What_Now6



	Chapters 1-7 Chapters 8-14 Chapters 15-21 Chapter 22-28 Chapter 29-35 Chapter 36-40 Title: What Now Chapter 36 Rabb House Moving Day The month between making the deal and closing day had flown by. Harm and Mac had traveled to La Jolla to spend the New Year with Trish and Frank. Trish had thrown a lavish New Year’s Eve party at their beachfront home to introduce Mac to all her friends. Actually, she just wanted to show off her handsome son and her new daughter in law but everyone played along with her. Trish insisted as soon as they were moved into the new house, she would come visit and take Mac on a house warming shopping spree. It took a bit of convincing, but Mac finally agreed. “All the rooms have labels on the doors,” Mac announced loudly so all their friends could hear. “Every box should be marked with which room it belongs to.” Moving day had turned into quite a production. Everyone had turned up to help; Sturgis and Varese, Bud, Jennifer, Mattie of course, Gunny and his sister Maria who had come to spend Christmas with him, Mr. and Mrs. Kearney, Paul and Pete - two lawyers from Harm’s office, even Mattie’s father Tom was there. He’d come a long way since last year. Even though the courts would have probably given him custody of Mattie six months ago, like Harm, he wanted what was best for her and felt staying with Harm and Mac was better than staying with him. Everyone was marching in and out of the house like an army of ants. Mac was under strict orders from Harm to not touch a thing. “If I catch you so much as lifting a paper clip, you’ll answer to me.” Harm had warned her. She was barely around three months pregnant and Harm was already in overprotective mode. Standing in the master bedroom, Mac leaned over to push a small box out of the way before someone tripped over it. “And what exactly do you think you’re going to do?” Harm boomed, scooping the box away from her before she could lift it. “Please, Mac.” Harm set the box on a dresser and moved up close to her. Brushing her hair behind one ear, Harm pressed his lips against her forehead. “Please be more careful.” Holding her in his arms, Harm was a mere inches from kissing his wife when Varese came to a dead stop in the doorway. “Excuse me. I don’t mean to interrupt, but this is heavy,” she smiled, a little embarrassed. Immediately Harm stepped forward to relieve her of the box. He set it down to one side before following Varese out of the room. From the doorway he pointed one finger at Mac. “Remember what I said.” Seeing no point to staying if she couldn’t move any of the boxes, Mac followed Harm downstairs to check on how things were going. He had stopped at the bottom of the stairs while Gunny and Sturgis approached carrying Mac’s dresser. Sidling up beside him, “I’m really sorry. I keep forgetting that feeling fine doesn’t mean I don’t need to watch myself.” Mac slid her arm around Harm. “I don’t mean to nag.” Harm kissed her nose. “We just worked so hard to get this far, I don’t want anything to happen.” He slid his arm around Mac’s back, pulling her forward against him. “I love you both so much.” Gently his lips came down on hers. Before either of them could get lost in the kiss, a baritone of clearing throats could be heard. “I don’t want to be the bad guy,” Gunny grunted. “But this is heavy and you’re make-out session is blocking the path to the stairs,” Sturgis added, only slightly amused. Not much time had passed when Mac and Jen were trying to organize a few things in the office. Jen was moving the boxes and Mac was emptying them trying to make room for the rest of what still had to fit. Jen struggled with a rather heavy box when Mac absentmindedly ran to assist her. In just that split second of time Harm walked passed the doorway. “MAC. Don’t even think about it,” He warned, hurrying into the room to shift the boxes for Jen. “Both you ladies. Mac I don’t want you lifting anything.” Turning to Jen. “Just because you’re not pregnant doesn’t mean I want you getting a hernia.” He waved his finger at Jen. “If either of you need help, call me. That’s an order.” Mac stood in his wake, her hands on her hips, wondering if somehow pending fatherhood had gifted him with built-in radar. He seemed to know when she was going to lift something before she did. Watching the two of them, Jen shook her head and went back to work. By three o’clock in the afternoon they’d made amazing progress. Everything from the apartment had been at least placed in the correct room, and only a few things remained in storage still. Harm estimated one more trip and they’d be done. Roaming through the house, he was on a mission to find his Marine and order some pizza. He found her unpacking the kitchen. “You’re not lifting anything heavy are you?” He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her. Nibbling on the back of her neck was now one of his favorite pastimes. “Not unless you consider a fork heavy,” she giggled, holding up the aforementioned silverware. “We’re almost done, what do you say we order some pizza to feed this mob?” Harm nibbled some more under her ear. “Mmn, sounds good.” She leaned back heavily against him dropping the forks on the counter. Twisting in his arms, Mac spun around and pulled his face down by hers. In a hungry gesture, she pressed her lips against his. Her fingers threading through his hair, her other hand slipping under his shirt to caress his bare back. Harm practically growled at her assertion. All thoughts of food and friends were quickly forgotten. Pulling her tightly against him, Harm was vaguely contemplating the quickest path to the bedroom when a chorus of cat calls and whistles brought him back to reality. “Harm. Get a room!” Mattie called out, not at all amused. Why did old people insist on behaving like teenagers? “Do you two ever stop?” Sturgis shook his head, thoroughly amused. “You too?” Varese asked Sturgis. “I caught them in the bedroom.” “The laundry room,” Jennifer piped in. “The basement,” Bud added. “The…” Gunny began when Harm cut them off. “Thank you very much for the map of the house. Now if you guys don’t mind. I think it’s time we get the last load while Mac orders us some pizza.” Harm waved his arms shooing his guests out of the doorway so he could get back to the business of moving now and back to his wife later. Having successfully emptied out the storage facility and deposited all their treasured belongings in the appropriate rooms, the group gathered in the kitchen for some much anticipated beer and pizza. “Bud, did you call Harriet and tell her it’s safe to come over?” Mac asked before noticing Harriet and the kids making their way across the backyard. “ Never mind, there she is.” “Good grief, what’s this?” Gunny asked opening a pizza box. Peering over Gunny’s shoulder, “Oh, that’s Mac’s, pineapple and jalapeno. Open another box.” Harm gestured to the stack of pizza boxes. “Is it edible?” Gunny grimaced, pushing the box aside. “Only if you’re pregnant,” Harm chuckled. “Does she eat stuff like that often?” Gunny was still overcome by the revolting pizza combination. “That’s nothing, you should hear some of the things Harriet craves when she’s pregnant.” Bud shuddered at the mere memory of chocolate covered artichokes. “I think that’s about enough,” Mrs. Kearney chimed in. “Pick your favorite and leave poor Mrs. Rabb’s dietary preferences in peace,” she directed in her school teacher tone. “Thank you Mrs. Kearney,” Mac nodded gratefully. It was bad enough when Harm picked on her cravings, it wasn’t any easier with a kitchen full of people. Harm pulled out a slice of Mac’s pizza and walked over to where she was pouring drinks by the counter. Placing the dish in front of her, he lifted her chin with his finger. “Anything for my Princess,” he smiled. “I love you.” Remembering this time there was a room full of people, Harm kissed her softly on the forehead, resisting the urge to graze slowly across every inch of her beautiful face. “I love you too,” she smiled before handing him the tray of drinks. Chapter 37 A few months later Considering how long it took them to get to this point, time was suddenly moving at the speed of light. It felt like only yesterday that Mac was diagnosed with an ovarian tumor, and now, they were only two months away from the birth of their baby. Trish had indeed descended on the couple within days of moving in. She passed through like a whirlwind. When all was said and done, the house looked great. Initially, Mac was very embarrassed at the idea of Trish lavishing them with so many things for the house. After a few days, Mac finally recognized how much pleasure all of this was bringing to her mother in law and gave up trying to slow her down. Every room had new drapes or curtains. Mac’s furniture was placed in the guest bedroom with new spreads and curtains, and Harm’s furniture was placed in a second room with a few extras to tie it all together. They bypassed decorating the nursery until they knew if it was a girl or a boy, but Trish insisted on at least picking the furniture. Since Trish had moved all their bedroom furniture into the two spare rooms, Harm and Mac had a new Victorian bedroom suite courtesy of Gramma Trish. They’d found a lovely old dining room set at an antique mall that sat eight people, and Mac’s old dining set was immediately relegated to the kitchen and Harm’s old set was on its way to Goodwill. Even Mattie’s room got a major makeover. She and Trish had spent an entire two days out shopping for everything. By the time Trish and Mattie were finished, the room would have been able to make the cover of Good Housekeeping. Mac was amazed that two people could have so much fun furniture shopping. Maybe it had something to do with being a Marine, but to her shopping was just a necessity in life. Harm and Mac’s first official Valentine’s day together had come and gone. Having fallen on a Monday there was little extra they could do, but none the less they succeeded in making the day feel very special. Mattie and Jen had moved all the extra furniture in the dining room out so Harm and Mac could have their own private dance floor. Wanting to leave them alone for the night, Mattie spent the night in Jen’s apartment over the garage. Harm had ordered supper catered from Chez Gerard, and Mac had set a candlelight table for two. Even though Mattie had stayed with Jen often, Trish had only just left for California, making it their first night alone in the big house since moving in, and they took full advantage of the privacy, often. Harm had tagged along to as many of Mac’s doctor’s appointments as he could. Nothing could replace the moment they both heard the heartbeat for the first time. Harm walked around all day with a silly grin on his face and went so far as to tack the photo of the sonogram on the bulletin board in the lounge. That was the one advantage of being the boss, if anyone thought you were crazy, they sure as hell weren’t going to tell you. Roberts’ house June 10th 2005 1900 “I’ve never been to a couples baby shower before,” Sturgis commented, taking another sip of beer. “Harriet and I went to a shower like this for one of the women in Jimmy’s playgroup. Harriet insisted it was a lot more fun than the standard ladies only shower.” Bud wasn’t really sure what Harriet meant, but as long as everyone was having a good time, he wasn’t going to worry about it. “Well, I for one think it’s a great reason to throw a party.” Sturgis raised his glass. “I wish more people would do this,” Varese chimed in. “I’ve been to traditional showers and this is a lot more fun,” she chuckled. “I can’t get over all the loot you two got.” Sturgis pointed his glass at Harm. “You! I can’t get over all the STUFF one little baby needs.” Harm shook his head smiling. Nodding his head in agreement. “You should see all the stuff you need when there’s two,” Bud added rolling his eyes. “Have you been able to work on the nursery?” Varese asked, reaching for another chip. “Yeah, my mom flew in for a few days and helped Mac put it all together,” Harm answered, somewhat distracted. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go check on my wife.” Harm had noticed Mac step out onto the porch alone. Finding her sitting on the glider, Harm sat down beside her. “Everything okay?” “Yeah, just a little tired.” Mac rubbed the right side of her tummy. “Is she giving you a hard time?” Harm moved Mac’s hand to one side and began rubbing the spot that seemed to be bothering her. “No more than usual.” Just then Harm felt the hard poke against his palm. He couldn’t hold back the grin. He knew it had to be terribly uncomfortable for Mac, but he so loved feeling the baby move around. “How long has she been at this today?” “Since I got out of bed,” Mac sighed before the baby kicked again on the other side. Harm placed his other hand over the newest protrusion, gently massaging the agitated baby with both hands. Resting his lips close to Mac’s tummy, Harm whispered softly, “Now, listen to me, Victoria Hope, you need to give your mommy a break. She loves you very much, but you’re wearing her out.” Harm kissed the tummy lightly before leaning up intending to kiss Mac on the lips. Watching this now familiar interaction between the man and child she loved, Mac couldn’t hold back the tear of joy that trickled down her cheek. “Hey, what’s this all about?” Harm raised his arms around her. Pulling her close to him, he debated if this was another bout of maternal hormones at work, or if maybe something was really wrong. “I just love you, that’s all,” she sniffed. “Then they’re happy tears?” “Very happy tears.” She raised her hand to rest on his other shoulder. “You really don’t mind she’s not a boy do you?” Mac asked softly. “Not at all. All I ever wanted was a healthy, happy baby.” Harm slowly ran his fingers through Mac’s hair in a calming gesture. “I was a little worried when the amnio results came back that you might be disappointed,” Mac admitted. “I was almost afraid to tell you.” “Why would you be afraid to tell me anything?” Harm’s eyes wrinkled with concern. “Have I ever done anything to give you reason not to tell me something?” “Power down, Daddy. I said almost. I told you didn’t I?” Mac was trying not to grin at his little temper tantrum. “Yeah, you did. But don’t EVER be afraid to tell me anything, good, bad, or indifferent. And in this case, a little girl with your looks and my brains was very good news.” Harm relaxed and tightened his hold on his wife. Hearing footsteps on the porch steps, Harm was surprised to see the tall figure quietly approaching them. “Please don’t get up.” AJ Chegwidden raised his hand at Harm to stay put. “Sir, how nice to see you!” Harm shifted Mac’s weight and stood up immediately, enthusiastically extending his hand to his previous CO. “We didn’t expect you to make it, sir.” Mac smiled back, very happy to see him. “Italy is a lovely place to visit, but it was time to come home.” Gesturing for Harm to return to his seat, AJ moved closer to Mac, and leaned against the railing. “Motherhood looks good on you, Colonel,” AJ nodded with a broad smile. “Thank you, sir,” Mac blushed “I think it’s time to put aside the sir, Mac.” “Yes, AJ.” “So, tell me, when is this little bundle due to make his or her appearance?” “She’s got about eight weeks to go,” Harm answered. “Does she have a name?” AJ asked, the smile still wide on his face. He knew first hand what a blessing little girls were, and from the little he’d witnessed on his walk from the car to the house, this little girl was going to have daddy wrapped around her finger in no time. “Victoria Hope,” Mac grinned. “That’s a lovely name, how did it come about?” AJ had thought for sure they would go with family names, like Patricia or Sarah. “Well, sir, I mean AJ, it took us so long to get to this point we felt like she was a major victory and decided if it was a boy it would be Victor and if it was a girl she’d be Victoria. We also considered my mom’s name, or Grams name for a middle name but somehow, in light of everything we’ve been through and what we hope will come, Hope seemed the perfect middle name,” Harm explained squeezing Mac’s hand. “There you are!” Harriet announced, stepping onto the porch before noticing AJ. “Admiral, you made it!” Harriet immediately made her way over to where AJ was perched for a huge hug hello. “Okay, everyone back inside. Admiral you’re going to have to tell me all about how things went with Marcella,” Harriet grinned gleefully as she shoved him into the house leaving a bewildered Harm and Mac behind. “Marcella?” they both uttered quietly. Chapter 38 JAG Headquarters July 19 1100 hours “Colonel,” Jennifer Coates’ voice called from Mac’s doorway. “Yes,” Mac answered without looking up from the computer screen. “The Admiral wants you in her office ASAP. She said to bring all the remaining files for reassignment.” “Thank you, Jen.” Noticing Jen hadn’t moved from the doorway. “Anything else?” “Well, I thought you might like some help with the files,” Jen smiled. “How many times today has Harm called you?” Mac leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed on top of her large tummy. “Only three, ma’am.” Jen bit her lower lip holding back a laugh. “They’re not heavy, I can manage. Dismissed.” “Aye, aye.” Jen turned on her heels back to her desk. Mac wasn’t sure if Harm was going to survive the remaining three weeks of her pregnancy. She was sure, however, if they still had to work in the same office she wouldn’t get a thing accomplished with him hovering over her. Admiral Chaidez’s office 15 minutes later “Colonel MacKenzie reporting as ordered, ma’am.” Mac had worked with Admiral Chaidez for just over a year and still felt the need to stand on formality. It had never occurred to her to simply walk into the room and say ‘you wanted to see me, ma’am,’ the way she might have with Admiral Chegwidden. “Colonel, please sit down. The last thing I need is for that baby to make its appearance in my office!” “No, ma’am,” Mac smiled. “I know this is your last week with us, but I also know this office has a history of substituting for a maternity ward and I am NOT Admiral Chegwidden. I do not have a minor in midwifery,” she barely smiled. “Understood.” Mac tried not to laugh. Admiral Chegwidden really was a good midwife. “Now, let’s get a look at the last of those files. Do you see any reason we can’t assign Major Hatfield the Bonner case?” “No, I think it’s well suited to his style. He should have no problem getting a conviction.” Mac shifted uncomfortably in her chair, a small twinge pulling at her back. “I suggest we let Commander Roberts defend. He’ll give the major a run for his money.” “Very well, who’s next?” The Admiral looked up at Mac without raising her head, her eyes frowning instantly at the sight of Mac mindlessly rubbing her back. “Are you okay, Colonel?” “Yes, ma’am. Slight back ache.” “How long have you had this slight back ache?” “Off and on all morning.” Mac let go of her back to open another file. “Very well, who’s next?” “I have the ….” Mac let out a low groan. “ MacMichaels DOD.” “Colonel, how far apart are those back aches of yours?” Admiral Chaidez asked very succinctly, one eyebrow raised rather high. “This one was seven minutes and 32 seconds, ma’am.” Mac’s hand returned to rubbing her back. Admiral Chaidez carefully watched her chief of staff shifting uncomfortably in the chair for the next few minutes before jumping to any conclusions. “Colonel, I suggest you make arrangements to get to Bethesda. You’re in labor. I’ll have Commander Turner finish this.” She dropped her pen on the desk and turned to the intercom. “COATES!” Her calm demeanor momentarily gone. “Do you have someone to take you?” she asked Mac. “I would need to…” She paused to breathe. “Call my husband.” “How much time was that?” “Six minutes and 15 seconds.” Looking up at Jennifer standing in the open doorway. “Get an ambulance ASAP. Then Call Mr. Rabb and tell him to meet the Colonel at Bethesda, and then get AJ on the phone and find out if he’s anywhere near here just in case.” Pouring a glass of water, she got up from her desk and walked around to Mac. “Here, have a sip of this and try to relax until the ambulance gets here.” The Admiral took a deep breath and prayed the ambulance or AJ got here soon. Two minutes later Jen popped her head back in the door. “The ETA on the ambulance is 10 minutes ma’am. Admiral Chegwidden is having lunch at Le Feat’s, he’ll be here as soon as he can.” Jen bit her lower lip watching Mac rub her back and grimace. “Carry on, Petty Officer.” The Admiral waved at her, she didn’t need this to turn into a circus. Family Choice Legal Office 1215 hours “Pete, do you know where Mr. Rabb is?” Mrs. Kearney asked, standing in his doorway looking a little worse for ware. “I’ve been paging him for fifteen minutes.” “He and the Gunny are over at the Murdock building. One of their clients is threatening to dive off the roof without a parachute.” Pete dropped his pen on his desk and rubbed his temples in standard circular motion for relief of a migraine. This had been the week from hell. They’d gotten every nut case there was. “Well, his wife’s in labor. That cute Petty Officer has called twice.” She was starting to spit in her school teacher tone of voice. “Crap! Excuse me, blast.” Jumping up from his desk, he rummaged through his jacket pockets and pulled out his wallet and keys. “I’m on my way. If the petty officer calls back, get her phone number,” he winked. Teasing Mrs. K. was so much fun. She had a great way with the staff, they knew what she expected and they towed the line. Cussing of any kind was strictly forbidden. No one knew what Mrs. K., as they affectionately called her, would do if they deliberately cussed a blue streak, but no one wanted to find out. Harm was right in hiring her, she was the mother hen. JAG Headquarters Admiral Chaidez’s office Same time AJ Chegwidden came flying through his old office door. “Bet you didn’t think you’d be back for this, huh AJ?” Rita smiled. “Hell, this is one of the reasons I left. Never a dull day around this place,” he grinned back at her. Turning towards Mac. “How’s it going?” “Not too bad. I’m having back labor which is why I didn’t realize I was in labor at all.” Mac squirmed, rubbing her back. “Wouldn’t you rather be laying down?” AJ asked, confused as to why she was still sitting in the chair. “I tried that- she refuses to move.” Rita Chaidez rolled her eyes. “Was she always this difficult?” she smiled. “When it suits her,” he replied, looking at Mac. “How far apart are the pains?” “Last one was 5 minutes and 48 seconds.” “How does she do that?” Rita raised one palm and scrunched her face into an obvious question mark. “Her / My mother’s Swiss,” AJ and Mac replied in unison. “Has your water broken yet?” AJ asked returning his attention to Mac. “No.” Mac continued rubbing her back. Admiral Chaidez stood amazed at the trust this woman had with her former CO. It was obvious they had an enviable rapport. And where the hell did this man learn so much about delivering babies?! Her husband had been a Navy SEAL and he had passed out in the delivery room with both their daughters. “Sir, ma’am. The ambulance is here, they’re on their way up,” Jen announced hurriedly. “Any word on Harm?” Mac asked between deep breaths. “Not yet, ma’am, he still hasn’t answered his page.” Jen raised her eyes at Admiral Chegwidden before returning to her desk. The unspoken concerns understood. The silent communication had not escaped the notice of Admrial Chaidez. How had this man done it? Granted, he had worked with the Colonel for eight years, plenty of time to develop an unusual bond. What was the excuse with Petty Officer Coates? She had only been his yeoman for a year before he retired. How did he become such a respected CO? What was his secret? Finally arriving, the EMT’s went about their business getting Mac on a gurney as quickly as possible. “Will you be coming with us?” they asked AJ. Mac shot her hand out from under the blanket to grab hold of AJ’s. “Yes,” he said, just as Jen came running back into the room. “They’ve found Commander Rabb. He’s at the Murdock building with Gunny, ma’am.” “What the hell is he doing there?” Mac groaned. “They’re trying to talk down a jumper. Pete, that is Mr. Lawson, is on his way to get him, ma’am.” Looking over at Admiral Chaidez, “I need someone to see to it that my car follows us to Bethesda,” AJ requested, holding out his car keys. “Done,” she nodded to Petty Officer Coates, who took the proffered car keys. “Okay people, let’s get this lady out of here before we turn this place into a maternity ward. Again,” AJ bellowed. Chapter 39 Murdock Building Short while later Harmon Rabb was precariously balancing himself on the edge of the 9th floor window. His cell phone and pager had been deliberately left on the passenger seat of his car to avoid being interrupted in the midst of this life and death crisis. Gunny was perched near the window diligently keeping an eye on his boss, while wearing out the keypad on his cell phone. Both men were focused intently on their goal of getting one Henry J. Willis to come in from out on the ledge. “Hank, the judicial system takes time,” Harm repeated for the umpteenth time in the last two hours. “You have to give Gunny here a chance to do a little digging. You can’t let your mother in law psyche you out.” Harm popped his head inside a moment. “Any luck getting a hold of his daughter?” “No, sir, if the mother in law knows where they are, she isn’t talking,” Gunny replied, dialing still another number on his cell phone. “Keep trying the schools, the friends, the public library for all I care, we’ve got to get someone here who he cares about,” Harm barked. “What are you doing?” Willis asked, his voice on edge with panic. “I’m talking to Gunny, Hank. We need more time to get this together. I never said I could fix this over night. Possession of narcotics with intent to distribute is not an easy thing to just make go away.” “I told you, it wasn’t mine! I didn’t know the stuff was in my car! I would never have something like that around my kids,” Willis yelled, pulling slightly away from the wall. “Watch it there, Hank.” Harm stuck his arm out toward the shaky man. “Keep back. I believe you. I wouldn’t have taken the case if I didn’t believe you.” “Keep away from me!!” Willis screeched, pulling away from Harm’s reach. “Sorry, sorry.” Harm raised his arms at his side. “I just don’t want you to fall.” Leaning in the window again, “Try calling Bud, he’s done this before, maybe he’ll have better luck,” Harm suggested. “If he won’t let any of the cops up here, who know what they’re doing, what makes you think he’ll let Bud up here?” Gunny asked, already dialing JAG ops. Before Harm could answer, he heard Pete’s voice over the megaphone from below. “Hey Boss. They won’t let me up there. I need to talk to you. It’s important,” Pete called. “Who the hell is that?!” Willis yelled. “It’s a trick. He’s a cop!” “No, it’s not a trick, he works for me. His name is Pete Lawson.” Harm wondered what the hell could have brought Pete out here in the middle of this. “I don’t want him up here! DO YOU HEAR ME!” Hank shouted when Harm didn’t answer right away. “Yes.” Harm snapped back to the moment. He waved his arms NO to the crowd below. “Then I’ll have to tell you over this damn contraption,” Pete called back. Harm signaled a thumbs up. “You’re wife is in labor. They’ve taken her to Bethesda.” Pete paused a minute, watching for his bosses reaction. Gunny hearing the commotion stepped closer to Harm. “I’ve got Bud on the line, sir.” “Is it true?” Willis yelled. “I don’t know yet,” Harm hesitated. “She’s not due for three weeks.” Turning to Gunny. “Bud confirms it, sir. The Admiral, Chegwidden that is, took her in an ambulance about 10 minutes ago.” “Is she alright?” Harm asked, his heart racing much faster than it had been a moment earlier. Hanging without a safety net from a nine story window was nothing, the thought of something happening to Mac or Victoria scared the hell out of him. “She was when they left, sir.” “Is she okay?” Willis asked, the tone in his voice softening for the first time. “I don’t know. They took her in an ambulance.” Harm looked up at Willis. “Were any of your kids born early?” Willis looked at the man who five minutes ago showed no fear of any kind. “This isn’t a trick is it?” “I don’t think so. They wouldn’t do that to me. Everyone knows how much Mac means to me.” Harm looked back at Gunny. “See if you can get someone from Bethesda on the line.” “Mac? What kind of a name is that?” Willis questioned. “Her name is Sarah, she’s a Marine,” Harm smiled. “Mackenzie was her maiden name, so she goes by Mac. Helps her be one of the guys when she’s hanging out with a bunch of boys playing soldier.” “You should go to her.” Willis paused, an almost serene wave of calm spread over his features as a hint of a smile curled at the edge of his lips. “All of ours were late. Sally used to walk around the block for hours, day after day, hoping it would bring labor along. None of my kids have been on time for anything since,” he chuckled quietly. “I can’t leave.” Harm swallowed hard. “Do you think maybe I can come up now? So you can go to the hospital,” the megaphone bellowed from below. Harm immediately waved him off. “You need to be with your wife,” Willis repeated. “You need me too,” Harm answered turning back into the window. “Any word, Gunny?” “Not yet,” Gunny called back. “Damn!” Harm swore under his breath. “You love her a lot don’t you?” Willis asked. “More than life itself,” Harm answered without hesitation. “I felt that way about my Sally. It just about killed me when she died.” Willis leaned back heavily against the wall. “How’d she die?” Harm asked softly. Somehow, despite all the information he’d gathered about the case, how Willis’ wife passed away had never come up. “Bad doctor, she got an infection from the episiotomy. Died three days later.” A tear rolled down his cheek. “If I come inside and stay with Gunny, will you go to her?” “Yes,” Harm choked out. Gripping the windowsill more tightly. Of all the ways Hank’s wife had to die, why was it of complications from childbirth. Without any further discussion, Willis leaned forward, extending his hand to Harm. Within minutes, they were both safely inside. Harm opened his mouth to speak. “Just GO!” Willis shouted, shoving Harm towards the door. “Go!” Bethesda Hospital Maternity ward 1300 hours Jennifer Coates stood patiently at the nurses’ station waiting for someone to direct her to Colonel MacKenzie’s room. Seeing a slim brunette making her way down the hall, Jen took off at a slow gallop. “Excuse me, would you know where I could find Colonel MacKenzie?” “Sure honey, follow me,” the nurse answered rather glibly for a military hospital. “No Mackenzie,” she said, looking up from the computer. “Try Rabb.” Even though the Colonel was still using her maiden name for military business, Jen realized it made sense that she’d be Mrs. Rabb in a maternity ward. “Yes, she’s in room 507. Down the hall on your left.” Reading the numbers over the doors as she shuffled rapidly down the hallway, she stopped short when she reached 507. Knocking lightly, she walked in without waiting for a response. “Colonel?” she called softly. “Come in, Jen. Any word on Harm?” “Yes, ma’am. He’s on his way.” “What about the jumper?” AJ asked. “He’s fine. Apparently when he heard the Colonel was in labor, he came in willingly so the Commander could be with her,” Jen explained. “What about ..” AJ started. “She’s in the waiting room, sir,” Jen smiled. “Thank you, Jennifer. Things got a little busy there. With Mac’s permission, if you’ll step in for the Commander a moment, I have some business to attend to in the waiting room.” AJ looked at Mac. “Permission”…groan… “granted. Damn! This is tiring!” Mac huffed, squeezing Jen’s hand. “Is he really okay?” “Yes, ma’am. He should be here any minute.” Fifteen minutes later Harm sprinted out the elevator doors and down the hall. Before he could find his bearings and search out the nurses’ station, he came to a halt at the two people standing just ahead of him. “Good afternoon, Commander. I understand congratulations are in order.” The well-dressed woman smiled, extending her hand to Harm. “What a pleasant surprise Mrs. Paretti.” More like what a shock, Harm thought. “Mac’s in room 507, Jennifer is with her,” AJ interrupted. “Right.” Harm started, then paused, his body frozen in mid motion. “Any word?” “Everything is fine, but it looks like you might be here in the nick of time,” AJ grinned, waving him towards the room. Heaving a deep sigh, “Thanks, AJ.” Harm called already halfway to Mac’s door. Chapter 40 Bethesda Naval Hospital Room 507 Shoving the door open with more force then he’d intended, Harm rushed into Mac’s room. At her bedside in an instant, he immediately took hold of her hand. “How’s it going, Princess?” “It’s” …huff…. “going,” Mac got out between breaths. “The last time the doctor checked, she said the Colonel was already eight centimeters dilated and it wouldn’t be much longer,” Jennifer offered. “Have you been taking lessons from Harriet? I thought it wasn’t supposed to happen this fast?” Harm teased. “It isn’t. I didn’t realize the back ache I’ve had since I got up this morning wasn’t me having slept wrong, it was me having back ….labor. I’ve been in labor for ten hours, twenty four minutes, and thirty seconds.” Mac took another deep breath, gritting her teeth. “That’s it, breathe,” Harm encouraged. “It doesn’t work worth crap, you know.” Mac blew out a breath. “What?” Harm asked timidly. “Breathing. It still hurts, and I’m not distracted,” Mac hissed, feeling another contraction coming on she squeezed Harm’s hand hard, really hard. No reason she should be the only one in pain. Trying to distract Mac, “Did you see who the Admiral was with?” “You’re kidding, right? Do I look like I’m here to socialize?” Mac clenched her jaw tight and tried to breathe. “Marcella Paretti,” Harm answered, despite Mac’s lack of interest. “You mean Chegwidden,” Jen volunteered. “Chegwidden!” Harm and Mac chorused. For the first time in hours, Mac was so startled she didn’t feel a contraction coming on. “She and the Admiral were having lunch when I called. That’s why he wanted someone to bring his car to the hospital. Mrs. Chegwidden isn’t familiar with the city and she was waiting for him in the car.” Jen smiled contented with her news. “AND…” Harm nodded. How could she just stop there? Jen stared at Harm somewhat confused when it dawned on her what they were waiting to hear. “Oh, she flew in from Italy two weeks ago to surprise the Admiral. Apparently they’d gotten rather, …friendly while he was staying with Francesca in Italy. When she showed up here on his doorstep, they decided what the hell, and got married again. They just got back yesterday from spending a few days at the shore. “That about covers it,” AJ said, coming in the door. “I’ve tried to talk Marcella into going home to wait for me, but she insists our place is here with my friends.” AJ walked over by Mac’s side. “Looks like you’ve got a cheering section, Colonel.” The doctor smiled from the doorway. “I don’t suppose you’d all mind stepping outside a minute while I check our progress?” The doctor smiled waving one arm towards the hallway. “Not you!” Mac hollered, tightening her grip on Harm’s hand. “If I have to stay, you have to stay!” Admiral Chegwidden and Jennifer both bit back a chuckle at the look on Harm’s face, even in labor Mac was still a no nonsense Marine. Within minutes of joining Marcella in the waiting room, Harriet came huffing through the door. “I got here as fast as I could. How’s she doing?” Before anyone could answer, Gunny and Henry Willis came barreling around the corner. “Any news?” Gunny asked. “Not yet. The doctor’s with her now but it should be any time.” Stopping short at the unfamiliar face. “Who are you?” AJ barked. Just as Henry was about to introduce himself, Pete Lawson came rushing into the room. “Am I late?” “FOR WHAT?” AJ growled. “Is there anyone in DC who isn’t waiting for this baby?” Marcela, smiling to herself, moved closer to her husband and gently placed her hand on his arm. Whipping his head around at everyone. “Are we expecting anyone else?” he asked with a forced smile. “Only me,” Admiral Chaidez replied. “I had to flip Turner for it, he doesn’t know I have a two headed quarter,” she grinned at AJ. If she was going to learn from the best, she’d have to start with his first lesson; your people always come first. AJ nodded his head in silent affirmation of her choice. Turning to resume his inquiries of the new faces, he paused when he spotted a commotion at Mac’s door. “Looks like its time,” AJ smiled earnestly. Delivery room Short time later Harm stood behind Mac propping up her shoulders as she bore down for another push. “That’s it Colonel, we’re almost there.” “You’ve been saying that for the last 23 minutes!” Mac grit her teeth as another contraction racked her already exhausted body. Harm nervously watched the fetal monitor drop as it had with the last few efforts at pushing. The changing bleeps hadn’t concerned him at first, but now he was all too aware of the increased tension in the nurses’ posture every time Mac pushed and the heart rate slowed. “Okay, Colonel, they don’t come down this far and not come out – give me another push,” the doctor encouraged. “Come on Marine, let’s get this done!” Harm urged, placing a soft kiss on her forehead as Mac scrunched her weight forward in another effort at pushing this new life out. “There we..what…what the heck? Stop pushing.” The doctor’s hands began moving at an incredible speed, as though someone had clicked the fast forward button on a video. “No matter what it feels like, DO NOT push until I tell you.” Mac was too exhausted for the note of concern in the doctor’s voice to register, but fear instantly gripped Harm. “What’s wrong?” His voice was barely audible. Waiting Room Maternity Ward 1650 hours Introductions and explanations dispensed with long ago, the Rabb family friends paced anxiously waiting for the good news. “Shouldn’t we have heard something by now?” Gunny asked looking at his watch. “These things take time,” Hank Willis smiled. “But they’re worth the wait.” “Amen,” AJ assented. “I gather there’s no news?” Sturgis Turner’s deep voice was heard as he approached the group. “Who’s holding down the fort?” Admiral Chaidez questioned. “Secured everyone early,” he nodded, then looked at Harriet. “Bud’s downstairs parking the car.” Admiral Chaidez smiled and shook her head. If you’d told her when she joined the Navy that some day she’d be the JAG, in a maternity waiting room with half the JAG ops, waiting for her chief of staff’s baby to be born, she would never have believed it. The sound of Harm’s heavy footsteps brought all conversation and movement to a stand still. His features tired and worn. Stopping next to the Admiral, Harm’s face sprouted the famous Rabb smile as he reached into his breast pocket and pulled out several chocolate cigars. “Seven pounds, 9 ounces, 21 inches long,” he beamed. The group gathered around him, offering back slaps, hand shakes, hugs and kisses. Hank Willis stood back slightly from the group, a knowing smile on his face. “They’re sewing Mac up now, and then you’ll all be able to go in and see her and the baby. We had a few tense moments,” he sighed. “Apparently, Victoria’s elbow was up by her ear and the umbilical cord was wrapped around her neck and arm.” “Oh dear,” Harriet gasped. “But, she’s alright now?” “Yeah, Mac’s a little nicked up from the elbow but she’ll be ready for visitors in just a bit.” “Well, you’d better get back to her, son,” AJ suggested, still patting him on the back. “I will, but she insisted I come tell everyone.” Harm smiled and turned back to be with his wife and daughter. Harm returned to the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen, his brand new baby girl snugly wrapped in her mama’s arms, quietly nursing her first meal. He inched his way closer, mesmerized by the motions of her tiny cheeks as she drank. One hand gently caressed the back of his daughter’s head as his other rested casually around Mac’s shoulders. Stepping back a moment, Harm pulled out his cell phone and punched the familiar numbers. “Hello, mom. What time do you want me to pick you up at the airport?” he laughed. “They’re fine. 10:37pm. I thought so,” he and Mac chuckled together. Sitting on the edge of the bed, chatting with his mom, smiling at his wife, watching his daughter, and surrounded by friends, Harm couldn’t refrain from sporting an enormous grin. Life was truly perfect. The End A/N: Please ignore my blatant disregard for the rule against cell phones in hospitals. Also if the procedures were a little off, I've never had a baby in a hospital so I tried to keep it as general as possible. Of course having a baby is having a baby. lol. BACK HOME