TITLE: "Rings & Promises" AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: Valentines Day 2003 and wedding plans loom prominently. s This is the fourth chapter in the Dale March series. Previous chapters were: To Ask the Lord's Blessing Let Every Heart A Cup O'kindness Yet In this series, the events of Afghanistan have occurred but we will not deal with the Singer/Sergei 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: 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. ***************************** "Rings and Promises" Friday, 31 Jan 2003 JAG HQ "Okay time to call it a night," Harm said as he walked into Mac's office. "Harm I'm still working here" she protested as he started to clear the contents of her desk. "Not anymore you're not. The week is over Colonel. Time to relax. Besides we have plans." "We do?" she frowned. "Yes we do. We're having guests for the weekend. Dale called and said him and Allison are coming up for a visit. They want to talk to us about something." "They are?" Mac smiled. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" "I just found out not too long ago. You looked pretty intense in here so I figured I'd wait until quitting time to tell you what was going on." "Did Dale say what they wanted to talk to us about?" she asked. "I hope nothing is wrong. Last time I talked to Allison she said everything was going well down there. She was settling into her job at the shipyard and making some new friends." "I'm sure it's nothing bad. He just said they wanted to talk to us. It could be a million things so don't even start thinking the worst." "Well I'm glad you didn't tell me earlier" she sighed. "Because I'd be going through the list trying to figure out what's wrong." "See. I knew there was a good reason I didn't tell you" he smiled. "And stop worrying. I'm sure everything is fine." "You're probably right. I'm just afraid of something ruining all this. So far everything has been perfect for the last month." She swallowed hard once the words were out of her mouth. There was one thing, but she was not sure how--or if--to bring it up. "Nothing is going to ruin anything" he assured her. "Now come on. I want to get home before our guests arrive." *************** En Route to DC "You think they'll be behind us on this?" Allison asked Dale. "Or do you think they'll give us the lecture everyone else wants to give us." "I don't think Harm and Mac are like that" Dale sighed. "I think if anyone is going to support us on this is going to be them." "If they don't?" "Then we'll do it anyway." "When did you become so decisive Mr. March?" Allison smiled. "When I realized what was important to me" he smiled back. "And you and our son are the most important people in my life. All I want is for us to be a family." "I'm sorry my Dad didn't understand that" she said softly. "He's not giving you a chance and that's not fair." "It's okay. We'll do it without them." "Well I hope we can have someone there," Allison said wistfully. "I really hope Harm and Mac will understand and support us." "They will. Stop worrying. Everything is going to work out." "I sometimes get so afraid," she admitted softly, struggling with a sudden tear. "I mean everything seems so good. You and Christopher. Even my job is decent. Our apartment is great. The day care we found for Chris is working real well. He's healthy again except for that nose that's going to drip until he's twenty. . ." She paused for breath and Dale squeezed her hand. "OK so what's so wrong?" "I'm just afraid something big is going to happen to mess it up," she whispered, sniffling back a tear. "I know that's silly." "Just take a day at a time honey," he advised. "And that's going to be especially good advice for the deployment." "No. Please don't even go there," she sniffled. "I know we talked about it. I know you've got to go, but Dale I just got you back. I can't lose you again." "For six months that will fly," he reminded her. "And you're not alone. You know Harm and Mac are going to be pretty close by. And of course, I'm going to miss you just as much as you're missing me." "You're going to have a ship full of women working with you in those tight little coverall jumpsuit things you guys wear," she sniffled again. "Lonely, not hardly." "Would you stop," he groaned and shook his head. "Listen to yourself. Allison Anne Hargrove I happen to be in love with you. And that's why I'm changing that name to March." "Thanks. Thank you for saying that. Sometimes I guess I just need to hear the words." She gave another short sob and reached for a kleenex while he squeezed her hand once more. "Remember I'm going to be on the ship and you're back here at the shipyard with all those guys. I've seen them remember in warm weather with those shirts with the arms ripped out of them and all." "OK point taken." She managed a small laugh and looked back at Christopher, sound asleep. "I don't believe Harm offered to take him so we can have a weekend alone too," she sighed. "They didn't have to do that, but I can't wait. Just to be able to make love and not have to keep an ear out for the monitor." "Sounds good to me too," he smiled. ============ EN ROUTE TO MAC's APARTMENT Same time "There's something else I should tell you about the weekend," Harm said slowly, not daring to take his eyes off the mass exodus that was Friday traffic. "Harm I don't like surprises." "I know, but when I started to come in about two hours ago you had that look you get where you haven't killed anyone yet today but god help the next person who crosses your path." "Oh you got that right. Singer of course. She has no idea how lucky she is she left early today. Now what's this big news." She held her breath awaiting his reply and eyes wandered down to her still-bare left hand. A weekend away maybe in the Poconos, a warm hot tub, the ring. The ring he had not mentioned since New Year's Eve, the ring being placed on her. . . ". . . .babysit Christopher for the weekend" was all she got when his words broke through her fantasy. "Excuse me? I don't think I heard you correctly. You offered our services to mind their baby for the weekend?" "I thought you wouldn't mind" he frowned. "I'm sorry. I'll just look after Christopher myself if you have other plans." "I didn't mean it that way" she sighed. "I was just thinking you were going to say something else that's all." "Like what?" "Nothing" she said quickly. "Forget I mentioned it. And I'm fine with watching Christopher for the weekend." "Mac talk to me. Did I do something wrong?" "No Harm. Everything is fine. Honest. I'm happy to see Dale and Allison and I don't mind having Christopher for the weekend." "You sure. Cause if you wanted to do something else I'm sure they'd understand." "No. This is fine." "All right" he sighed. "And next time I won't volunteer our services. I just thought you wouldn't mind a weekend with Christopher." "Harm I don't" she sighed. "I was just surprised that's all. Now can we drop this." "Yeah sure" he frowned. The rest of the drive was made in silence and it wasn't until they reached her place that he spoke. "Mac I wish you'd tell me what's wrong. I know something has been bugging you recently and it's not just me springing the fact that we're baby-sitting on you." "Nothing is wrong. We've just been swamped at work and I'm tired" "You're not feeling well are you?" he demanded. "Harm I'm fine. I'm just tired." "You've been working too much and I told you to take it easy" he fretted. "And now I'm really sorry I told Dale and Allison we would watch Christopher. You need a weekend to rest and relax." "No I'm fine" she sighed. "It's just been a long week at work." "Well you're going to take it easy. I'll handle taking care of Christopher." "Harm you're overreacting" she sighed. "Yes I am. But I love you very very much and I'm entitled to overreact when it comes to you. I haven't forgotten that I almost lost you you know. Every night when I go to sleep I thank God that he didn't take you away from me." His words brought tears to her eyes, a combination of the long week and everything else suddenly making her weepy. "Hey don't cry," he said as she sniffled loudly. "I'm sorry. Whatever I did I'm sorry but don't cry." "It's not you" she sniffled as he gathered her into his arms. "I'm just tired and stressed" "And you need to relax" he said softly. "I'm sorry about the weekend honey. I'll make it up to you next weekend. Or better yet, the following weekend. We'll celebrate Valentines a few days later." "You don't have to do that" she sniffled. "I want to" he smiled. "And you deserve it. I'll make all the plans. Nothing for you to worry about." Little did she know he'd already made the plans, a weekend booked at a cabin the Virginia mountains complete with a hot tub and king size canopy bed. Along with the ring that he'd purchased just the other day. "You don't have too" she repeated. "I know. But I will anyway. And in the meantime I want you to take it easy. You've been working too hard and pushing yourself and I know you're still not a hundred percent." She nodded as she pulled away and wiped her tears. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lose it like that." "It's okay. Come on let's get you upstairs so you can rest for a bit before Dale and Allison get here. And I promise I'll handle taking care of Christopher." "Since when did you learn how to do dirty diapers?" she said with a small smile. "I'll figure it out" he smiled. "You okay?" "Yeah I'm fine" she sighed. "I love you" he whispered. "Don't ever forget that." "I don't. Honest," she smiled slightly and wiped at her eyes with a long sigh as he helped her from the car. This man loved her, loved her beyond her wildest expectations and dreams. Perhaps he was happy with the way things were between them and afraid to go for any changes. If that was the case, she could try to be content as well. "And now that I've had a couple of minutes to think on it, I'm glad Christopher is coming for the weekend." "Well it won't hurt for us to see. . .you know. . .what it's like," he grinned slyly. "To be parents I mean. I want that Sarah. As long as you do that is. I want that as much as I did four years ago when we made the agreement. I want you to have my child." "No more than I want it," she smiled and allowed herself to meld into his embrace. "A baby. My brains and your looks." "OK let's not go there. And why are we standing her talking when you should be resting. Go. Take a warm soak and get out of that uniform. I'm going to straighten up a little bit and move a couple of things to make room for the porta-crib." "I can help." "Do I have to make an ugly face?" "Going. . .by all means going." An hour later Harm had just installed her on the sofa with a tray of hot soup when the door bell rang. "Our houseguest and parents," he grinned. Pandemonium reigned for a couple of minutes as greetings were exchanged and finally Dale and Allison sat down together on the loveseat with Harm cradling the baby. "You have no idea how we're looking forward to a weekend together, just us," Allison smiled, "but at the same time right now I can't imagine leaving him." "We're looking forward to having him," Harm assured them. "We're talking about a similar undertaking for us at some point." "He's great," Dale enthused. "Ninety-nine percent of the time I can't get enough of him, but right now, just for forty-eight hours, it's mommy-daddy time." "Mac are you feeling OK?" Allison spoke up. "No she's not," Harm growled. "Then why are we doing this? I mean if you're not well, we shouldn't be burdening you with Chris." "Because I'm going to be doing the work so it's fine," Harm assured her. "It's just been a long week and she's not quite up to full strength. And this ridiculous weather doesn't help. One cold wet day after the next. I swear I'm going to get us transferred to Key West." "Mac are you sure?" Allison asked gently. "Thank you for acknowledging that I'm living and breathing," she laughed. "Yes I'm sure. I'm just suffering from a bad week and like Harm says, the weather, and just when I feel myself coming back strong I feel like I'm suffering a setback. I'm fine, thanks for your concern and I'm glad you guys are here, and glad for the chance to play mommy for two days. Now what did you guys want to talk about?" "A wedding," Dale grinned, practically bursting with the word. "Anyone we know," Harm grinned as well. "Us of course," he scoffed. "We don't know where to begin. I want it right. With God and with the state. How do we go about it? I was thinking maybe Chaplain Turner from Thanksgiving, but I don't even know if he'd want to and we haven't started a church even though I know we should." "I think Chaplain Turner would be honored," Mac approved at once. "Are you thinking Bud and Harriet's place?" "Actually yeah but I didn't know how to even approach that," Dale sighed. "You think?" "I think all we can do is ask," Harm smiled and clapped his young friend's shoulder. "What time frame are we looking at here?" "Before deployment," Dale replied miserably. "I want everything legal and proper before I have to leave them for six months." "When is that?" Harm asked. "Around Easter. But I don't want to wait. I want to make sure everything is squared away before I leave." "And so you're looking for when?" Harm prodded. "If we could, I'd like to do it the weekend after next" Dale replied. "On Valentine's Day if we could. That Friday night. The first time Allison and I went out was on Valentine's Day three years ago." "Weekend after next?" Harm repeated, his mind already thinking of the plans he'd made for him and Mac. "Is that asking too much?" Dale sighed. "I'm sorry. After everything you guys have done for us already, I shouldn't even be asking." "No it's okay" Mac spoke up. "I think a Valentines wedding is a wonderful idea. And we'll do everything we can to help make it happen." "You will?" Allison smiled. "Of course" Mac replied. "It's going to be a tight schedule but I think we can manage it. I'm assuming you're not planning a large guest list." "No ma'am" Allison said quickly. "Just you guys and the JAG folks." "What about family or friends?" Harm asked. "No to both" Dale said quietly. "Allison's Dad went off the deep end when we told him. So that's a definite no. And there's no way my family would come here so I'm not even going to ask. And there's a few guys from the Ike I'd invite but since we're doing it on a Friday night I'm not sure they'll make it." "You sure you don't want to ask your family?" Harm prodded. "They may want to come." "They won't" Dale said with a small smile. "Trust me. This is all we want. You guys are more like family to us than anyone else right now. Hell you've done more for us than either of our families has." "Well you're like family to us too," Mac said softly. "So it's a small guest list and the rest is simple. We call Chaplain Turner and see if he's available and see if Bud and Harriet wouldn't mind letting us use the house for the night. No problem." "Can we ask you two to stand up with us?" Allison asked. "You mean as maid of honor and best man?" Mac smiled and Allison nodded. "Yes. It's because of you two that we're together again. And like Dale said, you're like our family now." "We'd be honored" Harm spoke up. "Now why don't we figure out the rest of the plans over dinner? And then we'll take Christopher and the weekend is yours." "Mac you sure you're up for going out?" Allison asked. "If you're not, we could just order in and stay here." "No I'm okay" Mac assured her. "You sure? I feel bad that we're dropping Christopher on you as it is." "I'm fine. Now what are you guys in the mood for?" They settled on Italian and a short time later were seated in a large booth at a nearby restaurant. "We really can't thank you enough for helping us with this" Dale said quietly. "I know it's a lot to ask on short notice." "We don't mind helping" Mac assured him. "In fact it makes me feel better to know I was right about you two. And I don't want to lecture, but I do have to ask if you've thought about what you're about to do." "We have" Allison answered before Dale could. "We know it's not going to be easy but the best things in life are usually worth fighting for. And we know we love each other and want to be together. And not just living together." Mac nodded, keeping her eyes away from Harm. Everything Allison had said was what she wanted. To not just to have Harm living with her. Not that they were living together in the sense most people thought. They shared a bed but had not yet done more than hold each other at night, her condition at first keeping them from that. But even now that she was better they hadn't taken that next big step. "Mac you okay?" Harm asked as he noticed she'd drifted off. "Yeah I'm fine" she smiled as she looked up at him before looking over at Allison. "So I guess we need to find you a wedding dress?" "I don't want anything fancy. Just something simple. We don't have a lot of money and I don't want to waste it on something like the dress." "Well I know a few places we might be able to find you something nice that won't cost a fortune" Mac smiled. "Maybe we can go shopping one day." "If Dale and I come back early enough on Sunday maybe we could go then." "Sounds good. We'll leave Christopher with the guys." "Can we take him to a strip bar?" Harm laughed. "You know, indoctrinate him early in the finer things of life." "We'll hire a sitter," Mac corrected. "Seriously by all means if you get back Sunday afternoon we'd have time to go look and you guys could get on the road early enough still not to be late getting home." "Thanks. If we live to be eighty we'll never be able to repay you guys," Allison sniffled. "Hey we're getting to play house with the little guy for the weekend. That's pretty neat in itself." Mac reached for the baby as she spoke. "Harm don't let her wear herself out please," Allison added. "He can be exhausting." "In other words she's ordering you to help," Mac giggled. "And he promised he would. We're fine. And these kinds of times are important. You guys were apart a long time and you're going to be again." Her gaze rested on Harm who was seemingly not paying attention. "Now who's off in another world. Harm." "Huh, yeah sorry. You OK?" "I'm fine," she laughed. "But I think you were gone. Something you want to share with the group?" "I'm fine," he parroted her words back to her. "Sorry. Just got lost in some heavy thinking." "I thought he was fantasizing about the strip club," Allison teased. "You caught me." What he was exactly doing was figuring on how he was going to still keep up Operation Engagement Ring and see to a Hargrove-March wedding at the same time. "Honey we need to get going," Dale said softly. "Reservations." "Uh OK," she whispered, looking down at her son in Mac's arms and for a moment her resolve faltered. "Go he's going to be fine," Mac laughed. "You said you were writing down the phone numbers and so forth right?" "Oh yeah I left you a novel in the diaper bag about what he likes, his schedule, how he likes to be tucked in, how he. . ." "Allison." "Yeah OK." "And she's not kidding. She wrote non stop all the way from Richmond." Dale shook his head and took her arm. "Honey, man starving here, and I'm about to raid that soup pot and spoil the dinner we have waiting at the Radisson." "Allison you can call later if it will make you feel better," Mac assured her. "She'll be busy later," Dale grinned, bending over to kiss his baby boy. "Good night son. Daddy loves you. See you Sunday." "I'm not sure I can say goodbye," Allison whispered, suddenly memories of the Christmas nightmare flooding her. Dale smiled gently and whispered into her ear. "Well in that case." She brightened considerably and then blushed. "OK baby boy, Mommy's gotten an offer she can't refuse. See you later." Harm walked them to the door and when he came back, Mac was staring intently into the small baby boy face. "That baby looks real good on you," he told her seriously, sitting on the coffee table to face her. "Yeah he does. Baby hunger can be really strong," she sighed and passed the blanketed bundle to Harm. "On the other hand, you don't look so bad yourself." "You think so?" he smiled. "Yeah I do," she said softly before a long yawn escaped her. "Okay you're going to bed" he ordered. "You're tired and I want you to get some rest. It's going to be a long weekend with Christopher." "You sure you can handle him?" Mac asked. "What's there to handle?" Harm frowned. "I give him the bottle like Allison said and lay him in bed and he goes to sleep." "You really think it's going to be that simple" Mac laughed. "Why wouldn't it be? Anyway you go on. I'll get him the bottle and as soon as he's asleep I'll join you." "Okay. But don't say I didn't warn you." She headed to the bedroom and he smiled at the baby in his arms. He could so picture them with their own child, a little girl that looked just like Mac. Or a little boy that would grow up to be like his daddy. "One day" he said to the baby. "But for now I've got to get you ready for bed." He headed to the kitchen and took one of the bottles Allison had given him from the refrigerator. After carefully warming it in the microwave he settled down on the sofa to feed Christopher. "Now there's a sight" Mac smiled as she looked on from the hallway. "I think I'm getting the hang of this" he smiled as well. "And I thought you were going to bed." "Just checking to see if you needed any help but I can see you've got it under control." "So far. I'll be joining you as soon as I get him asleep." Three hours later he was still walking the infant around Mac's apartment, Christopher crying every time he put him in the crib. Only when Harm was holding him would he stop. "Harm" Mac said sleepily as she wandered to the living room. "Hey what are you doing up?" "You didn't come to bed" she murmured. "Is everything okay?" "As long as I'm holding him it is" Harm sighed. "He won't go to sleep unless I hold him. If I put him down he starts screaming." "That's what babies do" Mac sighed. "He'll cry for a while and then he'll go to sleep." "You sure?" Harm asked. "I don't want the neighbors to think we're abusing him." "It'll be fine. Just put him down." He did as Mac directed, Christopher immediately starting to wail. He looked hesitantly at Mac and she pulled him towards the bedroom. "How long will he cry for?" Harm frowned. "I'm sure it won't be long before he falls asleep. And in the meantime we can try and get some sleep." He was still crying an hour later and Harm finally headed back to the living room and lifted him into his arms. Mac had fallen asleep, obviously exhausted enough that Christopher's cries didn't bother her. But they bothered him. "All right I'm here" Harm said softly as he walked him around the room. Almost at once he quieted and Harm let out a long sigh. This wasn't going to be as easy as he thought. *************** "You look like hell," Mac said the next morning as Harm stumbled to the kitchen. "Did you sleep at all?" "I think he finally crashed around two this morning" Harm sighed. "I'm just glad you were able to sleep through it. Though that concerns me that you're still that tired." "Harm it was a long week at work that's all. I'm fine. And trust me I look a lot better than you." "And you have no idea how much better than makes me feel," he groaned with a sidelong glance at the baby, now sleeping peacefully. "OK here's what's going to happen," Mac told him firmly. "You're going to eat and get a shower and then crawl into bed for a few hours." "Mac he's going to wake up screaming hungry any second. I'm not leaving you to deal with him alone. You're not up to it. I made this commitment and I'll see it through." "Right now I'm more up to it than you are," she retorted. "Just sack out a couple of hours will you please. Since I'm not a hundred percent you have to be remember. And then this afternoon baby willing, we'll ride out and see Harriet and Bud and talk to them about the wedding. OK?" "No but I don't have the strength to argue. And maybe we should think about a puppy instead of a baby." "Right. Drink your juice Flyboy." He managed to down some cereal and juice and after giving her a quick kiss of gratitude was heading for the shower when Christopher let out an ear piercing wail of indignation at waking up wet and hungry. "Chris I'm coming," he called, automatically turning around. "Belay that mister and hit the shower," Mac ordered. "And you Mr. March keep your diaper on. There's a Marine in charge right now." "Yes ma'am. Going ma'am." By the time he returned, Mac, with Marine bred efficiency, had the baby in clean clothes, a dry diaper and was mixing cereal and fruit with his formula like she had been instructed, all with the baby balanced on one hip. Christopher was still distressed but he sensed relief was on the horizon. "You do that on purpose don't you." "What's that Flyboy?" "Make me look bad." "Yeah I spent hours setting this up and enlisted Chris as my co-conspirator. You were about to say good night and get a couple more hours sleep." "That bed did look awful good. You'll wake me for the next turn? Or if you need help? And yeah, an afternoon in front of the basketball games on Bud's big TV would be a real mood improver." "Go, we're fine." Those words hit home to him a few seconds later as he stopped at the bedroom door and looked back. If ever a woman was meant to be a mother, it was Sarah Catherine Mackenzie, soon to be Rabb. And he intended to make that dream come true. For both of them. ************ Bud and Harriet's Home 4 Hours Later "I'll take that little guy" Harriet gushed and Harm happily handed her Christopher, cheeks still wet and red from the screaming he'd done during the ride over. "Please" he groaned. "Unless someone is holding him he's screaming bloody murder." "Harm's exaggerating" Mac smiled. "He's not that bad. I'm sure it's just because this is the first time he's been away from Allison." "Well come on" Harriet directed. "Bud's in the living room with little AJ if you want to escape." "Mac do you mind?" Harm sighed. "Of course not. Go on. Harriet and I will keep Christopher happy while we talk about the wedding." "Your wedding" Harriet exclaimed. "You've finally set a date? Did he give you a ring?" "Uh no" Harm said sheepishly. "Actually Dale and Allison are going to beat us to that." "Oh. Well that's wonderful news too." "Mac will tell you all about it" Harm said before quickly disappearing into the living room. "Sorry" Harriet said as she looked at Mac. "I hope I didn't open my mouth when I shouldn't have." "No it's okay. I'm sure one day it will be us planning a wedding. Right now I'm perfectly happy with us just being together." "Mac you know he wants to marry you. He's probably just gotten a case of nerves and doesn't know how to bring it back up." "I know. And I know I'm being silly and let's not even talk about this since we have more important things to talk about. Like you letting Dale and Allison have a wedding here in two weeks." "They want to get married here?" "Dale loved this place" Mac explained. "And it's only going to be just a few people since both are sort of estranged from their families. I'm going to see if Chaplain Turner will do the service and really that's it." "Of course they can have it here" Harriet smiled. "We'd love to do that. And I'm so glad they've worked everything out. They seem like great kids. And I don't mean to be nosy but is there a reason for the big rush?" "Dale's going to be deployed in April and he wants to make sure everything is in place before he does. Just in case." Harriet nodded soberly. "You never know what can happen," she said softly. "I never imagined anything would happen to Bud on a ship." "Exactly why Dale wants to make sure Allison and Christopher are taken care of" Mac continued. "So that's why they want to do it now. And I guess he picked Valentines because that was the first time they went out three years ago." "How romantic. And you can tell them that of course they can have it here. I know a great caterer so we're all set." "Thanks Harriet. Dale and Allison will really appreciate this. And now being the mother I am I think I can order upstairs to the spare bedroom. You look exhausted. You're still not a hundred percent are you?" "Well I slept more than Harm did" Mac smiled tiredly. "But having Christopher this weekend wasn't what I needed. It was a long week and I was looking forward to having some peace and quiet." "Exactly why you're going to go upstairs and rest for a while" Harriet ordered. "I'll watch Christopher and see if I can't get him to join you for that nap too." "Harriet no" Mac protested. "I didn't come over to sleep." "Well you need to be sleeping. And Harm's lost in basketball land with Bud anyway so you might as well rest." "I can't just dump Christopher on you." "You're not, I'm offering. Now go." After making sure that Mac was comfortable upstairs, Harriet returned to the kitchen with Christopher. "Hey where's Mac?" Harm asked as he wandered in to get refills for him and Bud. "She's upstairs resting. I made her go up for a while." "Thank you" he sighed. "I had no idea she wasn't feeling good otherwise I would never have offered to take Christopher for the weekend." "Harm can I ask you a question?" "That depends on what the question is," he said slowly. "When are you planning on giving Mac the ring you promised her at New Years and setting a wedding date?" Harm looked at her like a big buck caught in a poacher's flashlight. "Oh no you're not going to do that to her are you?" Harriet's eyes flashed angrily and she banged the liter of Sprite on the counter, causing it to tilt and spill. "Goddammit." The word echoed through the kitchen and Harm looked at her in shock for a few seconds before grabbing up a towel to clean the floor. "Harriet what am I not going to do?" he asked gently when he straightened up, dropping the wet towel into the sink. "She said she was happy with you guys together," she hissed. "But you know that's not enough for her. No, what I mean is, she deserves more. She's waited forever for you. For this to happen. My god she nearly married a man she didn't love because she had given up on you. Now you're together and obviously in love and while I applaud that, she deserves the whole thing. She deserves to be Mrs. Rabb and if you don't make her that you are not the man I've always admired and respected." She got the last word out, took a long breath and began to cry. "Harriet stop OK," he gasped, unsure what to do. "Don't cry please. I do have the ring, and I have plans in place to give it to her. But there's a conflict with the March wedding that's all. Seems they wanted Valentines weekend like I wanted it for my big romantic proposal. . .well ring presentation. I already consider her my betrothed." "What a lovely word that is," Harriet sniffled and wiped her face. "I'm sorry sir. I just. . .well the least little thing can bring tears. That Hallmark ad where the little boy brings his mother flowers and a card in the hospital and I'm in a puddle. One minute I'm crying and the next minute I'm yelling. I'm not sure what's going to happen first, the divorce or this birth." "OK OK, calm down." Harm reached out and awkwardly patted her shoulder, glancing around to make sure they were alone. "OK the plan originally was that we were going to drive to the mountains right after work on the fourteenth. Now of course we're coming here for the wedding. Which is fine. We can simply leave Saturday morning instead, but the real hitch is-- Christopher. Much as I love the little guy, I don't want to spend our romantic weekend nursing him through teething." Harriet gave a last sniffle and smiled, dabbing her eyes. "You're covered sir. I'd love to have him for the weekend." "Harriet are you sure you're up to it? Because I wanted to ask you but I can see you're starting to get. . .OK I don't think I want to go there. I'm sure Tracy and Sturgis would help. And the Admiral and Kendra. Dale's only taking her to the Eastern Shore for the rest of the weekend. Short honeymoon." "Count on us sir. Even if Bud doesn't know it. And about before. I'm sorry I freaked. I guess I scared you." "A little" he smiled. "But only because Mac burst into tears yesterday on me." "Well I'm sorry. And whatever we can do to help you get this together, let me know." "I have all the plans made. Once Dale and Allison are off, Mac and I will be right behind. Course I'm trying to keep this all a surprise. Plus I don't want to overshadow Dale and Allison's day." "I won't tell a soul sir" Harriet promised. "Mac is going to be so thrilled. I know she's been waiting for this since New Years." "Maybe I should just do it now" Harm frowned. "The last thing I want is for her to think this isn't what I want." "I think she'll appreciate the surprise more" Harriet smiled. "And deep down she knows you want this as much as she does. She's just having moments of insecurity." "Well she has nothing to be insecure about. I love her more than anything in this world." "I know. And so does she. And it's all going to work out just fine. Now go on back to the game while I see if I can't get Christopher to sleep." "Thank you" Harm sighed. "For everything. You don't know how much I appreciate this. I had no clue this was going to be such a chore when I volunteered us for baby-sitting duty." *************** "You look a little better after that nap" Harm commented as he and Mac made their way back to her place. "I feel better" she nodded. "That was real nice of Harriet to watch him while I slept." "And me too" Harm smiled. He'd fallen asleep with Bud watching the game, still exhausted from the lack of sleep the night before. "So you think this little guy is going to let us sleep tonight?" "No" Mac laughed. "He's been asleep for hours now. He'll probably be up all night." "I am so sorry I volunteered us for this. You certainly didn't need this." "Harm it's okay. I don't mind. I just wish I wasn't so tired. But the nap helped and maybe we can sleep in shifts tonight." "I like sleeping with you a lot better" he said softly. "Well it's just for tonight. Allison and Dale will be back in the morning thank goodness. But I guess this will get us ready for the weekend of the wedding. I'm sure they'll want us to watch him again. So you'll have to hold those Valentine's Day plans for another weekend." "I really wanted to take you away for the weekend you know." "There will be other weekends" she sighed. Once home, Christopher awoke again, now wide eyed and fully awake. "It's going to be a long night" Mac sighed as she watched Harm with Christopher. "He's never going to sleep." "If my place wasn't in such a bad section of town I'd give you my keys and tell you to go sleep there so you can get some rest" Harm smiled. "But there's no way I'm letting you drive over there alone at night." "You mind if I snuggle up next to you?" she asked. "Of course not. There's more than enough of me to go around." She was asleep way before Christopher and Harm gently stroked her head as she slept on his shoulder. "I love you honey" he whispered. "And I am going to make you my wife. Very very soon." ******************* "He was awful wasn't he?" Allison sighed as Mac let them into the apartment early the next afternoon. "I can tell just from the look on your face." "I think he missed you" Mac smiled as she handed Christopher to his mother. "But yeah he was a bit of a handful." "Harm's still asleep?" Dale frowned as he looked around. "He got stuck with him most of the night" Mac explained. "I crashed and he never woke me to take a turn with him. So he didn't get to sleep until a few hours ago." "I'm so sorry" Allison groaned. "You guys are probably ready to kill us." "No he's just had a few rough spots is all," Mac assured her quickly. "Besides look at that face. No one could be upset with that face for long." "Well we'll take him off your hands but you have no idea how great this time away has been for us," Dale sighed. "We did some loving and some talking and saw a movie and did some loving and. . .did I mention loving?" "You might have," Mac smiled. "I'm glad. Now Allison are you ready to do a little shopping?" "I. . .I'd love to," she answered shyly, "but are you sure you're up to it?" "Are you kidding? I'm in mall withdrawal it's been so long. And it's the perfect time to go. Harm is asleep and he can't hover and fret." "I. . .OK yeah but I just want something simple," she whispered, her eyes alight nevertheless. "I'm sure we'll find something," Mac nodded and lifting Christopher, carried him to Dale and plopped him onto this father's lap. "OK you men have the con. I have my cell if there's an emergency but tell Harm I said unless war has been declared we're fine." ===================== Two hours later Harm awoke and stretched, reaching beside him for what he expected to be a warm Marine and finding only empty space. A glance at the clock told him he had slept until the middle of the afternoon and he was about to call Mac when he heard the unmistakable sound of Christopher in distress. "Honey I'm coming. Let me take care of him please." He rolled from the bed, staggering slightly as he tried to wake up fully. "Well I'm not Honey but I'll be glad for the help," Dale called. ============ FRANCES WILLIAMS FASHIONS Georgetown "It's beautiful. Nothing short of beautiful," Mac assured Allison as she stood before the five- way mirror in the elegant but simple long white dress. "Yeah and it also costs two-thirds of what I make in a week," she sighed, reaching for the zipper. "This was a mistake. We should have gone to Walmart." "Uh they don't have them in Georgetown," Mac grinned. "And it's on me." "Oh no, no way," she gasped and shook head firmly. "You've already done way more than anyone ever. You almost died for me and Christopher. No." "Yes and don't argue. Consider it a wedding present if you have to. The dress is perfect. You know you won't like anything else as well." "I'd take the loan but I have no way to pay you back. What we make just covers daycare and rent and. . ." A sob threatened and she swallowed it down. "Honey if I couldn't afford to do it, I wouldn't have made the offer. I'm sure. You look beautiful and Dale will be thrilled. Now take it off. It needs to be boxed." "Thank you" Allison sniffled. "You're like this angel that came into our lives. Both you and Harm." "And we're happy to be a part of your lives" Mac smiled. "Now what do you say we go find some lunch?" A half-hour later they were seated at a nearby TGIFriday's. "Thank you again" Allison said once they'd ordered. "And lunch is my treat. "It's the least I could do since you watched Christopher all weekend." "All right. But just this time. I know things have to be tough for you and Dale." "It's not easy" she sighed. "We're doing our best just to keep our heads above water right now. Daycare eats up most of my check and of course you know Dale makes practically nothing." "Well at least once you're married he'll get the allowances for you and Christopher and that will help." "Yeah it will. I think that's part of the reason why Dale is pushing for this right away. Besides him being worried about leaving us when he gets deployed." "But you both want this wedding right?" Mac asked. "Marrying Dale has been my dream since we went out the first time" Allison smiled. "The first time we kissed something happened and I knew I'd met the man I wanted to spend my life with. Even though I was only fifteen." "Sometimes it's just right" Mac smiled. "At least you're not waiting half your life like Harm and I did. Course we're still waiting." Her last words tumbled out before she could stop them and she let out a long sigh. "Forget I said that will you. And please don't repeat it to Dale." "Are you upset that Harm hasn't given you a ring and set a date yet?" Allison asked. "No" Mac lied. "Yes you are." "Okay maybe I am. But please please don't say anything. It's just me being silly. Harm told me we would get me a ring and we'd get married and I know it will happen. I just have to be patient." "I'd say you've been patient enough" Allison smiled. "And I could put a small fire under Harm's six if you wanted. Remind him of a certain promise he made on New Years." "No don't. Please. It's okay. Everything is really good between us and I'm happy to have that." "I won't. But I also know that he loves you Mac. I talked to him that night when he and Dale were trying to get to us. There was no doubt how he felt about you. Then and now." "And that's why I'm okay with waiting" Mac said with a small smile. "It'll happen when he's ready. But right now I know he loves me and I know that won't change." "But you'd really like to be trying on those wedding dresses too wouldn't you?" Allison said softly. "One day I will. But right now is your turn." "Thanks to you" she smiled. "I really want to pay you back somehow for the dress and for everything else." "You don't have to." "I'll find a way" Allison promised. "No one has ever been this kind to Dale and me and we won't forget it." **************** "How long does it take to pick out a dress?" Harm frowned as he paced Mac's apartment. "Harm I'm sure they're fine. They probably just lost track of time." "Well they could have called" he sighed. "She knows I'm worried about her." "Harm chill" Dale smiled. "You worry too much." "Yeah well last time I let her out of my sight look what happened" Harm snapped. "I almost lost her." "If something was wrong wouldn't we have. . ." Dale offered just as the phone rang. "Thank god," Harm breathed as he read the caller ID and snatched up the receiver. "Hi honey." "Hi yourself. Mission accomplished. And we're buried in Oreo Madness here. You guys having fun?" "I'm worried about you and you're indulging your chocolate addiction," he exploded. "OK I'm better now. And yeah we've had a good afternoon. You're on your way right?" "Well we're not yet to the plate licking stage but yeah we'll be there soon." "You sound tired. Be careful driving. Please." "Of course." He was still pacing a half hour later when they arrived, and he swept her into a warm hug while Dale did the same with Allison. "Let's see what you bought," Dale urged, tugging on the box. "Allison don't you dare show him. No one else sees it before the wedding," Mac laughed. "Dale it's beautiful. She made a great choice and I can't wait to see her walk to you and to become. . ." A sudden unwanted sob stopped her and her hand went to her mouth at once. "I'm sorry. I must be more tired than I realize. Normally wedding talk wouldn't make me weepy." "Harm put her to bed will you. We need to get on the road. That stupid alarm clock rings awfully early." Allison stepped forward and gave her a quick hug. "Thank you for a wonderful day and for allowing this weekend to happen. We needed it, Dale and me." "I'll help you down with the stuff," Harm offered and Mac nodded, starting to pick up one of the bags. "No ma'am no way. I've got it. You go soak or read or watch TV or something. Something that you're doing without moving." "I can make one trip," she protested. "Not going to happen. Finish your good-byes and go. Or I swear I'm going to call the Admiral and put on you on a week's leave, and then I'm going to have to work closely with Singer whom I'll probably then kill and you'll have to visit me in Leavenworth." "Yes sir, going," she sighed, reaching to give Christopher a final pat. ================= The apartment was filled with soft music when Harm returned, along with the scent of new bath oil from a mall stop at Bath and Body, and something else. Another sound that Harm did not at first identify until the music paused. Soft weeping. Harm was at the bathroom door at once, knocking urgently. "Mac are you OK. What do you need me to do." 'I need you to marry me' she said to herself before giving a long sniffle to stop the tears, having not realized Harm would hear her. "I'm fine," she lied. "Just a maudlin part of this book is all. Make some coffee will you. I'll be out shortly." "I will marry you" he murmured. "Soon Sarah. Very soon." He went to the kitchen to make the coffee and a few moments later she emerged. "Must have been a real tear-jerker," he said softly. "I didn't realize you got that into the story." "Sometimes I do. And I'm just emotional cause I’m tired and it was a long weekend." "I want you to take a few days off," he said as he poured them each a cup of coffee. "And before you say you can't, you can. JAG will manage for a few days without you." "Harm I'm fine. I don't need to take any time off." "Yes you do," he said firmly. "I'm serious Mac. The last thing you need is to get run down and sick before the wedding. So before that happens, you're going to take a day off and rest." "Well I wouldn't mind a day of laying around doing nothing since the weekend was messed up" she admitted. "Good. I'll call the Admiral tonight and tell him you'll be taking the day off. And I want your promise that you'll rest and take it easy." "Trust me I won't move from the sofa." "All right. Now finish your coffee and then you're off to bed." **************** JAG HQ's Thursday, February 13th "Hey it's the happy couple" Harm smiled as Dale and Allison stepped off the elevator with Christopher in tow. "Ready for your big day tomorrow?" "Oh yeah. And thanks for having the dinner tonight. You guys really have gone out all out for us." "Our pleasure. Let me find the Colonel and we'll be out of here. And after dinner we'll stop at Bud and Harriet's and you can see what she's doing with the place for tomorrow." "I can't wait" Allison smiled. "I'm sure it's going to be beautiful." "Hi you two" Mac smiled as she walked into the bullpen. "How you feeling twenty four hours before your big moment?" "Nervous" Dale smiled. "This is a big responsibility." "Yes it is but you're going to do fine" Harm said as he patted his back. "Mac you ready to get out of here?" "Give me five and I will be" she nodded. "And where's Kendra? Isn't she supposed to be watching Christopher for you tonight?" "Kendra's running behind" AJ answered as he walked out over to them. "But I know you have reservations so you can leave this little guy with me and we'll be just fine." "Sir we can't do that" Allison gasped. "It's AJ and yes you can" he smiled as he held out his arms. "I've taken care of a few little ones in my time. I'll be fine until Kendra gets here." "Thank you sir" Harm smiled. "We appreciate that. La Tours doesn't hold reservations." "La Tours?" Dale frowned. "That sounds expensive." "It is but it's your last night as a bachelor so you deserve a good meal" Harm laughed. "And since you wouldn't hear of having a bachelor party." "No way" Dale smiled as he wrapped his arm around Allison. "I've heard about what happens at those bachelor parties. I don't want any part of it." "Over dinner Harm can tell you about Bud's bachelor party" Mac smiled. "But we need to run if we're going to get home and change and still make it on time." "Sir you're sure you're okay with Christopher?" Dale asked. "Me and this little guy are just fine" AJ smiled. "We'll see you over at Bud and Harriet's later." "I don't believe that," Harm laughed as he slipped is arm around Mac and walked to the car. "If I didn't know better I'd swear he's thinking how he'd like to have one of those." "Well there's a lot of that going around," Mac laughed as well. "But I haven't heard if he and Kendra are leaning in that direction. He's still seeing her obviously. I think she's good for him. Honestly I do." "Do you think I'm good for you?" Harm teased as he helped her into the car. "Hell no, but I can't get rid of you," she giggled. "Like chewing gum on a shoe or something." Before he could get away she grabbed him and gave him a long kiss. "Nor do I want to." ========= HOME OF BUD AND HARRIET 2 Hours later "Sir I don't believe I've ever seen you with a Snugli." Bud could not help the comment as he opened the door for AJ and Kendra. "Never a camera when you need one." "At ease Lieutenant," AJ growled. "The little guy and I are bonding thank you very little." "You sure it's not practicing?" Harriet chimed in and AJ glared at her. "He looks good on you sir," Harriet added. "You want some relief?" "I offered several times but he says he's got it covered," Kendra supplied. "Actually we had a great time. Stopped for food and people thought he was ours." "Well you know, they know what causes that now so if you're thinking along those lines," Bud teased. "What I'm thinking about right now is a beer Lieutenant, and to get twenty pounds of baby off my chest," AJ growled. Kendra stepped up and helped him off with the Snugli straps. "Harriet may I change him? Christopher that is. AJ can take care of himself." "Come on I'll give you a hand," Harriet laughed. "And I think I was right on the mark with practicing." "The house looks great," Kendra enthused as they walked. "Bud says we have a future in renting it out for parties," she sighed. "Which of course was a dig at how much house it is, but I don't care. It's going to be filled with kids and our friends and their friends and my parents wouldn't have offered if they weren't in a position to help." "By all means," Kendra agreed, following Harriet into the den. "And the flowers are being delivered tomorrow?" "And the caterers and that's the last of it. I'm so happy for Dale and Allison. And they're so grateful to everyone for pitching in. They deserve their chance." "Yeah they do. He's a good guy. Now how about Harm and Mac?" "Ah touchy subject," Harriet sighed. "Well at least with me. He seems to be stuck in place, even though he swears he's got it covered. And she's not saying anything to the contrary." "They look totally happy." "Yeah but I'm thinking she's afraid of rocking the boat because it's that happiness she's waited for forever but she deserves more." "Well our Mr. Rabb doesn't seem the type to deny her." ********************* Friday, February 14th Bud and Harriet's home "Wow someone had good taste" Harriet smiled as she let herself into the bedroom where Mac was helping Allison get ready. "That is gorgeous." "Mac bought it for me" Allison sniffled. "Okay no tears" Mac ordered. "You'll ruin that wonderful job you did on your makeup. And you'll make me cry and I'm already weepy enough myself." "Well it's wonderful on you. You only do this once in a lifetime so you might as well do it right. And look beautiful so that your husband will never forget this moment." "I hope this is only once in a lifetime" Allison sighed. "I'm so nervous I don't think I could do it a second time." "You won't be" Mac assured her. "You and Dale are perfect together and are going to have a wonderful life together." "You're making me teary again" Allison wailed. "This is like such a dream come true." "Your wedding day is" Harriet smiled. "After we got past the bumps of ours it was a dream. Standing at the altar pledging your love to one man for the rest of your life." Mac sighed long and loud at Harriet's words and both women looked at her. "I'm sorry. Ignore me." "Mac he loves you and one day you and Harm will be doing the same" Allison smiled. "I know it. He's not going to let you down." "Yeah I'm sure," Mac said with a forced smile. "But this is not about me and Harm. This is you and Dale's day." "Well it wouldn't be our day if it weren't for you and Harm. And all of you guys. You've made this happen for us." "And we've been happy to" Harriet smiled. "I'm going to go see if the guys are ready and then it's just about show time." ============= Downstairs in the living room Dale waited nervously with Harm. "I'm doing the right thing right?" Dale asked. "I'm not making her life worse am I?" "You're doing the right thing" Harm smiled. "You love her. She loves you. It's all pretty simple." "So why haven't you and Mac done this yet?" Dale asked. "I'm working on it" Harm admitted. "In fact tonight, we're going away after this is all over. I have the ring and I'm going to formally propose." "Did we mess up your plans by doing this wedding last minute?" Dale groaned. "I'm so sorry. I should have known you'd planned something for Valentine's." "It's okay" Harm assured him. "Harriet is going to watch Christopher. I just haven't said anything cause this was going to be a surprise for Mac. And this is your day." "Good. Cause I was getting worried you had decided you didn't want to marry Mac." "Good God no" Harm gasped. "Whatever gave you that idea?" "Allison. And I'd better shut my mouth before I say something I wasn't supposed to. Forget I said a word." "No way. What are you talking about?" "Allison's going to kill me" Dale sighed. "She promised Mac she wouldn't tell a soul but she told me and now I've gone off and blabbed it." "Blabbed what?" Harm demanded. "Mac thinks you don't want to marry her." "What? Is she out of her mind?" "Well in her defense Harm, it's been a month and a half since you promised her a ring on New Years." "I have a ring" Harm moaned. "I was just waiting for a romantic time to do it. Valentines seemed good and then we got sidetracked with your wedding. But not once have I ever thought about not marrying her." "And that's what Allison told her. But I don't think Mac totally believed her." "Well I'm going to fix this as soon as your wedding is over" Harm said determinedly. "The last thing I want her thinking is I don't love her and don't want to marry her." "Well I don't think she doubts your love, only your intentions," Dale smiled. "Thanks. I feel so much better," Harm groaned. "I realize my track record isn't all that good as far as commitment is and so forth, but I'm dead dog serious about this. I've just wanted to do it kind of special." "You're sure it's not that you're not quite sure how to proceed?" "Yeah OK Seaman. I confess to a little jitters there, but not because I have doubts, just because I'm sailing into uncharted waters. I've never been in love before; and never wanted so badly to get anything right before. And the fact that I'm talking to a kid twenty years younger about my love life shows how desperate I am." Dale burst out laughing. "Sir you'll do the right thing I know. Now tell me the same thing can you?" "Very easily. You love that girl; and she loves you, and that love made a baby. Now you're going to make it right with God and the law. Just go with it son. I don't think you'll be sorry." ============ "OK it's a go," Harriet smiled. "The groom is looking nervous and the best man is fidgeting. And the guests are here. I swear Commander Manetti looks more at home with Commander Turner every time I see them together. And Tiner is so cute with Melissa. OK, let's move out smartly shall we. Allison you're beautiful." "Thanks." Carefully she dabbed her eyes and with Mac and Harriet guided her to the stairs. A moment later the house stereo system swelled with the Bridal March and they descended the long staircase. "You're a lucky SOB Dale March," Harm whispered, nodding to Allison's beauty but his focus was on Mac. His eyes never left hers as she walked ahead of Allison, and when she was near enough to see, he touched the gold wings on his dress whites, mouthing, 'I have what I want' and nodded when she blushed. Chaplain Turner lifted his hands in greeting. "On this night of St. Valentine we come to join this man and this woman who have so pledged their love and devotion," he intoned. "Witnessed by God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the small baby boy of that love, as well as friends, we rejoice in the day the Lord has made. It was requested that the ceremony be simple and my reputation to the contrary, I can do brief and to the point." That was followed by a glare to his son as Sturgis coughed and swallowed. "Do you Allison Anne Hargrove accept into your heart this man Dale Joseph March. Will you love and cherish him, beholding to him only, for as long as you both shall live. And likewise Dale Joseph March do you accept Allison Anne Hargrove into your heart?" "We do," they both whispered and their hands trembled as they exchanged rings. Harm drew his breath in sharply as he remembered the ring safely stowed. In a few short hours, it would be where it belonged. "Thus by the power of the Lord above and the laws of the Commonwealth, you are joined as man and wife," the chaplain declared. "And may the blessings of God follow you all the days of your life." He held his hand up to indicate the ceremony was not finished and with a nod to Bud, Harm picked up a microphone from the shelf behind him. The karaoke system came to life and Harm's pure clear voice began "Our Father who art in Heaven. . ." The song filled the house and every eye was upon him from then until he finished. ". . . and the power and the glory forever. Aaaaah-men." "Go with God," Turner concluded. "Well Flyboy that was quite a surprise," Mac whispered, coming to his side at once. "Mac he's something else," Sturgis laughed. "You need to rent him out to bar mitzvahs and weddings." "Sorry only for family and friends" Harm smiled before looking at Mac. "You liked that?" "Very much. It was a fitting end to a wonderful ceremony." "I think they're going to be okay," Harm said as he looked over to where Dale and Allison were engaged in a long kiss. "Hey save it for the honeymoon" Mac teased and they broke apart. "All right but then we're out of here" Dale laughed. "Not before I throw the bouquet" Allison smiled. "I want all single ladies at the bottom of the stairs. Dale, help me back upstairs." Dale guided his new wife back up the stairs before letting out a long whistle. "Mac, Tracy, Melissa, Kendra. All of you get over here now. Bouquet time." "Go on" Harm urged as he gave Mac a push towards the stairs. She gave him a long look but lined up at the bottom with the other women. "Mac you know this belongs to you" Tracy laughed. "She'll have to fight me for it" Kendra smiled. "You know how long I've been waiting to catch one of these." "I don't know sir" Harm smiled as he made his way over to AJ. "Kendra looks like she's going to make a big play for that bouquet." "Even if she does it isn't going to happen" AJ said soberly. "Why not sir?" Harm frowned. "Rabb look at us. She's young enough to be my daughter. She deserves better than an old used up Admiral." "I don't think that matters to her" Harm countered. "Well it matters to me," AJ said before walking away. "You ladies ready?" Allison grinned and a moment later the bouquet came cascading down. Allison's aim was perfect and it practically landed in Mac's arms and she had no choice but to grab it. "Perfect toss honey" Dale whispered as he kissed his wife. "I know" she giggled. They bid tearful farewells to their friends, and Allison gave Mac and Harm an especially long hug. "Thank you so much for everything" she sniffled as she hugged Mac. "Everything was perfect." "I'm so happy for you two" Mac sniffled as well. "You go now and have a wonderful honeymoon." "We will" she promised before turning to Harm. "Thank you." "Anytime" Harm smiled before taking her into his arms for a hug. "And when we get back there better be a ring on Mac's finger" she whispered in his ear. "There will be" he promised. Finally they were gone and Mac sank down on the sofa. "On your feet Marine" Harm ordered a second later. "Why?" she frowned. "We're not leaving already are we?" "Yes we are. So grab you coat and let's say goodbye." "Harm no. I want to stay and talk to everyone. It's too early to go home." "We're not going home." "So where are we going?" she asked as she allowed him to help her to her feet. "You'll see. Now let's go say goodbye to everyone." "Harm we have to get all of Christopher's stuff together first" she sighed. "Remember we have him for the weekend." "No you don't ma'am" Harriet smiled. "Christopher is tucked away in bed where he's going to be for the weekend." "No wait. We're watching Christopher." "Honey we're not watching Christopher" Harm smiled. "And now you're going to ruin everything if you don't just go along with me on this." "Ruin what?" "Your surprise" he groaned. "Well it was supposed to be a surprise but it won't be if you don't stop asking questions." "Harm I didn't expect anything special for. . ." she started and his finger came down on her lips. "That's the beauty of this," he smiled. "You didn't expect it, and I swear the Navy can get a SEAL team and all its equipment halfway across the world with more ease than this op, but it's done so just go with it." "Sir, your ride is here. Right on time," Bud interrupted, glancing at the clock. "I'll have to remember that at tip time," Harm grinned. "Say good night Gracie. We're out of here." "I still don't. . ." Further words were smothered in a Harriet hug and then she was passed to Harm who in short order had bundled her into her coat and she was out the door. Out the door and staring at a white limousine. "That's not for us," she managed in her surprise. "The hell it's not. We my love are keeping our appointment with our weekend. We're just getting there a little late that's all. But it's actually OK because the Admiral gave us leave to come in late Monday." "Harm a limo? How? And where? And why?" "How--I picked up the phone and ordered it. Bless my gold American Express Card. Where-- the mountains of the Shenandoah, and why--because I love you. No more questions. We're standing here freezing our baguettes off while this guy is on the clock. Move out Colonel." His arm went around her back and he guided her into the limo. Very shortly the DC metropolis was left behind and the mountains loomed before them as the ribbon that was I-66 took them to their destination. "I've never necked in a limo before," she whispered with a blushing giggle as she came up for air. "Well I did. Prom night. Jenny Carpenter," he laughed. "But let's not bore you with my conquests of twenty-five years ago." "No let's not," she laughed as well, snuggling herself into his arms as the limo ate up the road. "Rest honey," he urged. "It's going to be a long night and sleeping is not on the agenda." She was warm and drowsy in his arms when the limo came to a stop. "Where are we?" "It's called Sugar Maple Cabin. And it's our home until Monday morning. Fred thank you so much. Job well done and we'll see you Monday." "Sir I noticed you don't have a car at your disposal," Fred smiled knowingly as he set the bags inside the door. "Not planning to leave?" "No way," Harm laughed and shortly they were alone. He guided her inside and gave a long sigh. Everything he had asked for was there, to include the fire burning merrily in the gas fireplace. "Now why don't we get out of these clothes and into more comfortable things and have some hot chocolate in front of that wonderful looking fire. It's going to be a long evening." "Clothes? How could I have clothes? I didn't pack." "No but Harriet and Tracy did for you. And because you're so Marine-organized, they said it was child's play. Besides I told them you didn't need anything but cabin and walking in the woods clothes." "They have good taste," she said when she opened her suitcase and the cowgirl PJs were on top. "It was a request," he smiled sheepishly as he donned his own. While she was in the bathroom he secured the package nearby. "We can get to the cocoa in a few. Right now I just want to enjoy this fire, and you. If that's OK." "More than," she smiled and went unhesitantly into his arms. "Flyboy you do know how to treat your women." "No, woman. The only one I'll ever have again," he assured her, and reached beneath the shelf for the package. Six inches square and wrapped in gold paper. "Happy Valentine's Day. A token of my love," he explained. "Intriguing." She gave it a slight shake and heard nothing. Swallowing hard she slit the tape at one end and slid the paper off and then the lid of the red foil box, and when she saw the contents, gave herself the silent admonition that she had the love and devotion of the man of her dreams and that it was enough. "Harm it's beautiful. Since when do you have taste," she giggled, fingering the red scarf, obviously pure silk. "Since I fell in love. Take it all the way out please." When she did as he asked, another object came with it, tied to a corner, sparkling in the candle light. She caught it with her hand and he covered that hand with his. "Marry me Sarah. I love you. Wear my ring and be my bride." "Harm" she sniffled. "Is that a yes?" he smiled. "Of course it's a yes" she smiled as her trembling hands held the ring. "Then let me make it official" he whispered as he took the ring from her and gently slid it on her ring finger. "This is the beginning Sarah. The beginning of our life together." "I love the sound of that" she whispered. "And I love you so much. Thank you for this." "I'm sorry it took so long. But I was waiting for the right moment and then we got wrapped up in Dale and Allison's wedding. But you have to know that never for a moment did I consider not doing this." "I wasn't sure" she admitted softly as she looked down at the sparking ring on her finger. "How could you ever doubt that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you?" he asked as he gently raised her head to look at him. "Didn't I make myself clear at New Years?" "Well it hadn't gotten mentioned since. And I thought that maybe you were just happy with the way things were. And of course now I realize I was just being silly." "Yes you were" he smiled. "I love you and I will always love you." "And I love you too" she whispered. "I want to make tonight even more special" he whispered. "I gave you the ring so you would know I love you and want to marry you. But tonight I want to show you how much I love you." "Keep talking sailor. Cause you've got my attention." Without a word he reached for the large quilt from the back of the sofa and gently spread it on the floor in front of the fireplace. Then he slowly lowered her down on it. "I love you Sarah" he said softly as his hands slowly began to unbutton the top of her PJ's. "And I hope this is okay." "More than okay" she managed before his lips found hers in a long and passionate kiss. "God I've wanted this for so long" he panted when they finally parted. "You're sure this is what you want?" Her answer was to pull him back to her and it wasn't long before both sets of PJ's were quickly discarded and their bodies became one. Afterwards they lay in each other's arms in front of the fire, the quilt wrapped tightly around them. "Happy?" he smiled as he kissed her forehead. "Blissfully" she murmured as she looked up at him. "This is so incredible." "So I guess I was pretty good?" he teased. "Better than pretty good" she smiled. "You were incredible Mr. Rabb." "Incredible." "Very" she whispered before leaning forward for another kiss. "Well for the record Ms. Mackenzie, you were pretty incredible yourself" Harm said softy. She sniffled softly with the emotion of the moment and snuggled down further into his arms, letting his broad chest serve as her protector. "I think for the rest of our lives we need to pledge that we won't hardly ever sleep without doing that first," he sighed, wrapping his arms around her as fully as he could. "Amen," she whispered, her eyes closing. For well into the night they slept there, waking at dawn for him to carry her back to the bed where they made love once more and slept again. "Remember what we promised each other last night," she whispered when the sun was high in the sky and hunger stirred them to wakefulness. "I made a lot of promises last night," he smiled and lifted her hand that bore his ring. "All of them wrapped up in this band of gold." THE END Watch for the next chapter which will be forthcoming at Easter time, dealing with a wedding among other developments.