Title: Last Chance

 

Author: Kari aka Jagfreak/Tropical_mango

 

Rated: PG

 

Disclaimers: I own nothing but the story.

 

Spoilers: I think there is a little Jag-a-thon but i'm
not sure.

 

Summary: Harm is given his last chance. 

Feedback is appreciated.

 

 

Last Chance

 

0943

Jag Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

 

“Come on Mac, she didn’t know what she was doing. Let
her off a bit.” Harm said as he followed Mac towards
her office.

 

 “Harm, she was leading on two guys at the same time,
one of which, was an officer of the United States
Navy.” Mac shot back as she stood behind her desk. 

 

“It’s not like it’s something you haven’t done.” Harm
reply quietly to himself. 

 

“What’s that supposed to mean!?” Mac asked with anger
clearly brewing.

 

“What?” Harm asked.

 

“You heard me!” Mac snapped.

 

“Nothing, forget I even said something.” Harm replied
walking towards the office door.

 

“No, I’m not going to forget it! I’m sick of you going
off about my past relationships when you haven’t done
so well yourself.” Mac yelled at his retreating form.

 

Harm stopped cold in his tracks. “Fine! You want a
fight I’ll give you a fight!” Harm replied turning to
go back into the office, shutting the door behind him.

 

“Lets take a little stroll down memory lane. Let’s
start with Dalton Lowne. You remember him don’t you?
No? Well let me refresh your memory. He ended up on a
cold sidewalk because of you Mac! Dead! No longer
Existent! Who was next Brumby? Now there’s an
interesting one wouldn’t you say? I leave and look who
Sarah Mackenzie runs to. Good ole’ Mic Brumby. When I
turn you down in Sydney look who you run to again.
Brumby! And he ends up leaving too if I believe to be
true. So don’t give me any crap about my past when
yours is worse than my clients!” Harm said furiously.

 

He looked up from where he was standing to see Mac
starring quietly out the window into the rain.

 

She turned around. The hurt stained her cheek in tears
and the anger began to rise in her eyes. “GET OUT!”
She almost screamed at Harm.

 

 Harm instantly aware of what he done stood up
quickly. “Look Mac I didn’t mean it that way.” Harm
tried to apologize suddenly realizing that it was only
making things worse.

 

 “GET OUT! I DON’T EVER WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN!”
she shouted. 

 

The people in the bullpen had taken notice of the
fight from when Harm had slammed the door to Mac’s
office. Now they knew they were in for trouble when
Mac’s yelling began to reach them. 

 

They quickly went back to work knowing that a very
frustrated Sailor would soon be joining them inside
the bullpen walls.

 

Harm slowly walked toward her office door. He pulled
it open and walked into the bullpen shutting the door
behind him. ‘When was he ever going to get it right’
he thought to himself as he made his way across the
bullpen to his own office. 

 

Once Harm had shut the door Mac broke down and began
to cry. ‘This is so frustrating!!’ Her mind yelled
silently. No matter what he does to me I still love
him, which makes it hurt even more.

 

Both of them knew that the things between them needed
to be fixed before their friendship went down the
drain. The only problem was that neither one of them
knew how to do it. 

 

End Part 1

 

1745

Somewhere on the Beltway

Georgetown

 

Mac sped down the road in her cherry red corvette. The
radio that was softly playing in the background began
to sing a song called “The Game of Love.” As she
listened to words she knew exactly how the woman felt.
‘Why am I always the one to get hurt?’ she thought to
herself. 

 

‘Why do I always fall for jerks?’ She stopped after
that comment. No matter how many times it seemed Harm
was a jerk she had never put that title on him. It
almost felt wrong. Almost. Maybe he didn’t love her
like so many had said. If he truly loved her he
wouldn’t have been so mean. Right now she just wanted
to get home and take a nice big bubble bath.

 

 

Same Time

Harm’s Apartment

Union Station

 

Harm fell backwards onto his bed. ‘Could I have been a
bigger jerk?’ He asked into the silent apartment. ‘Why
do I always bring up her boyfriends?’ he thought.
‘Probably cause you never were one’ ‘Shut up!’ “Great
now I’m talking to myself.” He hit his head against
the bed. “That’s It!” He jumped up with a forming
smile on his face. Its time I finally show her what
she means to me. 

 

Just then the phone rang.

 

“Hello?” Harm asked into the receiving hoping it was
Mac calling. 

 

“Commander, this is Harriet.” The person on the other
line said. 

 

“Oh, hi Harriet.” Harm replied disappointed. 

 

“Listen sir, I’m sorry to bother you at home but
Colonel Mackenzie asked if I would get Lt. Simony’s
file for her from you.” Harriet asked.

 

‘Oh man’ Harm thought to himself. ‘This is not good’

 

“Yeah, I have it. You can tell her I’ll leave it at
the office tomorrow.” Harm said.

 

“Thank you sir.” Harriet said into the receiver. 

 

“No problem Harriet.” Harm said with a sigh.

 

“Sir? I know it’s none of my business but did
something happen today between you and the Colonel?”
Harriet asked timidly.

 

“Like you didn’t notice.” Harm answered

 

“I did have an inclination but I wasn’t sure.” Harriet
replied.

 

“What are you going to do?” Harriet asked.

 

“I have an idea but I could use some help. Are you
interested.” Harm asked.

 

“Depends on what the plan is sir.” Harriet replied.

 

Harm explained to Harriet his idea for Mac and she
exciting agreed.

 

“I’d love to help sir. What do you want me to do?” She
asked.

 

“Find out from her Uncle Matt what she really wanted
when she was little and her favorites. Then get back
to me.” Harm said.

 

“I’ll get right on it sir.” Harriet replied.

 

“Thanks Harriet, I’ll bring by that file tomorrow.”
Harm finished.

 

“No problem sir and thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Harriet said.

 

“See you tomorrow Harriet. Bye” Harm said.

 

“Bye Sir and good luck.” Harriet finished.

 

“Thanks” Harm said as he hung up the phone.  

 

“I’m running out of chances God so please help me on
this.” Harm said heavenward as he walked back into his
room to take a shower.

 

 

1815

Robert’s Home

Virginia

 

Harriet walked through the door behind her husband. 

 

“Bud what do you think about the Colonel and
Commander?” She asked him.

 

“I think they are great role models and exquisite
lawyers.” He replied.

 

“No, I mean what do you think of them together? As a
couple.” Harriet asked while putting her cover on the
chair.

 

“I think they work. But I also think your getting into
something that you shouldn’t be.” Bud replied.

 

“What if one of them asked you for help on getting the
other one to understand the first one’s feelings?”
Harriet asked.

 

“Honey, I have no idea what you were trying to say
right there.” He replied.

 

“The commander asked me to help him with a plan to get
Mac to understand how he feels about her.” She said.

“Oh, well if he asked you and you don’t get too
involved I’d say why not. I mean everyone thinks they
are in love with each other.” Bud replied.

 

“Ya I know, even the Admiral has a day in the pool.”
Harriet said with a hint of laughter in her voice. 

 

“Man, that fight they had today was something wasn’t
it?” Bud asked.

 

“I’ll say. I think that’s the loudest I’ve heard Mac
yell at him in a long time.” Harriet answered.

 

“No kidding, I thought it was going to turn into a
fist fight.” Bud said turning to face his wife. 

 

“I hope they get it right Bud.” Harriet said he face
softening.

 

“Me too sweetie. Me too.” Bud said.

 

“Let’s go check on AJ.” Harriet said.

 

Both of them walked up the stairs with their thoughts
and prayers on their role models.

 

End of Part 2

 

0700

Jag Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

 

Harm walked into the dark bullpen heading straight for
Mac’s office. This was the only time he could snoop
around before she arrived at her usually 7:50 sharp.
Harm walked into the crowded office and flipped on the
light. ‘Now where do you hide your personal items
Mac?’ Harm thought to himself. He started to open the
drawers to her desk when Harriet walked in the door
shutting it behind her. 

 

“Sir?” Harriet asked timidly.

 

Harm jumped from being surprised and hit his head on
the top drawer he had just pulled out. “Ahh!” he
shouted in pain. He looked to find a very nervous
Lieutenant standing before him.

 

“What is it Harriet?” He asked while rubbing his head.

 

“Just thought you’d like to know that she keeps her
personal’s in the file cabinet over there. Harriet
said pointing to the corner of the office. “Bottom
drawer” Harriet replied walking out the door.

 

“Thanks Harriet.” Harm said standing up and walking
over to the file cabinet.

 

He opened it up to find a box with the name Sarah
Mackenzie written in cursive letters. Harm smiled at
the name on the box. Those two words meant so much and
he was going to find someway to show her just how much
she meant to him.

 

He began to search the contents with vengeance. After
looking through Mac’s valuables he felt he knew so
much more than he did. ‘This woman is endless.’ He
thought to himself. ‘You think you know everything
then she throws you a curveball.’ 

 

Harm glanced at his watch. It read 0748. “Whoa better
get moving” he said putting the items back in the box
and replacing it to where he found it. He shut the
file drawer, turned out her office light and headed
for the break room before he headed to his office. He
had a feeling today was going to be a very long day.

 

0750

Jag Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

 

Mac stormed into the parking lot. Today was turning
out to be a horrible day. First she got a ticket for
speeding. Got stuck in traffic and didn’t get her
daily dose of starbucks. 

 

She showed her id to the guard and approached the big
brick building she worked in…he worked in. ‘Stop
thinking about him you’ve got to get through this day’
Mac thought to herself. She was usually excited about
seeing his flyboy smile and gorgeous eyes but today
she felt cold towards her cocky aviator partner. 

 

She boarded the elevator that took her to her floor.
Getting off into the bullpen she glanced towards
Harm’s office to see his blinds were shut. Just then
Harriet approached.

 

“Ma’am here is the file you requested from the
Commander.” Harriet said happily handing the file to
Mac.

 

“Is he here today Harriet?” Mac asked once again
looking towards his office.

 

Harriet was about to answer when the man himself came
from around the corner carrying his newly brewed cup
of coffee. He glanced in Mac’s direction and gave her
an uneasy smile.

 

Mac glared at him turned and went into her office. 

 

Harm looked at Harriet for reassurance. Harriet
shrugged and gave him a encouraging smile before
turning to go back to her desk. 

 

Harm opened the door to his office and disappeared
inside hoping that he could stay there all day.

 

“This could be more difficult then I thought,” he said
out loud to himself. He looked down at the file he was
supposed to be working on. 

 

“Well can’t do anything about it right now so might as
well get some work done. Then I can put the plan
together tonight and put it into action tomorrow.” He
said before started to get to work on the case that
had started this whole problem. 

 

 

“I can’t believe he smiled at me like nothing
happened!” Mac said out loud.

 

“He wasn’t ma’am” Harriet said.

 

Mac jumped not knowing someone else was there.

 

“How do you know Harriet?” Mac asked.

 

“You could tell it was an uncertain smile as to where
he stood with you, but I think he knows now.” Harriet
replied sitting down across from Mac.

 

“What do you know Harriet?” Mac said kind of coldly.

 

Harriet sat up straighter. “I am married Mac, I see
that face quite often. And just because your mad at
him doesn’t mean you have to take it out on everyone
else.” Harriet replied sharply.

 

“I’m sorry Harriet. It’s just I’m so confused right
now.” Mac said laying her head on her arms.

 

“Why, ma’am?” Harriet asked hoping to get an insight
as to how she felt on the situation.

 

“Because I hate that man but at the same time I want
to kiss the brains out of him.” Mac said now glad that
the door had been shut when Harriet walked in.

 

Harriet smiled.

 

“But I just can’t take it anymore. I’m sick of him
always trying to get to me through my past
relationships and the more he does it the more I fall
out of love with him.” Mac sat lifting her head off
her arms.

 

Harriet frowned. ‘This was not good.’ She thought to
herself.

 

“Ma’am I don’t really know what to tell you except
don’t do anything you’re going to regret 10 years from
now.” Harriet said standing up leaving Mac to her
thoughts.

 

Harriet leaned against the shut office door. “Let’s
hope Harm knows what he’s doing because he’s on his
last life with this woman.” Harriet thought to herself
standing up straight and returning to her work.

 

 

1925

Harm’s Apartment

Union Station

 

Harm hung up the phone and leaned back against the
couch. He had just received all the information
Harriet had come up with for Mac. If he left early
from work tomorrow he could put his plan into action.
‘This is it’ he said to himself. ‘This is the last
straw. No more hiding my feelings. After tomorrow
night she’ll no how I feel and hopefully she’ll feel
the same.’ Harm sighed as he drifted off to sleep with
thoughts of his beautiful marine in his head.

 

Same Time

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

 

Mac flopped down on her bed. She had just gotten off
the phone with Chloe who, like always, asked when she
was going to get together with Harm. 

 

‘I’m so confused.’ She said to herself for about the
millionth time.             

 

‘How can you hate someone and love them at the same
time.’ Mac said to the empty apartment.

 

‘He hasn’t even tried to apologize.’ Mac said as she
contemplated how to get through the rest of her life
without him. She wasn’t going to wait for him anymore.
If he wanted a relationship with her he was going to
have to fight for it. 

 

End Part 3

 

 

0427

Harm’s Apartment

Union Station

 

Harm couldn’t take it anymore. The excitement and
nervousness of the day had been getting to him and
sleeping seemed like an impossible task. He crawled
out of bed and got dressed in his running clothes.

 

He grabbed his keys and headed out the door hoping the
fresh air would clear his mind.                       
           

 

He started to run down the street running his plan
through his head as if it was an important speech. He
had ordered everything last night after he got home
from work. Everything was to arrive at 1700 sharp.

 

Harm checked his watch and heading back towards his
apartment to get ready for work.

 

0856

Jag Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

 

Mac slammed her pencil down. Could this week get any
worse she asked herself. Somehow Harm had pulled off
an extension for the case to find more evidence.

 

She just wanted to get over with the day and she knew
it was not going to be a quick day, but a slow and
irritating one.

 

She turned on her desk light and sat down. She began
to look at the file when she glanced up to see Harm
staring at her. He quickly dropped his gaze and
continued on his way.

 

He looked so innocent and sad. ‘He’s just trying to
get you to trust him again so he can hurt you like he
always does.’ This is what her head told her while her
heart screamed ‘Forgive him!’ 

 

She just wanted to escape all of this. She wasn’t sure
she would be able to handle much more. He emotions
were draining and she knew she would blow soon whether
it be tears or anger that blew she wasn’t sure.

 

She turned her attention back the file in front of
her. She sat up straight and began to work again.
Sarah Mackenzie’s defenses just went to full alert.

 

1357

Jag Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

 

Harm glanced at the clock once more. Just 15 minutes
before he could leave. Just fifteen minutes before
everything would be put into motion. Before his last
chance with Mac began. This was it no more chances. He
knew he was on his last straw and it scared him.

 

He couldn’t lose this woman. She meant to much to him.
Suddenly Harm sat up straight. ‘How am I going to get
Mac to my apartment?’ Harm said quietly to himself.

 

Then a smile formed on his face. He had a file he knew
Mac would want and he would be gone before she would
come and get it. He just had to tell Harriet not to
get it for her from him.

 

Harm glanced at the clock again. 1612. He gathered his
things turned off the light and headed downstairs to
his car. Praying silently that everything would work. 

 

1816

Jag Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

 

Mac looked through her pile once more. She knew it
wasn’t there but she continued to look in hopes that
it would magically appear on her desk and she wouldn’t
have to go get it from him. 

 

‘I can do this.’ She told herself standing up and
gathering her things. 

 

She had already called Harriet who said that she was
unable to get it for her. Mac had to do this on her
own. ‘I guess I have to face him sooner or later.’

 

Mac got off the elevator and headed to her car. After
she got in she sat there praying that they didn’t
start another fight.

 

End Part 4

 

1845

Harm’s Apartment

Union Station

 

Everything was in place. He knew that she could arrive
anytime. He hoped. Doubts began to cloud his mind.
What’s and Why’s. But all he had to do was think about
how her smile would brighten his day or how her hair
fell on her forehead. Even the thought of her laugh
haunted him.

 

If he lost her that would be it. Nobody else could
ever compare to Mac. She was the only one he wanted to
spend the rest of his life with. The only one he
wanted to love and have kids with. The only one… he
looked down and noticed that he was standing there in
his uniform. ‘That’s no good he said as he turned and
walked towards his closet for something a little more
appropriate.

 

Same Time

Harm’s Apartment

Union Station

 

Mac pulled into the parking lot outside Harm’s
apartment. She glanced to her left to see Harm’s Lexus
parked right beside her. She opened the door of her
corvette and approached the door inside the building.

 

She wanted to turn around and leave the file till
tomorrow but she knew that there was some other reason
she was here. Things needed to be settled between
them. ‘Its now or never’ she told herself for the
umpteenth time. 

 

Next thing Mac knew she was standing in front of
Harm’s door. Just inside that door he was walking,
breathing, living his life…without her. At least
that’s how it felt. 

 

Mac timidly knocked. No answer. She knocked again but
she heard nothing. She held the key to his apartment
in her hands. Carefully she placed it in the lock and
turned the knob. A wonderful scent began to assail her
senses. She opened the door wider to reveal a romantic
wonderland. 

 

She had never seen anything so amazing…so beautiful.
She looked down to see a pathway of rose petals that
led from the door to one of the chairs at the table. 

 

The table was covered with a beautiful white silk
tablecloth. In the middle was a beautiful bouquet of
blood red roses. Scattered across the tablecloth were
rose petals and tiny tea candles. On one of the plates
was a red rose darker that the ones in the center of
the table. She then glanced around the room to see it
was also filled with roses of every color and many
candles. 

Placed by the fire place were at least 50 silk pillows
also adorned with rose petals. Beside the pillows sat
a large bag of marshmallows. Beside those were graham
crackers and many bars of chocolate. 

 

Beside the small T.V. Webb had given Harm rested a
stack of videos. On the couch sat a very large teddy
bear holding a rose as dark as the one on the plate. 

 

Soft mandolin music played in the background. And for
a few seconds Mac believed it was for her. Then she
realized Harm didn’t know she was coming and he didn’t
know all of these things were her favorites because
she had never told him of her childhood dreams and
wants.

 

She turned quickly around to the door to see it was
closed and there was a handsome Navy commander
standing between her and it. 

 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were having compa…” her
sentence cut off by Harm’s fingers.

 

“I’m sorry about what I said earlier this week Mac. I
wasn’t my place to bring up your ex’s and I feel
really bad. I know you won’t forgive me that easily
because you ignored me all week but…” Harm said
looking dead into Mac’s beautiful brown eyes. 

 

Those eyes could kill him if they wanted to. Harm
looked to Mac for some kind of answer.

 

“I accept your apology. I just came by for the
Simony’s file. So if you would gladly hand it over I
will leave you too your…whatever you have going on
here.” Mac replied with a straight face.

 

“Mac...” Harm started.

 

“Harm listen I don’t want to talk about it ok?” Mac
said. 

 

“Mac will you shut up and listen for a second.” Harm
said stepping closer to Mac.

 

Mac moved around Harm and headed to the door.

 

“Harm I can’t do this anymore. It hurts to much.” Mac
said turning to look at him.

 

“Please Mac just give me one more chance.” Harm
pleaded with her.

 

Mac looked at Harm. She could see she wasn’t going to
be able to resist those eyes so she shut the door and
stood quiet. This was his last chance so had better
take it.

 

Harm took that as his cue. 

 

“Mac, I’m really sorry. I know that I hurt you when I
said that and I was totally out of line, but I am
really sorry.” Harm started as he took a step closer
to Mac

 

“Don’t you get it?” Harm asked with passion in his
eyes.

 

“I’m sick of this dance too Mac. Its not just you. Do
you know how many times I have wanted to just hold you
and never let you go? How many times I’ve wanted to
kiss you senseless.” Harm said once again stepping
closer to Mac.

 

Mac’s eyes were glued to Harm as she stepped back
against the door. He was so close she could smell his
cologne.

 

“Mac this isn’t for some date…it was for you. To show
you how much I care about you…how much I…” Harm knew
this was it. ‘Lips don’t fail me now.

 

“How much I love you.” Harm said silently looking for
some form of response from the quiet Marine that was
within inches of him.

 

Mac looked into his dark blue eyes. She felt like she
could see his soul. He had just laid his heart on the
table for her. 

 

“All this was…for me?” Mac asked quietly beginning to
drop her gaze to the ground beneath her.

 

Harm cupped her face with his hands. “Everything.”
Harm repeated gazing into her chocolate brown eyes
that he had so often gotten lost in.

 

“How’d you know I was coming?” Mac asked.

 

“I took the file I knew you needed and told Harriet
not to come get it for you.” Harm said with a slight
smile playing on his face. 

 

“Harm?” Mac said quietly.

 

“What Sarah?” He replied.

 

Mac jerked her eyes form the ground and to his own.

 

“I’m in love with you too.” She said a smile growing
on her face.

 

With those words Harm closed the distance between him
and Mac. He kissed her on her forehead and then he
nose and slowly began to kiss her lips. 

 

Mac closed her eyes in pleasure. She began to kiss him
back fully.

 

They finally broke contact when the need for air came.

 

Harm leaned his forehead against Mac’s.

 

“Thank you.” Harm said as he and Mac began to  walk
farther into the room.

 

“For what?” Mac asked looking up at him. 

 

“For giving me that last chance.” He replied. 

 

Mac smiled at him and in return he gave her his
full-blown flyboy smile. 

 

“How’d you know about the s’mores?” Mac asked with
curiosity.

 

Harm smiled a mischievous smile. 

 

“Harm?” Mac said following him into the kitchen.

 

“Maybe I’ll tell you when we’re old and gray and
babysitting our grandkids.” Harm replied.

 

Mac smiled. “That sounds nice, but I don’t think I can
wait that long. Come on.” Mac said stepping up close
to him.

 

Harm laughed at her attempt to get him to tell her.
“Not gonna tell you.” He said.

 

“Fine.” She said stubbornly. “By the way this is
amazing.” She said looking around his apartment.

 

“Thanks.” Harm replied.

 

“Can’t wait to see how your gonna beat it on our
wedding night.” Mac replied knowingly.

 

Harm stopped everything he was doing and turned to
face her. “I guess you’ll just have to see.” He said
bending down to kiss her.

“Mmm. I could get used to this.” Mac replied.

 

Harm looked down at her. “Good cause I don’t plan on
letting you go anytime soon. Now lets eat I’m
starved.” He said. Walking towards the table.

 

Harm pulled out her chair for her and then sat down.
Mac picked up the rose on her played and inhaled it’s
scent. 

 

“I’m glad I get to see this side of you.” Mac said
smelling the rose again. “Although I don’t know how
I’m gonna put up with your meatless meatloaf.” Mac
said. 

 

“Hey! At least I know how to cook.” Harm replied.

 

“I can cook.” Mac said with a humorous look on her
face.

 

“What?” Harm asked curious as to her look.

 

“It’s just we’ve been a couple for what…15 minutes and
we’re already arguing like a married couple.” Mac said
taking a bite of her food.

 

“Well we need practice cause eventually we’re gonna be
one.” Harm said with a sweet smile.

 

Mac looked up. “Don’t make a promise you can’t keep.”
She said.

 

“I haven’t yet and I don’t plan to start now.” Harm
answered.

 

They began eating again with silence both lost in
their own thoughts when Mac spoke.

 

“So you gonna tell me how you fond out about the
s’mores yet?” Mac asked.

 

“Nope, and I’m not going to so stop asking.” Harm said
with a smug grin.

 

“That’s it.” Mac said stand up

 

“What are you doing Mac.” Harm asked a little nervous.

 

“This.” She said slamming a hand full of mashed
potatoes in his face.

 

“Hey!” Harm said as he stood and slammed potatoes in
her face.

 

They both laughed. 

Harm began to lean in. “I love you Mac and I will
always till the day I die.” He said as he closed the
distance and captured her lips.

 

The End!

 

Feedback would be so appreciated. Tell me what you
think. Tropical_mango22@yahoo.com