Disclaimer: Donald P. Bellisario and Paramount own JAG
and all of its characters. I am merely borrowing them
for my writing and (hopefully) your reading pleasure.
Any resemblance of any other fictional characters or
places to actual people or places is purely
coincidental. I derive no profit from this hobby.  



2002 - Harm and Macs Year Part III: Discoveries 

JoAnn Fisher 



Spoilers: Everything up to and including Odd Man Out  

Rating: PG-13 for mild language 



Summary: The weekend after Valentines Day and beyond
- Harm and Mac baby sit little AJ for the weekend. Bud
and Harriet spend a time alone together. Sergei has a
surprise for his big brother. The Admiral runs into
someone from his past. The JAG staff grows. Saying any
more would just give too much away. 



Authors Notes: This is the third chapter to my series
of stories about Harm and Mac becoming a couple (at
last) in 2002. This chapter is a slight diversion from
the previous two chapters as I have given some of the
other JAG characters a little more time in the
spotlight, but the focus is still primarily on Harm
and Mac.  



Saturday, February 16, 2002 

0930 Local Time

Bud and Harriets Apartment

Rosslyn, Virginia 



Are you sure you dont mind, Harriet asked Mac for
the fifth time in fifteen minutes. 



Yes, Harriet. I am positive. Harm and I are looking
forward to it, Mac replied, trying to keep her
growing irritation out of her voice. The two women
were finishing getting AJ ready for his big weekend
with his godparents, while Harm and Bud loaded Harms
SUV with his paraphernalia.  



Okay then, Harriet sighed. I wish Bud and I had
been able to find a hotel room somewhere. AJ has so
much stuff, it would be easier for you and Harm to
watch him here. 



Well be fine, Harriet, Mac assured the young
mother. 



Thats right, Harm said, having just re-entered the
apartment. We have big plans for this little guy.
Harm scooped AJ up into his arms.  



Bud walked over to his wife and put one arm around her
shoulders. The car is packed. Is he ready to go, Bud
asked. 



He just needs his coat, Harriet replied. Mac grabbed
the little boys coat from the back of the sofa. 



its a shame that the weather isnt better. I would
have loved to have taken him to the zoo, Mac lamented
as she started putting AJs coat on him.  



Yeah, Harm agreed. But well have a great time
anyway. Harm turned AJ in his arms so Mac could zip
up his jacket. Were going to go see Peter Rabbits
Garden at the National Museum of Natural History this
morning, then tomorrow, we are taking him to see
Disney On Ice at the MCI Center, Harm informed the
Roberts.  



Harriet walked over to Harm and kissed her son on the
cheek. Wow, AJ, you get to go see Mickey Mouse on
skates! She exclaimed to the little boy, who giggled
in response. You be a good boy, she said and stepped
back. 



I will, mommy, AJ said. Bud came over and kissed
AJs head. I know you will be good, son, he said as
he opened the door. 



Harriet opened her mouth to say something else, but
Mac cut her off. We have your cell phone number in
case of an emergency, but Im sure we wont need it,
she said with a smile. Harm and Mac walked out of the
apartment with AJ before Harriet could think of one
more thing to tell them or one more question to ask.
Bud shut the door behind them and turned to his wife.
Are you okay, he asked. 



Im fine, Bud. Im just not used to sending my son
away for the weekend, Harriet replied, crossing her
arms over her chest and rubbing both arms as if she
were chilled. 



Bud pulled her into his arms, Hell be fine,
sweetheart. 



I know, Harriet said. After a few minutes, she
relaxed in his embrace. So, what do you have planned
for us? Harriet inquired. 



I made reservations for us at La Fino Teatro for
tonight. I really didnt make any other specific
plans, thinking we could just do whatever we feel like
doing, Bud replied. 



Bud held her for a while before pulling back slightly
to look at her. When she pulled back too, he lowered
his head to kiss her. He had intended for it to be a
quick, light, sweet kiss of reassurance, but one taste
of her lips and he wanted more. He teased her lips
open and their tongues danced. By the time the kiss
ended, both Bud and Harriet were breathless. Wow!
When was the last time we kissed like that? Harriet
asked. 



Im not sure I can recall. It has definitely been too
long. Bud replied as he began kissing her jaw line
and slowly trailed his lips down her neck. She moaned
softly then pulled back suddenly. Buds eyes met hers
with a concerned and confused look. She smiled and
grabbed his hand, leading him to their bedroom. 



Meanwhile& 



When Harm and Mac reached his SUV, he handed AJ to Mac
while he dug his keys out of his pocket and opened the
back door. Mac settled AJ in his car seat, while Harm
watched transfixed. She just looks so right doing
that, he thought silently. He wished that it was
their son, not the Roberts that she was buckling into
the car. Mac straightened and stepped aside so Harm
could shut the car door. He then opened her door and
held it while she got in the car. As she brushed past
him, Harm reached out one arm to stop her and brush a
quick kiss across her lips. He shut the door after she
was settled on the seat and walked around to the
drivers side. He got in and started the engine. What
was that kiss for? Mac asked quietly. 



Just felt like it, Harm replied and flashed her one
of his trademark flyboy grins. She cocked an eyebrow,
silently telling him she thought there might be more
to it than that before turning her attention to
fastening her seatbelt.  



They drove to Macs apartment to unload Harms and
AJs things. Since both Harm and Mac had one bedroom
apartments, it was a toss up as to which one they
would use. They decided on Macs because it offered
slightly more privacy for AJ when he needed to sleep
and because it was in a better location. Mac and Harm
made quick work of unloading the car and setting up
AJs portable crib in her living room while AJ played
with the toy corvette Harm had given him for
Christmas. That wasnt as hard as I thought it might
be, Harm stated somewhat surprised.  



It was pretty easy, Mac agreed. She looked at the
small bed for a moment. Think we got it right? 



Harm leaned on the sides then pushed down on the
bedding. When it didnt collapse he said, It seems
like we did. Mac seemed satisfied so she turned her
attention to putting what Harriet had insisted were
AJs favorite foods in her kitchen. Finished, she
turned to re-enter the living room, but the sight of
Harm on all fours and AJ perched happily on his back
caused her to stop just inside the kitchen doorway. AJ
clearly loved pretending that he was a cowboy and Harm
was his trusty steed. Giddup, horse, AJ squealed
repeatedly. 



Harm responded by galloping faster and whinnying. AJ
responded with peals of laughter. Mac was completely
struck by the sight. She hoped that someday she might
see a similar sight with another child on Harms back.
A child with Harms charm and smile and her eyes and
temperament. Mac watched for a few more moments before
entering the room. Much as I hate to break this up,
we need to get going if we are going to see the
exhibit and have lunch before its time for AJs nap,
she said quietly. Harm nodded. 



Come on, pardner, Harm said to the boy on his back.
Lets go see Peter Rabbit. 



Okay! AJ exclaimed and climbed off his godfathers
back. He ran to the door, clearly ready to go. 



Whoa there a minute, Harm called to the toddler.
You need your jacket, Harm stated. 



AJ, do you need to go potty first? Mac asked. The
child nodded and looked around the room not sure where
the bathroom was. 



Ill take him, Harm offered and took the boys hand
to lead him to the bathroom.  



1200 Local Time

Bud and Harriets Apartment

Rosslyn, Virginia 



Do you have anything special you want to do, today?
Bud asked his wife as he watched her dress. 



You mean other than spending the day in bed? Harriet
teased, watching his reaction in the mirror. 



Bud grinned sheepishly. He had forgotten what it was
like to make love to his wife without fear of being
interrupted by their son. He had almost forgotten how
to take his time, as they usually seemed to rush
through it so as not to be caught in the act by a
curious little boy. Well, I certainly wouldnt
complain if that was all you wanted to do, Bud said
suggestively. 



Harriet blushed at the thought. I thought maybe we
could go to a museum or someplace we usually cant
take AJ, she said. 



Sounds good to me, Bud replied as he fastened the
last of the buttons on his shirt. How about we
explore those new little shops in Fairfax? He
suggested. 



Harriet nodded her agreement. Ill go fix some lunch
for us first, she said. 



1230 Local Time

Crown Plaza Hotel

Washington DC 



AJ Chegwidden strode quickly through the lobby of the
Crowne Plaza Hotel towards one of the banquet rooms
for the wedding reception of his best friends
daughter. He glanced at the invitation in his hand to
check on the name of the banquet room as he rounded a
corner and walked into someone coming the other
direction. Immediately, AJ put his arms out to steady
the person he had just crashed into. Im so sorry,
maam, AJ began. 



Why dont you watch where youre&, the brunette
started to snap at him only to stop when she finally
looked at him and realized who had just nearly knocked
her to the floor. AJ, she breathed, shocked to her
core. 



AJ was momentarily stunned before he found his voice
and whispered, Sydney! They stood there staring at
each other in disbelief for a few moments, neither
sure of what to say. Of all people for me to walk
into, AJ thought miserably. Are you okay? AJ
finally asked. 



Yes. Thank you. No damage done, Dr. Sydney Walden
replied before looking down at his hands still on her
arms. AJ followed her gaze and immediately dropped his
hands. 



How are you? AJ asked. 



Good, thanks, she replied. How are you? 



Im good. How is Danny doing? He knew asking that
would probably ruffle her feathers but he didnt know
what else to say. 



Sydney smiled for the first time since she had
literally run into her ex-boyfriend. Hes doing very
well. He actually seems to like the Navy. Hes applied
to Officer Candidate School, she said beaming. 



AJ was taken aback for a moment. While he had hoped
that the young man would learn something and grow as a
man in the Navy, he hadnt expected that he would take
to it quite so well. Thats great! Im really glad to
hear it, Sydney, AJ said. An awkward moment passed
before he finally asked, So, what brings you here
today? 



My nephews wedding reception, Sydney responded
pointing over her shoulder towards the banquet rooms
behind her. I left my invitation in the car and have
no idea which banquet room its in. She grinned
sheepishly at admitting her oversight. How about you?
What brings you here? 



My best friends daughter got married today. Her
reception is here too. I had left my reading glasses
in my car and was just coming back in to try and find
the right room, AJ explained. He was about to say
more when a male voice boomed out from down the hall
behind Sydney. 



AJ! There you are. I was beginning to think you
werent coming, Oliver Barrett exclaimed to his
friend as he strode quickly towards the pair. 



Oliver! Im sorry I missed the ceremony. I discovered
I had a flat tire when I went to leave. At least Ive
made it for the reception, AJ responded and grasped
his friends hand to shake it warmly. Oliver looked
from AJ to Sydney and back and AJ quickly remembered
his manners. Oliver Barrett, this Dr. Sydney Walden,
an old friend of mine, AJ stated with only a slight
pause at trying to identify his relationship with
Sydney. Sydney smiled and shook Olivers hand. 



You must be Morgans father, Sydney stated with a
bemused smile on her face. AJ and Oliver looked at her
quizzically. Im the grooms aunt. Suzanne Longworth
is my sister, she explained.  



Of course! I thought you looked somewhat familiar. I
saw you at the church, Oliver said. 



Well, it looks like we are both looking for the same
banquet room, AJ said trying hard not to smile in
amusement. He hoped that perhaps this encounter could
turn into a second chance for him and Sydney. Do not
blow this if she gives you an opportunity, he
chastised himself.  



It seems so, Sydney replied with a tight smile. She
couldnt believe her luck at running into the handsome
admiral today. She had been trying to work up the
courage to call him for the last several months. She
only hoped he might be willing to bury the past and
give them another chance. If you get an opening, take
it, she lectured herself. 



AJ extended his arm to Sydney. Well, since Oliver and
I know where the reception is, may I escort you? AJ
asked. Sydney smiled brightly and hooked her arm
through his in response. AJ quietly breathed a sigh of
relief as they started down the hall. When they
reached the banquet room, Sydney let go of his arm to
find her place card. Oliver handed another to AJ.
Since they werent seated together, they parted there.
See you later? AJ half said and half asked. 



Save me a dance, Sydney replied with a small smile
and a nod of her head. 



Oliver watched the pair out of the corner of his eye.
After Sydney walked away, he turned to AJ. If I had
known you two knew each other, I could have arranged
for you to sit together, Oliver said apologetically. 



Thats okay, Oliver. You couldnt have known, AJ
responded as he watched Sydney greet the people at her
table. He assumed they were relatives of hers. He
shook his head slightly before following Oliver to his
own table. 

 



1330 Local Time

Fairfax, Virginia 



Sweetie? What time are our reservations? Harriet
asked as she and Bud emerged from their car.  



1900, Bud replied and looked at his watch. We
should start home by 1630 to get ready. Itll be after
1700 by the time we get back to the apartment, and it
will probably take at least 30 minutes to get to the
restaurant. Maybe longer if traffic is as heavy as it
is around here. Apparently, this is a pretty popular
place. 



Harriet nodded her agreement and took his hand as they
made they way towards the shops several blocks away.
Have I remembered to tell you what a great time I
having with you, today? She asked with a smile. 



Only once or twice. But you can tell me again if you
want, Bud replied playfully. 



I am having a great time today. Not that I dont miss
AJ, but it is really nice to be able to do adult
things instead of kid friendly things. Remind me
when we get home to thank you properly, Harriet said
and placed a quick kiss on her husbands cheek. She
let her hand drift downward to his butt and gave one
his cheeks a squeeze, causing him to startle.  



Harriet! Bud squawked, slightly embarrassed. Were
in public. 



Oh, Bud! Im sure nobody noticed, Harriet said. I
just wanted you to be sure of what I meant by thanking
you properly. 



Bud cocked an eyebrow and smiled. I do. You can count
on me reminding you, he said and waggled his eyebrows
suggestively.  

 



1400 Local Time

Harms SUV

Somewhere in Washington DC 



Is he asleep? Mac asked in a whisper. Harm glanced
quickly in the rearview mirror at little AJ sitting in
his car seat behind Mac.  



Yeah, Harm whispered back. I think we wore him
out. 



We wore him out? Mac asked, eyebrows raised. I hope
we dont disturb him too much taking him out of the
car and up to my apartment. I may take a nap myself. 



What? You, a tough Marine are worn down by a 2 � year
old? Harm asked with a grin. 



Mac playfully smacked his arm. Oh and I suppose you
arent the least bit tired after playing horse and
pushing the stroller through the museum? She asked. 



Thats right, Harm tried to reply seriously but cut
himself off with a yawn. 



It was all Mac could do not to laugh and say, I told
you so. 



Not one word, Harm cautioned. 



Mac was spared any further comment by the ringing of
Harms cell phone. Harm pushed the button on the phone
in the hands-free cradle. Rabb, he called out. 



Harm! Sergei replied. 



Sergei? Is everything okay? Harm asked with a touch
of concern. Sergei didnt generally call him on his
cell phone. 



Everything is good, big brother, Sergei began. I
know you and Mac are keeping little AJ, but I need a
favor. 



What kind of favor, Sergei? AJ is asleep, Harm
responded. He stole a quick glance at Mac who looked
just as puzzled as he felt. 



Can you meet me? It wont take long, I promise, but
Id rather tell you everything in person, Sergei
said. 



Harm looked to Mac, who nodded her agreement for him
to go. Okay, just let me drop off Mac and AJ. Where
are you? 



No. I would like Mac to come, too, Sergei implored. 



Okay, Sergei, Mac said. Tell us where to meet you.
Mac quickly found a note pad and pen and jotted down
the address Sergei gave them before disconnecting the
call. Harm turned at the next corner and headed
towards Maryland.  



Twenty minutes later, Harm pulled the SUV to a stop in
front of the coffee shop where they agreed to meet
Sergei. Harm turned off the engine and jumped out of
the vehicle. He hurried around the front of the SUV to
open Macs door for her. Then he opened the back door
and carefully unbuckled his sleeping godson. AJ
stirred slightly as Harm lifted him out of the car but
quickly settled against Harms chest and wrapped his
little arms around Harms neck.  



Mac thought she would melt from the adorable sight of
the big Navy lawyer carrying the little boy towards
the coffee shop. Mac stepped ahead of them so she
could open the door since Harms arms were full. They
quickly spotted Sergei sitting alone in a booth in the
back. 



Thank you for coming, brother, Segei said haltingly.
Im sorry to bother you. 



You are not a bother, Sergei, Harm reassured his
Russian born, half-brother. Harm stood to one side to
let Mac slide into the booth first. 



I will make this brief so you can get that adorable
little boy to bed. I wanted to tell you that I have
found a quicker way than the DNA tests of ensuring I
can stay in the country, Sergei said. He watched
their reactions and raised his hand to stop Harm from
repeating his offer of help. I know you have offered
to help me out until I can become a citizen and find a
job. I appreciate it, but I must take care of myself.
I have found a job that I think I would be very happy
with, but that means that I must act very quickly to
get my papers in order. Sergei paused for a moment.
I have met a lovely young woman who has agreed to
marry me so that I may stay in the country. Sergei
saw the two shocked faces before him but continued
anyway. I even think that in time, we may come to
love each other as well. At least I would like to hope
that. 



Harm took advantage of Sergeis pause to interject. I
understand your reasons, Sergei, but are you sure this
is what you want to do? 



I am very sure, big brother. This job I saw in the
paper is for flying helicopters for a local television
station. I have missed flying very much, Sergei
responded. 



Mac smiled. There was no doubt in her mind that Sergei
was indeed a Rabb. The Rabbs and their flying, she
thought to herself. 



I can understand that, Sergei, Harm said. He shifted
AJ slightly to free one arm and ran his hand through
his hair. You mentioned a favor. What can we do? 



I hoped you both would be our witnesses, Sergei
replied. 



Wed be honored, Mac replied and squeezed Harms
thigh reassuringly. Who is this woman you are
marrying?


The End