TITLE:  "New Beginnings X-Past is Prologue"
    AUTHORS:  Anne R. and Pat Steiner
    SUMMARY:   The tenth in the New Beginnings series as Harm and Mac 
endeavor to keep their promise to each other-to make 2002 'their' year.
    DISCLAIMER:  JAG belongs to CBS, Paramount et al.  No copyright infringement 
is intended with this work of fiction.
    FEEDBACK:  Yes, if you're moved to do so, to [SSbpmn@aol.com] and it would 
be much appreciated by both of us.  However, if your intent is only to tell us you are 
not liking our work, please don't spend the time.  While we realize our work does not 
please everyone, we do ask that the journey be respected.
    
    NOTE:  All parts of this story and previous chapters, as well as much of our other 
works, are available at 

             http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories

      The message archives are open to all registered Yahoo users-no subbing 
required.  Please ignore any notice of adult content you may see-there is no R nor 
NC17 content there.

Other archives containing our stories:

     http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or 
http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag
              
              or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at    
http://hmarchive.topcities.com/index2.html  [sadly, not always up and running]

Previously in NB:   Still Panama to investigate a drug charge, Harm and Mac, along 
with Brooke and Ryan, and joined by Clayton Webb, are caught up in an ongoing 
tide of violence and death.

From NB IX- Warfare Unending: 

Five minutes later, the shooting stopped and Clay and Ryan cautiously emerged 
from their vantage points, surveying the carnage they had wrought.  
 
 "We did good," Ryan breathed, feeling the adrenaline rush make him tremble 
slightly.
 
 "Yes we did.  We got real lucky," Clay told him, starting to check each fallen man.
 
 Ryan looked back over the rocks to where Brooke waited with the others, giving a 
huge sigh of relief.  "Maybe this nightmare can end now."
 
 "RYAN."  Clay's shout made him wheel around just in time to receive a hard shove 
from the CIA agent followed almost at once by a sharp cry of pain.  Clayton Webb 
had taken a bullet meant for him.
 
++++++++++++++++++
    
"New Beginnings X-Past is Prologue"

  "Clay" Ryan yelled as they both fell to the ground. Another shot rang out 
  and Ryan rolled away from Clay. He stood up and took aim at the shooter, 
  finally bringing him down.
  
  "Clay" Ryan said anxiously as he knelt down beside the fallen man.
  
  "It's okay, it just hit the shoulder" Clay grimaced as he tried to sit up.
  
  "Ryan" Brooke screamed. "Ryan are you okay?"
  
  "I'm okay honey" he called. "Honest. It's Clay that's hurt. Just relax."
  
  "It's okay" Clay repeated.
  
  "That's not okay. Jesus Clay, why the hell did you do that."
  
  "Because if I hadn't that woman back there would sobbing over your dead 
  body. And I couldn't stand to see her go through that."
  
  "Clay this is not good" Ryan sighed as he looked at Clay's shoulder. "We 
  need to get you out of here ASAP."
  
  "Yeah well the only way that's going to happen is you my friend" Clay 
  managed between grimaces. "You're going to have to go meet my people and 
  tell them where we are. I can't do it."
  
  "Who's going to watch you four?" Ryan demanded. "What if Perez has more men 
  on the way? And what if your people aren't there?"
  
  "Calm down Major" Clay ordered. "Otherwise we're all going to be dead. And I 
  don't think that's what you want."
  
  "No it's not" Ryan sighed as he looked over at Brooke and Harm and Mac. He 
  knew what Clay was saying was right. That if they had any chance in hell of 
  getting out alive, it was up to him. "I'll go. Let me get your shoulder 
  wrapped and then I'll go."
  
  Minutes later he'd done his best to wrap Clay's shoulder and Clay had 
  provided him the map with the rendezvous spot marked as well as the names of 
  the men that would be waiting for him.
  
  "Can you shoot if you need to?" Ryan asked as he handed Clay his gun.
  
  "If I need to, yes" Clay assured him. "I'll manage somehow."
  
  Ryan nodded and looked over at Brooke.
  
  "Go say goodbye before you leave" Clay said quietly. "You know you want to."
  
  "Brooke" Ryan said gently as he knelt beside her.
  
  "How's Clay?" she asked as she opened her eyes to look at him.
  
  "He'll be okay as long as I get help and get us out of here. So I'm going to 
  go and meet Clay's men."
  
  "Ryan you can't" she wailed as she clutched his arm. "Not alone. Not with 
  those people out there."
  
  "Honey, I have to" he whispered as he pulled her into his arms. "If we're 
  going to get out of this mess I have to do this."
  
  "I'm scared" she whimpered. "I know I'm not sounding like much of a Navy 
  officer right now and you were probably right when you said I didn't belong 
  on this mission."
  
  "Well I'm scared too. Scared that I'm never going to see you again if I 
  leave."
  
  "I'll be here," Brooke said softly. "And I know you have to do this. Just 
  take care of yourself Marine."
  
  "You too" he whispered as he gently laid her back on the ground. "We have a 
  lot left to look forward to Ms. Hastings."
  
  "Yes we do" she smiled softly. "So you'd better come back to me."
  
  "Count on it" he said before dropping a quick kiss on her fevered forehead. 
  "Clay's got the gun so if anyone comes back he'll take care of them. I'll be 
  back as soon as I can."
  
  "Ryan please be careful," she said as she grabbed his hand as he started to 
  stand up. "You mean a lot to me Marine."
  
  "As do you" he whispered. "I have to go."
  
  He stood up and with one last look at Clay took off into the trees. The 
  lives of his three friends depended upon him and he wasn't about to let 
  anything happen to them if he could help it. He hurried through the trees, 
  listening for sounds of any more of Perez's men. He stopped only once to 
  catch his breath and take a quick gulp of water before continuing on, 
  knowing time was of the essence. An hour later he finally reached the spot 
  on the map Clay had marked and he cautiously approached. He saw the three 
  men Clay had mentioned, each of them matching the descriptions Clay had 
  given him and he let out a sigh of relief.
  
  "Clay?" one of the men called as Ryan approached.
  
  "Major Ryan Nichols, USMC" Ryan replied. "I was with Clay."
  
  The man nodded. "Agent Dawson. Where's Clay? And the others?"
  
  "Back at the waterfall" Ryan sighed. "They're all hurt. Commander Rabb was 
  hurt in the crash. Colonel Mackenzie was shot in the original shoot out with 
  Rollins and Clay was just shot by one of Perez's men."
  
  "Quite a casualty list Major" Dawson replied. "Wasn't there someone else 
  with you and Clay?"
  
  "My partner, Lt. Hastings. She got bit by a snake. And we need to get all of 
  them out of here and to a hospital ASAP."
 
 "All right Major, just keep your shirt on," Dawson said.  "We heard gunfire.  The 
people who jumped you--they're neutralized?"
 
 "Five dead," Ryan nodded.
 
 "Good," Dawson nodded.  "Because thanks to the coordinates from the Lear, a joint 
task force led a successful raid on one of Perez's compounds and took it out.  
Including the man himself."
 
 "And at this point I don't give a damn about that," Ryan exploded.  "There are four 
casualties there needing help."
 
 "You may not be that concerned about the outcome Major," Dawson told him mildly, 
"but the people back in DC are.  This operation has been on the board for months 
and it finally paid off."
 
 Ryan suppressed another outburst, saying quietly,  "How nice for you, considering it 
nearly cost my friends their lives.  Now we're going to talk getting them out of this 
godforsaken jungle."
 
 "All right Major,  there are four incapacitated back there?"
 
 "Exactly, and we need to get them back to Panama City immediately," Ryan said 
firmly.  "They need medical help.  Now."
 
 "Any chance they can make it back to the airstrip?"
 
 "No and hell no," Ryan yelped.  "What part of these people are hurt and need 
medical help don't you understand.  Colonel Mackenzie has an injured leg.  She's 
not going to be walking anywhere for quite some time.  Commander Rabb wasn't 
conscious when I left.  Mr. Webb has a shoulder wound that's going to bleed to 
death if he moves around.  And Brooke. . . Lieutenant Hastings, has a fever the 
result of the bite, and I wouldn't let her walk two feet."
 
 Dawson gave him a leer.  "Sounds to me like you and this lady have a little 
something going on the side there."
 
 "Sounds to me like you should shut up before you get your face smashed," Ryan 
retorted, grabbing hold of the man's upper arms.  "Now let's get back to how we're 
going to get these people out of here.  Extraction in other words.  You know what 
that means don't you."
 
 "Yes I know what it means.  I also know it's going to be hard as hell to arrange out 
here.  Are you sure these people can't make it?"
 
 "Pay attention Dawson.  No way are any of them are going to walk out of there.  
And there's not enough of us to carry them.  I'm not taking four bodies back anyway.  
Now you do whatever it is you do to get a chopper in here."  He sank his thumbs 
deeply into the man's arm muscles to emphasize what he was saying.  "This is a 
CIA operation that went bad and somehow you're going to make it right."
 
 "OK OK, let's not have a coronary," he sighed.  "How's chances of a chopper 
landing up in there?"
 
 "Nonexistent.  There's not enough flat ground.  It's going to have to be a rope pull 
out.  Make sure they know that.  And we've got injured so we're going to need the 
baskets."
 
 Dawson pulled his arms from Ryan's tight hold and turned to one of his team.  
"Renquist get over here.  You're going to need to get back to the checkpoint and 
arrange a medivac."
  
 "Here?" Renquist asked.
  
  "By the waterfall" Ryan replied. "We have four injured people. And tell them 
  to hurry."
  
  "I'll do what I can" Renquist sighed. "It isn't going to be easy."
  
  "I don't care what it takes," Ryan shouted. "Just get it done. Call whoever 
  you have to just get us the hell out of here."
  
  He headed back to his friends only after he was sure Renquist would arrange 
  the rescue. Dawson came with him to see if he could provide anymore 
  assistance while they waited for the chopper.
  
  "Webb, what the hell happened to you?" Dawson said as he knelt down in front 
  of the agent.
  
  "They got in a lucky shot" Clay managed. "You getting us out of here or 
  what?"
  
  "Renquist is arranging it as we speak" Dawson said as he looked at Clay's 
  shoulder. "None too soon either."
  
  "Brooke honey" Ryan said softly as he gathered her into his arms.
  
  "Ryan" she murmured. "Are you okay?"
  
  "Yeah I'm fine. It's you I'm a little worried about. You're not doing so 
  good Lieutenant."
  
  "Don't feel good," she admitted. "How's Harm and Mac?"
  
  "Not good" Ryan sighed, able to see from where he was that they were both 
  unconscious. "But there's a chopper on the way and we're going to get you 
  out of here and taken care of."
  
  It was several long hours before the sound of two choppers could be heard 
  high above the trees and Ryan finally breathed a sigh of relief.
  
  "Okay honey, we're going to get you out of here" Ryan whispered as he lifted 
  Brooke into his arms. "We're going home." He gently carried her towards the 
  basket that was being lowered from one of the choppers.
  
  "Glad to see you" Ryan said to the Marine who came down with the basket.
  
  "Glad to help" the man replied. "You want me to take her?"
  
  "No I've got her" Ryan assured him, keeping his arms tightly around Brooke. 
  He carried her to the waiting basket before allowing the other man to make 
  sure she was properly strapped in. He held his breath as she was pulled up, 
  letting out a long sigh when she was pulled inside the chopper.
  He quickly turned to his other friends, reaching for Mac first and gently 
  lifting her into his arms.
  
  "Harm" she moaned.
  
  "We'll take care of him too" Ryan assured her. "You first."
  
  When everyone else was finally aboard the two choppers, Ryan took the rope 
  and was pulled up to the chopper with Brooke and Clay. He ignored the looks 
  of the others on the chopper as he reached for Brooke's hand, holding onto 
  it until they reached the Naval Air Station in Key West, Florida. She was 
  quickly taken to the base hospital with others and Ryan was finally forced 
  to relinquish his hold. He'd just started towards the waiting area when he 
  heard his name. He whirled around, surprised to see AJ waiting there.
  
  "Sir, what are you doing here?" Ryan asked.
  
  "I got word that there'd been some trouble" AJ replied. "Base CO thought I 
  might like to know that three of my officers were being airlifted here. And 
  if Webb wasn't already hurt, I'd string him up for this."
  
  "Sir, he saved my life" Ryan said quietly. "Go easy on him."
  
  "Well that's something considering everything else that happened" AJ sighed. 
  "What happened down there anyway?"
  
  "Long story sir. Let's just say nothing went as planned. And the three 
  people I'm closest to all got hurt."
  
  "Why don't you take this chance and get cleaned up Major. It's going to be a 
  while before we know anything," AJ said gently.
  
  "Sir, I'd rather wait and make sure they're okay."
  
  "They'll take good care of her Ryan" AJ said as he patted the young man's 
  shoulder. "I'll make sure of it. Now let's go see if they've got a shower 
  and spare uniform around here you can change into."
  
  "Sir" Ryan started.
  
  "That's an order Major" AJ said firmly. "I know you're worried about her but 
  she's in good hands now."
  
  "I'm worried about all of them sir" Ryan said quietly. "Harm and Mac weren't 
  doing real well. I just hope we got them out of there in time."
 
 "Sounds to me like you did everything you could Major," AJ told him, pressing a 
hand to his shoulder.  "Son sometimes things go bad in the field.  You know, just like 
they do in the courtroom.  I wasn't kidding about it being an order for you to get 
cleaned up.  You are a mess."
 
 "Thanks sir, for the encouragement, and thanks a helluva lot for the commentary on 
my appearance," he smiled slightly.  "I know I need a shower.  I'm just afraid to 
leave you know.  Afraid she won't be here when . .I mean that they. . ."  He 
floundered and looked helplessly to AJ.
 
 "I know exactly what you're trying to say.  It's not a secret.  Any more than Harm 
and Mac have been successfully able to hide their feelings all this time.  I'm just old, 
not blind.  If you and Lieutenant Hastings are finding something special. . .well I 
don't envy you having to do the job and live with that."
 
 "It's not going to be easy. It already isn't," he replied miserably.
 
 "Go, get cleaned up.  By the time you're once again acceptable company there may 
be some news.  Shower, change, something to eat and drink.  An order Major."
 
 AJ watched the young Marine amble down the hallway and sat down on the nearest 
bench.  "This is why partners don't get involved."
 
 "Admiral sir you asked me to tell you if any of your people were able to see you."  
The soft voice broke into his thoughts several minutes later and he looked up to see 
a young woman before him.  
 
 "I did.  How are they?
 
 "Both Commander Rabb and Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie are in surgery still.  But 
I understand they're hanging in there.  Lieutenant Hastings has been treated for her 
dehydration and fever and she perked up pretty quickly.  She's asking for Ryan.  Not 
you I assume sir?"
 
 "About twenty years ago maybe," he grinned.  "Show me please."
 
 Brooke was sitting up in bed and she strained at the sound of her door opening.  
"Sir?"  Her eyes opened as wide as they could.  "No sir, please.  My god you're here 
with bad news.  Is it Harm or Mac.  Or. . .no my god sir, don't let it be Ryan."
 
 "At ease Lieutenant," AJ smiled, nodding dismissal to the nurse.  "Your Ryan is fine 
first of all, as are Harm and Mac as far as I know."
 
 Brooke froze, her mouth half open.  "My Ryan?. . .I mean. . .Sir I mean sir. . .he and 
I. . ."
 
 AJ held up his hand to stop her stammering.  "Relax Lieutenant.  I just went around 
that block with him.  You and him do good work, and I want you partnered and on 
my staff.  And I know about the other. OK?"
 
 "Yes sir, thank you," she breathed.  "May I ask where he is."
 
 "I ordered him to make himself presentable," AJ smiled.  I don't think I'll be able to 
keep him long from you."
 
 She blushed at that but said nothing and a few minutes later, the object of her 
concern appeared, wearing hospital scrubs, having obviously showered, and 
carrying a large bottle of juice.
 
 "Brooke," he managed at the doorway before choking slightly.  "They told me you 
were awake and I was afraid to believe you were OK."  He took a step forward and 
stopped, nodding to AJ.  "Sir, she looks much better than she did a few hours back."
 
 "I'm sure she does.  OK Lieutenant you are in good hands now.  I'm off to see to the 
Commander and Colonel."
 
 Ryan sat on the edge of the mattress as AJ closed the door and once he was sure 
they were alone, carefully slipped his arms around her back and lifted her to him, 
pressing her against his chest and burying his face in her neck.  "I was so scared for 
you," he whispered, choking back a small sob.  "I was so scared you were going to. . 
.that I was going to lose you."
 
 "No way Squid," she whispered, her voice hoarse from the fever and dehydration.  
"I'm not going anywhere.  Not for a long time."
 
 "I wish you could promise me that," he sighed, his mouth to her ear.
 
 "All I can do is promise to take care of myself, and to let you take care of me some," 
she smiled.
 
 "You didn't belong out there."
 
 "Yes I did," she answered staunchly, feeling for his hand.  "I belong where you are.  
Off duty and on."
 :

 
  
  "I like that" he said softly. "Except the part about you being with me on 
  duty.  There's going to be times when I don't want you involved. Like this 
  mission."
  
  "Well I'm going to be anyway. We're partners remember?"
  
  "Yeah we are" he smiled softly. "Doesn't mean I want you putting your six on 
  the line all the time though."
  
  "But I've got you to watch it" she smiled back before her face dropped 
  again. "I hope Harm and Mac are going to be okay. Clay too. I owe him a lot 
  you know. He saved your life."
  
  "And he saved yours too" Ryan said quietly. "I guess he's not such a bad guy 
  after all."
  
  "He was only hitting on me to drive you crazy" Brooke giggled. "You know 
  that don't you. I'm sure Clayton Webb has women all over the world and he 
  doesn't need me."
  
  "Well it worked. I was ready to string him up. He knew we were together and 
  he still kept hitting on you. As for not wanting you, he'd have to be a fool 
  not to want you. You're smart, beautiful and the best partner in the world."
  
  "Careful Nichols you're getting sappy on me" she smiled.
  
  "Get used to it. And you need to get some rest. Wasn't too long ago that I 
  wasn't even sure you're were going to be okay."
  
  "I'm fine now. But I do want you to go check and see how Harm and Mac are. 
  I'm really scared for both of them."
  
  "I will but I'm going to stay here until you go back to sleep" he said as he 
  reached for her hand again. "I just need to know you're really okay."
  
  "I'm okay" she smiled as she squeezed his hand.  "But I won't complain if 
  you stay here."
  
  He did that until the even sound of her breathing told him she'd fallen back 
  asleep. After a gentle kiss to her lips he stood up and wandered out to the 
  hall to find AJ. He found him haunting the nurse's station and made his way 
  over to him.
  
  "Any word yet sir?" he asked.
  
  "Nothing yet" AJ sighed. "I just asked them to check again. How's Lt. 
  Hastings?"
  
  "Sleeping. I think she's going to be okay."
  
  "Yes she is. Now whether or not I'm going to survive is another question. I 
  thought Rabb and Mackenzie were going to push me over the deep end. Now I've 
  got you and Hastings to deal with too."
  
  "Sorry sir" Ryan grinned.
  
  "Yeah I bet you are" AJ smiled before frowning as he looked around for the 
  nurse. "And I swear I'm going to start taking names around here if someone 
  doesn't tell me how my people are."
  
  "Sorry Admiral" the nurse said as she hurried over to him.
  "Just tell me you have word on my people" AJ sighed.
  
  "Yes sir. Both of them are out of surgery and in recovery."
  
  "Are they going to be okay?" Ryan demanded.
  
  "We're working on getting their infections under control but we're 
  optimistic that they'll both be fine."
  
  "Thank god" Ryan murmured. "Is there any word on Mr. Webb?"
  
  "Mr. Webb was taken care of and has left already" the nurse replied. "There 
  was a helo waiting to take him back to DC."
  
  "I don't believe it" AJ muttered. "I guess I'll have to wait until I get 
  back to DC to strangle his scrawny little neck."
  
  "Can we see the Commander and the Colonel?" Ryan asked, more worried about 
  his friends than the CIA agent at that moment.
  
  "Sure, they're not together though of course."
  
  "You'd better fix that real soon" Ryan smiled. "Because as soon as one of 
  them wakes they're going to be screaming for the other."
  
  "Just what I need" the nurse sighed. "If you'll follow me I'll take you back 
  to see them."
  
  Ryan and AJ followed her back and she motioned to the two rooms where Harm 
  and Mac were before hurrying off.  With a long sigh Ryan headed into Mac's 
  room first, AJ right behind him. Their timing was perfect as she started to 
  stir when they walked into the room, Harm's name the first words from her 
  lips.
  
  "Easy Mac" Ryan soothed as he sat down beside her. "You're at Key West and 
  you're going to be okay."
  
  "Harm" she murmured as she forced her eyes open to look up at Ryan. "Harm. 
  Oh god, he's dead."
"No such thing," Ryan yelped at once.  "He's in the next room, trying to shake off his 
surgery, same as you."
 
 "Then why are you both standing here looking at me," she wailed.  "Go see him, tell 
him I. . .OK  no I'll tell him that myself, but please go to him and let me know he's 
OK. Or do I have to myself," and with that she began to push back her bedcovers.
 
 "Freeze Colonel," AJ ordered.  "You are at your duty station until your doctor says 
otherwise.  Major, go check on the Commander."
 
 "Yes sir," Ryan smiled, leaning down to kiss Mac's forehead at her hairline.  
 
 AJ patted her shoulder when they were alone.  "I guess you couldn't know that 
Perez is dead.  And with him dies a major part of that cartel.  Good work Colonel."
 
 "I just want Harm to be OK," she whispered, before remembering her 
professionalism.  "Sir, thank you. That's good news.  And Brooke and Clay, are they 
OK?"  
 
 "Lieutenant Hastings is sleeping comfortably and Mr. Webb has vanished ahead 
me of throttling him," AJ assured her.  "It's on my to do list for when we get back."
 
 Before she could answer, Ryan reappeared and strode over to the bed.  "Hey relax 
it's good news," he smiled in response to her sudden agitation.  "He's sleeping, but 
the nurse assured me his vitals are good and his white count is dropping.  Whatever 
the hell that means---but at least she was smiling when she said it."
 
 "He's OK?" she breathed, allowing herself a small sob before sniffling it down.
 
 "He's OK.  You can rest now."
 
 "Yes I can," she murmured, feeling drowsiness overcome her once again.
 
 When she awoke again it was hours later and she forced her eyes open.  The lights 
in the room had been dimmed, and she felt her hand being encased in another 
hand's warmth.  When she opened her mouth to speak, only a hoarse croak 
emerged, and a few seconds later she felt lips touch the corner of her mouth.  
"Ryan?"
 
 "Ryan?  Not quite.  At least I hope he doesn't do that to you."  Harm's voice.  Harm 
was beside her.  Harm was kissing her.  Harm was. . .  "Harm you can't just crawl 
into this bed with me," she murmured.
 
 "If I don't feel you in my arms soon and know for myself that you're all right I'm 
going to lose it totally," he whispered, his words separated by little gasps of pain as 
he got comfortable beside her.  "Are you objecting?"
 
 "Hell no," she sniffled, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by it all.  "Are you all right?  
The last thing I really remember is swearing you were going to die when Clay and 
Ryan laid you down by me."
 
 "Yeah, they cleaned up my back and I've got an IV line but it's on a long tether," he 
laughed lightly.  "I'm going to be fine, and so are you.  And very shortly, I'm going to 
show you what a romantic weekend is meant to be."
 
 "You think so do you Flyboy," she sighed, snuggling deeply into his chest.  "Well 
right now this is pretty romantic, and about as much as I think either of us is up to."
 
 His arm went protectively around her and their eyes closed, his last conscious 
thought being of the words he would say to her soon. . . very soon.    
      
================

JAG HQ's
2 WEEKS LATER
 4:30 PM EST
 
 "You sure your friend is going to help?" Harm asked Ryan again.
 
 "Harm, calm buddy" Ryan smiled. "Jimmy said he'll be able to keep Mac down 
 there for at least another hour. By the time she fights the traffic that's 
 plenty of time for us to take care of stuff."
 
 On cue Harm's phone rang and he quickly reached for it.
 
 "Rabb"
 
 "Hey it's me"
 
 "Mac, where are you?" Harm asked with a wink in Ryan's direction. "I thought 
 you'd be back by now."
 
 "Yeah so did I. But Major Reavis had a few more problems for me and I'm 
 still here. Probably will be for at least another hour or so. So I guess 
 I'll just meet you later."
 
 "Sounds like after your day you need dinner with a certain sailor" Harm said 
 softly and Ryan quickly exited his office. "And then a little TLC after 
 that."
 
 "I could handle that" Mac sighed. "Shall I go straight to your place?"
 
 "Yeah. I think Ryan and Brooke are going to stop over for dinner too. Course 
 then I'll throw them out so you and I can be alone."
 
 "You would wouldn't you" she smiled at the thought. "I'd better get going. 
 Sooner I wrap this up, the sooner I'll be home."
 
 "Drive safely" he said seriously. "And call me so I know when you'll be 
 home."
 
 "Yes sir" she replied. "See yah later sailor."
 
 "Bye Marine."
 
 He hung up and with a sigh leaned back in his chair, a small grimace 
 crossing his face as he did. It had been 2 weeks since they'd returned from 
 Key West following the debacle in the jungles of Panama and both he and Mac 
 were still healing from their wounds. Brooke had bounced back right away but 
 Ryan still hovered over her. There had been no word from the elusive Clayton 
 Webb except for a cryptic thank you to AJ for his people's help in bringing 
 down Perez. There had been no formal inquiry into Agent Wayne Rollins death, 
 the report simply stating he died as a result of the crash. Harm was pretty 
 sure Webb had been behind that, sure that they would have found that wasn't 
 really case. He done his best to block out the image of strangling the life 
 out of the man, but Wayne Rollins had already started to haunt his 
 nightmares.
 
 "Harm, you okay?" Ryan asked as he walked back into Harm's office.
 
 "Yeah I'm fine" Harm said with a forced smile.
 
 "For a man who's about to plan the most romantic weekend of his life you 
 don't look very happy all of a sudden" Ryan commented as he sat down. 
 "Something you need to talk about?"
 
 "No" Harm sighed. "Nothing important anyway."
 
 "Liar"
 
 "I'm still your superior officer Mr. Nichols" Harm reminded him.
 
 "Yes sir. And I apologize for that sir. But if there's something wrong, I'd 
 like to help."
 
 "I don't think anyone can help with this" Harm said quietly. "But thanks for 
 the offer."
 
 "We ready to go?" Brooke asked as she breezed into Harm's office.
 
 "I'm ready" Harm said as he pushed himself up out of the chair. "Where are 
 we going again?"
 
 "Georgetown Mall Victoria's Secret" Brooke smiled. "You said you wanted 
 something nice for Mac."
 
 "Frederick's of Hollywood has nice stuff" Ryan grinned and Brooke gave him a 
 playful swat.
 
 "Yes but Victoria's is nicer. And more romantic. Harm doesn't want her to 
 get her something the Playboy Playmate would wear."
 
 "I don't" Harm smiled as the picture of Mac in some revealing lingerie 
 flashed through his mind.
 
 "See this is why you needed me to come" Brooke sighed. "Left to you and 
 Ryan, you'd probably pick out some leopard print thing that would be 
 anything but romantic."
 
 "Okay Lt., I'm trusting you on this one" Harm said as he reached for his 
 coat.
 
 An hour later they were at Victoria's Secret, Harm suddenly wondering if 
 maybe he shouldn't have let Brooke pick something out without his help.
 
 "Ryan, you know we're the only guys in here" Harm whispered as they walked 
 through the store.
 
 "Yeah and that tall blonde saleslady over there hasn't taken her eyes off of 
 you since you walked in" Ryan laughed. "And here she comes."
 
 "Can I help you?" she purred.
 
 "I'm just trying to find the right something for a special lady" Harm said 
 sheepishly.
 
 "Your mother?" the saleslady smiled.
 
 "No his girlfriend" Brooke said as she grabbed Harm's arm. "And thank you, 
 but I think we can handle it ourselves."
 
 "Whatever" the saleslady said as she walked away.
 
 "Bimbo" Brooke muttered under her breath much to Ryan and Harm's amusement.

"You're cute when you're indignant," Ryan laughed, ruffling her hair affectionately.

"Quit that," she ordered, smacking his hand away, "Naval officers are not cute--not 
when they're in uniform."

"You're cute all the time," he persisted.  

"Don't talk to me."

Harm meanwhile stood in the center of the floor.  "OK, this was a bad idea.  I had no 
idea there was so much to choose from and I'm starting to feel like a fool--like I'm 
planning a seduction here," he whispered.

"Aren't you?" Ryan demanded laughing, raising an eyebrow suggestively to Brooke 
at the same time.

"That's talking to me," she muttered.

"Actually I'm just trying to show her how I feel about her," he sighed.  "Whether 
that's going to lead to. . .you know. . .I have no preconceived notion."  He turned to 
Brooke, "OK help me out here.  If someone who loved you was going to give you 
something like this, what would you want it to be?"

With a sidelong glance to Ryan, Brooke wrapped a hand around his arm.  "None of 
this crotchless stuff.  You want something soft and nice.  Think wedding night here."

"Hey whoa we're not ready for that," he yelped.

"Oh geez Harm I just said think it, not act it out," she groaned.  "Look this way.  See 
those soft gowns in the pastels and then those dark colors.  Something like that."

"Somehow I picture her more in camouflage."

"And maybe that's why it's taken you all these years to get this far.  She's a Marine 
of course, and a damn good one, but she's a woman too, and on a weekend like 
this, that's the side she'd want you to see.  Trust me.  I'm right here."

"Well I'm sailing into waters I've never been," he wailed.  "I've never been in love 
before."

"Well neither have I," she laughed, which was followed by another look at Ryan, who 
flushed in sudden and obvious discomfort but was spared answering by the same 
sales lady.  

"These are lovely," she gushed.  "And size is not a big issue here.  Is she light 
complexioned?"

"No olive tones, dark hair," Brooke spoke up, her eyes now on Ryan, who made a 
point of looking away.

"Then something dark and luscious," the woman smiled, "she can wear a rich color 
like this blue or burgundy."

"The red I think," Harm said, looking from one to the other.

"Burgundy."

"Right.  I'll take it."  He followed her to the cash register while Brooke walked to 
Ryan.  

"Hey are you OK?  You got kind of strange and spacey on me Major."

"Of course I'm fine," he protested sharply.  "I just had some stuff on my mind that's 
all."

"All right.  Excuse me," she said softly, moving away from him.

He watched her go with a long sigh, knowing his tone had been hurtful, and stood 
undecided whether to go after her.

"OK, we're outta here," Harm called before he could make up his mind. "And I can 
thank God for that.  I've had opposing counsel meetings that weren't this hard."

Brooke came quickly at his summons, avoiding Ryan's eyes.  

"When you care for someone as much as you do Mac," Ryan said slowly, making 
sure Brooke heard him, "it's natural that you want it to be perfect, and it can't always 
be.  But that doesn't mean you don't always want that."

   "Okay, what did I miss?" Harm asked as he looked at the two.
  
  "Nothing" Brooke said quietly.
  
  "I was being a jerk" Ryan sighed. "Which happens more often than not."
  
  "No, I'm just being oversensitive" Brooke said softly. "You didn't do 
  anything wrong."
  
  "Good. Now that that's settled let's go get dinner before Mac wonders what 
  we've been doing for the past hour. Not that she'd ever suspect we went 
  shopping at Victoria's Secret."
  
  As he spoke his cell phone rang and he pulled it out of his coat.
  
  "Rabb"
  
  "Hi handsome. Where you at? I tried you at home but there was no answer."
  
  "Uh, I had to stop at the store for some stuff," Harm said quickly, 
  motioning for Brooke and Ryan to be quiet.  "I'm on my way home now."
  
  "Is dinner going to be ready when I get there?" Mac asked.
  
  "How soon will you be there?"
  
  "I just left Quantico."
  
  "It'll be ready" he promised. "You're coming straight to my place right?"
  
  "Yes sir. And I'm starving too so whatever you're cooking better be good."
  
  "It will be. Drive safely."
  
  He hung up and let out a long sigh. "That was close. Good thing she didn't 
  call five minutes earlier."
  
  "So what else do you have planned for this big romantic weekend?" Brooke 
  asked as they walked back to the car.
  
  "A night at the Willard" Harm smiled.
  
  "You're kidding" Ryan gasped. "Do you know how expensive that place is?"
  
  "Harm, that's so perfect" Brooke gushed.
  
  "Wait you haven't heard the best part" Harm smiled. "I'm not just getting 
  any room. I've reserved one of their suites."
  
  "Man, you really are going all out" Ryan whistled. "Those suites are major 
  bucks."
  
  "And she's worth every penny" Harm said softly.
  
  "When are you going to tell that woman you love her?" Brooke prodded gently.
  
  "Soon" Harm sighed. "I told myself after what happened in Panama that I 
  would tell her. I keep thinking of how much time we've already wasted. God 
  knows we can't keep getting all these second chances." He paused and looked 
  at the pair. "And I hope that you two learn from our mistakes and don't let 
  stupid things keep you from being together. Because things like Panama 
  happen from time to time and sometimes you just don't get this many 
  chances."
  
  He climbed into the SUV and waited while Brooke and Ryan stood outside.
  
  "I'm sorry I snapped at you" Ryan said softly.
  
  "And I'm sorry I acted like I did. But sometimes I get the feeling you're 
  holding back on me. That there's something you don't want to share with me."
  
  "It's complicated Brooke" Ryan sighed. "I promise when the time is right 
  I'll tell you about it."
  
  "Someone hurt you didn't they?" she whispered as she traced his cheek with 
  her finger. "Really bad."
  
  "Yeah they did" Ryan said quietly. "But we'd better get going. We'll talk 
  about this later."
  
  "Promise?"
  
  "Yeah. I'm just not ready to share all that yet. But that doesn't mean I 
  don't want to. It's just something I've buried for a long time and it's not 
  easy to think about again."
  
  "Okay, I wont pressure you" she said softly. "When you're ready, you'll 
  tell me."
  
  "Thanks. You mean a lot to me Brooke. Please dot forget that."
  
  She nodded and they both climbed into the SUV.
  
  "Everything okay?" Harm asked as he turned around to look at them.
  
  "Yeah I think so," Ryan said as he reached for Brooke's hand.  To his relief 
  she didn't pull away, instead giving his hand a small squeeze back.
  
  A quick stop at the local supermarket yield them a pre-made meal that Harm 
  quickly popped into the oven to warm before Mac's arrival. He'd hid the box 
  from Victoria's Secret under his bed and was setting the table for dinner 
  when Mac knocked on his door.
  
  "Starving Marine for dinner" she said with a tired smile.
  
  "You look beat" he fretted as he led her inside, taking her coat off before 
  enveloping her in a large hug. "You know you're supposed to be taking it 
  easy too."
  
  "I am. Today was just a little longer than I expected. Dinner smells 
  wonderful though."
  
  "Have a seat then" he said as he finally let go over her. "Guys, dinner's 
  ready."
  
  "How was Quantico?" Ryan asked between bites of stuffed manicotti.
  
  "A mess" Mac sighed. "I think they miss you down there Major."
  
  "Major Reavis wasn't much into organization" Ryan smiled.
  
  "Worse than Mac?" Harm teased.
  
  "Hey, I know what all the piles on my desk are. And at least they're all on 
  my desk. Major Reavis has no clue where anything is."
  
  "That's Jimmy" Ryan laughed.
  
  "So how was the afternoon at JAG?" Mac asked. "Did I miss anything 
  exciting?"
  
  "No" Brooke smiled. "Pretty quiet actually."
  
  As soon as dinner was over Ryan and Brooke quickly exited, knowing Harm 
  wanted some time alone with Mac.
  
  "Boy you didn't even have to throw them out" Mac commented when they were 
  gone. "What's up with those two?"
  
  "Lover's tifts" Harm smiled. "You know how young love is."
 
 "Not really," she giggled.  "At least not from experience."
 
 "You've been in love."
 
 "No."
 
 "No?  Never?  As in not ever to include the present time?"
 
 She smiled slyly.  "Don't put words in my mouth Stickboy."
 
 "OK, but this is a conversation we're going to re-visit.  You want a movie?"
 
 "Actually no.  I'm not up to concentrating on anything."
 
 "Are you OK?"  His concern was immediate.  "You had a bad afternoon down there 
didn't you?  And you're still not a hundred percent.  Your leg is hurting you isn't it?"
 
 "So many questions," she smiled.  "Yeah they're under the gun down there for the 
accident on the range, but I'm not sure I'm going to be much help.  Negligence is 
hard to prove in this case.  And thank you yes my leg is hurting and I'm tired and I'm 
whiny.  And right now just flopping on that sofa, turning on some music and not 
moving is very appealing."
 
 "You want arms around you while this is happening?"
 
 "Always Sailor, always," she replied, and he helped her to the sofa, making a large 
show of lifting her leg onto the table and tucking a pillow under it before turning on 
the stereo and settling next to her.
 ===================
 Ryan had fallen totally silent while they picked up his car and he drove Brooke to 
her apartment.  After a few attempts to engage him in conversation, she gave up 
and simply rested her hand on his leg, letting him know she was there.
 
 "Sorry, I'm not much company tonight," he said softly.  
 
 "You want to talk?" she offered gently.  "You know there shouldn't be anything you 
and I can't talk about."
 
 "I do, but just not yet," he replied.  "And I want things between us to be that way.  I 
just need to get a better handle on it myself that's all; and besides it wouldn't be the 
first time I'm fretting for no good reason."
 
 "OK."  She pressed her hand more firmly against him, and he lifted it to his lips to 
grace the palm with a soft kiss as he pulled up in front of her place.  
 
 "I'm going to walk you up, but I'm going to head on then I think," he told her.  "You 
need your rest and I need to brood.  I won't be good company."
 
 She took a long breath for courage and asked almost inaudibly.  "Is it me?"
 
 "Oh god no," he yelped at once.  "In fact you are the best thing I've got going in my 
life.  No this is a thing from before--before you, before JAG, before Quantico even 
and I can't shake it.  What I don't know is if I'm going to have to deal with it or if it's 
just going to go away quietly."
 
 "We."
 
 "Excuse me?"
 
 "Don't shut me out Major," she begged.  "If there's something eating at you, then 
we--as in you and I--can handle it together."
 
 "Thanks," he whispered, traces of a genuine smile for the first time that evening.  "I 
thought earlier I was handling it OK, but it's bothering me."
 
 "Just promise me you'll let me help."
 
 He shook is head.  "No promise.  Because this may be something I need to take 
care of alone."
 
 "Are you in trouble Ryan?"  Her blue eyes pierced him even in the dim light of the 
car.
 
 "No.  Not that I know of," he assured her.  "And I aim to keep it that way.  Come on 
let's get you upstairs."
 
 He helped her from the car and up the one flight, then waited while she unlocked 
the door and turned on the lights.  "Good night honey," he whispered.  "And I meant 
what I said."
 
 "About?" she frowned.
 
 "About you being the best thing I've got in my life," he whispered, cupping the back 
of her head with his palm to bring her to him for a soft kiss.
 
 "I want to help," she insisted, feeling a sudden urge toward tearfulness.
 
 "I know, but right now there's not a thing you can do, I do promise you that.  Good 
night."
 
 Before she could object further he was gone and she closed the door, leaning 
against it and feeling like she was about to lose her best friend.
 ================
 As the evening wore on and the music played in the background, Mac's responses 
gradually lessened until she was heavy with drowsiness in his arms.  "No way are 
you driving across DC tonight," he told her firmly.  
 
 "No I'm OK," she protested, though she made no move to get up.
 
 "Yes of course you're OK.  You're just dead on your ass and you'd be a hazard to 
yourself and the rest of the idiots on the road," he retorted.  "Now I'm going to get 
you something to sleep in and you're taking the bed.  Your partner is optional back 
there."
 
 "If I'm going to stay I want you beside me," she murmured.
 
  "I can arrange that" he said as he gently helped her to her feet. He led her 
  to the bedroom and to the bed before rummaging through his drawers for some 
  sweats and a long t-shirt.
  
  "You need help changing?' he asked.
  
  "I think I can manage" she smiled tiredly. "But I'll holler if I need any 
  help."
  
  "Please do" he grinned. "I'll be back in a few to tuck you in."
  
  He waited until she opened the bedroom door again before heading back in.
  
  "Need anything else?" he asked softly as he sat down on the side of the bed.
  
  "Just your arms around me" she murmured.
  
  He stripped down to his boxers before joining her on the bed. He slipped his 
  arms around, gently bringing her against him.
  
  "Night Sarah" he whispered as he kissed her forehead.
  
  "Night Harm."
  
  She was asleep almost immediately but Harm tossed and turned before finally 
  giving up. He gently slid away from her and off the bed and to the living 
  room. He turned on the TV, turning the volume down low so as not to wake 
  her. For the next hour he flipped channels before finally falling asleep in 
  the chair. But his sleep was anything but peaceful, immediately disturbed by 
  visions of Wayne Rollins.
  
  "Murderer" the face screamed at him.
  
  "No. You hurt Mac" Harm yelled back. "You were going to kill her."
  
  "Murderer" Rollins face screamed again.
  
  "No" Harm screamed. "You hurt Mac. I had to kill you."
  
  Harm's screams pulled Mac from her slumber and at once she sat up in bed. 
  She quickly realized he wasn't in the bed with her and she hurried out to 
  the living room.
  
  "Harm" she called as she hurried out to the living room.
  
  "Had to kill you," Harm yelled as she reached him.
  
  "Harm wake up" she said as she gave him a gentle shake. "It's just a 
  nightmare."
  
  Another gentle shake and he finally opened his eyes and looked up at her.
  
  "You okay?" Mac asked softly.
  
  "Yeah" he managed after a deep breath.
  
  "Rollins?" she asked and he nodded as he looked away.
  
  "Harm you need to talk about this" she said gently.  "You and I are the only 
  people who know what really happened that day."
  
  "No I don't," he said as shook his head.  "Not now anyway. I'd rather just 
  go back to bed and hold you in my arms."
  
  "Okay, I'll let this go for now" she sighed as he stood up and wrapped his 
  arm around her.  "But we'll address this again if these nightmares 
  continue."
  
  "Yes ma'am. Now let's get you back in bed."
  
  ******************
  JAG HQ's
  2 Days Later
  
  "Looking pretty low there Lieutenant." Harm commented as he found Brooke in the 
law library. "Any reason you're hiding out in here?"
  
  "Doing research sir" Brooke said without looking up at him.
  
  "Okay, spill it" Harm said as he gently lowered himself onto the hard wooden 
  chair. "You and Ryan have barely talked to each other since the other night. 
  What's going on?"
  
  "Sir, I'd rather not talk about it" she sighed. "I appreciate the offer but 
  I don't think I should be talking to you about this."
  
  "You'd rather talk to Mac right?" he smiled.
  
  "Yes, no, I don't know" she groaned as she slammed the law book shut.
  
  "Why don't you try me first? You might be surprised."
  
  "It's just that, well you're his friend too and I kind of feel funny talking 
  about him with you."
  
  "Brooke you have to talk to someone. You've been moping around this place 
  and that's not healthy. Course maybe the person you should talk to is Ryan."
  
  "Yeah like that's going to happen" she scoffed.
  
  "So this is about him. And something he's done or maybe hasn't done?"
  
  "There's something he's holding back" Brooke sighed. "Something he doesn't 
  want to tell me about for god knows what reason. He says it's something he 
  needs to handle on his own."
  
  "You don't think he's in some kind of trouble do you?" Harm asked.
  
  "He says no. That's it just something from his past that he needs to take 
  care of. And that's the most he would say. And now he's shut me out 
  completely."
  
  "Well you hiding down here isn't going to help" Harm smiled. "And it's 
  almost noon and since my partner is still stuck at Quantico I'd love company 
  for lunch. We can even invite Ryan along. I'll see if I can get any clue 
  what's up with him."
  
  "Thanks Harm" Brooke smiled. "You're a pretty good guy."
  
  "Yeah well keep that to yourself" he teased. "Come on, let's go see where 
  that partner of yours is."
  
  They headed back upstairs; Brooke heading towards Ryan's office while Harm 
  went to his to see if Mac had called. Ryan had his back to the door, turned 
  in his chair looking outside. Brooke was about to knock when she realized he 
  was on the phone.
  
  "Kelly, I asked you not to call me here" he hissed into the phone. He paused 
  as he listened and Brooke couldn't pull herself away. "Kelly, calm down. 
  I'll do what I can do. But can we talk about this another time. How about 
  tonight over dinner?"
  
 Brooke's hand went to her mouth to stifle any noise and she fled across the bullpen, 
nearly colliding with Harm who was just coming for her.  "Nothing from Mac," he 
frowned, taking a good look at her.  She was as upset as he believed he had ever 
seen her in the short time he had known her. 
 
 "Brooke what's wrong?" he whispered, at the same time taking her arm, wanting to 
remove any personal problems from the general purview of the staff.
 
 "Ryan," she got out.
 
 "That much I could have guessed," he hissed, holding her arm firmly and taking her 
into his office.  "Sit Lieutenant.  Sit and calm down."
 
 "I don't know if I want to talk about it," she told him softly, accepting the kleenex he 
offered and wiping her face.
 
 "Then don't, but you can't be upset in front of the staff," he chided her.  "So just 
relax there until you can calm down."
 
 She nodded and dabbed at her eyes, taking long breaths.  "OK thanks.  I've got it 
now," she said after a few minutes, starting to get up only to have Harm wave her 
back down.
 
 "Sit Lieutenant.  That's not a request."
 
 "Yes sir," she sighed, staring out the window.
 
 Harm worked quietly for the next fifteen minutes, the only sound in the office being 
an occasional sigh from the pretty Lieutenant.
 
 There was a knock on the door and Ryan opened it in response to Harm's bidding.  
"Lunch you guys?  No Mac?  Brooke what's wrong?"  He saw her distress at once 
and closing the door went to kneel by her chair, putting his hand on her arm.  
"Brooke honey, what's wrong?"
 
 "Nothing I want to talk about right now," she told him rising stiffly and turning to 
Harm.  "Sir, permission to be dismissed?"
 
 Harm nodded, his gaze fixed on Ryan.  "Sit Major," he ordered when they were 
alone.  "OK, no way am I going to insist on getting between you two especially in the 
office.  But whatever's going on needs to be straightened out.  So far it's only me 
noticing because the Admiral is wrapped up in budget hearings, but you don't want 
him wondering if you two working together is not working out."
 
 "Yes sir," Ryan nodded stiffly.  "But sir, I really don't know what happened.  I mean I 
haven't hardly seen her all morning."
 
 "Are you dealing with something you're not sharing with her?"
 
 "Yes sir," he answered sadly, "but only because I just don't see a need to involve 
her."
 
 "OK, but you've got people around you who care about you, and one who cares a 
whole helluva lot," Harm reminded him.  "Don't try to handle it alone if it's too big.  
And for godsake remember you're upsetting and scaring her."
 
 "I guess I'll just have to handle it as I see fit," he answered with a touch of defiance.  
"I'm keeping it out of the office, and she needs to do the same before as you say, 
we're not able to work together.  Permission to be dismissed please."
 
 "Go.  By all means," Harm told him in frustration. 
 
 Another hour passed and Harm looked across at Brooke in her office, now standing 
listlessly at the window.  Picking up a case file, he strode to her office.  "Lieutenant," 
he called softly opening the partly ajar door.  
 
 "I'm OK."
 
 "Good because I have something that needs to be done.  You feel like taking a ride 
and then going home from there?"
 
 "Yes sir, please," she said eagerly.
 
 "OK, I need Mrs. Flanders signature on this depositions.  She's out in Culpeper.  
Too infirm to come in.  There's a map in the file."
 
 "Yes I'd love to," she smiled.  "Maybe a little fresh air will clear my head."
 
 "You should tell Ryan where you're going," he pointed out as he was leaving.  "He'll 
wonder where you are come dinner."
 
 She was silent as she cleaned up her desk and slipped her coat on.  "The major 
has dinner plans and won't be missing me in the slightest," she finally said as she 
pushed past an astonished Commander Rabb.
  
 For a moment he stood there before shaking his head. "Young love" he groaned 
 as he looked into Ryan's office. He was on his way to Ryan's office when his 
 phone rang and he hurried to grab it.
 
 "Rabb"
 
 "Bad day sailor?"
 
 "Mac, you have no idea how good it is to hear you voice" he sighed as he 
 sunk into his chair.
 
 "Something wrong?" she asked.
 
 "Only a small lovers quarrel that is threatening to become a big lovers 
 quarrel" Harm sighed. "And before you ask, yes I'm sticking my nose into 
 stuff that isn't my business but I'm only doing it because I'm trying to 
 save them the Admiral's wrath."
 
 "What have I missed?"
 
 "There's something going on with Major Nichols. And whatever it is he's 
 keeping it from Brooke who's about to lose it. She did earlier but luckily 
 the Admiral is at the budget hearings today."
 
 "Sounds like you're got your hands full up there sailor" Mac smiled. "So 
 what did you do with them?"
 
 "I sent Brooke to get Mrs. Flanders signatures on the depositions for the 
 Burkowitz case. I figured they both needed some time away before one of them 
 exploded."
 
 "Smart move. See you're pretty good at this parenting stuff."
 
 "Was it this bad with Bud and Harriet?" Harm sighed.
 
 "Yes. How could you forget?"
 
 "I'm getting to old for this" he groaned. "Tell me you're coming back soon. 
 Cause Brooke was pretty upset when she left her. Said something about Ryan 
 having dinner plans elsewhere and they he wouldn't care if she was around or 
 not. And I'm way over my head here and I need your help."
 
 "Okay calm down squid. I'll be finishing up here soon. I'll just stop at 
 Brooke's on my way home and make sure she's okay."
 
 "Guess that means you're not coming to my place?" he pouted.
 
 "I could be persuaded" she smiled. "But I thought you were worried about 
 Brooke."
 
 "I am. But I miss you."
 
 "I miss you too sailor" she said softly. "I'll call you later."
 
 The rest of the afternoon passed quietly, with Ryan slipping out before Harm 
 got a chance to talk to him about whatever was going on. He made a mental 
 note to corner the young man first thing in the morning and talk to him 
 about whatever was going on.
 
 He was on his way out to the elevator when Tiner called for him.
 
 "Sir, it's Lt. Hastings" Tiner yelled. "She sounds upset."
 
 He hurried back to Tiner's desk, grabbing the phone from him. "Lt., what's 
 wrong?"
 
 "Sir, I had a small accident" she sniffled.
 
 "How small?" Harm demanded. "Are you okay?"
 
 "I think so" she managed as she took a deep breath for calm. "They want me 
 to go to the hospital and get checked but I don't need to."
 
 "Where are you?"
 
 "Just outside Culpeper sir" she sniffled again. "I'm going to need a ride 
 home. The car isn't derivable."
 
 "I want you to let them take you to the hospital and then I'll come and pick 
 you up. That's an order Lt."
 
 "Yes sir" she sighed. "I'm sorry about this."
 
 "Nothing to be sorry about. I'll be there as soon as I can." He hung up just 
 as he heard footsteps behind him.
 
 "Be where?"
 
 "Mac" he sighed as he turned and saw her standing there. "I am so glad to 
 see you. Brooke was in an accident."
 
 "How bad was she hurt?" Mac asked.
 
 "I don't think too bad but I told her to let them take her to the hospital 
 and get checked. And I need to go pick her up since the car isn't 
 derivable."
 
 "Where's Ryan?" Mac asked as she looked around.
 
 "He skipped out early. There's something going on with him and I'm going to 
 find out what it is tomorrow."
 
 "Well right now, let's get Brooke and make sure she's okay. We'll worry 
 about the rest later."
 
 He nodded and moments later they were on their way to Culpeper.
 
 "So any clue what's up with Ryan?" Mac asked.
 
 "None. But if he's seeing someone else on the side, he's going to be one 
 sorry Marine."
 
 "Down big brother" Mac smiled. "First off, I'm sure he's not. I'd pretty 
 well stake my career that he's in love with Brooke But if he is cheating on 
 her, I get first dibs at him."
 
" Well something is wrong," he persisted.  "In your professional capacity as a 
woman, he does love her am I right?"

"Yes counselor, he does," she answered with a quick laugh.  "And she him.  But that 
doesn't mean it's all wine and roses.  How long have you and me. . .OK no I'm not 
going there.  Sticking to the subject, yes he loves her and she him, but there's things 
to overcome."

"There shouldn't be," he muttered.

"Harm would you listen to yourself," she sputtered.  "We've been together how long-
--and we're still not. . ."  Her voice trailed off and she shrugged and looked away, 
only to feel his hand on her shoulder.

"You don't doubt how I feel about you do you?  I know we haven't really. . .well 
talked about it much but I've tried to be. . .tried to show you. . ." he realized how 
much he was stammering and stopped speaking, moving his hand to rub his 
knuckles across the cheek as best he could reach.  "Sarah?"

Hearing the plea in his voice, she turned back to him, catching his hand and kissing 
the palm.  "Relax Flyboy, we're fine.  We're especially fine compared to this time last 
year when I was engaged to a man I knew I didn't love and you and Renee were. . 
.well whatever you guys were doing."

"It wasn't being what she wanted me to be, that's for damn sure," he muttered.  "Not 
possible, not with you flaunting that ring."

"I did not," she gasped.  "I thought I was very discreet."

"That diamond was an inch big surrounded by twelve neon flashing baguettes or 
whatever the hell those things are called," he laughed.  "It doesn't matter.  Renee 
and Mic are gone, just part of our pasts.  And god knows we both have parts we 
don't want emblazoned in the annals of glory."

"You got that right," she sighed.  "It's Ryan and Brooke we should be concerned 
about."

"I just don't want to see him hurt her," he said softly, changing the subject easily.  
"After that they have to find their own way."
================
CULPEPER COUNTY HOSPITAL
40 Mins. later

"Brooke here we are," Mac called, hurrying through the doors of the ER and spotting 
her at once standing by the window looking somewhat lost and alone.

"Hey are you OK?" Harm demanded, spotting the wrap on her wrist.  "Is that 
broken?"

"No it's not.  The airbag hit it is all, but it feels like it is," she said softly, just enough 
hint of tears in her voice that Harm gave her a quick brotherly hug.  

"I'm sorry," she whispered as she pulled away from him.  "At least it happened after I 
did the job.  This car crowded me off the road.  I saw them in my rear-view and I 
wanted to let them by me but there wasn't enough room and when I tried the right 
wheels went off the road into a ditch."

"Just put it in your report," Harm ordered.  "That's what the Navy overpays for 
insurance to take care of.  It's much more important that you're OK."

"Yeah but I wish Ryan. . ." she sniffled.  "Could we go?  They gave me something 
for the pain and it's making me very out of it."

"Of course but you're coming back to my place," Mac told her, taking her arm as 
Harm took the other.  "If you're on that kind of medication you don't need to be 
alone."
 
"I'm not good company ma'am" Brooke sighed.
 
 "You're not coming to keep me company Brooke. You're coming so I can make 
 sure you're okay."
 
 "I'm fine. I'm just a little woozy."
 
 "Exactly why you shouldn't be home alone" Mac chided her gently as she 
 helped her into the car.
 
 Brooke fell asleep almost immediately, the combination of the painkiller and 
 the motion of the car quickly lulling her to sleep.
 
 "She's had a rough day hasn't she?" Mac said softly.
 
 "Yeah and in the morning I'm going to find out who Ryan was going out with. 
 And then we're setting these two straight."
 
 "Harm" Mac sighed.
 
 "Mac, it's us or the Admiral. And I'm sure they'd rather have us than the 
 Admiral."
 
 "True. He barely survived putting up with us. I don't think he has much 
 patience left to deal with them now."
 
 "Exactly why we're going to meddle and get this straightened out."
 
 "You're so cute Rabb" Mac smiled.
 
 "You think so" he smiled back. "Uh, I've been meaning to ask you something."
 
 "I'm listening. Spill it sailor."
 
 "Do you have any plans for this weekend?"
 
 "Well, there's this handsome sailor that I've been spending some time with 
 recently" she teased. "And I'm not sure if he wants to do anything this 
 weekend or not."
 
 "He, uh, would like to have a certain Marine's company for the weekend" Harm 
 stammered.
 
 "The entire weekend?" Mac asked.
 
 "Yes ma'am."
 
 "Do I get any clues as to what said Marine and Sailor would be doing on this 
 weekend?"
 
 "No. You'll just have to trust that handsome sailor" he smiled. "So does it 
 sound okay?"
 
 "As long as we're not camping in the jungle again, I'd love to spend the 
 weekend with you."
 
 "Trust me, it's a lot nicer than the jungle" Harm assured her. "A lot 
 nicer."
 
 Brooke finally stirred as Harm pulled into the JAG parking lot.
 
 "Come on Lt." Harm said as he gently helped her from the car, keeping a firm 
 arm around her waist as he led her to Mac's car.
 
 "My car" Brooke mumbled.
 
 "You'll drive it home tomorrow when you're awake" Harm assured her. "For now 
 it will be fine in the parking lot."
 
 "Thanks sailor" Mac said once he'd gotten Brooke inside.
 
 "You want me to follow you back to your place?" Harm asked.
 
 "I think we'll be okay but thanks for the offer. I'll see you tomorrow."
 
 "Don't forget about this weekend" Harm smiled as he walked back to his car.
 
 "No way" she smiled back.
 
 ******************
 JAG HQ's
 Next Morning
 
 "Harm, hey have you seen Brooke?" Ryan asked as Harm stepped off the 
 elevator. "Her car is here but I haven't seen her."
 
 "She's not here" Harm replied. "Mac drove her home last night."
 
 "Why?" Ryan demanded. "Is she okay? Did something happen to her?"
 
 "Do you care?" Harm countered.
 
 "You know damn well I do" Ryan retorted.
 
 "Then what's going on with you? Because you sure as hell haven't been acting 
 like you care about her."
 
 "I've had some other things on my mind" Ryan sighed.
 
 "Like another woman?"
 
 "NO" Ryan shouted. "At least not the way you're thinking sir" he added 
 quietly. "But right now that's not important, I want to know what happened 
 to Brooke."
 
 Before Harm could reply the elevator doors opened again and Mac and Brooke 
 stepped off.  At once Ryan saw the wrap around Brooke's wrist and hurried 
 over to her.
 
 "Brooke what happened? Are you okay?"
 
 "Yeah I'm fine," she said quietly. "If you'll excuse me, I have things to 
 take care of."
 
 She left him standing in the bullpen staring after her and he turned to 
 Harm.
 
 "What happened to her?"
 
 "She was in an accident last night" Harm informed him. "Fortunately nothing 
 serious. Mac and I went to Culpeper to pick her up and she stayed at Mac's 
 last night."

Ryan's face went visibly white and he gripped the nearest desk to steady himself.  
"Accident?  My god how close a call did she have and what was she doing out there 
alone and why wasn't I informed?"

"Breathe major," Mac ordered, turning a wary eye to AJ's office and glad it was 
empty.  "It wasn't a serious accident but of course we can say that now--yes it could 
have been a lot worse had the car actually hit her and not just forced her off the 
road."

"Well that makes me feel a whole helluva lot better," he hissed.  "Why wasn't I. . ."

"You were not home remember," Harm reminded him.  "She in fact expressed a 
wish that you were there because she as pretty shook up."

"Ouch," he sighed and a moment later some of his defiance returned.  "But I had 
something to take care of and why the hell was she there alone anyway?"

"Major," Harm began and took his arm, leading him to his office, Mac following 
closely.  "Major, let's remember that regardless of your feelings for the woman, she 
is a Naval Officer and she's on staff here.  The assignment did not require two 
people.  There was nothing inherently dangerous about it."

"You wouldn't have sent Mac alone," he retorted petulantly.

"Major Nichols, be at ease before I'm forced to note your insubordination," Harm 
said calmly.  "And listen up.  Whatever's wrong with you two needs to be settled or 
removed from this office at the minimum before one of you is booted out of here."

"You're right sir.  On the spot correction noted. Plus I'd be making it hard for the 
Admiral to live with you and the Colonel's relationship.  I apologize for that."  Ryan 
looked so miserable that Harm put a big brotherly hand on his shoulder.

"The Admiral wouldn't judge us from your mistakes--he's too fair for that.  But he's 
also not going to allow you and Brooke to disrupt the good order and discipline 
around here."

Ryan nodded his understanding. "I need to go talk to her. . .don't I?"  He looked to 
Harm who threw up his hands.

"Hey I don't even pretend to understand these women," he laughed.  "That question 
is better asked of the Colonel here."

"Oh take her some coffee," Mac laughed as well.  "The worst she can do is throw it 
at you.  And coffee doesn't stain khaki."

"I can do that," he said, however uncertainly.

"Suck it up Marine," Mac told him as he went out the door.

"Are those two going to be all right," Harm frowned anxiously.

"Yeah I think so," she answered after a minute.  "You know you and I didn't have 
anyone in our corner and we weathered a lot to get to where we are now."

"I know," he yelped, "and that's the kind of heartache and stupidity I'm trying to get 
them to avoid."

"Heartache?" she laughed and shook her head, making her way to the door.  "Lord 
god Sailor you're turning in to a sappy Harlequin writer on me."

"I wish I had some coffee to throw," he teased.
===========
"Lieutenant, OK if I come in," Ryan asked shyly from her partly open door.

Brooke looked up from the file she was reading, and that she was absently rubbing 
her bandaged arm was not lost on him.  

"Does it hurt a lot?"

"Yeah and I don't want to take anything while I'm at work," she sighed.  "Come in if 
you've a mind to, but I'm not really wanting to talk."

He closed the door and sat down at her desk.  "I don't even know where to begin," 
he said after a moment.  "I'm so sorry you were hurt.  I'm sorry I wasn't there, and 
I'm sorry about. . ."

She waited out his pause, watching his face.

"Sorry about how I've been so secretive."

"You want to talk about that?"

"No, because it's now a non-issue.  There's a person who wanted my help.  Help I 
can't give.  I listened and presented options, but that's the end of it.  She's going to 
have to take care of it on her own.  In other words, she made her bed--now she can 
lie in it as my mom always told me."

Brooke took a long breath.  "She?"

"Her name is Kelly and I used to work with her," he replied.  "Okinawa five years 
ago."

"OK," Brooke nodded, wanting to ask if they had been involved and yet afraid of the 
answer.  "Then it's a closed issue."

"Well it will be when things are right between us again," Ryan told her firmly. "I need 
to get to work, but I'm glad we talked."
  
   "Me too."
  
  He started for the door before he stopped and turned back to look at her. 
  "Can we do lunch? I really want to talk to you and here isn't the place."
  
  "Sure" she said quietly. "Just let me know when you want to go."
  
  The morning passed without further incident between the two and at noon Ryan 
  stood at her door.
  
  "You want to go now?" he asked.
  
  She nodded and Harm and Mac watched them walk to the elevator together.
  
  "Think they'll work it out?" Harm asked.
  
  "Yes. Now will you quit worrying about them."
  
  "Yes ma'am. Would you be interested in lunch with a handsome sailor?"
  
  "Only if he's going to divulge the plans that he has for this weekend" Mac 
  smiled. "You know I do need to know how to dress."
  
  "Nicely. Very nicely" Harm replied.
  
  "So we're not staying at the Howard Johnson's then" she teased.
  
  "Far from it" he assured her. "You'll need something elegant for Saturday 
  night. We'll be having dinner somewhere very special."
  
  "I'm more intrigued Flyboy. You have to tell me where you're taking me."
  
  "No way. You'll find out tomorrow night. Until then, I'm not saying another 
  word about it."
  
  "Fine. I guess I'll have to wait."
  
  "So do I get lunch or not?" Harm said as he flashed his best Flyboy grin.
  
  "You know when you do that I can't resist" she groaned. "Even though the 
  Marshall case is calling me."
  
  "It can call all it wants. It's lunch time."
  
  *************
  "So what did you want to talk about?" Brooke asked after the waitress had 
  taken their orders.
  
  "First just tell me you're really okay from last night," he said as he 
  reached his hands across the table to gently touch her wrist.
  
  "I'm fine. It's just going to be sore for a little while."
  
  "I really am sorry I wasn't there for you last night. I just had to take 
  care of this little issue."
  
  "Kelly?"
  
  "It's not what you think. I am not involved with her. She's just looking for 
  my help and I told her she'd have to go elsewhere for help. End of story and 
  it's done and over with."
  
  "Why didn't you just tell me that?" she asked.
  
  "I don't know" he sighed. "Because I didn't want you to jump to the wrong 
  conclusion but by not telling you I think I just made it worse."
  
  "Ryan do you want us to be together?" she asked in a sudden moment of 
  boldness.
  
  "Of course I do. Why would you think otherwise? I mean after what happened 
  in Panama, I didn't think there was much question to that."
  
  "Well since we got back from Panama, we haven't exactly been real close."
  
  "I know and I'm sorry. And I want to make it up to you. I really do."
  
  "You don't have to do that," she said with a small smile. "It's okay. I'll 
  live with it."
  
  "No it's not okay. I have been a jerk to you the past few days. And I'm 
  sorry. And I want you to let me make it up to you."
  
  "How do you plan to do that?"
  
  "What would you say to a weekend away? Sorry, I can't afford the Willard 
  like Harm. But I know somewhere we could get away from here and sit back and 
  relax in a nice warm hot tub and stare out at the mountains."
  
  "I don't need the Willard," she said softly. "I just need you."
  
  "And you have me" Ryan whispered as he leaned across the table, gently 
  pressing his lips to hers. "So what do you say?"
  
  "I'd say tell me when and where and I'll be there" Brooke smiled.
  
  ****************
  Friday Afternoon
  JAG HQ's
  4:05 PM EST
  
  "Come on Brooke" Mac pleaded. "Tell me where Harm is taking me. I know you 
  and Ryan know."
  
  "Sorry, but it's a secret" Brooke smiled.
  
  "I'll tell you where Ryan is taking you" Mac bargained.
  
  "I already know. We're going to a cabin up in the Shenandoah."
  
  "Thanks a lot Lt."
  
  "No problem ma'am" Brooke giggled.
  
  "What's so funny in here?" Harm asked as he walked into Mac's office.
  
  "She was trying to get the top secret information out of me sir. Course your 
  secret is safe with me."
  
  "Mac it's only a couple hours away" Harm teased. "You can't wait a few more 
  hours."
  
  "2 hours, 54 minutes and 28 seconds away to be exact" she smiled. "And no, I 
  can't wait. This is cruel to tell Ryan and Brooke and not me."
  
  "Patience Marine" Harm smiled. "I promise you won't be disappointed."
  
  "Uh, sir, is it okay if the Lt. and I leave a little early?" Ryan asked as 
  he joined the group.
  
  "Ask the Admiral's Chief of Staff since the Admiral's gone already" Harm 
  replied. "Mac?"
  
  "Not unless one of them tells me where you're taking me."
  
  "Blackmail won't get you anywhere Colonel" Ryan teased. "Brooke and I don't 
  have to be there by any certain time so we can just hang out here until its 
  time to leave."
 
 "I could make it a direct order."
 
 "You could but it wouldn't be lawful," he returned.  
 
 "Oh get the hell out of here," Mac groaned.  "Just drive safe and take care of each 
other will you please.  See you Monday and you have our cell numbers if you need 
anything."
 
 "You're going to make a great mother," Harm muttered.  "Be safe you two."
 
 Ryan slipped his arm around Brooke's shoulders as they headed out the side door.
 
 "I wonder if he remembered protection," Harm mused.  
 
 "They're not going on safari Harm. . .why would they need. . ."  The grin on his face 
told her she had been set up and she smacked the back of his head.  "I think they 
can handle that themselves and since we're not leaving for a bit and since I can't 
make you tell me where we're going, I'm going to the library.  The Net was no help 
on the Rochester research.  I would have done better with two tin cans and a string."
 
 "I've got some calls to make.  See you in an hour?"
 
 "You got it," she smiled and with the area deserted dared to reach up and kiss his 
cheek.
 
 A long hour later, she slammed the dusty law book back into its place on the shelf.  
The library had closed and Mrs. Shafter had told her to let herself out and to lock up 
behind her.  As she began walking to the front of the large room the hairs on the 
back of her neck began to prickle as if someone was following. . .or watching. . .her.  
Several times she swung around to find no one, but the feeling grew stronger and 
she quickened her step.  At the next juncture of shelves, she was sure she glimpsed 
a shadow and she called out loudly,  "Who's there.  Stop and identify yourself."
 
 "Mac it's me."  Harm's voice answered her a second later, and her momentary 
comfort was absolved when she realized he was no where near where she saw the 
shadow.
 
 "Harm I'm here," she yelled, and there was just enough of a panic twinge in her 
voice to send a chill wave through him.
 
 He sprinted toward the sound of her voice, reaching her just as she reached the 
shelf where she saw the shadow.  "What is wrong with you?" he demanded, taking 
her hand and finding it to be icy cold.  
 
 She opened her mouth to speak and then shook her head.  "Nothing and anyway 
it's your fault.  You've got me so nervous about the weekend that I'm jumping at 
shadows.  Let's get the hell out of here."
 
 "Works for me," he grinned, taking a long breath of relief as he followed her down 
the narrow space between the high shelves.  "I thought the bogey man was getting 
you."
 
 "Yeah me too," she flung over her shoulder and to his surprise when she turned 
back around she stopped dead in her tracks, throwing her hands in front of her face.  
"Fire," she screamed.  "Fire--get out now."
 
 If he had been amazed at her outburst, he was astonished at what happened next.  
She turned to him and began to shove him backwards down the aisle.  "Move damn 
you," she screamed, all the while pushing him as hard as she could.
 
 A few seconds later he recovered enough to plant his feet and wrap his arms 
around her.  "Mac stop," he told her calmly, resisting the urge to scream.  "Stop 
now.  I don't know what you thought you saw, but there is no fire.  Only you and me 
and this empty library."
 
 "No. . .no there's fire and explosion and smoke," she moaned, trying to push out of 
his grip.  Her eyes were glazed over and she did not appear to be focusing on him.
 
 "Mac stop it now," he ordered, this time more forcefully, keeping his arms locked 
around her.  His mind raced through possible courses of action, including calling 
911.  Just as he was about to decide she needed a straight jacket, she went limp in 
his arms. 
 ==========================
 ENROUTE TO BIG MEADOWS,
 Skyline Drive Virginia
 
 "You OK over there?" Ryan asked quietly.  She had fallen silent about the time they 
had left DC behind and the mountains were ahead of them, glowing softly in the 
sunset hues.  "OK is your arm hurting?" he demanded in sudden anxiousness, trying 
to steer and look at the same time.
 
"No it's okay" she assured him.

"Brooke what's wrong? Do you not want to do this?"

"No it's not that" she sighed. "I'm sorry. I know I'm being spacey over 
here."

"Yeah a little. And you're worrying me."

"Please don't be. It's just been a long week and actually I'm looking 
forward to this weekend."

"You sure. Cause you don't sound like you are."

"Yeah I'm sure," she said with a forced smile. "Once we get to the mountains 
and it's quiet and just you and I I'll be fine."

She let out a small sigh of relief when he didn't press the issue. There was 
something wrong, but even she didn't know what it was. It was just that 
nagging feeling that something wasn't right in the world.

********
JAG HQ's

"Harm" Mac murmured as consciousness slowly returned.

"Just lie still honey" Harm said softly as he cradled her against him. 
"There's an ambulance on the way."

At once her eyes flew open and she looked up his concerned face. "Ambulance. 
What ambulance?"

"The one I called because you passed out cold on me. Now just lie still."

"No I don't need an ambulance," she said as she struggled to sit up. "I'm 
fine."

"You weren't fine a few minutes ago," he said as he gently pushed her back 
down. "Which is why you're going to lie here until the nice paramedic gets 
here and makes sure you're okay."

"Harm no. Our evening. The big plans you made."

"All that can wait until I know you're okay. You really scared me Marine. 
You were yelling about a fire and then you're limp in my arms."

"I'm sorry," she said slowly as memory of the vision suddenly rushed back. 
"I thought it was real."

"You thought the place was on fire?" he frowned. "Okay, maybe it's a good 
thing I called for an ambulance."

"No, I know it wasn't. Well at least now I do. But at the time, it was 
like...I don't know, it was just like I was seeing it all happen in real 
time."

"And you were worried about my nightmares about Rollins" he sighed as he 
heard the sirens as the ambulance pulled up in front of the building.

He hovered nearby while the paramedics examined her, letting out a sigh of 
relief when they determined her to be fine.

"See I told you I was okay" she sighed as he gently helped her to her feet, 
his arm staying firmly around her waist.

"You didn't look very okay when you passed out on me" he countered.

"But I am now. And you owe me a romantic weekend."

"I do. But making sure you're okay is more important than me showing you how 
romantic I can be."

"Maybe to you it is but not to me" she smiled. "And you heard the man, I'm 
fine."

"If that happens again, I'm dragging your six to Bethesda" he growled.

"Fine. But in the meantime, I know you've planned a wonderful weekend and 
we're going to enjoy it."

"All right. But there's a slight change in plans. I'm taking you back to 
your place. I'm not letting you drive. And don't even tell me no."

Three hours later she sat in the living room of his place while he finished 
changing and packing his stuff.  They'd gone to her place first and she'd 
changed before coming back to his place. He'd just dropped his bags at the 
door when his doorbell rang.

"I'll get it" he smiled.

"Mr. Rabb, I'm Sergio. I'll be your driver for the evening."

"And we're ready" Harm said as he opened the door.

"A chauffeur?" Mac asked as the man took their bags down to the car.

"It's just the beginning Sarah" Harm whispered before dropping a quick kiss 
on her lips. "Just the beginning."

He held out his arm and together they walked down to the parking lot, where 
the white stretch limo waited.

"Harm" she gasped.

Sergio opened the door as they approached and Harm helped her inside. On the 
seat lay the largest bouquet of roses she'd ever seen and Harm smiled as she 
picked it up.

"I thought flowers would be a nice touch" he grinned.

"They're gorgeous" she whispered. "Harm, this is all so incredible."

"Just wait. It's going to get even better."

"It's already the best. I'm with you and we're in this incredible limousine 
surrounded by flowers."

"You want me to tell Sergio to drive around while we uh have some fun" Harm 
smiled.

"Harmon Rabb" she blushed. "We're not..." Her voice trailed off and she looked 
away before his hand gently brought her head back around to look at him.

"We're not here" he whispered. "Because the first time I want to be the most 
special moment of both of our lives. And it's only going to happen if we 
both want it."

"That's sappy Rabb" she sniffled, feeling the tears brim.

 "Sappy Rabb that's me," he grinned.  "And very very happy."
 
 "Yeah me too," she sighed, snuggling back against him.  "Very happy and
 content and feeling very much. . .cared for."
 
 "That's what I'm going for."  He popped open the small refrigerator and 
 with his free hand managed to open and pour some sparkling cider.  "To new
 beginnings," he smiled and handed her glass, their wrists intertwining as
 they drank.
 
 "I don't know when you got this concussion but I'm enjoying it," she
 whispered as she downed her drink.
 
 "Then enjoy this," he murmured, pressing her back into the buttery soft
 leather with a long kiss.
 
 "Oh yeah," she breathed savoring every second of his lips on hers.
 
 The limo made the turn around Haines Point and West Potomac Park and back
 onto 14th street, with the Jefferson Memorial and then the Washington
 Monument sparkling against the night sky.  Beyond them would be the Lincoln
 Memorial with the Wall opposite it.  Past Pennsylvania Avenue and two 
 blocks later their destination.
 
 "Harm the driver must have made some mistake," she gasped as soon as she
 realized where they were.  "You can afford this."
 
 "The hell I can't," he grinned.  "Look this is something I want to do.  I
 have to do.  Don't deprive me of it OK.  Just enjoy it.  It's a once in a
 lifetime thing."
 
 "OK," she whispered, accepting Sergio's hand to step from the vehicle.
 Harm's arm went around her and they walked together through the revolving
 doors of the Willard Hotel.
 ===============
 BIG MEADOWS
 In the Shenandoah
 
 "The Willard it's not," Ryan grinned as they pulled up in front of the 
 small cabin.
 
 "Oh no but it's precious," she whispered, enthralled just from the view 
 from
 the car.
 
 "Stay put, I'm coming around," he ordered and when he opened the door, all
 but lifted her out.  "Careful of your wrist."
 
 "Hey I'm just fine," she chided him, "not that I'm objecting to being 
 fussed
 over."
 
 "Plan on me doing a lot of that this weekend," he told her seriously while 
 he guided her up the steps, past the bubbling hot tub and he unlocked the 
 door.
 
 "Oh Ryan," she gasped as soon as she saw the cozy interior.  Just one large
 room with a fire burning already, it spoke of. . .romance.
 
 "We didn't talk about. . .about the. . .uh. . ." Ryan stammered, suddenly
 helpless as he contemplated the lone bed.  "I'm not rushing or trying to 
 make you. . ."
 
 She smiled softly and put a gentle hand to his mouth.  "Why don't we just 
 let it play out as we go."
 
 "What would you like to do first?"
 
 "I'd like very much to sit in that wonderful looking tub and then in front 
 of the fire, with the stereo playing.  Is that too sappy?"
 
 "Not as long as I can hold you," he said softly.  "And suits are optional."
 
 "Don't push it Marine," she laughed.  "I'll get changed thank you."
 
 By the time she emerged from the bathroom in a one piece black suit, he was
 in his own suit and had the music on and the tub uncovered.
 
 "Oh yeah," he smiled when he got his first glimpse of her in the figure
 hugging suit.  "Very nice Lieutenant."
 
 "Not so bad yourself Major," she returned, taking a moment to appreciate 
 his shirtless chest, obviously the benefactor of frequent work outs.  She
 carefully kept her eyes above his waist, not wanting to focus on the lower
 half, safely encased in a knit suit.
 
 "Shall we," he grinned and bowed, stepping into the tub and reaching back 
 for her.  The warm water rose up around them as he lowered them to the bench.
 "Heaven," she breathed, letting him fold her into his embrace.  "I hope 
 Harm and Mac are having a good time."
 ==============
 ROOM 1010  WILLARD HOTEL
 
 "I. . .I uh. . . just could afford one room," he said sheepishly as they
 followed the bellhop.  "But it's. . . "
 
 "A suite," the young man finished for him.
 
 "I'll say it is," she gasped.  "And it's beautiful."
 
"The Jenny Lind Suite ma'am" the bellhop smiled. "One of our most romantic 
suites."

Mac's eyes widened as they walked through the reception area of the room to 
the bedroom, the large canopy bed catching her attention right away.

"You might want to check out the bathroom" the young man said as he pointed.

"Harm oh my God" Mac gasped when she saw the sunken Jacuzzi tub with the 
large window looking out at the Washington Monument. "This is incredible."

"I think she likes it sir" the bellhop said as Harm paid him his tip.

"You think?" Harm smiled. "Thank you."

"My pleasure sir."

Harm followed him to the door and once he was gone, quickly locked the door 
and hurried back to the bathroom where Mac was still staring out the window.

"So is everything okay?" he whispered as he came up behind her, wrapping his 
arms around her.

"More than okay" she sighed as she leaned back against them. "More like 
beyond my wildest dreams."

"Good" he said as he slowly turned her around so she was facing him. "Cause 
I want to make all your dreams come true Sarah."

"You've done it Harm" she said softly. "I've never been treated like this 
before."

"Well I'm not sure I'll be able to afford the Jenny Lind Suite every time, 
but I don't want this to be a once in a life visit here."

"This has to be costing you a fortune."

"A fortune that I don't mind spending on you" he smiled. "Besides, I was 
expecting the fortune anyway."

She looked at him for a moment, not understanding what he was saying.

"I never told you but apparently Admiral Boone left a small sum of money to 
me" he said quietly. "The trustee to his estate contacted me about it 
shortly after he died. And even if he hadn't left me the money, I still 
would have brought you here. I would have just eaten macaroni and cheese for 
a month or two."

"Well I'm glad you don't have to do that" she smiled softly. "And thank you 
for this. It really is all incredible."

"I wanted to show you just how much you mean to me."

"If this is any indication, I'd say I'm pretty high on your list" she 
teased.

"You're at the top" he whispered before he pulled her into his arms, his 
lips finding hers in a long and passionate kiss that left them both 
breathless when they parted.

"I uh, think maybe we should wait for all that until after dinner" he 
smiled. "We have reservations down in the Willard Room."

"We're eating down there?" she gasped.

"Well we could do room service" he smiled. "But seeing as how you look so 
beautiful I'd much rather have dinner down there."

"I think that will work" she said softly. "Shall we?"

**************************

Big Meadows
In the Shenandoah

"We're going to turn into prunes you know" Brooke giggled as she turned on 
the jets in the hot tub again.

"Well even as a prune you're beautiful" Ryan whispered as she sat beside him 
again.

"This is so perfect" she sighed. "Not a sound except for us and the music. 
Nice choice Marine."

"I wanted us alone. No one or nothing to interrupt us."

He moved closer and for a moment their eyes met before he gathered her into 
his arms, their lips meeting seconds later. There was no one but them around 
and Ryan slowly moved his hands to her shoulders, gently sliding down the 
straps of her suit.

"Ryan" she whispered as she managed to pull away for a breath.

"Am I doing something wrong?" he asked softly.

"No it's just..." she paused and looked around.

"Honey, we're miles from the next cabin. No one will see us out here. Right 
now it's just you and me and those stars above watching."

"That's right" she smiled.

"Now where was I?" he grinned before his lips found hers again. His hands 
returned to their duty of slipping off the suit, while Brooke reached for 
his trunks. In a matter of moments their suits were gone and Ryan finally 
pulled away.

"Maybe we should finish this inside" he panted.

She nodded and he reached for one of the large towels as she stepped out. He 
quickly wrapped it around her before lifting her into his arms and carrying 
her back inside, gently depositing her in front of the fireplace.
 
 "The Jenny Lind Suite ma'am" the bellhop smiled. "One of our most romantic 
 suites."
 
 Mac's eyes widened as they walked through the reception area of the room to 
 the bedroom, the large canopy bed catching her attention right away.
 
 "You might want to check out the bathroom" the young man said as he pointed.
 
 "Harm oh my God" Mac gasped when she saw the sunken Jacuzzi tub with the 
 large window looking out at the Washington Monument. "This is incredible."
 
 "I think she likes it sir" the bellhop said as Harm paid him his tip.
 
 "You think?" Harm smiled. "Thank you."
 
 "My pleasure sir."
 
 Harm followed him to the door and once he was gone, quickly locked the door 
 and hurried back to the bathroom where Mac was still staring out the window.
 
 "So is everything okay?" he whispered as he came up behind her, wrapping his 
 arms around her.
 
 "More than okay" she sighed as she leaned back against them. "More like 
 beyond my wildest dreams."
 
 "Good" he said as he slowly turned her around so she was facing him. "Cause 
 I want to make all your dreams come true Sarah."
 
 "You've done it Harm" she said softly. "I've never been treated like this 
 before."
 
 "Well I'm not sure I'll be able to afford the Jenny Lind Suite every time, 
 but I don't want this to be a once in a life visit here."
 
 "This has to be costing you a fortune."
 
 "A fortune that I don't mind spending on you" he smiled. "Besides, I was 
 expecting the fortune anyway."
 
 She looked at him for a moment, not understanding what he was saying.
 
 "I never told you but apparently Admiral Boone left a small sum of money to 
 me" he said quietly. "The trustee to his estate contacted me about it 
 shortly after he died. And even if he hadn't left me the money, I still 
 would have brought you here. I would have just eaten macaroni and cheese for 
 a month or two."
 
 "Well I'm glad you don't have to do that" she smiled softly. "And thank you 
 for this. It really is all incredible."
 
 "I wanted to show you just how much you mean to me."
 
 "If this is any indication, I'd say I'm pretty high on your list" she 
 teased.
 
 "You're at the top" he whispered before he pulled her into his arms, his 
 lips finding hers in a long and passionate kiss that left them both 
 breathless when they parted.
 
 "I uh, think maybe we should wait for all that until after dinner" he 
 smiled. "We have reservations down in the Willard Room."
 
 "We're eating down there?" she gasped.
 
 "Well we could do room service" he smiled. "But seeing as how you look so 
 beautiful I'd much rather have dinner down there."
 
 "I think that will work" she said softly. "Shall we?"
 
 **************************
 
 Big Meadows
 In the Shenandoah
 
 "We're going to turn into prunes you know" Brooke giggled as she turned on 
 the jets in the hot tub again.
 
 "Well even as a prune you're beautiful" Ryan whispered as she sat beside him 
 again.
 
 "This is so perfect" she sighed. "Not a sound except for us and the music. 
 Nice choice Marine."
 
 "I wanted us alone. No one or nothing to interrupt us."
 
 He moved closer and for a moment their eyes met before he gathered her into 
 his arms, their lips meeting seconds later. There was no one but them around 
 and Ryan slowly moved his hands to her shoulders, gently sliding down the 
 straps of her suit.
 
 "Ryan" she whispered as she managed to pull away for a breath.
 
 "Am I doing something wrong?" he asked softly.
 
 "No it's just..." she paused and looked around.
 
 "Honey, we're miles from the next cabin. No one will see us out here. Right 
 now it's just you and me and those stars above watching."
 
 "That's right" she smiled.
 
 "Now where was I?" he grinned before his lips found hers again. His hands 
 returned to their duty of slipping off the suit, while Brooke reached for 
 his trunks. In a matter of moments their suits were gone and Ryan finally 
 pulled away.
 
 "Maybe we should finish this inside" he panted.
 
 She nodded and he reached for one of the large towels as she stepped out. He 
 quickly wrapped it around her before lifting her into his arms and carrying 
 her back inside, gently depositing her in front of the fireplace.

Holding his breath, he peeled back the towel when he was sure she was dry enough 
to be warm.  "You are beautiful Brooke Hastings.  You are a beautiful woman."

"And you are not a slouch in that department yourself," she whispered, running her 
hand down his chest.  "And I'm about to save you the trouble of asking Major.  Yes 
I'm sure.  Very sure.  I want you to make love to me."

That was all the encouragement he needed to press his body to hers, helping 
himself to another long kiss.  
==============
"Have I told you how beautiful you look?" Harm asked her as he pulled out her chair 
in the elegant Willard Room.  Indeed all eyes in the room had focused on the couple 
when they entered.  Harm in his dark suit with accompanying black shirt and 
charcoal tie and she in her dark royal blue dress, beautiful in its simplicity.

"Not in the last ten minutes or so," she smiled, "so if you want to, this would be a 
good time."

"You look amazingly beautiful," he smiled and kissed her cheek before he sat down.

"We've come a long way since Christmas," she sighed.  "And even longer since this 
time last year--way further."

"You were wearing Mic's ring this time last year.  On this finger."  He toyed with the 
third finger of her left hand.  "You thought you loved him."

"Yeah I did," she said thoughtfully.  "And in a way I did--I loved what he had become 
to me.  Like a safe harbor.  Someone who loved me like no man ever had."

"Yes he did," Harm agreed easily.  "And he was hurt when he lost you.  As I would 
be."

"I couldn't go through with it," she smiled gently.  "Not when I didn't love him like I 
should have.  Not with all my heart is what I told Chloe.  And the moment I realized 
that is when they told me you were lost.  I felt like I was dying inside."

He patted her hand and leaned over once more to kiss her.  "We're putting all that 
right now.  And no more talk of the past. What's looking good on the menu?"
===============
They lay quiet in each other's arms, listening only to their combining breathing and 
the soft rain outside.  "Perfection," Ryan breathed finally, pushing some hair back 
from her face and then yanking a blanket from the nearby sofa to wrap over them.  
"Perfect and beautiful."

"It was every bit that," Brooke panted, still trembling slightly from the experience.  
"And you were so gentle and caring and right now I feel like the most loved woman 
on the face of the planet."

"I do you know."  He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand.  "I do love you.  
Moreover I am in love with you."

She drew her breath in sharply and panic washed over him.  "Hey I didn't mean to 
scare you or rush you or. . ."

"Stop," she ordered, giggling slightly.  "Don't even begin to say you're sorry you said 
that.  You see, I'm in love with you too."  She melded to his body as she spoke, skin 
to skin, and rested her head on his shoulder.  "And right now you and I are the only 
two people in the world."

"And in our private lives, I mean for it to stay that way," He murmured, finding Kelly 
intruding in his thoughts for the briefest of moments before he pushed her away.  
She would not be permitted to spoil his newly found happiness.
=================
"You get full?" Harm laughed as Mac polished off the last of the triple creme brulee 
cups.  

"Finally," she smiled.  "Good thing the dress is stretchy fabric."

"Well I did notice how it clung to you," he grinned.  "Why don't we go work off this 
food.  There's dancing in the ballroom down the hall."
 
 For the next hour they whirled around the ballroom, neither paying attention 
 to anything but each other.
 
 "You ready to head up to the room?" he asked finally.  "Or are you still 
 working off the rest of that crème brulee?"
 
 "I think I'm ready to explore that tub" she grinned. "But this was 
 wonderful. I know I keep saying it but it was."
 
 "We aim to please" he smiled as he led her from the ballroom and back up to 
 their suite.
 
 "Do you mind if I do that exploring alone?" she asked sheepishly when they 
 were inside the suite.
 
 "Of course not. I told you we don't have to do anything tonight that we both 
 don't want to do."
 
 "I didn't say I didn't want to" she smiled. "So hold that thought."
 
 She reached for her bag and he finally remembered the nightgown he'd gotten 
 her.
 
 "I have something for you" he said softly, reaching for the delicately 
 wrapped box. "I uh, hope this isn't too much but at the time it seemed like 
 a good idea."
 
 "Victoria's Secret" Mac smiled as she looked at the box. "Uh, tell me you 
 didn't go there alone."
 
 "Actually I coerced Ryan and Brooke to come with me and Brooke actually 
 helped pick it out.  She was afraid I'd pick out something wrong. Which I 
 probably would have." He waited nervously while she opened the box, turning 
 a shade of red as she pulled out the red nightgown.
 
 "I uh, hope you like it" he stammered, suddenly feeling very nervous about 
 his gift for her. "And I don't want you to think that this means anything 
 and what I said earlier about us both wanting whatever is going to happen" 
 His voice trailed off and he looked away as she opened the box.
 
 "Harm it's beautiful" Mac whispered as she pulled out the long burgundy 
 nightgown.
 
 "You think so?"
 
 "Of course I think so. Why wouldn't I?"
 
 "I wasn't sure. Well I had no idea. Brooke thought it would be better 
 han. . .never mind."
 
 "I love it," she said softly as she walked over to him, reaching up to place 
 a kiss on his lips. "Thank you. For everything. You've really done 
 everything to make this weekend special."
 
 "I just want you to know how much you mean to me Sarah" he whispered.
 
 "And you've shown me. And why don't I try this on?"
 
 "What about exploring the tub?"
 
 "We've got all weekend Flyboy" she grinned. "I'll be right back."
 
 He'd slipped off his jacket and tie by the time she emerged from the 
 bathroom and for a moment he could only stare.
 
 "Something wrong?" she said softly.
 
 "God you are so beautiful" he whispered as he walked over to meet her. 
 Seconds later she was in his arms, their lips locked in a long and 
 passionate kiss. Without parting, he lifted her into his arms and carried 
 her to the large canopy bed.
 
 "Is this what you want?" he panted when they finally parted for air.
 
 She nodded and moments later the nightgown fell to the floor.
 
 **********************
 Big Meadows
 In the Shenandoah
 
 They'd made love again and finally lay wrapped in each other's arms on the 
 big oak bed, the soft music still playing.
 
 "Everything okay?" Ryan asked as he looked over at Brooke.
 
 "Couldn't be better" she sighed happily. "I hope Harm and Mac are having as 
 good of a time as we are. They deserve it."
 
 "I still can't believe it's taken them this long to get together" Ryan 
 smiled. "Saying I love you isn't so hard."
 
 "No it isn't. At least not for us it isn't."
 
 "Well we have the benefit of seeing their mistakes. Course I don't think 
 there's anything in this world that would have kept me away from you for six 
 years. I barely made it these past few months."
 
 "Some things you just know are right" Brooke smiled. "I just hope this 
 doesn't complicate things for us at JAG."
 
 "It won't if we don't let it."
 
 "So the next time the Admiral sends me off on some dangerous assignment 
 you're not going to go ballistic?"
 
 "Of course I will" he grinned. "I love you remember. And I never want 
 anything to happen to you."
 
 "But you'll try and remember that I'm an officer who can handle herself."
 
 "I'll try. But it won't be easy."
 
"Ryan I'm serious now."

"I know and you're adorable when you're serious, but when you're naked and in my 
arms it's hard to take you too seriously," he laughed and kissed her.  "You ready to 
sleep?  If we're going to hike to Widowmaker Falls tomorrow, we should."

"I think you wore me out Marine," she smiled.  "But never have I felt more content 
and more loved."

He was quiet for a moment and then tilted her face up to look at his.  "Can I ask you-
-has there ever been anyone in your life before?"

"Was I ever in love you mean?"

"Yeah."

"No.  I mean I had a couple relationships in college, and the usual high school 
things.  But in the Navy no.  Everyone I could have remotely been interested in has 
turned out to be married."

Involuntarily he drew his breath in sharply at that, happy to see that she was too 
busy snuggling herself in comfortably to notice. 

She yawned heavily and rested her head on his shoulder.  "How about you?  
Anythng serious?"

"Yeah once but long over," he sighed, kissing her forehead.  "Sleep now."  As 
Brooke closed her eyes he sent a prayer heavenward that what was waiting for him 
back in D.C. was not going to destroy what they had begun to build.  "Good night 
honey, I love you."
===========
Three long kisses later Mac backed away from him a bare inch and smiled.  "Oh 
yeah Flyboy this is what I've wanted for a very long time."

"Me too," he whispered, "but only when this could go with it."  He drew his finger 
along her jawline, smiling at her quizzical expression.

"What?"

"This," he repeated, kissing her.  "Well that but these words too.  I love you Sarah 
Catherine Mackenzie."

Her mouth fell open, not in surprise, but in awe at finally hearing the words and 
almost at once tears were on her cheeks.   

"Sarah?  What?" He gasped in full-blown alarm.  "Did I scare you?"

"Oh no," she breathed.  "I've just waited so long--wanted so long--to hear that from 
you.  Do you know how long?"

"Is it anywhere near as long as I've wanted to?"

"Somewhere in the neighborhood," she whispered.  "Shut up and make love to me.  
You see Harmon David Rabb, I'm very much in love with you."
============
"Marine the sun is up and you're still in bed," Brooke chided him, smacking his bare 
backside beneath the covers.

"Hey I didn't really get a lot of sleep last night," he groaned.  "I seem to remember 
waking up a couple times and exerting myself."

"You were magnificent," she giggled.  "And I love you."

"I love you," he responded at once.  "I don't know how or why Fate brought us 
together, but I'm not going to argue.  I love you and I'm going to shout that from the 
top of the Falls this morning."
=========
"When did you put that on again?" Harm smiled, looking up from the bed to see her 
standing at the dresser, the maroon gown flowing from her shoulders.  

"When I got up to make coffee," she smiled.  "I can't parade around the room 
naked."

"Why the hell not.  You won't hear any objections from me," he yelped.  "But it looks 
beautiful on you."

"I just can't believe you wanted me to have something like this, something this 
beautiful," she said softly, just a hint of tearfulness in her voice.

"Mac?"

"I'm OK," she assured him quickly, grabbing a tissue to dab her eyes.  "Sorry, this 
has just been a magical time and I'm on overload I think.  Maybe I'm in Rabb 
withdrawal."

"Why don't you let me fix that," he drawled softly, holding his arms open to her.

"Yeah."  She was in his embrace a second later and once again they were lost in 
their love.
 
  *******************
  JAG HQ's
  Monday Morning
  
  Mac was still smiling as she and Harm stepped off the elevator. The rest of 
  the weekend has been as wonderful as the beginning, ending with Harm 
  spending the night at Mac's place.
  
  "You keep smiling like that and you're going to give us away" Harm teased.
  
  "Sorry. But it was the most incredible weekend ever."
  
  "It was wasn't it" Harm said softly before giving her a quick kiss. "And 
  it's just the beginning,"
  
  "We're going back to the Willard this weekend" Mac grinned.
  
  "No but I know this great place just north of Union Station. And the guy 
  that lives there is hopelessly in love with you."
  
  "And I'm hopelessly in love with you" Mac smiled.
  
  "Can I get you some coffee?" he asked.
  
  "I'll go with you," she said as she dropped her stuff.
  
  They were on their way to the break room when the elevator doors opened 
  again and this time Brooke and Ryan stepped off.
  
  "Good Morning" Brooke said happily.
  
  "Sounds like someone else had a good weekend" Mac smiled. "I take it the 
  cabin was good."
  
  "Very. We'll have to have lunch today."
  
  "Uh, that means they're going to talk about us" Ryan groaned.
  
  "Oh just a little" Brooke smiled.
  
  The morning passed quietly and just before lunch Mac headed to the law 
  library, the Rochester case she'd been working on Friday still giving her 
  fits.
  
  "Mac, you ready for lunch?" Brooke called to Mac.
  
  "Only if you help me find something for the Rochester case" Mac groaned as 
  she turned around. "I thought what I'd found Friday would help but it's 
  not."
  
  "Sure, I'd be glad to help."
  
  They headed down to the law library and for the next half-hour poured 
  through the law books. Mac stood up to stretch, her back aching from leaning 
  over the table where Brooke was sitting.
  
  "Mac, I don't see anything in here" Brooke sighed as she looked up at her 
  friend.
  
  Mac didn't reply, a strange look crossing her face.
  
  "Mac you okay?" Brooke asked. "Mac?"
  
  "Harm" she screamed. "I have to find him."
  
  "Mac, he's with Ryan working on the Ferguson case," Brooke said calmly.
  
  "No he's in trouble" Mac wailed. "I have to find him before it's too late. I 
  can't lose him. Not now."
  
  "Mac, stop" Brooke said firmly. "Harm is not in trouble. He's with Ryan. 
  He's fine."
  
  "NO" Mac screamed. "I have to find him."
  
  She ran from the law library, a mystified Brooke running after her.
  
  "Mac stop" Brooke yelled as she grabbed Mac's arm. "Stop it right now. Harm 
  is fine."
  
  Mac looked at her blankly before blinking several times. "Brooke, what just 
  happened?" she whispered.
  
  "I was going to ask you that" Brooke sighed. "You just freaked on me."
  
  "Another one" Mac whispered.
  
  "Another what?" Brooke asked. "Mac are you okay?"
  
  "I don't know. I just know I need to see Harm before we go to lunch."
  
  "Of course. I wanted to see Ryan anyway," Brooke said softly. "You sure 
  you're okay?"
  
  Mac nodded but Brooke kept close to her as they made their way up to the JAG 
  offices.
  
  "Hey, there you are" Harm smiled as they walked into Ryan's office. "I 
thought maybe. . .Mac, what's wrong?"
  
  She threw herself into his arms and he looked over at Brooke.
  
  "I don't know sir," she said quietly. "She just started screaming while we 
  were in the law library."
  
  "Mac, honey, what happened?" Harm asked gently. "Was this like what happened 
  on Friday?"
  
  She could only nod as she buried herself against him, needing to feel the 
  strength and warmth of his arms around her at that moment.
  
  "Shh, what ever it was it's over now" he soothed and Brooke motioned for 
  Ryan to follow her out of the office.
  
  "What happened down there?" Ryan asked as he and Brooke stood outside his 
  office.
  
  "I don't know. She just started screaming for Harm. Said he was in trouble. 
  It was pretty weird."
  
  "You okay?" he asked softly.
  
  "Yeah, just worried about Mac" she sighed.
  
  "Uh, Major, I hate to interrupt" Tiner said as he approached the pair. "But 
  there's someone here to see you."
  
  "Who is it?" Ryan asked.
  
  "She said her name was Kelly Nichols. She said she was your wife."
  
  
  The End