TITLE: Christmas Blessings
AUTHORS:  Anne R. and Pat Steiner [SSbpMN@aol.com]
SUMMARY:  A sequel to Thanksgiving Blessings.  Harm and Mac discover that 
Christmas is not a miniature sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer, but instead a wealth of giving of 
themselves.  In the process, the full truth about their own relationship is made known.
DISCLAIMER:  JAG belongs to CBS et al.  No Copyright infringement is intended.
AUTHORS’ NOTES:  This is the second in a series of Blessings stories as Harm and 
Mac’s relationship evolves.  If you enjoyed what we did here, a note to that affect would 
be cherished.  If not, that’s OK but we don’t need to know about it.  Just hit delete and 
move on quietly please.
  



9 Dec 00
1545 Hrs EST
 
 Harm hurried through his apartment, a quick glance at the clock telling him 
 he was going to be late. He'd promised Mac he would pick her up at 6:30 for 
 their date, and he was cutting it close.  And if there was one thing his 
 marine hated it was lateness.  Of course they still had plenty of time to 
 get to their intended destination for the evening. The Christmas concert at Adam 
Morgan Methodist didn't start till 8:00, and they could always eat dinner afterwards. He 
 smiled as he thought about that one. It probably wasn't a good idea to take 
 a hungry marine to a concert. On second thought he'd just better make sure 
 they had enough time to get dinner before the concert. He was about to head 
 out when the phone rang. He debated answering it, but ever since the night 
 he'd ignored Webb's phone call and nearly gotten him killed, he always 
 answered the phone. He could always hang up on the annoying salesperson if 
 he had to.

 "Hello" he said quickly.

 "Hello, darling"

 "Mom, how are you?" Harm asked.

 "Fine, dear. Did I catch you at a bad time?"

 "Well actually I'm running late for my date with Mac and she's a stickler 
 about punctuality"

 "I just need a few seconds of your time" Trish replied. "We're trying to 
 make arrangements for the holidays and Grandma Rabb would like to have all 
 of us there this year. Mac included of course."

 "That sounds like a wonderful idea. I'll ask Mac about it tonight. I'm sure 
 she'd love to go."

 "I know it's asking a lot but do you think you and Mac could spend a few 
 extra days up there with us?" Trish asked. "We were hoping you could come on 
 Thursday night and stay through Tuesday. We hardly ever get to see you."

 "I'll see mom, but I won't make any promises" Harm replied. "Though it does 
 sound like lots of fun."

 "Well just let us know as soon as you can. Frank and I have already booked 
 our flights and we'd really love to have you two there. And I know Grandma 
 Rabb is looking forward to meeting your Sarah, as am I."

 "I'll talk to Mac about tonight" Harm promised. "But if I don't get going 
 she's going to think I stood her up."

 "All right, dear" Trish smiled. "Just call me later and let me know."
 
 He hurried to Mac's, thanking his lucky stars there weren't any police 
 around tonight. It was 06:45 when he finally knocked on Mac's door.
 "You're late, sailor" Mac said as she opened the door.

 "Sorry, last minute phone call" Harm said breathlessly. He stopped as he 
 looked at the beautiful woman in front of him. She was stunning in the green 
 velvet dress and for a second he just stared.
 "Earth to Harm" Mac smiled.

 "You look so beautiful" Harm whispered.

 "Thank you" Mac said shyly.  "When you said we were going somewhere special, 
 I decided to get a new dress for the occasion.  I guess this means you like 
 it."

 "I love it" Harm said as he pulled her into his arms. It was on the tip of 
 his tongue to say as much as he loved her but they were still taking things 
 slow. Since their return from Minneapolis they had spent lots of time 
 together, finding again those special feelings that had been missing for so 
 long. Harm had no doubt he loved Sarah Mackenzie, and when the right time 
 came, he would tell her. For now he was content with rebuilding their 
 relationship, knowing full well that there was no one else he wanted to 
 spend the rest of his life with. "Are you ready?"

 "So where are we going?" Mac asked once they were in the car.

 "You'll see" Harm smiled.

 "I do hope you're planning on feeding me first" Mac grinned.

 "Of course" Harm smiled. "Would I take you out and not feed you first?"

 A short time later they were sitting at the a quiet corner table at The Charcoal Hearth.

 "So who was the last minute call from?" Mac asked.

 "Mom" Harm replied. "She's making plans for the holidays."

 "And"

 "And she invited us to Grandma's for the holiday" Harm said softly. "And I'd 
 really like to go, but only if you'll come with me."

 "You want me to spend Christmas with you and your family?" Mac asked.

 "Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

 "I just wasn't sure we were…well..you know that serious" Mac stammered.

 "Mac, I am serious about this relationship" Harm said as he took her hand. 
 "I just haven't wanted to push you."

 "Do you think they'll like me?" Mac asked. "I mean, you know I don't have 
 the best past."

 "Of course they'll like you" Harm exclaimed. "And nobody is going to worry 
 about what happened in the past. And it's not like I've been a saint my 
 whole life."

 "You didn't kill your ex-husband and sleep with your commanding officer" Mac 
 said quietly.
 "No, but I did kill my RIO" Harm replied. "Mac, we both have things in our 
 past that we'd rather forget about. But nobody is going to ask you about 
 those things."

 "Are you sure you want me to go with you?" Mac asked.

 "I won't go without you, that's for sure" Harm smiled. "And mom specifically 
 asked me to bring you. They really want to meet you."

 "You sure I won't be intruding on a family gathering?" Mac asked.

 "Mac, you are my family" Harm said softly. "And I want you to meet the rest 
 of my family."

 "I get the feeling you're not going to take no for an answer" Mac smiled. 
 "And it does sound really nice."

 "It will be" Harm promised.

 "Thank you for asking me" Mac said softly. "I always end up hating the 
 holidays. There's always such a rush to do everything and then you wake up 
 one morning and it's over in a matter of seconds and then your wondering why 
 you even bothered."

 "It doesn't have to be that way" Harm replied. "And trust me it won't be 
 that way at Grams. It'll just be the five of us spending time together. No 
 big production with gifts or Santa or all that other stuff. "

 "This sounds so nice" Mac smiled. "I'd love to spend Christmas with you and 
 your family."

 "Good" Harm smiled back. "I want this to be the best Christmas ever for both 
 of us."

 "I'd like that a lot" Mac said softly.  "Now are you going to tell me where 
 we're going tonight?"

 "No" Harm grinned. "You're just going to have to wait to find out."

 "Harm, you know patience is not one of my virtues. Come on, tell me" Mac 
 pleaded.

 "It'll ruin it if I tell you ahead of time" Harm replied. "Just trust me on 
 this. I know you're going to love it."
 
 An hour later they pulled into the parking lot of  Emmanuel Methodist Church.

 At Mac's puzzled look, Harm reached over and took her hands in his.

 "We both felt something when we were together in Minneapolis" he said 
 softly. "Something more powerful than us. The choir is doing a concert of 
 traditional Christmas songs. I heard they're really good and I thought, 
 well, that you might like this."

 "Thank you" Mac whispered. "I've always wanted to go to one of these 
 concerts but never seemed to find the time to go."

 "So this was a good idea?" Harm asked.

 "A very good idea" Mac smiled. "Come on, let's go."

 The church was nearly full and they quickly took their seats in the back row 
 just as the opening chords to "Oh Come All Ye Faithful began." Harm reached 
 his arm around Mac, pulling her closer to him. For the next hour and a half 
 Mac was mesmerized by the angelic sounds of the choir. She'd never heard a 
 more beautiful sound, and she smiled when she finally looked over at Harm. 
 He took her hand in his and squeezed it tightly; no words were necessary to 
 convey the feelings inside both of them.

 
The lights of the church dimmed, and the ushers walked down the aisles, lighting the 
candles of those at the end of each pew.  The candles of each in turn were lit, and when 
all were done, strains of Silent Night rose to the lofty ceiling beams as the congregation 
joined the choir in song.  Harm's arm tightened across her shoulders as his clear voice 
could be heard in their section above the others.  She leaned against him, tears in her 
eyes as she sang along.  The last strains died away and he leaned down to kiss the top 
of her head.   Again no words were necessary.

They walked back to the car in silence, his arm tightly around her waist and she rested 
her head on his shoulder.  Once inside the car he paused and looked over to her before 
he started the car.  "This was a beautiful night," he finally said softly.  "Good food, great 
company, and wonderful music.  And you know what, not one chorus of Grandma Got 
Run Over by a Reindeer or even Jingle Bells--just music that reminds you of what 
Christmas is."

"Oh yeah," she agreed quietly.  "And we'll go back and turn on the TV and see Santa 
slide in on a Norelco shaver or something."

He laughed and pulled the car onto the road, reaching for her hand once they were 
safely underway.   

"Harm about your grandmother's...." she spoke up.  "I'm not sure I...."

"Yeah you knock off that doubt right now," he scolded at once.  "You said you'd come 
and I'm not letting you go back on your word.  Besides, my priority this Christmas is you.  
If you don't come, I'm not going.  Mac....Sarah....we're building something here--
something I think could last our lifetime, and I'm not letting anything mess that up.  It's 
finally our turn, after all these months and months, it's finally looking like it's our turn."

She blushed and looked away shyly.  "You mean that don't you?  I'm impressed."

"With all my heart," he answered solemnly.  "I've promised myself I'm going to make up 
for all the times I've let the opportunity slip away in the past.  Nothing is going to 
interfere this time."

"I'm holding you to that Sailor," she sighed.  "Seriously Harm, I don't know if I can cope 
with any more disappointment in my life right now."

"No you won't have to, and that's a promise," he sighed.  "I'm through with all that.  I 
know what I want, and her name is Sarah Mackenzie."

With those words  hanging in the air, Harm took her home, walking her to her door but 
declining to come in.  "I won't want to leave, and I know neither of us is ready for that," 
he smiled.  "I'll be here by 1200 with pizza,  wearing my Redskins sweatshirt, and with 
the Clark files so we can be prepared for Monday morning."

"I shall be here," she smiled.  "Good night and thank you for a wonderful evening.  You 
are a special man Harmon Rabb, and you belong...."  She stopped and looked 
embarrassed.

"I belong to you, and you to me," he smiled, finishing her thought.

11 Dec 00
1100 Hrs EST
Harm and Mac had spent a quiet Sunday watching football, consuming pizza and 
working.  Now she and Bud were in her office talking when Harm's head appeared in the 
door.  "Whoa excuse me, I'll come back."

"No need Sailor," she grinned.  "Bud and I were done discussing how we're going to 
whip your six in court in the morning.  We've moved on to what is it again Bud?"

"Hungry Hiccuping Ord," Bud sighed.

"This is a defendant?" Harm frowned.

"Oh no sir, it's the hottest Christmas toy right now.  I want to get one for AJ. It talks and 
hiccups sir and they're impossible to find.  I know he'll love it."  Bud answered. 

"I see.  And we're discussing this instead of our current case load because..."

"Because the Toys R Us is getting a shipment  in tonight at 2400 sir, and if I could leave 
now I could get in line and..."  His voice trailed off as he looked embarrassed. "Sir it's 
what I want to put under the tree for your godson."

"Now the guilt trip comes out," Harm laughed.  "Lieutenant let me get this straight, you're 
wanting to leave now and stand in a parking lot for twelve hours so you can have this 
hiccuping hippo..."

"Dragon sir."

"Dragon," Harm glowered, "on Christmas morning along with how many other presents 
for this boy?"

"Well he is getting a lot sir," Bud admitted.  "But this is the first Christmas where he 
really will appreciate all of it."

"Go Bud, by all means," Mac shook her head in surrender.  "You won't be any good 
around here if your mind is on some hippo...uh dragon."

"Thank you ma'am, sir," Bud beamed and hurried out.

"Their tree is going to be butt-deep in stuff," Harm sighed.  "Nothing like showing the boy 
early what Christmas is."

"Remind me of that when it comes to ours," she smiled, not totally conscious of what 
she was saying until she spotted his raised eyebrow.  "Uh you....OK so I was letting my 
mind drift wishfully."

"Yeah well I like how you think," he grinned.  "Now what about lunch?"

"Sorry, not today.  I'm meeting the medical examiner in Arlington on the Kristoff murder 
and talking to the prosecutor.  From there on home.  I'll pick up something on the way if 
you'll join me."

"Nothing could keep me from it," he assured her.  "Promise me you'll drive safe."

"Always," she smiled and squeezed his hand.
****************************************************************
Her appointments over, Mac was wending her way back through Georgetown, her mind 
reviewing the past days, and now focused on Christmas trees, presents, and talking 
dragons.  Another image came to her as she drove and all at once she knew what she 
wanted for the corner of her living room where usually a small Christmas tree stood.

1600 Hrs EST
Mac's Apartment

Six bags from The Christmas Shoppe, Georgetown Park Mall, littered her living room 
floor.  On a low table a pile of objects, hidden under a sheet, awaited Harm's arrival, 
which came right on time.

"Good grief what exploded in here," he greeted her, bending to kiss her cheek.  
"Christmas Shoppe huh.  Let me guess, we're putting up decorations."

"You'll see after dinner Flyboy, and no peeking," she ordered.  

Once the dishes were cleared away, she took his hand and led him to the table.  "I'm not 
doing a tree this year," she explained slowly.  "Actually it's been on my mind since the 
day I walked through Hechts in September during that heatwave and had to fight my 
way through a forest of Christmas trees.  It's all way out of hand.  Remember when we 
were little, Christmas wasn't hardly spoken of until Santa came riding in at the end of the 
Macy's parade?"

"Of course," Harm nodded, gesturing for her to continue.

"OK, well this year I'm fighting back.  I'm going to decorate, but not with Santa and trees.  
This is going to be my Christmas," she answered and pulled the sheet.  

Harm's eyebrows shot upward as they did when he was amazed.  

"Help me set it up please," she smiled.

"I'd be honored."

She lit some candles and turned soft Christmas music on the stereo. To the sounds of O 
Holy Night and the like, the town of Bethlehem came to life before them, the last pieces 
put together being the Inn and the Stable.  

"One last thing," she smiled and lifted the Baby Jesus from His wrappings.  

His hand caught hers and as if they were laying their own baby to rest, they set the 
small plastic figure into the manger.

"Beautiful," Harm pronounced, sitting back onto the floor and pulling her down to cradle 
against him.  "And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him in swaddling 
clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn."





 "Thank you Harm" Mac whispered. She'd wanted to do
 something like this for years, and sharing it with
 Harm was a dream come true. "You have no idea how much
 this means to me."
 
 "Thank you for asking me to be a part of it" Harm said
 softly.  
 
 They remained on the floor in each others arms
 listening to the soft music until Mac tried
 unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.
 
 "Sleepy, marine" Harm smiled as he looked down at the
 woman who meant so much to him. 
 
 "More like relaxed" Mac sighed. "I've never felt so
 peaceful and comfortable. For the first time in my
 life, I'm content."
 
 "I was thinking the same thing" Harm replied.  "I've
 got everything I ever wanted or needed right here in
 my arms. I never realized how blessed I've been in
 life until now."
 
 Mac smiled as she looked into his green eyes. "I know
 what you're saying sailor" 
 
 "Mac, how would you like to do something meaningful
 this year?" Harm asked.  
 
 "You mean like helping out with the Toys for Tots" Mac
 said excitedly. "I'm pretty sure they're looking for
 volunteers to help wrap the gifts. We might even be
 able to deliver a few."
 
 "Well, that's one idea" Harm smiled. "I suppose I can
 help out the Marines."
 
 "Did you have something else in mind?" Mac asked. 
 
 "Actually I did" Harm replied. "There was a notice in
 the church program from the other night that they're
 looking for volunteers to take some of the needy
 children in the area out shopping. The money is
 provided for donations and you get to spend the whole
 day with the children, buying clothes and stuff they
 need for winter. There's also enough money for them to
 pick out one toy. And once we're done shopping, we
 could take them somewhere fun, maybe ice skating or
 something like that."
 
 "I like that idea" Mac smiled. "I think it would be
 fun."
 
 "Good, then I'll call tomorrow."
 
 "And I'll check on the Toys for Tots program" Mac
 added as she stifled another yawn.
 
 "I think that's my cue to get out of here" Harm said
 as he stood up. "Not that I don't want to stay."
 
 "I know" Mac said softly. "But we're doing this right
 this time."
 
 "Exactly" Harm said as he gave her a final hug. "See
 you in the morning."
 
 
 December 12th 
 JAG HQ
 2:00 PM
 
 Harm made the call first thing in the morning to the
 church and was happy to find they were still looking
 for volunteers. After a short visit with the program
 director that afternoon during lunch, he and Mac were
 assigned a brother and sister that were new to the
 program. Their father had left town a short time ago,
 leaving their mother to try and make ends meet on her
 measly secretarial salary. With winter approaching,
 she had turned to the program as a way to keep her
 children warm during the cold months ahead.  Harm and
 Mac would take the children shopping on Saturday, so
 they could spend the entire day with them.
 
 "Harm, this is was a great idea" Mac said as they
 walked into her office. 
 
 "I thought you'd like it" Harm smiled. 
 
 "Sir, ma'am, we're trying to get a final count for the
 Christmas party on Saturday" Tiner said as he walked
 in.  "Can we expect you two?" 
  
 "Harm, we forgot about the Christmas Party" Mac
 exclaimed. "We can't be two places at once."
 
 "Does that mean you won't be attending?" Tiner asked.
 "I'm sure the Admiral would be disappointed if you
 don't show."
 
 "We'll just get to the party late" Harm replied.
 "We're not canceling our other plans."
 
 "So you won't be there for dinner?" Tiner asked.
 
 "Probably not" Harm replied. "Just tell the Admiral
 we'll be there later in the evening."
 
 "You're going to miss Santa and the gift exchange"
 Tiner exclaimed. 
 
 "That's okay, Tiner" Mac smiled. "We'll just stop by
 later. So don't include us in the gift exchange."
 
 "Okay" Tiner said as he walked out.
 
 "You're not sorry you're going to miss the party are
 you?" Harm asked.
 
 "Of course not" Mac said quickly. "I'd much rather
 spend my Saturday doing what we're doing then listen
 to Singer tell us how she's going to be the first
 female JAG."
 
 "I was hoping you wouldn’t mind missing it" 
 
 "Do you mind if I check on the Toys for Tots program?"
 Mac asked. "We might be able to do that on Sunday.
 Unless you'd rather not."
 
 "I'd love to" Harm smiled. "You're helping me do what
 I wanted so I'm more than happy to help out the
 Marines."
 
 
 Saturday December 16th
 Mac's Apartment
 
 
 "You ready?" Harm asked when Mac let him in.
 
 "Been ready" Mac smiled. "I don't think I slept a wink
 last night, I was so excited about today."
 
 "Me too" Harm grinned. "Well, let's go. Brandon and
 Mollie are waiting."
 
 A short time later they pulled up in front of the run
 down home in the Annacostia section of the city. They knocked
 on the door and the young woman in her late 20's
 opened the door.
 
 "You must be the volunteers from the church program"
 the woman said. "I'm Maggie Humphries."
 
 "Hi Maggie, I'm Harm and this is Mac" Harm replied.
 
 "Come on in" Maggie said as she held the door for
 them. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. I
 mean besides getting them clothing and stuff, having
 someone take them for the day is like a godsend."
 
 The house was well kept inside, despite it's outside
 appearance. 
 
 "So are you two married?" Maggie asked. 
 
 "No, we work together" Mac laughed. "But we are very
 good friends."
 
 "What do you do?" Maggie asked.
 
 "We're lawyers at JAG" Harm replied. 
 
 "Wow, I'm really surprised. I haven't met to many
 lawyers who want to help people out. Especially if
 there's no money in it for them. I can't tell you how
 many lawyers I've tried to get to help me get money
 from my husband."
 
 "We might be able to help you out" Mac offered.
 "Domestic law isn't our specialty but we'd be happy to
 sit down with you sometime."
 
 "Thanks but I don't have any money left lawyers
 anymore" Maggie sighed.
 
 "Mommy are these the people who are taking us today?" 
 
 Harm and Mac looked over at the little girl who had
 wandered into the living room. 
 
 "Mollie, this is Harm and Mac" Maggie said gently.
 "They're going to take you and Brandon out for the
 day. You're going to go shopping and have lots of
 fun."
 
 "Hi Mollie" Mac smiled as she stooped down to the
 child's level. The brown haired little girl gave Mac a
 small smile, but her brown eyes had a look of sadness
 that tore at Mac's heart. 
 
 "How come you have a boy's name?" Mollie asked. 
 
 "Mac is the short version of my last name, Mackenzie.
 But if you'd like, you can call me Sarah. That's my
 real name."
 
 "I like Sarah better" the little girl replied. "You're
 too pretty to be a Mac."
 
 "I'll go get Brandon" Maggie said. "Um, I'll warn you
 he's been a little difficult the past few months. He
 really misses his dad so he's been a little withdrawn
 and moody. He's really had a problem interacting with
 other men. I hope he won't be too much of a problem."
 
  "I think we can handle it" Harm assured her as she
 headed down the hall to get Brandon.
 
 She returned a few seconds later with the sullen
 looking eight-year old. 
 
 "Brandon, this is Harm and Mac. They're taking you and
 your sister shopping today."
 
 He didn’t respond, instead continued to give Harm the
 stare down. 
 
 "Hi Brandon" Harm said finally. He knew this was going
 to be a challenge, but he also knew he had an
 advantage. He'd been in a situation similar to
 Brandon's and he knew how hard it was for the young
 boy to suddenly not have a father anymore. 
 
 "Hello" Brandon finally responded. "Can we just go and
 get this over with?"
 
"Get your coats guys and we're outta here," Harm grinned.

"Mr. Rabb please with Brandon.." Maggie stammered.  "I'm so embarrassed to have him 
around people sometimes.  He's giving his teacher and principal fits; and me he barely 
tolerates and....look I'm sorry I don't mean to lay this on you.  All I'm saying is well...don't 
expect much respect from him."

"On the contrary," Harm told her firmly.  "Unless and until I do something to not deserve 
it, I will expect his respect.  Kids have a way of living up to your expectations you know.  
We'll be fine and he's not going to bother me a bit.  Now you enjoy your afternoon, and 
we're not going to rush back.  I'm sure shopping is going to make us hungry."

"Please let's go I can't wait," Mollie squealed, struggling into her coat that was obviously 
last year's.  The bright eyed six year old looked up happily at Mac.

"We'll take good care of them," Mac assured Maggie and followed them outside.

"Harm you think we can manage that boy?" she whispered after they had strapped the 
kids into the rear seat.  "Actually he reminds me of you."

"Mac he is me," Harm said quietly.  "It took me a long time to get over my dad and well 
as you know I never really did.  I think we'll be fine."  He helped her into the SUV and 
kissed her cheek.  "This is great."

He took them out of the city to one of the large Maryland malls and they walked inside, 
ignoring the stares of those who wondered at the sight of two African American children 
with them.

"What's first?"  he asked.

"Coats and shoes," she said firmly, "and boots for bad weather days; and then a few 
things to wear for school I think.  How much do we have to spend on them?"

"Doesn't matter," Harm shook his head.  "I have a gold VISA with nothing I need to use it 
for."

"You're a good man Charlie Brown," she smiled, linking her arm through his and 
catching up to the kids, Mollie impatiently jumping up and down.  

"Remember we have to see Santa too," she wailed.

"Wouldn't think of not," Harm assured her.

"No Santa," Brandon muttered and catching Harm's disapproving eye, looked away 
quickly.

Mac led them to the children's department of the big Hecht's department store.  "OK this 
is where we split up," she directed.  "Harm and Brandon, you go left to boys and Mollie 
and I are here in girls.  Harm remember, shirts and pants for school, a warm coat, and 
school shoes and boots."

Harm frowned in frustration trying to commit all that to memory.

"This is the man who can fly a fourteen million dollar plane and quote obscure law 
precedents," Mac laughed and squeezed his hand.  "You'll be fine,  Let's go Mollie."  
The little girl slipped her hand trustingly into Mac's and Harm leaned down to kiss Mac's 
cheek before they parted.

"He likes you," Mollie giggled.

"I like him," Mac laughed.  "Let's do it."

Forty minutes later Mac brought Mollie from the fitting room.  Mac's arms were full of 
selections which fit, plus a pair of shoes and boots.  She set them down on the register 
counter, and looked around for Mollie, not seeing her.  "Mollie?  Mollie where are you?"  
Her heart lurched in momentary panic.

"Here," came her soft voice.  "Sorry."  

Mac wheeled in that direction to see her standing in front of a mannequin just her size, a 
little girl dressed in a Christmas green velvet dress, long sleeves with a wide lace border 
at the hem.

"Sorry," she whispered again.  "I was....no never mind."  But she did not take her eyes 
from the dress.

"Honey what?" Mac questioned, kneeling in front of her.

"I'm going to sing in the Christmas pageant--"Away in a Manger" at church," she sighed, 
"and I was just thinking how I'd...."

"Mac?"  Harm's voice interrupted.

"Right here," she answered him and Mollie put her hand in Mac's at once, knowing it 
was time to go.

"Hey you could be looking at a moonlighting job as a personal shopper," Mac teased, 
looking over their selections.  "Well done Commander."

"Thank  you ma'am," Harm grinned.  "What's next?"

"Santa," Mollie squealed.

"How's the boy?" Mac asked as they walked along a few feet behind the brother and 
sister.

"Well he's not great," Harm admitted.  "Pretty sullen, but I see flashes that he could 
come out of it.  What he really needs is a man to spend some time---take an interest in 
him."

"Would this be anyone we know?" she asked softly.

"Yeah I was thinking of volunteering for the job after the first of the year," he admitted, 
blushing slightly.  "I can already see he's a great kid."

"Well count me in Sailor," she smiled.  "I think you and me and these two might be able 
to have some fun."

He grinned and tucked her  hand in his as they walked the long length of the mall 
corridor toward the Santa Village and she fell increasingly silent.

"OK Marine something's on your pretty mind," he told her once they had joined the back 
of the long line.  "Let's have it."

"Nothing..." she began and then smiled.  "Yes OK, there's something I've got to do, and 
from the looks of this line I've got plenty of time.  Be right back."

"Hey OK, but don't get lost please."  His words were light but his tone was concerned.

"I'll be back in a few big brother," she assured him.

He was just started to get nervous when she returned, looking none the worse for wear 
he noted with a sigh of relief.  She was relieved she had not missed the kids' Santa turn 
and it was she who indicated they wanted the picture taken.

"I think I'll pass," Brandon announced.  "It's not like I think it's real..."

Harm shot him a warning look, glad Mollie was too enthralled with the elves to hear him.  
"I think for the sake of your sister, you can pretend," he told him gently but firmly.  "In 
this life a man does things for the people who are important to him even when he 
doesn't really see the logic behind them.  Suck it up guy, and march up to that fat guy."

"I can do that," Brandon relented.

With the kids' wishes told, and several pictures of the event for posterity, they were soon 
heading for food.  

"A woman could starve to death around here," Mac declared and both kids laughed.

Over a lunch of hot dogs [the kids], cheeseburgers [Mac] and grilled chicken sandwiches 
[Harm], two small children opened up about their lives and school, and Brandon even 
spoke a little of how his dad had left, and how devastated he was.  

"And now we need to go work off this food," Harm declared, gesturing to the ice rink 
which they could see from the restaurant's big windows.

"You're not serious," Mac gasped.  "I've never."

"We have," Brandon spoke up proudly.  "We've been a couple times with the Rec 
people."

"Then we're going to show this Marine here how it's done," Harm grinned.

 
"Harm" Mac pleaded. 
 
 "Come on Marine" Harm teased. "Don't tell me you're
 afraid of a little ice."
 
 "All right" Mac conceded. "But if I fall, you fall
 with me."
 
  "I can handle it" Harm smiled. 
 
 Ten minutes later they were slowly making their way
 out to the ice. Brandon and Mollie had gone ahead and
 were making their way around the rink, Harm keeping an
 eye on them while he held onto Mac.
 
 "You ready" Harm said as they reached the ice. "I'm
 going to let go."
 
 "No" Mac screeched. "Please don't let go."
 
 "Just kidding" Harm smiled as he gently pulled her
 along.  "You'll get used to it."
 
 "If my ankles don't give out first" Mac sighed as she
 focused on staying upright."
 
 "Mac, look at me" Mollie yelled happily as she skated
 by. Mac's quick glance at the image skating by caused
 her to lose her concentration on what she was doing,
 and she grabbed on to Harm as she began to fall, her
 momentum bringing both of them to the ice.
 
 "Nice move, marine" Harm said as he helped her off the
 ice. "You okay?"
 
 "The only thing that's hurt is my pride" Mac frowned.
 "How'd you learn how to skate anyway? Didn't you grow
 up in California? The land of sun and sea."
 
 "Gram's farm" Harm smiled. "Remember I spent a lot of
 time there. There's a big pond on the property. I
 guess over the years I got pretty good. Course it's
 been a long time since I've done this."
 
 "You look like a pro compared to me" Mac muttered as
 she held on to his arm. "I can't believe how hard this
 is."
 
 "You okay Mac" Mollie asked as she skated over to
 them. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you fall."
 
 "It wasn't your fault" Mac assured the little girl.
 "I'm still getting my sea legs so to speak. But don't
 worry about me. You and Brandon are having fun right?"
 
 "Loads of fun" Mollie smiled as she skated off to find
 her brother. 
 
 "They're really good kids" Harm said reading Mac's
 thoughts. 
 
 "Yes they are" Mac sighed. "Okay, sailor when does
 this get easy?"
 
 Two hours later Harm finally got Brandon and Mollie
 off the ice. Mac was sitting on one of the benches,
 nursing her sore ankles and sore six. She'd fallen on
 it more times than she cared to remember, but by the
 end she had finally been able to move along without
 hanging on to Harm. But the smiles on Brandon and
 Mollie's faces had made it all worth while.
 
 "Did you have fun?" Mac asked as she helped Mollie out
 of her skates. 
 
 "I sure did" Mollie said happily, giving Mac a big
 hug.  "You and Harm are the best. Can we do this
 again?"
 
 "Get real Mollie" Brandon said sarcastically.
 "They're only here because they have to be. They're
 not going to spend any more time with us."
 
 Tears started to roll down Mollie's face and Mac
 quickly pulled the little girl back into her arms.
 "That is not true" Mac said firmly. "Harm and I are
 here because we want to be. And we'd love to spend
 another Saturday with you."
 
 "You would" Mollie said between sobs. 
 
 "Of course" Harm assured her. He gave Brandon a long
 glare and Brandon looked away uncomfortably.  
 
 "Come on Mollie" Mac said as she stood up. "I need to
 go to the little girl's room."
 
 Harm waited until Mac and Mollie were gone before
 sitting down next to Brandon. "That wasn't a very nice
 thing to do to your sister."
 
 "Look, I'm just trying to protect her from getting
 hurt" Brandon spat back. "She likes you and I don't
 want to see her get hurt when you two disappear."
 
 "Mac and I aren't going to disappear" Harm replied
 firmly. 
 
 "We don't need you around" Brandon said angrily.
 "We're doing just fine without you."
 
 Though Brandon tried to sound tough, Harm could see
 boy's tough exterior beginning to crumble.
 
 "I'm sure you were" Harm said quietly. "But contrary
 to what you think, Mac and I do care."
 
 "Why because you feel sorry for us?" Brandon said as
 he fought back his tears. 
 
 "No because we understand where you're coming from"
 Harm replied. "You think you know all about us, but
 you don't. You don't know that the last time I saw my
 father was when I was six years old.  You don't know
 that Mac grew up without a mother."
 
 "You're father walk out on you too?" Brandon asked. 
 
 "No, he was shot down in Vietnam" Harm said quietly.
 "I was six years old when he was listed as MIA. But I
 felt the same way you did. I eventually ran away from
 home when my mom met someone else."
 
 Brandon was silent for a moment as he considered what
 Harm had told him. 
 
 "All I'm trying to tell you is you're not alone" Harm
 continued. "Mac and I have both been through what you
 and Mollie are dealing with. We can help you if you
 let us."
 
 Mac and Mollie returned from the ladies room and Mac
 gave Harm a quick glance. "Everything okay" she asked
 quietly while Brandon and Mollie walked ahead.
 
 "I think so" Harm sighed. "It's not going to be easy
 though."
 
 "Yes, but you can handle it" Mac smiled. "You've
 helped me through a lot during the past five years."
 
 "You've done the same for me" Harm smiled as he
 wrapped his arm around her.
 
 They returned to the little house and Mollie ran
 inside to show her mom all the stuff she'd gotten. Mac
 hurried in after her, the green velvet dress hidden in
 a bag under her coat.  Harm waited for Brandon to come
 out of the SUV and walked with him up to the house.
 
 "What do you say you and I go to a basketball game
 sometime?" Harm asked. "Just me and you."
 
 "I guess that would be okay" Brandon said giving Harm
 a small smile.
 
 Inside the house Mollie was showing Maggie all the
 clothes and stuff they'd gotten. Maggie was stunned by
 the amount they'd brought home, never expecting they
 would get that much. She had a suspicion that Harm and
 Mac had added to the money they had been given by the
 church for which she was eternally grateful. 
 
 "I hope they weren't too much trouble" Maggie said
 after she sent them to their rooms to put away their
 new clothes. 
 
 "Not at all" Harm assured her. "In fact, we'd like to
 spend some more time with them, if you don't mind."
 
 "You don’t have to do that" Maggie replied. "I can't
 thank you enough for what you've already done. I saw
 all the stuff they got and I know how much the church
 was allotting for each family."
 
 "We know we don't have to, we want to" Mac smiled. She
 pulled the bag from under her coat and handed it to
 Maggie. "Mollie said she's singing in the Christmas
 Pageant at church. Would you give this to her on the
 day of the program?"
 
 Maggie's eyes lit up as she opened the bag and pulled
 out the green velvet dress. "Thank you" she whispered
 as tears slid down her face. 
 
 "You're welcome" Mac said as she gave her a hug. 
 
 "And we'd like to help you out with any legal issues
 you have with your husband" Harm offered. "Free of
 charge of course."
 
 "But you already have your own cases" Maggie
 protested.
 
 "We'll do it on our own time" Mac explained. "We'd
 really like to help out if we could. You shouldn't
 have to do this all by yourself."
 
 "You two are like angels from above" Maggie said
 softly. "Can I offer you something to drink or
 anything?"
 
 "We’re fine" Mac assured her. "But thank you. We
 really should get going."
 
 Final goodbyes were made to the children and Mac
 promised Mollie they would be back to visit real soon,
 while Harm made arrangements with Maggie to take
 Brandon to a game after the holidays were over. They
 finally left the little house and headed back towards
 Mac's apartment to get ready for the JAG Christmas
 Party.
  
"I feel really good about today," Harm sighed as he helped her into the SUV and leaned 
across her to be sure she was strapped in.  "Precious cargo," he grinned and she kissed 
his cheek as he backed out.

"I do too--feel good about what we did," Mac sighed when Harm had started the car.  
"And I'm glad we're going to see them again.  I miss Chloe a lot and I wanted her to 
come for Christmas, but of course she's getting older now and has a round of activities 
and parties and..."  A small sob stopped her words and he gave her a tolerant smile as 
he stroked her cheek.

"I'm sorry," she shook her head, impatiently wiping a stray tear.  "I'm happy for her.  
She's made a good life with her dad and Grandmother and she deserves it."

"Yes she does," he agreed.  "We'll take some time to see her after the holidays stop.  No 
reason we can't take a long weekend and go up there."

"Thank you," she sniffled slightly and shook off her thoughts.

"We're late Marine," Harm grinned as they walked in.  "Suggest we  shower together."

Mac drew her breath in sharply before she realized he was teasing.  "I'll be out in ten 
minutes.  Keep that shirt on Squid."

"OK, but I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to do that around you," he 
laughed and ducked into the bathroom ahead of the pillow she chucked at him.
**********************************************************
JAG HQ was awash in light when they arrived, "Deck the Halls coming from the stereo, 
and to their undying surprise AJ was wearing a Santa hat, its white puff ball hanging 
over one eye.

"Commander, Colonel, it's about damn time," AJ greeted them.  "You're at least two 
rounds behind.  Where have you been anyway?"

"Sir this was our afternoon with the kids--the ones we picked up from the church.  We 
took them shopping and had lunch and then took them ice skating, which is why my 
partner is slightly limping and may ask for a padded chair."

"I was less intimidated by being under fire in Bosnia," Mac laughed.  "I see the party is in 
full swing.  What have we missed..."  

Her voice trailed off as she heard a strange noise behind her and found Bud cradling a 
blue and white stuffed creature, which was making the most obnoxious noise 
imaginable.

"Let me guess Bud," she sighed, "The Barking Buffalo?"

"Hiccuping Ord ma'am" Bud corrected and then sneezed loudly.  "I caught this cold 
waiting in the cold for it, but it was worth it.  It's great isn't it?"

"Just wonderful."  She shook her head and laughed.  "In fact I feel the urge for one."

"Oh ma'am you'll never find one now," Bud told her, taking her seriously, "they're back 
ordered until way January."

"Then I'll have to suck it up I guess," she sighed, looking to see where Harm had gotten 
to.

She walked toward their offices and nodded to Tiner who was seated at a computer 
terminal, furiously typing in information for online ordering.  

"Shopping Tiner?" she smiled.  

"Yes ma'am, big family, big family party," he murmured without looking up.  "Gifts for 
everybody, gifts from everybody.  This year everyone on my list is getting cheese 
baskets."

"Well there you go," Mac smiled and patted his shoulder.

She found Harm helping to put out the food, a celery stick in his mouth as he worked.  
"There you are," he mumbled, chewing as fast as he could.  "How about some egg 
nog?"

"Egg nog prepared here?" she laughed and shook her head.  "No thanks.  I don't want 
you to have to wheel me out.  But I'll take a can of coke please."

For a few minutes they stood together, leaning back against the wall as the party swirled 
around them.  "Why are we here?" he finally whispered.  "I'd be enjoying more having 
you in my arms in front of your fireplace and watching White Christmas."

"We're here because it's expected of us," she sighed.  "But you're right, that sounds 
good to me too.  Especially the 'your arms' part.  I'm looking forward to the Toys for Tots 
thing tomorrow.  They make it a party, play music and all.  Should be fun."

"Mac did you get your tree up yet?" Harriet interrupted them a few minutes later.

"No I didn't do one," she smiled and at Harriet's shocked look added, "Harm and I put up 
a Bethlehem instead."

"Huh?" Harriet frowned, genuinely puzzled.

"You know, Bethlehem.  Oh Little Town of," Mac explained.  "We put up the town, with 
the stable and the manger and so forth instead."

"And what do you put the presents under?" Bud asked, hearing the conversation.  "The 
donkey?"

"Bud don't be an ass," Harm teased.  "No seriously, we're trying to do something 
different this year.  To make Christmas less about Santa and decking the halls and more 
about what it really is."

By now AJ and Sydney, along with Singer, and Gunny and Tiner with their dates, had 
wandered over as well.

"Commander, Colonel, if I may speak freely, I'm hearing a lot of 'we'," Harriet offered, 
leveling her blue eyed gaze at both Harm and Mac.

"Oh?" AJ's ears picked that up at once.  "Is there something the two of you wish to 
share?  Some kind of Christmas announcement maybe?"

Harm and Mac looked to each other and burst out laughing.  "Sir we're enjoying a....a..." 
was as far as Mac got and looked to Harm helplessly.  

"A renewal of a partnership and friendship that we thought we'd lost when I made an ill 
conceived decision to return to flight duty, and the aftermath thereof," Harm finished for 
her as if he was giving opening arguments.

"Well stated Commander," AJ smiled, "but that doesn't say much."

"Sir we have no announcement," Mac laughed good naturedly.  "We are simply sharing 
our Christmas.  Two people unattached and sharing a holiday and that's all."

"I'm still hearing a lot of 'we'," Harriet pouted.

"You keep on listening Lieutenant," Harm smiled tolerantly.

"And on that note, we shall eat," AJ proclaimed, reaching for a plate.  

"Sir, could we....," Harm spoke up and looked to Mac, suddenly hesitant.  His eyes met 
hers and she nodded encouragement, knowing what he was about to ask.

"We would very much like it if we could pray before we eat,"  he said softly.  "No I'm not 
trying for the priesthood here.  But we, Mac and I, are emphasizing what Christmas 
really means.  You all are the closest thing we have to family here and we would like to 
share that with you."

Without waiting for an answer he reached for Mac's hand, and she in turn for Bud's.

Shyly Bud held his free hand out to AJ who looked at him for a long moment before 
taking it.  The circle was thusly completely and AJ looked to Harm.

He took a deep breath and felt Mac's hand squeeze.  "Our Father above, at this time of 
year when we celebrate the birth of Your Son, we ask that for this food and this 
company we be truly grateful.  And in this season of peace on Earth we pray for that to 
be a reality so that our service members serving in far flung corners of this world may be 
home with their families.  Amen."

"Amen," Mac said and AJ added his own, along with "Let us eat."

"You did good," Mac whispered to Harm, squeezing his hand again, "and now I’m going 
to eat before my stomach growls louder than the belching buffalo there."

Harm was dipping into some jello with marshmallow concoction when Singer sidled up 
to him, having made the item.  "Commander if you're free sometime over the holidays I'd 
love to get together with you for a drink.  My place or yours, either one."

Harm's mouth dropped open in amazement before he recovered and he gave her a 
gentle smile.  "Lieutenant....Loren...thank you but I'm going to Pennsylvania to my...."  
He stopped and caught sight of Mac, looking at him quizzically.  "We're..." he corrected 
himself with a quick smile to her.  "Mac and I are spending Christmas holidays at my 
grandmother's place in Pennsylvania.  My mom and step dad are coming."

"Sounds to me like you're taking Mac to meet the family," she simpered.  

"Yeah after they've begged me for months to meet her after talking about her 
incessantly," Harm grinned, his eyes now fixed on Mac who smiled and blushed.

"Excuse me," Singer said quietly and slipped away.

Mac quietly moved to Harm's side.  "You know I'm not threatened by her I hope," she 
whispered.

"I hope not," he whispered back.  "You are the only woman I want to share my life with.  
It's taken me far too long to realize that, and I'm not going to back down from that for 
anyone."

She smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder.  A second later a chorus of laughter 
went up as the eyes of those around them focused just above their heads.  Bud was 
dangling a sprig of mistletoe above them, attached to a broom handle on a long string.

"Time to fish or cut bait Commander," AJ challenged.

"Yes sir," Harm nodded, and set his glass down, locking his eyes to her.  "Shall we show 
them how it's done Colonel?"  She nodded and with a gentle smile he tenderly took her 
into his arms.  Their lips met in a slow soft kiss while their audience watched in shocked 
silence and then broke into a round of applause and whistles.

"Commander you and the Colonel do know how to put on a show," Sydney declared, 
linking her arm to AJ's.

"Well it's not a show in the sense of pretend," Harm said softly, keeping his eyes to 
Mac's.  She blushed but her gaze never wavered from his.

"Harriet I think you've got your answer to the 'we' question," AJ laughed.  "Singer make 
yourself useful and put up some music we can dance to here.  This is a party for crying 
out loud."

A moment later the normally businesslike JAG bullpen, its desks pushed out of the way, 
was filled with soft music.  

AJ took Sydney's hand to start it off, with Bud and Harriet following suit.

"Sarah?" Harm whispered, "would you honor me with a dance?"

At once she melded into his arms, having eyes only for each other as the strains of the 
music played around them.

They danced the first three and Harm allowed AJ to cut in while he danced with Sydney.

"Mac you and Harm looked pretty good there," AJ said softly.  "I don't have to say 
anything about office decorum I'm sure."

"No sir, of course not," she smiled, "but sir I think any discussion of that sort is 
premature at this point."

AJ snorted loudly, expressing his feelings at her comment.  "Mac I'd ask you if you were 
drinking heavily if I didn't know better.   It was obvious before, and it's painfully obvious 
now.  I understand taking it slow; just don't let it slip away--unsolicited advice from an old 
man."

"From a very sweet not so old man," she smiled and impulsively kissed his cheek, "and 
thank you.  We've no intention of doing anything that would...."  She paused and shook 
her head, looking momentarily confused and AJ felt her lean more heavily on him for 
support.

"Mac you OK?" AJ frowned, "What's wrong?"

"Oh yes sir--nothing sir--I'm fine," her response came out in one long breath as she 
shook her head.
	
"You don't seem all that fine," AJ stopped their dance and took her by the arms.

"Sir I'm just a little tired I think," she smiled, nevertheless grateful for his supporting 
hands as he sat her down.

"Harm I think Mac is having some difficulty," Sydney whispered.  

He looked over quickly, shocked to find AJ bending over her and was kneeling in front of 
her a second later.  "Sarah are you OK?" he asked anxiously, cupping her cheek as he 
turned her face to look closely into her eyes.

"I'm more embarrassed than anything," she sighed.  "I hate calling attention to myself 
like this."  Indeed the others were now staring at her as well.  

"As you were," AJ growled and then turned his attention back to her as Sydney was 
checking her pulse.

"Syd?" Harm breathed.

"Relax Harm.  Mac you don't seem to be anything more than a little overheated in this 
warm room, and probably tired.  I would like to see you drink a tall glass of water, and 
then go home and get a good night's sleep."

"I'll see to it."  Harm spoke up so quickly that both AJ and Syd laughed as Mac glared.

"I meant home to rest Mr. Rabb," Sydney chided him.

"I knew that," Harm grinned despite his worry.  

As if by magic Gunny appeared with a bottle of water and Mac smiled gratefully.  "Really 
I'm OK.  Just embarrassed and..." 

"Tired?" Harm finished for her.  "It's been a long day.  Drink."

Mac nodded and drank down the water under the watchful eye of Syd and Harm and 
she accepted Harm's hand to rise to her feet.  He wrapped her into her coat and they bid 
goodnights and started out the door when she stopped so suddenly Harm all but 
crashed into her.

"Hey guys, we're going to wrap presents at Toys for Tots tomorrow," she remembered.  
"We'd love to have any extra hands."  

A dozen excuses rang out and Harm laughed and guided Mac out.  "No matter.  It will 
get done."

"Sit back and rest now," Harm encouraged when he helped her into the SUV.  

She needed no urging and was asleep before he had wended his way out onto the 
Beltway.

"Home m'lady," Harm told her once he had parked at her building.  "Do you need a ride 
inside?"

"You're not seriously offering to carry me like I'm some five year old who fell asleep in 
the back seat now are you?"  She roused herself and poked his arm.  "I'll let you walk 
me upstairs and then you need to get to bed yourself.  We're expected at the Corps 
barracks at 0900 for breakfast."

"Mac I was going to ask if you might want to...,"  Even in the dim light he could see the 
disapproval on her face and he stopped short.

"You're not going to seriously ask if I want to not do this now are you?"

"Uh no of course not," he grinned, adding almost under his breath.  "Not that it would do 
me any good anyway.  Come on I'll get you upstairs and be on my way."

Not only did he walk her to her door but to the inside of her apartment and then to her 
bedroom door.  

"I think I can take it from here," she smiled, her arms going around his neck.  "Thank you 
for a wonderful evening, and for an even better afternoon and for this..."  She tightened 
her hold of his neck and pressed her lips to his, in a kiss like they had shared under the 
mistletoe.

"Good night," he whispered as they reluctantly parted.  "I'll be here around 0830 for you.  
You get a good night's sleep now.  You scared me earlier you know."

She smiled and grazed his cheek with her fingers before she slipped inside the bedroom 
door.

He got as far as the front door before his concern for her stopped him, and he knew if he 
went back to his place he would not sleep for his worry despite her assurance that she 
was fine.  His plan formed and his mind made up, he dropped onto the sofa.  He would 
sleep there until around 0700, just in case she might need him, and sneak out before 
she could find him there.

"Commander Rabb--what in the hell are you doing?"  Mac's piercing voice broke into his 
sound sleep.  

"Ma'am."  He was on his feet at once, his sleep fogged brain not recalling where he was 
and he immediately groaned as the bright sun hit his eyes.

"I repeat, what the hell are you doing here?  Did we not say goodnight?  Were you not 
going home to bed?"  Her flashed with indignation.

"Mac I was honest," he gulped sheepishly.  "But something couldn't bring me to do it.  I 
was concerned about you being here alone.  I mean what if there was something...."  He 
squirmed uncomfortably under her steely gaze.  "Guilty ma'am.  What time is it?"

"Exactly seven hours, forty minutes after you should have been home in your own bed 
getting some rest," she retorted.  

"Well obviously I rested just fine right here," he attempted and held up his hands in 
surrender.  "OK throwing myself on the mercy of the court, and accepting my 
punishment."

"That we'll talk about later," she decided.  "Right now you're out of here.  Go get your 
shower and changed and be back here to get me."  Her final attempt at sternness fell 
flat and she began to laugh.  "Harmon Rabb what exactly am I going to do with you.  
You're going to make me crazy--on second thought you already have."

"But you love me for it," he teased and backed toward the door, giving her a quick wave 
before he slipped out.

She gave a short smile and leaned back against the door.  "Yes I do," she whispered, 
"god help me, yes I do."


 He returned as promised an hour later and they headed to the Corp barracks 
 for breakfast.
 
 "I hope it doesn't ruin my image being seen with a squid" she teased as they 
 made their way in.
 
 "Colonel Mackenzie" a voice called out and they turned around to see the 
 tall blond haired gentleman waving them over. "Mac, how's JAG treating you?"
 
 "Fine, how are you?" Mac replied with a smile that made Harm squeeze her 
 hand just a little tighter.
 
 "Great" the man replied. "Who's your friend?"
 
 "Colonel Martin Vicks, this is my partner at JAG Commander Harmon Rabb" Mac 
 replied. "Colonel Vicks and I served together in Bosnia."
 
 "Mac, we don't have to be so formal today" Martin replied as he extended his 
 hand to Harm. "Please call me Marty."
 
 "Harm" Harm said as he shook his hand before quickly taking Mac's hand back 
 in his.
 
 "Why don't you get in line and get some breakfast?" Marty suggested. "Before 
 the rest of the crowd gets in here. It's going to be a long day of wrapping 
 presents."
 
 They headed to the line; Harm's hand still tightly wrapped around Mac's.
 
 "Would you mind letting go of my hand before you cut off all the blood flow" 
 Mac joked once they were in line.
 
 "Sorry" Harm said sheepishly as he eased up on his grip. "I just wanted to 
 make sure that..well..you know…that he knew you were…..well…with me" he 
 finally stammered out.
 
 Mac grinned from ear to ear with his words. "I can't tell you how good it 
 makes me feel to hear you say that" she whispered. "But this marine only has 
 eyes for her handsome sailor partner."
 
 "Good" Harm said confidently. "I mean, I'm glad. Cause you're the only one I 
 want to be with."
 
 They made their way through the line and Harm watched with amusement as Mac 
 loaded up her plate with pancakes and sausage.
 
 "Is something wrong?" she asked noticing his grin.
 
 "Nothing" Harm grinned. "I like a woman with an appetite."
 
 "Watch it sailor" Mac said as she smacked his arm playfully.
 
 Following breakfast, they were assigned to their duty station for the day. 
 The large room had several tables set up with rolls and rolls of wrapping 
 paper at each one, and a pile of toys next to each one.
 
 "Okay, here's your spot" Marty said as he led them to one of the tables. 
 "And here's the pile of toys."
 
 "Wow" Mac said as she looked at all the toys. "This is the most toys I've 
 seen in all the years I've been doing this."
 
 "Well, despite the good economy, our list gets bigger and bigger each year" 
 Marty replied. "And it looks like we've got more kids than we do toys. I 
 have to go over the list again but we just didn't get the donations this 
 year like we expected. Here's the paper, scissors and tape. If you need 
 anything, just yell."
 
 With that Harm and Mac began their day of wrapping. The mood was festive as 
 the Christmas music played in the background, and Mac gave Harm a quick kiss 
 before they started wrapping.
 
 "What's that for?" he asked.
 
 "For doing this with me" Mac said with a smile. "It means a lot to me to 
 have you here with me."
 
 "There isn't anywhere I'd rather be than with you" Harm said seriously.
 
 "You wouldn't rather be sitting at home watching the Redskins and drinking a 
 beer?" Mac questioned.
 
 "Maybe last year I would have but not this year" Harm replied. "I don’t even 
 mind being surrounded by a bunch of jarheads as long as I'm with you. Now 
 what do you say we get going on this pile of toys, marine."
 
 "Let's do it sailor," Mac said as she reached for the first gift.
 
 Hours later they looked at the pile of wrapped toys. "You two make quite a 
 team," Marty said as he walked by. "You took care of that pile of toys in 
 now time."
 
 "Yes we do make quite a team," Harm said as he wrapped his arm around Mac 
 waist.
 
 "So what's your status on toys?" Mac asked. "Are there enough toys for all 
 the kids on the list?"
 
 "Unfortunately not" Marty said sadly. "I just went over the list again and 
 we're about 30 toys short. All the donations have been picked up from the 
 drop off locations so there's no more coming in. I was thinking of asking 
 the volunteers for money to purchase the rest, but they've already donated 
 their time so I hate to ask form money from them.  I'd buy them all myself 
 but I afford to buy that many toys myself."
 
 "When do you need the toys by?" Harm asked.
 
 "We’re starting the deliveries tomorrow" Marty replied. "That way we know 
 they're in the homes that need them by Christmas."
 
 "Mac, what do you say we do a little Christmas shopping tonight?" Harm 
 smiled.
 
 "Harm, you're not seriously thinking of buying 30 toys are you?" Mac asked 
 flabbergasted at Harm's idea.
 
 "Why not?" Harm said shrugging his shoulders.  "It's for a good cause. 
 Besides the idea that those kids are going to wake up on Christmas morning 
 without anything just doesn't sit well."
 
 "You don't have to do this, Harm" Marty said. "Though I won't stop you if 
 you really want too. I've delivered the toys in years past and the look of 
 gratitude on the parent's faces makes it all worth while."
 
 "What do you say Mac?" Harm asked. "We can go now, come back and get 
 everything wrapped up tonight so they'll be all set to deliver the gifts 
 tomorrow."
 
 "If this is what you want to do, of course I'll be happy to go" Mac smiled. 
 "I guess we'll be back in a few hours, Martin."
 
 "Thank you so much" Marty said happily. "I really can't tell you how much I 
 appreciate this. You found yourself one heck of a sailor here Mac."
 
 "That I did" Mac said as she wrapped her hand in Harms. "That I did."
 
 A short time later they found a spot in the packed Toys R US parking lot. 
 Mac sighed as she looked at all the people but Harm just took her hand and 
 smiled happily as they walked in.  They found a cart and began to work their 
 way through the store. Marty had given them an idea of the ages of the 
 children that still needed toys and they began their quest to find a toy for 
 each kid left. They started with the youngest ages and worked their way up. 
 Mac went back to get a second cart as the first cart soon filled up with 
 baby dolls and Tonka trucks.
 
 "Having fun yet?" Harm asked as they weaved their way through the crowded 
 aisles towards the checkouts.
 
 "Actually yes" Mac smiled back. "Despite the craziness of this store, yes. 
 Knowing these kids will wake up on Christmas and have at least one toy to 
 open makes it all worth it."
 
 They pulled into line behind a well-dressed couple also pulling two carts; 
 both stacked with Barbie items. The woman smiled as she looked back at Harm 
 and Mac.
 
 "You've got quite a selection there" she remarked. "How many children are 
 you buying for?"
 
 "Thirty" Harm smiled and the woman gasped.
 
 "We're buying for the Toys for Tots program" Mac quickly explained.
 
 "Oh that's very kind of you" the woman replied. "John, you left a toy at one 
 of the stores for the toys for tots program didn't you?"
 
 "Yes dear" her husband said without turning around.
 
 "See we did our part" the woman replied.
 
 "You have quite a few items there yourself" Harm remarked.
 
 "All for our little Jessica" the woman said proudly. "She's getting the 
 Barbie dream house, the Barbie corvette, the Barbie plane. Everything Barbie 
 she wanted."
 
 Harm rolled his eyes at Mac as the couple moved forward to pay for their 
 purchases.
 
 "Please tell me we'll never be like that with our children" Harm said 
 quietly.
 
 "Which children would that be again" Mac smiled.
 
 "The ones you and I are going to have one day real soon" Harm said as he 
 pulled her into his arms. "I can't believe people actually buy all that 
 stuff for their kids."
 
 "And they wonder why children don't appreciate anything anymore" Mac sighed. 
 "Course when I was a kid I would have died for the Barbie dream house. 
 Course I didn't even get the real Barbie. I always got the generic 
 equivalent." She gave a small smile and Harm gave her a kiss.
 
 "Do you want me to buy you a real Barbie?" Harm asked softly.
 
 "No, I got all I want for Christmas right here" she said as she wrapped her 
 arms around his waist.
 
 "Me too" Harm whispered.
 
 They finally made it through the line and when the cashier read their total, 
 Mac gasped.
 
 "Harm, $459" Mac exclaimed. "You can't pay for all of that."
 
 "Why not?" Harm asked as he handed the cashier his gold Visa card. "Mac, 
 it's not like I can't afford it."
 
 "At least let me pay for part of it" Mac insisted.
 
 "Too late" Harm said as the cashier handed him back his card. "Mac, really I 
 don't mind."
 
 "Harm, at least let me give you some money towards it" Mac said firmly. 
 "Please."
 
 "You don't have to" Harm replied as they made their way to the SUV. "Only if 
 you want to."
 
 "I want to" Mac insisted.  "Wrapping presents for Toys for Tots was my idea 
 anyway."
 
 "And it was a great idea" Harm said giving her a kiss. "We got to help out 
 more than we ever expected. Doesn't it make you feel good to know that all 
 these kids are going to wake up on Christmas and have something to open 
 now."
 
 "Yes it does" Mac agreed as they loaded up the SUV.
 
 "What do you say we get these presents back so we can get them wrapped and 
 ready to deliver tomorrow?" Harm said as he dumped the final bag into the 
 SUV.
 
 "I do hope there's lunch somewhere along the line" Mac joked as they got in 
 the car. "I'm starving."
 
 "You mean you're not still full from breakfast" Harm teased. "I thought you 
 ate enough there for the day."
 
 "Watch it Rabb" Mac said as she punched his arm playfully.
 
 "Okay, I'll get you some lunch first" Harm smiled. "Just don’t beat me up."
 
 After a quick run through the McDonalds drive-thru, they headed back to the 
 marine barracks. Martin and a few others were still around and they helped 
 unload the bags.
 
 "Thank you again" Marty said as they carried the bags in. "This is great."
 
 "We're just happy to help out" Harm replied.
 
 They left with promises to return again next year to help out and Mac sighed 
 happily as they drove back to her place.
 
 "Happy" Harm asked as he reached for her hand.
 
 "Blissfully" Mac smiled. "Today was wonderful. Thank you so much for doing 
 all that."
 
 "You're welcome" Harm replied. "So what do we do next?"
 
 "Go home and collapse" Mac suggested. "I'm beat from the wrapping and 
 shopping."
 
 "Good idea but I meant with our Christmas giving" Harm said quietly. "We've 
 still got a few days before we head to Grams to do a few more things."
 
 "You really are in the Christmas spirit," Mac said softly. "And not the kind 
 that means buying Hiccuping Ords and Barbie."
 
 "Yes I am" Harm replied. "And it's all because of a certain marine who has 
 made me the happiest man on earth."
 
 "You've done the same for me" Mac whispered. "This is the first holiday 
 season I've actually enjoyed. And it's because of you. And all the stuff 
 we've been doing."
 
 "Isn't it nice to leave all the commercial stuff behind?" Harm replied. "And 
 I can honestly say there's nothing else I want for Christmas. Everything I 
 ever wanted is sitting right next to me."
 
 "Ditto" Mac said as a few tears slid down her face.
 
 "Hey, don’t cry" Harm said as he glanced over at her. "I didn't mean to make 
 you sad."
 
 "It's okay," Mac said as she wiped the tears away.  "I'm not sad. I guess I 
 still can't believe this all real. That you and I are finally working on 
 that happiness we both want so much."
 
 "It's real and it's not going to end" Harm said as he took her hand in his. 
 "Ever."
 
 Once back at Mac's, Harm rummaged through the cupboards, finally finding 
 enough stuff to make a spaghetti dinner for them. After dinner, Mac popped 
 in one of the Christmas CD's and they headed to the couch to cuddle.
 
 "So have you thought of where else we could lend our services?" Mac asked. 
 "Speaking of lending our services, I wanted to call Maggie and ask when 
 Mollie's pageant is."
 
 "You want to go don't you?" Harm asked and Mac nodded.
 
 "It would mean a lot to me if we could."
 
 "Why don't you call Maggie then?" Harm suggested. "That way we can figure 
 out the next three days. I told mom we'd leave here Thursday after work. If 
 that's not the case, I'll call and tell her there's been a change of plans."
 
 She dialed the number Maggie had given her and a few seconds later was 
 talking to Mollie, who'd answered the phone.
 
 "Can I talk to your mom?" Mac said after she listened to Mollie talk about 
 the pageant for a few minutes.
 
 "Hi Mac" Maggie said when she got on the phone.
 
 "Hi Maggie, I just have a quick question for you" Mac replied. "What night 
 is Mollie's pageant?"
 
 "Thursday at 7:00" Maggie replied. "Why?"
 
 "Thursday" Mac said disappointedly. "I was hoping that Harm and I could come 
 but we're leaving for PA that night."
 
 "Mac, we can still go" Harm interrupted. "What's it matter if we get there a 
 few hours later? We're going to have the whole weekend with mom and Grams."
 
 "You sure" Mac asked and Harm nodded. "Maggie, I guess we'll be there. But 
 don't tell Mollie. I want it to be a surprise."
 
 "I won't" Maggie promised.
 
 "You sure that's okay" Mac asked after she hung with Maggie.
 
 "I know how much this means to you" Harm said as he drew Mac close to him. 
 "I'll just call Grams and tell her not to expect us till late that night."
 
 "Thank you" Mac said giving Harm a big kiss.  "Now what are going to do the 
 rest of the week?"


Harm looked thoughtful.  "There is something I want to do," he admitted, "but I'm not 
sure about it.  You know how I'm getting the daily bulletin from the church on email 
now?"
 
She nodded, waiting for him to continue.

"Well they maintain an overnight shelter in their basement.  They have people who drive 
around in vans picking up the homeless from their boxes and grates and all and inviting 
them there for a meal and a mattress.  Then they serve them breakfast at 0700 and turn 
them out.  Well they need help.  They're required to have people stay on over night 
there with the folks just in case I guess; though I can't imagine that these people would 
be anything but too cold and tired and grateful to start any trouble.

"So what's the problem?" she frowned.  "Did you sign us up for a night before we leave 
or what?  Because I think it's a great idea.  No one should have to be out in the cold in 
the capital of the free world for crying out loud."

"I want to," he sighed, "I'm just...well just not sure that I think it's a good thing for you to 
do.  I mean these are street people and...."  

"And I'm a Marine and I can look out for myself," she reminded him.  "Now what night 
did we have in mind?"

"Well we're leaving Thursday," he frowned, torn between his desire to contribute and his 
concern for her well being.  "Plus that's Mollie's night anyway so that's out.  I guess 
Tuesday then?  We report at 1600 to help set up the meal.  Then assist the arrivals and 
finally we get to bed down ourselves.  I don't know how much sleep we'll get.  And these 
people are not exactly from the social register."

"Harm you're fretting," she shook her head in amusement.  "It's going to be fine.  We're 
only talking about what, about thirteen hours.  How bad can it be.  I mean these people 
live this twenty four hours a day.  And yes some of the time it's their own fault, but some 
of these people are mentally and physically ill and can't really help themselves.  Now 
call the man, tell him to count on us, and then relax and enjoy this music."

"Yes ma'am," he grinned.  "I love it when you order me around.  I should ask Mic if you 
were like that..."  Immediately he was sorry for his comment and clapped his hand to his 
mouth.

"No Harm it's OK," she smiled softly.  "Yes Mic and I had that kind of relationship, 
because he insisted and I didn't say no.  I thought that's what it was all about.  Now I 
know a lot better.  Being in love is so much more than that."  Her fingers threaded with 
his and she lifted the back of his hand to her lips to kiss.  "So much more."

They fell asleep like that and it wasn't until 0130 that Harm awoke with a start.  "I need 
to get home," he murmured, his voice slurred with sleep. 

She woke slowly, feeling him stir.  "I don't think so Sailor, not at this hour.  You're too 
tired to drive; and then when you do get there you'll be wide awake and won't get any 
further sleep.  You're in for the night Mr. Rabb."

"I'm too weak to argue," he grinned, letting her lead him to the bed.  A quick strip to 
underwear and she was back in his grasp for the night.
************************************
Monday passed in routine and Monday night found them still at JAG HQ as they drew to 
a close another case, sharing Chinese food in the lounge and working.  They parted for 
the night in the parking lot, a kiss between them and a promise from each that they 
would drive safely.  Tuesday dawn cold and wet in the Nation's Capital, promising a 
night that would bring near record low temperatures to the city.

"Looks like that shelter is going to be needed," Harm sighed as they got their morning 
coffee.  "How would you like to be out there in this, knowing it was only going to get 
worse."

"Then I think I'd look for a job," Singer spoke up from the doorway.

"Good morning Lieutenant," Harm said evenly.  "Lieutenant, some of these people can't 
hold a job.  Many have no skills, no education, and no place to live even to provide a 
phone number where they could be called in response to a job application.  I see these 
people on the streets near my place.  Most of them are sick, emotionally and physically.  
Not the job holding kind."

"Granted there are some who simply got tired of working, and gave it all up," Mac 
added, smiling when Harm's arm went around her waist, "but then ten years on the 
street doesn't make them good employment prospects."

"I guess I stand corrected ma'am, sir," Singer sighed.  "Harm that drink invitation is still 
open."

"That's Commander or sir," Harm corrected her, "and I'm asking you not to go there 
again Lieutenant."

"Sir," she brought herself to attention and executed a dismissal turn.

"You're quite the ladies man," Mac teased.  "I'm going to work Romeo.  If you're not 
busy at lunch, you know where to find me."

At 5PM Harm and Mac emerged from the restrooms, dressed in warm civilian clothes--
jeans and flannel shirts for their upcoming night.  

"Commander, Colonel, Halloween was almost two months ago," AJ called.  "But you two 
could have easily won the couples contest. Let me guess, you're going to chop wood."

"Yes sir," Harm grinned, "and no sir.  We're taking a night of chaperoning a homeless 
shelter and...whoa you do look nice though. Mess dress sir?"

"Kennedy Center Commander, some kind of charity event," AJ sighed.  "Sydney says I 
promised her weeks ago.  What I had in mind for tonight was her, me, a fire, and the 
basketball game."

"Gee sir, you should have made her that offer," Mac shook her head, looping her arm 
through Harm's.  "Good night sir.  You and Dr. Walden have a good time."

"What a totally crappy night," Harm moaned for the tenth time as he was attempting to 
clear the windows of the mixture snow and freezing rain that was falling.  "Being 
homeless by choice on one of those warm summer nights we get is one thing, but on a 
night like this, surely no one can say that's what he wants."

He drove up Fourteenth Street, creeping with the traffic, past the monuments and the 
area where the White House was but two blocks over, tall buildings of downtown, and 
out into the residential area of the Northwest section.  Buildings burned out and 
abandoned in the riots following the murder of Martin Luther King stood in mute 
testimony to the deterioration of a once middle class area now controlled by gangs and 
drug lords.  

"I don't remember it being this bad," she whispered, staring out the window at the people 
despite the weather who were gathered in small knots on steps of the buildings.

"Remember we came in from the other side," he reminded her.  "You live in this city too 
remember."

"Oh yeah, but I live in an area that has the highest per capita income of the city," she 
sighed.  "My neighbors are senators and cabinet officers.  And the only reason I can 
afford my place is because the previous tenant died and it's a rent controlled building.  I 
moved in while they were moving the body out."

He smiled and reached for her hand.  "Honey we can't do it all.  We only try to make 
what difference we can."

"Yeah well I'm going to start making more of one," she vowed.

For the next hour they rolled up their sleeves and chopped vegetables for soup, 
kneaded dough for biscuits and sliced fruit.  

"Mr. Rabb, Ms. Mackenzie, bless you," the minister greeted them.  An older 
distinguished looking African American, he held out his hand, having read their name 
tags.  "Mr. Rabb I was so heartened to receive your email.  We generally have just 
barely enough help.  But with the holidays so close, some of our regulars have their own 
families to look after."

"Reverend Benton we're glad we can be here, and we will be back," Harm smiled.  "You 
know I live near Union Station, and I see poverty and street people there, but this area is 
appalling."

"You came up Fourteenth didn't you," Benton smiled.  "I wish we could get the 
president's limo to just once take the long way around and see this.  He and Mrs. Clinton 
served for a whole hour on Thanksgiving in a pristine kitchen near the White House 
and...."  He was stopped by another man, whispering something to him and he nodded 
as the man hurried off.  "Mr. Rabb, if we could prevail on you?  We have a van ready to 
leave to do a pick up and one of the men didn't show."

"Well I...I guess," Harm nodded hesitantly, looking to Mac.  Some of the clients had 
already been seated, and his discomfort at her being there had increased.  

"Go Flyboy," she grinned and pushed his arm.  "I'll be here stirring soup when you get 
back."

"OK sure Reverend," he relented after another moment's hesitancy.  

Benton had caught the by play between the two officers and he smiled softly.  "Don't 
worry Mr. Rabb, she's safe with us."

"I'm sure she is," Harm grinned and relaxed slightly, "but I can't leave without..."  He 
then hooked his arm around her neck and kissed her gently.  "Be back soon."

"You better," she retorted.

Harm was not back soon, however.  An hour passed and then another.  Dinner was 
served and Mac began to pace the corridor, torn between the assistance she was 
supposed to be providing and her concern for Harm.  

"Ms. Mackenzie," Reverend Benton's soft voice broke into her thoughts.  "I finally got a 
call from Mark, the driver of Mr. Rabb's van.  Seems like they had a little accident on 
these bad roads."

"No," she gasped and fell back against the wall weakly.  "Harm?"

"He's not badly hurt, just a bump and a small cut," Benton assured her quickly.  "Mark 
called me from the hospital to tell me not to worry and they're on their way out here now.  
No one aboard was badly hurt in fact."

"Thank God," she breathed, feeling weak with relief.

"I already did," Benton smiled and squeezed her hand.  "Can I get you to lend a hand 
making up mattresses?"

"Of course and I'm sorry I've been neglecting why I'm here," she sighed.  "But Harm 
is....well..."  Her voice trailed off.

"Try the man you're in love with in that sentence," Benton smiled again, taking her arm.

"It shows doesn't it," she smiled as well, coloring pink.

"Only every time you look at him.  And I've only just met you two."

She was leaning over a mattress, attempting to beat a sheet that was more holes than 
fabric into submission when she felt a firm hand on her shoulder, followed quickly by 
Harm's soft voice.  "Hey you.  Miss me?"

Mac froze and then a second later had leaped into his arms, holding to him as if he 
could be taken from her.  "Harm I was worried when you didn't come back and then 
when they said there'd been an accident I almost lost it."  She lifted her head from his 
chest and it was then she saw the bandage at his temple.  "How bad?" she gasped 
touching her fingertips to it.

"Six stitches and an ice bag took care of it," he assured her.  "A very minor concussion. 
It was just waiting for the Xray that took forever.  That was negative, which I could have 
told them they wouldn't find anything in there, and they gave me some pain medication 
and sent me on my way."

She swallowed hard, again feeling weak with relief.  "And you were worried about me 
Flyboy," she chided him.

"Well I still am," he sighed, "and knowing you were back here made the waiting that 
much harder.  Now what are we doing?"

"I" she said firmly.  "I am putting sheets on these mattresses.  I want you to sit down.  
You don't look any too steady there Commander."

"No I'm OK, I can help.  It's just the shot they gave me that's making me a little out of it."  

She took firm hold of his arm.  "Go help yourself to a chair mister.  I've got this under 
control."

"Maybe I will sit for a few minutes," he relented.  "But only where I can see you."

"Yes big brother," she smiled.

Harm actually dozed shortly after making himself comfortable, and it wasn't until she 
shook him that he became again aware of his surroundings.  

"Bed time Squid," she ordered.

"Wha....wha happened?" he stammered.  

"Our clients are tucked in and you and I are next," she told him, bringing him to his feet 
and pushing him to a small room off the large area where two cots awaited them.

"Mac I am so sorry," he whispered as she eased him down onto his.  "I never meant to 
stick you with it all.  I was just going to sit for a minute and then I guess that shot..."

"Knock it off," she told him sternly.  "I'm so glad you're OK that nothing but that matters.  
My God Harm I could have lost you tonight.  You sleep and you can make this up to me 
later.  Maybe at your grandmother's you can bring me breakfast in bed."

"Promise," he murmured, closing his eyes.  

She quickly covered him with what blankets there were, and pushing her cot over to 
touch his, dropped down onto it, praying for the immediate release of sleep.  A short 
time later she felt him turn and wrap a protective arm over her.  It was then she was able 
to close her eyes.

"Harm let me up.  Harm now before this gets embarrassing," she whispered a few hours 
later.  "Nature call here please."  It took a poke to his midsection before he woke up 
enough to loosen his grip enough for her to slide from under.  "Good thing it's not a fire," 
she sighed.

The only bathroom was an old drafty room that the chaperones shared with the clients 
and with trepidation she pushed open the door.  Thankful it was empty she went about 
her business, only to come out of the stall and come face to face with a large man 
blocking the door from the inside.

"Hi I'm done," she smiled despite the sense of unease that had come over her.  "All 
yours, excuse me."

"Hey don't run off pretty lady.  Stay and talk to me a little bit."  The man rose to his full 
height, now towering over her.

"I'd love to talk to you," she said slowly, sizing up the situation.  The last thing she 
wanted to do was create trouble for one of these unfortunate people.  At the same time 
her sense of self-preservation was rising, her instincts and training coming into play.  
"But this place is cold and smelly.  Why don't we go see if we can get some coffee and 
talk in the kitchen where it's warm."

"But the kitchen doesn't have the privacy this place does.  My name is Arnie by the 
way."

"Hi Arnie, I'm Mac," she said softly, taking a deep breath and sending a prayer for 
guidance heavenward at the same time.

"Hi Mac," he smiled, taking a few steps toward her and dropping large heavy hands on 
her shoulders, reaching up to touch his thumbs to her cheeks.  

"Arnie, please," she whispered.  "I don't want to hurt you, and I know you don't think so, 
but I can.  So I want you to let go of me right now please.  I don't want to get you in to 
trouble either.  So you're going to take your hands off me and we're both going to walk 
out there to our beds."

"Yes ma'am," Arnie smiled.  "Right after we have some time together."

"Arnie listen to me now," she tried again, forcing calm in her voice.  "I'm not going to let 
you..."  Before she could get the words out, one of his large hands slipped up inside her 
shirt, leaving no doubt of his intentions and he brought his mouth down almost to hers.

With a huge deep breath she screamed Harm's name.  At the same time she brought 
her knee up between Arnie's legs, ramming it into the most vulnerable part of a man's 
body.  His cry of pain mingled with her repeat of her scream for Harm and fifteen 
seconds later Harm was bursting through the door.

He stopped short at the sight before him, Mac standing over a man almost a foot taller 
than she, with easily a hundred pounds on her, who was on the floor in obvious pain.  
And Mac herself, panting slightly and her eyes wide with shock.

He shook his head sharply, for a few seconds trying to decide if he was having some 
kind of medication induced nightmare.

"Mac I..." he began and quickly abandoned any attempt to speak, instead wrapping her 
in a giant embrace and gulping hard before he could try again.  "Did he hurt you?  Mac, 
tell me if he hurt you."

"No he didn't.  I wouldn't have let him," she whispered.  "Well not without a fight.  He just 
touched me that's all."

"But he would have done more," Harm muttered, turning his attention to the man on the 
floor, holding the site of the injury and moaning softly.  "Get up you," he ordered roughly.  
"What the hell were you thinking, attacking a woman who was here to help you?"

By now the commotion had brought Rev. Benton and he knelt by Arnie.

Harm let go of Mac for a moment, reaching down with intention of hauling the man to his 
feet.

"Harm please," Mac spoke up, grabbing his arm.  "It's over and done with.  I'm OK, and 
I've punished him.  That's a part of his body he won't use again for a good while without 
remembering what he did."

"Mr. Rabb," Benton said softly, "He that is without sin, let him cast the first stone."

Mac tightened her hold and Harm looked from her to Benton to Arnie and back.  "Point 
taken," he said quietly.  "In this case the punishment fits the crime I guess."  He took a 
deep breath and stared at the still cowering man.  "Your lucky day friend.  She doesn't 
want me to deal with you, and neither does Reverend Benton.  But you can rest 
assured, if you had actually hurt her, this would not be ending like this."

With a protective arm around her shoulders, Harm took her back to the cot.  It wasn't 
until they lay back down that she began to tremble slightly, and gave into slight sobbing 
which only lasted a few minutes.  

"OK there I'm through with that," she said determinedly, pushing slightly back from him 
but remaining within his embrace.  "Nothing happened except scaring me to death.  
Nothing to cry over.  And even being frightened, well that wasn't as bad as it was earlier 
when I'd heard you'd been hurt. But....but I'd be grateful if you'd keep your arms around 
me I think."

"You don't have to ask for something that simple ever," he sighed.  "Oh Mac I'm so 
sorry.  See my misgivings about bringing you weren't all that far off.  Call it pilot's 
intuition maybe."

"How about I call it pilot arrogance and remind you to get some rest Flyboy," she 
retorted, and he was glad to see a spark of her spirit.  "You're not a totally well man 
yourself there Mr. Concussion."

"Minor concussion," he corrected, rolling so that his chest cradled her back and they 
spooned against each other.  "Please though, don't go anywhere in this place without 
me.  We've just got a few hours until we go."

"OK promise," she sighed.  "But Harm, I want to do this again when we get back.  The 
need for help here is desperate."

"We can argue about that another time," he sighed.  "Right now we both need the rest.  
We're going to be making eggs and sausage for two hundred soon."


The rest of the night passed without incidence, Harm's arm wrapped tightly 
 around Mac. At 6:00 AM they were cooking breakfast for the group, Harm 
 whipping up the scrambled eggs while Mac cooked the sausage to perfection.  
 It was only after everyone was served that they finally left, knowing they 
 were going to be late getting to JAG.
 
 "Your place first" Mac ordered as she headed to his SUV. "Key's please."
 
 "Mac, I can drive" Harm protested. "I'm fine."
 
 "Keys squid" Mac said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm 
 driving.  And you're sitting."
 
 "Yes ma'am" Harm mumbled tiredly as he climbed into the passenger side.
 
 "Hot shower for you" Mac directed once they were back at Harm's. "And I'll 
 make us some coffee and call the Admiral and tell him we're going to be 
 late."
 
 "Thank you" Harm said giving her a quick kiss. "I'm really sorry about last 
 night."
 
 "Harm, would you stop apologizing" Mac chided him. "I'm not going to let the 
 actions of one stop me from going back there and helping the other hundred 
 and ninety nine."
 
 "You are one special lady, Sarah Mackenzie" Harm smiled. "I'll be out in a 
 few minutes."
 
 "Take your time" Mac replied. "You probably need it after last night. 
 Between the accident and sleeping on that cot, I'm sure you're pretty sore."
 
 While Harm showered Mac put on the coffee pot and called JAG HQ. Tiner 
 informed her the Admiral was at a meeting with SecNav and would not be in 
 until later and Mac explained that they would be late. She was pouring the 
 two cups of coffee when Harm emerged from the shower, a towel wrapped around 
 his waist.
 
 "I'll take one of those" Harm said as he walked into the kitchen and Mac 
 handed him one of the cups. "Why does it feel like we never went to sleep?"
 
 "Because we really didn't" Mac sighed. "And tonight we're staying home and 
 relaxing. Your mom and Grams are going to wonder what I've done to you."
 
 "Don't worry we'll have plenty of time to relax at Grams" Harm assured her. 
 "And last night was my idea, so don't even start blaming yourself."
 
 "Well, sailor, as much as I love seeing you in a towel, I think you'd better 
 get dressed" Mac smiled a few minutes later. "We still have to stop at my 
 place, remember."
 
 "Yes, ma'am" Harm said giving her a mock salute. "I'll be out in five."
 
 As promised he was ready in five and they made the cross town trip to Mac's 
 place before finally arriving at JAG HQ at 9:00. With just two days before 
 the holiday weekend, everyone was in a festive mood, with work the secondary 
 topic of conversation. The day passed quickly as Harm and Mac diligently 
 worked to clear their desks before leaving the next afternoon. Both were 
 grateful when it was finally time to go home.
 
 "So what's our plans, marine?" Harm asked as he sank down into the chair in 
 front of her desk.
 
 "We are going home and relaxing remember" Mac said firmly. "But we need to 
 figure out our schedules for tomorrow."
 
 "We leave here at 5:00, run to your place and change before grabbing a quick 
 dinner, go to Mollie's pageant and hit the road for PA" Harm replied. 
 "Simple."
 
 "Somewhere in that schedule we need to pack" Mac reminded him.
 
 "Guess we need to do that tonight" Harm sighed. "And I'll have to pick you 
 up in the morning so we don't have to worry about your car."
 
 "Why don't we stop at your place tonight, grab your stuff, and then go back 
 to my place" Mac suggested. "You can stay at my place tonight."
 
 "You sure" Harm asked.
 
 "Positive" Mac smiled. "It's all settled."
 
 Wednesday evening was spent together in each other arms on the couch, the 
 soft sounds of Christmas music filling the apartment. They called Trish and 
 informed them they would be arriving late Thursday night. In typical mother 
 fashion, she tried to convince them into wait until Friday to come, but both 
 Harm and Mac insisted they would be fine driving at night.
 
 Thursday passed quickly and before they knew it they were bidding farewell's 
 and Merry Christmas to their friends at JAG before heading to Mac's to 
 change. They stopped at the local diner near Mac's for a quick dinner, 
 wanting to make sure they didn't miss a second of the Christmas Pageant.
 
 The church was aglow with candles and lights and was rapidly filling as it 
 neared 7:00.  They finally spotted Maggie and Brandon in one of the front 
 pews, and Maggie motioned for them to join them.
 
 "I'm so glad to see you again" Maggie said giving them both hugs. "But I 
 didn’t say a word to Mollie about you being here."
 
 "How did the dress look?" Mac asked as they sat down.
 
 "She looks like a little angel" Maggie smiled. "And she was completely 
 surprised. She wanted to call you and thank you right away but I managed to 
 convince her to wait until after the program."
 
 Harm managed to get a small bit of conversation from Brandon before the 
 program began, and as the lights in the church were dimmed, Harm reached for 
 Mac's hand.  Mollie had the opening song and Mac couldn't help a few happy 
 tears as she looked up at the little girl, smiling happily in the velvet 
 dress. Mollie's eyes scanned the audience looking for her mother and 
 brother, and an even bigger smile crossed her face when she saw who was 
 sitting with them. She waved at them excitedly, and Harm and Mac waved back, 
 giant smiles across both faces as well. The pianist began to play and the 
 church was silent as they listened to the little girl sing Away in a Manger.
 
 "Now this is what Christmas is all about" Harm whispered to Mac as Mollie 
 finished singing. She nodded, unable to speak at that moment. Harm squeezed 
 her hand tighter and she leaned back against his shoulder, more content than 
 she had ever been before in life.
 
 "Thank you for doing this" Mac whispered once the program was over. "I'm 
 really glad we stayed to see this."
 
 "I wouldn't have missed it for the world" Harm assured her.
 
 "Mac" a little voice yelled through the crowds. Mac looked up to see Mollie 
 running towards her. She bent down just as the little girl reached her and 
 pulled her into her arms.
 
 "Thank you thank you" Mollie said as she hugged Mac tightly. "You got me the 
 dress."
 
 "Couldn't have you sing without a pretty dress on" Mac smiled. "And you were 
 beautiful up there."
 
 "You really think so" Mollie asked anxiously. "You really liked my singing."
 
 "We loved it" Harm said as he bent down to give the little girl a hug as 
 well. "You were the best."
 
 "I can't believe you came to hear me sing" Mollie said excitedly.
 
 "They made a special trip just for you" Maggie said happily. "Harm and Mac 
 are leaving tonight to go visit his family in PA but they wanted to see you 
 sing first."
 
 "You did" Mollie shouted excitedly as she gave Mac another hug.
 
 "Yes we did" Mac smiled. "And when we get back from PA next week we're going 
 to come and take you ice skating again."
 
 "You sure you want to do that again?" Brandon spoke up. "You didn't look 
 like you had to much fun last time."
 
 "I'll take care of that" Harm assured the two children. "I'm going to teach 
 her how to skate while we're at Grams. There's a big pond in the back of the 
 farm and I'll make sure this Marine knows how to skate by the time we get 
 back."
 
 "I can't wait" Mollie said happily and even Brandon had a smile on his face.
 
 "We'd better let these two get going" Maggie said finally. "They've got a 
 long drive ahead of them. Thank you again for coming."
 
 "We enjoyed it" Harm assured her.
 
 After bidding final good byes and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, they 
 headed to the car.
 
 "That was wonderful" Mac sighed happily once they were on the road. "I'm so 
 glad we decided to stay for that."
 
 "I think Mollie really likes you" Harm smiled.
 
 "And I really like her" Mac smiled. "She's so happy despite everything 
 that's happened in their lives. Course I guess that's because she has a 
 mother who loves her." Her voice quivered as she talked and Harm reached 
 over and took her hand in his.
 
 "Unlike you" Harm said softly and Mac nodded as a few tears slid down her 
 face.
 
 "Mollie is very lucky" Harm said softly. "She does have a wonderful mother 
 and she now has a wonderful friend. You."
 
 Mac smiled through her tears at Harm. "And you" she corrected.  "You and 
 Mollie are lucky. You both have wonderful moms."
 
 "Mom and Grams are going to love you too" Harm smiled. "Almost as much as I 
 do."
 
 "I hope so" Mac said quietly.
 
 "Trust me, they will" Harm replied. "Now no more unhappy thoughts tonight. 
 We’re going to spend the best Christmas ever together. I promise."
 
 "Somehow I believe you" Mac said softly. "I don't know how I got so lucky to 
 have you in my life Harmon Rabb, but I thank god everyday I that you are."
 
 "Me too" Harm whispered squeezing her hand tightly.
 
 "Are you really going to teach me how to skate?" Mac asked a few minutes 
 later.
 
 "Well, I'm not sure that five days is enough but I'll give it my best shot" 
 Harm smiled. "Just get that six of yours ready to hit the ice."
 
 "Yours too" Mac laughed. "Remember, if I go down, you go down with me."
 
 "Not this time, marine" Harm grinned. "I'm not going to hold on to you the 
 whole time."
 
 "I can see it now" Mac smiled. "I'll be reporting back to work on Wednesday 
 with a broken ankle because you sent me out on the ice by myself. That will 
 make for a good story around JAG."
 
 "You won't break your ankle" Harm promised. "I promise I'll take it easy on 
 you."
 
 They left the city behind, and a few hours later they were on the quiet 
 freeway leading to the mountains of PA.
 
 "You can sleep you know" Harm said as he watched Mac try and stay awake in 
 the seat next to him. "You don't have to stay awake to keep me company."
 
 "You sure?" Mac asked sleepily as she adjusted herself to a more comfortable 
 sleeping position. "You're the one who should be resting."
 
 "I'm fine" Harm assured her. "Now get some sleep. We still have a couple 
 hours before we get there."
 
 "Aye Aye captain" Mac mumbled and Harm smiled as he watched her sleep a few 
 minutes later. He loved the woman sitting beside him more than anything else 
 in the world, and on Sunday evening, Christmas Eve, he was going to tell her 
 just how much. He'd known since that week together in Minneapolis that he 
 loved Sarah Mackenzie, but he wanted to wait until the right time to tell 
 her. And there would be no better time than Christmas Eve, surrounded by his 
 family, to tell her.
 
 "I love you" Harm whispered to her as she slept. "More than you will ever 
 know."
 
 He fought back a few yawns as they continued on the nearly deserted highway. 
 Fortunately, the weather had held out and the snow wasn't expected until 
 tomorrow.  He glanced over at Mac again, still sound asleep. As he looked 
 back up at the road, something darted out into the road in front of them. He 
 tried to avoid hitting the deer that stood stunned in the road, but the SUV 
 plowed into the animal with a sickening thump.
 
 _ Harm screamed her name as the airbag hit him square in the chest and the SUV 
rocked to a halt.  "Mac," he gasped, angrily pushing the remains of the airbag away from 
him and trying to bend over her at the same time.  "Mac can you hear me?  Mac answer 
me right now because you're really scaring me here."

He was rewarded with a small groan from her and he yanked the air bag away from her, 
trying to see her face in the darkness, and finally managing to cup her cheek with one 
hand.

"I'm....I think I'm OK."  To him her voice seemed distant and dazed; and he fumbled with 
his free hand for the dashboard light switch, flooding the interior with light.

"Sarah?" he demanded urgently, turning his attention back to her.

Suddenly full awareness returned to her and she screamed his name.  "Harm we're 
going to...."

"No Sarah no it's OK," Harm soothed her quickly.  "We hit a deer is all.  Right now all 
that's important is that you're all right."

"I think so," she nodded slowly.  "We hit a deer?"  Her eyes grew wide and she grabbed 
his arms.  "Harm are you all right?"

"Having an air bag blow up in my face wasn't pleasant, but compared to some other 
things that have happened to me it wasn't bad.  And in fact compared to hitting the 
steering wheel with my chest..."  He paused and focused intently on her.  "You're OK 
now right?  Because I think you were a little shook up there."

"I felt a little out of it," she admitted, "but I'm OK now, honest."

He gave her a dubious nod and kissed the tip of her nose.  "Stay put and let me see if 
the damage is too bad for us to keep going."

He backed out of the vehicle and walked to the front.  The large animal had been killed 
instantly by the heavy SUV and was now impaled on the grill.  He knew he needed to 
move it and he groaned under the weight as he attempted to tug it out of the way.  

"Harm what's happening?" She came up behind him to peer over his shoulder at the 
carnage.
 
"I told you to stay put," he scolded.  "This isn't pretty."

"No it's awful," she gasped.  Between the sight of the mortally injured animal and the 
stench of fresh blood she gasped again and covered her mouth and nose with her hand.  
"I...I can't..." she got out and turned from him, losing the contents of her stomach.  

"Mac easy," he yelped, dropping the handfuls of deer carcass and hurrying to her side 
before he realized he did not want to touch her with blood stained hands.

"I'm sorry," she gasped again.  "I wanted to help.."  She was holding her midriff now, 
moaning softly in obvious distress.

"Sarah," he moaned as well and with strength born of desperation, yanked the deer 
clear of the SUV's front end.  Then he scooped up a hand full of snow and rubbed the 
blood from his hands, finishing the job on the back of his jeans before hurrying to her 
side.

"I'm OK, really," she insisted, struggling to her feet, nonetheless grateful for Harm's arms 
around her.  "I'm sorry.  I've seen dead humans before and not been affected like that.  I 
don't know...."

"Hey it's all right.  It was grossing me out too.  As many times as I've driven up here this 
is the first time that's happened to me, but sadly it's all too common.  But anyway I'm 
much more concerned about you.  What can I do for you?"

"A warm house, a hot bath, some tea, and meeting your family," she smiled, still keeping 
her arms close around herself.

"And what's with the holding your middle like you're in pain?" he demanded.

"Getting smacked with the airbag wasn't fun, remember.  Bruised ribs.  Nothing a couple 
tylenol won't take care of."  She gestured back toward the SUV.  "We are going to be 
able to go ahead aren't we?"

"Well obviously it's going to have to go to the shop," he sighed.  "And we won't know if 
we can make it till we try." 

He kept a firm arm around her as he guided her to the passenger side, carefully helping 
her onto the seat and wincing himself at her grimace.  "I'm so sorry," he whispered, 
cupping her cheek with a still damp palm.

"Harm a deer ran in front of us," she scolded.  "Nothing to be sorry for.  I know you tried 
to avoid it."

"I just should have been paying better attention is all," he muttered.  "I'm amazed at 
times you want me around."

"Hey you cut that out right now before you see what an angry Marine looks like.  I 
wouldn't stand for anyone else running you down in my presence and I'm sure as hell 
not going to let you do it.  I do want you around mister.  You're a very important part of 
my life, and I don't plan to let that change."

"Yes ma'am," he smiled when her tirade was finished.  He snapped her seatbelt in place 
and kissed her lightly.  "You are a very important part of my life too."

Their eyes met for a moment, as another in a long series of silent messages passed 
between them and he quickly climbed into the driver's seat.  "Hold your breath, and pray 
that Saint Christopher isn't napping upstairs."

The engine fired to life, and he gingerly slipped the transmission lever into Drive, giving 
a large sigh of relief when the SUV moved forward.  Not without difficulty however as the 
steering was wobbly.  "Front end work," he muttered.

"Is it much further?" 

"No, not more than a couple miles," he sighed, "but that's a couple miles further than I 
want to walk you in this cold with your ribs hurting."

"I can do it if I have to," she insisted and he squeezed her hand, "I'm just sore, not 
crippled.  Besides what would you do, carry me?"

"Well I sure as hell wouldn't leave you," he retorted.  "But I think we're going to be OK.  
The turn off is right up here and then there's just the long driveway up from the road to 
make and we're in the front yard.  In the morning Frank and I can arrange a tow to 
Bud's....yes we have a Bud too.  Bud Jenkins."

She giggled at that until her ribs made her stop and she squeezed his hand in signal that 
she was all right.

A long five minutes later he located the turn off of which he had spoken and then a few 
minutes after that the driveway, marked by the familiar battered mailbox at the end, now 
ensconced with a crown of holly for the season.

"You can see the farmhouse lights," he said finally giving a quick sigh of relief.  

"I'm glad," she whispered, equally relieved.  

He pulled up out front in a spray of gravel and hurried to help her down.  The old house 
had been decorated with lights and greenery outside and as soon as he opened the 
door the welcome smells of coffee and cinnamon bread greeted them.  "My 
grandmother spends this time of the year in the kitchen because she gives..." he began 
and realized she wasn't right beside him.  "Mac?  Why are you hanging back there?"

"Sorry," she gulped self-consciously.  "I just realized I was meeting your family.  That's 
like something you do when...."

"It's something you do with the woman who means everything in the world to you," he 
finished.  "Now get in here."  Without waiting for her to reply, he hooked his arm around 
her waist and tugged her forward.  "They're going to love you of course," he assured 
her.   he added under his breath.
"I was beginning to worry about you Harmon" Grams said as she met them at 
 the door. "Everything okay?"
 
 "We're fine, Grams" Harm replied. "Just a little problem on the road."
 
 "Well don't just stand there, give your Grandma a hug and then start 
 introducing this pretty young lady with you" Grams smiled.
 
 "Sorry Grams" Harm said giving her a big hug before once again taking Mac's 
 hand in his. "Grandma, this is Sarah Mackenzie" he said with a smile. 
 "Sarah, this is Grams."
 
 "Nice to meet you Mrs. Rabb" Mac said quietly.
 
 "You can call me just about anything but Mrs. Rabb" Grams said as she gave 
 Mac a hug. "Grams, would be fine. And it's our pleasure to meet finally meet 
 you. We've heard so much about you."
 
 "Don't worry it's all good" Harm whispered in Mac's ear before Grams took 
 her arm.
 
 "How you ever put up with Harmon, here, I'll never know" Grams smiled. 
 "Would you like a cup of hot tea?" she asked Mac.
 
 "That sounds wonderful" Mac replied.
 
 "Harm, you're finally here" Trish said as she came out of the kitchen and 
 threw her arms around her son.
 
 "Hi Mom" Harm said as he gave his mom a big hug. "Sorry, we had a little 
 problem on the road. We hit a deer a few miles back."
 
 "You're both okay, right" Trish asked worriedly.
 
 "We're fine" Harm assured her. "Mom, I'd like you to meet someone very 
 special. Mom this is Sarah Mackenzie. Sarah, this is mom."
 
 "It's so good to finally meet you, Mac" Trish said as she gave Mac a hug.
 
 "Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Burnett" Mac smiled. She couldn't believe how 
 warm and loving this family was. The contrast between this and her own 
 family was like night and day.
 
 "Please, call me Trish or mom" Trish replied. "And this is Frank."
 
 "Nice to meet you Sarah" Frank smiled. "Harm, good to see you again"
 
 "Come on, let's go get you that cup of tea that mom was talking about." 
 Trish said taking Mac's arm.
 
 "Harmon, you be a gentleman and bring in your bags while Trish and I get 
 Sarah here a nice hot cup of tea and a slice of cinnamon bread." Grams 
 directed. "Harmon, you're sleeping in your old bedroom and Sarah here has 
 the guest room."
 
 "Yes, ma'am" Harm smiled. He was so glad Mac had agreed to spend this 
 Christmas with him and his family. This was going to be the best Christmas 
 ever.
 
 "I'll give you a hand with that" Frank said grabbing his coat.
 
 By the time Harm and Frank had finished unloading their stuff and depositing 
 it in the proper rooms, Mac had finished her first cup of tea and was 
 relaxing in the warmth of the kitchen.
 
 "How you feeling?" Harm asked as he sat down next to her.
 
 "I'm fine" Mac assured him. "The tea helped a lot."
 
 "Harm, I thought you said you two were okay" Trish asked. "Mac, is something wrong?"
 
 "No, I'm fine, really" Mac insisted. "When we hit the deer, the airbag went 
 off and hit me in the chest. It's fine though."
 
 "You left out the part about getting sick" Harm reminded her.
 
 "The tea helped settle my stomach" Mac replied. "Now would you please stop 
 worrying. I'm fine."
 
 "After a nice hot bath and a good night sleep you will be" Grams said 
 firmly. "Harmon, why don't you show Sarah where everything is upstairs. I'm 
 sure you two are exhausted from the trip."
 
 "Come on, marine" Harm said helping her out of the chair. "Let's get you 
 into that bathtub."
 
 "Thank you for everything" Mac said giving Grams and Trish a hug.
 
 "We'll see you in the morning, dear" Trish smiled. "Mom and I are making 
 cookies for the ?. We'd love for you to join us."
 
 "I'd like that" Mac smiled.
 
 "And then we'll do the tree together in the evening" Grams announced. "That 
 is of course if Harm and Frank can find us a nice one out there."
 
 "Let's go" Harm said taking her hand.  "Sounds like we're going to have a 
 busy day tomorrow."
 
 "Your family is wonderful" Mac whispered as they walked up the stairs. "
 
 "I told you they'd love you" Harm said giving her a quick kiss. "Here's your 
 room, my lady. Sorry about the sleeping arrangements. Grams is a little 
 old-fashioned about things."
 
 "That's fine" Mac smiled. "Though I won't object if you decide to come and 
 visit in the middle night."
 
 "I like the way you think marine" Harm grinned.  "Now let's get you in that 
 bath."
 
 "I think I can handle it from here" Mac said once he'd showed her where 
 everything was. "You go visit with your family."
 
 "I'll be up to tuck you in when you're done" Harm promised.
 
 "I'll be waiting" Mac said before shutting the bathroom door behind her.
 
 As promised he returned after she had taken her bath, tucking her into the 
 twin sized bed in the small guest room.
 
 "Can I get you anything else?" he asked.
 
 "I'm fine" Mac said with a long yawn. "Thank you for inviting me here. This 
 is wonderful. Your mom and Grams are wonderful"
 
 "I knew you'd like it" Harm said taking her hand and pressing it to his 
 lips. "And trust me, they think you're pretty wonderful too. Now get some 
 sleep. It's been a long day and I know you're exhausted."
 
 "Will I see you later?" Mac said sleepily.
 
 "Maybe" Harm smiled. "Get some sleep. That’s an order."
 
 He quietly slid out of the room and headed downstairs to the kitchen again. 
 Trish and Frank had gone to bed but Grams was still wandering around in the 
 kitchen cleaning things up.
 
 "That's quite a nice girl you found there, Harmon" Grams said as she sat 
 down next to her grandson. "What are you waiting for?"
 
 "Christmas Eve" Harm grinned. "But don't tell anyone. I want it to be a 
 surprise."
 
 "You mean I'm going to see my grandson get married" Grams said happily. "I'm so glad. 
And I can tell how happy she's made you. I don't think I've ever 
 seen you this happy."
 
 "She's made me real happy" Harm said softly. "I never thought I'd ever find 
 someone I'd love as much as I love Sarah."
 
 "And she loves you just as much" Grams said patting his hand affectionately. 
 "Now what you say we head on up and get some sleep."
 
 "Thanks for doing this" Harm said as they walked to the stairs. "Mac's never 
 had a real family Christmas before. You don't know how much this means to 
 her."
 
 "Well she has a new family now" Grams smiled as they headed up the stairs.
 
 "Thank you" Harm said giving her a hug. "Good night Grams"
 
 "Good night Harmon" she smiled. "I'll see you in the morning."
 
 Harm waited until he was sure everyone would be asleep before sneaking out 
 of his room and down to Mac's room. She stirred as he slid onto the bed with 
 her, opening her sleepy eyes and giving him a small smile.
 
 "Shh" he whispered as he pulled her closer to him.
 
 "I thought you'd forgotten about me" Mac said sleepily as she cuddled up 
 next to him.
 
 "Would I do that?" Harm said giving her a kiss. "Now go back to sleep."
 
 She cuddled closer to him, and he gently stroked her hair as he listened to 
 the sound of her breathing. It felt so right to hold her in his arms, and he 
 couldn't wait until Christmas Eve. He wasn't sure he'd be able to hold back 
 his feelings until then, but he wanted that night to be special. He'd just 
 have to take advantage of moments like this.
 
 "I love you" he whispered as he kissed her hair.

 FRIDAY 22 Dec 00
 When she awoke in the morning, he was gone. She wasn't sure whether he'd 
 been there or if she'd just dreamed it. Either way, she'd slept perfectly 
 and awoke refreshed and ready to start the day. She slipped into a pair of 
 sweats and a USMC sweatshirt and headed downstairs.
 
 "You're up early dear" Trish said when Mac walked into the kitchen. "We 
 thought you'd sleep in a little."
 
 "I'm always up early" Mac smiled. "Now Harm, on the other hand."
 
 "We'll be lucky if we see him before noon" Grams grinned. "How about some 
 breakfast before we get into those cookies?"
 
 Before Mac could protest she was sitting down to a full breakfast of eggs, 
 sausage and toast.
 
 "Can't work on an empty stomach" Grams said firmly. "Eat up and don't be 
 shy."
 
 "When it comes to food Mac's never shy" Harm grinned as he walked into the 
 kitchen.
 
 "Harm" Trish said smacking his arm. "That wasn't nice."
 
 "You're up early" Mac said as he said down next to her. "We were betting we 
 wouldn't see you until about noon."
 
 "I've got to see Bud Jenkins this morning about getting the SUV fixed" Harm 
 replied.
 
 "How about some breakfast?" Grams asked Harm.
 
 "Just eggs" Harm replied.
 
 "I know, none of that meat stuff" Grams said shaking her head. "Sarah, it's 
 good to see someone eat around here."
 
 "I would never pass up good cooking like this" Mac smiled. "Your grandson 
 here doesn't know what he's missing."
 
 Following breakfast, Harm led Mac into the living room for a few moments 
 away.
 
 "You okay if I leave you here for a while?" he asked.
 
 "Of course" Mac replied. "You go do what you need to do."
 
 "I'll try not to be gone too long" Harm said as he pulled her into his arms.
 
 "Did you come into my room last night or was I just dreaming" Mac whispered 
 in his ear.
 
 "You weren't dreaming"
 
 "Then I wasn't dreaming when I heard you say I love you?" Mac asked as she 
 pulled away to look into his eyes.
 
 "No you weren't" Harm said softly before his lips reached hers and he pulled 
 her back into his arms.
 
 When he finally pulled away, she gave him a huge smile.
 
 "I love you too" she whispered.
 
 "Ahem," Gram laughed from the doorway and they broke apart self-consciously.  "Hey 
don't worry about showing each other how you feel on my account," she laughed again.  
"Love is wonderful, and it doesn't need to be hidden.  Let's see to those cookies."

"Harm all set," Frank's voice boomed out before she could answer.

"I'd love to thank you," Mac smiled hesitantly and looked to Harm who gave her an 
encouraging nod.  

"Hey just remember when she gets out the baby pictures, that seeing any of me naked 
in a bathtub are going to offend you," he laughed and kissed her quickly.  "See you later.  
I love you."

That brought the wide smile to her face.  "I love you too.  Please be careful."

"My middle name," he laughed again and pushed her arm.  "Harmon Careful Rabb."

"Well don't count on us naming our first born that," she told him, kissing him once more 
before trotting after Grams to the kitchen.
*********************************************************************
"Rabb I hope you know what a lucky SOB you are," Frank told him as they walked to the 
cars.  "That woman so obviously adores you, and she's wonderful."

"Oh Frank you don't have to tell me," he sighed.  "I love her; and that she chose to love 
me is something I thank God for every day."
*****************************************************************************
"Grams I....I'm not sure how much help I'm going to be," Mac sighed, eyeing the 
ingredients the older woman had already set out.

"We're just making ordinary cut out sugar cookies, nothing special or complicated...," 
Grams began and then focused on Mac.  "Child are you trying to tell me you've never 
made Christmas cookies with your mother or grandmother all the time you were growing 
up?"

"No ma'am," Mac sighed.  "In fact I'm just learning of Christmas really.  My dad was an 
alcho....a drunk thank you...and my mom just mostly avoided the issue altogether.  So 
Harm is teaching me what Christmas and family is.  Except we're...well we're kind of 
rebelling against Santa and Jingle Bells.  We've tried to make our Christmas what it's 
supposed to be, whose birth we're celebrating.  So far we've done a good job I think, 
and these cookies are an example of that."

"Then you'll like the other activity I planned," Grams smiled and pointed to a large box 
on the far end of the counter.  "I waited for you all to get here for them.  I put up my 
regular small tree with the family heirloom ornaments last weekend, but I have another 
on the porch for these."

Mac gave her a puzzled look and opened the box.  It was filled with white shapes, all 
done in exquisite crochet.  She lifted one and shook her head, waiting for Grams to 
explain.

"It's called a Chrismon," she smiled.  "Ancient symbols of Christianity.  I started last 
spring, and every evening I sat on the porch or in front of the TV and worked on them.  
Some I donated for the church bazaar, and I gave some as gifts, but these are for us."

"They're beautiful," Mac gasped, fingering the delicate work.  "It's crochet, you said?  
Maybe...maybe while we're here you can teach me...or on second thought that might not 
be a good idea.  From Harm I'd never hear the end of it.  His bad-ass--excuse me--
Marine doing crochet."

"If you want to learn and he makes a comment I'll kick his ass to the barn and back," 
Grams laughed.

"You would too," Mac smiled and her laughter joined in.  

Finally three hours later the kitchen was filled with the aroma of six dozen fresh baked 
cookies, and to Mac's amazement there was not a Santa in the bunch.  There were 
however angels by the dozen, along with shepherds, mangers, stables, stars of 
Bethlehem and assorted kings and wisemen.  "This was so much fun," she sighed, "and 
I can't believe you've reached the same conclusion we have, about what Christmas is 
supposed to represent.  Some people in our office are thinking we're strange."

"I used to not mind it so much years ago," Grams said slowly.  "Used to be that each 
holiday had its due, but now when I shop in the city, I see wrapping paper out with the 
school supplies, reindeer among the Halloween pumpkins, and it's all just too much.  
Thankfully my church keeps me grounded."

"I put up a nativity scene instead of a tree," Mac spoke up suddenly.  "I don't have those 
gorgeous heirloom balls like you do, and I just couldn't drag out my tired Kmart stuff 
again this year."

"About time to start an heirloom collection of your own," Grams smiled.  "In fact if..."

The sound of a car door slamming broke into her words and a second later Harm and 
Frank were bounding into the kitchen, shaking snow from their boots.

Harm and laughing.  Harm was brought up short by the sight of Mac, sitting on a stool, 
wearing a flour dusted apron and with a large splat of that flour on her nose.  "Marine I 
would kill for a camera right now," he laughed and hurried to her, kissing the flour spot.

"Don't push it Rabb," she ordered, attempting to sound stern, and wound her arms 
around his neck.

Trish and Grams looked at each other and then Grams caught Frank's eye and nodded.  
Her grandson was very much in love, and she was going to make sure he had every 
chance for happiness.

Harm took a step back and reached for a cookie before Gram could stop him.  
"Harmon," she scolded at once.  "You men get upstairs and get cleaned up.  You're 
taking us into town to lunch and then we're going to deliver these cookies."

"Grams don't forget later....the tree...the Chrismons," Mac reminded her softly.  

"After the party tonight," Grams promised.

The remainder of the day passed in a blur of lunch, the nursing home, home to the 
farmhouse for dinner, and then the decoration of the Chrismon tree.  Grams ordered the 
men and Trish to sit down and just watch as she and Mac fastened the white pieces to 
the deep green branches.  

"Come here you," Harm finally ordered to her, lifting his arm over the back of the sofa in 
invitation for her to join him.  She sank down into his arms gratefully, holding just slightly 
to her still sore ribs.

"You're tired," he observed, a new note of tenderness is his voice.

"Yeah but it's a good tired," she smiled contentedly.  "I mean it's the kind of tired from 
doing things that families do at Christmas time and I love it and I love you.  And it feels 
great to say that aloud now.  No more pretending--no more denying."

Soft strains of Christmas hymns drifted through the house as the family sat and enjoyed 
the trees along with hot chocolate and a cookie sampler from the party.  It wasn't long 
before Mac's eyes grew heavy and she fell asleep with her head on his shoulder.  Harm 
kissed her forehead and was settling back to enjoy the music when Grams caught his 
eye.

"Come with me for a minute please.  There's something I need to show you."

Carefully Harm extracted himself from beneath her and eased her to one of the pillows, 
and followed Grams down the long hall to her bedroom.

"Harmon I've never interfered in your life," she began as she stood in front of her 
dresser.  "But knowing you I'm guessing you've been more living day to day with Sarah 
and not giving a lot of thought to what you want. So I'm also guessing you're not really 
prepared for this Christmas Eve thing you're planning. Am I right?"

He nodded slowly after a moment's thought.  "Yes ma'am.  We've been purposely taking 
it slow.  When we said I love you's earlier, well that was really the first time we've 
spoken it aloud and even then I held my breath; waiting for the world to end."

She laughed quickly and shook her head.  "I don't doubt it."  From a small box she 
pulled a square of tissue paper.  "Sixty years ago, a wonderfully handsome man, the 
son of the people on the next farm, presented this to a very scared sixteen year old girl.  
Six months later..."

"Peter Harmon Rabb married Sarah Margaret Purcell and a year after that she gave 
birth to Harmon David Rabb Senior," Harm finished for her, knowing the story well.

"Exactly," Grams smiled and patted his cheek.  "I can't wear it any more.  My fingers are 
not those of a sixteen year old girl I'm afraid with this arthritis.  I'm giving this to you now.  
You're a very smart man Harmon David Rabb Junior.  I think you know what needs to be 
done."  She patted his cheek once more and left him alone.

Carefully he unfolded the delicate tissue and the ring sparkled in the soft light.  Sarah 
Margaret Rabb had been wearing this the night his father was conceived he realized; 
and at that moment, as his grandmother had just told him, he knew exactly what needed 
to be done.  

Saturday, December 23rd
 
 Mac awoke again with a smile on her face. Harm had once again sneaked into 
 her bedroom the night before, holding her until just before morning. She 
 never imagined she'd be this happy in life, never thought she'd meet such a 
 wonderful man with such a wonderful family. She'd only been there one day, 
 but she felt as though she known Grams and Trish her entire life. She headed 
 downstairs, surprised to see her sailor already awake and making breakfast 
 with Grams.
 
 "It's about time, marine" Harm smiled when he saw her. "Breakfast is almost 
 over."
 
 "I can't believe how well I sleep here" Mac said as she sat down at the 
 table. "It's so peaceful and quiet here. No sirens, beeping horns, or door 
 slamming."
 
 "Now you know why I love coming here" Harm said as he brought a plate of 
 pancakes to her. "There's nowhere else that can take away all the stress 
 like being here does."
 
 "And I never have time for breakfast like this" Mac smiled.
 
 "So you ready for those skating lessons today?" Harm asked as sat down next 
 to her.
 
 "I think so" Mac grimaced thinking of the last time they skated and how her 
 six had hurt for days. "I guess it would be a good idea for me to learn 
 before we take Mollie and Brandon again."
 
 "You're going to teach Sarah to skate?" Grams asked.
 
 "I'm going to try" Harm grinned. "Let's just say she didn't fair to well our 
 first time out."
 
 "Hey" Mac protested. "I didn't have the luxury of learning this while I was 
 growing up like you did."
 
 "Sorry" Harm said softly. "I promise I'll be easy on you. Grams, you want to 
 come with us?"
 
 "You two go ahead" Grams smiled. "My skating days are over."
 
 A few hours later they were wandering hand in hand to the pond.
 
 "Okay, marine, it's easy" Harm said once they had their skates laced up and 
 were slowly gliding across the ice.
 
 "Why don't I believe you?" Mac said fearfully, holding onto his arm tightly.
 
 "Come on, you can do it" Harm assured her. "Where's my kick ass marine?"
 
 "Okay" Mac said taking a deep breath. "I can do this. I'm a marine. Marines 
 can do anything sailors can do better." She let go of his arm, and amazingly 
 didn't fall, instead gliding slowly along.
 
 "See you just needed the right incentive" Harm smiled. "I knew you could do 
 it."
 
 He stayed at her side, there if she needed him, but allowing her to skate 
 alone. There were a few falls onto the cold ice, but Harm was always there 
 to pull her up and give her hug. After a few hours at it, Mac was finally 
 able to make her way around the small area without assistance and without 
 her arms flailing wildly.
 
 "I think I'm getting the hang of this" Mac said happily. "I might actually 
 be able to skate with Mollie."
 
 "You ready to head back in?" Harm asked as he hugged her. "I think we both 
 could use a warm up."
 
 "Let me make one more trip around" Mac said as she skated away from him.
 
 "Stay over here" Harm called as she headed to an area of the pond they 
 hadn't skated on yet. "I don’t know if the ice.."
 
 "Harm" Mac screamed as the ice beneath her cracked and she was plunged into 
 the icy pond waters. The cold water was a shock to her body, and she 
 struggled to stay above the water, but the weight of her clothes and skates 
 served only to pull her down faster. She sank below the surface of the 
 water, finally making her way back up a few seconds later.
 
 "Mac" Harm screamed running toward her, ignoring the fact he should be 
 mindful of the cracking ice. She was struggling to stay up as he reached the 
 opening in the ice, and he quickly reached for her. He missed her arms the 
 first time, and she sank below the water, emerging a few seconds later, 
 sputtering and gasping for breath. This time when he reached for her he was 
 able to grab hold of arms, and began to slowly pull her out of the water. 
 Once she was out of the icy waters, he carefully carried her off the pond, 
 watching for anymore cracking ice.
 
 "Harm" she cried once they were off the ice and safely on land again. She 
 began to sob and shake from the cold and Harm quickly slid off his coat and 
 wrapped it around her.
 
 "It's okay" he said softly as he held her tightly. "I've got you. I'm going 
 to get you back to the house and get you warm. I just need to get off my 
 skates first, okay."
 
 Mac nodded and Harm let go of her and quickly took off his skates and put on 
 his boots before scooping her back up in his arms and hurrying back to the 
 house.  Grams saw him running to the house and was waiting for him at the 
 door.
 
 "What happened?" she asked anxiously as they approached. "Goodness, did she 
 fall through the ice?"
 
 "Yes" Harm said quickly as he carried her into the house.
 
 "Upstairs into the bathtub" Grams directed and followed Harm up the stairs 
 to the bathroom.  While Harm unlaced Mac's skates, Grams got the bathtub 
 filled up with warm water. He began to peel off her layers when Gram's 
 shooed him out.
 
 "I'll take it from here, Harmon" Grams ordered. "You go downstairs and put 
 on the kettle. Sarah's going to need some hot tea after the bath."
 
 Harm stood there, not wanting to leave Mac at this time. She was still 
 holding onto his hand tightly, and he was afraid to let go.
 
 "She'll be fine" Grams said softly, pulling him away from Mac. "Now go get 
 that kettle on."
 
 "I'll be right back" Harm promised Mac as he gave her hand a squeeze.
 
 He headed downstairs and filled the kettle with water before placing it on 
 the burner. He hurried back upstairs and knocked on the bathroom door.
 
 "Get Sarah some new clothes to put on and then get yourself out of your wet 
 clothes before you get sick." Grams said as she stuck her head out the door.
 
 "Yes ma'am" Harm replied. He went into Mac's room and found a sweatshirt and 
 sweats for him which he gave to Grams before returning to his room and 
 changing into something dry. When he finished, he headed back to bathroom.
 
 "Just a second Harmon" Grams called.  He paced the hallway waiting and was 
 happy when the door finally opened and Mac walked out.
 
 "Mac" Harm sighed as he wrapped his arms around her. "I'm so sorry. Are you 
 okay?"
 
 "I'm okay" Mac said shakily. "As long as you keep those arms around me."
 
 "No other plans than that" Harm said as they headed downstairs.
 
 He settled her on the sofa, wrapping blankets around her while he headed to 
 the kitchen to get the tea. Grams had already come down and handed him the 
 two cups of tea.
 
 "One for you and one for Sarah" she said noting his puzzled look. "I don’t 
 want either of you getting sick."
 
 "Thanks Grams" Harm said giving her a quick hug. He returned to the living 
 room, and a few minutes later Mac was settled in his arms, several blankets 
 around them while they sipped their tea.
 
 "You sure you're okay?" Harm asked again. "God, Mac I was so scared when I 
 saw you go through the ice. This is my fault. I should have been paying more 
 attention and not let you go over there by yourself."
 
 "Harm, it is not your fault. I wasn't paying any attention. I shouldn't have 
 skated off by myself."
 
 "No, I should have stayed with you" Harm berated himself.
 
 "Harm, I'm fine and this is not your fault" Mac said firmly. "Now would you 
 please stop it."
 
 "Sorry" Harm said softly. "You don't know how scared I was. If anything 
 happened to you, I don’t know what I'd do. I love you so much it's scary."
 
 "I love you too" Mac whispered. "And nothing happened to me. So stop 
 worrying."
 
 When Grams came to check on them a short time later they were both asleep on 
 the sofa, Harm's arm tightly around Mac. She carefully placed another 
 blanket over them, wanting to make sure they were warm enough.
 
 It was a couple hours later before Harm finally awoke. Mac was still asleep 
 in his arms, and he gently kissed her forehead. She stirred at his touch and 
 slowly opened her eyes to look at him.
 
 "How you doing?" he asked. "You warm enough?
 
 "I'm fine" Mac smiled. "And yes, I'm warm enough."
 
 "Good" Harm said hugging her tightly.
 
 The rest of the day was spent on the sofa, despite Mac's objections that she 
 was fine. But Grams backed Harm up, insisting Mac stay wrapped up in the 
 blankets on the couch.  Mac soon realized that it was pointless to argue 
 with Grams, and now knew where Harm's stubbornness came from. Following 
 dinner, Harm joined her once again, holding her tightly while Grams and 
 Trish filled her in on Harm's antics as a youngster. The warmth of his arms 
 soon lulled her back to sleep and a short time later he carried her up to 
 her room, and tucked her into bed.
 
 "Goodnight Sarah" he whispered before kissing her gently.
 
 "Don't leave" Mac mumbled sleepily as she gripped his hand.
 
 "I'll stay" Harm whispered and settled in next to her. She snuggled close to 
 him, and he gently stroked her hair. "I love you."
 
 "Love you" Mac said sleepily.

"And God, thank you for keeping her safe for me today," he whispered just before sleep 
took him.

SUNDAY
24 DEC 00

"When was the last time you saw a white Christmas Marine?" Harm was laughing 
happily when he came from his early morning shower and sat on the edge of the bed.

"You're kidding," she gasped, sitting straight up in bed and trying to peer around him to 
see out the window.  

"Not yet, but I was hearing the news on the radio," he grinned.  "Snow before midnight 
they're saying, maybe a foot by morning."

"Oh I hope so."  She was almost shaking at the thought.  "That would be the frosting on 
the cake or something---to a perfect Christmas."

Harm smiled and thought of the little package he had tucked away with his socks, 
hoping that that item would be the so called frosting for her.  Tenderly he pushed some 
hair back from her forehead and kissed the spot he exposed.  "You feeling OK after your 
ice bath yesterday?  You didn't need that on top of your ribs being sore?"

"After all the TLC from you and your mom and Grams yesterday how could I not.  Now 
what's on the agenda for today?  Church I hope."

"Oh for sure," he nodded, knowing Grams was already preparing breakfast in 
anticipation of them leaving mid-morning.  "And then there's a pot luck lunch right after 
for all of us who haven't left town.  Be prepared to be fussed over by all the church 
ladies.  Then we'll come back here and just relax the rest of the day."

"As long as that relaxing includes sitting in front of that wonderful fire place with your 
arms around me," she sighed shyly.  "After all it's Christmas Eve, one of the most 
romantic......"

She stopped so suddenly that Harm thought she was in pain.  "Sarah?"

"Harm it's Christmas Eve."

"Yeah we've established that," he frowned.

"The Wall--your dad," she gasped.   "You won't get to...."

"It doesn't matter," he shook his head.  "Being with family--and especially being with 
you, was much more important this year.  My dad knows I'm thinking of him from where 
he is anyway.  And I thought we'd go together this year when we get home sometime.  
New Years Eve maybe."

"Still though," she frowned.  

"You worry much too much," he chided her,  and mindful of her ribs, carefully pulled her 
from the bed.  "We can do something here to commemorate the time maybe.  But right 
now I'm putting you in the shower so we can go enjoy some of that French Toast Grams 
is making.  She's even broken out a jar of her canned spiced peaches so she must 
really think a lot of you."  With that he carefully lifted her into his arms, despite her 
protests, and carried her to the shower.  "Ten minutes Marine," he warned and after 
kissing her quickly was humming a Christmas tune all the way down the stairs.

	"Where's that beautiful woman you brought us," Frank greeted him, about to pop 
in a mouthful of French toast.  

	"Showering and yes she is," Harm grinned.  Grams caught his eye and he 
winked.

	It wasn't but fifteen minutes later that she appeared, and both men instinctively 
rose when she entered, wearing a simple cream color knit dress that clung attractively to 
her curves.  

	"I can't recall the last time Frank leaped to his feet like that," Trish laughed and 
shook her head.
**********************************************************
Valley Community Church
	With his arm around her waist, Harm showed Mac to the pew from which Rabbis 
had worshipped for the last one hundred fifty years of membership in the same church.  
A small metal plaque was engraved Daniel Christopher Rabb, 1850, and attached to the 
outside.  "Harm how long..?" she asked softly as the rest of the parishioners gathered.
	"There's been Rabbis farming these valleys since about 1700," he explained 
softly.  "Now I'm the last one unless....well unless someone wants to have a male child 
of mine.  No any one who'd like to volunteer for the assignment?"
	"Not a soul," she whispered, her eyes alight at the thought.
	The service began with Joy To the World and Harm's clear voice could be heard 
above the others.  And in that same clear voice several minutes later, at the request of 
the minister, the words "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from 
Caesar Augustus that all the world....." rang out over the hushed congregation as Harm 
recited the well-known passage from the gospel according to Luke.
	The luncheon was typical church member food and everyone went back to the 
Rabb farmhouse too full to move.  

"Mac I think you and I need to take a walk," Harm pronounced, "work off some of that 
food.  Go put on something warm.  Anyone else?" 

"The only place I'm walking to is that sofa for a nap," Frank declared as Trish and Grams 
shook their heads in unison, settling in front of the TV for an afternoon movie.

"I chased all over these hills as a kid," Harm sighed when they walked from the 
farmhouse down toward the river.  "In fact someday this is all going to be mine.  I've 
always envisioned myself retiring here, raising a bunch of kids and turning this place 
back into a working family farm."

"You're serious," she realized with a start.  "You would actually move up here out of the 
city when you've put in your twenty, and....have your family live...?"

"It's not that startling is it?" he grinned.  "The city is no place to raise kids."

"No it's not that startling," she admitted, looking around and finding herself warming to 
the idea.  "And you're right about the other too."

"Well someday maybe," he sighed.

"Don't make promises you can't keep," she taunted him, laughing suddenly and pushing 
him slightly.  She then took off across the field, getting a good ten yard gain on him by 
the time he recovered himself and chased after her.  Laughing and panting, he finally 
caught up to her, pulling her down onto the ground and rolling with her.  

As quickly as the laughter began, it ended as he was over her.  Their eyes locked and 
for a moment neither breathed.  "I love you," he finally got out, and lowered his lips to 
hers for a serious kiss.

"And I you," she returned.  "I love you very much."

The image of the ring burned brightly behind his eyes and he nearly asked her right 
then.  Instead he scrambled to his feet and pulled her up beside him.  "I think that nap 
Frank suggested earlier is sounding pretty good right now.  You care to join me?"

 Hand in hand they returned to the farmhouse where Trish and Grams were 
 beginning to work on the evening's meal. Mac offered her assistance, but was 
 quickly shooed away to the living room. There she and Harm found their 
 familiar spot on the sofa, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace.
 
 "You sure we can't stay here" Mac mumbled sleepily as she cuddled in Harm's 
 arms.
 
 "We can stay as long as you want" Harm said kissing her hair softly. "Course 
 the Admiral may send the MP's after us when we don't show up on Tuesday."
 
 "I know a good lawyer who can get me off" Mac sighed happily.
 
 When they awoke a little while later, Grams was putting the finishing 
 touches on dinner.
 
 "All right everyone, let's gather around" Grams called from the kitchen. 
 "It's time to eat."
 
 "Don't have to tell me twice" Mac smiled as she jumped up from the couch, 
 pulling Harm up with her.
 
 "You're getting used to all this food, aren't you" Harm grinned as they 
 walked to the kitchen.
 
 "Yes, and then it'll be back to frozen dinners next week" Mac sighed.
 
 "Maybe not" Harm said softly and Mac looked at with puzzlement. He ignored 
 her glance and continued into the kitchen.
 
 "Grams, its looks and smells wonderful" Mac said as she stood at the table. 
 "I wish I could cook like this."
 
 "I'll teach you" Grams said happily. "You can come up here on the weekends. 
 It won't take long for you to learn. I taught Harm so I know you can handle 
 it."
 
 "Thank you" Mac smiled. "I love to come up here on a weekend and stay with 
 you. This place is wonderful."
 
 "We'll do a girls weekend," Grams said winking at Mac and Harm opened his 
 mouth to protest.
 "I suppose we could let Harm come along."
 
 "Thanks Grams" Harm grinned as he took Mac's hand in his.
 
 "How would you like to do the blessing, Harmon?" Grams asked as she took her 
 place next to Mac and took Mac's other hand in hers.
 
 "Sure" Harm said softly as he reached for Trish's hand. "Our father, we 
 thank you for all you have given us. The gift of life, family and friends 
 and food that strengthens and nourishes us.  For this Christmas especially, in which the 
person whom I cherish above all in the world and I have found each other's arms; and 
have found what Christmas truly is meant to be.  And she brought forth her first born 
Son.  Help us to always keep Christmas's in the future with that in mind.  May this family 
be together next Christmas and all those in the future.  Help us to keep holy your name 
Father, and to seek your Son.  Amen."
 
 "Amen," echoed around the table and Mac's eyes shone with unshed tears.  "I love 
you," she mouthed and he squeezed her hand hard as he answered, "and I you."
 
 After dinner was finished, everyone pitched in on the cleanup, with Harm and 
 Frank handling the dish washing and drying, while Mac and Trish took care of 
 putting the rest of the food away, giving Grams a chance to relax.  Once the 
 kitchen was restored to clean, they headed to the living room to gather 
 around the fireplace. Harm gave Grams a smile before disappearing upstairs 
 to get the little box that Grams had given him the day before.
 
 "Where'd Harm go?" Mac asked once she realized he hadn't followed them into 
 the living room.
 
 "I think he went upstairs" Grams replied as she settled into her favorite 
 chair.
 
 "Maybe I should go check on him," Mac said suddenly remembering this was the 
 time he would be at the Wall if he were in DC.
 
 "I'm sure he's fine" Grams smiled. Even as she spoke, Harm walked into the 
 room, the tiny box tightly in his hand.
 
 "Harm, you all right?" Mac asked taking his hand. "You disappeared after 
 dinner."
 
 "I had to get something," Harm said as he motioned for her to sit down on 
 the sofa. It was only then that Mac noticed the box in his hand. Grams 
 smiled from her chair while Frank and Trish looked on with surprise.
 
 "Hey I thought we said no gifts," Mac said nervously.
 
 "It's not really from me," Harm said softly. "Grams wanted me to give it to 
 you. But before I can give it to you, you have to answer one question."  
 With that, he knelt down on one knee in front of the woman he loved and 
 opened the box, and removed the ring. "Sarah Catherine Mackenzie, I love you 
 more than anyone else in this world. I can't imagine living a day of my life 
 without you. You've brought more happiness to my life than I ever hoped 
 possible. I only hope that I can make you as happy as you've made me. And 
 maybe one day you and I can bring up the next generation of Rabb's in this 
 house.  Will you marry me Sarah?"
 
 "Oh, Harm, of course I will" Mac whispered and Harm gently slid the ring 
 onto her finger.
 
 "I love you Sarah Mackenzie" Harm said softly as he pulled her into his 
 arms.
 
 "I love you too"
 
 When they finally pulled away, Grams looked over at her grandson with pride.
 
 "You're dad and Grandpa would be proud of you" she smiled. "Welcome to the 
 family, Sarah."
 
 "Thank you Grams" Mac said as she gave her a big hug. "I hope I can live up 
 to the reputation of the first Sarah Rabb."
 
 "You'll do fine, dear" Grams smiled. "I know you'll do fine."
 
 "Harm, this was a surprise" Trish said as she hugged her son. "Did you have 
 this planned all along?"
 
 "No" Harm admitted as he looked over at Mac. "Grams helped me figure it 
 out."
 
 "I'm so glad she did" Trish smiled as she gave Mac a hug.
 
 "Me too" Mac grinned as Harm slipped his arm around her again. "I just have 
 one request, sailor."
 
 "Anything you want" Harm smiled.
 
 "I want to get married here, at the church where all the other Rabb's have 
 gotten married" Mac said softly. "And I just want a simple wedding. None of 
 the frills."
 
 "I think that can be arranged" Harm said as he looked over at Grams. "What 
 do you think?"
 
 "I think that would be perfect" Grams said with tears in her eyes. "I knew 
 there was something special about this young lady the minute I saw her."
 
 "So did I" Harm whispered as he pulled Mac into his arms again. "So did I."
 
 "Harm, I'd like to go back to the church tonight" Mac said softly. "For the 
 candlelight vigil."
 
 "We can do that" Harm replied. "Anyone else want to join us?"
 
 He was greeted with a chorus of yes and they hurried off to get ready for 
 the service. It wasn't until Harm and Frank opened the front door that they 
 realized that the snow the weather service had predicted had finally come 
 with a fury. The wind was creating near whiteout conditions as the snow came 
 down in big thick flakes.
 
 "Mac, you sure you want to go out in this?" Harm asked when Mac came down 
 the stairs. "It's pretty nasty out there."
 
 "I guess not," Mac said disappointedly. "You're right."
 
 "What's wrong?" Grams asked as she and Trish came down. Mac pointed out the 
 window and Grams gasped in surprise. "Goodness, looks like we're going to 
 have that white Christmas after all."
 
 "Sorry, Mac" Harm said as he pulled her into his arms. "I know how much you 
 wanted to go to that tonight."
 
 "It's all right" Mac sighed.
 
 The lights flickered as the winds gusted stronger outside.
 
 "Looks like we'd better find some lanterns and flashlights" Grams remarked. 
 "Last time we had a storm like this we had no power for three days. Harm, 
 you and Frank better make sure we've got enough wood."
 
 "Yes ma'am" Harm replied.
 
 Mac and Grams had just located the flashlights and lanterns when the lights 
 went out, and this time stayed out. "Grab those lanterns, dear" Grams 
 directed. "We'll need those as well."
 
 By the time Harm and Frank had returned, Grams, Mac and Trish were setting 
 up the living room for sleeping.
 
 "We're good for tonight," Harm said as he carried in a few more logs for the 
 fire. "But we may need to chop some more wood tomorrow."
 
 "As long as there's enough for tonight, we'll be fine" Grams replied. "We'll 
 have to sleep in here though. With the wind like it is and no heat, those 
 bedrooms will be ice cold by morning."
 
 "Well it's sort of a candlelight vigil" Harm smiled as he looked around the 
 room.
 
 "Not quite the same, but that's okay" Mac said as she wrapped her arms 
 around his neck. "As long as I'm with you that's all that matters."
 
 "Harmon, you and Sarah are going to have to take the floor" Grams smiled. 
 "Trish, you and Frank get the sofa, and I'll take my chair. In the meantime, 
 since we've got no TV or radio, I guess we'll just have to amuse ourselves 
 with more stories of Harmon."
 
 "Sounds good to me" Mac grinned. "I can't wait to hear what else you did 
 when you were a rebellious teenager."
 
 "Maybe I'd better go chop that wood now" Harm teased. "Before mom and Grams 
 embarrass me to death."
 
 "Now Harmon, we're only telling Sarah the truth" Grams smiled. "And goodness 
 knows, we've got enough stories about you to last us the entire evening."
 
 Harm groaned and Mac smacked him playfully with the pillow. "What's wrong, 
 sailor?"
 
 "There just had to be a power failure," Harm said shaking his head.
 
 Hours later everyone had fallen asleep except for Grams and Harm. Harm 
 looked down at the woman he loved so much and kissed her gently.
 
 "She's very special Harmon" Grams said softly.
 
 "I know" Harm whispered. "Thanks Grams. For everything."
 
 "My pleasure" Grams smiled. "I just hope you and Sarah have many years of 
 happiness. Your grandpa was taken from me too soon, just like your father 
 was.  I don’t want the same thing to happen to you and Sarah."
 
 "Me neither" Harm said as he unconsciously pulled Mac closer to him. The 
 thought of not having her in his life was incomprehensible. He looked up at 
 Grams, knowing how strong a woman she had to have been to make it through 
 everything.
 
 "I still miss them both" Grams said quietly. "There's not a day that doesn't 
 go by that I don't think about them. Especially your father. He would have 
 been so proud of you, you know."
 
 "I hope so," Harm said quietly. "I've always tried to live up to his image."
 
 "You've done that quite well" Grams assured him. "I'm sure your father is 
 looking down at you with love and pride."
 
 "I just wish he could have meet Mac" Harm sighed. "I wish he could be here 
 to see how wonderful she is."
 
 "He knows dear" Grams smiled. "He's been with you all along. How do you 
 think you were lucky enough to find such a wonderful person?"
 
 "You're right," Harm said softly. "Only someone from above could have sent 
 me such a wonderful gift."
 
 "Merry Christmas Harmon" Grams said softly.
 
 "Merry Christmas, Grams" Harm whispered.
 
 
Harm stood up and helped Mac to her feet. 

"Oh Harm hi.  Tell the admiral I'll be right with him," she murmured groggily.

"You're really out of it," he laughed and scooped her into his arms.  "Good night all.  "I'm 
going to take my fiancee up to bed now."

With his arm firmly around her, he all but carried her up the old staircase and into the 
room where he had spent so many nights growing up.  "To bed with you now my love," 
he said softly, laying her down and covering her tightly against the chill of the room.  She 
murmured again, this time 'I love you' came from her lips and he smiled happily.

For a long time he lie awake with her resting on his chest; she sleeping sounding, the 
ring sparkling in the candlelight he had left burning on the dresser.  Finally with sleep 
alluding him, he carefully extracted himself from beneath her.  He rose and went to the 
window, staring out into the storm until his gaze fell back onto the candle and he brought 
it to the broad window ledge, getting down on his knees. "Dad I know you can see and 
hear me," he whispered.  "I know you know what's been happening here tonight.  I also 
know that you would love her as a daughter.  I love her so much it hurts.  She's going to 
be my wife; and this time next year, I hope we're looking forward to the birth of your 
grandchild."    

He fell silent then, staring at the snowy fields and watching the storm clouds scuttle 
across the mountains; and as he stared, the clouds parted, the snow ceased and the 
moon came in all its brightness.  "Thanks Dad," he sighed.

It was then he felt a pair of arms snake around him from behind and a soft cheek press 
against his.   

"Sarah go back to bed," he yelped, startled from his thoughts.  "It's frigid out of those 
blankets."

"And you are like ice," she smiled, reaching back and grabbing the blanket and quilt 
from the bed to wrap around them both.  "I'm not intruding am I?"

"You?  Never," he responded.  "I just couldn't sleep and I thought I'd have a few words 
with dad about you and me is all.  I told him..."

"You told him how much you loved me--I heard," she confessed, her eyes traveling to 
the now clear sky.  "Lieutenant Rabb you must also know I love your son, very very 
much."

She maneuvered herself so that she was curled in his lap, the blankets aiding their body 
heat, and it was in that manner they watched the Christmas morning sun come over the 
mountain two hours later--two hours of soft talking, murmured 'I love you's' and 
occasional gentle kisses.

"Merry Christmas Marine, I love you," he whispered finally, getting to his feet and pulling 
her up with him.  "That was a perfect end to a perfect day, and Christmas day is ahead 
of us yet."

"Yes it was," she sighed happily.  "Merry Christmas Sailor.  I love you."
 
"You know someday we'll tell our children all about this time," he said softly as he helped 
her back to bed.  "Stories like Grams tells now, about how Mommy and Daddy were 
sent to Minneapolis one Thanksgiving with the Lord's help realized what they should 
have known all along; and then how that cold and snowy Christmas they found out what 
Christmas is all about and how Daddy gave Mommy Grams's ring and begged her to 
marry him."

"You didn't have to beg very hard," she giggled.  "And the story goes on, how they got 
married in a small church where the Rabbs have worshipped for so many years and 
how....."

Further words were cut off by a long and loving kiss placed on her lips and he finished 
for her,   "And how from then on they loved each other for all the years they were 
together.”
THE END