TITLE: "Between Love and Tomorrow" AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: A young boy-a young girl-a Marine Lieutenant Colonel-a Naval Commander, all with much to teach, and much to learn, and lives will never be the same. CLASSIFICATION/RATING: J/S/R/A PG for language and mild violence. A Harm-Mac romance. Sigh. SPOILERS: In any of our work, any JAG episode may be referred to. FEEDBACK: If you're so moved but never expected nor begged for. Addy is ssbpmn@aol.com. Please however, we request you respect the work, and the effort that goes into writing it. NOTE: All parts of this story, as well as much of our other works, are available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories The message archives are open to all registered Yahoo users-no subbing required. Please ignore any notice of adult content you may see-there is no R nor NC17 content there. Other archives containing our stories: http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at http://hmarchive.topcities.com/index2.html [sadly, not always up and running] or BTL- http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/ http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.} Http://www.capitalcitycollaborations.com also features much of our work. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "Between Love and Tomorrow" JAG HQ March 2003 "We're getting our sixes kicked in there" Harm sighed as he and Mac made their way back from the courtroom. "I told you Tracy was good. And teamed with Sturgis, well you knew we'd be in for trouble." "Yeah I know. You have some time tonight so we can work out a new game plan since they tore our first one to shreds today?" "Actually no" she said slowly. "Well I guess if it was later in the evening I could. I have plans after work." "Date?" "No its not a date." "So what is it?" he asked. "Is it something top secret or what?" "No I just haven't mentioned it to you that's all. I'm going to be a Big Sister again. Chloe's gone now and I'd really miss being a part of a kid's life like that." "Did you just decide this?" he asked as they reached her office. "No it's something I've been thinking about now that the holidays are over. So I called my contact at the Big Brother/Big Sister group to see if they could use me again. They said yes and I'm going to go meet with them to see whom I might be best matched up with. It's really a great program." "Wonder if I'd be a good Big Brother" Harm mused. "It might be fun to take a kid to places like the Air & Space Museum. Or to a game somewhere." "You want to come with me? Stella is a great lady and she could get you matched up with someone once you go through the background screening." "I'm not saying I'll do it for sure but yeah maybe I will," he said finally. "I've been tossing around the idea of doing something with my free time besides sitting on the couch every night. Can we get together afterwards about the case?" "Sure. We can grab dinner in between? Maybe something quick we can take back to your place or mine?" "Sounds like a plan. Just holler when it's time to go." A little over an hour later they reached the BBBS agency, Mac weaving her way through the rush hour traffic with amazing precision. "Remind me never to ride with you again" Harm teased as he climbed out of her Vette. "That was scarier than night landings on a carrier." "We're here in one piece" she smiled. "That's all that matters. Come on. We're a few minutes late as it is." They hurried inside and were met by Mac's contact Stella. "Mac it's so good to have you back again" she smiled. "I've been hoping you'd call and say you wanted to do this again. You did so well with Chloe." "Well my life is finally a little more settled now" Mac replied. "And I hope you don't mind but I brought a friend with me. Stella Lewis this is Commander Harmon Rabb, my partner at JAG." "Nice to meet you" Stella smiled. "Are you interested in being a Big Brother?" "I might be" he nodded. "Mac said she was coming here and I thought I'd tag along and see how this works. I'm not making any promises." "We can always use positive role models, especially men like you in the military. I've got a young boy who'd love to have a Big Brother from the military. But we don't push. This has to be something you want to do." "Like I said, I'm willing to listen" he replied. "Thanks," Stella smiled warmly. "OK Mac. Her name is Cassandra, but she's called Casey. She's eleven, and she enjoys being outdoors. She plays on a softball team, and runs junior cross country events. Her dad says she likes to do anything outdoors in fact. Her mom died two years ago and it took her a while to get over it. But she's coming around now. Thing is, she's eleven. What does that mean to you?" "Adolescence and puberty and questions about boys and mixed up feelings and highs and lows. I remember it well, and of course shared some of it with Chloe," Mac smiled, reaching for the info sheet. A blonde girl with pig tails and missing teeth stared back from the photo and Mac was at once enchanted. "I'd love to meet her," she breathed. "Great," Stella smiled and reached into her drawer, searching through a stack of papers. "Mr. Rabb I didn't expect to be able to possibly match Kevin. Wait one." "Harm please and no problem," he smiled, looking over Mac's shoulder at her prospective sister. "Oh." "Ma'am?" Harm frowned, looking back at Stella. "Uh. . .I had read Kevin's story and didn't pay close enough attention to the picture. "Mr. Rabb. . .uh Harm. . .Kevin is an African-American child." "So?" Harm's face clearly indicated he did not see that fact a problem. "Good," she smiled and passed him the sheet. "Kevin is, like Casey, eleven. His dad was a Marine. He. . .uh. . .was on duty at the Pentagon the morning of September eleventh." Harm's mouth opened and closed several times as he looked at the photo. "Handsome young man." "Who is starting to have problems in school," Stella sighed. "His parents weren't together at the time, but he still saw a lot of his dad. For a long time he was in a funk and retreated into himself. The school system got him some treatment and he came around out of that. Too much so. He's boisterous, sometimes defiant, and he's making his teacher and his mother crazy. His mother remarried a year ago, and she has a baby on the way. His stepdad tries really hard she claims, but Kevin is really hard to manage at home." "I had a stepdad myself," Harm sighed. "So what's with this kid and the military? His dad right?" "He's just really into that," Stella explained. "Were you as a child?" "Dumb question," Mac giggled. "Yeah I was of course. My dad went MIA in Vietnam when I was six and I always knew I was going to be an aviator. Not once did I consider anything else until I couldn't fly." "Harm I think you need to meet this kid. He's you." ============= FROM THE EARTH RESTAURANT Two Hours later "I said you could pick the place. I didn't say I wanted healthy," Mac laughed, looking at the wide selection of rice and pasta plus vegetables some of which she had never heard of. He nodded, not lifting his gaze from the menu. "OK Flyboy you haven't said a word since we left Stella. What's wrong?" "Nothing." "Right. And I'm going to make General. Let it out mister. You and I are past the point where we can't confide in each other. Aren't we?" He did not answer and she gave his arm an impatient shake. "Aren't we?" "Yes of course we are. I'm just having second thoughts is all." "About Kevin?" "About the whole thing," he admitted. "Not about doing it. I'm excited about that. About if Kevin is going to benefit from anything I can offer him." "Stop that. Right now," she scolded. "Harmon Rabb you are one of the finest men I've ever known, and you have a great deal to offer that little boy, including some insight as to what it's like to be where he is. You can do this, and that we're doing it sort of together, well I'm excited about it." "You've done this before. You know what these kids need," he countered. "All they need is someone to be there and pal around with them Harm. Sometimes just to listen to them. And along the way you hopefully make a difference in their lives." "Sounds easy enough" he sighed. "I just don't want to screw this up." "You won't. He's not expecting you to be anything but someone to talk to. That's it. You're putting too much pressure on yourself." "Mac he lost his Dad. His world has been completely changed. I don't want to do anything to mess him up more." "You won't. You have the knowledge of what it's like to grow up like that. I'm sure if anything you and Kevin will hit it off right away." "You think so?" "I know so. Now stop worrying and tell me what's good on this menu because frankly nothing is jumping out at me." "That's because it's healthy for you" Harm smiled. "You're not used to that." "Cute. Seriously what's good here." By the time the waitress had come to take their order she'd decided on a pasta dish and Harm had selected a vegetable dish. "Okay serious stuff now" he said when they were alone. "Our client. The one's that going to end up in the brig if we don't get our act together." "Oh yeah that client" she sighed. "I'm all ears. What are you thinking we should do?" "I was hoping you had something," he said sheepishly. "It's going to be a long day in court tomorrow" she groaned. ***************** Three Days Later JAG HQ "Hey where's the fire?" Mac asked as Harm nearly ran over her as he zipped from his office. "I'm meeting Kevin tonight," he said as he glanced at his watch. "I'm supposed to pick him up in a half hour." "Good luck" Mac smiled. "You're not nervous are you?" "Hell yeah I am" he admitted. "What if he doesn't like me?" "What's not to like about you?" she said softly. "You'll do fine. I have a lot of confidence in you." "Thanks. I wish I was as sure." "I was nervous the first time I met Chloe. But that will pass once you meet him. By the end of the night you'll probably be like old friends." "I hope. I'll see you tomorrow." "Let me know how it goes will yah. I'll be home all night." A short time later he pulled up at the small home and took a deep breath as he stepped out of his SUV and headed to the front door. "Hi" he smiled when the door opened, a boy he recognized as Kevin looking out at him. "I'm Harm. I'm your new Big Brother." "Kevin" the boy smiled back before turning and yelling. "Mom I'm leaving. My Big Brother is here." "Hey wait" a voice called and a few moments later she appeared. "I'm Natalie. You're Harm?" "Yes ma'am. I'm going to take Kevin to dinner so we can get aquatinted." "You won't keep him late right?" she asked. "No ma'am. What time would you like him back?" "His bed time is nine thirty so at least a half hour before that." "Mom" Kevin groaned. "You know I don't go to bed till ten." "Nine thirty" she reminded him sternly. "I'll have him back at nine" Harm promised. "You ready Kevin?" "So where are we going?" Kevin asked as Harm led him to the SUV. "Where ever you want." "Anywhere I want?" Kevin's eye lit up. "Anywhere. Even if it's McDonalds." "McDonald's is for little kids" Kevin replied. "I don't eat there anymore. Can we get pizza?" "Sure. Name the place." Kevin directed him to a small shop not far from his home and after they'd ordered an uneasy silence fell over the table. It was Kevin who finally broke the silence. "You really a pilot?" he asked as he pointed to Harm's gold wings. "Semi. I'm a lawyer most of the time. But I still fly Tomcats once in a while." "My Dad was a Marine. He used to jump out of helicopters." "You want to be a Marine one day too?" Harm asked. "Better to be a jarhead than a squid" Kevin smiled. "At least that's what Dad always used to say." "I have a best friend who's a jarhead and I would like you to meet her," Harm smiled. "She's getting a little sister who's the same age as you and I'm sure we four could do some fun things together." Kevin nodded shyly. "Yeah that would be OK. Mom and Daunte take me places but mostly it's not where I want to go. Like looking at baby stuff. I mean it's not bad enough I don't have a dad any more, now I'm going to have a baby hanging off me." "Well I don't think that's going to be the case," Harm smiled, "but obviously you're going to have some adjustments to make. When is the baby due?" "Oh in three or four months I think," he sighed. "I can't keep up. She's thrilled. I guess she and my dad split up so long ago that I never had a chance to have a brother or sister. I'm kind of used to being the only one around. Well before Daunte at least." "When did they split?" Harm knew he was asking a lot of questions but he felt it was safe ground, and that the boy needed to talk. "I was two I guess," he replied. "But Dad wasn't around some of that time. He was on recruiter duty and it was just a couple months before he was killed that he got sent back to the Pentagon but when he was in Seattle I used to get to go visit him at least." Harm nodded, trying to decide if he wanted to bring up the day he died, and was spared from the decision by the arrival of the pizza. They ate in silence for a few minutes until Kevin put down his piece and smiled shyly. "Did they tell you I was a problem kid?" "They told me you were difficult at times," Harm replied. "Hey when I was growing up I was a pain in the six all the time. My mom used to say that she couldn't wait until I went to the Academy so someone else would have to deal with me because she was ready to throw in the towel. And I too had a stepdad. Still do in fact. His name is Frank, and while I didn't appreciate it then, he is a fine man. More to the point, he loves my mother. Loves and takes care of her." "Daunte hates the military. He was in the Army and got kicked out," Kevin sighed. "So I'm not allowed to bring up to him that I want the Corps when I finish school." "And a smart kid won't make waves over something like that. Besides you can talk to me all you want about it. What does Daunte do?" "He and my mom work at the phone company. That's how they met." Harm nodded and picked off a piece of broccoli from the pizza to pop in his mouth, an action that made Kevin smile and he repeated it. "And Daunte thinks it's weird that I don't eat meat." "I don't eat meat either" Harm smiled. "I guess we have a lot in common." "Except you're a squid and I'm going to be a Jarhead" Kevin smiled. "But I'll cut you a break cause you're a pilot. That has to be pretty cool." "Yeah it is" Harm laughed. "When I get to do it. Which isn't very often anymore." "Why are you a lawyer most of the time instead of a pilot?" "I crashed a few years back and thought I'd never fly again. So I went to law school and became a lawyer. Then I found I could fly but it was too late to do it all the time so now I do it when the Navy lets me." "You crashed?" Kevin's eyes widened. "You mean you had to eject?" "A few more times than I've wanted to" Harm smiled. "But yeah I had to eject." "That is so neat. I can't wait to tell the guys at school that my Big Brother is a real pilot." "You have a lot of friends at school?" Harm asked. "A few. Greg's my best buddy. But he doesn't live nearby so I only get to see him at school. Trent lives down the street so we hang out once in a while." "You into basketball?" Harm asked. "I thought maybe some time we could catch a Wizards Game." "Oh yeah. Dad was supposed to take me to a game last season. Course now he can't." "You miss your Dad a lot don't you?" "It wasn't like I saw him all the time" Kevin said quietly. "But when we were together we had the best time." "So did me and my Dad" Harm smiled softly. "Was your Dad in the Navy too?" "Yep. He was a pilot too. So was my grandfather." "So you always knew you wanted to be a pilot?" Kevin asked. "Oh yeah. Never had a second thought about being anything but a Naval Aviator." "I'm going to be a Marine" Kevin smiled. "No matter what Daunte thinks. Plus once they have the baby they won't care what I do." "Your Mom isn't going to stop loving you just cause she's having another baby" Harm said seriously. "Yeah well it seems like I get less and less of her time. At first it was just her and me. Then Daunte came along. Now the baby. She won't have any time for me." "That's why you got a new Big Brother" Harm smiled. "A cool one at that" Kevin grinned. "I was worried you were going to be some kind of geek. But you're pretty cool." "You're not so bad yourself" Harm laughed. "So you think we could do something this weekend? Maybe catch a game?" "Oh yeah. I'd love to see the Wizards." "Good. We'll talk to your Mom when we get back and make sure that's okay with her." Kevin picked up the last piece of pizza and took several large bites. "Can I ask you something?" "You can ask me anything anytime as long as I have the right not to answer." "OK fair enough, but then I get that too." "You do. Now ask away." "Why?" Harm frowned and shook his head. "Why? Don't follow." "Why are you doing this? This big brother thing. And why for a Black kid?" "In the first place you being Black has nothing to do with anything," Harm replied with a small smile. "Martin Luther King said people should be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. And the reason I'm doing it is because. . .well because I felt like I might have something to offer you. I know you have a lot to offer me." "OK that's cool," the boy decided. "I hope you can use your lawyer stuff and make Mom agree to the basketball game. Daunte doesn't like sports. If he goes to some event it's to a play or concert where he gets all dressed up in a monkey suit." ================ Harm's phone was ringing when he walked in to his apartment and he smiled when he saw the caller ID. "Colonel Mackenzie to what do I owe this pleasure?" "Just wanted to see how your evening went Flyboy." "Kevin's great and the pizza was good and we have a date for a Wizards game thank you," he replied happily. "How about you?" "I talked to Casey and I'm going to see her Saturday afternoon. We're going to run in Rock Creek after I meet her dad." "Her dad the widower?" Harm realized suddenly. "That would be the one," she giggled. "Do I detect a note of concern and/or jealousy?" "You damn right," he declared with more vehemence than he intended. "Well that's cute but unnecessary," she giggled again. "I'm not looking around Harm." "Maybe you and I should have dinner Friday night so I can remind you why." "Make it French and you're on." =============== ROBESPIERRE RESTAURANT Washington DC "OK I am stuffed. More than stuffed I am also mounted," Mac declared, pushing away the last bit of cheesecake. "Harm you do know how to treat a lady." "I'd like to do more of that," he said softly, reaching across the table for her hand. "I mean spend more time together like this. You feel it too don't you? That between us there's. . .well it's different that's all. It started before Afghanistan, and that whole experience, especially what we went through when Bud was hurt and. . ." His voice trailed off and he squeezed her hand, his eyes begging her understanding. "Of course I feel it," she smiled, returning his hand squeeze. "And I'm enjoying it." She met his intense gaze with one of her own. "You and I are growing something very special between us. If we're careful with it and take it as it comes, we might just get there." "There?" he asked, his eyes now alight. "You want to clarify there please counselor." "There as in falling in love," she returned boldly, adding hastily, "if that's what the Commander would want." "The Commander would want that very much" Harm whispered. "But I don't want to rush this." "We won't. We can make this work if we take it slow." "I'm with you all the way Colonel" he smiled. "Thank God cause I wasn't sure what I was going to say if you said that wasn't what you wanted" she blushed. "Besides I'll be putting in my transfer to Iceland." "Don't you dare. There's nothing I want more than for us to try and make this work." "Then we're all on the same page here" she smiled. "Yes ma'am. And if you're not too wore out from your day with Casey, I'd love to spend Sunday with you." "Doing what?" "Whatever you want. Maybe catch an afternoon movie and an early dinner." "Sounds like a plan. I'll be looking forward to it." ***************** "Hi I'm Sarah Mackenzie" Mac said to the man who opened the door at the address she'd been given. "I'm here for Casey." "Come in" the late thirty-something year old man smiled. "I'm Justin, Casey's dad." "Nice to meet you" Mac smiled as well. "Is this your first time as a Big Sister?" Justin asked as he led her to the living room and motioned for her to have a seat. "Actually no. I'm still a Big Sister to Chloe but she lives in Vermont now. I really enjoyed the times with Chloe and I thought it would be nice to get another little sister." "Well I appreciate this. Casey's a good kid but I think right now she needs the attention of a woman. I can only do so much." "Been there and done it so I'm glad to help" Mac laughed. "Chloe was about the same age when her and I met so I'm pretty familiar with that age. And I have my own treasured memories from when I was a kid." "Stella told me you're a lawyer for the Marines. I guess we have a little in common since I work for the prosecutor's office. The less glamorous side of being a lawyer." "Well it's not real glamorous at JAG either" Mac smiled. "But I tried the world of high class firms and it wasn't for me." "I lasted about a week" Justin nodded. "And realized that wasn't for me. I'll never get rich doing this but at least I can live with myself at night." Before she could reply a young girl bounded into the living room. "Hi are you Sarah?" "Yes I am" Mac smiled. "And you can call Mac. I was just getting to know your Dad." "He's a cool guy" Casey smiled as she looked up at her dad. "How come you want me to call you Mac?" "Everyone calls me Mac. At least all my friends do and I'm hoping we're going to be good friends." "Then I'll call you Mac. Are we ready to go running?" "Ready if you are" Mac smiled. "I've got my running shoes on and I'm ready." "I'm ready. Bye Daddy. I'll see you later." "Bye sweetheart" Justin smiled at his daughter before looking up at Mac. "Uh do you have a cell phone number just in case. I know I'm being a little overly protective but I'd just feel better if I knew how to get in touch with you." "I understand completely" Mac nodded. "More than happy to give you my number." "Dad's such a worrier" Casey smiled once her and Mac were alone. "Don't think he's a total wack." "I don't" Mac laughed. "It's good to know he's worries about you." "He wasn't like this before Mom died" Casey said softly. "Now he rarely lets me out of his sight." "Brothers or sisters?" Mac asked, urging the girl to her Vette. "Three brothers. Mark, Joshua, and Lucas. Mark is a med student in Chicago, Joshua goes to college in Florida and Lucas enlisted in the Navy before he even finished high school. So that would tell you I'm the youngest right?" "I guess so. Sounds like your parents had the three boys and wanted a little girl real bad." "Or I was a huge surprise," she giggled. "I don't ever get to see them except on holidays. And now Mark has a girlfriend and he goes to her place a lot instead of coming home." "That happens," Mac smiled. "Someday you'll have a boyfriend and you'll bring him to your place more than you'll go to his." "I don't think I'll have time," she sighed. "I don't want to have a regular job and kids." "And what do you want to do?" "Not sure. But not work in an office. Are you really a Marine?" "I am really a Marine. But right now I do work in an office." "My mom did too. Sometimes I have to look at her picture to remember her good." "You want to tell me what happened to her?" Mac asked gently, pulling out into the traffic flow. "It was my fault." "Uh. . .excuse me?" Mac tried to look at her and watch the traffic at the same time. "She went to the store and came home and she didn't have the Fruity Pebbles. So when she went out later to get her hair done, I made her promise to stop at the store and get some. When she was coming out of the store's parking lot, a drunk driver didn't stop for the light and hit her car. So see it was my fault for making her go there." Mac listened quietly to Casey's words and when she was done, shook her head. "Honey things happen like that. No one knows why. I don't think anyone blames you." "My daddy does," she sighed. "I won't ever forget hearing him on the phone to my aunt. It was that night and I had gone to bed but I was crying and got up to find him. He told her the only reason she'd been there was because I was wanting that stupid cereal. It was my fault." Rock Creek Park loomed before them and Mac swallowed hard thinking of the load of guilt this young girl was carrying. She pulled into the parking space and turned off the car before she spoke. "OK that's something we're going to talk about another time. But I'm glad you told me because I want us to be able to talk. Now how many Ks should we do?" "It felt good to say it out loud," Casey sighed. "And it's OK really. I'm used to it. My dad and I are cool now and we just don't talk about it. Now he just worries over me. Anyway let's do the five-K, but the hilly one." "You got it." After the run, they slowly walked the park and talked. "So how long have you been running?" Mac asked. "Just since Mom died. I found it was a good way to be alone with my thoughts." "You're right about that. I always used to run so I could think about things myself. And of course I still do that. When I'm upset about something I grab my shoes and head out." "That's what I do" Casey smiled. "Especially when I'm missing Mom. I can think about her and it's almost like she's right there beside me." "I'm sure she is" Mac smiled. "Is your Mom still alive?" Casey asked. "Yeah she is" Mac said slowly. "But I haven't seen her since my Dad died a few years ago. Course before that I hadn't seen her in years." "How come?" "I don't know. I guess I really haven't had any reason to talk to her. I don't think my Mom was like yours was." "She didn't love you?" "I'm sure in her own way she did" Mac said softly. "But not like most Moms do." "Do you have any brothers and sisters?" "No. They just had me." "Kind of like me" Casey smiled. "Even though I have brother's they're all older and they never really paid any attention to me." "I guess that's one of the reasons I ended up in the Marine Corps" Mac smiled. "It was kind of like having the family I never had. And now I have my family at JAG." "JAG. What's that?" "It stands for Judge Advocate General. I'm a lawyer." "Like Daddy is" Casey smiled. "You and him have something in common. He puts away the bad guys. Is that what you do?" "Sometimes I do. Sometimes I help the person who's being charged." "Neat. I don't want to be a lawyer." "What do you want to be?" Mac asked. "I think I want to be a nurse" Casey replied. "Or maybe even a paramedic. I want to help people." "That's a wonderful thing to want to do. And I'm sure you'd make a wonderful nurse if that's what you decided. " "Thanks. So how come you decided to be a Big Sister?" "I was a Big Sister a few years ago" Mac replied. "But Chloe's older and she lives in Vermont now and I missed having a little sister around. Someone I could hang out with on days like this and have some fun with. We used to have slumber parties and do all kinds of crazy stuff." "Cool" Casey smiled. "You think someday we could do that? Have a slumber party I mean." "Of course. As long as your Dad doesn't mind. Do you like to camp? We could go camping one weekend." "I've never been camping. Dad isn't much of an outdoors person. And neither was Mom. But it sounds fun. Do you really sleep on the ground?" "Well in a sleeping bag" Mac smiled. "And in a tent. But it's pretty cool because it's nice and quiet and you don't hear any noise like you do in the city. And we stay up all night telling ghost stories and making Smores and just having a good time." "I want to do that," Casey said eagerly. "My friend just became a Big Brother" Mac continued. "And his little brother is your age. Maybe we can all go camping together." "Cool" Casey nodded. "So your friend is a guy? I guess you're not married?" "No. And yes he's a guy. And we're kind of more than friends but not really dating. Well maybe we're dating now." "There's a guy at school that I'm friends with" Casey said shyly. "But I want to be more than friends." "What's his name?" Mac smiled. "Chad. He's so nice. He's not like all the other jerky guys who make fun of the girls." "Sounds nice. So you really like him?" "Yeah. But he's nice to all the girls so I don't think he feels the same way I do. Jillie says he does but I don't believe her." "Who's Jillie?" "My best friend. Which I guess I'm lucky to have. She's popular and she gets along with everyone. I kind of just trail along with her. But she's really sweet to me." "Jennifer Schultz," Mac smiled. "She was my Jillie. She was pretty and smart and lived in a nice house with two parents who actually cared about her, and she let me hang around with her, and a couple times stay at her place when things got impossible at mine." "You were pretty I'm sure," Casey objected. "And smart too." "I was a half a foot taller than most of the girls, so skinny my bones stuck out, and because things at my house were always in an uproar, I hardly ever got the quiet I wanted for homework. And we had no encyclopedias or dictionaries and forget being driven to the library. And that's enough of my childhood. It was a long time ago, and I've put it where it belongs." "OK. Lets go back to talking about camping," Casey enthused. "That would be totally cool. What's your friend's name?" "Harm. Short for Harmon. And Kevin is his little brother." "What happened to his dad?" "He was a Marine and he died at the Pentagon. You know about that right?" "I cried," she admitted. "I was scared and I cried." "Me too. On both counts." Mac smiled. "How about some ice cream?" "Great. And then when we get back, you should come in and talk to Dad a little. I want him to know you." "I'd love to get acquainted. And in fact if you and I are going to spend time together that's good." "He's nice. And you can talk to him about being a lawyer." "Sounds like a plan," Mac smiled. "Hey I had a great time. And you're quite the runner. You keep that up and you might get into college on a track scholarship." "Can we run again soon?" "You bet." They walked to the ice cream stand and with their cones in hand Mac drove back to Casey's neighborhood. "Oh puke," she sighed the minute they turned onto her street. "Excuse me?" "Dad has Heather over. That's her blue car." "Friend?" "Not of mine," she scowled. "She works in his office building in Crystal City. And he's I guess dating her." "I take it you don't approve?" "You got that right. She wants to be my mom." Mac smiled and reached over to give the young girl's hair an affectionate tussle. "Honey likely your dad will date several women. And he may or may not remarry." "Maybe you should ask him out." "Maybe you should let him mind his own social life." Casey tugged Mac inside and Justin McElroy hurried to the door. "Casey I'm glad you're home," he declared, drawing her into a big hug. "Ms. Mackenzie and you had a good time?" "We had a great time," Casey nodded, looking around the immediate area. "I didn't know Heather was coming." "It was a nice surprise," Justin smiled, ignoring her scowl. "Well I want Mac to come in and see my room and stuff, and I wanted her to stay for dinner." "And she can," Justin soothed. "No reason why not. I've got a chicken ready for the oven so there's plenty. Ms. Mackenzie please do stay." "It's Mac and if you're sure it won't be an imposition." "Not at all. Come in and meet Heather." Mac nodded and followed Justin to the kitchen. A woman, likely at least several years younger than herself was stirring something on the stove and she smiled when Mac and Justin walked in. "Heather we've got one more for dinner" Justin said to her. "This is Mac, Casey's new Big Sister." "Nice to meet you Mac" Heather smiled. "And I think it's wonderful that you're spending time with Casey." "She's a great kid" Mac nodded. "Okay she's met Heather" Casey interrupted. "Can I take her to my room so she can see my stuff?" "Of course honey. We'll let you know when dinner is ready." "Come on Mac" Casey said as she tugged Mac's hand and led her upstairs to her bedroom. "I hate her," she said once they were behind closed doors. "She seems nice enough" Mac said slowly. "Why don't you like her?" "She's so fake and phony. And she's too young for Dad. She's the same age as Mark." "That doesn't mean they can't be together. When you're older, the age difference doesn't matter that much. And she seems to like your Dad and I think he likes her." "I hate her" Casey repeated as she flopped on the bed. "I didn't want her to be here today. This was supposed to be my day with you and now she's ruined it." "Only if you let her. I'm still here and you can show me what you wanted to. And then we'll all have dinner together." "I wish she would just go away" Casey sighed. "But I guess wishing doesn't make things happen does it." "Sometimes it does" Mac said gently. "But maybe you should just give Heather more of a chance." "She normally ignores me. I'm sure she was just being nice because you were here. And that's why I don't like her. When she's here Dad forgets I even exist." "I doubt that." "Let's not talk about her anymore" Casey sighed. "It's bad enough she's going to be here for dinner." "So what did you want to show me?" Mac asked. Casey reached for a photo album on the small bookcase and opened it as she sat down next to Mac. "That's Mom" Casey said softly as she pointed to a picture of a smiling woman. "She's pretty. You look a lot like her" Mac smiled. "That's what Dad always says. That I remind him of her. They met when they were in junior high and stayed together and then got married." "That's pretty neat. Not too many high school sweethearts end up that way." "Mom was so cool" Casey continued as she flipped through the album. "This was from my birthday party a few years ago. Mom went all out for that party." "You miss her a lot don't you?" Mac said gently. Casey nodded as tears filled her eyes. "Especially when Heather is here" she sniffled. "I hate her and I don't want Dad with her." "You don't him to be alone do you?" "I don't want him with her. She's just all wrong for him. I want him to find someone like you. Someone who's smart and nice and who wants to be with kids." "Casey you can't pick who your Dad goes out with." "But he'd be so much better with you" she countered. "And you'd have something in common. You're both lawyers." "I don't think that's quite enough" Mac smiled. "Besides there's already someone special in my life. My friend I was telling you about." "But he's just a friend right?" Casey prodded. "He's a real special friend. Kind of like Heather is special to your Dad." "But that doesn't mean you and Dad couldn't go out sometime" she pressed on. "Like to a movie or something. I'd go along with you." "If your Dad wanted to come along when you and I went somewhere that would be fine," Mac said carefully. "Well I know he won't come camping. But that's our weekend anyway." "Yes it will be. Remember we won't be going alone though. Harm and Kevin will be coming with us." "Will I like your friend Harm?" Casey asked. "I think so. I like him a lot." "Have you ever kissed him?" Casey grinned. "And not on the cheek. On the lips." "Kind of a personal question to ask someone you just met," Mac smiled, stalling for a few moments to formulate her answer. "You said we should be able to talk," Casey returned, not missing a beat. "OK yeah I did say that," Mac smiled. "And yes we have kissed. Yes it was more than once and yes I enjoyed it each time. Anything further counselor?" "No I'm good with that. Now how do I get rid of Heather?" "By leaving it run its course, whatever that may be," Mac said softly. "Honey your dad went through a horrible time in his life when your mom was killed, and if he's found someone now that might make him happy, well you need to back off it give him a little space. And trust him to know if she's not right for him." "She's too young," Casey persisted. "Too young and too giggly and I don't want a big sister. I've already got three brothers who don't have time for me." "OK power down honey," Mac soothed. "Is this the first woman your dad has seen since he kind of started to get back into things?" "No not really," she admitted. "He's gone to a couple of dinners and movies and so on but this is the first one he's ever crammed down my throat like it's important that I like her." Mac smiled and rested her hand on the girl's shoulder. "Try taking a step back and not giving either of them a hard time. Be polite to her. You may find out you like her." "Well I already like you tons better," she sighed. "But OK if you think so. I'd rather talk about camping and meeting Harm and Kevin anyway. Soon? Please? The Shenandoah would be so great. And we could rough it? I mean tents and sleeping bags, not a camper right?" "I'm talking to a future Marine here," Mac smiled. "Yeah we can do that of course. One night during the week you and me and Harm and Kevin will see an early movie or something maybe and get a pizza and talk camping." "Oh totally cool," she sighed and impusively gave Mac a quick hug. "Thanks." =============== FOLLOWING DAY Mac's Apartment Mac was just pulling her jeans on when Harm rang the doorbell. "Hang tight Jim I'm coming," she yelled, and when she opened the door laughed and added. "Opps, I meant Harm." "I hope you did," he growled, letting her take the bag of Italian carryout he had brought. "You have a good time with Casey? How was she? I waited last night for you to call, and then Sturgis came and we shot hoops and had a beer and by the time I got home I knew you were probably gone." "Yeah actually I was. After I tried to get you, I took a long soak and fell asleep reading." "So how was Casey?" "She was really great," she enthused. "We had a great run, and then I went to her place and met her dad. He's an attorney with the Arlington DA's office and pretty fascinating." Harm raised an eyebrow and fixed his gaze on her, not able to formulate a response as his mind painted that picture. "So we had dinner with him and his lady friend," Mac went on with elaborate casualness. "Engaged?" Harm asked, and she heard the trace of hopefulness in his voice and suppressed a quick giggle. "Not quite. He's your age and the woman is about ten years younger than me," she laughed. "She's a paralegal in the same building where he works and taking classes at Georgetown Law at night. Not quite the bimbo Casey would lead you to believe, but that's a long story. Anyway we did have a good time, and I liked her right off. She's a bit of tomboy, but getting interested in boys. And I told her about you and that you and me and her and Kevin would do a pizza early movie night during the week if that's OK." "Sure sounds good," he nodded. "What does the dad look like?" "Harm get off it," she yelped. "But since you did ask, he's as I said, about your age or maybe a year or two younger. Married young and started popping kids obviously. Has three grown boys and then Casey. And really interesting to talk to." "I suppose it would be too much to hope he's about five-five and weighs three hundred pounds with horn rimmed glasses and pimples." She had managed to keep a straight face until the word 'pimples' came from him and she burst into laughter. "Let it go Rabb," she hooted. "I suspect you'll meet him at some point and you can see for yourself." "Should be the highlight of my week." "You're cute. And enough about that. You came bearing food which I am much more interested in than Justin McElroy." "Well that's a good sign" he laughed as he followed her to the kitchen. "You're more interested in food than in him." She shook her head as she pulled out dishes and a moment later they were enjoying the Italian food he's brought. "Harm trust me you have nothing to worry about with Justin. He's quite attached to Heather, not that I have any desires in his direction anyway. I'm there to be Casey's big sister, not get involved with her father." "Good. So it went well with Casey though." "Yeah it did. She's dealing with a lot right now so I'm glad I can help her. Being that age and dealing with the death of a parent isn't easy. Especially when you blame yourself for it." "She's blames herself for her Mom's death?" Harm frowned. "It's one of the fate things. She wanted a certain cereal from the store that her Mom forgot so she went back to get it. That's when she was hit by a drunk driver and killed." "And so naturally she thinks it's her fault that they were there" Harm nodded understandingly. "Wow. That is a lot for a preteen to handle." "And of course she hates Heather." "Heather being the young bimbo her father is seeing?" "I never said she was a bimbo" Mac smiled. "That's Casey's opinion. I'm sure she's quite smart but her biggest problem seems to be that she doesn't know how to get along with kids. And of course the fact that she's the same age as Casey's oldest brother doesn't help any." "Ahh. Sounds like she does have a lot of issues." "Yeah she does. And of course at that age everything is a major traumatic moment. But she is looking forward to all of us going camping." "We're going camping?" he frowned. "Did I miss a conversation somewhere." "You don't mind do you" she smiled. "I thought it would be fun for me and you and Kevin and Casey to go camping. Somewhere in the Shenandoah. Casey's never camped before and I'll bet Kevin hasn't either." "His Dad may have taken him but if he did it wouldn't have been recently" Harm replied. "And I bet he'd love the idea of getting out. He's a Marine in training you know." "I think I'm going to like Kevin a lot" she grinned. "He doesn't mind hanging out with you even though you're a squid." "He overlooks that" Harm laughed. "But he's made it clear that I'm not going to convince him to join the Navy. He's Marine Corps all the way." "So you don't mind doing this?" she asked. "Taking them camping I mean?" "We're not taking Dad and bimbo are we?" he teased. "Harm if you happen to meet them I hope you don't say that" she groaned. "I'm really going to have to meet this guy? I thought you were just kidding earlier about meeting him." "Well you're taking is daughter camping. I'm sure he's going to want to meet you just to make sure I'm not friends with Jack the Ripper." "Okay I can see that. And I don't blame him. So when are we doing this little camping trip?" "Next nice weekend we get. Casey's real excited about it." "And I'm sure if I mention it to Kevin he'll be just excited" Harm smiled. "And it actually does sound like fun. I can't remember the last time I went camping." "I'm glad you don't mind that I mentioned this" she smiled. "I figured you wouldn't mind and I know you wanted to plan a weekend with Kevin anyway." "No this is really a good idea. I like it a lot. I'm sure Kevin's mom won't mind. She doesn't strike me as the outdoors type so likely she'll be happy someone else is taking him." "So what else are we doing today?" Mac asked once they'd finished eating. "And thank you for the food by the way. That was wonderful." "What are you up for?" "Um. I don't know. I hadn't really thought about it." "Movie? Or do you just want to sit here and zone." "There's probably nothing on TV" she frowned. "You want to go get a movie?" "Sure. Let's get this cleaned up first and then we'll go. I'll even be nice and let you pick the movie." "I get the honor of picking the movie? You feeling okay Flyboy?" "Just don't make me regret being nice by getting some fluffy chick flick please." "No that's what Casey and I will watch" she laughed. "She's starting to get into boys." "That's scary" he smiled. "What did she ask you?" "If you and I had ever really kissed." "Have we?" His face was so serious that she opened her mouth to explain until she realized he was teasing. "OK Smartass, you tell me." "On the dock at Norfolk after the whole thing with Diane's killer, on the Admiral's porch when I was trying to tell you not to marry the Australian idiot, and under the mistletoe at Bud and Harriet's old place," he recited easily. "Bright boy. I'm impressed. I'm not sure I thought you could do that." "Most of what's happened over the years between you and me pretty much is ingrained on my hard drive," he smiled, but his tone was serious. "And sometimes I think we should have more to show for the time we've known each other." "I won't argue with that," she said softly, letting her fingers trail lightly up his arm and smiled when she felt him shiver beneath her touch. For a long few seconds their eyes met and locked and a thousand words seemed to pass between them. It was him who spoke first, breaking the spell. "You and me. . .are we going to get that movie or what?" "Yeah of course we are. But it's a beautiful day. You up for a walk around the Basin first? Work off this great food?" ======= TIDAL BASIN "OK this is scary," Harm gasped. "What? What's wrong?" Mac looked up in alarm. "There's a parking space and we don't have to make the loop," he grinned, slipping the Vette in smoothly. They crossed to the sidewalk and he reached for her hand, hesitating slightly just as his fingers closed over hers. "Cold feet Flyboy?" "Fear. Fear of being slugged. Well, rejected at least," he admitted sheepishly. Her fingers tightly gripped his and she laughed and shook her head. "No. Not going to happen. Rejection I mean. I think you and I have played more than enough games don't you?" "Yeah." ============= "Not a bad movie," Harm declared later, nodding his approval as he lifted his arm from around her shoulders. "Hey no one said I was ready for you to do that," she laughed and playfully grabbed his hand, pulling his arm back over her. "Well I might need that arm back to drive home," he laughed as well, letting her pull him into a tangle of arms and legs on the sofa. "It's been a great day. Thank you." "No thank YOU," she smiled. "Does it seem like to you that things are kind of falling in place." "Oh yeah," he nodded at once. "And I think this might be the time we should maybe add number four." "Four?" she frowned, puzzled until a second later when his lips found hers. "OK you do that pretty well," she panted when he lifted himself from her. "I do have a question though." "By all means counselor." "Are we going to keep count of the number of times we. . ." Her words were cut off by another kiss and both were laughing by the time that one was finished. "I'm going home on that note," he sighed. "Not that I want to but I have date in the shower at 0600." "Alone I hope." "Just me and my ducky soap on a rope." "Rabb you are too much" she giggled. "I'll see you in the morning." "What night do you want to plan on getting Kevin and Casey together for pizza and the movie?" Harm asked as she walked him to the door. "How about Friday? I'll check and make sure that's okay with Justin and you can check with Kevin's Mom." "Sounds good. I guess this is goodnight." "Drive safely. In fact why don't you give me a call when you get home so I don't spend the whole night worrying about you." "You'd worry about me?" he smiled. "Always." "One more of these" he whispered as he leaned down for another kiss. "Night Sarah" he smiled when they parted. "Night Harm." ****************** JAG HQ's Wednesday Afternoon "We're good to go on Friday" Harm announced as he breezed into Mac's office. "I just talked to Natalie." "Good cause Justin just called back and he said that was fine too. So I guess we've got ourselves a date for Friday. And speaking of dates do you have plans for tonight?" "I'm going to go see Kevin. Natalie said he was acting up again. I don't know exactly what that means but I figured I should talk to him. Maybe he'll tell me what's going on. Is there a reason you asked?" "You're a good man" she smiled. "And I just thought if you weren't busy we could grab Chinese and you could help with the Ryan case." "Can I stop by after I see Kevin?" he asked. "I'm sure I won't be long. I just want to make sure he's okay." "As long as it's not too late sure." "Thanks for understanding. I just hope Kevin will talk to me. And if he does that I have something helpful to tell him." "You'll do fine. He's probably just upset about all the changes that are coming up with the new baby. Kids have their moments." "I guess. All right I'll catch you as soon as I can." ****************** Kevin's Home Two Hours Later "Hey buddy" Harm said as he let himself into Kevin's room. "What's up?" "Harm" Kevin smiled. "What are you doing here?" "I thought you might like to talk" Harm said as he sat down on the edge of the bed. "I called your Mom today to ask her about going out this weekend and she told me you and her had a few run ins this week. You want to tell me what's going on?" "I'm just sick of hearing about the baby." "She also said you got in a fight at school. What was that about?" "I don't know." "You don't know why you got in a fight?" "It just happened. And I apologized. And of course Mom has punished me by making me stay in my room after dinner every night this week." "Kevin if something's bothering you, you know you can talk to me" Harm said quietly. "That's what I'm here for." "I know. And you're really cool. I just had a bad week that's all." "You sure that's it?" Harm asked. "Yeah. And I'm really looking forward to going out Friday night." "Well your Mom was nice enough to let you off for good behavior. So don't mess it up before then." "I won't. I really like hanging out with you." "Well we're going to go with my friend Mac and her little sister Casey. That way we all meet before we go camping." "Camping" Kevin smiled excitedly. "We're going to go camping?" "If you're interested" Harm laughed. "You want to spend a weekend sleeping in a tent?" "Oh yeah oh yeah" Kevin said enthusiastically. "Dad was going to take me when he had a chance. Mom hates camping. She won't stay anywhere unless it has running water and a king sized bed." "Where we're going there's neither. Just our tent and nature all around us." "This is so cool. When are we going?" "The next nice weekend we have. Mac and I will take care of getting all the supplies you'll need. Course we'll be doing some hiking to get to our camping spot. You up to that?" "Oh yeah. I can't wait to tell Greg. He's going to be so jealous." "Well I guess that's a desirable side effect but that's not why we're going," Harm told him. "And then there's the fact of fighting and getting confined to quarters doesn't make you more likely to be given such trips." "Yes sir I know," he sighed. "But sometimes you just have to stick up for what's right you know. Stupid Phillip Williams spreading lies about Susan. I couldn't let him any more. I told him to stop and he said. . . never mind, but I guess you can guess." "Pretty much," Harm nodded. "So you do know what it was about, but the bottom line is you disobeyed a rule, like disobeying an order." "Yes sir, and I apologized and I'm standing my punishment." "OK matter closed," Harm smiled. "Pizza Friday, and right now I have a date with a Marine and some Chinese food and some work to get done." "Harm thanks for coming," he said softly, looking up with unshed tears in her eyes. "I can't talk to Daunte, and mom is so wrapped in the baby and she's having problems." "Problems?" He flushed uncomfortably. "She's supposed to rest and not be stressed because she's having trouble with blood pressure or something. And I guess my screw up didn't help." "No I'm sure not," Harm smiled, "you keep that in mind and I'm gone. I'll see you for pizza and meeting Casey and Mac. And I'm always here to talk." "Thanks Harm. That means a lot." ============= MAC's APARTMENT 1 Hour Later "Man with arms full of Chinese and ready to hear your capitulation on the Ryan mess," Harm called, tapping at Mac's door. "The only capitulation I'm giving is to that box of pepper steak," she declared as she opened the door. "Your Ensign Ryan is dead meat and you with him." "Yeah I'm real scared." "You should be. How was Kevin?" "He's just got a lot of balls in the air is all," Harm nodded, "needs someone to talk to and someone who won't mince words with him when he needs a firm hand." "Sounds like you're just the man for the job." ================= FRIDAY NIGHT Harm picked up Mac and then Kevin, and they drove out to Casey's home. "Mac hi," Justin greeted her at the door, "and this has to be Harm and Kevin," "Yeah it has to be," she grinned, stepping inside and turning to Harm. "Harmon Rabb, Kevin Marsh, this is Justin McElroy." "Sir," Harm nodded, holding out his hand, Kevin following suit. "Come in guys. Casey is not quite ready. She's fussing with her hair. You'd think it was prom night and I'm no help. Then Heather offered, Casey yelled at her and burst out crying, which Heather took total exception to and left in a huff." "Sounds like the day I had in court," Mac sighed. "Should I go talk to her?" "Would you please," Justin begged, putting a light hand to her back as they walked to the stairs, an action which immediately caught Harm's attention and he responded with a scowl, not unnoticed by Kevin, who pulled on Harm's sleeve to get him to lean down. "That guy is touching your woman," Kevin hissed. "Yeah so I see" Harm sighed. "Aren't you going to do something about it?" Kevin demanded. "Not like you think" Harm said with a small smile. "Remember what I said about fighting?" "Yeah but that's your woman. You can't let him do that." "I can since she doesn't know she's my woman" Harm sighed again. "Casey Mac is here," Justin said as he knocked on her bedroom door. "Open up." "Is she really here?" Casey yelled. "Casey I'm here" Mac called. "Open the door honey. Harm and Kevin are waiting for us." The lock clicked open and Mac gave Justin a small smile before heading into Casey's room. "You ready for our night out?" Mac asked. "No" Casey pouted. "My hair didn't come out right and then Heather stuck her big nose where it didn't belong and now the whole night is ruined." "I think your hair looks just fine," Mac said as she sat down on the edge of the bed near where Casey was lying. "You're just saying that" Casey sniffled. "No I'm not. You look very pretty. Now why did you get all upset when Heather tried to help you?" "I don't like her and I don't want her in my life." "Honey if she's in your Dad's life she's going to have to be in yours some." "It's not fair" Casey wailed. "Why couldn't Dad meet someone like you instead of her? You're nice and smart and pretty too." "He met Heather and he likes her. And I don't see what is so awful about her." "I don't like her." "That explains it" Mac said with a wry smile. "Look why don't we forget about Heather for tonight. Kevin and Harm are waiting and we're going to miss the movie if we don't get going." "Are you sure I look okay?" Casey asked as she wiped her face. "You look perfect. And we're going to have fun tonight and forget all about everything else. Okay?" Casey nodded a few minutes later they emerged and headed downstairs to meet the others. "Casey this is my Harm and Kevin" Mac smiled as she introduced them. "Nice to meet you Casey" Harm said with a flash of his Flyboy smile. "You ready to go?" "What time will you be home?" Justin asked as he followed the group to the door. "Eleven" Mac replied as she looked at Harm who nodded. "Okay. I'm going to go out but Casey has a key in case I'm not back in time. I should be but if I'm not would you mind staying with her until I get back?" "Of course not" Mac answered at once. "I'd be happy to." "Hopefully Heather won't be as upset by then" Justin said with a small smile before turning to his daughter. "Have a good time honey. I'll see you later." "Bye Daddy" she said before walking out, Kevin following after her. "Now what did I do?" Justin sighed. "I think it was the part about Heather" Mac smiled. "But I'll see what I can do." "Thanks. I appreciate it. Nice meeting you Harm." "You too" Harm smiled politely. "You don't like him do you?" Mac whispered as she and Harm headed to the car. "Did I say that?" "You didn't have to" she smiled. "I know you too well Rabb." "I don't know him enough to dislike him. And being Casey's dad I would try not to anyway but he did seem just a little too quick with his hands. . well hand." Mac stopped short at that. "What the hell are you talking about?" "This," he replied at once, splaying his hand across her lower back. "To me that's a pretty intimate gesture." "Oh good lord I hardly noticed. He was just walking me to the steps," she groaned. "He's seeing someone Harm, and the fact that he's going to go after her now would indicate she's pretty important to him." "And if he wasn't?" "I do not believe we're having this conversation. If he wasn't, I still wouldn't be interested." She ran a quick hand down his arm. "I've got a Flyboy on my plate right now and I can assure you, that's all I can handle." With that she walked briskly away to the SUV, leaving him with his mouth open. "Mac what were you and Harm talking about?" Casey questioned at once. "You guys aren't fighting are you? It was bad enough with Heather and Dad." "We are not fighting," she replied quickly. "I came from a family where that was the norm in fact, and I wouldn't except in total privacy." "My mom threw a slipper at Daunte earlier and then she started crying," Kevin sighed. "And instead of throwing it back, he hugged her. Go figure." "Harm will explain that to you," Mac smiled, giving the man in her life a quick nod when he got to the SUV. "What will Harm explain and please god don't let it have anything to do with men, women or babies." "Sorry Sailor, it's got to do with all that." "I was just saying mom threw a slipper at Daunte and he didn't throw it back. He gave her a hug instead," Kevin sighed. "I guess he loves her." "I'd say that's a pretty good bet," Harm nodded. "OK Harry Potter right?" "And pizza," Kevin and Casey both yelped. By the time Harm had driven them to the mall, the two kids were chattering like old friends about parents and schools and Harm looked at Mac and smiled. "They could be ours," he whispered. "Well yeah except neither of them looks like us," she giggled. "And I'm not even going to comment that Harmon Rabb, fighter pilot, is seeing a Harry Potter movie. I'll have to loan you my books so you can catch up with the story." "And Colonel Fighting Marine reads Harry Potter?" he screeched. "I like the paranormal and witchcraft stuff," she smiled. "They're well written and entertaining and they help me fall asleep." "You need a man to help you do that," Casey laughed. "Someone to curl up and have him hold you and tell you you're the best thing that ever happened to him and how he's never going to leave you." Mac leveled her gaze at the young girl. "OK what have you been reading. . .or watching?" "Passions of course," she laughed. "All of us run home from school and turn it on, and get on the phone and talk about it." "My mom does the same thing with her friend Julia, but they talk about All My Children and some idiot named Edmund who used to be in love with Maria who got amnesia so then he was with Brooke and now. . ." "Getting a headache here," Harm groaned, pushing them both ahead into the theater lobby. Casey and Kevin skipped ahead up the steps of the stadium-seating theater and at once made themselves at home in the center of a row. "You guys sit behind us. That way if you want to do kissy stuff we don't have to see it," Kevin pointed. "Oh please," Casey sighed. "What oh please," Kevin screeched. "They're great together. You think she should be with your dad?" "I think she could give it a chance," she retorted. "I am entitled to my opinion aren't I? "Yeah but Mac's his girl. He's in love with her." "He told you that?" Casey demanded. "He didn't have to tell me" Kevin scoffed. "It's written all over his face. Don't you see the way he looks at her? That's a man in love." "And you know this how?" Casey laughed. "I just do. Trust me men know these things." "Well she did say they've kissed before" Casey said thoughtfully. "And when she talks about him she gets a sort of dreamy look on her face." "See I told you." "Well she could still give Dad a chance. They have a lot in common you know." "Not as much as her and Harm do. They got history." She turned around in her seat just long enough to see Mac's head now resting against Harm's shoulder, a contented look on her face. "Okay so maybe they do look good together" Casey conceded. "But that doesn't mean her and Dad wouldn't work. I'd love to have Mac as my stepmom." "Well I'd love to have Harm as my stepdad" Kevin smiled. "But that ain't going to happen so I'm happy having him for a Big Brother." "If you knew Heather you'd understand why I want Mac instead" Casey sighed. "Sounds like Daunte. We'll have to trade stories after the movie." The lights in the theatre dimmed and for the next two hours and forty-one minutes they sat entranced by the movie. When it was finally over, they turned around to see Mac settled comfortably against Harm. "So did you like it?" Harm asked as the two kids joined them. "Yeah it was pretty cool" Kevin nodded. "We going to get pizza now? I'm starving." "Pizza it is" Harm smiled. "Everything okay?" Mac asked Casey as she and the young girl trailed behind Harm and Kevin. "You have a good time?" "Oh yeah. Kevin's pretty cool. I like him." "And Harm?" Mac prodded. "Okay he's really cute and I can see why you like him" Casey sighed. "I mean, compared to Dad he's like totally hot." "That's not why I like Harm Casey. He's my best friend and he's one of the few people in the world who knows everything about me. I can talk to him about anything." "Dad's really easy to talk to." "Honey I know you don't want your Dad with Heather" Mac said gently. "But that's not your decision. It's his." "I know" Casey sighed. "But it would be so cool to have you for a stepmom instead of her." "Will you settle for me just being your Big Sister?" Mac asked. "Yeah I can." "And will you give Harm a chance. He's really a nice guy and I do like him a lot." "Kevin said Harm's in love with you." "He did? Did Harm tell him that?" "No. That's just what Kevin thinks. Course he's a guy so what does he know?" "True" Mac smiled. "So are you okay with everything?" "Yeah I guess so. But that doesn't mean I can't stop dreaming that one day you and Dad will fall in love and get married and you'll be my Mom." "Casey" Mac sighed. "Okay I know. Dad's in love with Heather and you're in love with Harm. But that could change right?" "It could" Mac said with a small smile. "But I wouldn't count on it." They had pizza had a local pizza shop, Kevin and Casey monopolizing the conversation with stories of the evil step parents-to-be. "Were you this bad?" Mac smiled as she and Harm leaned back in the booth while Kevin and Casey went to play a video game. "About Frank? Oh yeah. Probably worse actually. But I know how they feel. It's not easy when you're that age to have someone come waltzing into your life and take over for someone you lost." "Casey's having an especially hard time with Heather" Mac said softly. "I'm not sure how to help her see that she isn't that evil." "I could try talking to her if you want" Harm offered. "I'm not sure that would work." "She doesn't like me does she?" "It's not that she doesn't like you. It's just that she has this idea that I'd be the perfect stepmom for her." "Yeah well she'd best get that out of her pretty little head P D Q," he growled with more intensity than he intended. "And do you have other plans for me?" she laughed, shaking her head. "Well I. . .yeah I. . .of course I don't. . ." Harm stammered, suddenly not on solid footing. "Relax Flyboy, I'm just messing with you," she laughed again. "You are so easy." "Give the old guy a break will you," he begged plaintively. "This is all pretty new you know. I mean I tried with Josh this same type thing and I crashed and burned." "And with Annie?" she could not help the jibe. "Only because of Josh," he admitted with unusual candidness. "I was trying real hard with him. And she was part of the package." Over at the bank of video games, Kevin nudged Casey. "See how good they look together." "Yeah OK OK," she growled grudgingly. "But her and my dad would get along great too. They just haven't had a chance. I mean how they can even be alone together once with me, Harm, Heather--all of us hanging around." He shook his head in disgust. "Give it up girl. These two have it bad for each other, and if you like Mac, you don't want her mad at you for getting between her and Harm." "You wouldn't talk if you were looking at maybe Heather being your stepmother," she hissed almost tearfully. "OK that's fair," he nodded. "You need a kleenex?" "No. I need you to move and let me show you how that game is played." ======== "Honey I guess we should round up the children and get them home to bed," Harm mimicked. "Then you and I can talk about the. . .hmmmm, what do old married people talk about anyway?" "Guess we'll have to ask Harriet and Bud," she laughed, shaking her head at his tone. "Get the kids. I'll take care of the check." "Whoa I like you more and more," he grinned. They dropped Kevin first, Harm walking him to his door where Daunte came down to greet them. "Hi," Kevin greeted him quietly and then turned to Harm. "I had a great time. Promise we'll do the camping. Please." "We have to make sure we have a good weekend but yeah we will. I don't make promises I don't keep." "Thanks. And for tonight too." Kevin held out his closed fist for Harm to touch the same to and a second later had fled up the stairs. "Hello Mr. Jones. Harm Rabb," Harm smiled, holding out his hand normally for the man. "Mr. Rabb," Daunte nodded. "My stepson has taken a real liking to you. And while he's still a handful, I swear I'm beginning to see a little change in him. A little more willingness to accept direction if you will. I'm obviously new at this fathering stuff." "Call me Harm please. And hey, you kind of just take each day as it comes I think. And at the risk of you pounding me, I'm going to suggest that--speaking purely from the point of view of having been a stepson--if you throttle back a little and give the boy a little credit for common sense and knowing his own mind, you might find a common ground, where you can at least respect each other." "Thanks," Daunte nodded. "Sometimes with Natalie pregnant, and now having problems, well it can be a little much." "I have no doubt," Harm agreed. "When we take Kevin camping, take her someplace for the weekend if you can manage it." "Now that's an idea," he said enthusiastically. "We didn't even get but a weekend to honeymoon." ================== "Looks like Kevin's stepdad and Harm are hitting it off OK," Casey sighed, watching from the driveway. "Better than you and my dad even." Mac smiled and put a gentle hand on her arm. "Honey I like your dad. He's a nice guy and he obviously cares a lot about you. But please, for your own sake, don't make more of that than there is." "OK," she muttered. "But if we go back there and Heather is there, or if he's not which means he's at her place, I'm going to croak." The house was dark as Harm pulled up a short time later and Casey let out a long sigh. "Well I guess I know where he's at. Who knows when he'll be back." "He doesn't leave you alone when he goes over there does he?" Mac asked as she and Harm followed Casey to the door. "No he usually gets Mrs. Mueller to stay with me" Casey sighed. "She lives a few doors down. I keep telling him I don't need a baby-sitter any more." "Well you're not that grown up yet" Mac countered. "You have your key right?" Casey nodded and pulled out her key and moments later they stepped inside the house. "You know you don't have stay" Casey sighed as she sank down into the large chair in the living room. "I'm sure he'll be home soon." "We told your Dad we'd stay and we will" Mac informed her. "All right. Can we see if there's any good movies on cable?" "Sure. As long as it's PG and not R." "No fun" Casey frowned as Harm and Mac settled on the sofa. "So did you have fun tonight?" Harm asked. "Yeah Kevin's pretty cool. I like him. I can't wait to go camping. Can we ask Dad if he wants to come?" "Yeah sure" Harm said slowly. "He's more than welcome to come." "I'll ask him. He might want to get away from Heather for a weekend. Hopefully he's breaking up with her as we speak." Her wish was not granted as Justin returned a short time later, his smiling face telling her that wasn't the case. "Sorry I'm late. Heather and I were making up." "Barf" Casey groaned. "Did you have to tell me that?" "Yes. She's going to be a part of my life and you're just going to have to get used to that. She's coming over tomorrow and hopefully we can try and get along." "Yeah whatever" Casey sighed. "Thanks for staying with her" Justin said as Harm and Mac rose from the sofa. "I appreciate it." "No problem" Mac assured him. "We had a fun time tonight and we didn't mind staying." "We're making plans to go camping" Casey smiled. "You want to come with us Daddy?" "Me camping" Justin laughed. "I don't think so honey. I'm not into the outdoors like that." "Have you ever tried it?" Casey countered. "Once when I was your age and no I don't want to again. But I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with Harm and Mac and Kevin." "It would be more fun if you came." "Not for me" Justin smiled. "I'm just not into sleeping on the ground in a tent. I'm much happier with my bed and TV thank you." "But Daddy" Casey whined. "Honey I'm sorry but I'm not going with you. And now I'm sure Harm and Mac would like to get home so let's say goodnight and then it's bed time for you." "Night Mac" Casey pouted. "Night Harm." "I hope I get more than just that" Mac smiled. "How about a good night hug?" Casey nodded and wrapped her arms around Mac. "Thanks. I had fun tonight." "So did I. And we'll have even more fun on our camping trip." "Thanks again for staying with her" Justin said as he led Harm and Mac to the door. "If you ever need a baby sitter, just give me a call" Mac replied. "I'd be happy to come over and stay with her instead of a sitter. That way she won't feel like she's being treated like a child." "Thanks. I may take you up on that." "Please do," Mac reiterated. "I can come here, or if you've got plans, she can come stay at the apartment." "Thanks. And I want you to come to dinner again real soon." Casey's ears perked up at once and her face brightened, until a second later her father added. "You too Harm." "I'm going to bed," Casey moaned, her eyes rolling just ahead of her stomping up the steps. "I'm sorry," Justin sighed. "Hey don't be," Harm spoke up. "She's a great kid, and she's been through a lot." Justin guided them to the door, nodding sadly. "Thanks. Mac you think you and I could have lunch one day in the next couple of days? I think I need some help here. I feel like I'm over my head and I could use a little advice." "Whoa hey I'm no parent," she protested, feeling Harm's gaze on her without looking back at him. "I know. You're better. You're a friend." "Sure. Of course we can," she nodded. "Just give my office or my cell a call. Good night." "Good night both of you and thanks again. For everything." ============ "You're pouting," Mac observed when they were about half way back to her place. "Am not." "Are too." "Am not. Don't flatter yourself so much Colonel. You want to have lunch with the man, you want to go out with the guy, you want to wear his ring, by all means." Harm let his words pour forth, and Mac remained silent. There was a lot she could say, none of it that would help the situation right then. With no more words between them, he parked in front of her building. "I'll walk you up," he told her. "No not needed," she said quietly. "Good night." "Mac I. . " he tried and she paused in the open door. "Good night I guess" was all he could add. "See you at JAG," she responded and walked inside. His words had stung, and she was determined not to compound the tension by flinging back words of her own. In the parking lot Harm watched until she saw her light go on, letting out a small sigh of relief and then pounding the steering wheel with his fist. "Rabb you do know how to be a jerk. Not just a jerk, but a world class jerk." ************* Saturday Morning Mac had just slipped out of the shower and into some sweats and sweatshirt when she heard her doorbell ring. With a sigh she headed to the door, afraid of who might be at her door on a Saturday morning. She looked out the peephole and a small smile crossed her face. There stood Harm, juggling a bag from the local bakery in one hand, two Styrofoam coffee cups and a small bouquet of flowers. "I come bearing breakfast and an apology," he said softly when she finally opened the door. "What if I just want the breakfast?" she asked as she motioned for him to come inside. "I'll understand. I was a jerk last night and you have every right to tell me to get lost." "You were" she agreed. "And I should." "But you won't because I have food and flowers" he smiled. "Right?" "Depends on the apology I hear." "Mac I'm sorry. I was jealous last night. And maybe a little annoyed that Casey doesn't like me and thinks you belong with Justin." "Harm she's a pre-teenager. You can't take everything she says and does seriously. And I'm sure once she gets to know you; she'll be fine with you. Right now she has this idea that her father and me would be perfect together. But that's only because she wants me as her stepmom instead of Heather." "I know. But at the same time I guess I didn't like that Justin was so chummy with you." "The hand on the back thing" she laughed. "Harm that was nothing. You overreacted." "Okay maybe I did. And I'm sorry. But I thought that. . .well. . .that we were starting to work on something here." "We are" she smiled. "And Justin McElroy is no threat to you whatsoever. And Casey will eventually see that me and her father isn't going to happen and she'll drop the whole thing." "I hope so. I like her and I don't want her to dislike me. She seemed to get along really well with Kevin and I'd like to get them together again." "Give her time. She'll warm up to you eventually." "So am I forgiven?" he asked. "You're forgiven cause whatever's in that bag smells wonderful" she grinned. "And so does that coffee." "What about the roses?" he asked as he handed her the small bouquet. "Those helped. I assume there's enough Danish for both of us?" "Unless you're hungrier than I thought" he smiled. "In which case they're all yours." "I'll share. You were kind enough to get up early and get them for me." "Well it wasn't like I slept much last night" he sighed as he followed her into the kitchen. "All I could think about was what a jerk I was to you. And while I'm apologizing I need to apologize for what I said last night too. That comment about the ring was out of line and I'm sorry." "You know that's what upset me the most," she said as they sat down. "Cause I know you weren't talking about Justin." "I know. And I was just letting off steam and as usual I opened my big mouth without thinking. And I'm sorry." "Apology accepted," she said softly. "So we're okay?" he asked. "We're okay" she nodded. "I was worried." "Harm we're past the point where we can't have a little bump in the road and get over it. Aren't we?" "Oh yeah I hope so," he breathed in relief. "And I'm going to try a helluva lot not to let Justin McElroy bother me so much." "He's Casey's dad Harm. That's all he means to me. That's all he's going to mean to me." "When I left for the Henry Mic Brumby was just a co-worker," he pouted, letting a little of a past resentment show. "Of course I guess one could say by leaving I failed to protect my interests." "Yeah one could say that," she laughed. "And while you were gone I made a determined effort to get my life and my career together, and Mic was there for that. He was a good listener and a source of support and a good friend." "And good in bed." Harm could not resist the jab. "No. Not then," she said firmly. "Not until Australia. Not until the man I loved and wanted didn't want me. Which is not an excuse but it is what happened." "He did want you," Harm sighed. "He wanted you. . .OK hold up. Loved? You said loved?" "I. . .no I didn't. No I did not," she gasped, her hand to her mouth and she turned pink almost at once. "I did not say that." "Oh yes you did. Yes you did," he gloated. "But I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt this time and let you off the hook. For now." "Harm, I. . .thanks. Things are good with us now. We need to be careful." Her eyes begged his understanding even as she felt the heat glow from her cheeks. "Does the counselor wish to return to this line of testimony at a later date?" "The counselor very much does. And thank you." Her eyes held his gaze and for a long several seconds a hundred words hurtled between them. "We're OK Harm. We're very OK." His sigh of relief was long and loud. "Good. That's out of the way. Now what should we do on this beautiful Saturday?" "Are you envisioning us spending the day together?" "You damn right I am. Now what would you like to do?" She leveled her gaze directly at him once more. "Drive to Williamsburg, walk around the streets holding hands and watch the craftsmen work, and then eat some good food at the Inn. What if any part of that are you up for Flyboy?" Before he could answer her phone rang and with a sigh she headed over to answer it. "Colonel Mackenzie" "Colonel you wouldn't by any chance have seen your partner this morning?" "He's standing right here sir" she smiled. "Did you need to talk to him?" Harm groaned and took the phone from her. "Admiral how are you?" "Much better now that I've tracked you down. Sorry to interrupt your weekend but there's been an accident on the Henry and I need you out there ASAP." "Of course sir. When and what time?" "Andrews in two hours if you can make it." "What about Mac?" he asked as he looked over at her. "You'll be flying solo on this one" AJ replied. "I need Mac to handle the Evanston case." "Understood sir. I guess I'll see you when I get back." He hung and gave Mac a small smile. "Can I get a rain check on Williamsburg? I have to go to the Henry." "Of course. I'm sorry you have to go. But we can do it another time." "Good. I'll be looking forward to it when I get back. Along with our camping trip with the kids." "Me too. In fact if you want I'll start scoping out the areas and find us a good area for hiking and camping up in the mountains." "Sounds great. And I hate to run but I have to be at Andrews in two hours. But at least we got to make up before I left." "Can I get a kiss to go with that before you go?" she smiled. "Since it's suppose to be kiss and make up." "Anytime" he whispered before drawing him into his arms and giving her a long and meaningful kiss. "I think I like fighting" she smiled when they parted. "Cause the making up part is pretty nice." "Yes it is" he agreed. "And I'd better run." "Take care sailor. Give me a call if you get a chance and let me know how it's going out there." "I will. See yah later." He was gone before she could say anything else and she dropped to the sofa with a long sigh. She'd really been looking forward to spending the day with him. But there would be time when he got back. It wasn't but an hour later that her phone rang again and this time she was surprised to hear the voice of Justin McElroy. "Sarah I'm so sorry to bother you" he sighed. "Would you possibly mind coming over and spending the day with Casey?" "Of course not. Is anything wrong?" "Nothing except Heather called this morning and Casey told her a bunch of lies before I got to the phone. Now Heather's all upset and I want to go talk to her and get stuff ironed out." "What did Casey tell her?" Mac frowned. "That I really like you and it's just a matter of time before I send her packing" Justin sighed. "And of course Heather believed everything Casey said and now I need to try and explain that Casey is just saying these things to get her going." "I'm sorry. I'll be happy to come over and stay with Casey. And have a long talk with her while I'm at it." "I just don't understand her sometimes" Justin continued. "She has this vendetta against Heather that I just don't understand." "I'll talk to her. And I'll be over shortly." "Thanks Sarah. I really appreciate this." "I'm glad to do it. Tell her to get dressed and we'll go have Oreo Madness and talk." "I don't know what that is." "But she and I do and that's all that's important." ================ "Casey it's Mac," she called as she knocked at the door. The driveway was empty indicating Justin had already left. A moment later Casey opened the door and Mac knew at once she'd been crying. "Hi honey. Bad morning?" "My dad's pissed," she said softly. "And I hate to upset him, but at the same time I'm not going to let him cram Heather down my throat. She spent the night here Mac. That's just wrong. Then she left before I got up. Like she was trying to sneak out or something. I knew she was there. I heard them talking, and then I heard that crappy car of hers start up at dawn and it woke me up and I hadn't been asleep that long and so when she called and I picked up because Dad was in the shower I. . .I guess I wasn't very nice." Mac nodded, pulling the young girl into a quick hug. "OK we'll talk about that." She wiped her eyes and smiled. "Did you promise me an Oreo Madness?" "I did after you eat something a little more healthy, and before you get too excited, it's not a reward. It's just that we women can talk over chocolate like men talk over a drink." ================= TGI FRIDAY's "You want to tell me what you told Heather?" Mac asked gently as she twirled her spoon in the chocolate goo. "I just told her not to get too comfortable," she replied defiantly. "That Dad was interested in you and she was there only while you decided that Dad was worth your time instead of Harm." "You lied." "Not really." That same defiant tone. "Dad would be if you would just be more open to him." "Cassandra McElroy, give it up," she told her sternly. "And you have no right to mess up a chance for happiness for your dad if he does have feelings for Heather. Honey he misses your mom a lot, and he's using Heather to take up some of that loneliness. And as a veteran of many an evening in an empty apartment alone, I can tell you it's not fun." "He has me." "And he would be devastated without you but it's not the same. And if I tell you something can you take it maturely and not go off the deep end. Not make more of it than there is?" "Yeah I think so," she nodded uncertainly. "Well your dad asked me to meet him for lunch one day so we could talk about things," Mac said carefully, keeping her eyes locked with Casey's. "And it's just a lunch where two adults are going to talk. Got it?" "Yeah but I. . ." She caught Mac's stern gaze and nodded. "Got it." "And no more lying to Heather. You know what, ten years from now you're going to be gone from your home to college or career, and your dad deserves better than to rattle around a house alone because he devoted himself one hundred percent to your needs. He needs to have a life honey. Seriously now and this is getting to be an old subject. You need to give it up." "I'll try. You think I should just ignore Heather?" "I think you should find something you can like about her, be polite, and yeah, then ignore her." "I can try I guess. Can we stay out? We could go ice skating at the mall down the road. I mean it's not like you have Harm to get back to." "And thank you for cheering me up with that thought," Mac groaned. "How long is he going to be gone for?" Casey asked. "I don't know. We never know how long we're going to be when we go on an investigation. Hopefully he won't be gone long." "Well at least you're having lunch with Dad" Casey smiled. "It's not that kind of lunch young lady. So don't even go there." "Sorry. So are we going skating or what?" "Yeah we can" Mac nodded. "As long as you promise me you're going to behave. I'm serious about you letting go of me and your Dad being anything but friends. There is nothing there." "All right" Casey groaned. "I get the picture." "I hope so" Mac sighed. ******************** Three Days Later JAG HQ's Her phone was ringing as Mac made her way back from the break room and she hurried to grab it. "Colonel Mackenzie." "Hey partner. You miss me yet?" "Harm" she smiled as she sat down. "Of course I miss you. How's it going out there?" "Not fun. I'm meeting the wall of silence. No one wants to point any fingers at anyone since they're all doing twenty hour days out here and working their sixes off just to keep things going." "Sorry to hear that. I guess that means you'll be out there a little longer." "Unfortunately yes" he sighed. "Anything good going on there?" "Just the usual." "How's Casey and her father?" "They're both fine. In fact I'm having lunch with him today. And before you say a word it's to talk about Casey." "Was I going to say anything?" "Yes" she smiled. "But now you won't." "Why can't you just call him up and talk about Casey?" Harm countered. "Why do you need to have lunch?" "Because he offered and I'm not one to turn down a free lunch." "Well that's true. I've never known you to pass on a meal. But it's just to talk about Casey right?" "And probably Heather" Mac laughed. "I think he wants some advice." "Tell him to get her a ring." "You're too much Rabb" Mac giggled. "And I'm really glad you called." "Well try not to have too much fun with old Justin" Harm sighed. "I guess I'll talk to you later." "Never as much fun as I have with you" she said softly. "Bye Harm." ================ Two hours later she sat across the table from Justin at a local bistro near his office. "Thanks for meeting me" he smiled. "I hope you don't mind talking about Casey again." "Of course not. You know I'm willing to do anything I can to help." "And for that I am eternally grateful" he sighed. "I have to say you've made a big difference in her. Except when it comes to Heather." "I'm working on that" Mac assured him. "But it's not easy." "No it's not. Casey's a very stubborn young girl and when she gets something into her mind she doesn't let it go. Like thinking you and I should be together." "She told you that?" "Well yeah in so many words" Justin smiled. "I know Casey pretty well and I can read the little signs she gives. She likes you and she thinks you'd be a great replacement for her mother. Unlike Heather whom she detests." "I've tried to explain to her. . ." Mac started. "It's okay" Justin interrupted. "I can see why Casey likes you so much." "Thank you." Mac felt her cheeks inflame slightly under his intense look. No doubt Justin McElroy was a handsome man, and another time, another place. . .and most of all, had there never been an entity such as Harmon Rabb, she might have been interested. "And I'm trying to impress upon the girl that you are entitled to have a private life. Now can I suggest something to you?" "Does it involve drinks or dinner? Or drinks and dinner?" Mac was so startled she choked on the sip of ice tea she had just taken. "Excuse me?" "I uh. . .I was just fooling around," Justin stammered, taken aback by the sharpness of Mac's tone. "Yeah OK." Mac's tone still indicated her surprise and a note of skepticism besides. She cleared her throat and began again. "I was about to suggest that you not force Heather on Casey quite so much. You can see her, but maybe not have her at the house so much. If you back off just a bit, Casey might find that Heather grows on her." "Well she liked you right away." "Yeah but I didn't come attached to you," Mac smiled. "I did have another thought. And again, please take this like it's meant. Family counseling. You and Casey. And Heather too if she's to become a permanent part of your life." Justin scowled deeply. "No. I don't think so. There's the time factor; and the matter of telling my innermost thoughts to a stranger." "Well that's sort of what you're doing with me," Mac pointed out. "Yeah but you're someone I could get to know better. Some shrink no I don't think so," he almost cooed, and his hand went to her arm, which she carefully but firmly moved away. "Justin I need to get back to work and I'm sure you do too," she said firmly. "But do let me make something clear in case Casey hasn't. I'm involved, and very much so, and I'm not looking around for anyone else to be in my life." "Not even a little discreet daytime fun?" "Not even," she replied and with great effort keeping her voice calm and quiet, her eyes narrowing with sudden suspicion. "Did Casey tell you that I might be willing for you and me. . ." "Well I didn't just dream this up myself," Justin smiled, "but I'm sure not going to look down my nose at the possibility now that you and I have had some time together. You are a beautiful woman Sarah Mackenzie." Mac blushed despite her resolve. "Who is also very much committed elsewhere." She felt her heart lurch as she thought of Casey and how disappointed she was that the girl would do such a thing. "Time to get back to work. I'm sorry I wasn't much help." "Not at all. And we'll do this again I'm sure." "Not likely," Mac said firmly, dropping a $10 bill on the table for her lunch. "That's not necessary," Justin objected. "It is very necessary on the contrary," she replied. "This was a business lunch. The business of a young girl we both care about. Nothing more." =========== Mac was still muttering to herself about Justin when she stepped off the elevator. "Colonel oh good there you are" Tiner wailed when he saw her. "I've been looking all over for you." "Calm Tiner and tell me what's wrong." "There's been a bunch of calls for the Commander ma'am. First a young boy. And then a frantic woman called several times for the Commander. I told her he wasn't here but she said she needed to talk to him right away." "I know who the first one is" Mac sighed. "Kevin. Did you get the woman's name? And her number. I'll call her back and see if its something I can help with." "Thank you ma'am. She was just so distressed and I didn't know what else to do. I'll get you here name and number right away." She followed him to his desk and he handed her the slip of paper. "Natalie" Mac frowned. For a moment she wasn't sure who Natalie was and then she remembered Harm mentioning Kevin's Mom was named Natalie. First Kevin had called Harm and then a frantic Natalie had called. This couldn't be good. She walked back to her office and a moment later was on the phone with Natalie. "Hi this is Colonel Mackenzie. I'm good friends with Harm." "Oh yeah Kevin mentions you. The Marine. Please I need to speak to Harm right away. Kevin's run off on me." "I'm sorry Natalie. Harm's on a carrier in the middle of the Persian Gulf. Maybe I can help." "Only if you have an idea where Kevin might be" she sniffled. "He blew up at me again and he said he was running away. I figured he was just blowing off steam so I let him go. But then I called his friend Greg's house and he hasn't seen Kevin all day." "Kevin tried calling Harm earlier" Mac told her. "He might be trying to get to Harm." "So maybe he's coming there?" Natalie said hopefully. "That would be my guess. Or maybe even Harm's apartment. Why don't I look around and see if I can find him. If I do, I'll get him back to you." "Thank you so much. I know Harm is the only person who can deal with Kevin right now. All he talks about is Harm and how he wants to be just like him when he grows up except he wants to be a Marine like his father." "Harm and Kevin are good together" Mac agreed. "I've seen them together and I can tell you Harm really does care for Kevin. But I promise I'll get back to you when I find something out." "Thank you. I haven't called the police because quite frankly this isn't the first time Kevin has done this since his father died. And every time he's come back. But this time he was just so angry." "It's hard being their age. But I'm sure he's calmer by now and probably more scared than anything." "I hope so. I just want my son back please." Mac hung up and with a sigh headed to AJ's office, getting only as far as Tiner's desk. "Ma'am I just got a call from the guard outside. There's a young man here to see Commander Rabb. Says his name is Kevin." "I'll take care of that," she said with a sigh of relief. "Tell the guard I'll be right down." She headed outside where Kevin was now engaged in a long conversation with the Marine guard. "Mac" Kevin smiled when he saw her. "Where's Harm? I asked to see him." "Come inside and I'll tell you where Harm is." "He's not here?" The smile from Kevin's face immediately faded. "What do you mean he's not here." "Walk with me and I'll tell you where he is." He scowled slightly but followed Mac into the JAG building. "So where is he?" "Harm's on a carrier right now" Mac explained. "Handling an investigation. I don't know when he'll be back." "But he can't be gone" Kevin wailed. "I need him. I want to move in with him. Mom hates me and Daunte is a jerk so I'm left." "After my day with Justin I need this like I need an inflamed boil," Mac murmured, dropping a guiding hand on the boy's back. "Breathe Kevin. Calm slow deep breaths while we walk. And as soon as we get inside, we tell your mom where you are. How did you get here anyway? And please don't tell me you hitched." "The Toonerville Trolley of course." "Try again please." "The Metro," he screeched and pointed where through the trees the tracks could be made out. "Good grief I've known how to ride the Metro since I was eight. Used to take it to the Pentagon all the time and meet Dad for lunch when I had days off. All city kids know how." "OK." Mac gave a long sigh of relief and continued to guide him onto the elevator. The doors were just opening on the main floor when he let forth his next outburst. "Mac you and Harm are in love. What would be the problem with you guys getting married and me and Casey coming to live with you." "Kevin I never. . ." Mac began, only to have a totally familiar voice interrupt her. "Colonel answer the boy." Mac froze and came to attention, staring into the face of AJ, just awaiting the elevator himself. Kevin's eyes grew wide as he stared, having been around the military long enough to know an Admiral when he saw one. "Admiral. Sir," he gasped and stood stock-still. "Well don't just stand there the two of you. Introduce me to the lad. And then tell me about this wedding to which I haven't been invited." "Yes sir," Mac smiled and blushed at the same time. "Admiral Chegwidden, Kevin Marsh. Kevin is Harm's little brother in the Big Brother-Big Sister program and he's at the moment UA from home leaving behind a very scared mother who doesn't know where he is." "Permission to use the phone Mr. Marsh," AJ glowered and pointed. "Yes sir, right away sir," Kevin gulped and ran. "Now should we talk wedding," AJ smiled. "Uh. . .sir in that unlikely event, you'll be the first to know I promise. Meanwhile chalk it up please to the mind of an eleven year old." "OK. I can do that. For now. Seems like a good kid on the surface. His dad was military I bet." "Yes sir. A Marine at the Pentagon. Died in the attack sir." "Ah. Sounds like he's pretty attached to you and Mr. Rabb." "We've been enjoying him. There's a girl his age whom I'm paired-sistered-with. Her name is Casey. They're just typical eleven year olds sir. A little mixed up some days--a lot other days." "Why don't you straighten him out and if it's OK with his mother he can hang out here then," AJ approved. "Yes sir, thank you sir," Mac sighed. "Fortunately I'm not in court and I'll take my work home with me." "Yes you will." Mac walked over and dropped a heavy hand on Kevin's shoulder. "Let me speak to her when you're done." "I'm done now. Probably forever," he sighed, passing her the phone. "Can I at least get a last meal before the firing squad." Mac pointed to her office. "You go sit in there and wait for me." When he was gone she spoke into the receiver. "Hi Natalie. Sarah Mackenzie again. Unless you need him sooner, I'm going to hang on to him for a couple of hours and then I'll drive him home." With that arrangement secured, Mac strode into her office, noting that Kevin was sitting at attention. "OK Mr. Marsh you can relax. And start talking." "Do I have to?" he whined. "Yes. Otherwise I'm taking you to the firing squad right now." "All right. But it's not my fault. All I keep hearing about is this stupid baby. I swear Mom doesn't even care about me anymore she so wrapped up in this dumb baby. Anyway I got into trouble at school again and she went off on me." "Okay back up. What kind of trouble?" "I got in a fight again," he admitted. "And when I told Mom she said she wasn't going to let me go on the camping trip. So I went ballistic on her. I've been looking forward to this trip since Harm first mentioned it and now she's trying to take it away from me." "Well you did get in trouble at school" Mac countered. "Okay. But she didn't have to take away my trip. That's not fair. And Daunte agreed with her and I told him he was a big jerk and I didn't care what he thought." "Kevin that's no way to talk to your Mom and your stepdad. I don't think I have to tell you that." "But it's not fair" Kevin wailed. "I want to go camping with you guys. If I can't I'm going to run away and no one will ever see me." "Okay let's chill" Mac sighed. "No one is running away. We'll work something out." "If Harm were here he could talk to Mom. And she'd listen to him. But he's not. He's out on some stupid ship." "How about I give it a try? Maybe if you agree to some other form of punishment she'll let you go camping." "Yeah sure" he sniffled. "But I don't think it will help." "It might. And how about I get Harm on the phone so you can talk to him. Maybe that would help a little." "No" Kevin said stubbornly. "I don't wanna talk to him. He said he'd be here whenever I needed him and he's not." "Kevin Harm has a duty to the Navy. And part of that duty is going wherever they ask him to go whenever. He can't always be here for you." "Then I don't want him for a Big Brother." "You know he'd be really upset if he heard you say that" Mac said quietly. "Cause he really likes being your Big Brother. You know this camping trip means at much to him as it does to you." "I don't care about the camping trip anymore" Kevin retorted and Mac let out a long sigh. Eleven-year-olds could be so impossible to deal with. One minute they wanted one thing, the next something different. "So you don't want me to talk to your Mom about letting you go then?" she asked. "Well it might be fun. At least I like you and Casey. And I do want to go camping." "Harm will be there too" Mac reminded him. "Doesn't mean I have to talk to him." "Kevin you're not being fair here. Harm didn't choose to go to the carrier. He was ordered there by his CO. You understand how that works right? He gets and order and he has to follow it." "Yeah I suppose" Kevin sighed. "But why did he have to go? Why didn't you go?" "Because Harm's a pilot and he was sent to investigate a mishap involving aircraft on board the ship. They needed his expertise." "Well I needed him too." "I know" Mac smiled. "But you understand why he's not here. And it's not his fault. He didn't skip out on you. And I did offer to call him if you really wanted to talk to him." "No. I'm sure he's busy." "I'm sure he wouldn't mind talking to you either. But when I talk to him I'm going to tell him what happened. And I know he'll call you then." "He'll probably yell at me too." "Has Harm ever yelled at you?" Mac asked. "No. But he told me not to get in anymore fights so I'm sure he'll be mad at me for getting in trouble." "No he won't. He'll just want to know why you're still getting in fights at school." "It's because the other kids are jerks that's why." Before she could answer her phone rang. "Hold that thought" she said to Kevin before grabbing it. "Colonel Mackenzie." "Well at least you didn't run off with Justin." "Harm" she smiled. "You have no idea how glad I am to hear from you again. You would not believe how the rest of the day has gone since I talked to you." "Well while I'm still awake tell me." "I'd love to whine to you believe me," she sighed and looked to Kevin. "But there's a more pressing matter sitting in my interview chair. It seems like young Mr. Marsh is UA from home and he made his way out here on the Metro. Now I'm going to take him home as soon as I can get away from here, but his mom has told him he can't do the camping trip after this little stunt." "Oh I see," Harm groaned. "God this kid could be me. OK I'll talk to him. But the good news here is it looks like the case is wrapping and I should be home in about forty-eight." "Oh I'm glad," she breathed, with more sincerity than she actually intended to reveal. Her mind had many times gone over the conversation they had been struggling through just before the carrier assignment call came and it was heavy in her thoughts. "Me too. Glad that is," he said. "And I've got about five minutes here so let me yell at young Mr. Marsh." "Harm you need to rephrase that," she offered quietly. "Right now that's not what he needs." "Ah OK," he replied. "Uh. . .he's not real happy with me is he." "Not right now," she confirmed. "And it's not really something to get into on the phone in five minutes anyway." She was aware of Kevin's gaze on her and she nodded. "Harm, Kevin wants to say hello, and then I'll see him safely home soon as I get away." "OK, and speaking of safe, you be careful. You know his neighborhood is like mine and I worry." "Yes you do and that's sweet but I'll be fine. Here's Kevin." The boy took the phone but said nothing until Harm called his name three times. "Yeah, uh. . .I mean Harm sir hi," he finally managed. "And yes I am in trouble and I know it and I'm not all that sorry. I was just standing up for myself." "Another fight?" "Yes sir. And I got three days in-school." "Excuse me?" "Suspension. Three days locked in a room with only time off for the head," he sighed. "Doing assigned work and if it's not finished I won't get off the gig." "Understand totally. And I think you can handle it. I've certainly stood my share of punishments. Even at the Academy. It's what you do afterward that counts. And son, you've got to stop giving your mother grief. She doesn't deserve that from you. And your father wouldn't be real thrilled with you either. Am I right?" "Yes sir," Kevin sighed. "It's so easy to see all that now, but not easy to walk away from someone who's being a total ass." Harm laughed lightly hearing that. "Listen I've got stories about having to do that around a man named Brumby that would. . .and I've got to go. You and Mac talk to your mom about the camping, but remember, a man--and a Marine--accepts his punishment. Says yes ma'am and keeps on marching." "Yes sir. I know. Say goodbye to Mac. She loves you remember." Mac blushed bright red as she took the phone. "Harm I didn't put him up to that. Honest." "Right sure," he teased. "I do have to go. You guys take care and I'll see you soon." "We will, and you do the same Sailor," she sighed, hearing him disconnect and holding to the phone for a long minute before looking to Kevin. "OK you may as well make yourself useful. See those folders over there on that table. They need to have the papers inside them neatly stacked and then put in alphabetical order so the filing fairy can swoop down sometime in my lifetime and get them put away." "Yes ma'am. That should keep me out of trouble ma'am." "That's the idea." ================== Kevin was quiet as they left Falls Church, crawling along with the Beltway traffic to his home in the northeastern section of D.C. "I could have taken the Metro," he finally murmured, and when she looked over at him, noticed he had pressed two fingers to each temple and was rubbing his eyes. "That's not what I promised your mother. And you don't look like you feel well. Headache?" "Yeah. Yes ma'am. I get them this time of the day sometimes. More often though I wake up with them. Of course Daunte just says I'm looking to ditch school and to get my ass in gear." "You don't look like you're making this up" Mac frowned. "No ma'am I don't. But Daunte thinks I am. And then he tells Mom that and she doesn't believe me when I say it really hurts." "How often do you get these?" "I don't know" he shrugged. Mac made a mental note to mention this to Harm but said nothing else as Kevin leaned back in the seat. Finally they reached his house and he let out a long sigh as she pulled into the drive. "I guess I have to face the firing squad." "Well I'm coming with you so that should help" Mac said with a small smile. "Because I want to make sure you can still come on that camping trip. But you know you're going to have be on good behavior for that to happen." He nodded and together they made their way to the door. "Kevin thank god" Natalie sighed as she opened the door. "Don't you ever scare me like that again." "Sorry ma'am" he said quietly. "And I know you want to yell but can we save it for later." "He's not feeling good" Mac explained. "Another headache?" Natalie frowned and Kevin nodded. "Can I just go to my room and you can figure out my punishment later?" he asked. "Well we will talk about this" Natalie assured him. "But go on and lay down." "Thanks Mac" Kevin said as he looked up at her. "Sorry I ruined your day." "You didn't," she said as she gave his shoulder a quick squeeze. "Everything is going to be fine." He nodded and walked to the bedroom and Natalie looked at Mac with a long sigh. "I'm sorry about this. I don't know what's come over him lately." "It's okay. I'm just glad he was okay." "He's having such a hard time. I honestly don't know what to do with him sometimes." "We'd like to still take him on the camping trip" Mac said quietly. "I know he's been acting up but Harm and I both think if we had some time alone with him it might help." "You think it would? I'd be glad for any help I could get with him. I feel like I'm losing control of him more and more." "We do. If you let us take him." "All right. I'll figure out some other punishment for his running away. To be truthful I'm just glad he's okay. He had me scared to death." "Something you don't need to be in your condition" Mac smiled. "How long before the baby comes?" "Just a matter of weeks" Natalie said with a small smile. "And trust me I am already to deliver." "Well we'll try and keep Kevin a little more on track for you. Hopefully this camping trip will help." **************** Nine Days Later "Marine there is way too much stuff in this SUV" Harm laughed as Mac threw one more bag into his vehicle. "I thought we were just going camping." "We are but you still have to be prepared" she smiled. "And it's not like Kevin or Casey had their own gear." "Have I mentioned how much I'm looking forward to spending some time under the stars with you again" he grinned. "Without the missiles it might be real nice" she laughed. "Course we do have to remember we have two kids with us too. Who probably won't give us a moment's peace." "I'll make it up to you another time" he said softly. "Maybe next time we'll get one of those cabins with all the comforts like hot tubs and fireplaces." "I'd like that" she smiled. "Very much." "Good. As long as we survive this weekend we'll do it soon. I promise." "We'll survive. How hard can camping with two kids be?" "As long as Kevin doesn't run off on us we'll be fine. And I hope you've gotten Casey straight about you and her father." She opened her mouth and promptly closed it, remembering she'd never told Harm about her encounter with Justin at lunch the week before. "I'm sure she is," she said finally. "And I'm ready whenever you are." "Well I hope they have small bags because not another thing is going in that cargo hold," he declared. "Honestly we're not going on safari here." They started off for Kevin's place, and then would pick up Casey on the other side of the bridge, heading for the Virginia-West Virginia line. "You never did say how your lunch went with Justin," Harm realized, returning to the topic which they had started to talk about. "In fact you haven't mentioned him all week." "It went OK," she replied casually, distracted by the list she was holding and checking off items. "I made it clear there was nothing going to happen between us and that's how we left. . ." Not until she heard her own words did she realize she had broken her resolve to keep that train wreck of a lunch to herself. "Anyway it went fine," she tried lamely, seeing Harm's eyes narrow suspiciously. "You want to tell me why you had to make that clear to him, in addition to Casey. Now please." "Harm was that an order?" "No. It was a demand. So if he tried something with you, I have a motive I can give the police when I'm arrested for his assault." "He made me an offer," she said sheepishly. "An offer which I think Casey in a roundabout way probably encouraged. Anyway Big Brother, he did not touch me. It was all verbal innuendo and I told him a flat no way in hell." "But that's what you were so bothered about when I called you that day. Well that and Kevin," "Yeah it did upset me a little, but anger was a big part of that," she admitted. "I have no respect for a man who has a relationship and wants a little on the side as well." "He didn't touch you?" "In the middle of a lunch time restaurant crowd? Harm get real. No of course not. And I'm pretty over it. And I don't want you to say anything to him. It's done." "I'll think about that on one condition. That you promise me you'll never be alone with the guy." "OK done," she agreed at once, letting out a sigh of relief. The last thing she wanted was for Harm to make a scene and upset Casey. "Are you going to mention to Casey about encouraging the jerk. . .uh sorry, her dad?" "Yeah just to let her know I know what she did and that I'm disturbed by it. After that she's smart enough to know it was wrong." "OK. Just remember your promise." They reached Kevin's home and walked up together, Harm ringing the bell. "Natalie hi," he greeted her. "You're looking like it's any minute. How are you feeling?" "Like this pregnancy thing is a young woman's game," she sighed. "And Daunte is already talking about another one. Though when he sees how hard it is as they get older, witness Kevin, then I'm not so sure." "Well you let me know if I can help in any way," Mac smiled. "Is Kevin ready?" "Yeah he's just getting dressed," Natalie nodded. "I wasn't sure he was going to make it. He woke up with a big headache this morning. But he swears he's OK." Mac bit her lower lip and looked to Harm. "Remember I mentioned that he'd told me about the headaches?" "Yeah I do," he frowned. "Natalie have you taken him to be looked at?" "Actually no," she admitted. "It's all I can do to get myself to the doctor. I'm still working too because I don't have a lot of sick time and I'm saving it for after. I just don't know what to think. Daunte of course thinks that it's either all in his head or that he's doing the whole leave me alone I have a headache thing. And sometimes I do agree with him when Kevin can't help with the dishes because he has one, but a half hour later, he's in front of the TV playing a video game or on his computer." "Well I do think a check up wouldn't hurt," Harm persisted. "They could rule out anything serious, and give him something to ease the pain besides." "Yeah I'll see how it goes," she replied noncommittally, nodding upward at the sound of a door slamming. "Kevin time to go." "YES," he squealed, pounding down the steps, duffel bag over his shoulder. "Kevin are you feeling OK?" Harm demanded at once. "Your mom said you had a bad headache." "Ma. . .please don't mess this up," the boy begged. "I'm fine. I took some advil, I have the bottle in my bag and I'm so ready to go. Harm I'm fine." "OK, get in the SUV then." Harm gave his hair a ruffle. "Natalie we'll take good care of him I promise. You get some rest." "How long did you say we're going for?" Kevin laughed as he climbed into the SUV. "There's enough stuff here for a week." "A Marine is always prepared" Mac smiled as she made sure he was buckled in before climbing in the passenger's seat. Kevin talked non-stop as they made their way across town to Casey's and Harm gave Mac a small smile as they stopped at a red light. "I think he's excited" he whispered. "You think?" she giggled. "This is exactly what he needed. He's going to have a blast this weekend." It wasn't long before they reached Casey's and Mac quickly climbed out, Harm following after her. "Sit tight Kevin" Harm ordered. "This won't take long." "Yes sir" Kevin nodded. Harm followed Mac to the house and a moment later Casey burst out the front door and ran exuberantly into Mac's waiting arms. "Hey kiddo" Mac smiled as she gave her a hug. "Ready for our weekend adventure?" "More than ready" Casey smiled. "Got my bag and I'm ready to go." "I hope there's still room in the SUV for it" Harm laughed. "Mac packed heavy for the trip." "I'll find room" Mac assured him. "Come on Casey." She led Casey to the car just as Justin emerged from the house. "Hello Justin" Harm said calmly. "Harm" he nodded. "Thanks for taking Casey this weekend. She's been looking forward to this." "I'm sure she has" Harm smiled. "I'm looking forward to spending some time with her so that she can see how serious Mac and I are." "I was under the impression you were all that serious" Justin countered. "Maybe I didn't make it clear enough the first time. But I'll be happy to clarify it now. Stay away from Mac. No more innuendoes or offers. She's not interested. You got it?" "Yeah sure. No need to get uptight." "I get very uptight when men like you start making offers to someone I care about very much" Harm continued, not sorry that he was breaking Mac's confidence. His concern for her outweighing that consideration. "Just remember that in the future." Mac came around from the back of SUV before Justin could reply and she gave Harm a long look. "Just giving Justin our cell phone numbers in case he needs to reach us" Harm smiled. "I'll be there in a minute." She nodded and he turned to Justin. "We'll have Casey back Sunday evening. I assume you have Mac's cell phone number already." "I do" Justin nodded. "Good. We'll see you Sunday night then." Harm climbed into the SUV a moment later and turned to Casey and Kevin. "You guys ready for some camping?" "Oh yeah" Casey smiled. "I can't wait." "This is going to be the best trip ever," Kevin added and Harm gave Mac a quick smile. "They're an easy bunch to please." "Harm what were you talking to Justin about?" Mac asked quietly enough that Casey wouldn't hear above Kevin's chattering. "Just giving him our phone numbers" Harm said with a quick glance in her direction. "He had mine." "Well he has mine now too" Harm smiled. "Harm you're lying." "How do you know?" "I know you well enough to know when you're lying to me. And you're lying to me." "Based on what proof counselor?" "The fact that you didn't look me straight in the eye when you told me what you were talking to Justin about." "Okay so maybe we traded more than phone numbers. I just clarified something for him." "Clarified what?" she asked. "Us" he smiled. "And how much you mean to me." "You want to clue me in on that one since I seem to be the last to know these things?" "Mac you know I'm not good with voicing things like that." Harm squirmed uncomfortably in his seat. "Maybe I'll have it put it in writing some time." "Maybe so," she laughed, taking his words 'how much you mean to me' to heart nevertheless, and adding softly, "Harm I did ask you not to speak to Justin about what happened." "I didn't do anything but give him a piece of advice from one gentleman to the other," he grinned. "I'm sorry I couldn't resist it. Like I said, I care too much. But to my credit, I restrained myself from making any kind of threat as to what would happen to him if he didn't take the advice." "Harm he is her dad," Mac reminded him lightly, smiling slightly at the loud chattering from the rear seat as they played with their Game Boy's. "Yeah and that played a part in my decision," he smiled. "Far as I'm concerned it's over. Unless it happens again." "You're a good guy Harmon Rabb," she giggled and gave his hand a squeeze. "Hey while we're up here, if we can safely leave them for a little while, let's be sure we have a little together time OK?" "Sure. I'd love that. Of course now I know you're not my Harmon Rabb but you're still a good guy." ++++++++++++++++ GEO WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST 3 Hours later With only two pit stops for drinks and restroom they arrived at the campground and the kids gladly spilled out, running and chasing. "You two get back here and help with this stuff," Harm bellowed. "Whoa look two tents," Kevin squealed. "Does that mean for me and Casey and then you two guys?" "We'll be bunking by sex. . .I mean gender," Harm told him. "You ever put up a tent?" "No sir." "Then you're going to learn. The Marine is going to show us. Plus it involves giving orders-- her best thing." "You're going to pay for that Flyboy," she groaned. An hour later their campsite was set and Harm dropped back onto the grass, playfully grabbing Mac's hand and pulling her down with him. "Kiss her Harm. Go on. Kiss her," Kevin taunted. "Hey I don't have to be goaded into that," he grinned and before she could move had captured her lips with his. "Yes way to go. My man," Kevin hooted and Casey gave them a long look and fell silent. "So what's the matter with you anyway," Kevin demanded and gave her arm a light punch. "Never mind. It's not important," she muttered and walked away. "Casey's pissed," Kevin said as Harm and Mac broke apart. "You want me to talk to her? She should stop thinking her dad and Mac are gonna happen." "I'd better go" Mac said as she untangled herself from Harm. "Let me talk to her" Kevin offered. "I understand where she's coming from even if she's a little off base." "Thanks Kevin" Mac smiled. "I just don't want her wandering around out here alone." "I'll get her back" Kevin smiled as he took off after Casey. "I think I'm going to need to have that talk with her" Mac sighed as she leaned back against Harm. "You want me to?" he offered. "No this is a delicate situation. Until she realizes you're not the enemy she isn't going to listen to anything you say. But thanks for offering." "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea," Harm said quietly. "No it was. Casey just needs to realize that you and I are well together I guess. And that her father and me are never going to happen. And maybe after a few days with us, she'll realize that. And she'll realize that there's no way I could be with her father." "Why's that?" Harm asked. "Cause there's this Flyboy who already has my heart" Mac smiled as she turned to face him. "So I couldn't possibly give it to someone else." "Well you've got that flyboy's heart too" Harm whispered as he lowered her to the ground, his hands gently pinning her arms at her sides. "And he's looking forward to this weekend with you." His face was inches from hers as he spoke and the distance soon vanished as his lips found hers in a long kiss. "Harm don't forget about the kids" Mac whispered when they finally parted for a breath. "Oh yeah sorry" he said sheepishly as he looked around before helping her up. "Casey what are you doing?" Kevin demanded as he reached her. "Nothing. I just wanted to take a walk. Why are you following me?" "You're pouting about Harm and Mac and that's stupid. They brought us on this trip to have fun and you're ruining it." "I am not" she snapped. "Harm is. I don't know why he had to come." "When are you going to get it through your thick head that Harm loves Mac. Geez anyone can see that." "That doesn't mean she loves him" Casey retorted. "And if she'd give Dad a chance she might like him better." "She won't. She likes Harm. Man you just don't get it." "I don't want to get it" Casey wailed. "I want Mac with Dad. Not with Harm." "Look that isn't going to happen. And don't ruin the weekend because of it. Harm and Mac have gone out of their way for us and you could at least be nice to them. They didn't have to take us out here." "I know." "Well then start being nice. They've been nice to us." "All right" she snapped. "I get it." "Good. I've been looking forward to this trip and so have Harm and Mac. We all want to have fun. Please don't ruin it." "I won't" Casey sighed. "I'll just have to figure out another way to get Dad and Mac together after this is over." Kevin shook his head as they walked back to the campsite. "Everything okay?" Mac asked Casey when they returned. "Yeah it's fine," Casey said with a forced smile. "I just wanted to take a walk. I'm fine." "Good. I was thinking we could get a little hiking in before dark. You two game?" "Of course--you think we can make the top of the mountain there?" Kevin asked, shielding his eyes from the sun to stare upward. "We can sure try," Harm nodded. "Get your water bottles." "And let's walk in pairs. Casey you're on me," Mac called. "Please." "Sure why not," she shrugged, shaking her head in either disgust or self-pity Mac could not determine which. "Come on Kev, let's give the women a little space," Harm urged, starting off at a trot with Kevin close on his heels. "Mac I know what you're going to say," Casey muttered. "That you and my dad aren't ever going to. . .well be together, but I can't not hope." "You can hope all you want," she returned evenly. "What you can't do is try to make it happen with tricks and schemes. Honey I know what you did the other day. Somehow you gave your dad the idea that I was expressing an interest in him." "Did it work?" she asked brightly. "Oh yeah. Much too well." "He did it. He asked you out," she screeched, loudly enough for Harm and Kevin to hear. Kevin immediately looked up at Harm. "You're not going let her dad have her are you?" "That would be Mac's decision," he smiled softly, remembering the kiss they had shared just before the walk. "But I have her assurance it's me she wants." "You damn right it is. Sorry. Guy talk." "Yes he asked me out," Mac replied carefully, not wanting to divulge the true nature of the invitation. She dropped a firm hand on the girl's shoulder before she continued. "And I told him no. Firmly, irrevocably, permanently. No. And I also need to tell you that I'm upset that you would do that sort of thing. It was sneaky and dishonest and I'm disappointed in you. I thought you thought more of me than that." "I do. . .I just," she gasped, feeling her throat close over with a quick sob. "I'm sorry. I just want it so bad and I'm starting to get pretty desperate that's all." "How many times have we had this conversation?" Mac reminded her, stopping their progress to turn the girl to her. "I'm not interested in any relationship other than with that good looking sailor walking ahead of us there. And I'm going to add that if you can't accept that. . .well you and I aren't going to be able to be together any more." "Mac no," she gasped in shock. "Don't say that please." "I don't want that either. I happen to like you a lot and I think you're a fine young woman. I love the time we're together, but if you're going to spoil it with talk of me and your dad, it's not going to work. Honey I was real bothered by your dad thinking there could be anything with us. I've set him straight, and now I'm doing the same with you. Are we understanding each other yet?" "You couldn't just do one date with him?" she sniffled. "A real date? And let him kiss you like Harm did? Just maybe you'd like it?" Rather than reply, Mac simply fixed her intense gaze on the girl. "OK I guess not," she mumbled. "Is it OK to still hope?" Mac smiled and pulled her into a quick hug. "It's OK to hope for anything you want. We all have dreams. It's just sometimes easier if they're for something attainable." "Is the lecture over then?" "It is. But if what happened with your dad and me happens again, you and I are going to part company." "You mean that don't you?" "I do. I don't say things like that unless I do." "OK." Casey gave a long aggrieved sigh and pulled back from her. "And I don't want to spoil the weekend for Kevin. I like him." "Good. Why don't you catch up to him and send Harm back to me then," Mac smiled. A few seconds later the two kids were chasing each other up the side of the hill, and Harm had wrapped his arm around Mac's shoulder as they walked. "Don't get too far ahead," Harm warned. "Stay on the trail." "You're going to make a great dad," Mac smiled, resting her head against him. They walked in silence for a few minutes before Harm spoke again. "I know I'm as tired of asking this as you are of answering but did you and Casey reach an understanding?" "For now yeah we did," Mac nodded. "Not sure how many more times we're going to have to cover the same ground though. I did tell her we're not going to be able to be together any more if it keeps up, and I did seriously mean it. So I hope I got through to her." "OK good. And for right now what I want to concentrate on is how much I'm enjoying being here with you and me like this," he said, pulling her close to his side. She turned her face up to his and their lips touched once more, for all of three seconds before Casey's shout echoed back to them. "Mac-Harm-Hurry. Kevin's sick or something." Harm and Mac took off at a run, spotting Casey on the trail but no sign of Kevin. "Where is he?" Harm demanded, looking around frantically. "He's behind the rocks there. Sick. Throwing up, holding his head," she wailed, all but jumping up and down. "Kevin what's wrong?" Harm called, hurrying in the direction Casey was pointing while Mac held on to the girl. "I'm OK. Honest," he panted, pouring water onto his hand and wiping his face. "I don't know what happened. We were running and laughing and suddenly I got real dizzy and just started blowing chunks." Harm's hand shot out to feel his forehead. "Well you don't have a fever. Maybe that hot dog you got back at the last stop didn't agree with you. I told you it was shriveled." "Harm is he OK?" Mac called. "Yeah we're coming out," Harm yelled back. "He's among the living. Barely." "What happened honey?" Mac asked the second she saw him, Harm guiding him along. "I'm OK don't fuss," he protested. "I'm OK. Harm thinks the hot dog I ate made me sick." "Well something did," Harm frowned. "Mac he doesn't have a fever that I can tell. You think we should go home?" "No. Please no," Kevin squealed before Mac could answer. "I'm OK I'm telling you." "I don't know" Mac frowned. "He might be coming down with something. First the headache and now the stomach." "I'm fine" Kevin persisted. "It was just the hot dog like Harm said. Honest I feel fine now." "He does seem okay" Harm sighed, checking once again for a fever. "I'd say we see how he does tonight and if it happens again then we'll head home." "All right" Mac nodded. "But no more running. And I think we should head back to the campsite and take it easy the rest of the evening." "But we didn't get to the top" Kevin protested. "Tomorrow if you're up to it" Harm promised. "We just want to make sure you're not coming down with something." He nodded and the group turned and started down the hill, Kevin and Casey once again moving ahead of them. "That was strange" Mac sighed. "But he seems fine." "It might have been the hot dog" Harm shrugged. "But I am going to mention this to Natalie when we get back. In case it happens again." "Or has happened before?" "Exactly" he sighed. "Natalie is real nice but she doesn't seem to pay Kevin as much attention as she should." "That's why he has you as a Big Brother" Mac smiled. "And in that regard, he's a very lucky young man." "He's a good kid Mac." "I know. And you really like hanging around him don't you?" "If I can do something to make his life easier than I'm happy to. I know pretty much how he feels. I went through all that and it's real tough. And yeah I really do like being with him. And I have you to thank for this you know." "Well I just mentioned it. You were the one who stepped up to the plate and said you'd like to try it." "No you convinced me this was a good idea. And it has been. And I think both Kevin and I are getting something out of it." "I'm glad" she smiled. "I just hope Casey can get past her father and me so we can be like you and Kevin." "She will. This weekend will make her realize how futile that is." They returned to camp and after dinner gathered around the campfire. "So are we going to tell ghost stories now?" Kevin asked. "Isn't that what you do at night when you're camping?" "Yeah oh yeah" Casey nodded. "That's what they always show on TV." "Are you two going to sleep if we tell ghost stories?" Mac asked. "Cause I don't want anyone waking up with nightmares cause of this." "I will" Kevin said quickly. "I'm not afraid of ghost stories." "Me neither" Casey added. "I guess we're going to tell ghost stories then" Harm smiled. "Let me start with the time Mac and I went to Alameda California to investigate a skeleton found on the Hornet, which is an old carrier." "Oh no" Mac laughed. "Don't even tell them how I thought that Mark was a ghost." "Mac was jumping out of her shoes every time she heard a noise" Harm smiled. "She thought for sure the ship was haunted." "You were the one who said the dead Lt. led us out of there" she countered. "You saw a ghost" Kevin gasped. "For real." "I didn't see it" Mac explained. "Harm did." "How come only Harm saw the ghost?" Kevin asked. "Harm's a little more in touch with the other side" Mac smiled. "I saw my Mom once," Casey said quietly. "It was right after she died. She came into my room one night and told me everything was going to be okay. And I believed her." "I wish my Dad would come and see me," Kevin said softly. "I never got to say goodbye to him." "I think you have to believe in ghosts first of all," Casey said with surprising wisdom for her youth. "Like Mac said, being in touch. I haven't seen her again, but she did come and tell me she was fine and that I should be happy. She was with God, and I would see her again. Like you'll see your dad." "Thanks," Kevin sighed with a quick sniffle. "How did you find out about him that day?" Harm asked gently, sensing the boy wanted to talk. "We were sent home but I didn't know why," he shrugged. "I didn't think it was a big deal. I mean I had my key. It was the first year I didn't have to stay with Mrs. Stokes after school and I was glad. I liked going home, or sometimes I would get on the Metro and ride out to see my dad if I called him and he said I could come. Anyway, it took like two hours to get us home and then I called Mom but I couldn't get through on the regular phones or the cell either, so I gave up and turned on the TV and that's when I saw the Pentagon burning. But I didn't think. . .I mean there was people crawling all over. Why should my dad be one of the ones who died." "No one should have died that day," Mac said softly, sniffling herself. "He wouldn't leave," Kevin said after a minute. "They said he could have gotten out but he wouldn't. He stayed in the corridor and was barking orders to get people out. Then there was a big whoosh of smoke and fire and he was just gone." "Kevin I'm sorry," Casey spoke up, having listened in silence, and she reached over and pulled him into an awkward hug. "I know how you feel." "You do don't you? Other people tell me that but they don't. Unless you've been there you don't." He returned her hug just as awkwardly and Harm looked to Mac, hearing her sniffle softly and reached for her hand. "Harm finish the story," Casey urged. "Mac what happened?" "Harm had been hurt, and I didn't know how badly," she sighed. "I kept thinking he had brain damage her something the way he was raving." "But he got us out didn't he?" Harm countered. "Cause it sure wasn't me." "Got you out of where?" Kevin asked. "The Hornet. Someone had set fire to it and we were trapped below the decks. I saw Lt. Tate and he led us to safety. If it hasn't been for him, we probably wouldn't have gotten out." "Was he the skeleton?" Casey asked. "Yeah he was. He'd been murdered thirty years before. I'd been following him around the ship because I thought he was my Dad." "Why did you think he was your Dad?" Kevin asked. "Because my Dad was on the Hornet during Vietnam" Harm said quietly. "He was a pilot and he flew many a mission off the Hornet. So at first I thought it was him. But it wasn't. It was Lt. Tate." "Wow" Kevin whispered. "So Lt. Tate saved you and Mac. That's so cool." "Well I think we helped put him to rest" Harm said quietly. "He wanted us to find the reason he was killed and we did." "Why was he killed?" Casey asked. "That's a long story," Harm said with a small smile. "And I think we'll save that for another time. Bedtime you two. We have a long day of hiking ahead of us tomorrow." With a few groans Kevin and Casey headed to their respective tents while Mac moved closer to Harm. "I guess this is where we say goodnight," she said softly. "Unless you packed a third tent" he smiled. "Sorry. Just the two. Besides they'd miss us if we didn't join them." "I just hope they don't have any nightmares from our ghost talks." "How about you?" she asked softly. "You going to be okay after talking about all that?" "Just more nightmares about us not getting off the Hornet" he said with a small smile. "You didn't really have nightmares about that did you?" "For many nights after we returned. Especially the edition where you were trapped in the fire and I couldn't get to you." he nodded. "One of the scariest moments of my life. I just thank God Lt. Tate got us out of there." "Me too" she said softly. "Otherwise we wouldn't be here now enjoying this time. Which by the way has been wonderful." "Yeah it has" Harm smiled. "Can I get a goodnight kiss Colonel?" "I'd be upset if you didn't" she giggled before he moved closer and their lips met in a long kiss. "Are you two at it again?" Kevin laughed as he unzipped the tent and looked out at them. "Didn't we tell you to go to bed?" Harm groaned as he and Mac parted. "Well I thought you were coming too" Kevin smiled. "But I can see you're otherwise occupied." "I think we'd better say goodnight here" Mac smiled. "Don't stop on my account" Kevin grinned before heading back inside the tent. "Goodnight Harm" Mac said softly. "I'll see you in the morning." "Night Mac" he whispered. "Night Harm," she returned, laughing softly and still neither one moved. "This is so high school," he laughed as well, grabbing hold of her for one last kiss before turning her around and walking her to where Casey was waiting, peering through the tent flap. "You enjoy the show?" Mac asked gently, dropping down to crawl in. "Not really," she murmured, falling back onto her sleeping bag, her arms crossed in front of her. "But I remember what you told me before so I'm going to suck it up and live with it." "That's all I can ask," Mac smiled. "Ready for some early morning fishing?" "Have you ever?" "No, but Harm has and so has Kevin with his dad, and Harm has promised to do the baiting for us, which has to be the worst part right?" "Ick yeah I think so." "Good night honey. And listen, thanks for the sucking it up thing. It means a lot to me," Mac said as she crawled into her sleeping bag. "I want us--the four of us--to be sort of a family. OK? As much as we can be when you guys have your own I mean." "Yeah me too," she smiled. "Good night." It was the smell of coffee that woke Mac the next morning and she crawled out of the tent, leaving a soundly sleeping Casey behind. "Look at this. The Flyboy could be a Marine," she called softly, seeing that he had built up the fire, made coffee and was about to create omelets from the cooler contents. "I'm impressed. You ready to give fishing lessons too?" "Yes I am," he grinned, stopping his breakfast preparations to take note of her, her hair mussed, and looking still sleep-rumpled. He had seen her dressed for formal affairs and she had looked beautiful, and he was seeing her now, looking even more so he thought. "Uh, is my fly open?" she laughed. "One could only wi. . .I mean hell no. Good morning to you." His arms opened to her as if it was the way they always had greeted one another and she stepped forward at once, feeling suddenly warm and secure even in the early morning chill. A chill he noticed at once as he felt her shiver and he grasped her even more tightly. "You need to go put on warmer clothes." "I'm getting warmer by the second," she responded, melding into his embrace and initiating a long kiss at the same time. "You realize this is going to be a hard habit to break," she giggled when they parted to breathe. "I mean--good morning Admiral pardon the commander and myself while we share a personal moment." "Cute. Go dress yourself." She returned a few minutes later in another layer and squatted by the fire. "Kevin still asleep too?" "Yeah. Mac I'm worried about him." "How so? Was he sick again?" "No but he didn't hardly sleep either. Not for a long time. He is sound asleep now but he took some Tylenol PM about halfway through and I guess it finally made him drop off. A boy that young should not be having headaches." "Well it's something we could do some research on I think," she said thoughtfully. "But Harm you can't force his mother to take him to the doctor if she won't. And you realize that in all likelihood he's having tension or migraine. I mean I go home with one often. It's the job and a stubborn squid of a partner who makes me crazy enough to spit nails." "Geez who would that be," he smiled. "Yeah I know he's probably fine, but I'd feel a lot better if I could hear that from someone with a medical instead of a law degree." "You're going to make a great dad." He looked suitably startled and almost blushed. "You know someone who'd like to give me that status?" She laughed and shook her head. "I know no one with that ambition. Sorry." "The Marine's not up for the challenge?" he grinned. "Maybe one day" she blushed as well. "Hey is that breakfast I smell" Casey asked as she stumbled out of the tent. "Yes it is" Mac smiled. "You hungry?" Kevin emerged a short time later and after everyone had eaten they gathered the fishing poles and picnic lunch and headed to the river. Kevin and Casey ran ahead again and Harm dropped his arm over Mac's shoulder. "Having fun?" he smiled. "Oh yeah. I'm glad her and Kevin get along so well. But she promised me she's going to let go of the idea of me and her father together." "Good. I'd really like her to like me." "She does" Mac smiled. "She just doesn't realize how good you are for me. But I think this trip is going to help that." "And Kevin seems so much calmer out here" Harm added. "I think he just feels lost in the shuffle at home and that's why he acts out." "He likes the attention you give him. I don't think he gets too much of that from his stepfather." "No he doesn't. And that's why I'm glad you talked me into this. He needed someone else in his life." "Come on you two" Kevin shouted as turned around to face them. "You're moving too slow." "Yeah and you're scaring all the fish away" Harm laughed. They reached the river and while Harm and Kevin baited the lines, Mac and Casey watched, Casey making faces as they did so. "Gross. I can't believe you're touching those things." "It's just a worm" Kevin laughed as he held it up for her to see. "It won't hurt you." "Ick. No way am I touching that." "Mac you're not afraid of a worm are you?" Kevin asked. "No they're just not my favorite things either" Mac grimaced as she picked one up for Casey to see. "They won't hurt you." "It's just slimy and yucky," Casey said as she backed away. "Yeah it is that" Mac smiled as she dropped the worm back in the bait container. "We ready for some fishing?" Harm asked once they'd baited all the poles. "You're going to have to show us" Mac laughed. "I can't remember the last time I did this if ever. And Casey never has either." With a little help from Harm and Kevin, they managed to cast their lines and soon all four were sitting with their poles. Harm had taken a spot near Mac and she'd settled against him as they sat on the large rock. "So peaceful and quiet out here" she sighed. "For the moment" Harm laughed as he looked down to where Kevin and Casey were sitting together. "I can't imagine that will last too much longer." "Well for the moment they seem occupied" she smiled. "You have something on your mind Marine?" he grinned. "Cause if you're thinking what I'm thinking" His words were cut off as her lips met his and at once he dropped the pole and pulled her into his arms. "We probably shouldn't be doing this in front of the kids" she whispered when they parted. "They're not paying any attention" Harm whispered as he glanced down at them long enough to see their attention was elsewhere. "Good" she managed before his lips found hers again. "This is boring" Casey declared. "The stupid fish are never going to take the bait." "You just have to be patient" Kevin counseled. "It takes time." "But it's boring" she groaned. "Maybe Mac and I can go take a walk while you and Harm sit here." She turned to look at the pair and her face fell as she realized what they were doing. "I think they're busy" Kevin laughed as he looked up as well. "Fine I'll just go take a walk by myself" she huffed as she scrambled to her feet and took off running into the woods. "Casey come back" Kevin shouted. "You know you're not supposed to be out there on your own." "Harm I think we've got a problem" Mac said as she pulled away. Kevin was still sitting there, but Casey was nowhere in sight. "Kevin where's Casey?" "She took off that way," he said as he pointed to the trail. "I told her not to go but she just kept running." "I'd better go get her" Mac sighed. "Before she gets lost out there." "No hold up Marine I don't want you getting lost either," Harm objected, eyeing the direction in which Casey had gone. "We'll all go." "I'm sorry she's so much trouble," Mac sighed. "I thought letting her see that you and I were close, especially after our talk, would be a good thing for her. That she was mature enough to handle it, and to reinforce that it's not going to happen for me and her father." "It's not your fault. Not at all," he told her firmly. "She's plenty old enough to understand everything is not about her." "Oh she understands. But she just can't quite accept," Mac muttered. "OK let's find her and this time I'm not going to be sweet understanding Sarah." They took off down the trail where Casey had gone, and were dismayed to see that as it neared closer to the bend in the river a half mile away, there were several possible directions. "Casey where are you?" Mac shouted, hearing the echo faintly in the mountains surrounding them. Only silence answered and she shook her head in frustration. "I swear I'm going to kick her rear for pulling this." "Well we have to find her first," Harm smiled, trying to remind himself that she would not have gone far. "Kevin you come with me, and Mac you look over that way. And don't you get lost." Mac groan was long and loud as she started off. "Harm I don't get Casey," Kevin sighed, following him in a slightly different direction "I mean why is such a big deal to her that her dad and Mac. . .especially after she knows it's not going to happen?" "Well she's just being a little stubborn about accepting it that's all," Harm smiled. "And sometimes that's not such a bad thing. Not such a bad quality when you can stick to your guns in the face of everyone around you telling you you've lost your mind. On the other hand, you have to learn when it's time to let go." Kevin nodded and trotted after Harm. "I really like her Harm," he said suddenly. "I mean I really like her." "Mac?" "No Moron, Casey," Kevin laughed, realizing he was being teased. "That's not wrong is it? I mean because we're. . .you know. I'm Black." "No it's not wrong at all," Harm assured him. "And someday I hope it won't matter a twit what color we are." "Casey I know you haven't gone very far. Now answer me," Mac shouted. "Please Casey. Harm and I are responsible for you and if anything happened to you we could get in bad trouble. And I'm worried about you." "I'm here." The voice was so soft at first she wasn't sure she had heard it. "Casey?" "Yeah I'm here. In the rocks. I don't know if I'm ready to talk," she answered. "I'm not sure what I'm feeling right now." "OK fair enough. I'm just going to wait right here," Mac replied, sitting down on the nearest rock. "It's a beautiful day to sit in the sun. And as far as talking, you don't have to at all. I can do a little though. At least enough to tell you that I'm not going to apologize for me and Harm showing each other how we feel. I'm sure you saw your mom and dad kiss and hug sometimes didn't you?" "Yeah all the time," she sighed. "When we watched TV they'd sit at one end of the sofa all curled up together. It was kind of nice. Your mom and dad do that?" "Never once that I saw," Mac replied honestly. "That's too bad. Now Dad and Heather do it and it grosses me." "As much as when Harm and me do?" "No. When you guys do it's kind of sweet sometimes," she admitted. "I don't know what was wrong with me today except that I was bored and upset that the fish weren't biting. I'm not used to just kind of lazing around I guess." She stood up from where she had been crouched and tossed her hair, calling playfully, "come and get me Marine." "That sounds like a challenge," Mac laughed. "You're going to regret that Cassandra. Go on I'll even give you a thirty-second head start." The girl took off and Mac raised her voice to reach Harm. "I've got her Harm. You and Kevin go on back. We'll be back in a few. I'm running her down now. Won't take long." "All right" Harm called back. "We'll meet you back at the river." She started off after Casey, shaking her head as she did so. Somehow she would get it through Casey's thick head that she and Harm were going to stay together for a while. Caught up in her thoughts she didn't notice that the path she thought she was following suddenly ended at a ravine. Before she could stop herself, she plummeted over the edge, landing in a heap a few feet down. For a moment she couldn't breathe, the air knocked out of her lungs from the tumble. Finally she managed a painful breath as her lungs once again took in air. She sat there for several minutes, trying to calm her breathing and access if she'd seriously hurt anything. When she'd managed to get her breath back, she tried to push herself to her feet, groaning in pain as her ankle protested the movement. "Harm" she called. "Harm can you hear me?" There was nothing and with a long sigh she realized he'd gone back to the river and likely couldn't hear her from where she'd fallen. She was just going to have to suck it up and make her way up to the path. Back at the river, Harm frowned as he looked for sign of Mac and Casey. "What's wrong?" Kevin asked. "Nothing. I just thought they were right behind us. I didn't think they were doing off on their own." As he spoke Casey suddenly wandered towards them, frowning when she saw Harm and Kevin and no Mac. "Casey I thought Mac was with you?" Harm said as he stood up. "She said she was coming after me but she never caught up to me. I figured she'd come back here cause she didn't want to play anymore." "She never came back" Harm said anxiously. "Casey you're going to have to take me back to where you were." "Something happened to her" Casey wailed. "It's just like when I made Mom go back to the store for me. And she got killed." She burst into tears and at once Harm reached an arm around the young girl. "Casey Mac is going to be fine" he said calmly. "She may have gotten lost and we'll just have to find her." "Marines don't get lost" Casey sobbed. "It's all my fault. I told her to catch me and I took off running. Now she's lost and we're never going to find her. "We will. Just show me where you were and we'll find Mac. I promise." "This way" Casey sniffled as she took off in the direction she'd come. Harm and Kevin hurried after her, all three of them yelling Mac's name as they ran. "Harm thank God" Mac sighed as she heard his voice yell her name. She'd made it to the top of the ravine but now stood propped against a tree to take the weight off her aching ankle. "Harm I'm here" she called. "Mac thank God" Harm breathed as he heard her voice. "Mac are you okay?" "Sort off" she groaned. "We're coming" he called back. "Just hang tight Marine." It wasn't long before he reached her and at once she fell against him, his strong arms supporting her. "Thank God you're okay" he whispered as he held her tightly. "I was so scared when Casey came back and you didn't." "Is she okay?" Mac asked, lifting her head to look over his shoulder. "Casey are you okay?" "I'm sorry Mac" she sniffled, tears running down her cheek. "It's my fault for running away. I shouldn't have done that." "It's not your fault I wasn't paying attention and fell" Mac sighed. "Did you hurt anything?" Harm asked, his eyes going over her at once. "Nothing major. I think I twisted my ankle a bit but otherwise I'm just sore." "Then you shouldn't be standing on it" Harm sighed as he suddenly lifted her into his arms. "And we may need to head back to get that looked at." "No it's not that bad. It's just sore. I'll be fine once I get some ice on it." "We'll see. First we'll get you back to camp and then Kevin and I will go get the fishing supplies. But I think we may have to call it a day." "Let's see how I do with some ice" she said as she looked at the dejected look on Kevin's face. "All right. But I'm just concerned about me. You know you had me pretty scared there for a minute Marine. I was imagining all kinds of bad stuff." "Sorry I worried you." "Not your fault" he said softly. "I'm just glad you're okay. But we do need to make sure you haven't done any real damage." "I don't think I did" she sighed as she leaned her head against his chest. "Come on guys. Let's head back to camp and then we'll regroup for the day." "He really loves her doesn't he?" Casey said softly as she and Kevin walked ahead of Harm. "And she loves him." "You just figured that out" Kevin laughed. "Of course he does. They're soul mates. You know, the kind of people that are destined together no matter what. God brought them together and nothing will ever break them apart." "Then I guess I should stop trying." "Yeah you should. And try getting to know Harm instead of hating him. He's a cool guy if you give him a chance." "I really messed up everything didn't I?" she sighed. "You probably hate me too for ruining the weekend." "No way" Kevin smiled. "I just wish you'd listened to me before." "OK I should have but don't do I told you so will you," she begged, stealing a glance over her shoulder at Harm and Mac. "They really are like soulmates I guess." "Yep. Told you so," he laughed and she laughed as well, taking his jab good naturedly. She laughed again and gave him a quick push. "Race you to camp." Thrown off balance she had a head start on him that he did not make up and she was gleefully jumping up and down when he arrived. Harm and Mac several yards behind. "Beat you. You let a girl beat you," she teased. "Yeah but you cheated. You don't push a guy and then run," he panted, leaning down with his hands on his knees, his head low as he caught his breath. "OK so I cheated. If you were faster than me it wouldn't have mattered," she countered. "And why are you all out of breath anyway. I'm not. We didn't run that far. Oh god you're not going to be sick again are you?" "No I'm. . .yes," he gasped, trying to turn away from her before he was in fact ill all over the ground. "Ew gross personified," she whispered, holding her nose just as Harm arrived with Mac. "Guess who's rolfing again." "Harm put me down and tend to Kevin," Mac ordered at once. "No I'm OK," Kevin got out between heaves. "Harm Mac needs you." "Everyone stop," he commanded. "I'm going to set Mac on the blanket over there and get her a bag of ice from the cooler. Kevin you come get on the other blanket and Casey take a wipe and help him clean up." "Harm don't fret so much," she urged as he set her down. "It's a sore ankle. I'll put the ice on, take a couple of advil, and wrap it with the ace bandage." "I'm sorry Mac," Casey called from where she was trying to get Kevin to sit down. "You could have been really hurt." "But I wasn't," she smiled. "And I'm sorry Harm. I made you be scared for her." "I was scared for her," he confirmed, speaking gently. "And you know why don't you sweetie?" "Because you love her," Casey answered, pausing a beat and adding, "and she loves you." "Right." Harm flashed her one of his well known grins and then went on with a quick smile in Mac's direction. "I do love her, and I hope she loves me." "She does, very much. I can tell," she replied softly. "See," Kevin smiled despite feeling ill and gave Casey a light poke. "Yeah I do see," she nodded, adding with wisdom beyond her years. "I see and I understand. Now." "Good." Harm and Mac spoke in unison. Casey watched in silence while Harm removed Mac's shoe and sock and tenderly applied the ice bag, himself wincing when she did. Kevin put an awkward hand on Casey's arm. "She's OK and it wasn't your fault." "Thank you," she whispered, feeling herself close to tears with his gentle words. "Harm can I have some too please," Kevin called, seeing him give Advil to Mac. "Some as in eight or ten," Harm teased. "You can have one. Your headache is back?" "Well yeah," he admitted reluctantly. "But I'm really feeling OK except for that. Would it be OK if you and I went down to the river and tried again to get dinner. It's my first time fishing since I was a little kid. Please. Casey can stay with Mac." Harm was about to shake his head when Mac put her hand on his arm. "Go please. I'm fine. And I can certainly holler if anything happens." "Yeah OK but we're not going out of that hollering range," he gave in. "Can I come sit next to you?" Casey asked once she and Mac were alone. "Of course. What a silly question." "Well I've got another one. Is it OK that I like Kevin. I mean really like him?" The words came tumbling from the girl before she could allow herself to stop. "Of course it's OK. Why would it not be?" Mac smiled. "Besides you're going to like a lot of boys, and then young men, and then finally you'll find the one man on this planet whom you're meant to be with for life." "Like you and Harm," she sighed, her mind wandering for a second before she came back to her original point. "Kevin. I mean is it OK because he's. . ." "Because he's African American?" Mac supplied and when Casey nodded, went on, "yes of course it's OK. A person's ethnicity--skin color or where they're from--has nothing to do with the kind of person they are. Kevin's a great kid, and I suspect he likes you too." "Ah don't say that," she giggled and blushed at the same time. "Well he does. And there's nothing wrong with you two liking each other." ************** "You doing okay?" Harm asked Kevin as they sat at the river. "Yeah just the headache" Kevin nodded. "Thanks for letting me come back out here." "Well you're not doing much more here than you would be back at camp" Harm smiled. "And thankfully Mac isn't really hurt." "You really love her don't you?" "Yeah I do" Harm nodded. "Does she know that? I mean have you actually ever said I love you to her?" Harm opened his mouth to say of course she knew it and promptly closed it. "No" he admitted to the young boy. "I've never actually told Mac I loved her except for what we said earlier." "What are you waiting for?" Kevin asked with the directness of youth. "What you guys were doing earlier was good, but you guys should say it yourselves. So what's the hold up?" "Nothing" Harm smiled. "Absolutely nothing. You think you and Casey can stay out of trouble for awhile tonight if Mac and I go off alone for a bit to watch the sunset?" "I'll keep her in line" Kevin promised. "Thanks. Now let's see if we can get them some dinner first." They returned to camp several hours later with dinner in hand and Harm prepared them their fish dinner over the campfire. "Nice job Flyboy" Mac said as she handed him her plate. "That was excellent." "Thank you ma'am. Now what do you say you and I take a quick walk? Well make that how about I carry you off for a while." "Harm we can't leave them alone" Mac frowned as she looked over to where Kevin and Casey were laughing and giggling. "Yes we can. They'll be fine for a little bit. Kevin promised me he'd keep Casey in line." "He likes her you know" Mac smiled. "And she likes him." "I know. And they're good for each other right now. So what do you say we sneak off for a little us time?" "All right. But not long." With a promise from both kids they would behave, Harm lifted Mac into his arms and carried her up the hill to a clearing where they would have a better view of the sunset. "So now that you've got me alone what's your plans?" Mac smiled as they lay together on the blanket he'd spread out. "Well there's a lot of things I'd love to do with you right now" he smiled as well. "But there is one big reason why I brought you out here." "I'm waiting," she said softly when he paused for several moments. "Mac the past few weeks have been incredible with you. Us being together is everything I've ever dreamed it would be." "For me too" she whispered. "I love you Sarah" he blurted out. "You do?" she smiled. "More than you could possibly know" he breathed. "That's a good thing. Because I'm very much in love with you too sailor. Have been for a long time." "Did you just say you loved me too?" he whispered. "Very very much" she said before their lips meet in a long and passionate kiss. "We'd better stop" he panted when they parted. "Because the first time I make love to you I don't want it to be out here on a cold hard ground." "You have something else in mind?" she giggled. "Oh yeah. A nice little cabin near here with a big king sized bed and a hot tub on the deck." "You've given this a lot of thought I see." "More than you could possibly know," he echoed his earlier words. "I'd like to know," she smiled broadly. "Well it involves you and me and that hot tub and the blue bikini and a lot of other things that are just going to get me all hot and bothered and that's not a good idea in front of the kids," he grinned. "I love you Harm," she said softly as she listened to his words. "I know we touched on it for Kevin and Casey's benefit but saying it just now the way we did, it was special. Something I'll tell our daughter someday." "Are we going to have a daughter?" he sighed. "Of course, but we're also going to. . ." she paused and her face reddened. "I guess I'm jumping the gun a little. Sorry." "No don't be." He took her face between gentle hands and pressed his lips to hers. "I want it all too Sarah. I want it all with you." The sun dipped all at once behind a peak and bathed them in rosy glowing shades of red as the kiss deepened. "I think we understand each other don't we," he whispered when they parted. "I think so." ******************************** Chapter 2 to follow