat down and got to know each other, you'd be surprised at how much you have in common."
"I don't see that happening any time soon," she said defiantly.
"Will you at least be civil to her at the ceremony?" he asked, leaning back to look at her.
"I'll try," she agreed.
"Good enough," he replied. "Now, do you feel better?"
"Yes," she admitted. "But you know what would make tonight perfect?"
"What's that?" he asked, noticing the slight gleam in her eyes.
"This," she replied before reaching up and claiming his lips.
"Mmm," he murmured when they broke apart several minutes later. "You were right. That does make it perfect."
Mac's hands moved to the bottom of his shirt and pulled it out from the waistband of his pants to slide underneath. "I thought we weren't going to do this," he said as her hands slid up under the material.
"We're not having sex," she stated simply, moving closer to claim his lips again.
"Then what are we doing?" he asked when they broke for air again.
"Making out," she replied. "Didn't you ever do this when you were a teenager? See how far you could go without actually having sex?"
"Yes," he admitted as his hands moved of their own accord to the buttons on her shirt. "But it was usually in the backseat of a car, and never with you."
Her hands stilled at his soft admission and she pulled back to look up at him. "We can go out to the car if you want."
"That wasn't the point, Counselor. I was merely stating that I'd never made out with someone that I was planning on spending the rest of my life with. Especially when I know her body almost as well as I know my own. I know what she likes." With that, he bent down and pulled her earlobe into his mouth, sucking on it for a brief moment before pulling away and meeting her gaze again. "And I know exactly where to touch her to drive her crazy."
Her hand caught his before it could reach its destination and he raised his eyebrows in question. "I don't think you need to prove that point, Harm," she said. "If you do, I can pretty much guarantee that this is going to lead to us having sex tonight."
He smiled and brought their joined hands up to his lips. "Perhaps a change of venue is in order?" he suggested.
"Do you trust me to behave myself if we call it a night and climb into bed together?" she teased.
"I trust you with my life," he said simply.
"I'm glad one of us has confidence in my ability to keep my hands off of you," she threw over her shoulder as she turned and headed toward the bedroom. "I'll be waiting for you. I won't be hard to spot either. Just look for the one who is extremely aroused and frustrated."
Harm shook his head at her retreating form. "You're not the only one, Mac," he mumbled before making his way over to lock the door and turn off the light before following her to the bedroom.
1735 EST
Wednesday, April 25, 2001
Reverend James' Office
"Commander Rabb, it's good to see you again," Reverend James said as he escorted him into his office.
"Thank you, Sir," Harm replied as he looked around. "I'm sorry that I'm late. I got caught behind an accident on the way here."
"That's quite alright," he replied. "It seems as if your lovely bride is running a bit late herself."
"She's not here yet?" Harm asked, the worry evident on his face.
"Nothing to be concerned about," Reverend James assured him. "She called a few minutes ago and said she'd gotten held up at work and was running about ten minutes late. I told her to take her time and get here as soon as she could."
Harm visibly relaxed and settled into one of the empty chairs in front of the minister's desk. "You'll have to excuse me for being worried about her, it just seems like when things are going really good in our lives, something happens to upset them."
"Not this time, Harm," the older man stated simply. "Sarah tells me that you two have decided to go with the vows you've written instead of the traditional ones."
Harm nodded and reached into his pocket to pull out a piece of paper. "She told me you'd want to see them tonight."
The Reverend smiled as he took the well-worn piece of paper from Harm's outstretched hand. "I'd say from the look of these, you've put a lot of thought into them."
"I just wanted them to be perfect," Harm replied.
A knock at the door interrupted them, and Reverend James excused himself to open the door. Harm turned when he heard Mac's voice expressing her apologies for being late and saw Reverend James wave off her apology and motion her over to sit down. "Nothing to be sorry about, Sarah. I was just spending a few minutes talking to Harm."
Mac smiled over at Harm as she settled herself in the seat beside him. "Hi."
"Hi, yourself," he replied with an answering smile.
Reverend James cleared his throat to get their attention and they both turned to look at him with guilty smiles on their faces. "Sorry," they mumbled.
The reverend merely smiled at them before he said, "Sarah, did you bring a copy of your vows with you?"
Mac reached into her purse and pulled out a piece of paper. With a sideways glance at Harm, she handed it to Reverend James. He quickly read through both copies of vows and then looked up at them. "I think these will be perfect for the ceremony. Have you two recited them to each other yet?"
"No," they replied in unison.
"Well, I think now would be as good a time as any, don't you?" he asked.
After a nervous smile, Harm took Mac's hands in his and quoted his vows to her from memory. Seeing the single tear that made its way down her cheek, he reached up to softly brush it off.
Mac sniffed slightly before taking a deep breath and quoting her own vows to Harm. He smiled when she finished, and ignoring the fact that they weren't alone in the room, he leaned down and kissed her.
"I love you," he whispered when he pulled away.
"I love you, too," she replied.
Suddenly remembering they had an audience, Harm turned his attention back to Reverend James. "My apologies, Sir. Sometimes, I just can't help myself when it comes to this beautiful woman."
Reverend James laughed softly at that. "No need to apologize, Harm. I wish that every couple who came through that door was as obviously in love with each other as you two are." After a brief pause, he added, "I think that's all we need to go over tonight. I will see you here Friday night for the rehearsal."
"Thank you," Harm said, reaching out to shake his hand as he got to his feet.
"Enjoy your evening," the Reverend admonished them as he showed them to the door.
"We will," Mac assured him, reaching to take Harm's hand in hers as they made their way out into the hallway.
Once they were outside, Harm tugged on Mac's hand, pulling her around to face him. She started to ask what he was doing, but his lips on hers smothered the question before she could get it out. She immediately responded to him, sliding her arms up and around his neck as his hands moved to her face to hold her in place for his onslaught.
It was the need for oxygen that finally forced them apart and they rested their foreheads together as they gasped for air. "Wow," Mac finally managed to get out. "What was that for?"
"Just because," he replied with a noncommittal shrug.
Mac smiled as she leaned back to look up at him. "Rough day, Sailor?"
"I just missed you," he replied as he reached up to run a finger along her cheek. "So how was Bobbi today?" he asked to change the subject.
Mac rolled her eyes slightly, but allowed him to drape his arm around her shoulders and walk her to her car. "She was quite taken aback by the fact that her tardiness proved to be the main catalyst in the Osprey accident."
"And did you enjoy gloating about it?" Harm asked.
"Actually, no," Mac admitted as they reached her car. "That's the reason I was running late today. Bobbi stopped me on my way out of the courtroom and asked if she could talk to me for a minute."
"Oh really?" he asked, leaning back against the car so they were once again looking at each other.
Mac nodded slowly before she replied, "She said she wanted to congratulate me on our wedding. She said that she'd known for a long time that you had feelings for me and that she was glad we'd finally managed to work things out and find a way to be together."
"You mean she didn't challenge you to a duel over me?" he teased.
"No, she didn't," she replied, shaking her head. "Thank you for not saying I told you so."
"So did you two talk more after that?" he asked, knowing better than to push her about her un-founded jealousy of Bobbi.
"Yes," Mac said softly, looking down at the ground. "And you were right, we do have a lot in common. In fact, I asked her to join us on Friday for our day of pampering."
Harm flashed her a full fledged smile at that admission. "I think you'll find Bobbi to be a good friend, Mac."
Mac looked up at him and returned his smile before she wrapped her arms around his waist. "Why do I get the feeling you knew this would happen?"
"Intuition?" he replied before leaning down and kissing her softly. "Now, I suggest that I follow you back to your apartment so you can change and then we go meet my parents and grandmother. I believe that the other two women in my life want to take you shopping for the evening."
"Without you?" she asked.
"Without me," he replied. "Frank and I are going to do a little male bonding of our own."
"He's a good man," Mac stated as she pulled away from him and unlocked the car door.
"I know," Harm agreed.
"Maybe you should let him know that you know that," she suggested.
Harm waited until she was settled in her seat before he leaned down and brushed another kiss across her lips. "I just might do that," he replied. "After all, if you can bury the hatchet with Congresswoman Latham, the least I can do is tell my step-father how much I appreciate him being in my life."
Mac winked at him before he stepped back and closed her door. She waited until he was in his SUV before she started up the car and they headed back to her apartment.
1900 EST
Thursday, April 26, 2001
General Cinema Theatre
Washington D.C.
"Are you sure you don't want to see something else?" Chloe asked as she looked up at Harm and Mac.
"This is fine," Harm assured her as they moved forward in the line. "I told you at the airport you could pick the movie and if 'Spy Kids' is what you want to see, that's what we're seeing."
"No wonder you're marrying him," Chloe said with a smile in Mac's direction.
"You should enjoy this while you can," Mac replied. "He rarely ever lets me pick the movie."
"That's because you pick movies where everybody dies in the end. Who wants to pay money to see that?" Harm challenged.
"Apparently a lot of people," Mac retaliated. "Just look at the profits garnered from 'Titanic'."
"Don't remind me," he groaned.
Chloe laughed as they stepped up to the ticket window. "Three for 'Spy Kids,'" she stated.
"Twenty-two fifty," the young man replied with a smile at Chloe.
Harm reached around her to pay for the tickets, making sure to glare at the kid in the process. "Enjoy the show," the kid replied with another smile for Chloe, completing ignoring the dirty looks Harm was giving him.
"He was cute," Chloe said as they walked into the theater.
"Yes, he was," Mac agreed, looping her arm through Harm's and giving him a sympathetic smile as they got in line to purchase popcorn.
"She's too young for boys to be looking at her like that," he whispered to Mac.
"Speaking from experience?" Mac teased.
"Our daughter isn't dating until she's twenty-one," Harm replied.
"And our son?" Mac asked.
"Will know better than to ever let a father see him look at his daughter like that," he replied.
Mac laughed as they stepped up to the counter and placed their order for popcorn and drinks.
"Did I miss something?" Chloe asked turning around to face them.
"Not really," Mac replied. "Harm was just getting a taste of what it feels like to have a little sister."
"You're going to be a great brother," Chloe declared. "Well, actually, you already are, but you're going to be a great brother to me, too. And I'm going to make a great aunt one day, so don't keep me waiting too long, okay?"
Harm merely shook his head as he paid for their snacks. "You're going to at least have to wait until after the wedding," he informed her. "Then after that, we'll see what we can do."
Chloe squealed in delight and threw her arms around Mac. "I'm so happy for you two."
"Thanks, Chloe," Mac replied.
"Come on," Harm said as he handed them each a drink and bag of popcorn. "We need to get our seats before the movie actually starts."
"Lead the way," Chloe replied as they fell into step behind him.
2300 EST
Thursday, April 26, 2001
Mac's Apartment
"Okay, ladies," Harm said as he pushed himself off the couch. "I'm calling it a night."
"Thanks for the movie, Harm," Chloe said as she looked up at him. "I had a good time."
"You're welcome," he replied with a smile. "Don't keep Mac up all night, okay?"
"I'll try not to," she agreed as she returned her attention to the television screen.
Harm shook his head and then leaned down to Mac. "Good night," he said softly before brushing his lips against hers.
Mac returned the kiss, deepening it for just a moment before pulling away from him. "Good night."
With that, Harm made his way into the bedroom and closed the door. Once she was sure he was out of the room, Chloe turned down the volume on the t.v. and turned to face Mac. "So, tell me how wonderful it's been planning your wedding."
Mac smiled at her enthusiasm. "It's been a lot of fun," she admitted. "I do wish Harm could have been here for certain parts of it, but I've had a lot of help from my friends and from Harm's mother."
"I'm looking forward to meeting her," Chloe said. "And Grandma Sarah. I've heard so much about them that I feel like I know them already."
"You're going to love them," Mac replied. "They're amazing women."
"So where is Harm taking you for the honeymoon?" Chloe asked.
"We're going to St. Thomas Island," Mac replied.
"That is so romantic," Chloe said. "I hope my husband takes me somewhere that romantic on our honeymoon."
"There's still plenty of time before you start thinking about honeymoons," Mac said.
"I know," she replied. "My grandma and I already had that talk. She told me I should wait until I get married to even have sex. How old fashioned is that?"
"It's not old fashioned," Mac replied softly. "There's something to be said for waiting until you're married."
"You and Harm aren't," Chloe accused.
"I won't lie and say that we haven't had sex," Mac replied. "However, we agreed that once he got home, we would wait until after the wedding."
"You're kidding?"
"No, I'm not."
"And he went for this?" Chloe asked.
"Actually, it was his idea," Mac replied. "He said he thought it would be good for us, and I have to agree that it has been."
"That is so romantic," Chloe said as she glanced over at the bedroom door.
"Yes, it is," Mac agreed. "And it should help you to realize that being romantic doesn't necessarily mean having sex."
"I know that," Chloe said softly.
"And you also know that it's okay to say no if you don't think you're ready, right?" Mac prompted.
Chloe nodded and looked up at her. "Don't worry, Mac. I know I'm not ready for that step yet. And I promise that if I need someone to talk to, you'll be the first person I call."
"Good," Mac replied, pulling her into a hug. "I'm glad you're here."
"Me, too," Chloe agreed.
"So tell me about school," Mac suggested as she released her.
Chloe smiled before launching into a story about her latest adventure, and it was nearly two hours later before they called it a night and went to bed.
0520 EST
Friday, April 27, 2001
Mac's Apartment
Harm rolled over and reached for Mac, only opening his eyes when he found her side of the bed empty. Sitting up, he looked around, surprised to find her sitting in the chair watching him.
"What are you doing way over there?" he asked.
"Trying to keep my hands off of you," she replied.
"What time is it?" he asked.
"0521," she replied automatically.
"Come back to bed, Mac," he said.
"I was having a pretty intense dream," she replied. "And when I woke up...well, let's just say that it was a test of my willpower to roll away from you and climb out of the bed."
"Come back to bed," he repeated. "You can tell me about your dream."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea," she stated as she slowly crossed the room and crawled back under the covers.
He scooted down and rolled to his side to face her. "That bad?"
"No, that good," she replied.
"Are you sure you don't want to tell me about it?" he asked as his hand trailed down her arm.
"Not if we plan on making it through the rest of the night without breaking our deal," she replied.
"Okay, but I think I'm going to want to hear it at some point."
"I think that can be arranged," she agreed.
"You should get some sleep," he suggested. "You've got a big day ahead of you tomorrow."
"I love you, Harm."
"And I love you," he replied. With that, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against him before kissing her softly and settling down to go back to sleep.
1800 EST
Friday, April 27, 2001
Outside the Church
"I was beginning to think you'd changed your mind," Harm said as he opened Mac's car door and waited for her to get out.
"Never," she replied. "We just got stuck in traffic is all."
Harm pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly before he said, "I missed you today."
"Get a room," Chloe said from the other side of the car.
Harm and Mac both laughed, but it didn't stop them from sharing another passionate kiss before making their way inside the church.
The rehearsal went by quickly, with everyone doing their part to make sure things were going to run smoothly for the actual ceremony and they soon found themselves back outside of the church, making arrangements to ride over to the restaurant for the dinner.
"Harm, why don't I drive your car and Chloe can ride with us?" Frank suggested. "Then you and Mac can ride over in her car."
Harm glanced at Mac, who in turn looked over at Chloe. "Sounds like a good plan to me," Chloe said. "It will give me a chance to get a little dirt on my big brother."
"Mom, please don't encourage her any," Harm called as he walked around to the passenger side of Mac's car.
"I'm not making any promises," Trish called back with a laugh before climbing into Harm's SUV.
"Why do I get the feeling that I'm going to regret this?" Harm asked once he and Mac were in the car.
"Let her have some fun, Harm," Mac said. "Besides, in exchange, you get to ride shotgun with me."
"Seems fair enough, I suppose," he replied before leaning across the console to kiss her.
"I'm going to miss sleeping in your arms tonight," Mac commented as he pulled away and she started the car.
"Perhaps I should give you a little something to fuel those dreams?" he suggested.
"What did you have in mind?" she asked as she pulled the car out of the parking lot.
"I don't know," he replied nonchalantly. "Maybe a little test of your willpower?"
"You're not thinking about starting something you aren't going to finish, are you?" she asked, catching his hand before he could make contact with her knee.
"Oh, I'm going to finish it," he replied. "Maybe not tonight, but I'm definitely going to finish it."
"Then perhaps this is a game better suited for tomorrow? Especially since the restaurant is just around the corner."
Harm gave a soft sigh and pulled her hand to his lips. "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"
"A little, I think," she replied. "After all, you did ask me to marry you."
"And just think, seventeen hours from now, you'll be walking down the aisle agreeing to be with me for the rest of our lives."
She flashed him a smile as she pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant. "First, we have to go inside and have dinner with our friends. Then Bud will make a toast, and then we'll dance for a while. After that, you'll be a good groom and take your grandmother back to your apartment where you'll stay until time to leave for the church in the morning."
"And while I'm doing that, you'll take Chloe back to your apartment where you'll dream about making love to me while sleeping in that big bed all alone."
"But only for tonight," she replied.
"Now there's a nice visual image," he said as she turned off the engine.
She unfastened her seat belt and turned to face him with a soft smile playing on her lips. "I love you, Harm."
"I love you, too," he replied, meeting her halfway as she leaned in for a kiss.
The incessant pounding on the hood of the car finally broke them apart and they were laughing as they got out of the car to join their friends for one last pre-wedding celebration.
1235 EST
Saturday, April 28, 2001
Bridal Room
"Mac, please stop pacing. You're making me nervous."
Mac glanced over at Harriet with a smile. "I can't help it, Harriet. I've got all this...energy."
"Are you nervous?" Harriet asked.
"Not really," Mac replied. "Just antsy. And excited. I can't believe this day is finally here."
A knock on the door interrupted them. Hearing Bud's voice on the other side of the door, Harriet hurried over to see what he needed. "Bud, is everything okay?"
"The Commander is going a little stir crazy is all," Bud replied.
"You don't have to stand in the hall, Bud," Mac called.
Bud gave her a sheepish smile as he stepped into the room. "Wow, Ma'am. You look fantastic."
"Thank you, Bud."
"I'm sorry to interrupt you, but Commander Rabb insisted that I come and check on you."
"How is he?" Mac asked.
Bud shook his head with a smile. "Worse than A.J. on Christmas Eve, Ma'am. He keeps asking me if it's time yet. I don't think I've ever seen him this excited about anything."
Mac couldn't help but smile at the mental picture that provoked. "Well, you can tell Harm that it won't be long now."
"Actually, Ma'am, I was hoping you would tell him yourself," Bud replied.
"No way am I letting him see me before the ceremony," Mac stated.
Bud smiled as he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. "Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of a little modern day technology."
Mac arched an eyebrow at him, but took the offered phone. "What number should I dial?"
"Just hit number one on the speed dial," Bud replied. "Now, if you'll excuse me."
Mac looked up in time to see Harriet give Bud a quick hug and peck on the cheek before he left and then she dialed the number. After only two rings, she heard Harm's voice on the line.
< "Mac, is that you?" >
"Were you expecting someone else?" she teased.
She heard him let out a sigh before he spoke again. < "This whole waiting thing is driving me crazy." >
"Me, too. But it won't be long now. Only a few more minutes."
< "My mom was just in here. She said you look absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to see you." >
"I can't wait to see you, either."
< "Do you suppose we could start early?" >
"I don't think so, Harm," she replied with a laugh.
< "I, Harmon Rabb, take thee, Sarah MacKenzie, to be my lawfully wedded wife." > Mac drew in a deep breath when she heard him start reciting his vows. After a brief pause, he continued. < "I promise to be faithful to you. To love you and to cherish you. To honor and respect you. To do my best to provide for you and our family. I will be at your side for all eternity. From this day forward, we are one." >
"I, Sarah MacKenzie, take thee, Harmon Rabb, to be my lawfully wedded husband," she replied, not even noticing Harriet's exit from the room. "I promise you my love, my respect, and my honor. I will be your help mate, standing beside you for all eternity. From this day forward, we are one."
< "I love you, Mac." >
"I love you, too, Harm."
< "How much longer?" >
"Ten minutes and twenty-five seconds."
< "I missed you last night." >
"I missed you, too. I don't like sleeping alone anymore."
< "Bud just walked back in. I think that's my cue." >
"I'll see you soon, Harm."
< "I'll be waiting for you." >
With that, he disconnected the call and Mac slowly lowered the phone from her ear. As much as he denied it, Harm had to be the most romantic man she'd ever known. And she was undoubtedly the luckiest woman in the world to be marrying him. Now, if she could just find a way to speed things up a little.
As if on cue, Harriet and Chloe entered the room. "Are you ready?" Chloe asked.
"Unbelievably so," Mac replied.
"How is Harm?" Harriet asked.
"I think we're both just anxious to get things started."
"More like you're both anxious to get to the honeymoon," Chloe snorted.
"Chloe Madison!" Mac stated.
"Just calling it like I see it," Chloe replied with a grin.
Harriet stepped between them with a laugh. "Okay, do you have everything?"
Mac nodded as she listed the items she would be carrying with her. "Something old...the lace handkerchief Grandma Sarah gave me. It's tied around my bouquet. Something new...the earrings from Trish. Something borrowed...your pearl necklace. And something blue...the garter which Chloe provided. I think I'm set."
"Okay, then let's get your veil in place," Harriet replied.
After only a couple of minutes, they had the veil secured to the headpiece and dropped down over Mac's face. A knock on the door was followed by the Admiral's voice, "Ladies, we're ready when you are."
"Let's go," Mac said.
She waited until the others had exited before she stepped out into the hallway where she found Admiral Chegwidden waiting for her with a smile in place. "Mac, you are beautiful."
"Thank you, Sir."
"May I?" he asked as he held his arm out to her.
She slid her arm around his and they slowly made their way out into the vestibule to await the beginning of the processional.
Harm waited patiently at the front of the chapel, his eyes on the doors that would soon open to allow Mac to make her way to him. He smiled at Chloe as she made her way down the aisle. She looked very grown up in the royal blue dress Mac had chosen for her. Quite a contrast to the young girl he had found hiding out on top of an elevator in the JAG office three years earlier.
Next was Harriet, looking as lovely as ever as she walked towards him. She smiled at him before she turned to take her place beside Chloe and Harm found himself suddenly holding his breath in anticipation when the music changed and the guests all rose to their feet.
She was absolutely stunning, the veil covering her face doing little to hide the smile radiating from her. The dress was as beautiful as she'd claimed. The off-the-shoulder bodice clinging to her before flaring out at the waist into yards of intricately patterned lace.
Harm had to force himself to breathe as she came to stand beside him, the Admiral shaking his hand before placing hers in it. With a smile reserved only for her, he tucked her arm under his and led her the few remaining steps to face the minister.
"You look amazing," Harm whispered under his breath.
She merely smiled at him, not trusting her voice at that moment, the emotion so evident on his face bringing tears to her eyes.
Harm forced his attention to the minister, trying to concentrate on the words he was saying instead of losing himself in the beauty of the woman standing at his side. It wasn't long before they were once again reciting their vows to each other, this time face-to-face, the sincerity of the promises clearly evident in each other's eyes.
When it was time to exchange the rings, Harm released his hold on her hand long enough to slide the ring on her finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."
Mac smiled at him through her veil when he raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. Taking the other ring from the minister, she slid it onto Harm's finger. "With this ring, I thee wed."
They turned their attention back to the minister who smiled down on them. "By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Harm turned back to Mac, his hands lifting the veil from her face. He smoothed it down, his eyes drinking in the sight of her, before his lips slowly lowered to hers in a gentle kiss.
Mac smiled against his lips, her hands going to the lapel on his jacket as he deepened the kiss. It was several breathless moments later when they broke apart to the applause of their friends and family.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Commander and Mrs. Harmon Rabb."
No further words were needed as Harm once again tucked Mac's hand under his arm, this time leading her away from the altar and towards their new life together.
2245 EST
Saturday, April 28, 2001
Honeymoon Suite at the Hilton
Washington D.C.
"Thank you very much," Harm said as he handed the bell boy a very generous tip. "We can handle it from here."
The bell boy smiled his appreciation and handed Harm the key before disappearing down the hallway.
"Here we are," Harm said as he turned to Mac. "I believe it's tradition for the groom to carry the bride across the threshold."
Mac laughed as Harm swept her into his arms and carried her into the room. "How very romantic of you, Mr. Rabb."
"I aim to please," he replied as he kicked the door closed behind them. He slowly lowered her to her feet, enjoying the feel of her body as it slid against his.
Her arms remained around his neck and she pulled his head down to hers, her mouth insistent against his when their lips came together.
When they finally broke apart, Harm leaned back slightly. "Don't you want to look around the room? It's supposed to have a Jacuzzi tub and everything."
Mac merely shook her head as she pushed his jacket off his shoulders. Their covert touching and smoldering glances throughout the reception had her more aroused than she could ever remember being in her entire life and the only thing she had on her mind right now was him. "We can look around the room later," she offered. "Right now, I just want to make love to my husband."
Harm smiled as he shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it to the side. "I like the sound of that...your husband."
As her fingers began working on the buttons of his shirt, he slid his hands around to her back and slowly lowered the zipper on her dress. She had changed out of her wedding gown before they'd left the reception and he was grateful for that. As pretty as it had been, he seriously doubted if he would have had the patience to undo all of those tiny buttons.
As it turned out, neither one of them had much patience and they soon gave in to the desire threatening to consume them. As they lay together in the bed later, Harm pulled Mac onto his chest, his hands drawing lazy circles on her back. "That was amazing," he said softly.
"Definitely worth waiting for," she agreed as she folded her arms across his chest and rested her head on them.
Harm could feel sleep trying to claim him and he shifted under Mac, causing her to look up at him through heavy eyelids. "There's something I want to tell you," he said.
"What is it?" she asked, doing her best to not drift off to sleep.
"In the time that I was gone, I realized something. It doesn't matter where I'm stationed, or what I'm doing, because right here, with you, like this...this is home."
Mac flashed him a sleepy smile and moved to press a kiss to his lips, agreeing completely and knowing that the words weren't necessary.
The End