Chapter 6
Mac had expected to wake up alone in bed after her time with Harm, the purpose of her dream over. She had instead been completely surprised to roll over and hit her arm against her desk, only to feel Harm tighten his hold on her. After some gentle nibbling and kissing, Harm had forced himself to dress and sneak back to his room. It just about killed her to bid him a casual goodbye as she boarded the morning COD. Apparently this was going to be one of the longest and most detailed dreams she’d ever had. And honestly, she hoped she’d never wake up.
She wandered through her morning ritual, completely distracted by her recent engagement. It was so unlike anything she had ever felt in her ‘other life,’ when she had been engaged to Mic Brumby.
Returning to her office from getting a cup of coffee, Mac stopped short just inside the door, startled to see her older self sitting comfortably at the desk.
“Was it what you expected?”
“Excuse me?”
“The difference in your life. Was it what you expected?”
“More than I could ever have asked for.” Mac closed the door behind her. She wasn’t sure if anyone else could see the Marine general, but she most certainly didn’t want anyone to notice her talking to an empty chair if they didn’t.
“Then why are you keeping it a secret?”
“I’m not.” Mac set her coffee on the desk and marched over to the cabinet, searching blindly for some nonexistent file.
“You’re stalling. This is the turn you wanted to see. You should share it with your friends.”
Mac stared at the wall ahead of her. Her alter ego was right. Why was she keeping quiet? So what if she woke up soon? The dream was worth it. Slamming the drawer shut, she turned around briskly.
“You’re…r i g h t,” she trailed off at the sight of the empty chair. This was not only one of the longest dreams she’d ever remembered having, this was by far the oddest dream, but she was loving every minute of it.
Just as with after her last encounter with her older self, time whizzed by. An odd fog brought Mac in and out of situations, watching her life pass quickly to the next stage.
Harriet and Carolyn had been beside themselves with joy for her good news. Both had promised to help in any way possible to plan for the wedding. Harriet would be the Matron of Honor, Carolyn would be a bridesmaid. Brumby wasn’t even slightly pleased. He spent the first few days huffing like a storming bull, even getting drunk one night and knocking on Mac’s door at two o’clock in the morning, trying to persuade her that Harm would only break her heart. Two pots of coffee later, he’d left with his tail between his legs.
The expected leave in November never came about. Skates wound up accused of dereliction of duty and asked Harm to defend her. Brumby and Bud were sent to the Henry to prosecute. Mac found herself reading her emails from Harm with bated breath, praying every day that he and Mic wouldn’t kill each other.
Deciding December would be too hectic, Harm and Mac had chosen Saturday January 9th for the wedding.
They had wanted to keep the wedding simple but didn’t want to leave anyone out. Keeter would be flying in to be best man. Harm’s old partner, Meg Austin, had agreed to come, as did one of Harm’s old friends from Annapolis, Sturgis Turner. Mac was a little disappointed she wasn’t going to get to meet the famous Caitlin Pike, but Kate was on some special hush hush assignment for the SecNav and wouldn’t be able to fly back for the ceremony.
Mac and Harm had discussed the possibility of selling Harm’s apartment and moving somewhere halfway between Pax River and DC, but Mac knew how much having renovated his apartment meant to Harm and she was hesitant to be the reason for selling it. In her case it was just a matter of giving up her lease.
Very few of the squadron had homes within driving distance of the base. Most everyone rented or shared a small apartment in town. In Harm’s case, he shared a small place with Tuna. The first weekend Harm was able to make it back to DC, Mac had been on assignment at Pendleton. He had never remembered his apartment being such a lonely place. The next weekend, there were some high level training missions that required he be near the base. After two long weeks of knowing how close, and yet how far Mac was, Harm insisted they find a place to live somewhere in between so he could come home after work like any other husband. Of course, in his case, coming home after work could be at four o’clock in the morning, but the point was, he didn’t want to go weeks without seeing his wife while on dry land, the way he would when at sea.
It hadn’t taken them long to decide that St. Charles was the perfect little community for what they hoped would become a growing family. After all, there was no need to wait five years for their deal anymore. With the help of a very generous wedding gift from Harm’s parents, they were able to buy a lovely new home. If all went as planned, the house would be ready to move into as soon as they returned from their honeymoon.
Occasionally, Mac would spot her older self in a corner observing her behavior. Usually, she’d be nodding her approval. The only time she’d noticed General MacKenzie disagreeing was when Mac had originally suggested Harm keep his apartment in DC.
By the time the wedding day arrived, Mac couldn’t believe she was still enjoying this fabulous dream. She’d chosen a simple satin gown, with a hint of beadwork along the sleeves and a low cut back. It looked nothing like the gown she’d chosen for her doomed wedding to Mic, whom she was incredibly surprised to find flirting boldly with Carolyn Imes. Mac hadn’t given any thought to what would Mic have done if she hadn’t been available. It had never dawned on her that he would go after Carolyn with the same fervor with which he’d pursued her. But she was even more startled at the idea that Carolyn might actually have fallen for him.
Her first inkling that there might be something more serious going on was when the Admiral announced Brumby would be returning to Australia. Mac had thought poor Carolyn was going to fall out of her chair. In an odd sort of way, Mac actually felt a little sorry for her. If she hadn’t been in love with Harm, Mic would have been wonderful husband material.
January 09, 2000
Chapel at Annapolis
“Are you okay?” Mac looked over at Carolyn.
Carolyn had been putting on her lipstick for over ten minutes, and yet, the tube had never touched her lips. Her hand had been poised, ready to act, while she stared mindlessly at her own reflection.
“Oh, sorry. No, almost ready here.” Carolyn forced a smile.
“You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?” Mac stepped closer to her friend.
“Who?” she feigned.
Tilting her head disbelievingly, Mac raised an eyebrow. Harriet stood to one side, rolling her eyes.
“That obvious, huh?” Carolyn smiled sheepishly. “If it weren’t for the wedding, he’d be in Australia already,” she sighed. “He’s leaving tomorrow.”
“I don’t know what to tell you. I’m sure something will work out. Fate has a way of bringing the most unexpected changes into fruition. Don’t give up hope.” Mac dropped her hand softly on her friend’s arm. “Honestly.”
Mac once again spotted her older self winking at her approvingly. Mac had to admit, she was more than curious to see what might come of this little liaison between Mic and Carolyn.
Meanwhile, Harm stood nervously at the side of the altar. To everyone in the chapel, he was a man to be envied, strong, handsome, and always in control. The truth was, he’d never felt more inadequate. All he could think about was did he really deserve this wonderful woman, and would he be able to make her happy.
They had spent so little time together since he’d been home. Between assignments and the distance from Pax River to DC, he felt as though they were always two ships passing in the night, but not anymore. Starting tomorrow they would be alone in St. Martin for two whole, glorious weeks.
The sound of the wedding march snapped him out of his thoughts. First Carolyn came slowly down the aisle, followed closely by Harriet, but the sight of Mac in white on Admiral Chegwidden’s arm took Harm’s breath away.
Hands were held, vows were promised, and rings were exchanged. With a few well chosen words, they were pronounced husband and wife, and asked to kiss for the audience. Next, there was more music, the arch of swords, and the lingering call of ‘Go Navy’ mixed with ‘Welcome to the Corps’!
At the reception, Harm danced with his wife at every possible opportunity. When the band struck up the traditional songs for the mother of the groom and her son, and the father of the bride and his daughter, a flash of sheer panic spread across Harm’s face. How could no one have thought to tell the band they would not be doing this particular tradition? Out of the corner of his eye he saw Admiral Chegwidden rising to the occasion, but was even more startled to find Frank already at Mac’s side without having skipped a beat.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Frank told her softly. “I’ve always thought it would be nice to have a daughter.”
And so the party continued, perfect in every respect. Mac didn’t even question when she saw her older self sitting quietly at a table in the corner, grinning like the proverbial Cheshire Cat.
Later, when she saw the older woman in the seat across the aisle from them during the flight to St. Martin, she wondered if she should mention her to Harm, but brushed the thought away. There was no point, it was all only a dream. She wasn’t going to let her own imagination interfere. She was on her way to the perfect honeymoon with Harm.
Chapter 7
The honeymoon was indeed perfect. Even when it rained, it only gave them good reason to stay indoors. Being entwined in Harm’s arms was the happiest place Mac had ever been.
Unlike the bunks in the visiting officer’s cabin, the king size bed gave them more than enough room to…maneuver. Their first night as man and wife, Harm had loved her long and slow. When she thought she couldn’t possibly find the energy to move a finger, she found herself taking Harm to heights he’d only dreamed of.
Dinners were cut short, sightseeing tours were canceled, and room service learned quickly that the couple in the honeymoon suite tipped well.
When they made their way into town, strolling among the shops hand and hand filled them with a contentment neither had thought possible. They’d tried spending time on the beach, enjoying the sun and free drinks, but the feel of each other’s fingertips barely touching across the sand, with the sound of the ocean waves rushing ashore, only succeeded in feeding the hunger they had for each other.
When the time had finally come to say goodbye to the island paradise, with a hair of chagrin, they packed their bags and left their temporary haven. Anticipation of the life ahead filled them with a new sort of contentment.
Life settled into a simplistic pattern, one Mac was certain she could only have had in her dreams. Their house was large and spacious. Too large for only two people, but they knew it wouldn’t be long until they were ready to fill it with a baby with his looks and her brains, or perhaps her looks and his brains. Either way, neither cared.
Mac sat watching her life pass before her with a tremendous sense of awe. Never had it occurred to her that she could dream up such a perfect life for herself. When Valentine’s Day came along, Harm surprised her with a gourmet meal, dozens of red roses scattered throughout the house, and a bedroom filled with candles and soft jazz.
She dreaded the days when she would be sent away on assignment. She actually looked forward to them once Harm was away, but while he was home, she wanted to sleep by his side in their own bed. She felt a constant knot tightening in her belly as the month of May approached. Time was running out. Unless she found herself waking from this glorious dream, Harm would soon be flying off to the carrier and she’d be home alone, clanking around the big house like Marley haunting Ebenezer Scrooge.
At least she could be thankful for one thing. When Brumby called and requested Carolyn’s presence with a 20 year old murder, Mac crossed her fingers and prayed the Admiral wouldn’t send her instead. The last thing she needed was to spend Harm’s last few weeks stateside running around Australia with Mic Brumby.
“Are you sure this is the right thing to do?” Mac asked, even though it wasn’t really any of her business.
“I think so,” Carolyn replied, putting a file in the drawer and slamming it shut. “I thought I’d get over it. That it was just one of those things. We email, he’s called a few times. I’ve pretended that he was just across town and not across the world. But the ache hasn’t gone away.”
“Does he feel the same way?” It would be interesting to see if Carolyn thought so. In her ‘other’ life, Mac had been completely blindsided by Mic’s proposal in Australia. The few times they’d spoken over the phone, he’d given her no indication of what he’d been thinking. They’d only shared the barest of kisses and yet he had pulled out all the stops in asking her to marry him.
“I don’t know. He must feel something or he wouldn’t continue calling and writing. Right?” Carolyn didn’t know what to think anymore.
“I’ve learned when it comes to men, you never know what to expect.” Mac knew it had certainly been true with both Mic and Harm. She hadn’t expected either to propose, but she knew the reality of her life without Harm was only a shell of what her dreams with him were.
“I suppose if I don’t expect anything, I can’t be disappointed,” Carolyn looked curiously at Mac, wondering if this was her only reason for coming to talk with her.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Mic has a surprise or two up his sleeve,” Mac smiled, nodded her head, and turned as if ready to leave.
“Did you need anything else?” It had been a long time since Mac popped in just to talk. With Harriet in the office only part time, and Mac’s recent wedding, well, there hadn’t been much time for girl talk.
“No. Just wanted to make sure you were okay with this assignment.” Not that Mac had any idea what she would have done if Carolyn hadn’t been.
“Thanks, Mac.”
One potential crisis averted, Mac spent her drive home considering how to deal with the big empty house. She didn’t want to waste precious time while Harm was still home dwelling on what things would be like after he was gone, but it became so she couldn’t ignore it anymore than she could ignore the ticking clock inside her.
It had been a long day at work and Harm had gotten home before her. She loved it when she came in the door and smelled something cooking, and was most definitely thankful that Harm just seemed more at home in the kitchen than she did. Even her older self would occasionally pop in to savor the smell of Harm’s culinary creations.
“Smells good. What is it?” Mac followed her nose to the kitchen, leaned over, and kissed Harm on the cheek.
“Taste this.” Harm held out a large wooden spoon.
Blowing lightly on the spoon, Mac took a slurpy sip. “Mm, that’s absolutely delicious.”
“I used one of the recipes Gram gave us after the wedding. I suspect she thought you’d be trying them out, but it’s been ages since I’ve had her linguini in white clam sauce.” Harm watched Mac walking over to the table, not sure she’d heard a word he’d said. “Is something wrong?” He turned down the burner and followed to sit beside her.
“Hm?”
“What’s wrong?” Harm placed his hand on hers and began drawing tiny circles, as was his custom whenever Mac seemed preoccupied.
“Nothing, really. I’ve been thinking about when you leave.”
Harm pulled his chair a little closer. “And?”
“This house is going to seem so empty without you.”
“I know what you mean. Even with 5,000 sailors, the ship doesn’t feel the same without you. Every time I close my eyes, I picture you huddled beside me in my bunk.”
“I’ve never been in your bunk.” Mac curled her eyebrows curiously.
“No, but that doesn’t stop me from seeing you there.” The smile on Harm’s face was almost as wide as the Potomac.
“Still, it’s different.”
“I know,” Harm answered solemnly, gripping her hand more tightly. “I’m sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t have kept my designator.”
“No. You love flying. It’s the right thing to do. I’ll get used to it. I am a Marine, you know,” Mac tried to smile.
“But…”
“Well, we haven’t really discussed it, but I was thinking, when you come home for your next tour, maybe we could work on the baby deal a little early.” Mac didn’t realize she was chewing nervously on her lower lip.
“Would you like to start now?” Harm practically pulled Mac into his lap, his heart almost breaking at the lost look on her face.
“I thought about that, but I’m not sure I want to be six months pregnant the next time you come home.” Her cheeks flushed slightly, “I mean, well, I guess it’s a little selfish, but I want a little more time alone with just you. At least while I can still see my toes.”
Harm dropped his hand on Mac’s tummy and pulled her against him with the other.
“What do you say we get in a little practice?” An impish smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Smiling broadly, Mac draped her arms around Harm’s neck. “They do say practice makes perfect.” And this was one thing neither Harm nor Mac minded practicing at all.
Chapter 8
Rolling over, Mac stretched her arm beside her. She dreaded the feel of the empty bed. This was it, the moment she’d been expecting. The dream was over. All was back to normal. Forcing one eye open she looked at the clock, 0530. She was never off by more than 30 seconds. Throwing back the covers, she grudgingly sat up in bed. There’d be so much to do today.
Clearing the sleep from her eyes, she stood up and stretched, squinting at the bright morning light. Morning light? Blinking away the last remnants of sleep, Mac slowly focused on the room around her. She was still in St. Charles. The dream wasn’t over, Harm was simply deployed again. How long had it been? Almost three months.
JAG HQ
October 1, 2000
“Ma’am, Captain Sebring had an emergency this morning. Your docket is clear. All cases have been rescheduled,” Tiner reported stiffly.
“Thanks, Tiner.” Mac eagerly clicked open her email. She had thought there wouldn’t be time to go over mail until after court, but now she was pleasantly surprised at the turn of events and extra time.
‘Hey beautiful. Things are hopping over here. Tuna’s got himself a girlfriend. When we made port in Naples, Francesca was doing a show nearby and came by to say hello. She brought her friend Gabriella with her. I have to admit, I don’t ever remember seeing Tuna’s jaw hit the floor so quickly, LOL.
Anyhow, needless to say they hit it off like two peas in a pod. The guys haven’t given him a moment’s peace since the news broke. Makes me glad we got married so quickly. I can just imagine the pleasure they would have found at making my life a living hell for dating a Marine.’
Mac had just hit the reply key when Tiner tapped on her door again.
“Sorry to disturb you, ma’am, but the Admiral would like to see you.”
“Very well, Tiner. Tell him I’m on my way.” Pushing away from her desk, Mac sighed at having to wait. At least she’d had enough time to read what Harm had to say.
Twenty minutes later she was back in her office and on the computer.
‘Well, it seems your wife won’t have to worry about sleeping alone in that big bed any more. Apparently my language skills are about to be put to use again. For reasons of which I can’t even begin to fathom, the Navy is sending me to Russia to help audit their justice system.
I’m not sure which brass is under the delusion that the Russians would actually implement anything an American female Marine would suggest, but at least I’ll be distracted.
Did I tell you Brumby landed a job with Larry Kaliski’s firm? Carolyn’s still walking around on cloud nine. They haven’t set the date yet, but I’m hopeful when she gets the wedding ring she’ll leave the engagement ring at home. Every time she moves her arm, she practically blinds me. LOL.
Things are picking up for Bud. He’ll be sitting second chair to Carolyn on a new espionage case. I have to admit, I wouldn’t mind sinking my teeth into that one. Lol.
As for your comrades in arms, I suppose it’s a good thing that wives are off limits when it comes to getting razzed by your shipmates. ‘Cause no matter how you look at it, you’ve joined the Corps! LOL.
I don’t know yet how long this TAD will be or if I’ll have computer access, so, until later. I love you, Mac’
Rabb home
Friday November 17
Mac had unpacked her bags, sorted through the mounds of mail, and now she paced the hallway, impatiently waiting for Harriet.
She needed someone to talk to. This entire situation was unbelievably complicated. It had been so much easier in her world: Harm had been the one sent to Russia, and Harm had been the one to discover his half brother, one Sergei Zhukov. Now Mac had to find a way to explain his father’s son to Harm. She suddenly understood how hard it must have been for him to tell his mother about Sergei.
Mac was fairly sure Harm would take it in stride in this world as he had in her world, but with all the circumstances changed, she didn’t know if she could honestly predict Harm’s reaction this time. Noticing the pair of headlights beaming up the driveway, Mac changed course and rushed to the front door.
“Need any help?” she called out as she approached the minivan.
“Not you too,” Harriet sighed. “Bud had me going almost crazy. If you don’t know, it’s exactly 94.72 miles from your house to Bethesda, an unattainable distance should I suddenly go into labor four weeks early.” Harriet waved her arms in exasperation. “Even AJ wasn’t THAT early.”
Reaching out to take Harriet’s overnight bag, Mac chuckled quietly. “You can’t blame him, even though I should be the one worrying. Bud spent most of the time you were in labor with baby AJ trapped in an elevator, and if the Admiral hadn’t arrived, I honestly don’t know what Harm and I would have done.”
“Well, I’m just thankful I only had to make two pit stops on the way. My bladder was unusually cooperative for a two hour drive. I do, however, need to visit a man about a horse before we do anything else.” Harriet smiled playfully, quickly making her way to the little girl’s room before joining Mac in the living room.
“Oh, thanks. This really hits the spot.” Harriet sank into the comfortably large easy chair and took a sip of the hot chocolate that Mac had waiting for her.
“It gave me something to do while I was waiting besides wear a hole in the floor.”
“That bad?”
“You could say that.”
“You sounded pretty shaken on the phone. It’s not often I get invited over for a weekend of girl talk.” Harriet took another sip, and waited for her friend to fill her in on what was so all-fired important.
“How did you talk Bud into letting you come?”
“It was easy. First, I asked him how often have you’ve asked me to come spend the weekend. After giving him enough time realize, not many, I then asked him how often have you called saying you needed a friendly ear. And then, once I was sure he was following my drift, I pointed out who took charge when I went into labor with AJ. I also reminded him that if worse comes to worst there’s a perfectly good hospital within driving distance,” Harriet laughed heartily. “So, now that I’m here, what’s wrong? Having trouble with Harm?”
“Oh, no. Nothing like that, but it does involve him.” Mac proceeded to tell Harriet all the sordid details of meeting Sergei, the planted evidence, the trial, the assassination plot, the connection with Webb, breaking Sergei out of jail, and a few other miscellaneous tidbits. Mac had been so engrossed in not leaving out any detail that she hadn’t noticed Harriet squirming awkwardly in the chair until she’d finished the last part of the story.
“Whew. That sounds like the making of a top ten best seller.” Harriet shifted in her seat for the umpteenth time since Mac started talking.
“Are you okay?” Mac’s level of concern rose dramatically as she suddenly realized the significance of today’s date.
“Well, as much as I’d love to help you resolve this little quandary you find yourself in, I think it may have to wait until after we go to the hospital. My water just broke.”
Mac’s eyes bolted open wide. “Bud’s going to kill me.”
Laughing out loud, “Nonsense, but unless you want to deliver your namesake yourself, I strongly encourage you to get me to the hospital.”
With the speed of light, and flashing recollections of a hectic day at headquarters a little over a year and a half ago, Mac arrived with Harriet at the emergency room. When the receiving nurse heard that Harriet had only been in labor for a little over an hour with her first child, all the color washed out of her face before she hollered some unintelligible code and half the staff began scurrying about like bees defending their hive.
“It looks like you get to hold my hand this time too,” Harriet huffed through clenched teeth.
“Bud’s already on his way. I called him while the doctor examined you. He called back to tell me the Admiral and Dr. Walden are going to baby sit.” Mac took a deep breath. She wasn’t sure she could handle knowing what was going to happen, but she had to be here for Harriet, no matter what.
“You’d think this would get easier with pract…..ice,” Harriet panted, crushing Mac’s fingers.
“Just breathe, Harriet. Hee hee hee, hoo hoo hoo.” Mac breathed with Harriet, wondering if the breathing exercises actually helped when she noticed the smile on the nurse’s face crumble. This was it.
“Doctor,” the young nurse called quietly.
Harriet continued alternating panting and hissing with clenched teeth, completely indifferent to the now conferencing staff.
Mac on the other hand, panted and huffed in time with Harriet while keeping one eye on the nurse, who had now pulled up what Mac was fairly sure was a sonogram machine.
“Okay, Mrs. Roberts. I’m going to take a quick look,” the attending physician smiled. “This will be a little cold.” Squirting a cool gel on her abdomen, he continued nonchalantly, “Did your doctor at Bethesda mention any possible complications to you?”
“NO! What complications?” Harriet screeched. It was bad enough trying to stay calm having gone into labor four weeks early. She didn’t need to hear the word ‘complications’ in anyone’s vocabulary.
Mac couldn’t help but wince as Harriet crushed her fingers more tightly in a panicked grip.
“Take it easy, Mrs. Roberts. It’s nothing to worry about, but if the change in the heartbeat means what I think it does…” The doctor paused to look at the picture, his brow crinkled slightly as he focused on the machine. “Yes, it looks like we have a prolapsed cord. We’re going to have to go with plan B.”
“Plan B?” Harriet’s voice teetered on the thin line between panic and terror.
“C-section. The nurses will prep you. It will all be over before you know it,” he smiled.
“And the baby?” Harriet and Mac echoed simultaneously.
“I’m sure she’ll be just fine. You just take it easy. The last thing your little girl needs now is for Mama’s blood pressure to go off the charts.” With a rather large reassuring grin, the doctor nodded at Harriet before turning to Mac. “I’m afraid once we move her into the OR you’ll have to stay in the waiting room.” Concerned with Mac’s pallor, he added, “She’s going to be fine. They both are.”
“Thank you, doctor.” Holding back the tears, Mac gave him a watery smile. “Thank you VERY much.”
Chapter 9
Patrick Henry
January 15, 2001
Harm paced his quarters like a caged lion. He really wanted to be stateside with his wife. Firstly, there had been her recent escapade in Russia. He should have been there to cover her back. He knew it wouldn’t have been allowed, but he couldn’t help feeling he should have been there none the less.
Then there was the surprise of his brother Sergei. Now wasn’t that a mouthful to swallow…brother. Of all the odd things Harm would have expected life to throw his way, finding out, at his age, he had a half brother wasn’t one of them. At first it had been a daily battle, struggling with the elation of having a brother, yet at the same time having to deal with the anger that his father would have cheated on his mother. Rationally, Harm had to remind himself his dad had been gone for ten years. His dad had lost all hope of going home, and he deserved at least some happiness in his last years. After all, his mom had found Frank. Yes, it was the rational side of him that eventually won out, but it hadn’t been easy, and when he finally snapped out of his self absorbed, brief moment of self pity, he ached for how Mac must have tortured herself worrying about how to tell him the news.
No sooner had Mac gotten home than Harriet had gone unexpectedly into labor, again. If the blasted Seahawk weren’t delayed in replacing the Henry, he’d have been home with Mac to help with the controlled chaos that one of Harriet’s deliveries could be. But as much as he would have liked to have been with Mac during the birth of her namesake, he knew his Marine could handle whatever surprises Harriet could come up with. After all, she’d been the one who’d practically taken charge at Harriet’s unexpected labor with AJ, at least until the Admiral had arrived to save the day. An unexpected c-section was nothing compared to almost having to deliver a baby in a bustling office. Besides, once everyone gets a chance to hold the tiny bundle in their arms, all the chaos and commotion is quickly forgotten.
No, as disturbing as all of those unexpected things were, none of it was as unsettling as the idea that Mac would be working closely with Caitlin Pike. Thoughts of what Kate might ‘share’ with Mac had Harm wound like an over-tightened guitar string, ready to snap.
Of all the times for there to be a problem with the Seahawk’s retrofit, why did it have to be THIS tour? What made it all the more frustrating for him was that it didn’t look like the Henry’s replacement was going to be underway anytime soon, either.
The waiting was what was killing him. Harm knew Kate should have arrived at Headquarters in DC hours ago. He was hoping Mac would have sent some little note to give him an inkling of what was going on, but then again, that was part of what had him wound so tight. What if she already knew too much and that’s why she hadn’t written? Surely, Mac wouldn’t hold what he’d done in his youthful ‘dress whites and gold wings’ days against him? No, she wouldn’t do that.
As if by magic, as he paced, convincing himself of what he should always have known, his email made the most welcoming of sounds.
‘Hey, flyboy. You never mentioned that the first case you worked with Kate was when you flew the CAG in. To hear Kate talk about it, I’m expecting you to come home walking on water. LOL.
From what I can tell, she seems really nice, but it looks like this assignment isn’t going to be all smooth sailing.’
Harm swallowed hard and took a deep breath. This was it.
‘Apparently she is now the star witness against the nominee for Inspector General. He’s been accused of sexual harassment. Kate has no idea who leaked the story, but she’s pretty annoyed. Singer and Mattoni are defending, and Singer’s chomping at the bit. This could get really ugly really quickly. I’ll be prosecuting, Bud will be second chair.’
JAG Headquarters
Earlier that day
If only Harm knew in her world Mac had originally been asked to defend and had to recuse herself. She couldn’t honestly in good conscious take the case, especially knowing that Harm had an affair with a junior officer. While it would create a pattern of behavior for Kate, it wouldn’t have looked very good on Harm’s record. He was the senior officer.
Thankfully in this world, Kate had had enough discretion not to discuss her and Harm’s past romp with his wife. There was no need for Mac to recuse herself, and with Harm out of the picture, it made sense the Admiral would choose her to prosecute.
No, Mac would keep the email low-keyed, but maybe let Harm stew just a little bit worrying about how much Kate had told her. What he did before they’d met didn’t matter anymore than what she’d done before they met, but still, it didn’t hurt to keep him on his toes.
‘I love and miss you more than ever, Mac.’
Okay, so there really wasn’t any need to make him suffer too much. Wishing the Seahawk would get its act together, Mac pounded on the send key with a small sigh. She really missed him more than she thought humanly possible.
JAG Headquarters
January 25th 2001
Mac dropped her stack of files on the already overgrown pile that was teetering dangerously to one side of her desk. How was she supposed to get anything done with everyone out on assignments? And now the Admiral was taking off for Italy and leaving her in charge, as if she didn’t already have enough to do. She’d been so busy, she hadn’t even had time to email Harm with all the news about Dr. Walden and the Admiral’s break up, and his sudden trip overseas tomorrow.
She’d been looking forward all morning to opening the email she’d gotten from Harm, but life and Corporal Dunston seemed to have been plotting against her. Finally alone in her office, without any probability of being interrupted again, she clicked on the designated icon.
‘Hey beautiful, great news. We sailed into a fishing net. Well, that’s not really the great part. Those huge trawler nets wreak havoc on our ships. The great part is it’s forcing us to dock in Naples to make repairs. They’re estimating it’ll take several days. The squadron won’t have much to do. It could be mostly just the two of us, if you can get the Admiral to give you a few days off.’
Like that’s really going to happen. Mac sat back heavily in her seat when she spotted her older self marching through her office door, a scowl properly entrenched on her brow.
“No need,” Mac waved at the now familiar woman. “I know, nothing ventured, nothing gained.” With a surge of unexpected courage, or possibly just too tired to know better, either way, she marched herself past the reappearing Marine and straight to the Admiral’s office.
“Enter,” AJ called at Mac’s rather determined knock. “Something on your mind, Colonel?”
“Yes, sir. I was wondering if it would be possible to appoint someone else to replace you during your absence?” Mac stood ramrod straight.
“Are you feeling particularly incompetent today, Colonel?” What the hell did she think she was doing?
“No, sir. It’s just that the Henry is docking in Naples due to a fishing net…” Mac paused, momentarily startled by the sly grin that immediately spread across the Admiral’s face.
“They do have a way of being a welcomed nuisance, don’t they? No need to continue, Colonel. I understand. I’ll arrange for Mattoni to sit in. My flight tomorrow will be arriving in Naples mid-day.” AJ hesitated a moment at Mac’s curious expression. “The idea of checking up on Harm was the inspiration for this trip to visit Francesca,” he explained quickly. “If you don’t mind sharing, perhaps you and the Commander would be willing to join us for dinner. ”
“We would love to, sir.” As long as she was with Harm, any plans were wonderful. Mac couldn’t help the smile that took over her face. She was finally going to see Harm again.
Patrick Henry
Short time later
‘If I can get my act in gear, I’ve got time to catch tonight’s flight, which will put me in Naples around noon tomorrow your time. I can hardly wait. The Admiral’s going to Italy too. He wants to join us for dinner one night. Gotta run, have so much to do. Love you.’
Harm sat back, his brow curling curiously. Why is Mac bringing the Admiral?
Chapter 10
Next Day
Patrick Henry
“Oh, for crying out loud, you’d think you were an inmate on death row. Will you stop with the pacing already!” Tuna called out from the top bunk, shaking his head at his cabinmate’s impatience.
“Sorry, man. It’s just that Mac should have arrived over an hour ago. I thought they’d have let us off this tub by now.” Harm continued pacing restlessly, then suddenly stopped short. “You look way too patient. What happened to Gabriela?”
“She, Francesca, and Francesca’s father and mother aren’t arriving until tomorrow,” Tuna replied rather glibly.
Now Mac’s email made sense. She wasn’t coming with the Admiral. He was coming to visit Francesca and her mother. Turning to begin another round of pacing, Harm looked back towards Tuna, “Did you say Francesca’s mother?”
“Yeah, why?” Tuna sat up slightly.
“No reason. I just didn’t know the Admiral and his ex-wife got along that well.”
“I don’t know that they do. Gabriela didn’t come right out and say so, but I got the impression that this is going to be a surprise to both of them.” Tuna leaned back in his bunk again.
Standing frozen in place, Harm rolled his eyes. All he could hope was that he and Mac could stay out of the line of fire.
Grand Hotel Cocumella
Naples Italy
Later that afternoon
Harm had made his way to the hotel Francesca had recommended with the impatience of a schoolboy on his way to his first major league ball game. Even though he and Mac had been married for over a year, his heart skipped a beat when the concierge handed him the key and announced, “Your wife has already checked in.”
He had expected to be stateside to celebrate their first anniversary but the delay in the Seahawk’s retrofit had put an end to that idea. Hopefully, these few days would make up for having missed the actual date.
Eagerly sliding the keycard into the door, Harm entered the room, immediately scanning for signs of his wife. Closing the door behind him, and dropping his bag on the floor, he glanced at the empty bed before noticing the sound of running water. A sly grin crept across his face.
Having left his clothes in a puddle by the bathroom door, Harm slipped inside to find the room filled with steam. Momentarily frozen in place, a rush of desire pulsed through him as he watched Mac slowly lather her body. Through the clear shower curtain he could follow every movement of her curvaceous form provocatively calling to him.
Silently stepping closer, Harm was about to ask to join her when she turned around, tilting her head back under the powerful spray of water. The motion of her hands running through her hair, rinsing out the unwanted shampoo, caused her breasts to rise and fall in the most mesmerizingly sensuous vision he’d ever seen.
Harm hadn’t realized he’d gasped loudly at the sight of his luscious wife until Mac jumped with a start at the sound. Seeing a large grin slide across her face at the recognition of his presence, he pushed the curtain aside and stepped in. “Need someone to wash your back?”
Thoughts of all the times he had dreamt of seeing Mac step out of his bath flashed through his mind. None of them compared to the reality of sharing a shower with his wife.
Somehow, getting clean was no longer an issue. The two lingered in the intimate closeness, unwilling to leave their new lover’s haven even for food.
Ordering room service, they enjoyed a quiet dinner on the balcony overlooking the Bay of Naples before curling into each other’s arms again, and again.
“Do you think anyone would care if we never left our room?” Harm asked, squinting at the morning light rudely invading their private world.
“If you miss movement, someone will.” Mac buried herself deeper into Harm’s shoulder.
“Okay, then. What if we stay in bed until the ship leaves?” Harm placed a feather light kiss across her temple.
“Works for me. What about the Admiral? He’s expecting us to join him for dinner. He should by arriving sometime today.”
“And Marcella,” Harm sighed.
“And who?”
“Marcella, the Admiral’s ex-wife. Apparently since his breakup with Sidney, Francesca has taken it upon herself to play matchmaker.”
“Does she have a death wish?” Mac sat up.
“I’ve considered that possibility. Incredible stupidity was the other option.” Harm smiled, pulling Mac back down. “I suspect if we hide in here long enough, we could miss the fireworks.”
“I suppose we could make our own fireworks.” Mac reached up playfully, nibbling on Harm’s chin.
“Mmn,” Harm moaned, as the two sank back under the covers.
By 1900 hours they had thought they would successfully be able to remain hidden from the rest of the world another day, and then the phone rang loudly.
“Rabb,” Harm mumbled.
“Don’t tell me I’m waking you up at this hour?” Francesca’s voice came through the line.
“Just relaxing,” Harm smiled knowingly.
“Good. Then you and your wife can join Papa and me for dinner. Meet you in the lobby in one hour. Is that enough time for the two of you to find your clothes?” Francesca laughed playfully.
“Never mind. One hour, in the lobby.” Harm hung up the receiver, and turned towards Mac. “Well, she didn’t mention her mother, so maybe we worried over nothing.”
“What did she say?”
“For us to join her and her Papa for dinner. We’re meeting in the lobby in an hour.”
Hotel Lobby
One hour later
Hand in hand, Harm and Mac stepped out of the elevator and around the corner when Mac stopped suddenly in front of Harm.
“Look,” she whispered softly in his direction.
“What?” Harm asked, almost falling over her when she stopped short.
“I see the Admiral and Francesca, but look at the woman who just walked up to them. The Admiral doesn’t look too pleased.” Mac stepped back behind a rather large potted palm, dragging Harm beside her.
“MAC…This isn’t a Peter Sellers movie.” Harm was none too happy to be hiding from the Admiral.
“Will you just look?”
Glancing in the Admiral’s direction, Harm nodded his head. “That’s Marcella, alright. Oh, dear. You’re right, the Admiral doesn’t look happy. Look at the way his shoulders just stiffened. Do you think Francesca is aware that he can kill a man, or woman, eighteen ways with his bare hands?”
“Haaaarm.”
“I know, but we can’t stand here all night.”
“Wait, they’re shaking hands. That woman has a beautiful smile. Francesca gets hers honestly.”
Harm looked down at the top of his wife’s head. There was no way he was touching that comment with a ten foot pole.
“Is that a smile? Can you see if the Admiral is smiling?” Mac looked up at Harm.
“No, but Francesca is grinning from ear to ear and it looks like AJ’s not standing so stiffly anymore.”
“The Admiral is looking at his watch. How much you want to bet he’s wondering where we are?” Mac cursed her perfect sense of time. They’d been standing behind this tree for almost ten minutes, making them seven minutes late.
“Hey, it looks like they’re going to sit down and wait for us.” Harm watched as the three people shifted around near the sofa and chairs.
“Is that my imagination or did the Admiral just choose to sit next to his ex instead of in the empty chair across the way?” Mac looked up at Harm again, her eyebrows high in surprise.
“Not your imagination. I guess Francesca knew what she was doing. Shall we join them or are you developing a fondness for palms?”
Tugging his hand, Mac smacked him lightly in the arm before making her way to the Admiral.
“There you are,” AJ announced, standing up to greet them. “I was beginning to wonder if we were going to have to have dinner without you.”
“Sorry, we were…” Harm started.
“Held up a moment,” Mac interrupted.
“I forgot to ask. Are Tuna and Gabriela joining us?” Harm looked at Francesca, as Marcella mouthed curiously at AJ, ‘Tuna?’
“They have decided to stay in their room this evening and ‘relax,’ Francesca smirked suggestively.
Turning the appropriate shades of red, Harm and Mac followed Francesca to the dining room, surprised to see the Admiral offer Marcella his arm. All in all, this could prove to be a very interesting few days.
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