TITLE: "Of Forever and Goodbye" AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: Easter 2003 and the long awaited Mackenzie-Rabb wedding, and two unwanted separation. This is the fifth chapter in the Dale March series. Previous chapters were: To Ask the Lord's Blessing Let Every Heart A Cup O'kindness Yet Rings and Promises In this series, the events of Afghanistan have occurred but we will not deal with the Singer/Sergei/Lindsey story line. CLASSIFICATION/RATING: S/R/A PG for language. SPOILERS: In any of our work, any JAG episode may be referred to. FEEDBACK: If you're so moved but never expected nor begged for. Addy is ssbpmn@aol.com. Please however, we request you respect the work, and the effort that goes into writing it. NOTE: All parts of this story and previous chapters, as well as much of our other works, are available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories The message archives are open to all registered Yahoo users-no subbing required. Please ignore any notice of adult content you may see-there is no R nor NC17 content there. Other archives containing our stories: http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/ or http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at http://hmarchive.topcities.com/index2.html [sadly, not always up and running] or BTL- http://www.wtv-zone.com/trgarchive/btl/ http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.} ==================== Previously in the series: Thanksgiving, 2002, Harm and Mac are introduced to Seaman Dale March as part of a USO Home for the Holidays project. They soon learn he has a son, and a woman he loves, in his home state. After a harrowing Christmas experience to get them reunited, Harm and Mac realize their own love and Harm asks Mac to marry him on New Years Eve. On Valentines Day Dale and Allison are married, and Harm gives Mac his ring ***************************** "Of Forever and Goodbye" JAG HQ Friday, April 4th "Nice job Colonel" Harm smiled as he and Mac made their way to their office. "I have to say you and I make quite a team in there." "Yes we do. Course Tracy looked like she was going to kill you if you objected one more time." "But it worked" he grinned. "And our client is free." "Are we going to celebrate tonight?" she smiled. "You up to it?" he asked. "I know you haven't been feeling good this week and even this morning you were still queasy." "I'm fine" she assured him. "Honest. You made me see the doctor who said it's likely just a virus that would run its course." "Yeah well I still worry" he smiled. "So what would my lady like to do? I've got some ideas of my own and they involve the bathtub and the bedroom but I'm not sure you're up to it." "You reading minds now?" she giggled. "Cause that's exactly what I was thinking." "Only two more weeks before you're mine forever" he sighed as they reached his office and he gathered her into his arms. "I am so looking forward to you being Mrs. Sarah Rabb." "So am I" she smiled. "Give me a minute and I'll be ready to get out of here. I just need to check messages and grab a few papers for the weekend." "Just come and get me when you're ready" he said as he let her go. She waited until he was out of her office before picking up her phone to get her messages. She held her breath as she listened to one of them, a small smile crossing over her face as she did so. "I'm pregnant" she whispered as she finished listening to the message. She had hoped that was the case but she hadn't said a word to Harm, instead telling him the doctor had said she had been suffering from a stomach virus until the blood test he ran came back, the home test having been negative but she had been so hopeful, and sure. And now she knew her instinct had been right. And now she'd have to figure out how to tell him. "Everything okay?" he asked as they made their way through the Friday evening traffic jam. "You've been pretty quiet since we left the office." "Yeah I'm fine." "You sure?" he frowned. "You know if you're not feeling better maybe I should take you back to the doctor tomorrow." "Harm I'm okay" she smiled. "Honest. So don't worry so much." "Like that's ever going to happen" he scoffed. "You're going to be my wife and I love you very much and I'm going to worry about you every second for the rest of my life." "And I love you too" she whispered. "More than you'll ever know." They finally managed to make their way home and Harm led Mac straight to the sofa. "You rest while I make dinner. And then we'll see about the rest of the evening's activities." After a simple dinner of soup and sandwiches they cleaned up the kitchen before heading to the bathroom. "You sure you're up to this?" he asked as he gently unbuttoned her blouse. "I'm sure" she smiled as she worked on his shirt. A few moments later they slipped into the bathtub; Mac leaning contentedly against Harm as the warm water surrounded them. "I needed this" she sighed as he leaned forward and began to kiss the back of her neck. "Me too" he smiled as he stopped for a moment before continuing up her neck as she turned her head to him. He finally reached her lips and a long kiss ensued. "We need a bigger tub" she panted when they finally parted to breathe. His answer was another long kiss as he pulled her closer to him and it wasn't until they heard pounding at the door that she tried to pull away. "No they'll go away" he murmured as he brought her back, his lips smothering hers again. For a moment she allowed herself to get lost in his embrace until the pounding began again, louder this time. "Harm no" she managed as she pulled away. "I have to get that. It could be something urgent.'' She slipped from the tub and he let out a long sigh. He waited and listened; hoping it was just a neighbor who would go away shortly. "Coming" Mac called as she grabbed her robe before heading to the door. She opened it, surprised to find the two tears stained faces of Allison and Christopher. "Mac I'm so sorry but I didn't know who else to turn to" Allison wailed. "It's over. Our marriage is over. Dale doesn't love me anymore." "OK honey OK, come in," Mac urged, grabbing her arm to bring her inside and then taking the baby. She was trembling and silent tears were running down her cheeks. "Allison sit down. You drove all the way up here? How could anything be that bad that you would drive for four hours instead of staying to fix it?" Before she could answer, Harm's voice echoed through the apartment. "Who the hell is that?" And a second later he appeared, still dripping water with a towel around his waist. "Allison I'm sorry," he gasped. "What's wrong? Dale OK?" "Yes not that I care," she snapped much to Harm's confusion. "Harm go get dressed and take Christopher with you," Mac ordered, handing him the now sleepy bundle. "Allison come sit down. I'll put some tea on." "I shouldn't even be here," she sniffled. "I had no right to come and disrupt you guys, especially when you're so happy." "Harm you're still here," Mac growled, turning him around and getting him moving, then turning back to Allison, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "You know we told you if you ever needed anything you were to come to us first." She led Allison to the sofa and handed her a box of tissue and put on the tea. The only sound for several minutes was Allison's soft sniffling and the tea kettle's whistle. When the cup was placed in Allison's hands she gave a last sniffle and a small smile. "Thanks. I suppose you want to know what happened." "Only if you want to talk about it," she said gently, nodding to Harm who joined them, now dressed with a sleeping Christopher lying over his shoulder. He was going to make a great father. "I took off the ring and threw it at him and left," she sniffled. "It's over. It was a total mistake." "You can't be serious?" Harm gasped. "How could that be?" "Very easily," Allison snapped and Mac held up her hand for calm. "OK let's back up," she urged. "We haven't even ascertained Allison wants to talk about it." "Well you have a right to know," she sighed. "Especially since I just descended on you. We had a fight. A big one. We've had little arguments before. Everyone does I'm sure. But this was all out war." "Obviously if you felt it necessary to use your ring as incoming," Harm smiled and Allison glared. "I was upset OK." "Allison honey start at the beginning if you want, and Harm--put a lid on the comments," Mac directed. "OK we've had these fights before like I said. Just little things, but getting more frequent. He's a yell-er and so am I. When we yell Christopher screams. The poor lady downstairs got so scared last week she called the police. Dale is just lucky they told us to knock it off and didn't report it to his C.O. Anyway, his unit is short handed and he's been pulling extra hours. Christopher is teething and if he's not whining and drooling he's screaming because he doesn't sleep at night and he's so tired he's just fussy all the time. My job is teetering because of the economy and if I get laid off we'll never survive so I'm worried all the time about that. And there's just not a lot of jobs out there for someone without more than a high school diploma." She stopped to breathe, sob and blow her nose all at the same time. "I'm so sorry for dumping this on you. I just need to regroup for a little bit please and then I'm gone." "Just relax and don't think about that for right now," Harm urged, adjusting the baby who was now sleeping soundly. "Well anyway, last night we had three bill collectors to call, Christopher screamed the whole night and there were more rumors at work today about layoffs. Today I left at noon because I was feeling sick and got home to find Dale already there. He'd been sent home for a couple hours to rest because he's going to have duty from 4 to midnight see. Which of course leaves me alone with the baby and the cleaning and the laundry and I just lost it. And of course I know it's not his fault but that didn't help then. Next thing I know I'm throwing the ring at him and walking out. And I'm ashamed of that but it's what I did." A fresh round of tears accompanied her last words and Mac gave her another hug. "Have you heard from Dale at all? He did report for duty didn't he?" "Yeah he wouldn't be that stupid. Probably he thinks I'm at Mollie's. She and I work together and we've hung out some. But she's away this week and there's really no one else I could intrude on. I just had to get away anyway. I felt like the apartment was closing in on me." "And I'm glad you came here" Mac said with a motherly smile. "You can stay here for the weekend and I'm sure once you talk to Dale everything will be fine." "He hates me" Allison sniffled. "I doubt that" Mac said gently. "You just had a fight. You're both exhausted and it's easy to say things you don't mean. But once you talk you'll see everything will be okay." "Maybe we just don't belong together" Allison sighed. "Maybe we were better off before when we were apart. We're just making each other miserable." "You love him and he loves you" Mac countered. "What's making you miserable is everything else in life that's coming down on you." "I guess we didn't realize it was going to be so hard. But do you realize how hard it is to make ends meet on an E1's pay? And it's not like I can go do anything else since I'm already paying for Chris to be in daycare all day. If I worked a second job, I'd just be paying for the sitter. It's just hopeless." She sniffled again and Mac put a gentle arm around her. "Okay you're exhausted and you need some dinner and then some rest. This will all look better in the morning." "No dinner thanks" Allison said as she shook her head. "I'm afraid it wouldn't stay down anyway." "You must have the same bug Mac's had" Harm frowned. "Has Chris been sick?" "Thankfully no" Allison sighed. "That would have put me over the edge for sure. Not that I'm not already there." "How about some soup at least?" Mac offered. "Harm made me some tonight and it might be just what you need to settle you for the evening." "I'll try a little." "Okay your turn then" Harm said as he handed Chris to Mac. "I'm off to the kitchen. "You sure you don't want anything else?" "That's fine. I feel bad enough about intruding on you two as it is. I'd go get a room for the night but we don't have the money. The one credit card we have is already maxed out." "You're staying here," Mac said firmly. "So don't even think about anything else." While Allison sipped some soup, Harm found made up the portable crib for Chris. Once it was ready, Mac set him down in it and stared at the little baby, her hand absently going to her stomach. She and Harm would have their own baby soon. "I find it hard to believe he's so difficult" Harm whispered as he leaned over Mac's shoulder. "He's been an angel the whole time he's been here." "He likes you" Mac smiled as she turned to face him. "He's nice and quiet when he's with you." "Mac you know we should call Dale and let him know where Allison is" Harm said quietly. "He's going to freak when he gets home at midnight and she's not there. I know I would." "I'll talk to her" Mac nodded. "But if she's not willing I don't feel right going behind her back and calling him. And sometimes being apart is what you need. Cooler heads prevail and then they'll be able to talk." "Yeah but he still should know where she is." "All right. I'll go talk to her." "Is Chris asleep?" Allison asked as Mac returned to the kitchen. "Yeah he is" she smiled. "Harm's good with him." "Harm's going to make a great Dad one day. I hope you two are planning on having kids." "We are" Mac nodded with a small secret smile. "Allison, Harm thinks you should at least call Dale and let him know where you are. And I agree." "If we talk, we'll just fight" Allison sighed. "And I don't want to do that anymore." "Can't you just leave him a message on the answering machine?" "Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It got zapped in a storm last week. We need a new one but when it's a choice between that and Chris's diapers, well the diapers have to come first. But I can try." "Do that at least" Mac urged. "And hopefully he'll get the message. And then I think bed is the next step for you. You look exhausted." "I haven't been feeling well," Allison admitted. "I've been so tired and I'm sure being up with Chris doesn't help. And with Dale's weird hours I never feel like a get a real night's sleep." "Tonight you will. And don't worry about Chris. We'll take care of him." "I'll take care of him" Harm corrected as he walked into the kitchen. "You haven't been feeling good either Marine." "Mac have you been sick?" Allison stared at her intently, remembering Harm's earlier comment about her having a bug. "Not a lot. I just have this virus thing I can't shake," she smiled and shook her head, not ready to share her news yet. "But I won't mind the help. Now what you are going to do is leave Dale a message though--he'll be frantic over you. And you tell him you're staying here with us for the next day or so. It's amazing what a little breathing space can do to give two people a new perspective on things. In fact if he were here we'd have you and him go stay at Harm's while we minded the baby." "You still have your place Harm?" "Yeah. It's on the market but things are slow right now. And I don't just want to rent it out to someone who'll wreck it or deal drugs out of it and leave me the mess to clean up. Meanwhile it's there." "Thanks. Another time that would have sounded wonderful." Allison made the call and left her message and at Mac's insistence sank into a hot tub of water. "I was serious," Harm said later when Mac was changing Christopher. "Oh you're always serious about something," she laughed. "I can't keep track. What serious is this one?" "About you not overdoing and getting yourself really sick. Honey it was just a couple of months ago you almost died." His voice took on that tortured tone that it did whenever he mentioned that time and she carefully lay Christopher down before she turned to him. "But I didn't did I. And I'm fine. Yeah OK it's left me with a tendency to tire easily, but I'm fine. I won't break. Promise." She stepped forward into his open arms and clung tightly to him, feeling her flat stomach press into his middle, reminding her of the secret there. Unless he found out by some other means, she planned to tell him on their wedding day. . .or night. "Honey we've done all we can for tonight. Allison will fall into bed, we'll get up with Christopher if he needs anything, and let's get to bed. Fall asleep to a movie or something," he urged. Momentarily overwhelmed by his gentleness, she let escape a soft sob and felt the sudden wetness of two tears. "Mac? What. . .I'm confused. What did I do?" he gasped, and his clueless state made her laugh. "Oh Harm you didn't do anything but be wonderful," she smiled, wiping at the tears. "Please lets hit the bed yes." =============== THE WAFFLE EMPORIUM 10AM Following Morning "For someone who's been sick, you managed to do the lumberjack special justice," Harm frowned, noting that ham, eggs, and all but the last few bites of a huge pecan waffle had vanished. "So I'm having a good morning," she giggled and looked to Allison who likewise was downing the last of her waffle with blueberry topping. "Someone else was hungry." "Yeah I was. Partly from being relaxed and partly from. . .because. . .never mind." "No you were going somewhere with that," Mac insisted, suddenly concerned. "Not really. It's just that. . .well OK I'm such a poor money manager that even with the commissary and PX, after diapers and baby food, well sometimes I'm fixing Ramen noodles for us." "OK that's not going to make it," Harm said at once. "No way. You and Dale aren't going to do this baby any good, nor are you going to be any good to your jobs, if you're sick from not eating well. So what's going to happen is that before you leave, we're going to the Giant Food and you're taking back a trunk of groceries." "Oh no I couldn't possibly," she gasped. "Dale would sooner die than take charity. I mean I picked up a bag from our church's food shelf last week when we were down to like two dollars and you would have thought I'd robbed a bank. It was just a loaf of bread and a box of store brand mac and cheese and a few cans of vegetables for crying out loud and he went ballistic." "Why?" Harm demanded. "He doesn't like taking handouts because it makes him feel like he's not doing a good job taking care of his family. He's so damn proud sometimes." "Well he can still have his pride while he accepts help" Harm sighed. "I'm going to have a talk with him. And you are taking a trunk of groceries with you." "Thank you" she sniffled. "You two are so wonderful to us. I'm sorry to dump all our problems on you." "It's okay" Mac assured her. "That's what friends are for. Don't even think twice about it." "Thanks. I'm trying to manage this the best I can but you have no idea how much all this stuff costs. And with daycare for Chris it's like I'm working for nothing." "Maybe we can help you a bit" Harm offered. "Just a little extra so you can buy what you need." "No. I can't take money from you guys. Dale and I will figure something out. But I can't do that." "Allison" Harm started. "No" she said as she shook her head. "No way." She started to say more but suddenly her hand flew to her mouth and she ran from the table to the ladies room. "Okay what did I say?" Harm frowned. "I don't think it was you" Mac said as she stood up. "Watch Chris while I go check on her." She hurried to the ladies room where she found Allison leaning weakly against the stall. "You okay?" Mac asked. "I don't know what's wrong with me" she sighed. "I can't keep anything down anymore. Course with all the stress I'm not surprised. My stomach is constantly in knots." "You sure it's just stress?" "I don't know what else it could be. I guess I could go to the doctor and see what's going on." "Is it possible you're pregnant?" Mac asked gently. "Oh God no" Allison gasped. "No I can't be. We can barely afford Chris. And I can't be out of work for that long. There's no way I can be pregnant." "Are you sure?" "No" she wailed. "Okay pregnancy test time" Mac smiled. "We'll stop at the pharmacy and get one and then we'll find out for sure." "No" Allison whispered. "I don't want to be pregnant. I don't want a baby right now. If I am, I won't have it. I'll have an abortion. Dale will flip if he finds out I'm pregnant." "Allison stop" Mac ordered. "First off we're going to find out if you really are pregnant. Then we'll figure out where to go from there." "Mac I can't have a baby" Allison cried. "I just can't." "Okay calm" Mac soothed. "One step at a time. First are you okay now? Are you going to be sick again?" "I don't think so. It usually only happens once." "Lucky you" Mac murmured, more loudly than she realized. "What did you say?" Allison demanded before it suddenly dawned on her. "Oh my gosh, are you pregnant? Is that why you've been sick?" "Allison you can't breathe a word of this to Harm" Mac said seriously. "I haven't told him and I wanted him to be the first to find out. I was waiting for our wedding night to surprise him." "I won't say a word. Not even to Dale. And I'm so happy for you. You and Harm are going to be wonderful parents. Better than me and Dale." Her voice broke and she started to cry again and Mac gently pulled her into her arms. "You and Dale are good parents" Mac said softly. "You're just having a rough time right now. It's going to be okay." "It won't be if I'm pregnant" Allison sobbed. "I've messed everything up." She was still crying when Mac heard a knock at the door. She opened it, surprised to see Harm standing there with Chris. "You two okay?" he asked. "I was getting worried." "We're okay" Mac assured him with a small smile. "We'll be out there in a minute." When they finally emerged Harm hurried to them and Allison took from Chris from him. "Allison if I said something I shouldn't have I'm sorry" Harm started. "No it's not you" she whispered. "It's just me." "OK if you say so," he frowned. "I feel like I'm in the middle of some kind of hormonal storm. Like I get from Harriet every day. She takes one look at me and runs." "You have an amazing affect on women at times," Mac laughed, pushing him back into the restaurant. "And we're ready to go get those groceries. There's a couple of personal feminine items I need too." "And thank god you're there to buy them," Harm sighed. "You know what would happen if I tried. I'd be standing there with them and the clerk would be some sixteen year old boy and they wouldn't ring up or something and he'd be yelling price check on. . .and I don't even know what they're properly called." "Actually something like that happened to me once," Mac giggled. "Only it was something for Mic. And that's as far as I'm going with that story," she added hastily, seeing Harm's scowl. "Viagra?" "No. And hey look, we did get a smile from Allison." =================== "Harm, Mac this is way too much," Allison wailed as she looked at the two shopping carts, one filled with diapers and wipes and babyfood jars, and the other with pantry staples. "Please at least give me the register tape so I can make it a loan." "No way in hell," Harm replied quietly and when Allison opened her mouth to object, Mac laid a hand on her arm. "You may as well let it go. See that jaw. When he makes that face you're like hitting a brick wall." "Dale's going to kill me." "You tell Dale to see me, and remind him he's a little light on rank to be tangling with me," Harm smiled. "OK I'll get this stuff into your car while you ladies take the young man upstairs. That's not exactly essence of roses coming from him." Mac and Allison headed inside the apartment and Mac took Chris. "Me and this young man have a date with a clean diaper." She handed the small pharmacy bag to Allison. "Go. Take care of it." Allison's hand trembled as she took the bag and vanished into the bathroom. Mac had Christopher clean and dry by the time she returned, and she was so pale Mac was thoroughly startled. "Allison sit down now. I'm going to hazard a guess it was positive." "It was so blue it was purple," she whispered. "Oh god he's really going to kill me now. I told him we weren't being careful enough. I can't take the Pill see. It makes me ill. I told him. . .well never mind. My god we can't manage two babies." "Sssshhh OK. Calm down," Mac told her. "In the first place this guy is hardly going to be a baby in about eight months, and in the second, something will work out. Dale has a promotion coming up. He'll have his hazard duty pay once he's deployed, and your grocery bill will be less when he's not eating you out of house and home. Not that any of that makes up for him being gone but there is a little bit of bright. And then too, he's getting his sea duty out of the way before you're due." Allison listened carefully to Mac's words and swallowed hard, wiping her face with the ever- present kleenex. "OK I hear you. I just am going to need some time for all this. And you have to promise me not a word to Harm or Dale. I won't be showing right away and no one else needs to know. Please." "Of course," Mac smiled and sobered at once. "But you have to promise me you won't do anything drastic without coming to me. I'll support whatever decision you make, but don't do it alone OK." Mac's soft words opened another flood gate of tears, which also started Christopher, and in short order Mac herself was tearful. It was at that moment Harm came back inside. "Oppps excuse me. Wrong apartment," he yelped. "Harm get back here" Mac sniffled. "What is with you women" he teased as he pulled Mac into his arms. "And look what you're doing to poor Chris." "Sorry" Allison sniffled as well. "I've really put a dent in your weekend haven't I? Maybe Chris and I should just go home." "Oh no. You're staying one more night and then you can leave tomorrow morning." "But you and Harm probably have wedding stuff to take care of" Allison sighed. "And I'm just in the way." "You are not," Harm said firmly. "As for wedding plans, I know nothing about those since my lovely fiancée has handled all that. I just know where and when I'm supposed to show up." "And you're taking care of the honeymoon right?" Mac asked as she wiped her tears. "Oh yeah I knew there was something I was supposed to do" he grinned as he kissed her forehead. "You guys are so cute together" Allison sniffled. "Not like Dale and me. All we do is fight.." Her voice broke and another sob escaped her and Mac pulled herself away from Harm and gently led Allison to the sofa. As she did so there was a loud knock at the door and with a sigh Harm went to the door. He opened it to find an exhausted Dale standing there. "Hi Harm" he said quietly. "Is Allison here?" "Dale?" Allison sniffled at the sound of his voice. "What are you doing here?" "I came to find out why my wife ran away," he said as he made his way into the apartment. "I just needed to get away" she whispered. "It was just too much. All we did was yell at each other. I couldn't take it anymore." "You didn't have to leave" he countered. "Yes I did. And why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be on duty." "In six hours yes. But when I got home at four this morning and got your message I knew I couldn't just wait for you to come back. I slept for a few hours and then I drove up here." "You should have stayed and gotten some more sleep" Harm frowned as he looked at the harried young man in front of him. "You look like hell." "I've been pulling some long hours" Dale sighed. "But I'm fine. But I wasn't going to let my wife spend another night away from me. We need to talk Allison." "I thought we'd pretty much covered all that yesterday" she sniffled. "Allison I love you. I don't want it to be like this either. You have to believe me." "Why don't we take Chris for a walk" Mac offered. "That way you and Dale can talk in private." "Thanks Mac" Allison whispered. "No problem" Mac smiled. "You guys take as long as you need. Come on Harm. They need to talk this one out alone." He nodded and she took Chris from Allison and after grabbing their coats they headed outside. "You think they're going to be okay?" Mac asked as she and Harm walked Chris around the block. "I hope so. But with everything they're dealing with it's not going to be easy. And I want to help them but at the same time I know they need to work some of this out themselves." "Well we know they love each other. It's just a matter of if that's enough" Mac sighed. "They're young and they've got a lot against them. And having no family to support them doesn't make it any easier." "No it doesn't" he agreed. "But I guess that's where we come in." ================= "Why did you leave?" Dale asked once he and Allison were alone. "Do you know how I felt when I got home and you and Chris weren't there?" "I'm sorry. I just thought it was better this way. And I didn't know who else to turn to but Harm and Mac." "Allison we can't keep turning to them for everything." "Dale what did you want me to do" she wailed. "I don't have many friends in Newport News. You know that. I don't have anyone I can turn to except them." "We need to start handling things on our own," he said stubbornly. "That's the problem" she whispered. "We can't handle it. We barely have enough money to feed Chris and ourselves. And when I went to the church for help, you got mad at me. I don't know what to do anymore Dale. Honestly I don't." "Maybe this was a mistake," he said quietly. "Me thinking I could take care of you and Chris. You were better off in Mt. Vernon without me." "Don't say that Dale. We were not better off." "Yes you were. Face Allison, I've never done anything but cause you hurt. You were right to leave me the first time." "No I wasn't. And if I'd stuck with you then, a lot that we're going through now wouldn't be happening," she said softly. "But I ran just as things got bad and I'm sorry for that. Far as that goes, I'm sorry for this time too, but not really. I needed to get away. If I had been there when you got home I just would have started screaming again and I hate myself like that. I hate what the screaming is doing to Christopher besides. You know I grew up with screaming the norm. No one could even say pass the bread without it being harsh. . ." she stopped to take a breath that came with a sob which she choked down and then two silent tears appeared. "Angel come here," he whispered. "No. Crying isn't the answer and I hate that too. And neither is throwing the ring at you. I hate that I did that. In fact now that I think of it there's not a lot about myself I like right now." She barely got those words out before tears totally over came her, and it was just a second later that Dale had enveloped her in his embrace. She struggled for a few seconds and finally relaxed, crying all the harder. "Ssshhh OK I've got you. Let it out," Dale soothed. "Let it out and then you and I are going to Family Services." At first what he said did not register as she sobbed in his arms. Finally she managed enough self-control to look up. "Wha--aat's that?" ================ Meanwhile outside Mac and Harm walked up to the next block where there was a park with criss-crossed walking trails, looking for all the world like a dozen other couples enjoying an early Spring afternoon. "Harmon Rabb, ruthless in the air and the courtroom," she giggled. "He's got a baby on his chest in a snugli. No one would ever believe it." "I'm going to make a great dad," he grinned. "Just think of it as warm up." "Yeah you are," she said softly, smiling inwardly as she was reminded of her secret. One that she now shared in knowledge and substance both with Allison. She reached for his hand as they walked threading his fingers to hers. "People think we're married and this is ours." "Well in spirit it's not that far off," he smiled. "We've got what, a couple of weeks to wait. And that brings me to an oft asked question--are you sure I shouldn't be helping?" "Harm we've been through this. There's just not much to be done. You're wearing dress whites, I'm wearing a very simple dress, which I haven't bought yet, and we'll be having a simple reception there. Simple being the operative word. If you manage to get your uniform cleaned and pressed, well that's a big part." "You sure you want me in the uniform?" "Oh yeah, with the gold wings shining," she smiled, shuddering lightly in anticipation. ============= "Family services is a lot of things," Dale explained. "It's counseling for one thing." "Dale we can't. . .I can't. . .I can't tell my problems to strangers. It's hard enough to talk to Harm and Mac," she gasped. "Well it's not going to be a choice. My supervisor called me in half way through my shift and asked what was bothering me. The kind of question that they ask when they're thinking about marking you down on your fit-rep so I told him about you and the baby and that we'd gotten married. Long story short, he's told me to get my act together, and to start with Family Services. I was resisting at first but he gave me some pamphlets and they do good stuff, like help with groceries, and they have women who will baby-sit for a few hours for free, and they have couples counseling and. . .and I think it could help." "I guess we could try," she nodded. "Dale I just know I love you, and I can't stand to see us so miserable. I want to make it work. I love you. I love you so much." She turned her face up to meet his and a long kiss ensued. "I love you," he gasped in reply, and a few seconds later they were totally lost in each other's arms. Harm stepped ahead of Mac and opened the door then quickly closed it. "They uh. . .they need a few minutes more," he whispered. "Oh good" Mac smiled. "I was hoping this would all work out." "You want to take another walk around the block?" he smiled. "They may be awhile. You know how that making up goes." "Harm I don't think they'll be doing that" she laughed. "Besides Dale needs to get back for work. I think we should remind him of that." Harm nodded and once again opened the door to the apartment and this time Dale and Allison parted as they realized they were no longer alone. "Everything okay?" Mac asked. "Better than it was" Allison smiled. "Thanks for giving us some time alone. We really needed that chance to talk without Chris screaming." "So what did you work out?" Harm asked. "We're going to get some counseling" Dale said as he draped his arm over Allison's shoulders. "My CO suggested it and it's probably not a bad idea since we're new at all this parenting and being married stuff." "I'm glad" Harm nodded. "Now there's one other thing we'd like to help out with. We know things have been tight for you and Allison and we want to help out a little bit." "Harm I won't take any money from you" Dale said seriously. "I can take care of my family." "I didn't say you couldn't. But sometimes you need a little help to get you through. And if it makes you feel better we can keep track of it all and call it a loan but I don't want your wife trying to decide between buying food and paying the electric." "You don't have to do this" he sighed. "We want to" Harm replied. "We're just going to give you some cash to help tide you over a bit. At least until you're out to sea and Allison has it a little easier in terms of the food bill. And remember it's a loan." "Thank you. I guess I've been a little stubborn with trying to take care of my family myself. I yelled at Allison the time she brought home food from church and I shouldn't have." "No. But as long as you know it's okay to need help, you'll be fine" Harm smiled. "And like I said, you can call it a loan and pay us back when you get a chance." "Allison should be able to save some money while I'm gone" Dale nodded. "So we will pay you back." "No hurry. It's just something to keep you going until things get better." "Hopefully that'll be soon" Dale sighed as he looked at his wife. She forced a smile and Mac knew she was thinking about when the new baby came. "And now that we've taken up enough of your weekend, I think we should be leaving." "We were just glad to help" Mac smiled. "And you know you're both welcome here anytime." "Hopefully I won't be needing that again," Allison said softly. "But thank you for everything. You two have been wonderful to put up with me." She gathered her stuff and a short time later Harm and Mac helped them down to the cars. "You're both going to be here for the wedding right?" Mac asked. "I should be able to" Dale nodded. "It's pretty close to our deployment but I think I'll be able to make it." "When do you leave?" Harm asked. "That Monday after Easter" Allison said softly. "Maybe we'll come down and see you off" Harm smiled. "Seeing as how we'll be off anyway for our honeymoon. We can stop there before we go to" He stopped and smiled even more. "That's a secret." "Must be somewhere good" Dale laughed. "Or he hasn't booked it yet" Mac teased. "I leave him one little detail of the wedding and." "And I'm going to give you the best honeymoon a wife has ever had" Harm smiled as he pulled Mac into his arms and gave her a quick kiss. "Have they been like this the whole weekend?" Dale smiled. "Oh yeah" Allison sighed. "Hopelessly in love." "We'll have to work on being like that too," he said as he reached for his wife's hand. "We married for better or for worse and I know it's been a lot worse than it has been better but I know it's going to get better." "I hope so" she sniffled. "Okay you two you better get going" Harm said as he and Mac broke apart and he checked his watch. "You have to be on a duty in a few hours mister. As it is you're going to be dead on your feet." "I'll be a lot better knowing my wife is still with me," he said as he pulled out their wedding ring from his pocket. "Can I put this back where it belongs?" "Yes" she sniffled again as she held out her hand. "Allison Hargrove March, be my wife," he whispered, sliding the ring in place, and setting off another flood of tears. "What is it with you two women and the water works," Harm groaned, watching Dale take her into his arms while Christopher giggled. "You wouldn't understand," Allison laughed, her voice muffled by Dale's shirt. "Come on. We've intruded on these good people enough. And I'm driving back. I know the fresh air will put Christopher away and I want you to sleep the whole way down." "Oh yeah no. No way in hell," Dale objected. Allison lifted her head from his chest and looked to Harm. "Commander Rabb, back me up here. He needs to sleep. He could get hurt, or hurt someone, in the shop. Am I right or what?" "You are very right," Harm responded firmly. "Seaman you are ordered to stand down and let your wife drive home." "Yes sir," Dale answered automatically and then smiled. "Yes sir. I won't deny I need some sleep. It's been a rare commodity around our house. I guess we'll see you for the wedding in two weeks?" "Yes you'd better damn sure be here," Harm grinned. "You got it." Dale took a long breath, remembering the groceries in the car and the cash in his wallet. "I owe you so much. . .we owe you." "Have you never heard of pay it forward?" Mac smiled. "When someone does you a kindness, the best way you can repay that is to do something for someone else. Well let me tell you I wouldn't be in the position I'm in with JAG, with Harm--with anything, if I didn't get a lot of help about fifteen years ago when my life was on a fast track to hell." "You are such a squared away Marine that's totally hard to imagine," Dale sighed, shouldering the diaper bag and taking the baby. "Thank you for everything. You're much more family to us than either of us has back in Illinois." Harm and Mac walked them to the car and watched them drive off. "OK we've got a whole evening ahead of us," he said softly. his arm sliding around her waist. "So what did you have in mind?" "Wee--ell," she smiled slyly. "OK it involves whipped cream, a fire, and that soft rug in front of the fireplace." Harm stood for a moment in amazement, not sure he was hearing correctly. "I'm good with the fireplace and the soft rug," he finally got out. "But the whipped cream. Uh maybe I'm going to need to show me what you have in mind." ================ SATURDAY 19 Apr 03 "Sir I feel like we're about to come across the river where they filmed Deliverance," Bud spoke up, watching the map as Harm had requested. "How did the Colonel find this place anyway? We are so far out in the boonies, it's not even really boonies. I didn't know there was anything like this that was within two hours outside DC." "All I know is that she went to Chaplain Turner and asked him to perform the ceremony, with the Admiral assisting, which I thought was neat as long as he's not wearing a clerical collar because I'd have to laugh and that wouldn't be good. Anyway, and she told him she wanted to have it some place kind of quiet and out of the way. So hence we're. . . where the hell are we anyway? I swear that sign back there said 'Welcome to Tennessee'." "Slight exaggeration sir. In fact we're almost there. Watch for the Middleburg sign and then it's north on 6-11 three miles to the Church of the Redeemer. And if we're lucky the women will already be there and we can all breathe a sigh of relief since none of us were comfortable leaving them." "You got that right," Dale mumbled from the back. "And I'm going to be gone six months. I should be getting used to it now." "And the Admiral and Kendra actually volunteered to take Christopher tonight so you guys could have a last night," Bud grinned. "I think that's sweet. Harriet already told Kendra we would help if needed." Harm looked intently at Bud for a second. "At the risk of sounding like a clucking female, what's happening with him and Kendra?" Bud gave a sheepish smile. "Sorry sir, anything I have on that is privileged, gleaned from overhearing conversations between Kendra and Harriet who've been together some since Thanksgiving for shopping and Kendra has done some sitting for us while we do dinner and a movie--this type thing." "I understand Bud," Harm nodded. "I just like her, and of course I like the Admiral, and then there's Mac who thinks they're perfect together." "Age sir, age," Bud sighed and shook his head, summarizing AJ's problem with the relationship in one word. "He's still hung up on that?" Harm sighed. "I don't get it. He loves her and she loves him." "From what I heard there's been some grumbling in the SecNav's office about her being so young. And that's why they've suddenly come to a dead halt in the relationship." "That's not right" Harm frowned. "No sir, it's not" Bud agreed. "But apparently since then, he's backed off a lot from her." "Well at least he's still bringing her to the wedding today. Maybe we'll have to work on a little matchmaking." "I think this is it sir" Bud said as the small church appeared before them. "Church of the Redeemer. And there's Harriet's mini van so we're at the right place." "Thank God" Harm sighed. "Dale you're excused to go check on your wife and make sure my wife to be still wants to do this. Bud you can come with me." "Like there's any doubt to that" Dale laughed. "I'll be right back." He headed to the small room at the back of the church and knocked lightly, Allison coming to the door a moment later. "You look beautiful" he gasped, for the moment too stunned by how she looked to remember his mission. "Harriet did my hair for me" she said softly. "Do you like it?" "I like everything" he gulped. "How soon do we lose Christopher so we can be alone?" "Hold that thought for a few more hours sailor" she smiled. "But then I'm all yours." "I just came to make sure you guys were okay. And Harm wanted me to check and see if Mac still wanted to go through with this." "Is he having doubts?" Mac demanded as she suddenly rushed to the door. "NO" Dale said quickly. "He was afraid you might be. He's more than ready for this." "Okay sorry" Mac smiled. "Nervous bride here." "Who looks beautiful as well. Harm is going to fall over when he sees how beautiful you look." "Thank you" she blushed. "How is he doing?" "He's fine. More than ready to make you his wife. You don't have doubts that he loves you more than anything else in this world do you? Cause if you do put them out of your head right now because there's nothing further from the truth." "I know" she nodded. "Good. Now I'm going to leave you ladies to finish getting ready and I'm going to make sure Harm is okay. See you in a half hour." Twenty minutes later there was another knock at the door and this time Allison opened the door to see Kendra and AJ. "Ah good the escort is here" Allison smiled. "Nice to see you sir. You're Marine was getting a little nervous that she was going to have to walk herself down the aisle." "Sorry" AJ sighed. "But I'm here now." "Is everything okay?" Mac asked as she came to the door, noticing at once that Kendra's eyes was still red from earlier tears. "Yeah it's fine" AJ nodded. "Kendra why don't you go on and grab a seat with Sturgis and Tracy." "Sure" she nodded. "Mac you look beautiful. And Congratulations." "Thank you. I'm glad you could make it. I'll catch up with you later I promise." Kendra nodded and headed to the front of the church and sat down with the other JAG staff. "Sir what's going on?" Mac frowned. "Nothing" he said with a forced smile. "Come on, I think it's almost time." Bud and Dale appeared a moment later to escort their wives down the aisle before AJ did the honors with Mac. "Congratulations to both of you" he said as he handed Mac's hand to Harm. "Take care of each other." "Thank you sir" Mac smiled before turning to her soon to be husband as AJ took a seat next to Sturgis instead of Kendra. "Okay what did I miss?" Harm whispered. "I think him and Kendra had a fight" Mac whispered back. "Are you two ready to get married?" Chaplain Turner asked with amusement. "Or shall I come back in a few minutes when you're done talking?" "No sir," Harm said vehemently, his eyes never leaving Mac's. "I've waited for this moment since. . .well as long as I can remember. It can wait. This can't." "Let's do it," Ch. Turner smiled and lifted his hands in greeting. "Friends in God, on this day these two people have come forth to be joined in wedlock. For a man and a woman to make a commitment to spend their lives together is not a decision to be entered into lightly or ill- advisedly, but reverently with deep abiding love and devotion." Ch. Turner continued to speak, telling of the tale of the marriage at Cana and AJ looked sideways at Kendra, carefully sitting with a space between them. A lone tear tracked down her cheek and his hand tentatively reached for hers, shaking slightly. She shook her head negatively and he drew his away. "Love does not pick and chose those whom it affects," Turner went on. "Sometimes love will happen when we least expect it. Or when we most think it will never again come to us. One thing I do know, life on this small planet we call Earth is very short. Harmon and Sarah have experienced great highs, and suffered great lows, as they made the journey to each other. Often something worth having comes only after struggle. For them one part of that struggle is over, with others to come. On this day, they begin their journey together. Sarah and Harmon have requested to make a mutual vow of love and promise, so I will ask them to voice that now. Harmon and Sarah do you vow to love and to cherish, to be husband and wife, for as long as you both shall live?" "I do," each said softly. Ch. Turner nodded to Mac, who had requested to speak first. She held up one finger, requesting a moment to compose herself. Originally she had planned to speak of the child she carried during her vows, and now as she stood in front of their friends, with Harm's blue-green eyes staring into hers, she was changing her mind. It was news better kept private. For the wedding night. She cleared her throat and spoke, her voice surprising even herself in its strength. "Harmon David Rabb you are my strength, my inspiration, and my life. You have been my world for a very very long time now. With this ring, I give you my life." Her hands closed over his and she slipped the ring on his finger with a long sigh of happiness. "Sarah Catherine Mackenzie, if I have been your world, you have been my universe," he smiled. "A universe that started to form the day we met. My life would be empty without you. There was a time back in December when I got a glimpse of just how desolate I would have been without you. And I thank the Lord above daily for not taking you from me. So as you gave to me, with this ring, I give you my life." Ch. Turner placed a hand on both their heads, urging them to be lowered. "We close with the prayer our Lord on Earth taught to his disciples." He closed his eyes and began to recite. ". . . .for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Forever. Amen. By the authority granted me from above, and to me by the Commonwealth of Virginia, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Rabb. What our Lord has joined, let no man tamper with." "Can I kiss my bride?" Harm smiled. "You may kiss your bride Commander" Chaplain Turner laughed. To the applause of the guests, Harm took his new wife into his arms and gave her a long passionate kiss. "I love you Mrs. Rabb" he smiled when they parted. "I love you too" she murmured. The small reception was held at the nearby inn and after dinner Mac and Harm split up to mingle with their guests. "Kendra you okay?" Mac asked as she found the young woman looking out the window. "Yeah I'm fine" she sniffled, once again wiping traces of tears from her face. "Everything was so beautiful today. I'm really happy for you and Harm." "Thanks. But obviously everything isn't okay with you." "There you are" Harriet said as she made her way over to Kendra. "You know if it's too much for you and the Admiral to take Chris, Bud and I will be happy to." "No we said we would" Kendra said quietly. "Okay what's going on with you two?" Harriet demanded. "You have been in tears all day." "AJ wants us to take a break from each other. And I'm reading that to mean he's just trying to gently tell me it's over." Her voice wavered and she choked back a sob. "That doesn't mean it's over," Harriet said gently as she put an arm around her friend. "Yes it does" Kendra wailed. "He can't deal with the age difference. And so he's saying we should take a break but then I know we're never going to see each other again." "No that's not the case," Mac said gently. "He's not like that. Maybe he just wants to cool it for a while. That doesn't mean it's over." "I wish I could believe that" Kendra sniffled. "And I'm sorry for dumping this on you. This is your wedding day and I shouldn't be ruining it." "You're not ruining it. We're just concerned about you and the Admiral." "I love him so much. And I know he's doing this because of our ages. I can't get it through his thick skull that I don't care how much older he is. But he's always saying how I'm going to end up spending my golden years taking care of him if we were to stay together." "None of us know what the future will bring" Harriet frowned. "But that's no reason to not live today." "I tell him that. But it doesn't sink in. And now he's just suddenly announced he wants to take a break." "Well I wouldn't think the worst," Mac said softly. "Take the break like he wants but don't give up." "There's a tour coming up. Maybe I'll just take some time away from here. Maybe if I give him some space he'll decide he still wants us." "If there's anything we can do let us know" Harriet sighed. "Including tonight." "No we'll take Chris tonight. It's probably going to be our last night together for a while so I might as well enjoy it." "Okay what are you women plotting with my wife?" Harm smiled as he made his way over to them. "Don't worry Harm" Kendra said with a small smile. "We're not plotting anything. Though we are dying to know where you're taking her for the honeymoon." "So is Mac" he grinned. "But she's not finding out until Tuesday. Tonight we're staying here at the Inn and then we're going to Newport News with Allison and Dale so we can see him off on Monday." "Harm the suspense is going to kill me by then" she groaned as he wrapped his arms around her. "You have to give me a hint." "No hints. Sorry. You'll find out soon enough." "I'm going to get a drink" Harriet announced. "Kendra you want to join me?" "Sure. I think the happy couple need to be alone" she smiled as she followed Harriet. "What's going on?" he whispered. "The Admiral told Kendra he wants to take a break from their relationship. She thinks it's over." "That sucks. They're so good together." "Yeah they are" Mac nodded. "I see Dale and Allison are still doing really well." Harm smiled as he looked over at the corner where they were locked in a kiss. "Well he's not going to get that for six months. But yeah I think they've worked through their problems." Mac nodded but she knew that wasn't quite the case. Allison still hadn't told Dale she was pregnant. But with Dale going to see Allison had decided it would be better to wait. "You ready to head upstairs to our room?" Harm whispered. "Watching them is reminding me what I'd like to be doing with you." "Harmon Rabb you've got a dirty mind. . . and I love it. You want to speak a few of the unspeakable things you're going to do to me?" "Uh. . .nah. I'll save it for the room." "Well I do have something to share with you," she smiled. "Something we need to talk about." "You want a divorce." "Bingo Flyboy. Bingo. Come on let's say our good-byes and thanks." They separated and made the rounds, and when Mac got to Kendra she gave her a quick hug. "Don't give up on the old fool," she laughed. "He's a little confused right now about what he wants; and a break may be exactly what he needs to show him he had all along exactly what he wanted." "I hope so," she whispered. "You know six months ago I didn't care about men any more at all, and then I met him, and. . .never mind. Thank you. It was a beautiful day." "Yes it was and you'll have yours," Mac smiled and gave her cheek a quick kiss. Meanwhile on the other side, Harm was shaking hands with AJ. "Sir at the risk of being out of line. . ." "Yes Commander," AJ glowered, almost making Harm back down. Almost. "Sir at the risk of being out of line, you and Kendra are good together. The age thing is a bunch of hog crap and if you'd think about it, you'd realize I'm right. And other than thank you for everything you've done for me and Mac, that's all I have to say. Good night sir." "Yeah good night," AJ muttered, steeling himself to walk over to Kendra. "Shall we start back? It's a long ride and we've got a baby to worry about." "Please yes, let's get the hell out of here," she told him. ================ Their leave taking done, Harm wrapped his arm around Mac and led her up the backstairs to the room. "Harm it's beautiful. It's. . ." "It's the bridal suite, corny as that sounds," he grinned, gesturing to the king size bed under a skylight at one end of the room and the garden tub in front of the fireplace at the other. "This is amazing Sailor," she gasped. "Well it's just the beginning," he reminded her. "We have a wedding trip upcoming." As we was speaking he was starting to help her off with her dress and she grabbed his hands. "What do you have in mind there?" "I'm through talking. Time for showing," he growled, and exactly one minute later he had the tub filling and carried her to it. They sank to their chins and he pulled her into his arms as the reveled in the feeling of slick bare skin. "Can I tell you my secret now?" She whispered and took his hand to press to her belly. "I don't understand" he frowned. "Harm this is my secret" she smiled as she placed her hand over his. "Inside me is our baby." "You're pregnant?" he whispered. "With my baby?" "Well it's not Dale's" she giggled. "Yes your baby. I hope that's okay." "It's more than okay" he smiled. "This is the best present ever. I have my wife and in nine months we'll have our baby." "Less than nine months" she giggled again. "Dale and Allison's wedding night ring a bell?" "Oh yeah" he grinned. "Is this why you've been sick? You've been having morning sickness, not the flu?" "Yes sir. And before you start worrying, it's totally normal and most of it is over now. And I'm feeling wonderful." "I still can't believe it. You're going to have our baby." "Our baby" she repeated. "Thank you" he whispered. "This is the best ending to the most wonderful day of my life. I have everything I ever dreamed of now. I love you so much Sarah Rabb." "Sarah Rabb" she smiled as she lay against him. All her dreams had come true too. ******************** Monday Morning, April 21st, 2003 Norfolk Naval Station, Pier 19 A cold misty rain settled over the base as the crew of the Eisenhower said their final good-byes to loved ones on the pier. "You and Mac shouldn't be out in this" Dale fretted as they all stood at the pier with him. "Neither should Chris." "We're all bundled up and we'll be fine" Allison countered. "It's not like I'm going to let you go without saying goodbye." "We could have said goodbye at home and then you wouldn't be standing out in this mess" he sighed. "I'm just worried about you. You know I'm not going to be around to take care of you for the next six months." "Dale we're going to keep an eye on them" Harm assured the young man. "They'll be fine." "I haven't even thanked you guys for coming" Dale said with a small smile. "I feel pretty privileged to have a Commander and Colonel see me off." "We'll we weren't going to miss this" Mac smiled. "This is your big day mister." "Yeah and I'm scared to death," he admitted. "And I didn't realize it was going to be so hard to say goodbye." "Do you two need a moment?" Mac asked. "We can take Chris for a quick walk." "Thanks" Dale smiled as Allison handed Chris to Mac. Mac nodded and she and Harm took Chris while Dale pulled Allison into his arms. "I am going to miss you so much" he whispered as he hugged her tightly. "And I'm so scared for you" she whispered. "You make sure you come back to me Dale March. Chris and I need you." "I'll do my best" he whispered as he felt tears brimming. "I love Allison. More than anything else in this world. Promise you'll take care of yourself while I'm gone. And call Harm and Mac if you need anything." "I will. You take care of yourself too. I love you sailor." They clung to each other until it was time for him to board and he gave his son was last hug as Harm and Mac returned. "I love you Christopher Dale March" he whispered. "Daddy loves you and I'll be home soon." He gave Mac a quick hug and shook Harm's hand. "Thank you both for everything" he said quietly. "Please look after her." "We will" Harm promised. "Make us proud son." Dale nodded and with a final salute hurried aboard the ship. Mac put an arm around Allison as the young woman started to cry. "God this is going to be so hard" Allison wailed. "I know" Mac said sympathetically. "Did you at least tell him about the baby before he left?" "I couldn't" she whispered. "He's already worried about us and he needs to be worrying about himself." "He's going to be okay" Mac promised. "You just have to have faith." They stood at the pier until the large carrier slowly pushed away, the deck of the ship lined with sailors who stood at the rails, offering loved ones one last look. "Come on" Harm urged as the ship slowly moved towards the harbor. "Let's get you guys out of the cold." "I can't yet," Allison whispered, resisting the arm he had put around her shoulders. "I need to see it get to the break water. Please. You guys go on. I'll be along." "Harm." Mac spoke volumes in just that single word and he nodded. "No. We'll stay with you. Then we're all going back to your place and get warm and dry before Mac and I head out." "To destination unknown," Mac reminded him. "I know," he grinned slyly. Slowly and gracefully the carrier moved away. She would lead the Battle Group half way around the world, the US Flag flying proudly above the Admiral's. When she was but a speck in the gray mist, Harm drew Allison away. "Hot chocolate time," he said firmly. "No more arguing. Mac and Christopher are cold and I can feel you shiver." The apartment was warm when they returned to it, though it already seemed empty to Allison. She laid an exhausted Christopher down and changed while Harm and Mac did the same, and when she returned to the kitchen Harm had already gotten cocoa started. "Smells good," she smiled wanly. "I'm so scared." "I know you are," Harm replied. "But you'll get used to it. You'll get into the routine of being a single Navy wife, and then just when you think you won't be able to stand it another day, you'll be at the pier waving him in home." "He won't recognize me." Allison attempted a laugh with the comment but it came out only as half-sob. "And why would that be?" Harm frowned, not understanding. "Because I'm going to look like Shamu has beached himself." "Huh. . .oh my god you're pregnant," he gasped and grinned broadly, giving her a big hug. "Wait OK did Dale know this? He didn't say anything if he did." "No he doesn't know," she sighed. "He doesn't know for good reason. He's already worried to death about us. He needs to be paying attention to what he's doing or he's going to get hurt. If he knew about the baby, he'd just be fretting all the more." Harm looked at Mac and shook his head in disapproval. "Flyboy relax," she smiled. "It's Allison's decision, and you need to respect that. He was around when it counted. Now all that's left to do is wait while she grows larger. She and I can have a contest to see who grows the biggest watermelon." "I hope I did the right thing," Allison murmured and then smiled softly, looking up at Harm. "Apparently you know the secret." "Oh yeah. You can be sure I was around when it counted for that one too," Harm grinned proudly. "You look happy Harm," Allison smiled. "In fact you're passing happy and heading for ecstatic aren't you." "Absolutely. Which is why I'm not sure Dale doesn't deserve to know." "Except that his happy would be tempered with a good dose of fretting," Allison maintained. "Honestly I do think this is the best. He can't be here to share this with me anyway. You know I was reading not long ago that half the guys in the Navy miss the birth of at least one child. Well that's not going to happen here, but he is going to miss the pregnancy unfortunately--except for the last." She gave a long sigh and shook her head. "Now if I just wasn't so scared for him." "Harm." Mac snapped her fingers in sudden memory. "Cdr. Cavanaugh is aboard." "And this affects me how, since I don't have a clue who you're talking about?" "You remember him. We defended him on a bogus dereliction charge last fall. Tall, blonde, blue eyes." "Oh how could I forget." Harm rolled his eyes as far back into his head as they would go. "Douglas Cavanaugh. It was a bogus charge; but the man didn't take his eyes off you once. Whoa wait you went to dinner with him. I just remembered--I hate him." "Stop that," she scolded. "I had a celebratory dinner with him at his hotel his last night in town. Big deal. I haven't heard from him since." "I'm not even going to ask if that's all you did at the hotel," he scowled further. "Is there a point anywhere in the future?" "Well I think the saving of a career is worth a quick favor," she smiled softly. "I'm going to ask if he would tell Dale he knows us and if Dale has any problems could he go to him." "Oh thank you" Allison whispered. "I'm so scared of him being out there and something happening to him." "I'll call as soon as I get back from our honeymoon" Mac smiled. "I'm sorry I'm keeping you two aren't I?" Allison sighed. "I need to get my act together here." "You're not keeping us," Harm said as he checked his watch. "Got a few more hours before the Mrs. and I need to head to the airport." "We're going to the airport?" Mac frowned. "You didn't mention that before flyboy." "Of course not. But we are and I'll be sure to let you know when that is. In the meantime we're just going to sit back and relax for a bit. And figure out how you two managed to get pregnant at the same time." "Our wedding" Allison said with a small smile. "Yep" Mac nodded. "Quite a night. And when Mr. March comes home, the second little March will almost be here." "You promise you won't say anything before then right?" Allison asked. "No this needs to come from you" Harm nodded. "You'll tell him in good time I guess." "Thanks guys. For everything. I know I keep saying that but you two have been so wonderful too us. It really meant a lot to Dale today to have you there when he left." "Well we're pretty proud of him" Harm smiled. "He's done a great job of turning things around with his life. Especially since he made you and Chris a part of it again." "I love him so much" Allison whispered. "I just want him to come back to me safe and sound." ******************* Two Hours Later Newport News International Airport "Atlanta?" Mac frowned. "We're going to Atlanta." "Just a stopping place my dear" he smiled. "That is not the final destination." "Where is" she stopped when she saw where the connection was too. "Grand Bahama Island. We're going to the Bahamas?" "Yes we are. Is that okay with you?" "More than okay" she exclaimed as she threw her arms around him. "I love you so much Harmon Rabb." "And I love you too Mrs. Rabb" he smiled. THE END WATCH FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER TO BE POSTED ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND