Negotiating_Relationships4



	Chapters 1-5 Chapters 6-10 Chapters 11-15 Chapters 16-20 Title: Negotiating Relationships Chapter 16 Harm’s apartment Same night Sending Jen back to her own apartment reassured, Mac took the time ‘til Harm returned to ponder her own statements. Without looking at her watch she knew it was after 1:00 am. Her little chat with Jen hadn’t seemed very long, but they’d talked for over an hour. Mac needed to think. Was she postponing the inevitable out of fear or was she really building a solid foundation that would last forever. Gathering up her things, Mac met Harm at the door. “It’s late, I really should be going home.” “I fell asleep on their sofa. Jen had to wake me up,” Harm snickered. “Let me walk you downstairs.” Harm pulled the door closed behind him. “Is everything alright?” He asked trying to keep his worry from showing. “Yes.” Mac smiled at him. “Jen really likes this guy and she just doesn’t want to make any mistakes. The only problem is she’s not asking the person with the best track record for advice.” Mac rolled her eyes. “Experience is worth its weight in gold. Whether good or bad, everyone can learn from it.” Already by Mac’s car, Harm leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. It took everything in him not to tell her he loved her. Soon. “Goodnight,” they echoed. Harm stood on the curb until Mac’s taillights faded in the distance. How could he have waited so long tell this woman how he felt? Shaking his head, he made his way back to his apartment. Saturday morning Harm had appeared at Mac’s for their morning Jog with a single peach rose. “I don’t know what the color means, but its beauty reminded me of you,” Harm grinned, handing her the flower. Gently, he raised his finger to wipe the single tear that fell down her cheek. “The idea wasn’t to make you cry,” he smiled. “Thank you,” she answered, sniffing the rose tenderly. Sunday Jen and Bobby joined Harm and Mac after their run for a picnic in the park. Despite the age gap, Harm and Bobby seemed to have a lot in common, including Bobby’s grandfather was a WWII fighter pilot, now retired and living in Wichita Falls. After playing an amusing game of flag football, ladies against the men, the ladies sent the men in search of ice cream as their spoils. “Harm, you’ve known Jen a long time haven’t you?” Bobby asked casually, as they walked across the park. “Not by most people’s standards, but I’ve known her a few years.” “We’ve spent a lot of time talking. She’s told me all about her father, her youth, her arrests.” Bobby chuckled at the picture he had conjured up of Jen in a Santa suit. “She seems to feel she owes you a lot, and to hear her side of it, she’s right.” Trying to gage Harm’s reaction, either this man was extremely humble or Jen was exaggerating considerably. Bobby suspected Harm really didn’t believe he’d done that much for Jen. “I didn’t do anything more than anyone else would have done. Colonel MacKenzie was as much an influence on Jen as I might have been.” Harm felt Jen gave him too much credit. She was the one who turned her life around. Walking a little further in silence, Bobby turned to Harm again. “Did Jen ever mention the men in her life?” Bobby’s eyes scanned the horizon for the ice cream vendor. “No.” Harm wasn’t comfortable with where this was going. “It’s none of my business.” “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not looking for gossip.” He paused searching for the right words. “She seems to be afraid of something, I was wondering if, having grown up on the streets and all, if maybe something or someone…unpleasant happened to her.” He turned his head to look carefully at Harm’s expression. “I honestly wouldn’t know. I’m sorry.” Harm returned the man’s gaze. He was pleased to see honest concern in Bobby’s eyes. “I just don’t want to her to think I don’t want her, but I don’t want to come on too strong if she needs space.” Bobby was searching the distance again. “Whatever you’re doing, she seems happy.” Harm followed Bobby’s gaze spotting the Italian ice vendor. “You really think so?” Bobby smiled hopefully. “Yeah, I do.” JAG Headquarters Monday afternoon. 1400 hours Looking up at the knock on her door, Mac smiled from ear to ear when she saw Harm leaning against her doorway with a cup of Starbucks coffee in each hand. “I come bearing gifts,” Harm grinned. “If that’s Hawaiian Mocha, accepted.” Mac raised one eyebrow, playfully. “It is,” Harm smiled, looking very satisfied with himself. “How did the interview go?” Mac asked taking the lid off her coffee. “About as expected. This case seems pretty cut and dry. I can probably talk my client into taking a plea.” Harm was enthralled watching Mac blow on her coffee. Stepping back into the hallway, “I’d better get going if I want to get out of here at a decent time tonight. Are we still on at my place tonight?” Harm inquired quickly. “Yup.” Mac had looked back at her computer screen. “Oh, it will just be the two of us. Mattie has Alateen tonight.” Nodding her head, “Got it, see you later.” Mac looked up for just a minute to catch Harm’s departing smile and went back to work. Harm’s apartment 1735 hours Putting the two pizzas in the oven to warm, Harm wondered who could be knocking at his door. “Why didn’t you use your key?” Harm questioned as Mac pushed past him. “Couldn’t find it,” she mumbled, dropping her briefcase and cover on the floor and taking a seat on a barstool. Mac had a hollowed look in her eyes that worried Harm. Quickly, he moved over to where she was. “What’s wrong, has something happened?” Dropping her forehead in her hand. “It’s Lieutenant Buckman.” Harm didn’t understand. “I was almost ready to leave when the Admiral called me into his office.” It had been a long time since Mac had really wanted a drink. “It seems Lieutenant Buckman finally snapped. The police found him trying to toss a couple of guns into the lake.” Mac straightened up to look at Harm. “He shot his mother and the two neighbors she ran to for refuge, then shot himself before the police could arrest him. They’re all dead.” Mac collapsed against Harm. At a loss for words, Harm immediately gathered her into his arms before gently guiding her over to the sofa. “It’s my fault. If he’d done brig time, they’d be alive.” Mac tightened her grip on Harm. “It’s not your fault Mac. You didn’t put the gun in his hand or pull the trigger. That’s why he was in counseling.” “I could have locked him away. I had him dead to rights.” Sighing deeply, “Hold me,” she pleaded, despite his already firm embrace. “Mac, there was no way you could have known.” Harm smoothed his hands up and down her back trying to reassure her. Pulling away from him, “I should have stopped him. Three innocent people,” Mac sighed. She really needed a drink. Looking into Harm’s eyes, she saw the sympathy, the compassion, and maybe even the love. Without any conscious thought she pressed herself up against him capturing his lips hungrily in hers. Before he could think, Harm was engulfed in the searing embrace. Mac was desperately teasing his lips, begging for entrance. Too quickly he found himself under her attack. Mac was fervently leaving a trail of fiery kisses along his lips, his jaw, past his ear, down his neck. He was being consumed by Sarah MacKenzie, the fire in her touch was matched only by the desire burning in him. Overwhelmed by the surging passions induced by Mac’s heated caresses, Harm was almost frozen in place, all his senses overloading. Mac continued her path of searing wet kisses down the front of his neck, her hands roaming across his chest, down his abdomen. Her left hand circled up to his shirt and began undoing the buttons, her other hand grazed down his front tugging at his belt, her lips never separating from his hot skin. When he felt his belt click loose, a lightening bolt of reality brought him to his senses. Harm grabbed for Mac’s hands with the reflexes of a fighter pilot. Forcing himself to calm down, Harm searched for his voice. “Mac, stop,” he gasped, his breathing labored, his desire still soaring. She continued her oral assault despite Harm’s firm grip on her arms. “MAC.” Letting go of her arms, Harm pushed her away as gently as he could. “NO.” He leaned his head forward trying to meet her eyes. Dropping her head slightly, “I need you. Please.” She tried to reach for Harm’s zipper before his hands stopped her again. “Not now, not like this.” Harm wanted her so badly, but he would never be able to live with the regret in her eyes when she woke up with him the next morning as though he were a bad hangover. Lifting her face to meet Harm’s gaze, the flood of pain came bursting through as she fell sobbing into Harm’s arms. “What have I done?” She was crying for three dead souls and the man whose love she’d almost taken advantage of. “Your job.” As far as Harm was concerned, that was the only issue to be dealt with tonight. Harm held Mac until she was cried out. Finally she changed out of her uniform, had a cup of tea and curled back into Harm’s arms for the rest of the night. It was only the second time in the little over two months they’d been dating that they had slept in the same place. Next time Harm hoped it would be for the right reasons. A/N: Domestic abuse can only escalate. The outcome of this particular case is not an exaggerated figment of my imagination. I repeat myself at the risk of nagging. If you are, or know someone in an abusive relationship, don’t ignore it. You can also help by considering a battered women’s shelter for your next donation of unwanted goods. Chapter 17 Mac called upon the discipline of her Marine Corps training to get through the next few days, and the love of a good man to get through the rest. Slowly Mac began to reconcile her heart and her head that she had truly done what she thought would be in everyone’s best interest. It would be a long while before she would be really okay, but she was getting there. Harm’s apartment Thursday night 2100 hours “That was a great game Mattie.” Mac repeated, coming in the front door. “I can’t believe we blew them away.” Mattie grinned. “We haven’t been able to beat Oakdale all year!” Mattie was beaming with excitement. “Just goes to show you, in sports, nothing is a sure bet,” Harm added, hanging his keys on the wall and locking the door. Walking over to the sink, Mattie poured herself a glass of water and drank the entire glass in one very long gulp. “Hey, there champ. What are you part camel?” Harm’s eyes were wide as saucers watching Mattie drinking. “I wish, then I wouldn’t be so thirsty after the games.” Mattie set the glass down in the sink. “I need to get going, I’ve still got some homework to finish,” she huffed, wrinkling her nose. “I guess I’ll see you in the morning.” Harm gave her a quick hug. His eyes followed her walking out the door. “You’re really going to miss her if she has to go back to her dad.” Mac watched Harm’s gaze frozen on the closed door. “Yeah, she really changed my life,” Harm sighed, before joining Mac in the living room. Turning on the stereo, he took something off the shelf. “I picked this up for you the other day.” Harm handed her the CD. “Cyndi Lauper,” Mac exclaimed enthusiastically. “I noticed every time her new rendition of Walk On By comes on the radio, you raise the volume,” Harm smiled bashfully. Leaning across the couch to reach him, Mac kissed him soundly, square on the mouth. Scooting over, Harm returned the kiss with ardor. Stopping for air, Harm grinned at Mac. “This reminds me, how would you like to go out to dinner Saturday night? I know we’ve made it a habit to stay in but I thought it might be nice not to have to do dishes.” “I think that’s a great idea. We could use a night out, thank you.” Mac knew full well that Harm was trying to help her get over the rough week. She loved him all the more for it. Mac’s apartment Saturday Morning 0630 “Well, I’ll be. You’re on time,” Mac said, opening her mouth wide to feign total astonishment. “Comedienne,” He teased back, kissing her softly on the cheek. “Just let me turn off the coffee pot, finishing tying my shoes, and we’ll be ready to go,” Mac smiled. “No hurry.” Harm picked up her newspaper. “Did Mattie mind you won’t be home for dinner tonight?” Mac asked from the kitchen. “No, she’ll probably be at Susan’s again.” Harm was still looking at the paper. “Again?” Mac asked, with a frown as she sat down next to Harm. “Yeah, she spent last night at Susan’s and my guess is she’ll stay over again. I have no idea what is so wonderful about Susan’s.” Harm put the paper down. “Might have something to do with Susan’s brother James.” Mac said, tying one shoe. Noticing the look of horror on Harm’s face. “Relax. He’s in college and most definitely not interested in his kid sister’s friends. They probably just enjoy spying on him.” Mac rolled her eyes remembering what it was like to be young. “Okay, ready to go?” She asked, both her shoes tied. “Let’s go.” Harm extended his arm indicating for Mac to lead the way. “Do you know how things are going with Jen and Bobby. I meant to ask Jen myself, but things were a little tough this week,” Mac asked locking the door behind her. “Well, no one has said anything to me, but if Bobby’s car being parked outside the building at 0600 is any indication, I’d say all is well,” Harm smiled mischievously. “Really?” Mac looked honestly surprised. “Now who’s a prude?” Harm mocked. “No, it’s not that.” Mac looked away solemnly. Why could Jen let go of her fears and she couldn’t? “You don’t think something’s wrong do you?” Harm was beginning to get concerned. “No, not at all. I think it’s great.” Smiling in earnest for her friend’s happiness. “Really, great.” Café Napoli Georgetown 1805 hours Although it had been a while since their first visit here, the hostess obviously still remembered them. Of course, Mac had learned years ago that most women found Harm hard to forget. Tonight Harm and Mac were given a small table for two on the veranda. It was a lovely spring night, perfect weather for dining outdoors. “Beautiful flowers and good food, you’re spoiling me Rabb.” Mac smiled over the edge of her menu, momentarily distracted by the memory of the roses delivered to her house that afternoon. “Not possible,” Harm grinned behind his menu. “Did Mattie stay at Susan’s again tonight?” Mac asked setting her menu down beside her. “Yes, I knew she would. If she’s not at Susan’s than she’s at Maria’s. Either way the three of them are always together. They’re like the three musketeers,” Harm smiled, placing his menu on top of Mac’s. “Does Maria have an older brother too?” Mac inquired grinning. “No, she does not,” Harm enunciated carefully. “She probably just chases after Susan’s brother,” He laughed. “Glad you’re not taking this brother thing too seriously.” Mac moved her hand forward reaching for Harm’s. “A good friend of mine explained to me, that’s what teenage girls do.” Harm squeezed her hand. Dinner out was just what Mac needed to put the week behind her. She loved how attentive Harm was being. She was a self-sufficient marine, but she was learning to like not having to stand on her own all the time. The dinner had been exquisite. Both delighted in pleasant conversation, good food, and the company of someone they loved. Harm’s apartment 2100 hours Missing the privacy of their normal Saturday night routine, Harm and Mac went back to his place for an after dinner cup of coffee. “Still want coffee, or would you rather have tea or some sparkling cider?” Harm asked, fishing matches out of the drawer. “It’s still early, I think the cider might be nice.” Mac watched as he lit the large candle on the kitchen table. “Mmm, I love how that candle smells,” she sniffed. “I’ll have to remember that the next time I’m shopping for cologne,” he teased. “You’re incorrigible.” Shaking her head Mac walked over to the CD’s. “Did you ever get the rest of your collection back from Mattie?” “Not all of it. I’ve been getting them back a few at a time. I believe we still have the sounds of the seventies though.” Harm bit back his amusement. “How about Anita Baker?” Mac called out, pulling the CD off the shelf. “Sounds great.” Harm’s soft whisper next to her ear sent an involuntary shiver up Mac’s spine. Handing her a glass, he placed a soft kiss on the side of her neck. “I love the way you smell.” “It’s not me, it’s the candle,” she teased. Turning on him quickly, she kissed the tip of his nose and sauntered over to the sofa. Following in step behind her, Harm placed his glass on the coffee table. “May I have the honor of this dance madam?” Harm bowed at the waist, extending his arm in invitation. “I’d be delighted,” Mac replied in her best British accent. Moving into his arms, they slowly began to dance around the small space. “Did you notice Bobby’s car is still downstairs?” He asked softly. “Yes, is it in the same spot?” “Mm Hmm.” “Guess they’ve found paradise in DC,” Mac giggled. Harm looked down into her eyes. “So have we.” Mac slowly turned her face up, meeting him halfway. Delicately their lips met in a gentle caress. Too soon their lips parted, the original intent of a mere show of affection accomplished. Seamlessly, Mac slipped her head into the nook of Harm’s shoulder as he brought his chin to rest partly against the top of her head. They danced this way through several songs, barely swaying, enjoying the warm cocoon of each other’s company. Totally at home in Harm’s arms, Mac mindlessly began drawing circles on his back, gently following the curve of his shoulder blades back and forth. Her fingers were igniting sparks throughout Harm’s body like a fast growing brush fire on a dry summer’s day. Harm had carefully planned every event in their day. It was no coincidence that much of his music was still at Mattie’s or the large cranberry candle was burning on the table. He had wanted to make tonight’s dinner something just as special as their first date had been. He wanted Mac to know how he felt in his heart and he needed to let her know before he became any more aroused at her touch. “Mac, Sarah.” Harm didn’t want to just blurt it out, but his brain was directly attached to the tingling fire pulsing through his veins. At the sound of her given name, Mac stiffened slightly. Much to his relief, her hand stopped doodling on his back. “I just wanted you to know that I meant what I said earlier. Every day since we’ve been together has truly been another day in paradise.” Feeling like a lyric from the sounds of the seventies, Harm let out a small chuckle. Thinking the same thing, Mac relaxed again in his arms. “I didn’t mean that to sound like a cliché,” he whispered in her ear. “You didn’t. I feel the same way,” she replied, her voice low and raspy with desire. Searching her face, Harm momentarily stopped swaying. Meeting her lips briefly in only a hint of kiss. Harm breathed onto her moist lips, “I love you.” Mac felt his breath reach the tips of her toes. Like oxygen fanning a flame, his words fanned the embers of her growing passion. At the feel of his lips lovingly against hers, his tongue requesting entrance with its delicate caress, her lips parted shamelessly with a will of their own. This was more than she could stand. The man she loved with all her heart had just said he loved her. Her knees were beginning to buckle underneath her. Harm could feel Mac’s heart pounding rapidly beneath him, the roundness of her breasts pressing against him. Her hands were once again drawing circles along his back, sending shivers up his spine. Every cell in his body was on fire with want for her. Deepening the kiss, he pulled her closer than he thought humanly possible, devouring the taste of her until the need for air became too heavy to refuse. Dragging his lips away from her mouth, he began nibbling down her neck. Her lips finally free to speak, Mac whispered into Harm’s ear. “I love you.” Gasping at the sound, fueled by her words, his lips came crashing against hers once again. Anything that might have resembled delicately slow vanished at the knowledge she loved him. Their tongues mingled somewhere between a vicious duel and graceful dance. The feel of Harm’s fingers wandering through her hair, across her neck, down her shoulder, was slowly chiseling away at any remnant of fear that may have lingered in the back of her mind. Every ounce of her being ached for him. Pressing and pulling him closer, she could feel his arousal strong against her, her desire pooling heavily low to her core. Breaking away, breathless, Harm softly kissed her lips, her eyes, her cheek. His lips hovering once again over hers, he heaved a deep sigh. “Please.” “Yes.” Her lips closed the distance, continuing the age old dance. Chapter 18 Harm’s apartment Same time Yes, was the most beautiful sound in the world to Harm’s ears. Not only did she love him, she was ready to let him show her just how much he loved her. Dipping to one side, He reached under her legs and raised her off the floor into his arms. Her arms firmly around his neck, their lips blending together as one, Harm carried her into his room. Carefully setting her down on the bed, he nuzzled up beside her, his hands eager to explore her sensitive skin, his lips recapturing the warmth of her kiss. In a tender frenzy of passion, the two hastily rid each other of all layers of clothing. Finally freed from his self-imposed rules, Harm kneaded and caressed every inch of exposed skin, intoxicated by its feel. He was virtually overwhelmed by a desperate need to be one with Sarah, his Sarah. Never had he loved anyone with such intensity. He was totally lost in his love for her. Breathe, Mac reminded herself. Harm’s skillful touch had her writhing with pleasures she’d never known possible. She’d never wanted more desperately to be joined with a man in her life. She needed to be one with Harmon Rabb as much as she needed air to breathe. When he could hold back no more, Harm leaned into Mac’s ear, “I love you.” With those three fateful little words, Harm slid deep inside her. Their hearts and souls were seared together as one for all eternity. Her hips unable to remain still urged him on. His slow and steady strokes took on a faster pace. Her legs wrapped around him pulling him closer, deeper. Unable to hold back, his name escaped her lips with every exquisite thrust. Her body coiling tightly around him, Harm thrilled at every sound she made, her head thrown back in ecstasy, her chest arching high, her soft breasts too close to resist. Leaning over, he lightly licked the tip of one nipple. Mac gasped for air, her insides clutching him in an even tighter grasp. Harm could take no more, with one final stroke he emptied everything he had into Sarah MacKenzie, his love, his heart, his soul. Never again would either belong to anyone else. The morning sun peered through the front windows, a rude reminder of the end of a glorious night. Shifting to block the rays of light, Harm smiled contentedly at the warmth of Sarah’s soft body snuggled against his own. “Morning, handsome,” Mac purred, stretching with the flexibility of a kitten. “I love you.” Harm said, lightly kissing her forehead. Grinning, Mac threw her leg over Harm, then climbed over to straddle him. “I love you too.” She kissed him back. Studying his face, “ what are you thinking?” Mac asked. “Nothing.” “Don’t hand me that. You’ve got that same shit eating grin on your face I’ve seen too many times before.” “I was thinking last night was better than anything I could ever have dreamed up.” Harm rolled his eyes playfully. “Yeah, it was wasn’t it?” She leaned down for another kiss. Consumed by her kiss, Harm wrapped his arms around her, his body immediately reacting to Mac’s nearness. Running her hands along Harm’s chest, almost melting at the feel of his strong arms around her, Mac was startled when Harm suddenly froze. Squirming out from under her, Harm quickly sat up. Closing his eyes a moment and taking a deep breath, Harm looked intensely at Mac. “What’s the matter?” Mac asked, almost panicked. “I just realized, I was so absorbed in finally making love to you last night that I never gave a second thought to using protection.” Mac’s hand flew up to her mouth, her eyes opening wide as saucers. “Oh God, neither did I.” “I take it, you’re not on anything are you?” Harm asked, taking hold of her free hand in his. She shook her head no. “Well, I haven’t been with anyone since my last physical, so there aren’t any worries there.” Harm reported, reaching over and pulling Mac back into his embrace. “I just had my physical.” Mac whispered, settling against him. “Then that just leaves one thing.” Harm kissed the top of Mac’s head. “Your looks.” Her panicked look of horror was instantly replaced by a broad grin. “Maybe, your looks.” Harm smiled back. Taking a minute to let everything sink in. “Would that be so awful?” “Your looks, or my looks?” Mac teased. “Maac. You know, we do have an anniversary coming up.” Harm started lightly rubbing her arm. “Mm, five years.” She acknowledged. “It’s not very likely,” she added. “What?” “That I’m pregnant after one night.” Mac leaned more heavily on Harm, almost saddened by the reality. “I suppose not, but it only takes once,” Harm shrugged. “I know, but the odds aren’t in our favor.” “You’d be okay with it if you were?” “Yeah, I think so.” Mac nodded, her eyes twinkling. “I think this is all I’ve ever wanted. To wake up to you every morning and tuck in children with your looks and my brains every night.” Harm’s voice was so low it almost cracked. “Me too,” Mac agreed her voice barely audible. Pulling away to reach in his nightstand, Harm opened the drawer, then turned back to face Mac. “I had originally planned this for another time, another place. In light of this conversation, I don’t know that I could wait for the perfect setting.” Harm opened his hand displaying a small dark velvet box. Mac’s heart lurched to her throat at the prospect of what might be inside the box. “I hope you know I love you with everything I am. Would you allow me the pleasure of proving that to you every day for the rest of my life? Sarah, will you marry me?” Harm flipped the box open, the light immediately reflecting off the diamond solitaire, dancing colorfully on the walls around them. A single tear slipped down her cheek. “Yes. If you’ll let me do the same.” Mac threw her arms around Harm, quietly repeating in his ear, “Yes. Yes. Yes.” Pulling back from her embrace, Harm took the ring out of the box and reached for Mac’s left hand. “Allow me.” Smiling at each other, Harm slid the ring onto her finger. Using a condom this time, Harm and Mac made love over and over until Mac’s stomach loudly demanded food. Harm’s Kitchen Two hours later “Eggs are almost ready, are you going to be much longer?” Harm called to Mac from the kitchen. “No,” she answered, walking towards him, drying her hair with a towel. “Mmm. Smells good, flyboy.” Mac closed her eyes taking in a long whiff. The sound of someone knocking on the door brought Mac out of aroma heaven. “I’ll get it,” she grinned at Harm, stealing a piece of bacon for the trip. “Oh, hi, Jen.” Mac was a little surprised. Usually Jennifer and Mattie, if she was home, slept in until almost lunchtime on Sundays. Turning back to the kitchen. “Want some breakfast?” Mac asked, ready to steal another slice of bacon. “No, thanks. We went to IHOP for pancakes.” Jen was facing Mac, but smiling at Bobby. “I was surprised to see your car back so early from running.” Jen commented, changing her mind and reaching for a strip of bacon. “Will you two cut that out! I know I don’t eat it, but I’d like some left when the eggs are done.” Harm shook his head dismayed. “Sorry, Commander,” Jennifer shrugged, taking a bite of the bacon. “We decided to skip our run this morning.” Mac too was facing Jen but grinning at Harm, playing mindlessly with her new ring. “So what brings you by?” Mac asked, turning her full attention to Jennifer. “This.” Jen stuck her left hand out in front of Mac. “Congratulations!” Mac gasped, giving Jen a hearty embrace. “You too!” Mac added, turning to hug Bobby. Moving the frying pan over to one side. Harm approached the newly formed huddle. “Isn’t this a little sudden?” Harm had unintentionally slipped into father mode. “We’re planning a long engagement, sir,” Jen answered softly. “Once I told her my intentions, it didn’t make any sense to wait.” Bobby tried to explain. “What, you want them to wait eight years like we did?” Mac smacked Harm playfully with her left hand having forgotten about her own new jewelry. “Oh, my God! Colonel!” Jen screamed, spotting the shiny new ring. While the two women oohed and aahed at each other’s rings, Bobby walked over to Harm. “Did you really wait eight years to propose?” He asked sincerely. “It’s complicated,” Harm answered out of one side of his mouth. “I bet!” Bobby laughed out loud. Chapter 19 Harm’s apartment Union Station Same time Waiting patiently for a lull in the chatter, Bobby finally gave up and approached Jen. “Excuse me, I hate to break this up, but Harm and Mac’s breakfast is getting cold, and we still need to go tell my sister.” He shrugged apologetically. “Right,” Jen sighed, “We’d better go. Congratulations again, sir, ma’am.” Jen reached out accepting Bobby’s proffered hand. The two really made a lovely couple. Harm slid his arm around Mac’s waist as they walked the newly engaged couple to the door. “Do you want us to tell Mattie?” Harm asked as an after thought. “No, sir. We’ll be home soon. I’d like to tell her myself,” Jen smiled brightly. “Aye, aye.” Harm nodded his head watching the two enter the elevator. “Interesting day isn’t it?” Mac smirked, following Harm to the food. “Have I mentioned today that I love you?” Harm asked nonchalantly, already spooning the eggs onto a plate. Wrapping her arms around him. “Yes, but feel free to remind me as often as you like.” Mac wasn’t completely convinced she wouldn’t wake up and find the last couple of months had all been a dream. Sitting down at the table, Mac picked up her fork. “You know, the admiral is going to just love this. Tomorrow is the first time you and I are scheduled to go up against each other in court since we announced we’re dating, and we show up engaged.” “I don’t think the ‘engaged’ is the problem so much as the ‘to each other’ part.” Harm chortled. “Brilliant, counselor.” Mac shook her head. “We won’t have time to tell him before court.” Harm pointed out. “It’s not a very high profile case, we could wait till recess.” Mac said, taking another bite of food. “Maybe we’d better go in early and see if Jen can squeeze us in to see him first thing,” Harm suggested. “That might be better.” Mac agreed. Harm took a minute to think. He wasn’t sure he should bring this up. “The Admiral is only the first hurdle,” He stated, almost timidly. “I know.” Mac set her fork down. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make this happen,” she announced pointedly. “Me too.” Harm affirmed, reaching out to gently caress her cheek. “Me too.” Finishing their breakfast in relative silence, Mac took her last bite. Standing, she began clearing the breakfast table. “There is one other person we should probably tell sooner than later,” Mac mentioned. “We’ll tell Mattie as soon as she comes home,” Harm added, carrying his plate to the sink. “I meant your mother.” Mac turned to look at Harm, one eyebrow raised. “Right, Mom.” Harm took a deep breath, and reached for her hand. “You up to this now?” Mac nodded her head yes and followed him over to the phone. Sitting down on the arm of the chair, Harm dialed the number. Mac stood supportively at his side. Anxiously, they waited for someone to answer the phone. Mac could see the change in Harm’s expression the moment his mom answered. “Hi mom.” Harm smiled nervously. “I know, I don’t call often enough.” “Yes, mom, I promise I’ll make more of an effort.” Mac leaned against Harm impatiently listening to the one sided conversation. “Well, actually there is something new you might like to hear about.” Harm’s eyebrows inched up slightly as the corners of his mouth curled upwards. “Mac and I are engaged.” Mac’s grip tightened painfully as they waited for his mother’s response. “Mom?” “Mom?” Maybe, they’d been disconnected. Suddenly, Harm’s eyes flew open wide as his arm shot out waving the receiver in the air like a bellowing speaker. “FFFFRRRRAAAANNNNKKKK!!!!!!!” Trish’s voice filled the room. “Do you think that’s a good Frank or a bad Frank?” Mac’s shoulders heaved in refrained laughter. Hearing a lower voice resounding from the phone, Harm returned the phone to his ear. “Hi, Frank.” “No, I’m not kidding. We’re really getting married.” “Yes, I agree it’s about time.” Harm looked over at Mac biting back her laughter. “Yes, I should have done this long ago.” “Absolutely.” “I promise we will do our best.” “No, I wouldn’t lie to you.” Noticing Mac frowning curiously at him, Harm silently mouthed “grandchildren”. Mac’s shoulders quaked as she choked back another laugh. “We haven’t made any plans yet.” “Yes, I know we’re not getting any younger.” Mac had to put her hands over her mouth to muffle the laughter. “No, we’ve only been engaged for…” Harm looked up at Mac, she took a calming breath and mouthed…. “Three hours and 18 minutes.” Harm repeated into the phone. Unable to hold back a small chuckle, “Yes I know that’s pretty precise.” Forty minutes later, Harm had explained all he could to Frank. His mom had finally calmed down enough to talk to both Harm and Mac without screaming in anyone’s ear. Much to Mac’s relief, Trish appeared honestly happy, not just that Harm was getting married, but that Harm was marrying her. Watching Harm hang up the phone, Mac couldn’t help but smile. Everything was just perfect. “Do you think your ears will be able to handle telling Mattie, then Harriet?” Mac asked, rubbing her hand along his shoulder. Squeezing his eyes tightly, “Do we really have to tell Harriet today?” Harm groaned. “It depends on how you feel about her shrieking in the middle of the bullpen.” Mac tilted her head inquisitively. “Point taken counselor. When my ears stop ringing we can tell Harriet.” Harm pulled Mac down so she fell in his lap. “You realize if Coates is going to be getting married, you’ll have to make other living arrangements for Mattie.” Mac said playing with the buttons on his shirt. “That depends on what she considers a long engagement and IF the courts extend my guardianship.” Harm’s fingers played along the edge of Mac’s jeans. “With you and me married, and if we had a hoouuse,” she practically sang that last word for emphasis, “The courts would probably look more favorably on you.” Mac had unbuttoned his top button. “Could be.” Harm hesitated, anticipation sending fiery chills through his veins. “Of course, if we’ve fulfilled our deal,” Harm passed his hand lovingly over Mac’s tummy, “we could use a house even if the courts don’t extend custody.” “So, flyboy.” Unconsciously, she licked her lips. “We tell our friends, find a house and plan a wedding.” She undid another button. “You don’t want a long engagement do you?” Harm’s hand was still caressing her tummy, his breath more labored. “No, way.” She undid two more buttons. “Eight years was long enough.” She tugged lightly on his shirttails. “In that case, is there anyone else we need to tell today? Harm asked, impatiently nibbling on her neck. “Might be nice to tell Sturgis.” She swallowed hard, her fingers swirling against his exposed chest. “Anyone else?” He left a trail of delicate kisses to her collarbone. Finding it harder to breathe, “Mattie of course,” she mumbled, her fingers moving more slowly. Harm smiled inwardly, at her increasing heart rate. “Mattie won’t be home for hours yet.” He slid a hand up along her back, doodling around her bra strap. Gripping Harm’s shoulder for balance, Mac gasped when his tongue dipped down along the top of her cleavage. “Hours sounds good,” Mac moaned before leaning down and capturing his lips in her own. Their passions erupted, encouraged by the vivid memories of love already shared. With the grace of a much younger man, Harm easily scooped Mac up against his chest and carried her as he had the night before to their room. Walking towards the bedroom in a fogged haze of growing desire, Harm somehow made a mental note to himself; he really needed to pay more attention to fortune cookies. Your unspoken desire is the road not taken. Take it. Chapter 20 - Epilogue May 23, 2029 Annapolis Harm and Mac sat holding hands in the audience surrounded by an ocean of proud parents and family. There was something so entrancing about a graduation ceremony at Annapolis. All the officers in their dress whites were an impressive sight. No matter how many ceremonies you’ve attended, it was always an invigorating experience. Jen and Bobby sat next to them, Jen nervously shredding a tissue in her hand. Bobby just kept rubbing her shoulder and smiling. It was a proud day for the Calvo family. Elizabeth Marie Calvo was graduating from Annapolis. Shortly after their second child, Christopher James, had been born, Jen chose not to continue in the Navy. None of their four children had ever shown much interest in the Navy, other than an occasional sense of awe at their Uncle Harm’s escapades, so it had totally surprised Jen when her eldest daughter announced her intentions of attending the prestigious military institution. The close relationship between the two families had proved helpful when the time came for Liz to make her application. Lots of people submitted letters of recommendation from Admiral’s, but not many from one with as colorful a history, or as stellar a reputation as that of Admiral Harmon Rabb, the Judge Advocate General. The family’s close ties through the years had other benefits. Lt. Harmon Rabb III sat patiently at his mother’s side. Like his father, he was a man who caught most people’s attention. Standing evenly with his dad at 6’4”, the handsome, dark haired, dark eyed naval aviator was valiantly hiding his own anxiousness and pride at the sight of his fiancée’s graduation. Of course, neither of their parents was aware of this little tidbit of information yet. He had proposed just a few weeks ago, but they had decided for the sake of sanity to wait until after graduation to fill their parents in. Rabb Home Falls Church Virginia Later that evening “Harm, it was so nice of you and Mac to hold this little get together for Liz,” Jen smiled, her normal sense of calm finally in place. “You’d think she was getting married, the way my nerves were shot.” Her smile grew a little stronger, almost laughing at herself. “No problem. You know as far as Mac and I are concerned your kids are like ours anyway.” “What was that?” Mac asked as she approached her husband, slipping her arm around his waist and kissing him softly on the cheek. “Now what kind of a greeting is that for the godfather of the graduate?” Harm turned his face and kissed his wife soundly on the lips. Shaking her head, Jen chuckled. “How old are you two again?” These two had never in all the years they’d been married stopped acting like a couple of newlyweds. She suspected having struggled nine years to finally get together gave them an extraordinary appreciation for each other. Their attention was diverted at the sound of HR, as the younger Rabb was affectionately known, tapping his glass with a spoon. Liz’s blushing glow led everyone to believe she was embarrassed by the congratulatory toast he was about to make. All the guests did their best to gather closer to the young man and the graduate, some overflowing into the hall or dining room. The Rabb house had a wonderful circular layout that made it an ideal home for parties and large family gatherings. “As you all know Liz and I have known each other since we were kids. I still remember the little brat who whenever she could, paid my sister Pat a dollar to hide in the back seat of my car during a date. I also remember the great kid who noticed my kid brother, David, floating in the pool and saved his life using the CPR she’d learned watching a TV show. But most of all, I remember the beautiful woman who two weeks ago, standing under the moonlight, agreed to be my wife.” Raising his glass, he reached over for her hand. “To Liz Calvo.” “Here, here.” The voices cheered as one by one all the guests descended upon the young couple. Jen flew to her daughter’s side, shock and joy both beaming from her tear filled eyes. Harm pulled his wife in closer, kissing the top of her head, “I guess he followed his old man’s advice.” “What was that?” Mac looked up, tears quickly building. “When you find the love of your life, don’t let life’s complications stop you.” He smiled at her, placing a kiss on her wet cheek. “I had a feeling this was why he wanted to talk about us.” “You too?” Mac wiped away some of the tears. She should have realized. Three weeks before, HR had come over to hang out with his mom. All the Rabb children were pretty close and made it a point to stop home whenever they could. Twenty four year old HR visited the least for the obvious reasons, but twenty one year old Pat was going into her last year at Georgetown and stopped home often for a home cooked meal or to do laundry. David, the baby of the family, who hated it when Mac referred to him that way, was eighteen and preferred inviting friends to hangout with him at home rather than traipsing around town. Fortunately for Mac, most of his friends preferred hanging out at the Rabb’s too. She always thanked her marine appetite and a well-stocked fridge for that blessing. She hadn’t recognized why HR had come by that day. She noticed him looking through all the photo albums, especially asking questions about the years of photos before she and Harm were married. His favorites seemed to be the ones with his parents and AJ Roberts. They seemed so happy in those photos. He asked about the gaps in photos the two years before the wedding, and listened intently as Mac tried to explain about the stupid choices they’d made. When they came to the wedding album Mac’s eyes beamed brightly at the memories. It had been a beautiful warm day. Close to three months after Harm's proposal they were married in a small, but formal, military wedding in the same church they attended Christmas services every year. They had briefly discussed getting married at Annapolis, as all graduates were entitled to, but had immediately discarded the idea due to the waiting period involved. Jennifer Coates and her little sister Chloe were bridesmaids. Harriet Roberts was her matron of honor. Sergei and his fiancée flew in. Harm had been a little surprised to be getting married before Sergei, but he was used to life being unpredictable. It was great for Mac to look over the photos of all their old friends and how much fun they were all having at the reception. The thing that probably surprised them the most was how well Jack Keeter and Terri Coulter hit it off. If they had to pick two friends of theirs who would make a great couple, those would never have been the two they’d have picked. They never did get married, but they had a few good years together. “I guess everyone looks happy on their honeymoon.” HR commented, flipping through the pages of the next album. “Yeah, that’s probably a safe assumption,” Mac laughed. She had almost forgotten what a lovely place Barbados was. She and Harm spent most of their time on the beach or in the bedroom. Of course, they spent a lot of time, on the sofa, on the floor, in the shower, in the ocean. It was a ‘busy’ time. “You realize you look like the cat that swallowed the canary,” HR said, smiling at his mother’s Cheshire grin. “It was pretty special for you two wasn’t it?” “Yeah, it took us an awful long time, and an awful lot of wasted years to get there. Besides, that's how we got you!!” She reached over and pulled her son into a warm embrace. They had indeed been right. The odds of conceiving on that first unplanned encounter were not in their favor, yet somehow they fell into those fortunate statistics of honeymoon babies. “Have you ever regretted marrying dad or giving up the marines?” He honestly could not remember a single time that his mother or dad gave the impression they’d wished they’d made other choices. Sure, he’d seen them argue a time or two, some were pretty down right nasty fights, but it was always obvious they were deeply in love. “Not a single minute. I always thought my good career was one of my main goals. And I did have a good career. Maybe that’s why it was so easy to give up. Nothing would ever be as important as you kids. It was an easy choice.” “If you had it to do over again, you and Dad both being military, would you have done it any differently?” “I’d like to think all the things we went through made our relationship stronger and our marriage better, but if I had to do it over again. I’d have married your father the minute he asked permission to come aboard.” She and HR laughed. Everyone knew what she was referring to. There wasn’t anyone in the family, or the neighborhood for that matter, who didn’t know the famous Declaration of Independence story. “Thanks, Mom. You’ve been a big help.” He hugged his mom, took his cover, and headed for the door. “I’d love to stay longer, but I’ve got to get going.” One last kiss on the cheek and he was gone. Mac sat looking through the albums, the photos of all the kids’ births, their birthdays, Mattie’s graduation from Annapolis, and people who had long since passed, her mother in law, Admiral Chegwidden. They’d led a good life. She continued flipping the pages without a clue as to what her son had been contemplating. Feeling Harm’s grip tighten around her waist. “You still with me, marine?” Harm asked trying to get his wife’s attention. “Sorry, just thinking. We’ve had a good life. Thank you.” She leaned her head against his chest. “That we have, I love you.” Taking his wife’s hand the two walked over to congratulate their first born son. “Should we say anything about grandchildren yet?” Harm teased his wife. “Nah, give them a couple of weeks,” she laughed. Raising his arm around his wife’s shoulder as they approached their son, Harm joined her in laughter. ‘God, life has been good!’ The end BACK HOME