Title: I'll Be Home for Christmas - I hope
Author: Kimberly Knipp
Email: MCK8686@aol.com
Rating: G
Classification: Story - The JAG family Christmas
Spoilers: None
Summary: 
Disclaimer: JAG, its characters and premise are the exclusive property of 
Bellasarius Productions, Paramount Television and CBS Entertainment. No 
monetary gain is appreciated from this endeavor, nor is any copyright 
infringement intended. This story is created purely for recreational 
purposes. 
Author's Note: My bestest bud and cohort asked me write a different kind of 
story for Christmas this year instead of following the same cookie-cutter 
pattern. I started this story last year and the first 10 or so pages were 
actually posted on their own because I didn't have time to finish. Turner is 
missing from this story because I started it last year without him.
******************************************************************************

*****
1640 ZULU 
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VA

"Tell me again why I'm taking the train instead of flying?"

Mac smiled patiently at Harm as she handed him another box of gifts. 
"Because it's something new and different. And because it's cheap. You know 
that's the government's middle name now that the economy is in the toilet," 
she grinned.

He lifted one brow. "And I end up getting stuck with the task. Bah humbug."

She laughed softly. "Don't be a scrooge. It's Christmas, Harm and it's for 
a good cause," she teased softly.
He chuckled softly. "All I'm interested in right now is taking you out 
tonight."

"Are you really looking forward to it?" she asked almost shyly.

Harm caught her hand in his and squeezed it lightly. "More than you know. 
Are you looking forward to going?" he asked, turning the question back to her.

She smiled so brightly that he felt it clear to his heart. "Wild horses 
couldn't keep me away."

2000 ZULU
MAC'S APARTMENT
GEORGETOWN

The doorbell rang just as she was putting on a final spray of perfume and she 
smiled at herself in the mirror, feeling like a young girl on her first date. 
She hurried out to the door and yanked it open.

And her heart promptly stopped.

Then it started beating frantically and she wondered if he could hear it. 
The sight of Harm in his dress blues had the same effect on her as when she 
saw him in his dress whites. Her face blossomed into a slow smile as she saw 
his eyes slide over her. Her dress was new, bought just for this occasion 
because she wanted to be beautiful for him.
Harm thought she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen in his life. 
She was wearing red velvet that clung loving to her torso before draping to a 
full skirt from the hip. Two tiny rhinestone straps held the top up and when 
she turned to move back, his heart leapt into his throat. Those two tiny 
straps plunged all the way to the waist, connecting only at the sides and 
leaving her back bare.

"Mac," his voice came out low and soft. She turned back to him. "You look" 
he shook his head just a bit, trying to think of an adequate word. "You look 
beautiful more than beautiful."

She smiled then and he felt it clear to his heart. "Thank you, Harm," she 
murmured. "You look very handsome," she returned.

"Shall we go?" he asked.

"Yes, let's."

Dinner was a luscious affair at i Ricchi and for once they simply talked. 
Not about work or their careers but just about simple things. About the trip 
by train the following day, about the weather, places they'd like to see and 
things they dreamed of doing. And when they got back out to the car, Harm 
brought out a small, brightly wrapped box.

"What's this?" she asked, surprised.

"Something I wanted you to have," he answered mysteriously.

Taking the gift, she glanced up at him through the veil of her lashes as she 
pulled away the paper. Inside was a black jeweler's box. Mac raised the lid 
and gasped.

"Oh, Harm," she whispered, reaching out one finger to touch the piece.

Nestled against the velvet lay an intricate silver chain and suspended on it 
was a tiny carved fairy. Made from crystal and no bigger than a silver 
dollar, the little treasure was perfect to the last detail. From her curly 
little head to her flowing dress to a pair of fragile wings. Mac felt tears 
begin to rise as she stared at the necklace.

"II don't know what to say," she whispered. "It's so beautiful."

Harm scooted forward a bit and reached for the box. "May I?" he asked, 
indicating the necklace she was already wearing.

"Please," she nodded, reaching up to take it off.

Tipping her head forward, she shivered slightly as he slipped the fairy 
around her neck and clipped it. Then she sat back. Harm slid his fingers 
beneath the chain his fingers warm against her throat.

"I looked for a long time for this. I wanted something that reminded me of 
how I think of you," he explained softly.

"As a wood fairy?" she teased lightly.

A brief smiled touched his hard mouth but his eyes were serious. "Because 
you're beautiful. And because you're strong and courageous under trying 
times. And because you're as fragile as you are strong."

Mac was sure she had misunderstood him. And her surprise must have shown in 
her face because he chuckled. "I know - strange words from me but true 
nonetheless. There's no one else I'd rather be partners with."

"Thank you, Harm." Mac had to force the words past the lump in her throat.

She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her for a 
long moment, savoring her warmth. Pulling back, Mac lifted her head at the 
same time Harm lowered his. Their lips clung for the space of a heartbeat. 
As she pulled away, Mac let her palm drift over his cheek and gave him a 
tender smile.

As they swept into DC's Warner theatre, Harm felt himself draw up with pride 
as heads turned toward Mac. She looked up at him and smiled fully, her face 
aglow. He smiled back and patted her hand where it rested on his forearm. 
They had seats in second row center and were swept away by the magic of The 
Nutcracker. As the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince danced the final scene 
and the handsome Nutcracker Prince carried Clara back to her bed, they all 
clapped and Harm glanced over in time to see Mac wipe away a single tear. 
Then she turned her head and caught him looking and lowered her eyes shyly. 
Still clapping, he bent a fraction and dropped a kiss to her hair.

As they made their way from the crowded auditorium, Mac slipped her arm 
through his and leaned her head against his shoulder.

"Thank you," she murmured contentedly.

"You're welcome," he answered, his voice low and velvety. "Did you enjoy it?"

"Very much. It was magical," she sighed, cuddling closer.

When they reached the front doors, they saw fat snowflakes falling beyond the 
glass.

"Snow!" Mac exclaimed, stopping short. "I didn't see anything in the 
forecast about snow," she frowned.

"Maybe it's just passing through," Harm answered. "Wanna stay here while I 
get the car?" he offered.

She shook her head. "I'd rather go with you."

Harm simply grinned and pushed open the door. The temperature had dropped 
several degrees while they were inside. Mac pulled the front of her coat 
tighter and stayed close to him. Pulling his arm from hers, Harm slipped it 
around her waist instead, holding her against his side.

"I don't want you to slip," he stated simply.

She simply grinned and kept walking.

By the time they got back to her apartment, the snow was falling harder and 
they laughed as they made a mad dash to the lobby.

"Whew!" she exclaimed, as she took her coat off. "Promise me you'll be 
careful going home," she ordered.

"Yes, ma'am," he grinned, removing his cover.

"I have a Christmas present for you," she told him, turning away as she 
fluffed her hair into place.

"You didn't," Harm began then stopped when he saw the look in her eyes.

"Neither did you," she teased gently.

Harm lowered his tall frame down on the couch while she went after the small 
package. Making herself comfortable beside him, she handed the gift over. 
Harm glanced at her questioningly as he tore the paper away but she only 
smiled mysteriously. As the paper fell away, he found a small, cherry wood 
box about the size of his hand and several inches deep. There was a tiny 
gold clasp to be turned and then he lifted the lid.

For a moment all he could do was stare. Mac watched, her shoulders tense as 
she awaited his reaction. Harm drew the tips of his fingers over the lid of 
a silver compass. Intricately carved in it was a Tomcat lying East and a 
Steerman beneath it flying West. Both were detailed so completely that he 
could see Sarah on the biplane and Hammer on the F-14. The box was lined 
with velvet but inside the lid was a silver inscription plate that bore a 
tiny replica of the JAG seal. Beneath it were the words,

Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr., United States Navy
and 
Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, United States Marine Corp
Partners, Judge Advocate General's Office, Washington DC

Smiling to himself, Harm carefully withdrew the compass and opened the lid. 
Inside was another inscription.

'So you'll always be able to find your way home to me. Love, Sarah.'

Harm stared at the words, reading them over and over. The silence stretched 
out so long that Mac began to wonder if he didn't like the gift. Or maybe 
she'd been too forthcoming with the inscription.

"It's just a little thing," she began in a rush. "I wanted you to have 
something that reminded you of us and this seemed like the"

Harm looked at her and smiled that slow little smile of his that always did 
her in and lifted one hand to touch her mouth. "I love it," he stated 
fervently. "It will always remind me of you and I. Thank you, Mac," he 
whispered. "Thank you for giving me a piece of you."

Mac met his gaze with shining eyes. "You're very welcome," she whispered, 
feeling near tears again. Drat the emotion the occasion was bringing forth.

"It's okay if you cry," he murmured and she saw a teasing glint in his eyes. 
"I won't tell anyone," he went on conspiratorially.

"I'm not crying," she retorted but her voice held no reprimand. "It's the 
Christmas magic," she added primly.

He didn't answer but instead just looked at her. And she looked back at him. 
And time slowed around them until all they were aware of was each other. 
And then wondered if Christmas was weaving some kind of magic around them.

Finally, Harm slowly rose to his feet, bringing her with him. "I better go 
before the weather gets any worse," he told her gently.

"Call when you get there," she reminded.

He nodded. "I'll pick you up at 0800. Have we got everything ready for 
tomorrow?" he asked as she walked him to the door.
He stopped suddenly in front of her and she plowed into him, grabbing him to 
steady herself.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Look," he pointed upward. "How do you suppose that got there?"

Mac followed the direction he was pointing and saw a sprig of bright red 
mistletoe hanging from her doorframe. "I didn't put it there," she shook her 
head for emphasis.

"Me, either," he echoed.

She looked at him hard. "I bet you did," she challenged.

"Did not," he retorted.

"Did so."

"Are we gonna stand here arguing about how it got there or kiss?" he demanded.

"What?" she gasped. He caught her off guard that time.

"Come here, ninja girl."

He grasped her at the waist and pulled her close before she could form 
another thought. Her hands automatically went to his shoulders and she went 
up on tiptoe as he lowered his dark head. Unlike their chaste kiss in the 
car earlier, this kiss was altogether different. This kiss spoke of hidden 
emotion and hesitant passion.

Harm moved his hands up to frame her face and he angled her head for better 
access. And for once, he kissed her as he'd dreamed of kissing her. And if 
he had to use the mistletoe as an excuse, so be it but he wasn't going to 
lose sight of this chance. Mac tunneled her hands into his silky hair and 
rose up to get closer, feeling the way his hard mouth moved tenderly over her 
own softer one.

Then it was over as fast as it started. And they drew back slightly and 
stared at each other. Harm wanted to kiss her again. Standing there in the 
dim light, seeing her moist lips and desire in her eyes, short-circuited all 
of his willpower. And judging by the tension in her slender form and the way 
she had her hands clenched into fists against his arms, she felt same way. 
But instead of giving in and kissing her all over, Harm swept her up and 
hugged her as close as he could. Mac hugged him back, savoring the feel of 
being in his arms.

"Merry Christmas, Sarah."

"Merry Christmas, Harm."


1830 ZULU - DECEMBER 23, 2001
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VA

"Oh, ma'am, this is so exciting! Is the Commander looking forward to making 
the trip to the orphanage?"

Mac smiled indulgently at Harriet, the younger woman's good humor catching 
her, too. "He's trying to be a total scrooge about it, but I think secretly 
he's thrilled," she grinned. "How about Bud?"

"He can't decide if he's more excited about the trip or more worried about 
the weather," Harriet drawled, rolling her eyes playfully. 

"Have you heard anything about the weather?" Mac asked her.

Harriet spared a glance at the office window where snow was still falling 
softly. "They expect the snow to continue. I sure hope it doesn't delay 
their plans."

"Surely not. This part of the country should be equipped for snow," Mac 
teased.

Harriet smiled brightly. "Yes, ma'am. As long as they're back in time for 
Christmas. This year little A.J. will be getting more into it."

"Enough to at least figure out he's getting lucky with all those toys," Mac 
grinned.

"Bud went overboard on the cars and trucks," Harriet rolled her eyes again.

"Uh-huh," Mac smiled knowingly. "I'll just bet he did."

"Have you two ladies seen our errant Santas?"

They both turned at the sound of A.J.'s voice to see him coming across the 
bullpen, looking handsome in a black turtleneck and jeans.

"Yes, sir," Mac answered. "They're making sure everything made it onto the 
truck," she explained.

"Good. Then let's go see them off," he stated with a hint of a smile.

Down at the delivery truck, it was chaos as Harm and Bud finished the last of 
the loading. 

"Be careful and call us if you need anything!" Harriet ordered, hugging Bud 
tightly. 

Harm touched his hand to Mac's waist as she started past him and smiled 
tenderly when she glanced back at him.

"Thank you for last night," he whispered.

"You're very welcome," she whispered back, giving him a saucy wink.

"Drive safe," A.J. ordered.

"Aye, sir," Harm grinned.

Thirty minutes later they reached the Amtrak station in Union Station - not 
far from where Harm lived.

"Where are you two headed with all this stuff?" the clerk at the window asked.

"Each year our offices pick a shelter or orphanage to sponsor and we take all 
this stuff to them for Christmas," Harm answered.

"Lucky folks and a damn fine thing for you to do," the older man smiled, 
handing him their luggage tickets and boarding passes. "Have a good trip and 
a Merry Christmas to you."

"Thank you, sir," Harm answered. "And Merry Christmas to you, too."

The station was packed with travelers trying to be somewhere for Christmas. 
Only two days away, travel was growing more and more difficult now. The 
weather was wreaking havoc with cities all over the country, out of the norm 
almost anywhere you went. 

"Let's get this show on the road, Bud," Harm ordered lightly as the conductor 
called for boarding.

Bud grinned. "Aye, sir."

2000 ZULU - DECEMBER 23, 2001
WASHINGTON NATIONAL
WASHINGTON D.C.

"Have a good time, Admiral. Give Francesca our love."

"I will, Colonel. Call if you need anything."

Mac gave the older man a quick hug and laughed. "You're going to see your 
daughter for Christmas. I'm not going to call 
you unless it's life or death. We'll handle everything while you're gone," 
she promised.

"Aye, aye," A.J. murmured dryly.

Mac just grinned as he hugged Harriet and picked up his carryon. "I'll see 
you in a week!" he called as he started down the jet way.

"Merry Christmas, Admiral!" They called together.

He waved once more before disappearing in the throng of bodies.

Mac linked arms with Harriet as they started back down the concourse. "It 
will be funny not having him here," she sighed.

Harriet nodded. "Just as long as the Commander and Bud make it back in time. 
It would be no, I won't even think like that. They will be home tomorrow 
night as planned," she stated firmly.

"That's right, they will," Mac agreed firmly.

0210 ZULU - DECEMBER 24, 2001
NORTH OF AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS

"Sir, what do you think could be taking so long?"

Harm sighed. "I don't know, Bud. Let me go see if I can find out."

Just as Harm rose from his seat, the conductor's voice sounded over the 
intercom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay in getting you moving but 
I'm afraid we have some bad news."

"Bad news!" Someone called from in front of Bud and Harm.

"Shh!" Another voice ordered.

" the track has been covered by snow approximately one half mile from here. 
We're working on getting you folks some specific details. For the time being 
I suggest you head inside to the station where it's a bit warmer. I'm afraid 
this train isn't moving."

Harm and Bud just looked at each other as outrage and aggravation exploded 
all around them. 

"It's almost Christmas Eve, sir," Bud stated evenly, swallowing hard.

"I know, Bud."

0230 ZULU - DECEMBER 24, 2001
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for all of your patience during our 
delay. We've just received word from tower control that flights are being 
temporarily grounded due to the storm. We'll be back at the gate in just a 
few minutes so we can get you back in the airport. Delta agents will be 
waiting at gate to try and assist you with alternative arrangements until 
flights are able to resume. In the interim"

The rest of what the Captain said was lost on A.J. and he pinched the bridge 
of his nose and sighed. After sitting on a full plane in line on the runway, 
he'd now have to go back into the even more crowded airport with a bunch of 
grumpy people to figure out what they would do next. In less than the 
minutes, he was back at the gate, standing around with dozens of other people.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are very sorry for the inconvenience this will 
cause all of you but it simply isn't safe for the time being. While we 
understand that many of you are in a hurry to meet your families and friends, 
we will continue to monitor the weather for a break in the existing pattern. 
Should it clear sufficiently for takeoff, the planes will be given immediate 
clearance. We understand full if you wish to leave the airport but I suggest 
that you make alternate flight reservations if that is the case. There will 
not be time to notify passengers of departure. For those of you who may wish 
to say here at the airport, we will do everything we can to accommodate you 
for however long it takes the storm to subside. There will be"

0300 ZULU - DECEMBER 24, 2001
MAC'S APARTMENT
GEORGETOWN

"We interrupt tonight's programming for a special bulletin. It looks like 
this will indeed be a Christmas to remember. 
Weather all across our country has a taken a turn for the worse tonight, 
stranding passengers on all modes of transportation as they struggle to get 
home to their families for the holiday. All major airports and train station 
from Maine to Texas are closed due to ice storms and significant snowfall. 
We advise anyone who does not"

Mac sat straight up on the couch, coming out of the doze she was in. Scenes 
from different parts of the Eastern seaboard flashed across the screen as the 
weather report continued. The phone on the end table jangled and she reached 
for it.

"Hello?"

"Mac?"

"Harm?"

"Mac? Can you hear me okay?"

"I can hear you fine. Where are you? Are you all right?" she asked.

"We're fine. We're at a tiny train station just north of Amherst. The track 
ahead of us is closed from the snow. Bud and I are stranded."

"The weather is on here right now with reports of hazardous conditions. Oh, 
Harm, they said airports and stations al over the East are shut down. Do you 
think the Admiral made his flight out?"

"You can try calling him. If he's not on the plane he should have his cell 
on. Bud's a wreck. They don't know if we'll be able to get out anytime 
soon. The tracks are completely covered."

"So what are you going to do?" Mac asked, pulling her blanket tighter around 
her body as a chill invaded.

He sighed deeply. "I don't know. They said we could try to find rooms in 
town but this town consists of one hotel so not everyone is going to fit. If 
they can get the tracks cleared the train will go whether we're here or not."

Mac had to laugh at that. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "Is this where I say 
you're screwed?" she teased.

"Very funny," he answered dryly. "Bud and I are staying. We can't leave all 
the stuff and if this train goes, we're going with it. Can't risk leaving. 
How are things there?" he asked.

"Apparently the same as everywhere else. I was half asleep on the couch when 
the weather bulletin came on. They said cities everywhere are virtually shut 
down and if you don't have to go anywhere, stay home," she told him. "Same 
spiel every time the weather gets bad like this," she sighed.

"This is the worst it's been in a long time in this many places."

"What are we going to do?" she asked.

"Wait for the time being. I'll call you back in a little while with an 
update. Would you see if you can get a hold of the Admiral?"

"Okay and I'll call Harriet. Has Bud called her yet?" Mac asked.

"He's talking to her now," Harm confirmed.

"Call me when you know something," she said, reluctant to break the 
connection.

"I will."

Mac hung up the phone and stared at the TV for a moment, her head spinning. 
What kind of Christmas would it be with all of them away from each other? 
With a heavy hand, she picked up the phone and dialed the Admiral's cell 
phone number.

"Chegwidden."

"Admiral, this is Mac and that answers my question as to whether or not 
you're on your way to Italy."

"How'd you guess?" he asked gruffly.

"Harm just called. He and Bud are stranded at a train station the other side 
of Amherst and the weather here has everything shut down."

"We sat on the runway over almost an hour before they finally decided to put 
us back inside. Damn, I hate things like this," he growled.

Mac had to smile at his tone, even though she knew how frustrated he was. 
"What are they going to do?" she asked.

"Wait it out. If we leave and they open the flights, we'll have to rebook. 
Or we can stay here and wait."

"So you're going to stay then?" she asked, knowing he would.

"For the time being. What about Harm and Bud?"

"Harm said he'd call me back in a little while and let me know what they've 
decided. I don't know for sure where they are or how close they are to 
Amherst. I don't know if they'd be able to make it on the roads anyway. 
There's bound to be more snow up there than we even have here," she answered.

"If it stays bad in DC, you stay put at home and make sure the rest of the 
personnel does, too. I don't want any of traveling in unsafe conditions," he 
ordered.

"Yes, sir. Call me if you need me for anything," she told him.

"I will. Goodnight, Colonel."

Just as Mac hung up, the phone it rang again.

"It's Harriet. Oh, isn't this just terrible?"

"You got that right," Mac muttered. "I just talked to the Admiral. He's 
stranded at the Philadelphia airport."

"Oh, no!" Harriet groaned. "What are we going to do? What if they don't get 
home in time for Christmas?"

"We'll cross that bridge if we come to it," Mac stated firmly. "The Admiral 
said we're to stay put if the weather continues on like it" Whatever she was 
going to say was lost as the apartment went dark around her. "Damn it, damn 
it, damn it," she muttered crossly, slamming down the now useless phone.

Carefully, Mac got up and made her way to where her cell phone sat on its 
charger and dialed Harriet again.

"Are you all right?" Harriet asked. "What happened?"

"The power just went out."

"If I didn't know any better I'd think we were all being conspired against," 
Harriet sighed. "Do you think you can make it over to our house?" she asked.

"I should be able to. It will take me a little while to get there. I'll 
call you if I have any trouble," Mac answered.

0400 ZULU - DECEMBER 24, 2001
NORTH OF AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS

"That's it? You expect us to just wait around here?"

"What about Christmas? And our families?"

"Where are we going to stay?"

The train conductor and the engineer stood in front of the angry passengers, 
trying to bring some calm. "If there was anything at all we could to get you 
out of here, we would do it but the roads are virtually shut down and we 
can't risk your safety. We'll just have to wait until they can get the 
tracks reopened. We'll do everything we can to make you comfortable here," 
The conductor, Michael Thomas, explained.

"Is there a motel in this backwater town?" an angry voice called.

The manager of the small station, Ira Clement, stepped forward. "We have one 
motel but I imagine the storm has it filled up. I'll call and find out if 
they have any rooms available. We don't have a rental car place, in case 
anyone was going to ask about that next."

"Oh, great!"

"Kinda hostile in here, isn't it, sir?" Bud whispered.

Harm managed a small grin. "I feel a little hostile myself, Bud."

"I have to warn you about leaving the station-they have a crew working on the 
tracks as we speak. When we're able to get moving, we're going and we won't 
have time to round up any of you who leave. You'll be stuck here until the 
next train comes through," Thomas went on.

By the time the proverbial dust settled an hour later, only a handful of them 
remained. Harm and Bud, a young woman traveling with an infant and a 
preschooler, an impatient, high-strung corporate type, an older gentleman 
with a kind face and very sad eyes and a couple of young men around Bud's 
age. The other passengers decided to take their chances on getting rooms or 
finding rides into Amherst to rent cars.

"This is just great," Bud sighed, sinking back against the bench.

"It could be worse, Bud. Remember that."

"How so, sir? You're going to miss Christmas with the Colonel!"

Harm glanced down at the younger man. "Christmas is a way you feel, Bud, not 
a date. You don't know that we won't be home in time. We could be stranded 
somewhere on the tracks stuck in the train, then what would we do? The 
Colonel and I will have Christmas when we get home."

Bud sighed again. "I guess you're right, sir. I wonder if the Admiral was 
able to get out on his flight?"

"Mac was going to see if she could get a hold of him. I told her I'd call 
her back in a little while and let her know our status. I'll ask her then."

0510 ZULU - DECEMBER 24, 2001
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

"Admiral? Can you hear me? It's Mac."

"You sound like you're in a tunnel. Where are you? I thought I told you to 
say put?" he demanded.

"I know, sir, but my power went out. I'm on my way to Harriet's to stay with 
her and little A.J. What have you found out about your flight, Admiral? Are 
you going to get out?" she asked, carefully watching the dark road ahead.

"Not tonight. They've canceled the flights until further notice. I'm coming 
back there," he answered.

"How are you doing that? Are you driving?"

"Yes, I got a Tahoe. Damn thing should be able to get me home. I'll call 
you when I get to the house to see how you and Harriet are managing. If 
necessary, I'll come get you and bring you home with me."

"Please, be careful, sir. The roads are in terrible condition," Mac 
returned, her concern evident.

"You do that yourself, Colonel, and I'll speak to you later about disobeying 
an order," he stated gruffly.

Mac heard the underlying edge of affection and smiled to herself. "Yes, sir. 
I'm almost there now. Call us if you need anything."

The normally short drive to Bud and Harriet's took Mac almost an hour. There 
was still traffic on the road and numerous accidents. Mac's hand ached from 
her tight grip on the steering wheel and she could feel a nagging pain 
starting behind her eyes from concentrating so fiercely. Corvettes were not 
built for this kind of weather and it was very slow going. Finally, she 
pulled up in front of the house and shut off the car, drawing a slow, deep 
breath of relief. Through the white shift of heavy flakes, she saw Harriet 
open the front door. Throwing open the driver's door, she jumped out and 
turned to grab her small suitcase. Carefully, she negotiated the driveway 
and front walk, practically falling into Harriet's outstretched arms.

"I'm so glad you made it okay!" Harriet exclaimed. "The weather reports are 
getting worse by the minute."

"I know. It was rough just getting here," Mac answered as she slipped past 
Harriet into the house.

"Have you heard from Commander Rabb again?" Harriet asked, closing the front 
door and locking it.

"No. I just talked to the Admiral, though. He rented a car and he's on his 
way home. They canceled the flights from Philly altogether. I feel so bad 
for him. He was looking forward to seeing Francesca," Mac explained, 
shedding her winter gear. "I guess-" her phone rang, interrupting the words. 
"Colonel MacKenzie. Harm, are you okay? Are you still at the station?"

"We're fine and yes, we're still at the station. We'll be here until they 
get the track cleared. There isn't much else to choose from. Most of the 
passengers left to go rent rooms or find rides to Amherst but this town is a 
blink in the road. They don't have much. Bud and I thought we'd be better 
off waiting here. Are you okay? Is the weather still bad there?"

"I just got to Bud and Harriet's. The power went off at my apartment. The 
Admiral called, too. They canceled his flight." Briefly, she explained the 
rest to him.

Harm sighed deeply. "This is just bad all the way around, isn't it?" he 
mused. "At least you and Harriet are somewhere safe. You okay?" he asked 
again, his voice dropping.

Mac gripped the cell phone tighter. "I'm fine, really. Just worried about 
this weather. There were so many accidents, Harm" her voice trailed off for 
just a minute. 

"I'm just glad you made it there okay. I could wring your neck for going out 
on the roads in the 'vette in these conditions," he growled.

Mac smiled to herself, thrilled that he was so protective. "I couldn't stay 
at home in the dark and cold. I was very careful," she promised.

"Good," he answered. "Bud's worried about missing Christmas at home," he 
murmured.

"It's better than some of the alternatives," she told him. "We'll have 
Christmas when you get home."

"That's exactly what I told him," Harm answered and she could hear the smile 
in his words.

"Are there a lot of people there with you?"

"No. Most of them left rather than wait. There are two other guys around 
Bud's age, an older man, a younger woman with a baby and a toddler and a suit 
who looks like he'd rather cuss us all than sit here waiting for the train. 
He's working right now out of his briefcase."

Mac smiled at his tone. "Play nice with the other kids," she teased. "It is 
Christmas. The season of goodwill," she reminded.

"You wouldn't think so by the way people were acting around here after they 
made the announcements," Harm grinned, remembering some of the things that 
were said. "If it gets too bad, you call the Admiral and let him come get 
you," he ordered gently. "Promise me."

"I promise. He'll know if it gets worse and I know he'd drag us out of here 
if he had to. We'll be fine, Harm, I promise. Please don't worry."

"Easy for you to say."

"Easy for me to know. Christmas is still coming and I have a present for 
you."

"Another one? You already gave me a beautiful present," he replied.

"Yes, I know," she whispered. "But I have another one."

"I have another one for you, too."

"You weren't supposed to-"

"Neither were you," he teased. "Let's call it a draw. You girls get to bed 
and get your beauty sleep," he ordered. "I'll call you in the morning unless 
our situation changes," he promised.

"Okay," she returned. "You try to get some sleep, too. And tell Bud not to 
worry. Everything will be fine."
She clicked the phone off and dropped it back into her purse.

"Is he all right?" Harriet asked softly.

Mac nodded. "Tired and Bud's worried about missing Christmas with little 
A.J.," she grinned briefly.

Harriet rolled her eyes. "He told me earlier. A.J. isn't old enough to 
understand what day it is yet. We'll celebrate when they get home. Are you 
okay?" she asked, her eyes missing nothing.

"I'm fine-really. I just wish they were here. I guess I'm little more than 
a kid at heart myself because I'll be disappointed if we don't celebrate 
Christmas Day. But Harm's right, it really is just a date. Christmas is in 
our hearts."

"Don't lose hope yet," Harriet smiled. "Miracles happen all the time."

0630 ZULU - DECEMBER 24, 2001
NORTH OF AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS

"Can you do something? We've been waiting for hours already and it's 
Christmas Eve! Some of us have places we need to be!"

"Sir, I'm very sorry. If there was anyway we could get the tracks cleared 
faster, we would. Unfortunately, you'll just have to be patient," Ira 
Clement soothed.

The harried businessman-the one working from his briefcase-turned on his heel 
and walked away from the shorter man. "Well, that's just great!" 

His angry shout woke the baby cradled in the arms of the young woman 
traveling alone and the infant started crying.
"Can't you keep that kid quiet?" The man snapped.

The young woman pressed her lips together and glared at him as she soothed 
the baby.

"Hey," Harm interrupted. "We're all stuck here together. Why don't you take 
a breather and stop taking it out on everyone else?"

"Mind your own business," Came the sharp retort.

"This is my business," Harm answered calmly, straightening to his full 
height. "I'm a passenger on the train just like you and I'm not partial to 
listening to you yell at everyone. If you can't keep a civil tongue, then 
I'm sure Mr. Clement won't have any trouble calling the town's Sheriff."

The man turned and met Harm glare for glare. The fight seemed to go out of 
he other man and he stood stiffly for a minute, eyeing Harm. 

"You're right. I apologize," he stated reluctantly before he turned and went 
back to his seat, ignoring the looks everyone else was giving him.

Harm crooked a finger at Bud and the two of them walked over to the young 
woman. She gave Harm a grateful look over the top of the baby's head.

"You look like you could use another set of hands. Would you like me to hold 
your baby for a few minutes so you can take a breather?" Harm asked gently.

"Oh, please, I couldn't ask you to-"

"You didn't ask, I offered," he interrupted, giving her the same smile that 
always seemed to work on Mac.

"If you're sure-" the woman hesitated.

"If I can fly a Tomcat, I can sure handle a baby," he grinned.

"A Tomcat? You're a pilot?" she asked,

"I used to be. I'm a lawyer now. This is one of my colleagues, Lieutenant 
Bud Roberts. I'm Commander Harmon Rabb," he introduced.

"Amy Evans. I'm pleased to meet you," she smiled, her tired blue eyes 
lighting up. "This is my daughter Hollie and my son Noel."

Very carefully, Harm took baby Hollie from her mother, cradling her gently in 
his big hands. From Amy's side, Noel watched with wide eyes. Bud sat down 
on the other side of the little boy and grinned.

"Hi, Noel. My name's Bud."

"Hi," Noel answered shyly, grasping the hem of Amy's shirt in his chubby fist.

"How old are you?" Bud asked him.

"I'm this many," Noel answered, holding up three chubby fingers.

"That many? Wow," Harm whistled softly. "You're almost as old as us."

That brought forth a little boy giggle. "Am not. You're old," he stated.

Harm looked at Bud in amazement. "Why, so we are!"

Bud grinned at Noel. "My little boy is just a little younger than you."

"Where is he?" Noel asked.

"He's at home with his Mommy. His name is A.J.," Bud explained.

Hollie chose that minute to let her presence be know and Harm shifted her in 
his arms so he could see her face. "Here now," he murmured. "That's enough 
of that, little Hollie. You're Mama needs a break and you need to go back to 
sleep. It's late," he whispered.

Hollie seemed taken with the voice of the unfamiliar person holding her. She 
stopped fussing and stared wide-eyed at him.

"I'm afraid she might be hungry," Amy said apologetically. "Here, I'll take 
her-"

"It's all right, Amy. Does she have a bottle?" Harm asked.

Amy produced one from the diaper bag at her side and handed it to Harm. He 
got it to Hollie's mouth without trouble and the infant took it greedily.

"That's a good girl," he whispered. "Why don't we take a little stroll, Miss 
Hollie, and give your Mama a break."

Amy's eyes followed them as he got up and slowly started around the room. A 
movement from Bud caught her attention and she glanced at him. Smiling, he 
held out his military ID to her.

"Just to ease your mind," he told her.

She smiled, a becoming blush coming to her cheeks. "Am I that obvious?" she 
grinned ruefully.

"It's a mother thing," Bud whispered conspiratorially. "Where are you headed 
on a night like this?" he asked, settling back and she lifted Noel to her lap.

"To see about a job," she answered slowly, almost as if she were embarrassed.

"On Christmas Eve?" Bud's eyes widened. "I'm sorry, that came out wrong. It 
just-" 

"Seem like an odd time to be job hunting," she finished for him. "I know but 
it's just the three of us and I was laid off after what happened in New 
York," she explained. "I've been scraping by on unemployment but it's 
running out and I need to find work. One of the girls I worked with has a 
brother in Maine who owns a restaurant. He told her he might be able to give 
me work. I have to see."

"But then you'd be moving during Christmas," Bud said, stunned that someone 
would be doing such a thing.

"There won't be much of a Christmas for us anyway, Lieutenant Roberts. I 
simply don't have the money to buy them anything," she explained, her voice 
trailing off to a whisper.

For a moment Bud was at a loss for words. Before he could think of something 
to say, Harm came back over with Hollie.

"She's asleep," he murmured.

"Here, she can go back in her stroller," Amy said, pulling it over so Harm 
could lay the infant down.

He did so carefully, not wanting her to wake up again. "She could barely 
keep her eyes open," he grinned at Amy.

"Thank you so much, Commander Rabb. She's cutting her first tooth and I'm 
afraid it isn't easy for her."

"No problem. I had two hands free," he shrugged.

"Uh, Commander? Could I talk to you for a second? I wanted to ask you about 
the Colonel," Bud said, giving Harm a strange look from behind Amy.

"About the Colo--" Harm caught Bud's wink and realized the younger man was up 
to something. "Oh, yes. She had a message from Harriet. Amy, we'll be 
right back."

"Take your time," she answered. "Please don't feel like you have to keep me 
occupied."

"Let us be the judge of that," Harm winked as they walked away.

When they got back to the bench they'd been sitting on before and sat down, 
Harm looked at his friend. "What's going on?"

Bud related the conversation he had with Amy, his expression earnest. "We 
have to find some way to help her, Commander."

"How, Bud? We don't even know her history or how stable she is."

"Sir, isn't that what Christmas is supposed to be about? Giving? And 
miracles? Maybe she is down on her luck, maybe she's had a hard life or 
tragedy but if we could do something to give her a helping and for Christmas, 
shouldn't we? The least we could do is get to know her a little while we're 
stuck here. Maybe that's why we're here, stuck in this station."

"Bud," Harm drawled warningly. "Don't you start with me about destiny and 
fate."

"But, sir, you know it's true. Every choice we make is a step down the road. 
It's destiny that we ended up here like this. There's something we are 
supposed to do," Bud insisted.

Harm sighed and crossed his arms over his broad chest. "Bud, we've been over 
this before. It wasn't preordained for us to be here. It was bad luck."

"And what do you think destiny is, sir? Did you think it was just bad luck 
that you had to stop flying? Maybe but it also got you where you are now and 
it brought you to the Colonel."

This brought Harm's head up with a snap. "Bud, you don't"

Bud held up a hand to halt Harm's flow of words. "You don't think I know 
what I'm talking about. I'm not entirely stupid-I have eyes. I see more 
than you think and so does everyone else. It's the two of you who can't 
see." Before Harm could respond, Bud went on. "But this isn't about you and 
the Colonel. It's Christmas, Commander, let's do something nice for Amy and 
her kids."

"Okay, Bud, we'll think of something," Harm conceded, letting the subject of 
him and Mac drop.

Despite the lateness of the hour, no one in the small station was able to 
sleep. There was no place to lie down except the hard floor, nothing to 
provide a pillow for their heads and no covers. But that was okay because 
somewhere around 0200, the doors opened and people flooded in.

"Ira, how are you treating our guests?" a voice boomed across the room.

Harm, Bud, Amy and the others looked at the crowd to see people carrying 
food, some carrying bags, others with bedding.

"Sorry, we're late getting over here, folks. We thought you'd like some 
dinner." The man talking came closer to them and started shaking hands. 
"Dave Haskell. I'm the mayor of Moore's Corner. We're sure sorry you've 
been stranded with us for the time being. Eddie and Coryn Lowell run 
Sunshine Café over on Main St. and fixed dinner for you. Ira, you got 
someplace we can set up?" he called.

Harm and Bud watched him sweep past like a whirlwind. In minutes, a long 
counter was set with various dishes and there were plates, utensils and cups 
along with coffee and milk. Harm and Bud helped Amy get dinner for herself 
and Noel before getting their own plates. Ira Clement brought out a folding 
table and chairs for them to sit at. Harm noticed their unhappy businessman 
scooted off by himself to eat as did the two other men. His gaze settled on 
the elderly gentleman who picked distractedly at his food, sitting by himself 
across the room.

"I'll be right back," Harm murmured to the others as he rose.

He walked across to where the man sat and dropped down on the bench beside 
him. The man looked at him smiled slightly before looking back at his plate.

"I came to see if you'd like to sit with us," Harm asked.

"I'm afraid I wouldn't be very good company, young man," he answered.

Harm smiled. "Why don't you let us be the judge of that? Commander Harmon 
Rabb," he introduced himself, holding out a hand.

Carefully, the old man shifted his plate and shook the offered hand. "Rear 
Admiral James Avery, retired."

"I'm very glad to meet you, sir," Harm answered, shaking his hand gratefully. 
"And you don't think you'd make very good company? Sir, you're company is 
an honor," he added.

Admiral Avery smiled ruefully. "Not while I'm sitting here feeling sorry for 
myself," he murmured.

"I don't understand," Harm answered softly.

"No, son, I'm sure you don't. My wife, Marianne, passed away last year. 
This is my first Christmas without her."

That wasn't what Harm was expecting. "I'm very sorry to hear that. How long 
were you married?"

"Almost sixty-four years."

Harm felt his own eyes widen. "Sixty-four years? Now I really don't know 
what to say. I don't think I've ever known anyone who was married that long. 
Although," he added quietly, "if my Dad had lived he and my Mom probably 
would have made it that far."

"What happened to your Dad?" James asked.

"He was shot down in Vietnam and captured. I found out not too long ago that 
he died in Russia."

"I'm sorry to hear that," the older man sympathized.

"I go to the Wall every year at Christmas to visit him," Harm admitted. "My 
Mom is remarried to a great guy but I know if my Dad had lived, they would 
still be going strong."

"I spent more of my life with her than without," James said softly. "I think 
a part of me still can't believe she's gone. You married?" he asked, 
glancing at Harm.

"No, sir, but there is a woman" he let his voice trail off.

"Do you love her?"

Harm was silent for a moment then he met the man's gentle eyes. "Yes, sir, I 
love her very much. I don't think she would believe it."

"I would say that's a shame," James mused. "No man is an island, my boy, I 
can promise you that."

That brought a grin to Harm's lips. "It's complicated," he revealed.

"Things are only complicated when we make them that way. Remember that. Is 
the offer to join you still open?" James asked.

"Yes, sir, it is."

"Then I believe I will join you. I guess I should take my own advice about 
love. Marianne wouldn't like me sitting here alone like an old fuddy duddy."

They walked back to the table where Bud and Amy were eating and sat down. 

"Welcome, Admiral," Bud grinned.

James smiled back, wizened blue eyes twinkling. "I haven't been an Admiral 
for a long time, Lieutenant."

"I believe it stays in our blood forever," Harm responded teasingly.

"Maybe it does at that. Amy, you have two lovely children," James directed 
to the young woman.

"Thank you, Mr. Avery. This delay is getting to them. Children aren't big on 
patience," she admitted.

"After spending time with my grandchild, I'm afraid I would have to agree 
with you on that," he laughed. "My son is a widower and he's raising his son 
alone. Three years old going on thirty. He keeps Jack on his toes. On top 
of that, that flighty secretary of his just quit on him without notice. Good 
thing he's the president of the company."

His words brought Harm's head up with a snap and he bit his tongue. Bud 
choked on the bite he'd just put in his mouth and Amy clapped him on the 
back. James looked between the two of them.

"Did I say something wrong?" he asked.

"No, no, not at all," Bud gasped, taking a drink to clear his throat.

"What does your son do?" Harm asked carefully.

"He's the president of Avery, International. It's a design firm in D.C. that 
handles corporate architecture. I'm pretty proud of him. He's my only child 
and he's done damn good for himself. Smart as a tack when it comes to 
business. But now with Jason to take care of, I wonder if he's got more on 
his plate than he can handle. Luckily, he has good people working for him 
and he has a nanny that helps with Jack while he's working but still, single 
parenthood is no easy road to haul," James explained easily.

"Tell me about it," Amy muttered softly. "My husband left me just before 
Hollie was born." Her voice was low and hard, her bitterness evident 
although she was struggling to hide it from them.

"Left you?" Bud demanded incredulously. "With a baby on the way?"

"With a baby on the way," she confirmed with a nod. "He decided he didn't 
want to be 'saddled' anymore with the responsibility of a family."

All three men muttered something at the same time and Amy was glad she didn't 
clearly understand all of them. It brought a smile to her full lips, though, 
as she dabbed a napkin at Noel's mouth.

"James," Harm asked slowly, catching Bud's eye. "Has your son started 
looking for a new secretary yet?"

James looked up from his plate. "Not yet. She just left two days ago. Jack 
has someone from one of those temp agencies helping out until he can get his 
head on straight. He's at home with Jason during the Christmas holidays 
because his nanny is gone with her family."

"Well, that brings about an interesting opportunity," Harm drawled. "Amy, 
ever been a secretary?"

"I was an office manager for an accounting firm prior to October. That's 
where I was laid off from. I was only going to check out the waitress job 
because I know waitresses can make good money and I was desperate. I've had 
no luck job hunting. I can't work two jobs and care for my family and one 
job doesn't seem to pay enough. As it is, I'll probably have to move to find 
something," she answered, trying to look confident about the situation.

"I think I see where you're headed with this, son," James mused. 

Amy seemed to catch onto the undercurrent then and she looked between the 
three men. "Now, wait just a minute. I couldn't possibly impose on"

"Amy," James interrupted her. "It wouldn't be any kind of imposition. My 
son desperately needs an assistant who knows her stuff and he's easy to get 
along with, if I do say so myself. Why don't you come right back to D.C. 
with me and I'll introduce you to him? I have a lot of connections and I 
might just be able to help you find a place to set up housekeeping," he 
stated, his eyes sparkling at the thought of a challenge.

For a minute Amy seemed at a loss for words. "I couldn't," she whispered, 
"that would be asking for way too much of your kindness."

"Amy." It was Bud that spoke this time, jumping in before Harm or James 
could respond. "We want to help you. If you had the ability to do the same 
for someone else, wouldn't you do it? We want to help you and we seem to 
have found a mutually beneficial solution. If you'd heard about the job 
through normal channels, wouldn't you have applied for it?" he persisted.

Amy just stared at him. "Well, yes, but"

"No buts, young lady," James inserted. "Jack will owe me a big one for this 
and I fully intend to collect," he added gleefully.

"James, II can't" she protested.

"Amy, please, just give it a try. What can it hurt for you to go meet James' 
son and see what the job is about?" Harm coaxed. "Just try. It couldn't be 
any worse than going to Maine and being a waitress. In fact, it sounds a 
sight better to me," he teased.

"Uh well, all right," she finally conceded.

"Bravo, my dear," James smiled. "Do you really need to go to Maine?"

"No. We were only going so I could see about the job. What about you? I 
couldn't impose on your trip."

"You're not. I was simply traveling to indulge my own self-pity. I didn't 
want to be alone at home without Marianne and I didn't want to bring Jack 
down. He has his hands full enough without dealing with me, too. Maine was 
simply a destination. Now I wonder if Fate isn't sitting back laughing at 
how well her plan worked."

Harm looked between James and Bud and Bud laughed softly.

"Inside joke?" James asked.

"Harm keeps telling me there's no such thing as Fate or Destiny and I think 
there is. In fact, I think we were stranded here at this station for a 
reason and now it seems this was it," he stated matter-of-factly.

"To play Santa's helpers?" James grinned.

Bud just smiled back.

0800 ZULU - DECEMBER 24, 2001
MCLEAN, VIRGINIA

A.J. was never so glad to see home in his life. He pulled the Tahoe into the 
snow-covered drive and shut it off, sitting still for a moment in the silence 
and watching the snow come down. The trip from Philadelphia had been hell. 
The Interstates were a mess with accidents and snow. Plows and sand trucks 
were everywhere trying to keep the streets passable because no matter how 
many times it was said, people didn't stay home off the streets. There was 
always some place to go and everyone was in a hurry to get there.

Slowly, he climbed out of the vehicle and got his bags from the back. The 
house was cold since he'd turned things down for his time to be gone. In 
minutes, he had a fire going in the living room and the furnace back to 
normal temperature. A hot shower did wonders for his disposition, and with a 
fresh cup of coffee in hand, he dropped down in his favorite chair near the 
fire. 

And the phone rang.

"Hello?" he growled.

"Admiral?"

"Mac. I'm sorry, Colonel. I just sat down to warm up by the fire."

"I'm sorry to disturb you, sir. I was just calling to see if you'd made it 
home yet."

"Safe and sound but it was no easy feat. I'm glad to be back here. How are 
you and Harriet faring?" he asked.

"Well enough. The power went out about an hour ago. The three of us are 
curled up together on the couch under a mound of blankets," she answered.

"Pack what you need for a day or two. I'll be there within a half hour," he 
stated.

"Sir, you don't have to come all the way over here to get us," she protested. 
"Well be fine for now."

"Don't argue with me, Colonel. That's an order."

"Yes, sir. We'll be ready." She hung up the phone and turned to Harriet. 
"He's on his way. Go get dressed and packed."

"Yes, ma'am."

0800 ZULU - DECEMBER 24, 2001
MCLEAN, VIRGINIA

"It won't take long for the fire to get going again. You'll be warm in no 
time."

"Thank you for coming to get us, sir. We would have been all right at the 
house," Harriet stated softly.

"I know, Harriet, but you'll be better here."

"I'm sorry you weren't able to get out of Philadelphia," Mac put in from the 
other side of the living room.

"There will be other planes. I can always go and spend New Year's with 
Francesca. She'll understand," A.J. shrugged casually.

"Better than crashing on a plane in the ice," Mac murmured back.

"That it is. Have you heard from Bud or the Commander?" he asked, unfolding 
his big sofa bed in front of the couch.

"Not for a while now. All they could do was wait and see. Harm said most of 
the other passengers left to go find rooms or rides into Amherst. He and Bud 
decided to wait so the train doesn't leave without them," she explained.

"So it's possible they'll be on their way soon?"

"We can only hope so," she sighed, sending a glance Harriet's way as she 
spoke. "They're both worried about not being here for Christmas."

"We can celebrate just as well when they get back," he returned.

A grin briefly touched Mac's mouth. "That's what I told them. Bud's worried 
because of little A.J."

"He's not old enough yet to know what day it is," A.J. pointed out. "One 
thing at a time and that's getting them back here."

1000 ZULU - DECEMBER 24, 2001
NORTH OF AMHERST, MASSACHUSETTS

"We're ready to roll, folks! Grab your things and get on the train!"

The call rang through the station, startling everyone. Harm and Bud 
exchanged surprised looks with Amy and James. Without a word, they all 
jumped up at once and started grabbing their things. The men helped Amy 
gather all the kids' belongings and then they took off running for the train. 
They were quite a sight with Noel under James' arm, Amy carrying baby Hollie 
and Bud and Harm hauling bags. But they made the train with the other 
passengers that'd waited and were on their way in a matter of moments.

"Have heart, Bud. We may make it yet," Harm grinned.

1430 ZULU - DECEMBER 24, 2001
MAC'S APARTMENT
GEORGETOWN

"Stay put, Colonel. I notified the gate that no one would be in today with 
the weather."

"Yes, sir. Are you sure you don't want to turn the Tahoe in to the rental 
place?"

"I'd rather keep it and let you drive mine in case you need to go anywhere. 
You'll get stuck before you get out of the parking lot in the 'vette," he 
stated, the corner of his mouth lifting in a grin.

"How was I supposed to know when I bought it that we'd have record snowfalls 
this winter?" she retorted playfully.

"It's called thinking ahead," he teased.

He left a few minutes later and Mac trudged up to her apartment. The power 
was back on and as she walked in, the phone rang. She dropped her bags on 
the couch and snatched it up.

"Hello?"

"Mac?"

"Harm? Where are you? It sounds like you're in a tunnel."

"I'm at the station in Perryville. We just got in."

"I wasn't sure you'd make it out of Moore's Corner," she answered.

"It was touch and go. They cleared the tracks but it's really snowing hard 
so it was touch and go for a while there. It'll take us a little while to 
get everything to the orphanage and unloaded. Lord only knows what kind of 
trip we'll have back. You should see the snow in this place!"

She laughed softly. "No, thank you. I'm a warm weather kinda gal," she 
answered. "But it isn't much better here."

"Have you heard from the Admiral?" Harm questioned.

"He rented a truck and drove home. They canceled all the flights from 
Philadelphia."

"Damn, I bet he was mad."

"He had a few choice things to say," Mac agreed, her tone making Harm laugh. 
"The power went out at Harriet's so he came and got us. I was just coming in 
as you called. He made me take his truck and he kept the rental in case I 
need to go anywhere. He was making fun of my car," she pouted.

"It's a toy, Sarah," Harm murmured deeply, his husky voice whispering over 
her nerves.

"It is not," she answered, feeling a touch breathless.

"Stay home," he ordered softly.

"I will."

The silence stretched between them for one very long minute before Harm 
cleared his throat. "I don't know if we'll make it home tonight," he told 
her gently.

"I'll keep my fingers crossed," she answered, hoping he could hear the smile 
in her words. "Think positive."

"I will. I still have that other present to give you," he teased softly.

"I have yours, too. Wanna know what it is? I'll tell you if you'll tell me 
first."

Harm laughed deeply. "Not so fast. My lips are sealed."

"Bet I know a way to unseal them," she teased coyly. 

"I bet you do and I'll give you a chance to try when I get home," he 
promised. "But for now you'll just have to wait and see."

"Oh, darn," she muttered and he laughed again. "Seriously, just be careful, 
okay? Christmas will be here when you and 
Bud get home."

0430 - CHRISTMAS DAY
WASHINGTON, D.C.

"Merry Christmas, sir. I know I'm not your usual visitor but he's stuck in 
this awful weather. He comes to see you every year on Christmas Eve and I 
didn't want this year to be missed. I'm a poor substitute, I know, but at 
least you aren't alone. I waited as long as I could, hoping he and Bud would 
be home in time. This is his tradition with you."

Mac's voice trailed off as she took a step closer, touching her gloved 
fingers to Harm Sr.'s name where it was engraved on the wall. She closed her 
eyes and stood very still for a moment, breathing deeply. It was quiet 
around her, still and silent under softly falling snow. It was almost 
midnight and the Wall was deserted save her presence. 

A few feet away, a tall man stood, watching her lips move on whispered words 
only she and the Wall could hear. When he came down the pathway and saw her 
standing there, his heart skipped a beat. He was touched to the bottom of 
his heart that she came in his place. He knew without a doubt that explained 
her presence at such a late hour. He came directly from the train station 
after making sure Amy and the kids and Admiral Avery were on their separate 
ways. Amy was very excited about her new friendship with James and the 
elderly man had a touch of light to his eyes now. Noel and little Hollie 
would have a treat waiting the next morning once their Mama unpacked the 
additional bags she left the train station with. Now that just left him with 
the task at hand. Very carefully, he moved closer, coming up behind her.

Mac sensed his presence just as he came to a halt at her back, his warmth and 
scent reaching out to her. She smiled to herself and he saw the reflection 
in the black before her. He reached his arm around her and pressed his hand 
over hers, flattening them both to the Wall.

"I see you already have a visitor, Dad. Sure is a pretty one, too. Maybe 
you should start having her come in my place all the time."

Mac leaned back a slight bit against him but didn't move otherwise. "We were 
just catching up on old times," she murmured. "I explained you were delayed. 
I'm sure he's glad you're here."

Harm moved then and slipped both arms around her waist from behind. "I'm 
glad you're here. I'm honored that you came in my place."

Mac turned then, relaxing against him as she tucked her head beneath his chin 
and circled her arms around his lean waist. 
"I had to," she said simply.

He tightened his hold and rested his cheek against her silky hair. "Thank 
you. I was headed for your place next but I'm very glad I found you here. 
And I can't think of a nicer place to give you your other present."

She lifted her head and grinned at him. "Finally," she joked playfully. 

"It seems pretty ironic that all the time Bud and I were stuck, everyone kept 
talking about Christmas and family. That the date wasn't as important as 
being together. I can't think of a truer statement for how I feel about you. 
I know every curve of your face, Sarah, every strand of red in your hair. I 
know what makes you laugh, that you cry over old movies, that you wrinkle 
your nose when you're concentrating hard. Six years ago I had my whole life 
planned out. I knew where I was headed and what I was doing. But how could 
I plan for the future when I didn't plan on you?"

He looked really serious and Mac had a funny feeling in the pit of her 
stomach as she met his eyes, dark in the nighttime shadows.

"You stuck with me from the start, prickly words and all. That first day in 
the Rose Garden seems like a million years ago but the memory of seeing you 
the first time is still as fresh as ever. Instead of getting bored with the 
routine, I look forward to it more and more every day. To being with you, 
knowing you'll be in the office next to me, hearing you laugh, seeing you 
cry, watching the sparks fly when you're angry. I saved this last present 
and I planned on giving it to you just as Christmas Day arrived. I'm a 
little late now since I've been standing here running my mouth."

She laughed softly at that, feeling her eyes grow moist. He was turning his 
courtroom eloquence on her, digging deep for words she wasn't sure she'd ever 
hear from him. He stepped back away from her and slowly got down on both 
knees, ignoring the snow. He slowly took off his gloves and then removed 
hers, his eyes never leaving hers. From his pocket, he pulled something out 
and opened his hand to show her the diamond resting on his palm. Mac's eyes 
widened slightly as the weight of just how serious he was sank in.

"Harm, that's a -a-"

"Hard to say the first time, huh?" he grinned. "When you thought of loving 
me, did you think about forever? About permanence and a mortgage and babies 
and a closet with both of our comfortable shoes? I didn't. I thought about 
loving you and not much beyond that. Well," he amended, "except for the baby 
promise we're closing in on. I think about that a lot. When I realized just 
how much I wanted with you, it took a little time to get used to the idea."

That got her attention and she tugged on his earlobe. "How long?" she 
demanded.

"About five minutes."

She laughed and they heard a noise from behind her. Mac turned and Harm 
peered around her and they saw A.J., Bud and Harriet standing several feet 
away.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I was trying to be quiet so we wouldn't intrude!" Harriet 
cried, covering her face with gloved hands.

Harm rose to his feet as they came forward and laughed off her embarrassment. 
"With the way the past two days have gone, this just seems par for the 
course. What are you three doing here?" he asked.

"We were afraid you wouldn't make it in time to see your Dad before 
midnight," Bud grinned sheepishly.

"We know how important the tradition it to you," A.J. added.

"Thank you - all of you. Thank you for caring about me that much," Harm 
murmured. Then he glanced at Mac and then back to them. "Out of all the 
people Mac and I know, I can't imagine anyone else I'd want nearby when I ask 
her to marry me."

"Oh, ma'am, Commander Rabb, that's wonderful!" Harriet exclaimed.

Harm held up a hand to silence her. "I haven't asked her yet. I was just 
getting to that part."

A.J. raised a brow. "Son, I suggest you get to asking," he ordered.

"Yes, sir," Harm grinned.

With their three closest friends looking on, Harm turned back to Mac and held 
the ring up again. "Marry me, Sarah."

Mac smiled and laid her fingers over his, covering the ring. "Yes," she 
answered, her eyes shining brightly.

EPILOGUE
0130 ZULU - NEW YEAR'S DAY
CHURCH OF THE ANGELS

It was a tight squeeze getting all the arrangements made in less than a week 
but the determination of all parties involved made it a reality. The small 
church was filled to almost overflowing with friends and family under the 
watchful of eye of the Chaplain. After years of waiting, the wait was about 
over as Admiral Chegwidden, looking resplendent in his dress blues walked his 
glowing Chief-of-Staff down the small aisle. He kissed her, wished them well 
and placed the Colonel's hand in the Commander's, turning her over to his 
safekeeping. Forever was about to start.

Oh, and her second Christmas present? A pair of booties; one pink and one 
blue with a colored drawing of a broken baby promise waiting in his stocking 
Christmas morning beneath the tree. It seemed his new wife didn't want to 
wait for the five-year mark any longer. Funny enough, it seemed to go 
perfect with his gift to her.

The End