Chapters 1-5 Chapters 6-10 Chapters 11-15 Chapters 16-20
Title: Negotiating Relationships
Chapter 11
JAG Headquarters
Monday Morning
Mac was usually one of the first officers to arrive in the mornings. Today was no exception. When Harriet arrived, Mac was already busy working at her desk. ‘The door was open so she couldn’t be in too bad a mood,’ Harriet thought.
Harriet wandered over near Harm’s office. He still hadn’t arrived, but that wasn’t anything unusual either. So far, it seemed like it was going to be a very routine Monday.
Harm flipped his phone shut just as the elevator doors opened.
Mac hung up her phone taking a piece of paper off her desk and heading for the copy machine.
“Good morning Harriet.” Harm smiled as he walked past her desk.
“Morning Commander,” Harriet beamed. So far nothing out of the ordinary. Watching Harm make his way down the hall, she saw the officers pass each other by.
“Colonel,” Harm said stone-faced.
“Commander,” Mac replied icily.
Harriet’s eyes flew open. ‘Uh oh.’
From her office, Mac kept careful tabs on Harriet’s activities. Shortly after lunch, Mac noticed Harriet on her way to the ladies room.
“Hi. Harriet.” Mac smiled as she went to the sink to wash her hands. “I don’t know what I got into that left my hands all sticky.”
Harriet pulled out a paper towel and handed it to Mac. “Did you have a nice weekend?” Harriet asked casually as she pulled out another towel for herself to dry her hands.
“It was pretty uneventful. I did have a lot of time to do some thinking though.” Mac turned and leaned against the sink thoughtfully, slowly drying each finger on her hand.
“Spending those few days with Harm in California started me thinking.” Mac noticed the corners of Harriet’s mouth twitched trying to suppress a smile.
“You were right, its time I start thinking about settling down, raising a family. I’m not getting any younger you know.” Mac stopped wiping her hands to look Harriet in the eye. She could see Harriet’s building enthusiasm waiting to explode.
“Clay is a good man. He has a lot to offer.” Tossing the paper towel in the trash, Mac started for the bathroom door.
“You were right Harriet, thank you.” Mac nodded her head and walked out the door not giving Harriet time to comment.
Before the door closed behind her, as she turned the corner, Mac was able to catch a glimpse of Harriet’s face. Had Mac told Harriet she’d won the lottery, Mac didn’t think Harriet could look more shocked. Seeing Harriet frozen in place, Mac almost felt guilty, almost.
Harm had been waiting all afternoon for an opportunity to bump into Harriet. Finally he saw Harriet leaving her desk with a coffee cup in her hand. It didn’t matter if she was getting a refill or just returning the cup, he only needed her attention for a couple of minutes.
“How’s it going Harriet?” Harm asked reaching around her for a coffee cup.
“Fine, thank you,” Harriet answered, rinsing out her cup.
“You know, after our talk last week, you got me thinking.” Harm noticed Harriet visibly stiffen. He wasn’t sure but he thought he saw her clutch the edge of the sink.
“The few short years until Mattie goes off to college are going to pass too quickly. It’s not healthy to allow too much of your life to evolve around your children.” Harm was almost finished making his coffee and yet Harriet hadn’t moved a muscle since he started speaking.
“It’s time I got out more. If your neighbor is still interested, I’d love to meet her.” Harm flashed his flyboy smile and took a sip of the coffee.
Finally turning around, Harm could see all the color had gone out of Harriet’s face.
“That’s wonderful, sir.” Harriet tried to smile. “I’ll talk with her first chance I get and let you know.”
“Great, I’ll be waiting.” Harm turned and walked out of the room. As he left he could see Harriet’s smile still frozen on her face. Harm couldn’t resist laughing to himself when he noticed her fists were clenched at her sides. Poor Harriet.
Slightly dazed from the day’s surprising turn of events, Harriet didn’t even notice she’d walked to Commander Turner’s office until she found herself knocking on his door.
“Come in Lieutenant. What can I do for you?” Sturgis asked politely.
“Well, sir. I was just wondering if Col. MacKenzie or Commander Rabb have said anything to you recently,” Harriet started uneasily.
Sturgis raised an eyebrow wondering if Harriet’s confusing inquiry had anything to do with his friend’s request to keep Saturday quiet.
“What I mean, sir, is has either of them mentioned being unhappy to you?” Harriet wasn’t sure what she was doing, this was definitely out of line, but she was already committed.
“Well, I played basketball with Harm on Saturday and he seemed just fine. I haven’t had much opportunity to see the Colonel today, but I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. Is that what you wanted to know?” Sturgis was starting to feel very sorry for Harriet. He couldn’t remember ever seeing her look so... befuddled.
“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” Harriet turned on her heel. How could they have gone wrong? And, oh good heavens, how was she going to fix it?
Mac’s apartment
Georgetown
1900 hours
“So how long do you think we should let her stew?” Mac asked finishing the last of her fettuccini.
“I don’t want to be cruel. Harriet looked devastated when I told her I wanted to meet her neighbor,” Harm chuckled, picking up his empty plate and carrying it into the kitchen.
“Did you see her face when we barely said good morning. She never caught on that it was you on the other end of my phone call so we could get the timing right,” Mac smiled following him into the kitchen.
“So, you think tomorrow will be soon enough to set her straight?” Harm turned to look at Mac.
“Yeah, let’s give the Admiral the heads up first thing in the morning and then we can tell Harriet.” Having placed her dish in the sink, Mac reached out for Harm. Immediately his arms wrapped around her.
“Have you noticed how well we fit together?” Mac mumbled, her head resting on Harm’s shoulder.
“Oh, yeah.” Harm’s mind wandered off to that corner of his imagination where he and Sarah were linked perfectly together, the final piece in a breathtaking puzzle.
“You still with me, flyboy?” Mac asked, tapping his shoulder.
Recognizing that Mac must have been talking to him, “Sorry, what did you say?”
“I was asking when are you going to tell Mattie, but I’d much rather know where you were just now.” Mac smiled, backing away from him. She reached for his hand to lead him back to the living room.
“No place special,” Harm lied.
“I don’t buy that for a minute. Not with the far off look you had.” Mac sat down on the sofa, pulling Harm down next to her.
“Why don’t you pick out a fun movie.” Harm tried for distraction.
“Sure, after you tell me what’s on your mind.” Mac raised her hand to brush through Harm’s hair just above his ear, pausing to occasionally play with its tip.
“Maac, it was nothing, really.” Harm didn’t want to tell her he was daydreaming about making love to her.
Still somewhat unsure of herself in this new role in Harm’s life, Mac misread his discomfort, and automatically assumed the worst. Harm could feel her entire comportment change as her fears settled in.
“Okay,” Mac agreed rather unconvincingly, her hand dropping and weight shifting away from Harm.
“Mac, it wasn’t anything bad, just…private.” How did he always manage to hurt her over absolutely nothing?
“Private?” Mac tilted her head, not totally sure how to react.
“I was thinking about what you said. How well we fit.” Harm hoped that would be enough.
“Why is that private?” Mac’s brows curled into one question mark.
Hesitating a moment, “It can’t be any secret that I think you’re a very desirable woman. I was just thinking…awe Mac. I was thinking how great it would be when we finally make love. There, you happy now.” Harm was turning several shades of red.
“Oh.” Mac leaned forward, her eyes dropping to an interesting spot on the carpet.
“See, why I didn’t want to say anything. I’m sorry Mac. Really, you wanted to know what I was thinking.” Harm was getting nervous, maybe he was better off without her knowing the truth of how he felt.
“Things have been pretty good, considering, haven’t they?” Mac asked still looking at the floor.
“I think so.” He emphasized the ‘I’, not sure where she was going with this.
“You do understand why I’m trying to take this slowly?” Still leaning forward, Mac turned her head towards Harm.
Harm hadn’t really given any thought to why she would want to go slowly, he just accepted that it was the right thing to do.
“Well, it’s taken us a lot of years to get this far, I don’t see any need to rush now.” It was the most neutral answer the attorney in him could come up with.
Not really sure she could explain to Harm why she was scared moving too fast would ruin everything, she tried a different question.
“But you wouldn’t object to moving faster?” Mac hadn’t moved except for playing with her Marine Corps ring.
“Is this a trick question?” Harm tried to lighten the mood a little.
It worked, Mac chuckled and sat up.
“No, I’m wondering if my being cautious is proving to be counterproductive.”
Looking at her a moment, Harm reached over and pulled Mac into in his arms.
“Are you asking me if I’m getting tired of waiting for you?”
“Sort of,” Mac answered rather quietly.
“Then, No. If you want to wait, so will I. For as long as it takes.” Harm kissed the top of Mac’s head.
“You’re really okay with that?” Mac leaned into him.
“As long as I get to share my day with you and hold you like this once in a while, I’m very okay with it,” Harm smiled, tightening his hold on her.
Snuggling into his embrace, “Good, and tomorrow we’ll share that info with Mattie, Jen and…”
“Harriet,” He echoed with her.
Chapter 12
Harm and Mac had requested to see the admiral some time before the end of the day. Shortly before lunchtime, Petty Officer Coates informed the two officers the Admiral could see them.
Standing at attention before his desk, Harm and Mac waited for the admiral to acknowledge them.
“Take a seat.” AJ waved, looking up from his paperwork. “What is it now?” He asked a little impatiently.
“Well, sir. As you know, the Colonel and I have been friends for many years,” Harm began.
“Best friends,” Mac interjected.
Smiling, Harm continued. “Best friends. We’ve also come to realize that time isn’t slowing down for any of us, sir.” Harm had practiced this speech in his head all morning and now he was struggling for the right words.
“The Colonel and I both feel this would be a good time to explore the possibilities of being more than friends.” Harm let out a long breath, then waited for the storm.
AJ clasped his hands together just looking at his officers.
“Am I to understand, the two of you are now a couple?” If they answered anything but yes the Admiral was prepared to keelhaul them both.
“Yes, sir,” they replied in unison.
He panned from Harm to Mac, carefully looking each one in the eye.
“Very well, you know the drill, keep it out of my office. Dismissed,” he said nonchalantly, returning to his paperwork.
“Aye, aye,” the officers responded. Stunned by his curt response, they quickly turned to leave.
Before Mac and Harm had made it completely out the door.
“I expect to see a ring soon,” the admiral called out, never lifting his head from his work, a large grin plastered across his face.
Safely outside the admiral’s office, Harm and Mac tried desperately to hide their flustered expressions as they made their way back to their offices.
“He just gave us his blessing, didn’t he?” Mac said to Harm through one side of her mouth.
“For a minute, I thought he was going to make it an order.” Harm’s voice was equally low so as not to be overheard.
“Is there anyone who doesn’t expect us to get together?” Mac asked her face contorted in frustration.
Reaching his doorway, Harm leaned closer to Mac, “Apparently not.” Smiling broadly at her, Harm turned into his office.
Mattie’s apartment
Near union station
Later that evening
“If you need anything, I’ll be at Bud and Harriet’s.” Harm reminded Mattie.
“I’m all set, not much homework now that the year is winding down. I’m sure if I run into trouble Jen can help. You go enjoy your dessert with the Roberts,” Mattie assured him.
He kissed her quickly on the cheek. When he reached the hallway he opted to bypass the elevator and took the stairs two at a time. He’d stayed home to have dinner with Mattie but was anxious to see Mac. He knew it was silly. He’d seen her at work just a few hours ago, but he needed to feel her near him. Harm had called Bud earlier in the evening and suggested stopping over to visit. Harm mentioned bringing ice cream, but intentionally neglected to mention he’d be bringing Mac as well.
Sarah MacKenzie’s apartment
Georgetown
Harm stood waiting outside Mac’s door with an extra gallon of Butter Pecan ice cream. Even though he knew it had only been a few seconds since he knocked, it felt like it was taking Mac an eternity to come to the door. Finally the door opened in what seemed for Harm to be slow motion. Mac looked lovely. She was wearing a pair of form fitting jeans with a low cut, long sleeve red shirt.
“Hi, sailor,” Mac cooed, standing beside the door. “What ya got there?” She pointed to the bag in Harm’s hand.
“I picked up some ice cream to take over to Bud and Harriet’s and thought I might as well get some for us too.” He kissed her briefly on the lips. “Better put this in the freezer before it melts.” Harm handed her the bag and followed her into the kitchen.
No sooner had Mac closed the freezer door than she felt Harm swing her about, wrapping his arms around her.
“I’ve been waiting all day to do that,” he said, his voice low and raspy.
“Yeah, me too. Is that all you’ve wanted to do?” Mac inquired provocatively, tilting her chin up, and slowly licking her lips.
Harm didn’t bother answering. His lips met hers in an instant. His grip tightened around her waist. Without any conscious thought, he’d spread his legs slightly to drop down closer to Mac’s height. Shivers ran up Mac’s spine and down to her toes as the kiss deepened.
Harm resisted the temptation to slip his hands under her shirt and feel the warmth of her back. Slowly, regretfully, Harm pulled himself upright.
“We’d better get going or dessert is going to be a melted puddle in my car.” Harm stared into Mac’s eyes. Every time they kissed, he felt himself on fire. He didn’t know how much more of this he could take and still pull away.
Mac stepped back. “Don’t forget where we left off.” She smiled playfully turning to the front door.
Harm felt his desire flare back up at the saucy invitation. Didn’t she have any idea what she was doing to him?
Roberts’ home
Somewhere in Virginia
“We didn’t expect to see you tonight, Colonel.” Bud said, accepting the ice cream Harm handed him. “I mean, not that we don’t want you. It’s always nice to have you, I mean see you. Right, Harriet?” Bud turned to his wife hoping she could help him remove his foot from his mouth, only to discover her smiling at him broadly.
“Let me take the ice cream, Bud.” Harriet reached for the bag and shook her head slightly at her two friends. It would never cease to surprise her how her husband could have become such an accomplished litigator and yet fumble over his own words so often at home. Lost in her own amusement, she hadn’t really taken hold of the reality that Harm and Mac had arrived together.
“Why don’t you two wait in the living room and I’ll serve up the ice cream.” Harriet pointed to the other room.
Still feeling a little awkward at his verbal blunder, “Make yourselves comfortable, I’m going to help Harriet,” Bud announced.
Sitting side by side on the sofa, Harm placed his arm around Mac’s shoulder.
“If you leave your arm there, we won’t have to decide who’s going to tell Harriet, she’ll figure it out for herself,” Mac smiled, her eyebrows slightly raised.
“That would solve our problem, wouldn’t it?” Harm kissed Mac gently on the forehead.
“It might,” she replied closing her eyes, no longer thinking about Harriet.
“Mmn.” He groaned, delicately kissing her eyes. Gently his lips trailed to her cheek slowly leaving feather-like kisses working his way down to her moist lips.
Before they knew what happened, the two were entwined in a passionate embrace. Their lips meshed in a simmering heat. The fire within threatening instantly to consume them. Harm’s arms were pulling Mac closer, his tongue beginning a dance of love mirroring his hopes and desires.
A cold reminder of where they were was thrust upon them at Harriet’s audible gasp accompanied by the loud crashing sound of dishes shattering on a hard surface.
Startled, Harm and Mac bolted from the sofa practically standing at attention.
Harriet stood frozen in place, her hands over her mouth, her eyebrows touching the ceiling in astonishment.
Despite his previously bumbling oratory display, Bud stood confidently holding two plates of ice cream, grinning like a Cheshire cat, before turning to his wife. “Are you hurt, dear?”
Her hands on her mouth, still staring at the sofa where the couple had been ‘involved’, Harriet slowly shook her head no.
By now, Harm and Mac had reached Harriet’s side. Bending down to pick up the broken dishes, Mac looked up at Harriet. “Are you sure?”
Harriet turned her head slightly towards Mac’s voice and barely nodded her head yes.
Concerned about Harriet’s lack of movement, Harm placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry Harriet, we didn’t mean to startle you.” The sincerity of his apology was obvious in the softness of his voice.
Finally dropping her hands, a small smile slowly grew. Looking the Commander straight in the eyes, “I guess you don’t want to meet our neighbor?” Harriet eeked out quietly before bursting into full blown laughter.
“No, thank you, Harriet.” Harm responded before everyone joined her laughing heartily.
Chapter 13
Roberts’ home
Forty five minutes later
“So you’ve been messing with me since the beginning.” Harriet glared at her two friends, then turned to her husband. “This is all YOUR fault.” She smacked him lightly on the arm.
Everyone had quickly assisted Harriet in cleaning up the mess before sitting down to fresh bowls of ice cream.
“My fault?” Bud asked, gaping at Harriet.
“Yes, if you had just believed me when I told you they’d gotten together instead of giving me some legalese about circumstantial evidence, I wouldn’t have made such a fool of everyone,” Harriet insisted.
Looking at his wife, then his two friends, Bud turned back to his wife and smiled. “You’re right dear, it’s all my fault.”
Harm and Mac made every effort to hold back a grin. Bud had become as good a husband as he was a lawyer. He had definitely mastered the fine art of when to accept a plea.
Ride to Mac’s house
2205 hours
The rest of the short evening had gone well. Everyone laughed off all the misunderstandings and mischief.
“Make sure Mattie isn’t holding anything breakable when you tell her,” Mac suggested, chuckling at the memory of Harriet’s face and the ice cream all over the floor.
“I think I might focus more on not making out while Mattie is anywhere within a 5 mile radius.” Harm squeezed Mac’s hand, a large smile on his face.
“I’d hoped we’d be home earlier so we could tell Mattie tonight too.” Harm commented looking briefly at Mac. “I guess tomorrow night will have to do. Would you like to come over for dinner?”
“Who’s cooking?” Mac questioned playfully.
“I am, and I promise I’ll serve something everyone likes.” Harm watched the road trying to catch Mac’s expression out of the corner of his eye.
“Okay, for Mattie,” Mac teased, this time she squeezed Harm’s hand.
They rode the rest of the way in comfortable silence. Harm relinquishing his hold of Mac’s hand only briefly when shifting gears. He’d made a mental note to himself to always use the Lexus from now on so he wouldn’t have to let go of her hand. It had taken eight years for him to earn the right to hold her at will and he was going to do just that as often as possible.
The next few weeks progressed without any incident. Mattie and Jen weren’t as shocked by the good news as Harriet had been. The two young ladies stayed cool and calm. Once they’d left the apartment after dinner, Mac and Harm could hear them screeching through the walls with delight for almost an hour. Harm made another mental note, when the time came, they should spend their nights at Mac’s.
Slowly but surely word spread through the office grapevine. The Navy Times had nothing on office scuttlebutt. There wasn’t an officer or enlisted man by the end of the week that didn’t know Harm and Mac were officially dating.
Although the Admiral had sent them on several investigations together, they had not had the opportunity to appear against each other in court since going public with their CO.
With the one exception of a two-day investigation Harm did in Norfolk, the couple spent every single day together. They’d developed a routine. When Mattie was home for dinner, Mac would join them at Harm’s apartment. Sometimes Harm would even let her help with the cooking. On game nights, Harm would pick Mac up and they would ride together to Mattie’s games to cheer her on.
Weekends were pretty much their own. Not that they would have minded spending more time with Mattie, but at her age, Mattie’s social calendar was busier than the Queen of England’s. Saturday and Sunday mornings they would meet to go running and then have breakfast together. After only a few weeks, they each had several changes of clothes at the other’s apartments, and had grown perfectly comfortable showering there as well. Saturday night had become stay at home night. It was always spent at Mac’s, mostly since she had the larger TV. They’d pick out a couple of good movies and try to keep their hands off each other long enough to get some idea what the movie was about.
In order to keep the relationship at the slower physical pace that Mac was comfortable with, Harm had set certain limitations for himself. Under no circumstances would he ever allow his hands to roam under any part of Mac’s clothing. The slightest sense of her bare skin, even someplace as innocent as the small of her back, could become unbearably tempting for him. He also made every effort to limit any physical contact of their lower extremities. Despite the barrier of multiple layers of clothing, the slightest friction between them could easily ignite the desire he was trying so hard to suppress. Lastly, under no circumstances would either of them sleep over the other’s apartment, no matter how late, they always went home.
JAG headquarters
Two weeks later
“Objection, counsel is testifying,” Harm shouted.
“I’ll rephrase.” Sturgis approached the witness again.
“In your opinion, isn’t good order affected by…
“Objection, the court is not interested in the witnesses opinion.” Harm was displaying none of his usually calm courtroom demeanor.
“I will decide what this court is, or is not, interested in, Commander.” Captain Sebring was not pleased with Harm’s behavior. He was usually one of the better litigators and today he was pulling stunts like a freshman attorney.
“It’s getting late, court will adjourn until 0900 tomorrow.” Sebring banged his gavel heavily.
Latching his briefcase shut, Sturgis walked over to the defense table.
“Hey buddy, what do you say we stop and get a beer on the way home?” Sturgis could tell something was eating at Harm and if it had anything to do with his relationship with Mac, here wasn’t the place to discuss it.
“Thanks, don’t have time,” He replied curtly.
Catching hold of Harm’s arm as he attempted to walk away from Sturgis. “Is everything okay with you and Mac?” Honest concern was evident in Sturgis’ eyes.
“I told you, I’m late.” Harm didn’t mean to be so short with his friend, but he needed to hurry and he was in no mood to make idle conversation.
Passing Mac in the hallway a few minutes later his briefcase in one hand and cover in the other, “Where are you off to in such a hurry?” Mac inquired.
“Mattie forgot to have me sign a permission slip so she can travel on the bus with the team to the tournament. I need to meet her at school before the bus is scheduled to leave. I’m late. Meet me at my place later.” He called to her as the elevator doors closed between them.
“So everything’s okay with you two?” A deep voice sounded from behind her.
“Yes.” She turned to look curiously at Sturgis. “Why do you ask?”
“He’s been acting like a bear all day. Not much usually ruffles his feathers in court. I thought there might be trouble on the home front.”
“Well if there is, it’s not my front.” Mac turned to look back at the elevator.
Sturgis smiled to himself at her choice of words, he hoped she was right.
Two hours later, when Harm came through his front door, he spotted Mac in the kitchen tossing a salad. Placing his briefcase and cover to the side, Harm made his way directly to her. Taking her shoulders firmly in his hands, he turned her around to face him and kissed her soundly.
It was obvious to Mac this kiss was more than a mere greeting. Harm was hungry, no he was starved. Not for food, and not really for her. Something was amiss and he was drawing his strength to set it right from her.
“As much as I love the idea of your needing me that much the moment you come through the door,” she paused momentarily go give Harm a pointed glare. “What’s going on?” Mac leaned back against the sink, her arms crossed before her.
Turning away from her, he ran his hand through his hair gathering his thoughts. Not very long ago he would have avoided the question telling her it was nothing. Now, they were past that. Mac was so much a part of him he could no sooner shut her out than he could shut himself out.
“You’re going to tell me it’s silly.” Harm had stopped at the edge of the island to turn and look at Mac.
“Try me.” She said.
“Jennifer had a date last night.”
Trying to hold back a smirk, “And?” Mac asked biting her lower lip.
“I heard him at the door.” Harm was looking down at his shoes. Mac was patiently waiting for the rest of the story.
“I was coming home from your place and the elevator was broken again so I came up the stairs.” He paused to look back at Mac.
“They were so engrossed in a lip lock in the doorway, they didn’t hear me approaching.”
“And you’re concerned this is setting a bad example for Mattie?” Mac was having trouble understanding why he was so unsettled.
“No, Mattie wasn’t even home. She was at Susan’s working late on a science project so she spent the night.” Harm heaved a small sigh, “I think he was trying to force himself on her.”
Chapter 14
Harm’s apartment
Same time
“Why would you think that?” Mac was astonished at Harm’s last statement.
“Maybe that’s a poor choice of words.” Feeling awkward standing at the counter, “Let’s sit down a minute.” Harm reached for Mac’s arm and guided her towards the living room.
“Harm, what happened?” Mac was getting concerned for Coates.
“Who ever Jen was with kept insisting he could stay longer, and she kept repeating it was late he needed to go. If he’d told her one more time that he wouldn’t mind another drink, I was going to make my presence known regardless of how embarrassing it might have been to Jennifer.”
“Harm that hardly constitutes forcing yourself on someone.”
“Mattie told me at breakfast yesterday that Jen had only been out with this guy twice, and they were going out for dinner last night. You know as well as I do that Jen doesn’t seem to do a lot of dating. I just don’t want this guy taking advantage of any loneliness on her part and pressuring her into something she doesn’t really want to do.” Obviously upset, Harm kept his voice low.
At that comment Mac couldn’t hold back a small chuckle.
“Are we talking about the same Jennifer Coates? Harm, I can’t picture anyone talking her into anything she doesn’t want to do. She’s well over twenty-one and has most likely been around the block a time or two. Or have you forgotten how you two met?”
“No, I remember. But there’s a big difference between hustling someone and being seduced.” Harm smiled a little at the memory of Jen and Tiny.
“So now it’s not forced, it’s a seduction?” Mac was trying really hard not to laugh in Harm’s face. He was definitely in over protective father mode. All that was missing was for him to pull out his side arm and polish it in front of Jen’s new suitor.
“Mac, it was only a third date.” Harm insisted incredulous that Mac wasn’t sharing his concerns.
“Harmon Rabb, you are still a prude!” Mac couldn’t hold back the smile anymore.
“I am not. I just don’t want her hurt and I can’t very well just sit back and ignore it after all she’s done for me and Mattie,” Harm replied, slightly defensive.
Taking a minute to contemplate everything Harm had said, Mac considered the situation and how obviously upset Harm was. If he indeed wound up with long term custody of Mattie, the young girl might never have a love life unless Harm learned to loosen up a little. At least learn the difference between wishful persistence and unwelcome advances.
“What do you think of this: invite Mattie, Jen, and her new …friend over for dinner. This way you can meet him, and judge for yourself what’s really going on. In the meantime, I’ll have a little chat with Jen and see if there’s anything to your concerns.” Mac waited for what she said to sink in.
Taking hold of her hand and smiling broadly, “Thanks, Mac. That’s a great idea.” Harm knew he’d gotten along well for almost 40 years without Mac, but he also was beginning to accept that he wouldn’t ever be able to survive without her again.
JAG Headquarters
Sarah MacKenzie’s office
Next morning
“Good morning, Colonel. You wanted to see me?” Jen stood at attention in front of Mac’s desk.
“At ease. Yes, as a matter of fact I did. Why don’t you take a seat.” Mac waved to the chair at Jen’s side.
Despite Jen’s military training, to anyone who knew her, her unease was easily readable in her eyes.
“Mattie has brought to Harm’s attention that you’ve been dating someone.” Mac smiled trying to reassure the young Petty Officer.
“Yes, ma’am, but I haven’t had him over with Mattie home. We’ve only just met and I would never do anything that the Commander might consider inappropriate around Mattie.” She meant every word she’d said.
“I know Jen. We both do. That’s not why I’ve asked you here.” Mac could see Jen’s shoulders relax a bit.
“We’d like to invite both of you over for dinner. I thought it might be a good opportunity for Harm to meet him, if you don’t mind. I also thought it might help relieve some of his fatherly paranoia.” Mac smiled thinking of how concerned Harm was for Jen. There were worse things that could happen to a girl than having Harmon Rabb take you under his wing.
“I wouldn’t call the Commander paranoid, ma’am,” Jen smiled shyly.
“Hmm.” Jen might think differently had she heard last night’s conversation. Mac mused to herself.
“Want to tell me about him?” Mac smiled broadly, hoping Jen was relaxed enough for a little girl talk.
Grinning happily, Jen shrugged her shoulders and leaned forward on her seat.
“Well, ma’am, his name is Robert. Everyone calls him Bobby.”
The first thing to cross Mac’s mind was how dangerous could someone named Bobby be?
“He’s petty officer Calvo’s older brother. He’s 28 and a CPA, he’s never been married, and he’s awfully sweet ma’am.” Jennifer blushed slightly at the last thought. “Of course, after only three dates it’s hard to tell, but he seems different ma’am, really…nice. Know what I mean?”
“Yeah, I think I do.” Mac smiled truly pleased Jen had found someone to keep company with.
“Last night, when he brought me home after dinner and discovered that Mattie wasn’t there and we were alone, he was still the perfect gentleman. He stayed for a cup of tea and didn’t even try to kiss me until he was at the door leaving.” Jen looked down and flushed several shades of red.
“Nice kiss, huh?” Mac couldn’t resist commenting. It wasn’t really a question.
“Yes, ma’am.” Jen was still blushing.
“He teased me a bit about coming in for another cup of tea, but it was late and probably not a good idea.”
“He wasn’t forcing himself in any way, was he? I mean changing his mind about wanting to stay after all.” Mac was glad to have the open door to ask the question and hoped Jen didn’t find it too intrusive.
“Oh, no ma’am. He really was very sweet. He would never, I mean if he wanted to, he’s had plenty of other opportunities to…well, you know. He hasn’t though. He’s been really respectful. I didn’t think there were anymore men like that out there. Most guys I’ve known think one dinner entitles them to anything they want. Bobby didn’t even kiss me until our second date, and that was a small peck.” Jen grinned again. She wasn’t used to being treated this way. She liked it.
“At first I suspected, Mary, I mean Petty Officer Calvo, warned him to behave, but it’s just his nature ma’am. He’s a really nice guy, sort of like the Commander.”
"In that case, how does Friday night sound?" Mac asked.
"I’ll check with Bobby ma’am. Will that be all?" Jen asked standing up.
"Yes, dismissed," Mac replied just as her phone rang.
"Colonel MacKenzie."
"Hey, beautiful." Harm’s voice carried through the phone, low and sexy.
"Morning," she practically cooed.
"Had a chance to talk to Jen yet?" Harm had been distracted all through court this morning wondering about Jen.
"Yup, she’s going to check with Bobby about Friday night."
"Bobby, huh?"
"Yeah, according to Jen, he’s a young you." Mac giggled into the phone. "Except he’s a CPA." Definitely safer than falling in love with a sometimes fighter jock, Mac smiled to herself.
"We’ll see," Harm replied, not too convinced.
Chapter 15
Harm’s apartment
Friday night
1810 hours
“Will you please stop pacing.” Mac asked almost dizzy from watching Harm.
“I’m not pacing. I’m organizing.” Harm explained, returning to the kitchen from the bedroom, taking a beer out of the fridge.
“Looks like pacing to me.” Mattie offered from her spot next to Mac in the living room.
Harm glared at the two. “Fine, have it your way. I’ll sit in here with you.” Harm took a few steps over to the easy chair and sat down heavily.
“Harm, please don’t make this guy feel like he’s facing the inquisition.” Mac leaned slightly forward in her seat.
“I’m not.” Harm took a sip of his beer.
Standing up, Mac took a deep breath and moved over to sit on the arm of the chair Harm was in.
“Harm, I’ve been through a lot with you. I’ve seen you face all sorts of odds and trust me when I tell you, you’re scaring me.” Mac smiled softly, placing her hand on his arm.
“This guy is not going to be another Ted Bundy. Just relax. Okay?” Mac didn’t think it would work, but she had to try for Jen’s sake.
Within seconds Jen knocked at the front door. Harm got up to answer and paused to reach for Mac’s hand, pulling her alongside him. Smiling broadly at her, “You always have been my voice of reason.”
Mattie decided to stay in her spot on the sofa. After all, the poor guy didn’t need a welcoming committee. She watched as Harm reached for the door. All the tension and nervousness that had been clearly evident only moments ago, washed away the instant the door was open wide. Confidence and authority were beaming from every pore. Considering the transformation before her, Mattie realized this must be what happens whenever he steps into a courtroom or climbs into a tomcat. Only the stellar officer is in attendance.
“Hey Bobby, nice to see you again.” Mattie called from her seat, amused by Bobby’s immediate look of relief at finding a friendly face.
“Hi Mattie.” Bobby waved, following Jen over to the sofa by Mattie.
“Can I get you two something to drink?” Mac offered.
“I’ll have a beer ma’am.” Jen answered first, hoping to make Bobby more comfortable.
“Me too, ma’am,” Bobby accepted.
“Have you been in the military?” Harm questioned.
“No, sir. I was raised in Texas. If I ever assumed any adult’s name was something other than sir or ma’am I’d find myself on the wrong end of my grand daddy’s switch quickly.” The young man smiled.
Harm chuckled at the honest response.
“Where in Texas?” Mac inquired as she handed him his beer.
“Frisco. It used to be a small town just north of Dallas,” he replied taking a sip of his beer.
“Used to be?” Harm questioned.
“Dallas has been growing at an insane pass over the last twenty years. What used to be cow pasture is now either freeways or shopping malls,” Bobby replied wistfully.
“You miss the small town feel?” Harm continued.
“Yes, sir. It will always be home but it’s not quite the same anymore.”
Dinner conversation continued much along the same lines for the rest of the evening. Harm discovered what Jen and Mac had reported was indeed true. Bobby was a clean cut, well educated, polite man. He’d graduated from Southern Methodist University at the top of his class. Shortly after his sister was stationed here in Washington, he’d been courted by one of the larger DC accounting firms and decided the change would be good for him. He had seriously been considering returning to the slower pace of Dallas when his sister introduced him to Jennifer.
Shortly after dessert Mattie excused herself. As was the truth with most 16-year-olds, spending the evening with her pseudo parents was not anywhere near as entertaining as spending the evening on the computer with friends.
It was almost midnight when Bobby stood up to leave.
“Thank you, for a lovely evening. It was a pleasure finally meeting both of you.” Bobby smiled sincerely at his hosts.
“Same here.” Harm offered his hand to Bobby.
“We’ll have to do it again,” Mac suggested.
“Yes, ma’am,” Bobby and Jen replied in unison, before smiling at their choral response.
“Let me walk you out,” Jen offered quietly before turning to Harm and Mac. “Goodnight, sir, ma’am. Thank you.” She smiled and followed Bobby out the door.
“So, can you put away the shot gun?” Mac asked leaning against the now closed door.
“Yes mother.” Harm chuckled, taking a spot on the sofa and tapping the seat next to him.
Once Mac had made herself comfortable beside Harm, he placed his arm around her, pulling her close.
“You know, I wasn’t exaggerating Mac. You always have been my voice of reason. You were always the one with the plan when I was running off half cocked. It was true back in Russia searching for my father and it was true here tonight.” Harm looked down at her beautiful brown eyes.
“I once told you what I wanted most was to never lose you. As sincere as I was then, I mean it even more now. I couldn’t stand to live another day if you weren’t by my side.” Not blinking, Harm continued staring into her eyes.
A thousand thoughts were flashing through his mind. He didn’t want to be dating Sarah MacKenzie. He didn’t just want to make love to her. He wanted her for always. He wanted to do what the fortune cookie had encouraged him to do all those months ago, he wanted to take the road not taken. He wanted to fulfill his hearts desire and make Sarah MacKenzie his wife.
Mac was torn between telling him how she felt and reacting to the magnetic pull his lips had on her. Before she could make up her mind one way or the other. The sound of a knock on the door made its way through to them.
Gently shifting her weight off of him so Harm could stand up, he went to see why someone had so rudely interrupted them.
“May I come in, sir?” Jen stood timidly at the door.
“Of course.” Harm stepped aside.
“I was just wondering Colonel if maybe you had a minute, I’d like to talk to you.” Jen called on her military discipline to hide her nervousness.
“Of course Jen.” Mac shifted to one side of the sofa allowing Jen plenty of room to join her.
“I was thinking in private, ma’am.” Jen glanced at Harm. “Sorry, sir. No offense intended. Just girl talk.”
‘Must be some girl talk if it can’t wait ‘til morning,’ Harm thought. He made a conscious effort not to jump to any negative conclusions. “Sure, I’ll go see if Mattie’s still up, maybe we can catch something interesting on TV.” Standing behind Jen, Harm shrugged his shoulders at Mac before closing the door behind him.
“What’s up Jen?” Mac inquired, pointing for Jen to sit down beside her.
“Well, ma’am,” Jen started
“Okay, first rule, if we’re going to be having the kind of talk I think we’re going to have, in my boyfriend’s apartment…” Mac had to stop herself from choking. This was probably the first time she could recall referring to Harm as her boyfriend. The thought sent shivers down her spine. Grabbing her thoughts, she continued, “You’d better drop the ma’am.”
“Yes, ma…Mac.” Jen’s lips twitched at her not so smooth save. “I think it’s pretty obvious, I really like Bobby.”
Mac nodded.
“This is the fifth time we’ve been out in about two weeks, he’s a nice man who’s probably had lots of nice girlfriends. I don’t know what to do ma’am.”
Mac smiled ignoring the slip.
“I, I don’t want to mess this up.” Jen stopped wringing her fingers and looked up at Mac.
“Why would you mess it up? You’re a nice girl, Jen. You’ve got wonderful qualities and you’re very attractive. Harm and I have been amazed that this is the first time we’ve noticed a man paying any attention to you.”
“Well, like you said ma’…Mac, I’m not bad looking. There are lots of men who have asked me out. Most aren’t too willing for a second date if they don’t get what they want on a first date. Needless to say, I haven’t had many second dates lately. I’d even given up on first dates, till Bobby.
“Harm would be the first to tell you, any of those guys weren’t worth the first date.” Mac wasn’t sure where this conversation was going.
“Jen what are you really wanting to ask me?” Mac realized that maybe Jen was going to need a little coaxing.
“I’m scared ma’am. I really really like him. And I’m very…attracted to him. It’s been a long time since I’ve...been with anyone.” Jen looked back down at her hands. “I don’t want to be too easy and I don’t want to play too hard to get. What do I do ma’am?” Jen looked up at Mac, the fear and love in her eyes fighting each other.
“Oh, Jen. I can’t tell you something like that,” Mac sighed, softly. “Has he tried anything, I mean has he made some kind of move on you?” Mac couldn’t believe her choice of words.
“No. He’s been the perfect gentleman. Hasn’t even tried for second base,” she giggled girlishly.
“Then why are you so worried?” Mac was still a little confused.
“He’s coming over for dinner tomorrow night and Mattie is spending the night at Susan’s. It’ll be the first time we’re alone for any real length of time,” Jen said, biting her lower lip.
“I see. All I can say is follow your heart. You’re a big girl. I’m sure you’ve been down this road before. If you’ve made mistakes, learn from them. Don’t be guided by fear. Whether it’s fear making you do something or fear stopping you from doing something. Don’t let fear cloud what your heart tells you.”
The sound of Mac’s words hit her like a ton of bricks. Do as I say, not as I do. What a hypocrite. Mac had let fear rule so much of the last eight years of her relationship with Harm. Despite all the progress they had made, she was still allowing fear to rule her heart. It was time she followed her own advice.
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