TITLE: "From Whom All Blessings Flow" AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: Thanksgiving, 2003. We Gather Together to Ask the Lord's Blessing. To Ask the Lord's Blessing Let Every Heart A Cup O'kindness Yet Rings and Promises Of Forever and Goodbye By Dawn's Early Light Rocket's Red Glare Love is Not a Victory March In this series, the events of Afghanistan have occurred but we will not deal with the Singer/Sergei/Lindsey/NCIS/Paraguay story lines. CLASSIFICATION/RATING: J/S/R/A PG for language. SPOILERS: In any of our work, any JAG episode may be referred to. FEEDBACK: If you're so moved but never expected nor begged for. Addy is ssbpmn@aol.com. Please however, we request you respect the work, and the effort that goes into writing it. NOTE: All parts of this story 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 BTL- http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/ http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.} ==================== Previously in the series: Thanksgiving, 2002, Harm and Mac are introduced to Seaman Dale March as part of a USO Home for the Holidays project. They soon learn he has a son, and a woman he loves, in his home state. After a harrowing Christmas experience to get them reunited, Harm and Mac realize their own love and Harm asks Mac to marry him on New Years Eve. On Valentines Day Dale and Allison are married, and Harm gives Mac his ring. Easter brings the Mackenzie-Rabb wedding and Mac's announcement of a baby on board. Dale and Allison ride out a marital storm and Dale ships out for the Eisenhower carrier in the Persian Gulf. Memorial Day weekend Harm leaves Mac and JAG for his 90 days TAD aboard the Ike after helping AJ and Kendra through a near-tragedy. Independence Day sent Mac and Sturgis to the Ike for a mishap investigation where they were met with disturbing news from Dale and a reunion ensued for Harm and Mac. Labor Day saw the birth of Dale and Allison's baby girl—born much too soon while Mac grew large with Harm's son. This is the final chapter of the USO/Dale March story. A year and we have come full circle. Families and friends with much to be thankful for gather to do just that. "From Whom All Blessings Flow" WEDNESDAY 19 Nov 03 "Harm? Harm come here quick," Mac called from her desk at home, excitement and urgency in her voice. Too much so. Forgetting that she was nine months pregnant and married to a very nervous first time father-to-be. Harm ran from the kitchen, nearly impaling himself on an umbrella left lying on the table from when they had come in. "Are you OK? How far apart are they?" "Harmon Rabb maybe if you could not act like a sitcom expectant father?" she begged. "You're not . . .?" "No." "Then why did you screech like a banshee?" "Because Dale and Allison sent a new picture of Hannah," she smiled, turning the monitor screen so he could better see. "And Allison says she's on schedule for coming home which should be right around Thanksgiving." "Which of course is your due date," he sighed, resting his hands on her shoulders. "Thank you. I needed that reminder as if your son kicking me every four seconds wasn't enough." "Yeah well I promise to get up every night for the 0200 feeding in return," he grinned. "And our goddaughter is beautiful." "Yes she is," Mac sighed, sniffling slightly. Sniffling that gave 'way to tears a moment later and Harm dropped to kneel beside her. "Honey?" "Sorry. Hormone storm. I was just thinking about how she was born so soon. And while I'm more than glad she's OK, I'm sorry Allison won't have any more." "Harriet will tell her two are more than enough," Harm reminded her. "Well yeah I know they've decided to stop there, and that's good for them, but honestly Harm I understand Allison wanted to have the choice, not have it made for her." "I know. And we shed a lot of tears over that, but look at that sweet face," he replied. "Chris is going to have to protect her from all his friends." That received the giggle he expected and he pulled her back from the desk, rolling her in the chair. "Hey what are you doing? I'm working on closing arguments here for Gunnery Sgt. Iliff." "It's past your bedtime." "Harmon Rabb it's only 2130." "But my pregnant wife needs her rest. Besides, it's a lost cause. The man is innocent." "The man is a moron. Ask Sturgis." "Then let Sturgis write the arguments. You need your rest. I need my cuddle time." "You know when you make your closing statement tomorrow I'm going to remember you saying cuddle time." "You do that," he groaned as she turned back to the computer, awkwardly trying to roll herself back. "Sarah I'm not kidding here. I want you to come rest. I know your back is killing you." "You a mind reader now," she demanded and then shook her head. "No don't answer that because you're right. Sturgis said he would have something ready as well and we'd compare notes. I really like working with him." "I wouldn't let Tracy hear you say that," he laughed, pulling her chair back once more and all but bodily lifting her to her feet. "Come on. Shower and back massage time." It had been just two and a half months since the birth of Hannah Ruth March. Born so tiny and weak, she had thrived albeit slowly, and would soon be ready to come home to her parents, Dale and Allison, and her big brother Christopher, older by just a year. In that time period, Mac grew large with Harm's son. Large and healthy, and ready for him to be born. Name still to be determined, or argued over. The controversy with Tracy and Sturgis and their wedding plans was over. The wedding would take place Thanksgiving weekend, with AJ offering his home. When her mother had seen how adamant they both were that it be a small wedding, she capitulated and helped them arrange the ceremony. Bud and Harriet were planning on everyone at their place for Thanksgiving, a day of food and football, reminiscent of the year before, except that so much had changed in those twelve months. Finally there was AJ and Kendra, together and yet not. While she insisted to Mac and Harriet she and AJ were fine, both knew she wanted more. Whether he could give it to her was the question ********************* JAG HQ's Next Afternoon "Thank God that one is over" Mac groaned as she and Harm and Sturgis made their way back to the bullpen following the morning in court. "And I don't even care that Harm won." "Hey my client might be a moron but he's innocent. A point I proved beyond a reasonable doubt" Harm countered. "That you did" Sturgis nodded. "Mac your husband cuts no slack to no one." "Not even his extremely pregnant wife" Mac teased as they rounded the corner and walked into the bullpen. "Hey there's Kendra. I wonder what she's up to." "Visiting our favorite Admiral I bet" Harm smiled. "Hi guys" Kendra smiled when she saw them. "Mac you look like you're ready to deliver at any second. How are you feeling?" "Okay actually. Just a few more days and Rabb Jr. here will be making his way into the world. Which is good since I don't think Dad can handle much more of the stress." "I'm not stressed." "Oh and that's why you were ready to call 911 last night when I yelled for you when I wanted you to see the pictures of Hannah that Allison had sent." "Sturgis maybe you and I should go work out our deal" Harm sighed and the two men walked away. "He's going to be such a great Dad" Kendra laughed. "He's got the worrying part down pat already." "Yes he does. So what are you doing here? Lunch with the Admiral?" "Actually I'm here trying to drum up some support for the Adopt a Sailor program again" she smiled. "I've convinced AJ to do it again but we still have lots more sailors than families." "You know I want to say yes. But I'm not sure Dad can handle that given my due date." "I know and I'm not expecting you to. But if anyone else you know might be willing to help out, please send them my way." "I will" Mac promised. "And I will mention to Harm the idea of us having someone again." "Thanks. I appreciate it." "You busy for lunch?" Mac asked her suddenly. "Harm ran off with Sturgis and I'm now starving. I'd love company." "I was going to wait for AJ but sure why not" Kendra smiled. "I'd love to. Do you need to leave Harm a note so he doesn't freak." "Of course" Mac giggled. "Wait one while I do that and then I'll be ready." Twenty minutes later they were seated at a nearby deli and after they ordered Mac looked over at Kendra. "Okay spill it. What's going on with you and the Admiral?" "Mac everything is fine. Totally." "Liar." "Okay so I'm a little envious that Tracy and Sturgis have gotten their act together before us" Kendra sighed. "But maybe AJ and I just aren't mean to be." "Bull. He loves you and you love him." "As the song says, sometimes love ain't enough. And this maybe one of those cases." "I guess it's a matter of how much it means to you to be Mrs. Chegwidden," Mac said softly. "At least he's gotten over the age thing." "No." "No?" Mac frowned and shook her head. "What is wrong with that man. He's still hung up on that." "Not that he says aloud any more but he's still hung up on it. I think that's why he doesn't think we should marry. Honestly I think he's afraid he won't be around that long or some such BS. Making me a widow before I'm middle aged." "Oh good grief," Mac exploded, taking a long breath to calm herself. Kendra was her friend and to see someone to whom she was also close having blinders was hard to bare. "I mean the Beltway could do that to me or Harriet or Tracy and before I get into a crying jag we need to get off that subject." "Yeah. Please. Anyway the love is there. No doubt of that. I mean we share a bed, we say it. A lot. But it just doesn't translate into a ring and some days I'm OK with that. Then other days I see Harriet and her kids or you and how happy you are pregnant and I think there's more. And kids is not even the issue. I know it's silly to think a piece of paper and a ring can make a difference but it does to me. It says I care enough to give you my name." "I can't argue there," Mac smiled and patted her arm. "Of course there was a time when I nearly married a guy I didn't love." "Oh the Australian bozo," she giggled. "Yeah. I see you know the story. Mic Brumby was a perfectly fine man. Who fell in love with someone who couldn't love him back." "So what happened to him? Do you hear from him?" "We exchange Christmas cards and the occasional email. He's back on active duty with the RAN, and has met someone. He wants a baby announcement." ============ JAG HQ Same Time Sturgis and Harm emerged from their consultation just as AJ approached them. "Sir," Harm greeted him. "Ms. Martin was here looking for you." "Yes I know. We had lunch plans and then my meeting ran long. I'll have to make it up to her. Any idea where she vanished to?" "No sir but I see a note hanging from my door and even at this distance I can tell it's from Mac. I'd know that hen-scratch. So likely they've gone out to lunch." "Probably," Sturgis put in. "Unless of course Mac's water broke and Kendra is driving her over to Fairfax." Harm shot him a look of sheer panic and sprinted across the floor. "I love doing that to him," Sturgis laughed. "Sturgis" Harm groaned a few seconds later as he returned to find his friend and the Admiral smiling broadly. "You are so dead buddy." "You know Harm you're going to have a stroke before this baby comes" AJ smiled. "You need to relax. Mac is doing fine with her pregnancy and there's no reason for you to keep freaking all the time." "I know sir. But after Allison" His voice trailed off and he let out a long sigh. "It wasn't easy seeing her go through that. And if it had been Mac, I would have lost it completely." "I'm sure that shook you up" the older man nodded. "But Allison and Hannah have come through okay." "Yeah they have. In fact Allison send a picture of Hannah. She still seems so tiny but they said she'll be coming home soon." "That's great," Sturgis said softly. "They deserve some good for a change." Harm was semi pacing the bullpen when Mac and Kendra returned a short time later, Mac smiling when she saw him. "You were worried?" "Only when Sturgis freaked me out by telling me Kendra had taken you to Fairfax instead of you two going to lunch" he sighed. "You are so easy" she laughed. "And I can assure you if I were in labor, you would be the first person to know it." "Kendra, the Admiral's in now if you want to see him," Harm said to the young woman. "He was a little upset he missed you for lunch." "Actually I have to run" Kendra said as she checked her watch. "Tell him I'll catch up with him later. Mac thanks for lunch. You let me know when Junior makes his entrance." "Hopefully not until after the wedding next weekend" Mac smiled. "But you are on the call list." "Great. Take care. Oh and don't forget what we talked about earlier. If you know anyone, please send them my way." "I will. Promise." Kendra hurried to the elevator and Harm frowned at his wife. "Okay what's that about." "She needs more families for the Adopt a Sailor program. And quite honestly I think we should be one of those families." "Mac" Harm groaned. "You're about to give birth." "I don't plan on giving birth on Thanksgiving Day. There is no reason we can't invite some nice young person to join us at Bud and Harriet's." "Honey I'm stressed enough. I'm not sure I can handle having someone with us." "Why are you stressed?" she laughed. "You're not giving birth. I am." "I'm stressed because I'm scared to death of something happening to you" he snapped. "You weren't there with Allison. I was." He turned and hurried from the bullpen, leaving a stunned Mac and other's staring after him. "Everything okay?" Sturgis frowned as he walked out of his office, having heard Harm's outburst. "He's upset. And I guess I never realized why he's been so stressed about me. I just didn't even think about it." "Allison" he said quietly. "He's never said anything about it so I never thought that it had upset him" Mac sighed. "And obviously it did." "More than he let on to you," Sturgis told her quietly, putting his hand on her shoulder. "Mac it's only natural that he would transfer his panic and fright over her to you." "I know. But he never mentioned it like that and of course I'm too stupid to notice that sort of thing," she sighed. "No wrong. Don't beat yourself up over it. Just go tell him you promise to take his concerns a little more seriously that's all," Sturgis advised. "He's made it this far. He'll survive until the birth. Then he can worry over every little sneeze. Hey you guys decide on a name yet?" "No but we plan to by the time he starts school so the others don't call him hey you." "Oh good. You want me to fetch him back here for you?" "No thanks. I'll waddle to him," she sighed. "Thanks Sturgis. Sometimes I think you and I should have met first." =================== "Harm?" He had walked outside only as far as the little picnic area behind the HQ building. "Yeah." He answered without turning around. "You shouldn't be out here." "Oh yeah I should. Because there's no reason not to be. I'm not fragile honey. I'm only pregnant, like millions of other women have been in the course of human life on this planet. I'm pregnant and I'm healthy and I'm happy. Very happy. Except for the stress this is putting on you. And I'm upset that you've held back how much Allison affected you." She walked toward him, stopping when she was within two feet. "You should have talked to me honey." "I didn't want to. I didn't want to add to what you were feeling about the baby." "The baby I can handle. Even with hormones. You I'm not so sure about." He turned around and a second later had enveloped her in an awkward hug, their baby pressed between them. "I should be handling this better. But what happened with Allison freaked me big time. She almost died. Hannah almost died. If I lost you and our baby. . ." His eyes were tortured at that point and she kissed him softly. "Not going to happen Flyboy. This baby boy, nameless that he may be, and I. . .well you are so stuck with us. Please relax and enjoy this time with me. These last couple weeks. And I want us to tell Kendra we'll share our holiday with a young Sailor. Please." "Does it mean that much to you?" he sighed. "Yes it does. Just think where Dale and Allison would be right now if we hadn't entered their lives." "You have a point. But if I say yes, I want your word that you won't over do it. That you'll let me handle everything." "Fine. You can handle everything." "Then you can call Kendra and tell her we'll have someone for the holiday" Harm said finally. "But only if between now and then you don't have this baby." "Junior knows when he's supposed to come" Mac smiled. "And it's not until after six on Saturday evening, following Sturgis and Tracy's wedding. Anything else is unacceptable." "You really think he's listening" Harm said with a small smile. "Of course not. When did his father ever listen to me?" ********************* AJ's Home McLean, VA "Hey I'm sorry I missed you today," AJ said as Kendra walked in the door. "I was hoping you'd stop by when you got back with Mac." "I had a tight schedule" Kendra sighed. "So it wouldn't have worked anyway." "Everything okay?" he frowned. "Yeah of course. Why wouldn't it be?" "Because you have that look and I know you had lunch with Mac and I'm sure you two talked." "AJ I'm fine," Kendra said with a forced smile. "I'm just really stressed trying to find everyone a home for the holidays. That's all." "It doesn't have anything to do with us?" For a moment she didn't answer and he let out a long sigh. "Kendra, what is it now? Please just tell me." "You wouldn't understand anyway. So let's just forget it please." "Is this because Sturgis and Tracy are getting married next weekend and Mac's about to have a baby? You're feeling left out aren't you?" "AJ you've had a life already" Kendra sighed. "I haven't. And I'm not getting any younger and yeah maybe I want what they all have." "And I'm not giving you that" AJ said quietly. "I didn't say that." "You want it all don't you. The marriage, the baby." "Yes" Kendra whispered. "But I know that's not what you want. So I'm happy with what I have. At least I have something." "I never said I didn't want that" AJ told her. "No you haven't. And maybe you do and you're just too afraid to make it happen. I don't know AJ. I just know I'm not getting any younger and seeing Mac pregnant and happy with Harm makes me so damn jealous." "I'm sorry." "No I'm sorry" she sighed. "And before I say something else I shouldn't, maybe I should just go." "Kendra don't. Please. We need to talk about this." "I have talked AJ. It's you who needs to take action. If this is the way it's going to be, then tell me. So I can make a choice. But if you want any part of what I want, I need to know it now." AJ was silent and with a sigh Kendra reached for her coat. "You know the number," she said quietly. "I'll see you later." "Kendra please," he said softly, running his hand through his hair. "I don't want you to go. Not like this." "And I don't want you to think I'm giving you an ultimatum because I'm not doing that. I'm just upset and unhappy right now and it's me, not you. Plus I'm stressed with the holidays and placing people. I need to be focused there anyway. I've got a lot of people--men and women who deserve someplace nice to spend the holiday--depending on me." "Kendra I depend on you too," he objected lamely. "I know you do. As I do you. And I love you on top of that." He nodded slowly. "I didn't think that was ever a question." "Then what is it a question of AJ?" she asked quietly. "Because you know what, if you could answer that, then you and I could talk and air our views and at least each of us would have some idea of where the other is coming from." "I guess I just don't see what's so wrong with what we have now," he tried. "We have good times together. I do love you. Please don't ever think anything less. I just don't want to risk that." She drew in a long breath and picked up her coat. "Sorry AJ. You already are." And with that she fled through the front door, which after watching her get into her car and driving off, he slammed hard and uttered a word not uncommon for a sailor's mouth. As he walked back through his living room, he gave the coffee table a swift kick in his frustration, forgetting he was in slippers. The resultant pain that shot up through his toe to his foot to his leg made the evening complete and sent him into a foul mood that remained with him. ============== Wed 26 Nov 03 8AM "Mac you ready to eat turkey tomorrow?" "I can already taste it," Mac sighed, "and good morning to you Commander. I don't suppose you've got an extra donut in that sack with no one's name on it." Sturgis laughed softly. "I bought a half dozen. Tracy had one. By all means help yourself." "Tracy had one huh. Well she's keeping a figure. I myself look like Shamu. In fact last night I laid down on the bed, Harm went into shower, and I couldn't get up. I had to yell for him. But of course I have to go 'Harm I'm not in labor but'. I swear this pregnancy has lasted twelve months already." "But you look beautiful," Sturgis assured her. "And you're supposed to look like Shamu now." Mac took the donut and turned to fix her coffee. "Well my husband certainly thinks so. He was on the phone with Bud when I called him to come rescue me, and he goes--hold on a sec Bud, Shamu beached herself. Which of course the two male cretins thought was hugely funny." She swung around suddenly, moving as fast as her bulk would allow to stare at Sturgis, catching just the hint of a smile which he was quickly trying to erase. "Sorry Mac. Honest. It just hit me funny," he managed before bursting into outright laughter. "Don't talk to me," she yelped. "But thanks for the donut. I'll probably gain another pound." "Yeah I'm sure Harm is real worried about it. To change the subject, I saw Kendra earlier. Apparently we're all taking one of her orphans for the weekend. They're coming up by van this year. Who did you get?" "She's a medic in training, doing this in prelude to OCS and med school," Mac answered. "Petty Officer Jillian Rhodes." "Hey that's perfect" Sturgis laughed. "When Harm has that stroke when you got into labor, she'll be able to help him." "First off Commander, I am not going into labor until after your wedding Saturday night. And second, Harm will not have a stroke." "You have this all worked out with the baby do you?" he smiled. "Yes. He is not invited to the wedding so he's not going to come until after you and Tracy ride off into the sunset together." "And what if he decides he doesn't want to miss the social event of the year?" Sturgis laughed. "Not gonna happen." "What's not going to happen?" Harm asked as he walked over to them. "And tell me you're not eating that donut Mac." "One more donut is not going to matter to this figure" Mac groaned. "And what's not going to happen is your son making his entrance before the wedding on Saturday." "If he does, we have Petty Officer Rhodes to help" Harm smiled. "Who do you and Tracy have?" "Seaman Marcia Holmes. Fresh out of a boot camp. And apparently it was this or jail. And before you ask, yes I was told that was the case and Tracy and I decided we didn't mind at all." Harm frowned slightly and Mac rolled her eyes. "Do not say a word mister. Remember Jen was given that choice and looked what happened with her when the right person entered her life." "I know. And if anyone can lead this young lady in the right direction, Sturgis is the man." "Amen" Sturgis smiled. "Don't you people have work to do?" AJ snapped as he walked out of his office and noticed his officers mulling about. "Last time I checked, it wasn't the holiday yet." With that he turned and walked back to his office, the door slamming just slightly. "Uh oh" Harm sighed. "That doesn't sound good. And I can think of one reason." "Kendra" Mac said softly. "They're having a few bumps again. I knew when I talked to her yesterday that she wasn't happy." "Well I know which office to avoid" Harm smiled. "I am not getting in the middle of that." "Me neither" Sturgis nodded. "And before he comes back out I'm going to make myself scarce." He hurried into his office and Harm started towards his own, Mac trailing after him. "Harm you have to talk to him." "Excuse me? Why do I have to?" "Because. It's the right thing to do." "The right thing to do is sit down at my desk and pretend I'm busy for the next hours until it's time to go home." "Harm he's upset about Kendra. You need to talk to him." "And tell him what?" Harm sighed. "That he's a fool for letting the age difference get in the way of him and Kendra." "Yes." "Mac I am not going to go into my CO's office and tell him how to conduct his personal life. At least not if I expect to stay this office." "You know you're being stubborn." "They need to work these things out themselves" Harm told her. "And maybe the wedding will put them in the right mood. Like it did at our wedding." "You're really not going to go talk to him?" Mac persisted. "No. And neither should you. It's for them to work out." "Well I wish someone had talked to us," she sighed. "Good grief if ever two people needed straightening out, it was us." "My point exactly. No one did and left alone we managed. In fact. . ." he paused and rested his hand on her large belly. "In fact, boy did it work out." "We defied all odds you mean," she groaned. "Look at all the times we were so far apart we had a better chance of winning the lottery than of making 'us' work." "Or we could look at all the times we were so close we were almost there," he grinned. "Then finally one of those times God lifted the wall and we did it. We just said to hell with everything and took the chance." "And I thank Him every day for that," she smiled, giving his hand a long squeeze. "For you and for this healthy if unnamed baby boy I'm carrying." "And for the love we share," he added with a small smile. "Harm. . ." And the tears came. "Hormone storm," he said softly, gathering her into his arms. "I hate when I get like this," she blubbered. "I don't. When else during the workday do I get to hold and hug you," he laughed, rubbing her back as he awkwardly held her, feeling the mound that was their baby pressing between them. She gave a long sniffle and sighed at the same time. "Well let go of me so I can go get some work done and leave this place with a clear conscience." "Especially in case you're not back for about eight weeks," he grinned in anticipation, releasing her with a quick kiss. "Yeah. Or longer. Or ever." "Excuse me?" "Harm I've waited forever for this dream to come true," she whispered. "I'm just not sure I want to turn him over to some daycare. . .never mind." She shook her head and started to walk by him, biting her lip as she did so. "I do mind," he yelped, keeping his voice quiet. "Honey I just assumed you were coming back to work and that we would employ daycare. I'm sorry. I didn't know you were thinking of doing anything else. It's not like we talked about it." "I know. And I didn't mean to bring it up right now. But would it be so bad if I wanted to be a mom and a mom only? Would you think less of me if I wasn't a Marine?" "My god no," he gasped, upset at the notion she could even think that. "Of course not. I would be concerned that you would miss all this maybe. Being a Marine is part of who you are to me, but a small part. Being my wife, being the mother of my son, that's the biggest thing in my life. Next to the love I feel for you and please don't cry again." "I'm not," she whispered, stifling a sob. "OK yes I am." "Then stop. And I've got to make some calls. Are you OK?" "Of course I am. I have things I should be doing too, before the Admiral makes the decision for me about my future around here." "Yeah like he's going to fire the best thing that ever happened to this office," Harm groaned. "Come on Little Marine Mother. I'll walk you to your desk." =========== HOLIDAY INN FALLS CHURCH VA That Evening "Kendra really outdid herself with this set-up sir," Harm observed to AJ, standing in front of him. Indeed the tables were set with place cards for the JAG staff and their USO guests. "I see she placed you and her together." "And?" AJ glowered. "And nothing sir," Harm smiled soothingly. "Just that take it from one who's been there-done that, don't try to deny what can't be denied. It does not work." "Mr. Rabb are you presuming to tell me. . ." AJ hissed and when he swung around saw that Harm had bid a hasty retreat. "Someone snakin' you Flyboy?" Mac laughed when Harm reached her side. "Well I found out our CO is not of a mood to discuss his personal life. A word to the wise. But Kendra did put him and her and their guest together at one table, with you and me and Jillian. And Tracy and Sturgis and their guest. Could be a long evening." A short time later they met their visitors, Mac taking an instant liking to the bubbly young woman. "Colonel you look like you're about to pop" Jillian smiled as they were introduced. "And the Commander looks like he's about to have a stroke." "That's why Kendra figured we needed you" Mac laughed. "And we are both really glad to have you with us." "Especially me" Harm smiled as well. "Have you ever delivered a baby before?" "Not yet sir. Are you worried about the Colonel suddenly going into labor or something?" "You could say that." "Don't worry Jillian I plan on having this little guy at the hospital like most people do" Mac smiled. "So it's a boy?" Jillian smiled and Mac nodded. "Yes it is. And he's already been informed of the rules on arrival. Not until Tracy and Sturgis get married on Saturday." "There's a wedding this weekend too?" "It's going to be a jam filled weekend" Harm laughed. "Tonight's affair, then dinner tomorrow at Bud and Harriet's, followed by something fun on Friday which we'll figure out and then the wedding on Saturday." "Great. Better than spending the long weekend alone" Jillian nodded. "Where are you from?" Mac asked. "Texas. My folks live there. They were going to come here for the weekend but they couldn't work it out. So they canceled and hopefully I'll get some leave time for Christmas and I can go see them then." "Well hopefully you won't mind the craziness of a few days with us" Mac smiled. "Looking forward to it." Soon they were all seated at the table, both Harm and Mac noticing the tension between Kendra and AJ almost immediately. They were warm to AJ's guest but the coolness between did not go unnoticed. "Harm you have to do something" Mac hissed when AJ excused himself from the table. "Now." "What am I supposed to do?" "Talk to him" she groaned. "Before he does something stupid." With a sigh Harm excused himself as well and followed AJ to where he had gone outside. "Sir everything okay?" Harm asked. "Commander didn't we have this discussion earlier" AJ sighed. "Sir do you love Kendra?" "Yes." "Do you want to be with her?" "Yes." "Then why are you doing this to her. She loves you. You love her. Why are you making this so complicated." "Commander I am not one of your witnesses" AJ growled. "No sir but you're a friend and I hate to see what you and Kendra are doing to each other. And my wife the hopeless romantic made me come out here and see what I could do to fix this." "I don't know if anything can" AJ sighed. "It's me that's messing it up." "Because of the age thing?" AJ sighed. "I know I shouldn't let it bother me. And quite frankly I don't care what people say about me. But I don't want Kendra to wake up in five years and find out she's with an old guy and regret it." "Why don't you let her decide that" Harm offered. "Because maybe that's the last thing on her mind." "I know it's not an issue to her now," AJ snapped. "Look give me some credit will you. I've come along way from last spring when I wouldn't let myself love her. Almost losing her taught me better. And like I said, the age thing isn't an issue now, but it will be in five-ten-fifteen years. Plus I know she wants a child. Hell she's going to make a great mother." "OK," Harm nodded. "And why wouldn't you make a helluva father?" "Because I'm old enough to be a grandfather," he raged. "Yeah well biologically so am I," Harm pointed out with maddening reasonability. "But I wasn't going to let anything in this world stop me from giving Mac this baby. Hell sir we hope to have two or three more." "Well maybe that's right for you and Mac. Never mind the fifteen years I've got you on," AJ muttered. "Harm look, when Francesca was born I was gone. I was gone for all of her baby and toddlerhood. Missed it all. First steps, first words, first anything. My god for a while she was calling Marcella's brother da-da." "Sir you're not. . ." "Let me finish. Finally Vietnam was done and the country settled down in the mid seventies. I got a decent desk job and I wanted Marcella and Francesca to join me. And I wanted badly another baby. But it was too late. She'd moved on without me, and taken my daughter with her. And the rest of that sad story you know. Point is, I love Kendra, and she loves me and why can't it be like that. Is that so bad?" Harm shook his head. "No sir, not at all, if that's what you both want. But sir, what if she moves on like Marcella did. Excuse me sir." Harm beat a hasty retreat. He had promised Mac he would talk to their CO and he had done that. Now he was finished. "Missed you," Mac smiled when he returned to the table. "Well?" "Well I made a good summation of your case. And don't ask me to do it again please. The meddling lamp is out." "OK Flyboy if you gave it your best shot," Mac smiled. "You're off the hook. For now." Harm shot her a warning glare as he lowered himself into his seat but said nothing further. AJ returned a moment later and apologized for running off. "Are you OK?" Kendra asked gently, trying to salvage what she could of the evening. "Yeah. I'm OK. I just needed some air and space for a minute, and maybe a few words of wisdom," he sighed. She nodded and to AJ's surprise, even more so Mac and Harm's, she turned his face to hers and kissed him gently. "I love you. Can we have a nice evening." "That's what I want too," he breathed and every guest could see him relax. "And I love you. Very much." Mac gave Harm's hand a large squeeze and leaned over to put her mouth to his ear. "Thanks Sailor. There will be a little something in it for you when we get home." **************** Thanksgiving Morning Harm and Mac's Apartment "Jillian you're supposed to be our guest" Mac frowned as she walked into the kitchen and found Jillian helping Harm with the side dishes they were taking to Bud and Harriet's later. "Yes ma'am but I love to cook" she answered. "And the Commander was nice enough to let me help out. It almost feels like being home." "Well that's why we wanted you to come" Harm smiled before frowning as Mac sank down in the chair with a small groan. "Honey you okay? Are you having pains?" "None besides being as big as a whale. Trust me you will know when I'm in labor." "You guys must be really exciting, this being your first baby" Jillian smiled. "Nervous wreck is more like it" Harm sighed. "Trust me I am so ready for this baby to be born." "Saturday after the wedding" Mac reminded him. "Not a moment sooner." "You really think it's going to happen that way ma'am?" "No but it's worth a try" Mac laughed. "If he's anything like his father, he'll have lousy timing and probably show up in the middle of the ceremony." Harm shot her a fake glare and Jillian smiled at the couple. "I really can't thank you enough for inviting me into your home. I wasn’t looking forward to the holiday alone." "Well we are very happy to have you with us" Mac told her. "Is this the first time you've done this?" Jillian asked. "No last year we met a nice young man who's become a very big part of our life" Mac answered. "And his wife and their two children. Which reminds me we need to call them today Harm." "We will. Soon as we get this stuff in the oven and we get some breakfast." An hour later they'd cleaned up the last of the kitchen, Harm finally shooing Mac and Jillian into the living room while he finished up. "You're lucky ma'am" Jillian said to Mac. "He's a great husband." "Yes he is. And he's going to make a great father. Is there anyone special in your life?" "Well I want there to be" Jillian blushed. "But so far he hasn't noticed me yet. We're both in the medic training classes." "Does he have a name?" Mac smiled. "Greg. We've talked a few times and even done some studying together." "And?" "And I don’t know" Jillian shrugged. "I think he's cute and nice and…" Her voice trailed off as Harm walked into the room. "Of course you must be talking about me" Harm teased. "We were having a conversation here" Mac laughed. "See what I was telling you about his timing." "I know you wanted to call your friends" Jillian said as she stood up. "I'll just go grab a shower while you do that." "She's a nice girl" Mac said when Jillian was gone. "I like her a lot." "So do I. I take it you were doing girl talk when I walked in." "She was telling me about a guy she likes" Mac smiled. "To be young and in love again." "We might not be young but we're still very much in love" Harm said softly as he sat down beside his wife. "Don't ever forget that." "I won't. Now let's call Dale and Allison. I want to see how Hannah is." Harm dialed the phone, frowning when he got their machine. He left a brief message before hanging up. "Not there." "Maybe they're at the hospital with Hannah. I know Allison wasn't sure when she was coming home." "Well they'll let us know if there's something wrong," Harm said firmly. "If nothing else I've drummed that into March's young head. And you a nap before the craziness starts today." "You're fretting." "You bet I am. And I'm allowed thank you." Meekly she let him lead her to the bedroom. "I'm going to miss this after the baby," she sighed, rubbing her belly as he assisted her to lie down. Harm, should you try Dale and Allison again?" "Now who's fretting," he scolded. "Get some sleep. You're going to need a lot of energy for the meal you're planning on packing away today." "Oh you bet I am," she laughed. "I plan to open with the stuffed celery and close with the mints. In between there will be turkey and stuffing and mash potatoes and gravy and yams and peas and. . ." "Quit. I'm getting a bellyache," he groaned. "I plan on a day of watching football on that big TV and of course worrying about you." "Well why would Thanksgiving Day be any different." She rolled onto her side and he sat down beside her to rub her back until she was able to fall asleep. "Thank you lord for this woman," he breathed. ========= THANKSGIVING DAY Home of Bud and Harriet Roberts "I can smell that turkey cooking," Mac declared as Harm helped her from the car, Jillian following. "Can you really?" Jillian laughed. "Oh you bet she can. She can smell pizza coming through the door, know from where I got it, and what toppings," "I hope Kendra is here," Mac said quietly, changing the subject when she saw AJ come out on the porch wearing a chef's apron. Her hope was answered a moment later when Kendra followed him out. And to her amazement, AJ slipped his arm around her shoulders. "That's sweet," she said softly to no one in particular. "I am aren't I," Harm laughed and drew her to him. In the middle of the afternoon with dinner doing well and the football Games in full swing, Jillian was startled by the ringing of her cell phone. "Please don't let this be them ordering me back or something," she gasped as she fished it from her pocket and gave a short gasp when she saw the number. "Jillian?" Mac's concern was immediate. "It's Greg," she smiled, blushing furiously. "Excuse me?" "Go," Mac ordered with an exasperated laugh. Thirty minutes later the bird was pronounced cooked and AJ summoned Everyone to the tables. "Are we one short?" "Jillian," Mac realized at once. "She had to take an important call." "I'm here please don't trouble yourselves," Jillian herself called from the doorway. "Sorry. It was a friend of mine to say Happy Thanksgiving." "I think he said a lot more than that, judging from the way you're blushing," Harm teased and Mac poked him. "Good grief Rabb leave the girl alone. Maybe she's found the person fate has placed on this planet for her." "Like us?" "Yes exactly like that, but hopefully they've been blessed with more common sense than that." "Speaking of which." AJ cleared his throat and quiet descended. "If everyone will indulge me. Since Thanksgiving past, most everyone here has undergone some significant changes in their lives. And for the most part I think most of those have been positive, or at least the outcomes. We have a new baby born here, and one in Norfolk, and we wish they could be here. And of course one due any second now." "Please sir," Harm gasped when AJ had paused and looked at Mac. "Sorry. Didn't mean to tempt fate there. Back on track here. I want to lead off the what I'm thankful for's and then Chaplain Turner will lead the prayer." He took a long breath and reached down for Kendra's hand. "I've been seven kinds of fool these past months. But that ends today. Right now in fact. I am thankful to have this beautiful woman in my life. And that's where I intend for her to say. So right now before God and this company, I am asking her to be my wife." "AJ" Kendra gasped. "I know I've been an idiot. But I love you so much. Marry me. Please." Kendra sniffled slightly before answering. "I love you too AJ" she whispered. "And yes I'll marry you." "Thank you" he whispered before drawing her into his arms for a kiss. "Congratulations sir" Harriet was the first to speak and a chorus of congratulations followed. "You did good sailor" Mac murmured as she leaned over to him. "Whatever you said, it worked." "Well there's a first time for everything" Harm smiled. "Okay now I think we can let the Chaplain do the prayer," AJ said as he finally released Kendra. "Before this wonderful meal gets any colder." "Sir I don't think anyone minded waiting" Bud spoke up. "Well I know there's a certain Marine that's starving" AJ laughed as he looked over at Mac. "Mr. Turner the floor is all yours." "First off let me say what a privilege it is to be here among such wonderful people" Chaplain Turner started. "I give thanks first to God for allowing me be among family and friends on this day." There was a knock at the door and Harriet frowned as she looked over at Bud. "Who on earth would be knocking on our door today?" "Someone's probably lost," Harm said as he stood up. "I'll handle it. Chaplain go on." "I'll wait" Chaplain Turner smiled as Harm hurried to the door. He opened it, his mouth dropping open when he saw who was there. "Happy Thanksgiving sir" Dale smiled. "I hope we didn't pick a bad time." In his arms was Christopher, and beside him Allison held a tiny baby wrapped tightly in a pink snuggle suit. "You're here" Harm managed finally. "But how?" "We drove" Allison smiled. "I think it worked Dale. He's surprised." "Why didn't you tell us?" "Because then it wouldn't have been a surprise" Allison giggled. "Course we can come back if you guys are all in the middle of dinner." "Harm the food is getting cold in here" Mac called as she came up behind him. "Who on earth? Oh my gosh, Allison and Dale. You're here. And you've got Hannah. And why are you still standing outside? Come on in. Harriet's got plenty of food." "We've got a few more for dinner," Harm said as he led Dale and Allison into the large dining room. "Surprise." "Hold that prayer Dad" Sturgis smiled as he stood up. "I think it's going to be a few more minutes." Introductions were made to the visitors and Mac managed to quickly get her hands on little Hannah. "Allison she's so beautiful" Mac whispered as she unwrapped the tiny bundle from the suit. "When did they let her out of the hospital?" "Monday. And they said it would be okay to bring her up for the holiday. We wanted to surprise you so we never said anything." "Well I'm surprised" she smiled. "And I'm so happy to see all of you. Especially this little girl." "Can I hold her?" Harm asked as he came up to them. "She'd love to have you hold her" Allison smiled and Mac gently handed him the baby. For a moment he couldn't believe that this baby was the same tiny infant that had been born two months earlier. "It's like a miracle isn't it" Allison murmured as she read his mind. "We have a lot to be thankful for. Starting with the fact neither of us would be here if it wasn't for you." "I just happened to be there when you needed help," he smiled. "Anyone would have made sure you got to the hospital. I just can't believe how beautiful she is. She was then but look at her now. Seaman March you do nice work." "Well it's just going to be those two," Allison sighed, gesturing to Christopher in his dad's arms. "But that's OK. We'll have our hands full raising them right." "Two is plenty," Harriet chimed in. "More than plenty some days." "Well this is what God saw fit to give us as our family," Allison said softly. "I promised Him that if he let Hannah live, I would not mourn that I can't have more. I think it was a good trade." "Yes it most certainly was," Harm nodded, never taking his eyes from the tiny face. "Now I believe you guys were going to join us for food. Just nobody try taking this baby from me." There was slight commotion as everyone settled themselves, Harm helping Mac with one hand while he held the five pound bundle easily with the other arm. "Dale, Allison, you should know something," he said softly, taking advantage of a lull in the din. "What's that?" Dale asked. "On the night she was born, with Mac as my witness, I baptized her. I'm not sure what compelled me to do that. Just something inside made me want to give her every chance. I hope that's OK." "Of course it's fine," Allison smiled. "And who knows, maybe that's why God smiled on her." "Amen," Chaplain Turner nodded. "And now let me add just a quick praise God for this food and this company, especially Lord for these precious babies, the ones here, and the ones who will join us this time next year. Amen." "Amen to that," AJ spoke up and when Kendra looked to him, he smiled sheepishly. "OK so I want it all. Now that I want it." "I hear ya sir," Sturgis laughed softly and Tracy blushed brightly. "Sturgis is there a story there?" "Not there's not," Tracy interjected. "Can I add an amen to the chaplain so we can eat." "If you don't I will. Pass the yams," Mac declared. A long two hours later Harm emerged from the kitchen, the men having been on clean up detail, and found Mac holding Hannah, balancing her on her baby-belly as she slept. "Practicing?" "Yeah. Channeling the sweetness of this one into ours. Yours. Except that yours is a big strapping boy--yet unnamed--who's kicking is making this little one seasick." "And when is this son of mine--yet unnamed--making his appearance Mother Marine?" "He's got his orders," she smiled and turned her head upward to receive his kiss. "Love you." ============= Orders that Baby Boy Rabb was trying to heed, but not totally succeeding. Saturday afternoon she was in the shower, with Harm just outside the curtain shaving, when the first real pain hit across her middle. She had been having tightening off and on all morning which she had disregarded. This pain would not be so easily ignored. Under her breath she counted to eleven before it stopped, thankful that the noise of the shower drowned out any sound she might make. "OK baby boy OK. You're about ready. Well I'm going to see this wedding happen first. Remember what I told you," she whispered. She managed to dress without Harm noticing her pain and she pasted a smile when they were about ready to leave for AJ's for the wedding. "You look beautiful" Harm smiled. "I look like a beached whale" she sighed. "But thank you for saying that." "You okay? You're not having any pains are you?" "Nothing would stop me from going to this wedding. Now come on mister. There's a nervous groom who needs his best man." "Mac you'd tell me if you were in labor right? I mean, I'm not going to be driving you to AJ's and suddenly have to make a turn because you're about to deliver right?" "You always fret too much sailor" she smiled. "Now come on. I'm fine. And we've got a wedding to go to." The cars were lined up in AJ's drive when they arrived and Harm hurried to help Mac from the SUV, this time not missing the grimace on her face. "Mac talk to me." "Harm it's okay" she managed. "I promise. It's the very early stages and we've got plenty of time to get through this wedding." "Early stages of labor?" he gasped. "Yes. And do you know that some women are in labor for twenty-four hours when they have their first. So just chill." "Yeah and Harriet had her first in five minutes." "Well that's not going to happen. So just chill and let's not make a big deal please. This is Sturgis and Tracy's day. Of course your son would want to upstage them." "I'm supposed to chill" he muttered as he helped her to the house. "You're about to deliver my baby and I'm supposed to chill." The rest of the small guest list soon arrived and Mac did her best to keep secret the fact that baby boy Rabb was about to make his entrance into the world. Fortunately Sturgis and Tracey had planned a simple ceremony and it was just as Chaplain Turner pronounced them man and wife that she felt a something trickle down her leg. "Honey you okay?" Harm asked as the others moved forward to congratulate the couple. "What's wrong?" "I think it's time" she whispered as she looked down. Harm followed her gaze, his eyes widening as he realized what that meant. "Oh my gosh, your water broke" he gasped loud enough for everyone to hear. "Did you have to announce it?" she managed before a contraction made her gasp in pain. "Okay watch out everyone" Harm said as he guided her though. "Pregnant lady needs to get to the hospital." "Harm you want me to drive?" Dale offered. "Please. That way I can stay with Mac." With everyone yelling good luck they hurried her to the SUV, Harm helping her into the back seat before climbing in with her. "Where to?" Dale asked. "Fairfax" Harm told him. "And put your foot to the accelerator. I am not delivering this baby myself back here." Dale nodded and put the SUV in gear and quickly pulled out of the driveway. "How are you honey?" Harm asked as Mac groaned through another contraction. "Just peachy" she gasped. "It's going to be okay" he soothed as he gently pushed the hair back from her forehead. "Just relax and breathe. We'll be at the hospital real soon. You and our son are going to be just fine." Mac could here the anxiety in his voice and despite the pain reached for his hand and squeezed it gently. "Yes we are. So you just stay calm." He nodded and swallowed hard. "I just keep thinking about Allison" he whispered. "And what she went through." "Don't. We're both going to be fine." "Harm that was a one in a million thing," Dale called back from the front seat. "This is not going to happen to you guys. You're at nine months for one thing." "See listen to the man," Mac smiled before she had to concentrate on her breathing once again. "I want to push." "You can't push," he yelped. "I don't know why but you can't push. Dale tell her she can't push." "Hey, I'm driving," he replied. "And she's bigger than me and even pregnant could kill me with one hand. You don't want her to push, you tell her so. Sir." "Mac no pushing in the car," Harm urged. "Seriously honey. That's for in the room when I'm wearing the gown and the funny shoes." "Did you tell that to your son?" she demanded. "Typical Rabb male. Has to do things his own way. No patience or. . ." The scream that stopped her words shook him to the bone and Mac herself looked frightened. "Harm you better look or something. This baby feels like. . ." "SShhh I'm not going to look," he tried, seeing the exit coming up and giving a long sigh of relief. "Harm you better I'm telling you," she insisted. "Now Rabb." He glared but did as she requested. "Oh my god." ============= "And it was at that point the baby cried and I nearly lost control of the car. And by the time we pulled up to the ER doors, maybe a minute and a half later, Harm was holding his son and Mac was crying. And that's the story," Dale smiled, regaling the wedding gathering. "But the bottom line is that Mac and Harm and the baby are all fine?" AJ demanded. "Yes sir. They were on their way up to a room when I left. They said they needed to give the baby a good check, but he was yelling his butt off. Had to be fine." "Well then son step up and have a drink," AJ grinned. "Well done." "Yes sir, thank you sir." ============= FAIRFAX HOSPITAL Same Time "Harm how is he? He's OK isn't he?" Mac's anxious voice greeted Harm the second he returned to her room after seeing to their son. "Honey yes he's fine. I promise. The pediatrician is just having him stay down there to get cleaned up and soon as he can hold his body temperature we can have him. How are you? Much pain?" "I'd feel a lot better if I was holding my son," she sighed. "Sorry. Our son. Our as yet unnamed son. I don't suppose you have the answer to that one do you?" "No, but I think it will hit you as soon as they put him into your arms," he smiled and leaned down to kiss her. A long loving lingering kiss. "Sarah he's beautiful. I'm in love with our son." "You're going to make a great dad," she whispered. "But then I've known that forever. Even back when you were with Annie and minding after Josh. Congratulations. You're a father." "I'm a father" he repeated. "Wow." It wasn't long before the nurse returned with their son and Mac's eyes misted as she held her son again. "Harm he's so precious" she whispered. "Do you know what you want to name him yet?" he asked. "Andrew David Rabb." ********************** Epilogue 22 years Later US Naval Academy, Annapolis MD "Hannah" Andrew called. "Hey there you are. Did you see them out there?" Hannah March nodded. "First row right up in front. And I am so nervous." "What's to be nervous about?" Andrew smiled, the same heart melting smile his father had had when he'd graduated from the Academy. "The hard part is over. We made it." "I meant about telling them about us" she said softly. "Honey they're going to be thrilled. Now come on. Our welcoming committee awaits." And it was a very distinguished committee that awaited them. Retired Admirals AJ Chegwidden and Harmon Rabb and Captain Dale March greeted them; along side their wives Kendra, Mac and Allison. And of course Andrew's younger siblings, Emilie and Jonathan. The twenty-two years had been good to them all, AJ retiring shortly after his marriage to Kendra. Harm had continued to move up the chain of command, finally landing himself as the JAG. And with the prodding of his wife and the help of his friends, Seaman Dale March had gone to OCS and then onto med. school. "Honey I am so proud" Dale said as he hugged Hannah a short time later. "Thanks Dad" she smiled. "Course I have Andrew to thank for not letting me quit." "It was the least I could do" he smiled. "Can your mother get a hug?" Mac asked as she reached for her son. "Of course" he said and gave her a quick hug before reaching for Hannah. "And while we have everyone's attention, we uh wanted to make an announcement." "You're getting married" Harm teased. "Actually we're engaged" Andrew smiled much to the shock of the group. "Well very unofficially of course. But I love this woman and one day soon I want her to be my wife." And in the following spring they would all gather once again at the Chapel at Annapolis as Hannah March and Andrew Rabb were joined together as man and wife. The End.