TITLE: "Distant Hearts VII-Unto this Life be Born " AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY/SPOILERS: The seventh and concluding chapter of the Distant Hearts series. The saga began after Head to Toe in 7th season, Harm and Mac have made their first tentative steps toward coming to grips with the emotions which have swirled around them since their first meeting. Any JAG episode may or may not be referred to in this work. Neither Sergei nor Afghanistan play a role here. CLASSIFCATION/RATING: J/S/R/A PG for mild violence and language DISCLAIMER: JAG belongs to CBS, Paramount et al. No copyright infringement is intended with this work of fiction. FEEDBACK: Never expected let alone demanded. Always appreciated. We simply ask that the work and the effort be respected. Feedback addy is SSbpMN@aol.com. NOTE: All parts of this story and previous chapters, as well as much of our other works, are available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories The message archives are open to all registered Yahoo users-no subbing required. Please ignore any notice of adult content you may see-there is no R nor NC17 content there. Other archives containing our stories: http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at http://hmarchive.topcities.com/index2.html [sadly, not always up and running] or BTL- http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/ http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.} ********************** Previously in DH-Bethany Romero, Harm's legal partner in Bahrain, was victimized by a psychopathic lover. Now pregnant and alone, she attempts to work out her future amidst Harm and Mac's plans for the future. On the eve of his return to JAG, Mac joins him in Bahrain for what she assumes will be a simple reunion and leave time. **************** "Distant Hearts VII-Unto this Life be Born" Harm was no sooner inside the door of the legal office when he sang out happily, "Good morning everyone. Bethany, Taylor, Ensign who's name I can't think of and it's not that important because as of today. . . " He paused and flashed a sheaf of papers from behind his back. "As of today I am a short-timer." "Harm you got your orders," Bethany squealed. "I don't believe it." "No neither do I," he sighed, staring at the papers for a moment as if they might vanish. "Congratulations Commander," Taylor said softly. "I was actually kind of hoping you'd be here when I left, so I wouldn't have to say goodbye to you like that." "When do you go?" Bethany asked reverting to the quiet voice she was prone to use after the Lukens fiasco, and she rose from her chair carefully, her bulk making movement slow. "Before this little guy makes his appearance I'm afraid," he replied. "I'm sorry for that." "Well you're not but thanks for saying so," she smiled. "I want her to come back to California and get a place near Aaron and me," Taylor reminded them. "A good thought, or you could come to DC and work. There's no shortage of jobs in the legal field there, and Mac and I would help you get set up," Harm said slowly. She shrugged and shook her head. "I know there's a lot of options. Almost too many. Including staying here. Thing is, you've both been such great friends, I don't want to ruin that by having you look after me back in CONUS, and then there's the matter of soon I won't be a single act." "Well the offer is on the table," Harm said firmly. "In fact I mentioned it to Mac a couple times. She's fine with us helping you." "Thanks and thank her for me," she smiled wanly. "I just don't know. And until I do, I think I'm going to stay right here. Making a hasty decision--running in fact--is how I got here. When I leave, it's going to be for something I want for myself and my daughter, not just an escape." "When Harm leaves, it's an escape," Taylor giggled. "No when Harm leaves, it's to go home where he belongs to the woman he never should have left," he said, letting a trace of the bitterness that had dogged him for his entire tour to creep in. "And when does all this happen anyway?" Bethany questioned. In reply Harm strode to the calendar and circled a Friday three weeks away. "This will be my last day." "Does Mac know? And what a dumb question. You guys were probably on the phone for hours," Taylor laughed. "No she doesn't," Harm smiled. "I had hung up from her before the courier brought the papers. Now I'm not sure if I'm going to tell her. I thought I might just show up at her place and ring the doorbell." "And give her a stroke," Bethany groaned. "Harm she deserves to be celebrating. . ." Her voice trailed off as her hand went to her belly, immediately getting the attention of both Taylor and Harm. "Come sit down. Now," Harm ordered. "And don't tell me you're fine. I get enough of that crap from Mac. Are you and the baby OK?" As he was speaking he took her arm and sat her down, Taylor at her other side. "The doctor said the baby probably won't go to term," she said softly, blinking back a tear of fright. "But that I shouldn't worry since I've passed the point where being born would be a disaster. I've been having these warning labor pains see." "That's why you went to the doctor yesterday when you'd just been last week?" Taylor frowned in realization. "Yeah it is. She wanted to see me back. And there's more. I have to talk to the Admiral, but I'm working only half time as of now. The rest of the time I'm in bed with my feet up, higher than my heart, to quote Capt. Reynard, except for kitchen and bathroom runs, which pretty much takes up about fifty percent of that time I'm sure." "But you're OK?" Taylor persisted, feeling herself almost in tears. "I'm fine, and so is the baby for now," Bethany smiled. "I'm just so not surprised. It's Justin, from the grave, reeking havoc on me still." "Oh stop that," Harm scolded. "And Taylor and I will be making you dinner and so forth for as long as we can." "You guys are so sweet" Bethany sniffled. "I'll never be able to thank you for everything you've done." "You don't have to" Harm said softly. "We're glad to help. In whatever way we can." "I know. And for that I'm so thankful to have friends like you. And I'm fine now and we do have work to do." "I want you to take it easy" Harm ordered. "You and the baby are more important than the piles of work around here." "Harm I'm fine. Honest." "Okay" he said skeptically. "But if you need to go home, just go. We'll manage around here." "I'm fine. And you and I were discussing you telling Mac the good news." "Harm you really should tell her" Taylor chimed in. "Showing up at her doorstep is going to give her a stroke." "True" he smiled. "But I want to do something special. Not just call her and tell her I'm coming home." "Didn't you promise her something else when you got home?" Bethany said with a small smile. "Oh yeah" he grinned. "The moment I get out of this godforsaken country that's my first task. And they were nice enough to give me a week of leave in between." "Sounds like a good time for a wedding and honeymoon" Taylor sighed. "You could whisk Mac away to somewhere gorgeous and get married on some sandy beach at sunset." "You think she'd like that?" Harm asked. "What woman wouldn't?" Bethany said with a small smile. "You really think she'd like that. You don't think she'd want the big wedding with all the guests?" "Harm I think all Mac wants is you" Taylor laughed. "She didn't strike me as the type that was interested in the gown and all the fancy stuff. And quite honestly it is really romantic." "This might just work" Harm said thoughtfully as his phone began to ring. "You want me to grab that?" Taylor asked. "Not that we don't know who it would be at this time of the morning." "She shouldn't be up this late" Harm frowned. "It's midnight over there." "Commander Rabb's office" Taylor said as she took the call on his line. "Hi Mac. Yeah he's here. Standing around doing nothing as usual." "I'll take that in my office" he said as he started towards his office. "Hi hon" he said a few moments later as he picked up the line. "What are you doing up so late?" "Burning the midnight oil with Emily" she sighed. "But I had good news to tell you." "Actually so do I" he said softly. "But you go first." "I think there's a chance I can get some time off to come and see you again. I asked the Admiral today and he said he thought he could swing it without me." "That's great" he smiled. "But can you hold that leave time for three weeks?" "Sure why?" "Because in three weeks I am officially out of here," he said softly. "I got my orders back to JAG HQ's." "You did" she gasped. "You're coming home?" "I'm coming home honey" he smiled. "To spend the rest of my life with you." "Harm" she sniffled. "That is okay with you isn't it?" "More than okay. I've been waiting a long time for this sailor." "I know. And it's going to happen Sarah. And I want it to be special for you." "Harm I don't want a big wedding" she whispered. "I just want to be with you." "That's all I want too honey," he whispered back, his mind sending him frantic signals about a wedding deal he had read about not that long ago. A yacht cruise on the Mediterranean where the ceremony and the honeymoon were provided. Suddenly, given that she wanted just a simple wedding, it seemed perfect. They would be married on a beach at sunset. And it would be a surprise for her. "These next days are going to drag so bad." Mac's voice shook him from his thoughts. "Yeah I know they are, but once we're back together, nothing is going to separate us again. And that's a promise. If it means I quit the Navy and flip hamburgers or clean buildings before I let them send me away from you again." "Harm chill. Your assignment is over. You're coming back where you belong. Let's just be happy with that. Not that it doesn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy to hear you promise that." "You can take it to the bank," he said solemnly. "And now you need to take yourself home to bed." "Very soon," she assured him. "I have to mark a date on my calendar first." "Yes you do," he sighed. "It's almost over Sarah. I love you. Good night." ============================= THREE WEEKS LATER "Commander how does it feel to be eight hours away from departure?" Admiral Selby asked, accepting the coffee Harm offered him. "Sir it feels wonderful," Harm smiled. "That wouldn't have anything to do with a beautiful Marine scheduled to arrive that day would it?" Bethany smiled. "Only everything I'm sure," Selby laughed. "Commander it's been a pleasure. I'll have more to say at your hail and farewell but right now I want to thank you for the effort you've made these last weeks. You didn't get that short timer's attitude and for that I'm grateful." "Thank you sir. I guess once I had the orders in my hand that I was leaving it was easier to cope with. So I was happy to pass the time finishing up." "Is it OK if I watch this finish?" Harm froze in place. His back to the door, the coffee cup in his hand shook as he tried to decide if he was hearing Mac's voice from wishful thinking or for real. "Commander I believe your fiancee has joined us for your final day," Admiral Selby smiled and stepped aside. "Hi sailor" Mac smiled as Harm turned to face her. "Mac. You're here. It's really you." "Thought I'd surprise you" she smiled. "Don't let me interrupt this reunion" Admiral Selby grinned. "Cause I'm sure you want to do more than just stand there looking at each other." With that he walked away and as soon as his back was to them, Mac was in Harm's arms. Bethany watched them longingly for a moment before making her way back to her desk. "I have missed you so much" Harm whispered as he held Mac tightly. "I can't believe you're here." "Me neither" she said softly. "But I wanted to see you so much that I didn't want to wait. So I booked a flight and here I am." "And I know you have to be exhausted" he said as he finally let go, his eyes studying her closely. "Harm I'm fine now. Pretty much back to my normal self." "Yes but your normal self still has to be tired from all that flying." "A little" she admitted. "But having you holding me already makes it all worth while." "I love you so much," he said softly. "And I'm so glad you're here. But I do want you to get some rest. Let me take you back to my place so you can get some sleep while I wrap things up around here." "All right. But first I want to say hi to Taylor and Bethany." "Mac" Taylor smiled when she saw her. "What are you doing here?" "Came to bring my sailor home" Mac smiled. "I hear you're a short timer here too." "Yes ma'am. And trying my best to convince Bethany to come to California with me and Aaron." "Looks like you don't have too much longer either" Mac said as she looked at Bethany. "No ma'am" Bethany replied. "They said I probably won't go full term so it won't be much longer. And I guess then I'll have to start making some decisions. I know I won't be staying here. It's just a matter of where I should go." "Well I hope Harm has told you we'd be happy to help you get settled in DC if you'd like" Mac said softly. "And our friend Harriet can help you with day care and all that." "Thanks. I haven't decided if I want east or west coast yet. I just want to do what's right for the baby." "Speaking of which aren't you supposed to be at home resting?" Harm frowned. "I'm allowed a few hours of work" Bethany reminded him. "So stop worrying big brother." "He's good at that" Mac smiled. "Okay Marine. Time for you to get some rest. Guys I'll be back in a bit. I'm going to Mac to my place so she can get some sleep." "We'll see you in a few hours" Taylor grinned. "Lieutenant." Harm groaned. "Just kidding" she laughed. "Take your time. We've got it under control here." "Harm is Bethany okay?" Mac asked once they were out of the office and on their way home. "No" he sighed. "Her pregnancy has been anything but easy and she doesn't have any idea where she's going to go. And I know she still hasn't got over what happened with Lukens. Taylor said she's still having nightmares about that." "She's not the only one" Mac shuddered. "Your nightmares should be over now," he said softly. "We're going to be together." "Yes we are" she smiled. "I just wish there was more we could do for Bethany. She seems so alone Harm." "I know. That's why I'm trying to convince her to either come to DC to be near us or go to California with Taylor and Aaron." "Maybe if I talk to her I can convince her," Mac said softly. "It's not going to be easy raising a baby on her own." "No it's not, and at the risk of breaking a confidence here, well further breaking it, Taylor has mentioned that Bethany is wondering if she wants to." "Wants to what?" she frowned. "Wants to actually be a single mom," he sighed. "Taylor has mentioned off hand a few times that she's actually looked into adoption. I want to talk to her, tell her not to make any hasty decisions but dammit she hasn't asked my opinion." "Gee I can't begin to imagine why," Mac giggled. "I mean with all the fatherhood experience you've had and all." "You don't do cute that well," he retorted. "It's just that I think a baby could make up for a lot of loneliness in her life." "And that's all the wrong reason to have one. A baby comes in to the world to be loved, not to replace what a woman should be receiving elsewhere. I know how many times I've thought about just having one. Even looked at the catalogue." "Catalogue of what?" he scowled, his puzzlement genuine. "Frozen dads," she giggled again, laughing even harder at his expression. "But not seriously." "I would hope not seriously. I would hope if you had ever wanted that you would have asked me," he yelped to her undying surprise. "You and me had a deal in that area," she whispered when she had recovered her shock, "but the time isn't up yet." "No maybe not," he answered, still scowling. "OK blame ego here, but I want the first baby you bear to be from my genes." "Well there's no way that's not going to be the case now," she smiled, giving a long sigh at the same time as a yawn. "We're about to have all our dreams come true." "Yeah we are," he nodded in quick agreement, smiling inwardly as he remembered the arrangements that were in place. Arrangements about which she knew nothing. He had in fact not told even Taylor or Bethany that they were going to be married aboard. Only that they were taking a cruise and would come back there for a couple of days to finish preparations for the trip home. Once at his apartment, he opened the door and two seconds later she was in his arms, her mouth on his, her hands leaving no doubt as to what she wanted. "I thought you were tired," he panted, his body trembling with the sudden rush of desire. It had been far too long since he had. . . "Well you may not know anything about babies Sailor but you sure as hell know how to please your woman," she panted. "My woman yes that does appeal to the caveman in me," he laughed. "But you're one helluva woman and that brings it out in me." "Your CO is going to wonder what kept you," she smiled, her head buried in the crook of his neck. "Hey it's my last day. I don't think he's going to fire me. Plus the man has been married for like twenty years. I think he knows what a guy like me who hasn't had any. . .never mind. I am going back, and you're going to rest. Oh later we'll go over to Bethany and Taylor's. I've been helping them get dinner every night since Bethany is supposed to be resting. Is that OK?" "You got it. Now I am going to rest if you don't mind." "Not at all." With that he gave her a long and serious kiss. "I don't believe it's over and I'm coming home," he whispered. =========== BETHANY & TAYLOR's Apartment 1730 HRS "Whoa something smells good. You start without us?" Harm demanded, guiding Mac through the door. "I put Tandoori Chicken on," Taylor admitted. "To celebrate your last night of duty." "Well it's not my last night around," he reminded them. "Yeah and that reminds me, you've been awful indefinite about those plans," Mac frowned. "I know you said you were going to take care of everything but the Marine in me is wondering what you're taking care of." "Total surprise my love," he laughed. "And I promise you'll love it." "Must be good" she smiled. "If you're making that promise." "It will be." "Do you two have any idea what he's up to?" Mac asked as she looked at Taylor and Bethany. "No ma'am" Taylor replied. "No idea." "I can't believe he's kept this to himself" Mac laughed. "Oh we have some idea" Taylor smiled. "But we're not giving any clues either." "You'll just have to wait and see Marine" Harm smiled. Afterwards Mac went to the kitchen to help Taylor with cleaning up and Harm helped Bethany to sofa before sitting down beside her. "I'm going to hate saying goodbye," Bethany said quietly to Harm. "I've gotten pretty used to have you around. I never had a big brother and you've been there to help me through a lot." "Doesn't have to be goodbye" Harm reminded her. "Mac and I would be more than happy to have you and the baby in DC. And no matter where I am you can call me for anything." "Thanks" she said softly. "And I know I can count on you and Mac. And after the baby is born I may take you up on that." "Bethany you need to start making some decisions about your life" Harm said gently. "You're going to have a baby real soon that's going to need your attention." "Sometimes I wonder if I'm making the right decision" she sighed. "Maybe I should have just arranged for someone to adopt." "You'll be a good mother. You're just going to need some help. And that's where your friends come in. People like Mac and I and Taylor and Aaron. We all want to help." "I know you do. And I look at you and Mac and Taylor and Aaron and think how much better my baby would be with people like you. What am I ever going to be able to provide to him or her." "Your love" Harm said gently. "Two parents would be better. I know that from my own experience. Look what a mess of my life I've made." "Coming from a single parent home doesn't have to be a bad thing. Look at Mac and I. She grew up in a bad home and look how well she's handled it. I grew up without a father and for the most part I came out normal." "You're very normal Harm" Bethany said with a small smile. "And I know you're right. But I'm not sure I can handle this on my own. I can barely handle my own life let alone be responsible for anyone else." "You'll do okay. You're stronger than you think." "Harm I want to ask you something" Bethany said softly. "If I decide I can't. If this is too much for me. Can I count on you?" "To take your baby?" he frowned. "Yes. I just don't know if I can do this. And I want to know that I have a safety net in case that happens. That I can count on you. I guess I could always give her up for adoption but I know she would be in better hands with you and Mac." "You know you can count on me," he said quietly. "But I don't think that's going to be the case. I think you're going to be fine once you get settled somewhere." "You have more faith in me than I do" she sighed. "Yes I do" he smiled. "You're going to be fine Bethany." ******************* "So what were you and Bethany talking about while Taylor and I were in the kitchen?" Mac asked Harm on the way back to his place. "She's afraid she's not going to be able to handle raising the baby alone" he sighed. "She wanted to know if she could count on us." "Of course. We told her we'd help her." "Not that kind of help. She wanted to know if we'd take the baby if she decided she couldn't handle it." "She's just scared," Mac said quietly. "She's thinking she's going to be alone because you're leaving and Taylor is leaving soon and she's scared. I'm sure she's going to be fine with the baby." "That's what I told her. She just needs to have a little confidence in herself." Mac nodded and no more was said until they walked through the door of his apartment. "I envy her," she sighed suddenly. " Bethany I mean. Well OK not to be raising a baby alone, but still. . ." Her thought was unfinished and Harm put his arm around her lower body. "You want a baby. I want a baby. I'm coming home. I think it's time we gave that some serious thought." She froze in place for a long few seconds then spun and threw her arms around his neck. "Yes sir I think so too." "Well maybe that's something we can work on while we're gone." "You're still not telling me where that is by the way." "You noticed that did you. I want it to be a complete surprise." ============== NICE FRANCE Following evening "Harm you're making me crazy wanting to know what's going on," she yelped as the cab took them from the airport to the harbor. She could see the city vanishing behind them and the uncertainty and mystery were intense. "Almost there honey," he promised. "Sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery will you. I promise--solemn promise--you won't be sorry." The cab driver found the slip easily and Harm paid him, then helped her out. A sea of boats surrounded them, from yachts that would befit royalty to small fast pleasure craft. "We came all this way to take a boat ride." "Well sort of. In the same respect that a tornado is a gentle breeze," he smiled and pointed to one of the yachts. "That would be the Fleur d'Nice, and we're going to be its guests. Or rather the guests of. . ." He paused and pulled out his note paper. "Charles and Yvette Daigenaux, for the next three days. We'll have our own private cabin, and nothing to do but swim and eat and tour the islands." 'And one other thing that I'll save' he added under his breath. "Harm it's. . .I don't. . .wow." "Hey almost speechless, that's pretty good," he laughed and took her hand. "I wish I had that effect on you in court. So this is something you would enjoy?" "Three days and nights with you on a yacht? No I'm going to hate every second of it," she teased. "Harmon Rabb when did you get to be such a romantic?" "When I admitted to myself how much in love I'd always been with you," he whispered, taking her hand to walk up the gangplank. Charles was at the top and assisted Mac aboard, giving Harm a quick hand as well. "Mr. Rabb, and Miss Mackenzie I presume." "Yes sir," Harm smiled. "Harm and Mac please." "And I am Charles and this is my wife Yvette and we are most pleased to have you aboard our home away from home. Oh before I forget Mr. Rabb. . .I mean Harm. . .that little detail you requested, it is completely handled." Harm broke into a broad grin at that, ignoring Mac's puzzled stare. "I'm so confused," she whispered, "but can't wait to see what's going to happen." "I will show you below and then we will get under way." Charles shouldered two of the bags and motioned them to the nearest steps. "I hope you find these rooms accommodating," Charles spoke again once they were on the lower level and he opened the door to reveal what would be near-luxury level in most hotels. "Charles the pictures on your website didn't begin to do this justice," Harm smiled, sweeping Mac into the room. "We'll be right up. Don't cast off without us." "I won't sir" Charles smiled before leaving them alone. "Harm this is incredible" Mac managed. "I don't know what to say." "I've made you speechless" Harm grinned. "This has got to be a first." "I just didn't expect anything like this. I mean I thought we'd have a few days together before we went back to JAG but I didn't expect anything like this." "I know. That's why it's so perfect." "Have I told you lately how much I love you Mr. Rabb" Mac whispered. "Yes but I'm always willing to hear those three words" he smiled. "And for the record I love you just as much. And we shouldn't keep Charles waiting." She nodded and they hurried up on deck and a few moments later they cast off from the pier. "Can I get you anything ma'am?" Yvette asked. "No I'm perfect just like this" Mac sighed as she leaned against Harm as they stood at the rail. "Just perfect." "If you need anything, please let me know. I am here to serve you." "Harm I'm afraid to ask how much this is costing" Mac whispered once they were alone. "Don't even worry about it. It's worth every penny after what we've been through the last nine months. First being pulled apart. Then I nearly lost you forever. And then Lukens." "I guess we have had a rough time haven't we" she said softly. "But it's all over Harm. We're going home together this time. I don't have to go home to an empty apartment again." "No you don't" he whispered as he turned her and pulled her into his arms. "I'm going to be with you every night from now on Sarah." "And I'm going to love having you hold me every night" she said softly. They spent their first day lying in the sun on the deck and swimming in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. As the sun began to fade, Yvette served them a full meal on the deck, Mac savoring the wonderful French cooking. Afterwards Yvette and Charles cleared the deck to provide them a makeshift dance floor. "Would you care to dance my lady?" Harm asked as Charles turned on the CD player, the soft sounds of Kenny G coming through. "Love to" Mac smiled as he led her to the center of the deck. "Happy?" he asked. "Unbelievably" she whispered. "I would never have imagined we'd be dancing on the deck of a yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean." "You probably can't imagine what else I have in store for you" he smiled. "I don't think there's any way you can top this" she sighed as she lay her head against his chest. "We'll see" he murmured as he stroked her hair. ************* "Up to some island exploring today?" Harm asked the next morning as he and Mac made their way up on deck. "Sounds wonderful" she replied. "I'll tell Charles to head to one of island then." He headed down below deck, meeting up with Charles and Yvette. "Are we all set for today?" he asked. "Yes sir" Charles nodded. "On the beach at sunset. It's all set." "Thank you so much. She has no idea so far." "And she won't hear from either of us" Yvette assured him. "Thank you. This really is more incredible than the brochure." He headed back up on deck to find Mac leaning against the railing. "All set honey" he whispered as he wrapped his arms around her. "We'll spend the day on the island then come back around sunset before we take off." "You really have this worked out don't you?" she smiled as she turned to face him. "I tried not to forget anything" he said softly. "I wanted this to be special. Something you'll never forget." "Well you didn't have to do all this. I would have settled for being with you just about anywhere as long as we were together." "But this is much nicer isn't it?" he smiled. "I'd live in a cardboard box with you beside me," she giggled as he took her hand to lead her down onto the beach. "You know we haven't even talked of where we're going to live once we get back; or even about. . .well about a wedding." "You still want to don't you?" he asked, holding his breath. "No Rabb. I've changed my mind," she scoffed. "Of course I do idiot." "Sorry. Sometimes it just seems in life sometimes the things that we want most are hardest to make happen. Wedding. . .good yes OK. Small?" "You and me Sailor. Do we need anyone else?" "Well maybe the person who makes it right with God and the law," he smiled. "Otherwise no we don't need anyone." "Or we could marry ourselves at sunset." "Yeah we could," he nodded, thinking to himself, 'plan B', and he wrapped his arm around her. "Why don't you and me find a quiet cove and be alone." "I do love how you think," she sighed, snuggling to his side. "Harm I've missed you so god awful much. I guess I don't even have to tell you that. These last months have been so long." "For me too, but it's all over now. We'll go home and be together. And nothing is going to separate us again. Nothing." "Nothing but maybe the orders of our employer," she smiled and then shook her head, stopping her walking to turn and face him. "If we let that happen again." Solemnly he shook his head, reading her thoughts. "No. Never again." And as he said the words, he knew he was making a vow. "Never again," she repeated her own promise and they relaxed against each other. The commitment was made. They would not be parted again. They walked the island beach, swam and ate and made love, not once but twice, and finally returned to the cove where the Fleur waited. "Harm it was a perfect day," she sighed, gesturing toward the sunset. "Oh there's more," he whispered, smiling at Yvette who was watching for them, her expression questioning. Harm nodded to her and turned to Mac. "Honey I want you to go with Yvette and I'm going to see you real soon." "What. . .?" she tried only to be stopped by his finger to her lips. "You'll see soon enough. Go with it please. You trust me don't you?" "With my life," she smiled and sniffled slightly. "Your intended has something special planned," was all that Yvette would say as she led Mac down below. Noise behind them indicated Harm was following and Yvette shook her head. "No ma'am. You are to come with me." The simple white dress that Harm had asked Yvette to choose was lying on the bed, along with the small white bible and a sprig of baby's breath. "I believe it is your wedding day," Yvette smiled. "I am very happy for you." "I. . .oh my," was the best Mac could do at that moment. "Now? Tonight? We're going to be married?" "Is that what you want?" "Oh yeah it is," she whispered tearfully. "More than anything in this world." "Then let us not keep your groom waiting" Yvette smiled. A short time later Mac stared at her reflection in the mirror, still amazed that she was about to marry Harm. She'd never expected him to arrange them to be married like this and she couldn't help but smile at how romantic he really was. "Do I look okay?" she asked Yvette as she turned around. "You look beautiful" Yvette assured her. "Mr. Rabb is a very lucky man." "No I'm the lucky one" Mac smiled. "He did all this for me. Because he loves me." "That he does. And if you're ready, I think he's probably waiting anxiously on the beach for you." She nodded and followed Yvette up on deck. Charles was waiting and held out his arm to escort her off the yacht and down to the beach where Harm was waiting. "You came" Harm whispered when Mac reached him. "You didn't think I would?" she smiled. "I wasn't totally sure," he admitted with a small smile. "I mean I didn't even ask you if this was what you wanted." "No you didn't but it's exactly what I wanted. What woman wouldn't?" "You're sure this is what you want? That I haven't forced you into something you don't want." "There's nothing I want more than to be your wife" Mac assured him. "And I can't think of a better spot than this." It took but a few minutes for them to utter their vows to each other and moments later Sarah Mackenzie was officially Sarah Rabb. Dinner awaited them on the yacht, and afterwards they danced together as husband and wife as Charles cast off from the shore. "Happy?" Harm whispered as he and Mac danced underneath the moonlight. "Very" she smiled as she looked up at him. "Are there any more surprises Mr. Rabb?" "No Mrs. Rabb that was it. Now we just have three days of a honeymoon before we have to go back to the real world." "I think I like this world better" she grinned. "So do I" he whispered before kissing her long and passionately. "Shall we take this below?" she sighed when they parted. "Before we give Charles and Yvette a free show." "Good idea" he smiled as he led her to the steps. They were barely inside the door when the mad dash to remove clothing began and moments later they fell together on the bed. "I love you so much" he whispered between kisses. "I can't believe this is real. That you're my wife now." "It's very real Flyboy" she panted. "And you're going to be stuck with me for a long time." Afterwards she lay contentedly in his arms, staring at her now sleeping husband. Her husband. For the rest of their lives they would be together. She'd just drifted to sleep when she heard soft knocking at the door. "Mr. and Mrs. Rabb" Charles called. She extracted herself from Harm and made her way to the door. "Ma'am I'm sorry to disturb you" Charles said when Mac opened the door. "But I've got an urgent phone call for you. She said her name was Taylor and it was about someone named Bethany." "Did she say anything else?" Mac asked as she reached for her robe. "No ma'am. Just that she was sorry she had to bother you and Mr. Rabb but it was a matter of life and death." "Oh no" Mac whispered, her mind fearing the worst. "Mac" Harm murmured as he stirred. "Harm there's a call from Taylor" Mac said softly. "I'm going to go up and take it." "Why would Taylor be calling?" he frowned as he sat up. "Is something wrong with Bethany?" "I don't know but it has to be important or she wouldn't be trying to get hold of us," Mac whispered, wrapping her robe tightly around herself as she hurried from the room. "I'm praying it's duty related, but then she would have asked for you." "I'm sorry about this," Mac said softly as she came onto the small bridge. Charles handed her the phone and left her alone. "Taylor it's Mac. What's wrong?" She was still praying it would be nothing serious, a prayer that was not answered for the second Taylor heard her voice, a long sob came out. "Hey stop that now Lieutenant," Mac ordered. "Whatever's wrong I need you to be calm and tell me." She heard the younger woman give another long sob, followed by a sniffle and then a large swallow. "OK. Bethany fell down a flight of stairs in our building because the elevator was out-- again. And she was bleeding bad and no one found her until just a couple of hours ago. She's at the hospital, but they're saying if they can't get the bleeding stopped they're going to have to deliver. Mac I'm so scared for her. And for the baby. They can't promise me either of them are going to be OK." "OK Taylor I see," Mac nodded, taking a long calming breath. "Are you at the hospital?" "Yes ma'am but they won't let me see her. And they'll barely tell me what's going on. Admiral Selby is on his way. I hope they don't brush him off." "An Admiral, not likely," Mac assured her just as Harm made his way onto the bridge with her. One look at her face and he knew the problem was serious. "Honey?" "Bethany," she whispered. "She had a fall and both her and the baby are in trouble." "We need to get there." "Yes please. Please tell Charles to take us where we can get a flight back," she begged and turned back to the phone. "OK Taylor we are on our way but obviously it's not going to be for several hours. Just hang in there OK. Be strong for your friend and we'll see you soon. If you get a chance, tell her we love her and we're both on the way." She disconnected the call and stumbled toward the steps, running headlong into Harm who at once took her into his long-armed comforting embrace. "Honey you're trembling," he whispered, attempting to control his own distress. "Come on let's get you down where it's warm. Nothing more we can do right now. Charles is turning us back to Nice and we'll get a flight out of there soon as we can." "Harm I'm scared for her," she managed and allowed herself to go limp against him, letting her take him to their cabin. He helped her into bed and crawled in after her, folding his body around her as she gave in to her almost silent weeping. "I wish I could make it all be OK," he whispered, his heart breaking at seeing her distress. "You love her too," she reminded him. "Not love like you do me I know, but still you do." "Yeah, and I refuse to believe she's not going to be OK," he whispered again. "Are you praying?" "As hard as I can honey." "Me too." ====== BAHRAIN It was a long nine hours later before they were returned to what had been Harm's home city for the better part of the past year. Neither had slept the remainder of the night, and barely dozed on the plane, and it was an exhausted Mr. and Mrs. Rabb that finally located a distraught Taylor. She had obviously not left, nor even rested. Her eyes were haunted, and swollen from crying. "Harm," she gasped before throwing herself against him. "I'm so glad you're here. Mac you too." "OK OK, Ssshhh calm down now," he urged, giving her back a gentle rub before passing her to Mac. "We are both here, and it's going to be OK. Somehow. What's the latest?" "Not good," she sobbed. "They took her about an hour ago. Something about the placenta and rupture and that's all they'd tell me." "Yeah well they'll tell me," he said firmly, striding toward the head nurse's desk. It was a somber Harm that returned to them several minutes later. "Oh god it's bad isn't it?" Taylor wailed. "They got the baby out," Harm said quietly. "And so far she's doing pretty well considering what happened." "Bethany?" Taylor whispered. "They're still working on her. They wouldn't give me any other details but promised they'd let us know what was going on." "She has to be okay" Taylor wailed. "She has to be." "Mr. Rabb" the nurse called a short time later and the trio hurried to the desk. "Doctor Ramsey was just out. They've moved Bethany to recovery." "She's going to be okay?" Harm asked. "He's not giving any guarantees just yet. They believe they have all the internal bleeding stopped but she's still not out of the woods yet." "Can we see her?" Harm asked. "She has no family correct?" the nurse asked. "No ma'am" Taylor spoke up. "We're as close as she has." "What about the father of the baby?" "Dead," Harm replied succinctly. "Okay you can see her. But just for a moment." They followed the nurse to the recovery room, Harm keeping a steady arm around both Taylor and Mac. "Just a few minutes" the nurse repeated when they reached the room. Harm nodded and they all walked into the room. Her eyes were closed and her face was nearly as white as the pillows she lay against. "Bethany" Taylor sniffled as she moved forward to her friend. Bethany's eyes finally pushed open and she gave her friend a weak smile. "My baby?" she whispered. "She's doing fine" Taylor informed her. "And you're going to be fine too." Bethany's eyes traveled to Harm and Mac as she ignored Taylor's comment. "I hope I didn't interrupt the wedding." "You didn't" Mac said softly as she leaned forward. "And we just want you to be okay." "You're married?" she asked. "Yeah we are" Mac nodded. "Good. I want you and Harm to take my baby." "Bethany you're going to be fine" Harm said as he moved closer to the bed. "You're going to be able to take of her yourself." "I want you and Mac and to have custody of her" Bethany repeated with as much strength as she could muster. "Please this is important to me. Taylor you're witness to this. This is what I want." "Bethany I don't understand" Taylor sniffled. "You're going to be fine. You don't need Harm and Mac to take custody of her." "Yes I do" she whispered as her eyes dropped closed again, the alarm going off a moment later. "Bethany" Taylor shrieked as she realized what was happening. "Bethany don't you dare give up like this." "Get them out" the doctor yelled as he and several nurses hurried into the room. "Harm" Mac whispered as they were forced from the room and back to the waiting area. "She's going to be okay," he said as he wrapped his arms around both women as they waited. Taylor continued to sob and Harm felt his own tears welling up. It was a few minutes later that the nurse returned; the look on her face telling them at once it wasn't good. "I'm so sorry to tell you this but they couldn't save Bethany." "NO" Taylor shrieked. "She can't be dead." "I'm sorry," the nurse said quietly. "She's dead?" Harm repeated. "I'm sorry. Doctor Ramsey did all he could. But her heart gave out. There was nothing else he could do." "No" Taylor sobbed. "She has to be okay. The baby needs her." "You said that she had no family. I don't suppose she had any arrangements in case something happened to her." "Yes ma'am she did" Taylor sniffled. "She wanted Harm and Mac to have custody of her baby." "I can't do that," Mac gasped as the nurse left them alone. "Mac why not?" Harm asked gently, backing away slightly so that he could see her face. "Well I. . .I don't know. I don't know why I said that. I mean of course we can do it, but it seems so wrong. Harm that baby belongs with her mother." "Ma'am, you are her mother now," Taylor smiled through her tears. "Bethany knew very well what she wanted. And I know for a fact it's in writing too. A month or so ago, she and I went to Legal because she knew she had to get ready for the baby. Like naming her beneficiary and all. And she made a will. It's very specific. If anything happened to her, the baby was to be raised by you guys." "I know she mentioned that to us, but we just kind of pushed it aside. And anyway why us and not you and Aaron?" Harm whispered. "She was closer to you." "Because Aaron and I have not been as committed as you and Mac for one thing," she explained sheepishly. "Whether to have kids is something he and I are still batting around. Especially the 'when' part of that. But the two of you--she knew this was going to last with you; and she knew that Mac wanted a baby, that you both did. I guess you're not legally compelled but it's what she wanted. You will won't you?" Taylor looked anxiously from one to the other. "Mac?" Harm prompted. "I think. . ." she began, her voice small and unsure until she cleared her throat firmly and gestured to the room where Bethany's body still lie. "I think we should go check on our daughter." Harm's arm was tightly around Mac's shoulders as they walked the down the hall to the nursery, Taylor along side. "That's her in the isolette," Taylor pointed. "See 'Baby girl Romero' on the card." "She's tiny," Mac gasped and they watched as a doctor checked the readouts and gave the fuzzy head a quick rub. "Oh Harm how can something that tiny survive?" "I think the doctor could give us some help," he said, stepping forward to greet the doctor who was emerging from the nursery. "Sir, excuse me. Harmon Rabb. Uh. . .the Romero baby. My wife and I are going to be her parents. Her mother. . .Bethany, died a little while ago." Mac trembled slightly and Taylor muffled a small sob as Dr. Lukesh extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you, and so sorry to hear about her mother. And I can see the concern on your faces. Right now she's doing well considering the circumstances. But I have a firm policy of not making promises. I've seen babies not weighing two pounds and sick with infection leave here as fat healthy five pounders. And on the other hand I've seen babies born healthy sour five hours later." "I need to hold her," Mac said firmly. "She needs to know she has people who already love her." "Of course, and believe me, that's good for her." The doctor motioned to a nurse and a few minutes later the three were gowned and masked and shown into a small room. "Mom, you can be first," the nurse smiled, handing Mac the pink wrapped bundle. Her mouth dropped open in awe as the tiny face squished into a half cry and then relaxed. "Harm she's beautiful," she whispered tearfully. "What do we call her? She needs a name." "I don't know" Harm whispered. "I wasn't thinking of names at all. Taylor do you know if Bethany had picked anything out?" "Hannah was her choice if it was a girl" Taylor sniffled. "She had a book of all the meanings of names and she liked that one the best because it meant grace of God." "How about Hannah Bethany Rabb then" Harm offered. "I like that" Mac nodded as she looked down at the tiny bundle in her arms. In less than twenty-four hours she'd become a wife and a mother. "You okay with all this?" Harm asked as if he were reading her thoughts. "I know we were planning a family but not this quickly." "We owe this child a good home. That's the least we can do for Bethany. She didn't want her baby to grow up like she had. She would have wanted Hannah to grow up in a house full of love." "And that's exactly how she's going to grow up" Harm said softly. ******************* 1 Year Later Harm and Mac's Home Great Falls, VA "Harm I think someone pulled in" Mac said as she walked down the stairs with Hannah in her arms. "Looks like Taylor and Aaron" he smiled as he looked out the window before heading to the door. "Hope we're not too early" Taylor said as he opened the door. "No way" Harm smiled. "Come on in. How's the happy couple? Hasn't it been six months." "Six months and four days" Taylor smiled. "And we're wonderful. Now where's that god child of mine?" "Right here" Mac said as she happily handed Hannah to Taylor. "Say hi to Auntie Taylor." "Oh sweetie you're getting so big" Taylor cooed as she hugged the little girl. "I think she wants one of her own" Harm laughed as he looked at Aaron. "I know" he laughed as well. "She keeps reminding me. And as soon as we get settled somewhere that will happen." "You're moving again?" Mac frowned. "Well there were some openings at the NLSO at Norfolk" Taylor spoke up. "And Aaron would finally get a chance for a promotion if he took it." "You're moving to Norfolk?" Harm asked. "Seriously?" "Seriously" Aaron smiled. "This is a dual purpose trip. Besides being here for Hannah's birthday we're also here to head down there and look for a place to live." "This is wonderful" Mac smiled. "You'll only be a few hours away." "Maybe we could take Hannah off your hand for a weekend every once in a while" Taylor offered. "Of course. I know she'd love to spend some time with her Aunt Taylor and Uncle Aaron." "Great" Taylor smiled. "So are you going to give us the tour or what?" A short time later Harm and Aaron had found their way to the living room and the TV while Mac and Taylor were in the kitchen. "So how hard is it juggling a baby and a career?" Taylor asked. "It's not easy but Harm is wonderful" Mac replied. "I just feel guilty that we have to leave her all day." "Have you thought about resigning?" "It's crossed my mind" Mac admitted. "Especially lately." "Once Aaron and I are settled in Norfolk I think we're going to start trying" Taylor said softly. "And I'm thinking of resigning when I do get pregnant." Mac nodded her understanding. "The Navy would be losing a fine officer, but at the same time, well it's a juggling act as you say. When I'm on duty I think about home; when I'm home I try not to think about my case load but it always comes up. And then I tend to get cranky which Harm, bless him, overlooks unless I start throwing plates." "I just don't think I want my baby raised by strangers, no matter how qualified," Taylor murmured, "and listen to me, I'm prattling on like I'm already pregnant, which we've for sure decided to hold off on until we know we're not going to get PCS'd to god knows where. So in the meantime we're in a holding pattern, praying Norfolk comes through. And if I may add, I don't notice you wearing maternity greens." "Yeah well that's about to change," Mac told her with a mysterious smile. "You're kidding," Taylor shrieked and clapped her hand over her mouth. "Wow. Oh Mac that's great," she added softly. "I was almost afraid to ask. It's been a year and. . ." "A year of unofficially trying and hoping," Mac nodded. "But also of being so busy watching Hannah grow. And really this is good timing. She deserved to be the baby, which she is no longer." She gestured out the window to where she was happily toddling behind Harm and Aaron who were walking in the yard. "It has been a year," Taylor whispered, suddenly somber. "And Mac not a day goes by that I don't remember Bethany." "Yeah me too," Mac sniffled slightly. "And Bethany the second out there makes me even more cognizant of what we lost. She's her mother you know. Right down to the same face Bethany made when she was being obstinate about something. No one is ever going to mistake her for a born Rabb-Mackenzie." An hour later the rest of the guests had arrived and were gathering around the table. "Harriet you look great," Harm called in approval of her maternity coveralls. "See I told you," Bud smiled, helping her into a chair. "He has to be nice, he's the host," she laughed. "But thanks. I extrapolated my size as relates to the number of weeks I have left. By my calculation I won't fit through that door over there by the time this little girl is due." "You look beautiful," Bud told her firmly and leaned over to kiss her cheek. "And let me be the first to formally say Happy Birthday to this young lady," AJ smiled. "Mac, Harm, no one would know this was that tiny infant you guys brought home with you, to the shock of everyone at JAG that's for sure." "Amen," Sturgis nodded. "I mean most people bring home a souvenir tee shirt." ================= That night Mac lie drowsy in Harm's arms after they had made love and she was drawing idle circles on his chest with her fingertip. "Have you enjoyed being a dad this year?" she whispered. "A question to which you know the answer," he smiled. "I love that baby as if she was born to us. And in fact she's not really a baby any more is she?" In reply Mac took his hand and placed it on her belly. "She may not be, but there's one right here that is. Or at least will be in about eight months." THE END And to all those who hung tight through the chapters of this story despite them being further apart than normal, we thank you.