TITLE: "After the Mistletoe IV: Time Away” AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: The kiss of Answered Prayers leads to more. Rated PG for mild language. Some chapters will contain mild violence as well. The fourth of the After the Mistletoe series in which Harm and Mac deal with the ramifications of the mistletoe kiss. The arrival of Sergei is not a factor in this series. DISCLAIMER: JAG belongs to CBS, Paramount et al. No copyright infringement is intended with this work of fiction. FEEDBACK: Yes, if you're moved to do so, to [SSbpmn@aol.com] and it would be much appreciated by both of us. However, if your intent is only to tell us you are not liking our work, please don't spend the time. While we realize our work does not please everyone, we do ask that the journey be respected. NOTE: All parts of this story and previous chapter will be available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories No subbing is required to read from the message archives. Also, previous chapters, as well as our other efforts, should be available at http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at http://www.shipperarchive.com/fanfic/ Previously in ATM: Harm is returned to DC for rehab on his injured back, only to realize the strain on his relationship with Mac is too much. Without telling her destination, he leaves the city. “After the Mistletoe IV: Time Away” Mac's Apartment 6:30 PM EST "He'll call you when he's ready" Sturgis' words from four days ago rang through her head again and with a sigh Mac dropped down on the sofa. Even if she wanted to call Harm, she couldn't. She had no idea where he was, Sturgis having remained tightlipped about where Harm had gone to finish his rehab. "This sucks" she moaned as she buried her head in the pillow, trying to keep back the tears. All she wanted to know was that he was okay. Her doorbell rang and she pushed herself up, wiping away the stray tears as she walked to the door. "Sturgis hi" she said as she let him in. "What brings you by?" "I was in the neighborhood " he smiled. "Checking up on me?" she sighed. "I did tell Harm I would. You doing okay?" "I'd be a lot better if I knew where Harm was and I could talk to him" she countered irritably. "Mac this was his decision. Not mine. But I will tell you that he's doing okay." "You've talked to him? When? What did he say?" "Yes I talked to him" Sturgis smiled. "This morning actually. And he did have a message for you." "He did?" "He said to tell you he misses you a lot and that he'll be calling you soon. And that he's sorry if he hurt you doing this." "I miss him too" Mac whispered "Sturgis, I want to see him. You have to tell me where he is. Please" "Mac, I can't. You know that. I won’t break his confidence any more than I’d break one of yours. I'm sorry. It won't be much longer. His rehab is going well and when he's ready he'll call you." "I don't think I can stand waiting any more" Mac moaned. "I'm sitting around this place going crazy as it is." "Yes but you look a lot better than you did four days ago" Sturgis said gently. "Mac, you know this was the right thing for both of you." "Doesn't mean I like it." "I know. And I'm sure Harm doesn't either. But he was worried about you and him having any future together if you continued on the way you were." "A future together" Mac sighed. "Is that what he wants?" "You'll have to ask him but I'm pretty sure he does" Sturgis smiled. "Now how about we go grab a pizza at that great little place down the street?" "You don't have to do this Sturgis. I'll be fine." "I know I don’t. But I'm hungry and I'm sure you haven't eaten yet. Not to mention I could use your help with the Sanderson case." "Lt. Roberts giving you a rough time?" Mac smiled. "That boy is too smart for his own good sometimes" Sturgis complained as he helped Mac with her coat. "He learned from the best" Mac grinned. "Yes he did" Sturgis agreed. **************** 3 Days Later JAG HQ's "Welcome back ma'am" Harriet greeted Mac. "Thanks Harriet" Mac said with a forced smile. "How were things during my forced leave?" "Bud and Commander Turner are on top of things" Harriet assured her as she followed Mac into her office. "Did you hear from Commander Rabb yet?" "No" Mac sighed. "Sturgis said he talked to him and that Harm said he would call me soon. Course I'm still waiting for soon." "I'm sure he will ma'am." Her morning passed quickly as she caught up on paperwork and it was just before lunch that her phone rang. "Colonel Mackenzie." "God I've missed you so much." She had to swallow hard and take two deep breaths before she could speak and when she did, she went for the tease. "Fred is that you?" "Fred? FRED?" he yelled into the phone and she collapsed back into the chair laughing with relief. "Sorry, I was expecting someone else," she hooted, and then at once was serious. "Harm I've missed you. Missed you more than I can stand. Are you OK? Just tell me you're OK please." "Fred my ass," he groaned. "Yeah I am. I'm fine really. They're treating me good, and I'm doing what I'm told. I had to hear your voice Sarah. I keep asking Sturgis if you're OK, and he keeps telling me you are, but that's not the same as seeing it for myself. " "Now you know what I'm going through," she reminded him quietly. "I need to know you're OK too Flyboy, and the only good way to do that is for me to see you and to touch you. My apartment is awful empty. So are my arms." "I did what I felt was best for both of us. And for the 'us' we want to happen," he said just as quietly. "And I want to know how you've been. Still having the headaches?" "No," she answered too quickly. "Mac." "Some OK, but not as much," she admitted. "I get one when I'm really in a fit of worry about you." "Dammit stop that," he hissed. "You know I'm OK. You know if I wasn't you'd be the first person I'd go running to." "I would hope you would," she sighed. "Who else but the person who cares most for you in this world." "We can talk all that out when I see you. What are you doing this weekend?" She did not reply right away so great was her surprise. "Mac? You still there? It's not that you don't want to see me is it?" "Oh Harm, god no," she got out. "Yes of course I do. How?" "I'm getting a furlough for the weekend. Friday 1200 to Monday 0700," he answered. "We can stay at the Ft. Story hotel. You can pick me up here soon as you can get down here Friday." Her breath sucked in sharply. "OK, but where. . .wait, Ft. Story, down here--you're at the facility at Portsmouth?" "Yeah. I didn't want to be far away in case you needed me." She choked back a sudden sob at his tender words. "I'll be there. I'm going to talk to the Admiral right now. That's only forty eight hours away." "Mac it's taken care of, all but the part about your wanting to come." "How. . . I mean--OK, Sturgis right?" "You got it. He's going to drive you down, spend the weekend seeing some friends and take you back Monday morning. The Admiral has already approved." "Oh yeah of course I'll be there. Harm you realize we're going to owe this man, and the Admiral, for the rest of our lives don't you." She sniffled again as she spoke. "Yeah I do," he smiled. "OK I've got to eat and get back to work. Well my swim time. I'll see you Friday?" "Yes you will," she promised. "Oh yeah. Good bye Sailor. Take care of yourself." "You too Marine." And with that the connection was broken. And with the click came a whispered "I love you" from each end. She put the phone down and looked out across the bullpen, spotting Sturgis standing at Singer's desk. Quietly she walked up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. When he turned around--before he knew what was happening--she had engulfed him in a warm hug. "Let me guess, Harm called you," he managed to get out as she squeezed him. ============= PORTSMOUTH NAVAL HOSPITAL Friday 4PM "Sturgis, thank you. I know I keep saying that, but thank you. Harm and I will never be able to repay you." "Sometimes having friends is enough," he grinned. "And hey this works out totally anyway. I haven't seen Lucy since Pearl. She promised me a good time for the weekend." Mac laughed at that and leaned over to kiss his cheek. "Behave yourself. I don't want to have to come bail you out." "You got it. Go find your sailor. And then once I deliver you two, I'm gone." It was not without trepidation that she followed the nurse who would take her to Harm. "He's been anxious all afternoon," she smiled. "I'm afraid he didn't accomplish much with his exercises. He's waiting in the day room here." Mac took a long breath and opened the door, seeing him at once sitting by the window in the sun. "Harm?" His head swung around and the grin split his face. "Sarah." She started over to him and he held up his hand. "No wait there please." Frowning she stopped and cocked her head, and then to her undying amazement, he rose slowly from the chair and, in hesitant but nonetheless steady, steps started to walk to her. Her eyes grew bigger with each step, as a look of sheer pleasure crossed his face. "Hi," he whispered when he got to her, letting himself fall into her waiting grasp. "Hi yourself" she whispered back as she held him tightly. "I have missed you so much." "I know cause I've missed you just as much" he said as he looked up at her. "You're looking a little better than the last time I saw you." "And you're doing great" she smiled. "It's so good to see you on your feet again." "I'm getting there. That was my big entrance. I've been working on that since I called you." "I knew you could do it. I never had a doubt." "Shall we blow this popsicle stand?" he smiled. "I am a free man until Monday morning and I for one am looking forward to this weekend with you." "So am I" Mac sighed. "Let's find our buddy Sturgis and get our lift to Ft. Story." With her arm protectively around his waist they made their way out, Sturgis waiting for them out front. "Hey buddy, you're looking better" Sturgis smiled. "On your own two feet anyway." "Yes I am. Thank you for bringing Mac down here for the weekend. You have no idea how much I appreciate everything you've done for me." "What are friends for? Besides, I have a nice little weekend of my own planned." "Lucy" Mac smiled and Harm grinned as well. "I see. Well the sooner you drop us the sooner you get to Lucy." "Very true my friend" Sturgis grinned. "Shall we?" A half-hour later Sturgis pulled up at the Cape Henry Inn on Fort Story. "Okay, kids this is where you get off" he teased. "I'll be back bright and early Monday morning to pick you up." "Cute Sturgis" Harm groaned. "You want to join us for dinner?" "As much as I'd love to catch up with you Lucy awaits. I'll see you on Monday. You have my cell phone number in case you need me for anything before then." "Thanks Sturgis" Harm said seriously. "For everything." "Just enjoy your weekend" Sturgis ordered. "I want to see two happy and well relaxed faces when I come back here on Monday." "You will" Mac promised as she climbed out of the car, helping Harm out a second later. "Good. I'll see you later." He pulled away and Harm and Mac slowly made their way up to the front desk of the hotel. With a flash of his ID and credit card, they secured the keys to their room. "Two beds sailor?" Mac asked as he opened the door to their room overlooking the quiet beach below. "I..uh..didn't want to assume anything" he said sheepishly. "I was hoping but" His voice trailed off and she smiled as she dropped a kiss on his lips. "So was I" she smiled. "Come on, let's get you inside and into bed." "This is better than I expected" he grinned and she gave him a playful swat. "Cool it Commander. OK never mind the bed. You have a starving Marine on your hands here who is going to get dinner before we do anything else." "Do you have any idea how much I've missed you" Harm sighed as he wrapped his arms around her again. "The past week has been hell without you." "Yes it has" Mac agreed. "Now what are we going to do for dinner?" "The O'club is right next door. I think I can handle a short walk over there." "You sure? I don’t want you over doing it." "I'll let you know if I can't handle it" he smiled. "And maybe we can take a walk on the beach afterwards." "We'll see. Dinner first and then we'll see how you're doing" "Yes mom" he said with a mock salute. "Cute sailor. Shall we?" "Not until after this" he whispered as his lips found hers in a long and passionate kiss. "This isn't going to get us to dinner" Mac whispered when they parted. "You're right" he smiled. "And I can't have a starving Marine on my hands. We'll finish that later." "Promise?" she said softly. "Definitely" he whispered. "I want to," she said boldly. "If you feel up to it that is. I want you and me. God I've missed you." She choked down a small sob and sought solace in his arms. "I've missed you. And don't worry, I've been cleared for that activity," he smiled. "But we'll do it better on a full stomach." "Let me get changed quick," she requested. "I feel like informal tonight." It took only a few minutes for her to reappear in a simple jeans and sweater, her dark hair brushed to a shine and his arms went out for her at once. "I'm not sure if I want to eat or hold you," he whispered. "When I left I was sure I was doing the right thing-- and I still believe that--but I didn't know it was going to be so hard." She put a finger to his lips to silence him. "Come on, we can talk over dinner." They were shortly seated at a table overlooking a large pond, still green despite the fact that it wasn't yet spring, and once they had ordered she reached across the table and took both of his hands. "It was hard for me too. I couldn't be believe you would just walk out. I had almost that same feeling in the pit of my stomach when you went to fly," she admitted. "In fact even though logically I knew you were just going temporarily, deep inside I felt deserted, like I did that day." "Thanks for being honest," he said after a minute. "For the record, the day I left to fly, you were not the only one crying. Men are just better at keeping it back, sometimes. Only not since I've been here. I've cried plenty. Out of frustration when I'm doing my exercises and out of sheer loneliness and longing for you at night." She let that digest for a moment, then squeezed his hands as hard as she could. "So what now? You have to finish here. I think I should stay here with you, or take you back to Bethesda and let you stay with me and take you back and forth and. . ." "No. No way," he told her. "That's a recipe for disaster. For you having to put up with me and my fits of impatience with this plus driving me out and back. No. Not gonna happen. " "Harm I want you home, with me." Her eyes begged and her hands trembled in his. "Hey, do not ruin this weekend with that, please," he pleaded. "I'm going to do my time here, and come home able to get around. And then we'll see about us." She drew her breath in sharply, remembering months ago--'there is no us, there's you and Renee'. "Is there 'us'?" she asked timidly. "You damn right there is," he told her. "And that's what I'm fighting like hell to protect." No more was said on that subject through the meal with Mac catching him up on the latest JAG news. "I'm ready for that walk on the beach," he declared when they had finished coffee and dessert. "Harm are you sure?" she frowned. "Please be careful. Please don't undo all the good this week has done you. You're really looking good Sailor. "Yeah well so are you," he returned, for indeed the dark circles under her eyes had lessened and there was a lightness in her voice that had not been there before. "Being apart has been good for both of us. It's also been hell on wheels." "Amen," she whispered, rising and offering him a hand up. He took a couple of hesitant steps forward, glad to be holding to her. "Harm?" "I'm fine. I'm actually supposed to keep moving, until I'm exhausted. Listening to my body they call it," he assured her. "A combination of rest and activity. Let's take that walk." Hand in hand, barefoot in the sand, they walked about a quarter mile before he called a halt, signaling he wanted to take a rest. Carefully she lowered him to the sand and he pulled her down to cradle against him. It was not three seconds before his mouth was seeking hers. Several long kisses later she pulled back and panting hard, asked, "should we take this up to our room?" A quick look up and down the beach proved it to be deserted. "Oh yeah we'll be doing it up there, but I need you right here, right now. Please." "Yes," she breathed. "Oh yeah." It was fast and furious, but it was loving too and afterwards they clung together, both panting hard, covered with sand and salt spray. Also thoroughly chilled on the outside but warm inside where it counted. "Time to head back," he sighed. "That was amazing. You're amazing." "You're not so bad yourself Flyboy" Mac smiled as she reached over for another kiss. "Okay, we'll never leave if we don't go now" Harm said when they finally parted again. "Can you give the old guy a hand up?" She quickly scrambled up and gently helped him to his feet. "You okay?" she asked anxiously. "I'm fine. Just a little stiff. Nothing a soak in the tub won't fix." With her arm wrapped around his waist they headed back, both shivering in the now very cool night. "You'll need to join me in the tub" Harm smiled as they neared the hotel. "To warm up of course." "Of course" she grinned as well. Once back in their room, Mac led him to the bed, gently easing him down. "I hope we haven't ruined a weeks worth of therapy" she fretted. "If we did it was well worth it" he said as he pulled her down on the bed beside him. "Every time we're together I think it can't be any better than the last time. But it is. No one has ever made me feel this way." "Is that a sappy line to get me in the tub with you?" she teased. "No it's the truth Sarah" he whispered. "You don't feel the same?" "I do. I'm just scared. Scared that something this good can't last. That we'll do something to muck it all up again." "We're not going to do that. Not this time. We're going to make this work this time. We both want it and there's nothing to stop that from happening." "I hope so. There's nothing I want more." "Me neither" he said softly as he dropped a quick kiss on her lips. "Shall we go see if that tub seats two?" "Why don't you do that soak alone while I slip into something more comfortable?" Mac smiled. "As much as I'd love to join you, I think you need a therapeutic bath right now. I'll be waiting." "I'll be back" he promised with a wide grin as he pushed himself to his feet and slowly made his way to the bathroom. When the door was closed, she slid off the bed and reached for her bag. With a smile she pulled out the slinky nightgown she'd packed for the trip and moments later settled back down on the bed. "Mac" he called as short time later. "You still awake." "Awake and waiting" she replied. "You coming out or what Flyboy?" Moments later he emerged from the bathroom wearing only a pair of boxers and she smiled as he slid down on the bed beside her. "How was your soak?" she asked as she curled up in his arms. "Lonely" he pouted. "Well I'm here now" she smiled. "Where did we leave off on the beach?" he whispered. **************** "Morning beautiful" he smiled as she opened sleepy eyes to look at him. "Morning" she smiled back. "I like waking up like this." "So do I. And if we didn't move from this bed for the rest of the weekend, I won't complain." "Your therapist might. Up and attum sailor. Breakfast and then a walk on the beach. I do believe that's sunshine I see out there." "Shower first" he grinned. "You going to join me this time?" "I suppose I could be persuaded" Mac smiled. It was another hour before they finally emerged from their room. After a quick breakfast they headed down to the beach again, walking hand in hand. "Times like this everything seems so easy" Harm said quietly. "There's just you and me and we know exactly what we want." "Yes it does" Mac sighed. "But somehow we always seem to make it harder than it should be." "I hope when I get back this time we won't let that happen. I like us like this Mac. Not the way we were when I went to the Henry." "We won't" Mac promised. "It's going to be different this time." They walked for a bit more before Mac guided them back to the hotel. "So what did you have in mind for today sailor?" Mac asked as headed inside. "There you two are" Sturgis called as they walked through the lobby. "I thought maybe you were just ignoring me when I called your room." "Hey what are you doing here?" Harm asked. "Came to see if you and Mac wanted to spend the day with me and Lucy. We're going to head over to Williamsburg for a bit. You game?" "Much as I'd love to show Mac some place like that, I can't do that kind of walking," Harm sighed miserably. "Mac you go ahead. It's a great place. Jordan and I. . sorry." Mac smacked his hair lightly and laughed. "No way I'm leaving you. And I know about you and Jordan remember." "Well I don't," Sturgis whined and Harm glared. "But I don't need to. And I know about your walking. I've called ahead to check, and had them reserve one of those little cart dealies just in case. Long as you don't run one of us down, we'll be fine." "I'm not helpless either," Harm objected loudly, picturing himself in a conveyance used primarily by older people and then caught himself, wanting Mac to enjoy herself. "Yeah OK, long as I can drive one-handed and Mac holds my other one." "Yeah we can arrange that," she smiled. "So you'll pick us up then Sturgis?" "In an hour with Lucy. And Rabb, remember she's with me." An hour later they learned why that comment, for they were waiting in the lobby when Sturgis arrived, and Lucy Choi was a beautiful woman. Of mixed descent, her creamed coffee color skin set off her straight black hair that hung to her waist, with her Asian heritage obvious in her eyes and face. Harm instinctively got to his feet when they approached, Sturgis with his arm around her shoulders. "Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, Commander Harmon Rabb, this is Lucille Choi. Lieutenant Commander Choi that is." "Mac and Harm," Mac smiled, holding out her hand. "Lucy," she smiled, turning to Harm to shake. "Ma'am," Harm stammered, totally forgetting she was a junior officer as he took in her appearance. "Drooling there," Mac teased him. "Do you need a tissue? And since when do you address a Lieutenant Commander as ma'am?" "Sorry," he grinned sheepishly. "I'll just stick to Lucy." With that he looked to Sturgis, "You and I have to talk." "I don't kiss and tell," Sturgis grinned, taking Lucy's hand. "Let's go. I've got my mouth set for Brunswick stew at the tavern already." They made the drive to Williamsburg and as Sturgis had promised, one of those electric carts was waiting for them. "Just watch where you're aiming that thing Flyboy," Mac ordered, helping him to mount. "You're driving in a crowd of people, not flying in an empty sky." CHOWNING's TAVERN "Sturgis I think we're paired up wrong," Harm groaned. "You're like Mac here--eating is your priority." "Just order me a bowl of the stew with extra bread there Stickboy," Mac told him. "I'm going to find the ladies room. Lucy?" "You read my mind," the dark-haired beauty smiled, kissing Sturgis's cheek as she got up. "I need one of those," Harm pouted, catching Mac's hand. "You had yours last night, and this morning," she retorted, kissing the back of his hand before following Lucy. "You and her are good together," Sturgis smiled. "Well I was just going to say the same about you and Lucy," Harm smiled as well. "You know her from Pearl? What does she do?" "Public affairs," he answered and after a long pause, added, "officially that is." Harm frowned for a second and realization dawned. "Intel?" he mouthed and Sturgis nodded. "But I didn't know that until this weekend. I just knew her as the base public affairs officer before. Back then we were keeping it light and it didn't matter." "Now?" He shrugged helplessly. "When we saw each other after I dropped you off, it was like. . .well like we hadn't been apart. Dumb huh?" "Hey you're talking to the wrong guy about relationships," Harm sighed. "If I'd had the sense God gave a grape I'd have gone with my feelings years ago. Mac and I would be married, we'd probably have a couple kids right now." "Is that what you want?" he smiled gently, seeing a side of Harm he had not seen before. Now it was Harm's turn to shrug. "I love her. I should be telling her that." Sturgis was about to remind him that he did just that, on a heat swept desert, when the two women returned. "Okay, what are you two talking about?" Lucy smiled as she and Mac took their seats again. "Nothing" Sturgis smiled back. "Lunch coming soon?" Mac asked. "Uh, actually we're still waiting for someone to take our order" Harm said as he looked around for the waitress, who finally caught his eye and wandered over. After lunch they spent the afternoon meandering through the stores that sold some of the 18th century goods. "Ah, finally a jewelry store" Lucy said as they walked into the next store. "I think she's hinting at something Sturgis" Harm teased as the ladies headed inside while Sturgis assisted Harm. "Me. What about you? You and Mac have been together a lot longer than us." "Find anything good?" Harm whispered in Mac's ear as he walked up behind her. "You buying sailor?" she grinned as she turned around for a kiss. He happily obliged before wrapping his arm around her waist as they looked at the displays of jewelry. "For you of course" he smiled. "We need to have a few souvenirs of this trip." "It has been pretty nice hasn't it?" she sighed. "How you holding up? You okay?" "I'm fine. Being with you is exactly what I needed." "Sappy Rabb" she smiled. "But I feel the same way. Being away from you was harder than I thought. And I for one am loving every second of this weekend." "So am I" he assured her. They wandered around the store a little longer while Sturgis helped Lucy select a sterling silver chain. "They're cute together" Mac whispered as they stood in the corner watching Sturgis and Lucy. "And I think our friend Sturgis is quite taken with Ms. Choi." "Oh yes" Harm agreed. "Very much so. I don't think he realized how much until he saw her again. Maybe now that she's stationed at Norfolk they'll give it another shot." They wandered through a few more stores but Mac gave Sturgis the signal that she'd thought Harm had had enough for one day. "So you guys interested in dinner with us?" Lucy asked as they headed back to the car. "We're going to head down to the Waterside in Norfolk." "You sure you two wouldn't rather be alone?" Harm teased. "We will be later" Sturgis grinned. "Seriously, you're both more than welcome to join us. Otherwise you're stuck with the hotel or O'club food again." "We'll go" Mac said quickly. "I'm ready for some real food. That okay with you sailor? You up to a little more activity today." "Yes ma'am. I spent most of the day driving the little cart remember. So I'm fine." Once at the Waterside they settled on Joe's Crab Shack and a short time later were seated at a booth overlooking the Norfolk Harbor. "So has Sturgis been driving you guys crazy since he got to JAG HQ's" Lucy smiled. "No actually he's fitting in pretty well" Mac replied. "He's a pretty good guy to have around." "Yes he is" Lucy agreed as Sturgis draped his arm over her. "I could get used to it." "Me too" Sturgis whispered as he leaned over to kiss her. "I think we should have left them alone" Harm grinned as the waitress came to take their orders. They chatted over dinner, Harm and Mac learning more about the woman who obviously had their friend's heart. Her recent move to Norfolk had been her choice, and Harm and Mac were sure it was to get closer to Sturgis. "Okay, time to take the old guy home" Harm announced after dinner. "It's been a great day but you two need some time alone and so do me and the Marine." "You sure?" Sturgis asked. "We don't mind having you two around." "I'm sure." A short time later Sturgis dropped them at the hotel and Mac wrapped her arm around Harm's waist as they made their way up to their room. "You okay?" she asked once inside. "You tired?" "No I just missed you," he said as he pulled her onto the bed with him, claiming her lips in a long and passionate kiss. "I guess you did" she smiled when they parted. "Shall I get comfortable again?" "Actually I was thinking we could go back to the beach again" Harm grinned. "Making love in the sand under the stars was quite an experience for me." "In that case, I'll grab the blankets from the other bed and we'll take a walk sailor." With the blankets tucked under her arm, they walked down the empty beach away from the hotel. The only sound was the waves hitting the sand and Harm finally stopped near the Cape Henry Lighthouse. "Here?" Mac smiled. "Uh, we giving the Coast Guard guys a show tonight?" "I don’t think there's actually anyone in there" he shrugged as he looked up at the large lighthouse. "Besides, I'm sure they're not looking down here at the beach." "Well when we see our picture on the cover of the Navy times we'll know why" she grinned as she spread out the blanket before helping him down onto it. "We'll order eight by ten glossies for all our friends," he grinned happily, opening his arms to her. "No rush," he whispered, and after one look around to make sure they were in a dark and secluded area, began to slowly undress her, savoring every minute of the experience. Their first experience on the sand was like lightning. This time was totally the opposite. Long and slow and soft and gentle. "We should go in," he murmured drowsily when they were spent and lying wrapped together, hidden in the dark, atop one blanket and the other over them as a buffer against the sea breeze even though the night was unusually balmy. "Later," she replied just as sleepily. "I'm way too comfortable to move thank you. Just hold me please." "Always and forever," he promised. "When we're like this it's so easy. I can't imagine why it gets so messed up sometimes." She shrugged and snuggled even closer to him, her fingers squiggling designs on his bare chest. "We're not the same people we are when we're back at JAG," she suggested. "Or maybe it's just that. . .hell I don't know. All I know is that I love you." The words were out before she could stop them and for a moment they hung there between them. "Excuse me?" She swallowed down a sudden lump in her throat. "I. . .I could take it back." "Would you mean it--the take-back I mean?" "No." A slow smile spread across his face that she could just make out in the moonlight and he sniffled slightly as he pulled her to him, words failing him for the moment. "I want you to, when we get back, contact Skates and ask her what message I had for you," he finally got out, unable to form the exact words himself. "No." "Why not?" "Because I don't have to. You already delivered it in person." "I couldn't. . .I mean I don't remember. . ." he gasped. "When?" "About twenty seconds before I was sure I had lost you," she whispered, feeling her own tears form. "I'm sorry, but I don't remember. . .I told you that I loved you?" "Your exact words---in this life you are loved by me." With that came a sob and she swallowed it down, afraid of the answer to her next question. "Now my turn to ask. Do you want to take it back?" "Oh God no," he gasped in hearty denial. "I'm just. . .well I've never told that to any woman before and I wanted it to mean something when I did and it did and I don't even remember saying it." "So say it now for the record," she challenged, sniffling back the last of her tears in relief. He tilted her chin up so that he was looking directly into her eyes, still sparkling from unshed tears. "You don't think I can do you?" "I think it's very hard for you," she nodded. "I think you're scared because your past relationships have ended badly." "Or been wrong from the start," he said bitterly. "Being with one woman, in love with another, sounds like some country song, but it doesn't work." "I love you Harmon Rabb," she replied boldly. He took a long breath for courage, keeping her face tilted toward his. "Sarah Mackenzie, in this life you are loved by me." Their lips met in a long and passionate kiss, followed by another long and gentle round of making love. Afterwards they lay in each other's arms, neither one willing to move. "We should go back to the hotel," Mac said tiredly. "I'm fine just like this" he murmured as he pulled her closer to him. "You okay? You cold?" "No I'm perfect" she sighed happily. "Totally perfect." "Then we'll just stay here" he whispered. "Night Sarah" he said softly as he kissed her forehead. "Night Harm" she murmured as she dropped off to sleep, totally content in his arms. "Love you" he said softly again before dropping off to sleep as well. ***************** "What the hell?" Major Thomas Riser said as he looked at the bundle down on the beach. He'd received the call from the Coast Guard station that there was something on the beach and he'd been praying it wasn't another dead body. He slowly walked over and realized at once what had happened. The pile of clothes next to the blanket told him this was another nighttime rendezvous on the beach. He was about to speak when Mac stirred, having sensed someone was there. "Morning miss" Major Riser smiled as Mac looked up at him. "You want to tell me what you and your boyfriend here are doing on military property?" "Mac, who you talking to?" Harm mumbled as he pushed himself awake. "Harm, wake up" Mac hissed as she shook him. "Uh, we're staying at the Ft. story hotel and we uhcame down here last night and uh. . .I guess we fell asleep on the beach." "Yeah right" Major Riser scoffed. "You want to try that again lady." "Honest we are" Harm said as he kept his arm around Mac. "Commander Harmon Rabb, USN and Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, USMC." "ID please" "It's back at the hotel" Harm replied. "We'll show you if you let us go back and get it." "Buddy, you think I'm gonna fall for that one. No way." "Call the hotel and ask if we're registered guests" Harm countered. "They'll tell you we are." "So that doesn't prove to me you two are them" Riser retorted. "If you let us get our ID we will prove we're them" Mac said irritably. "Why don't we just go down to the headquarters and I'll see if I can find out about Harmon Rabb and Sarah Mackenzie" Riser snapped. "On your feet both of you." "Not until you turn around," Harm said irritably. "You are not going to watch her get dressed." "How do I know you two won't run off as soon as I turn my back?" "Because one of us couldn't run even if we wanted to" Harm groaned, his back now feeling the effects of having slept on the sand and not in a bed. "You okay?" Mac asked as she gently rubbed his back. "You're hurting aren't you?" "Okay, enough" Riser snapped. "Both of you have thirty seconds to get dressed." "I do not believe this" Mac muttered as she helped Harm up before quickly dressing. He was still struggling with his shirt when Riser turned around and Mac quickly helped him finish. "All right, let's move it" Riser directed. "I'm so sorry" Harm sighed as they were lead to Riser's waiting vehicle. "This is my fault for not taking you back to the hotel." "Not your fault" she said softly. "We'll get this cleared up and everything will be fine." An hour later they remained at the headquarters, waiting for Major Riser to return. "Okay, I've had enough" Harm said as he paced the floor. "This is crazy. You and I are not criminals here. What the hell is he doing?" "Harm, calm down" Mac urged as Major Riser walked into the room. "Did you check out our ID yet?" Harm demanded. "I would but the computer is down. No way to get to verify you're who you say you are until it comes back up." "And when is that expected to be?" Mac asked. "Not sure. So I'm going to have to hold you two until that time." "No way" Harm shook his head. "Look, who's in charge here. I want to talk to someone else. This is crazy." "Look mister, I don't know who you are but you were on military property you didn't belong on. And until I can verify you're who you say you are, you're not going anywhere." "This is not happening" Harm groaned as he dropped into one of the chairs. "Major, what if we had a colleague who could verify who we are?" Mac asked. "Someone who works with us." Major Riser looked from one to the other, and then at the pile of paperwork on his desk. "Yeah OK, let's do that. But I'll make the call. Who am I calling?" "Commander Sturgis Turner," Harm said with as much authority as he could muster. "Well he's going to have to come down here and make the ID in person. This could just be one of your beer buddies," Riser muttered, dialing the number Harm gave to him from memory. "We are never going to hear the end of this," he moaned to Mac, all the while praying Sturgis would answer. Riser walked away with the phone to tend to a visitor, keeping Harm and Mac from hearing the conversation. "OK, he's on his way but he said it won't be right away. He had something come up," he reported when he returned. Both Mac and Harm groaned at that. And the groan continued an hour later when Sturgis arrived, in uniform, took one look at the two of them on the hard wooden bench, and turned to Riser, pronouncing, "Sorry Major, I've never seen these two before in my life." "Thank you Commander. I'm sorry to have pulled you down here on a Sunday morning like this. You can be sure this will go into the charges as well." "Sturgis I'm going to get you back," Harm hissed, shaking his head as he realized he had been victimized by his friend's sense of humor. "I'm going to get you back so bad." "That's what they all say," Sturgis chortled and started for the door. It was not until his hand was on the knob when he turned around and strode back toward them. "Major Riser, let me introduce Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, USMC, and Commander Harmon Rabb, US Navy both of the JAG corps in D.C." "What?" Riser's eyes grew large as he regarded the slightly bedraggled pair before him. "Commander are you sure? Sure enough that you're going to sign release papers to that effect, taking responsibility for them." "Yes I will," Sturgis smiled. "I was just having a little fun. I work with both of them, and if you have to you can call the JAG himself, our C.O. Admiral AJ Chegwidden." "No that won't be necessary." "No that won't be necessary," Harm echoed. "Major, we didn't mean to cause trouble and we would have been out of there first thing this morning." At the same time he grimaced and adjusted his position, the overnight on the sand and now the hard bench doing nothing toward the healing of his back. "Major I have to protest here too," Mac spoke up, helping Harm to massage his back. "This man has suffered a line of duty back injury and your keeping us here is aggravating that greatly." "And sex on the beach didn't?" "Major watch yourself," Turner ordered sharply. "They're not in uniform but they are still your superiors. I'd hate to have to put a letter in your jacket about disrespect and insubordination." Riser came to attention at once. "Yes sir. Not at all sir. Please, by all means take them with you." Quickly Sturgis moved to help Mac assist Harm to his feet. He managed two quick steps before his legs buckled and Mac caught him, his weight nearly bringing her to her knees. "This really sucks," Harm moaned, reaching to Sturgis to take his weight from Mac. "Give it time Cowboy," she said sharply. "You're doing fine. Soon as you get a couple of your pills, and a soak in the tub, you'll be rarin' to go." His look to her upon hearing that made her giggle lightly. "Not that kind of rarin' mister. You're on stand down for a while." "Just shoot me someone," Harm begged. "Sturgis get us back to the room please. And thanks for bailing us out. We owe you man. Again." He simply shook his head and helped Mac assist Harm to the car and then into their room. "Why don't you see how you are in a couple hours and if you want to do champagne brunch with me and Lucy at the Sheraton we'll come for you. I understand they make a mimosa you'd kill for." "Thanks Sturgis" Mac smiled. "We'll see how he's doing. I think we may have to sit this one out. As it is the therapist isn't going to be real happy with her patient when he gets back on Monday morning." "All right. If you need anything else, holler." "Thanks Sturgis" Harm sighed. "No problem. Just next time try and find a less conspicuous place would you" Sturgis grinned. "Bye Sturgis" Mac said as she led him to the door. "That had to be the worst moment of my life" Harm groaned when Sturgis was gone. "For a minute I thought he was really going to leave us there with Major Jerk." "Harm, Major Jerk was just doing his job" Mac smiled as she crawled up next to him on the bed. "What would you think if you found two people on the beach." "I'd think they'd like to be alone and leave them that way" Harm sighed. "We could have come back here" she reminded him. "I was way too comfortable like that with you. Course I'm paying for it now." "Okay sailor, into that bathtub" Mac ordered. "You need a good long soak and then we'll get you some pills and you're going to spend the day in bed relaxing. If you're good maybe we'll see if Sturgis and Lucy can take us to dinner somewhere." "Have I mentioned how much I hate this" he sighed as she helped him from the bed and over to the bathroom. "No and it's been a good weekend because you haven't" she teased. At his long glare she wrapped her arms around him. "I know you hate this," she said softly. "But you'll be back to your normal self soon." "I'm going to hate leaving you tomorrow morning" he whispered as he held onto her tightly. "You could come back with me," she said hopefully. "I could take you to Bethesda every day." "As much as I want to I can't. The best way for me to get through the rest of this is to do it alone. When I come back, I want it to be on my own two feet and not with you being my nurse maid." "And I respect that. I don't like it but I'll live with it." "I don't like it anymore than you do" Harm said quietly. "And we're not going to talk about it anymore. We have the rest of today and I don't want to ruin it thinking about how we're not going to be together." "You're right," she said with a forced smile. "You soak sailor." They spent a quiet day in the room in each other's arms. Sturgis called later in the day to see if they wanted to go to dinner, but they begged off. Neither wanted to lose any of their dwindling time together. They ordered in dinner but both simply picked at the food. "Hey, I thought we said we weren't going to let this ruin our time together" Harm said finally. "I know" Mac sighed. "But the idea of another week without you isn't exactly something to make me smile." "It's only a week," Harm said softly. "And then we'll be able to concentrate on us." "I want that so much" she whispered. "And we'll have it' he promised. "It's our turn Sarah. I promise." It was a somber pair that greeted Sturgis the next morning when he came to pick them up. He sensed their mood and didn't try and push conversation. When he pulled up at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, he waited in the car as Mac helped Harm out. "This might be easier if we just say goodbye out here," Harm said softly. Mac nodded. "Take care of yourself sailor." "You too Marine" he whispered as he drew her into his arms one last time. They clung to each other until Mac finally pulled away. "I'd better go," she said quietly. "Not before this" Harm said as he pulled her back, his lips finding hers in a long and passionate kiss. "I love you" he panted when they finally parted. "I love you too" she sniffled, feeling the tears brimming. He finally let go and with one last look at her, turned and walked into the facility. "You okay?" Sturgis asked as Mac climbed into the car. "I will be in a week" she whispered. The End