Title: "This Thing Called Love" Author: Anne Rating: PG-13 (implied sexual situations) Classification: JAG story, Angst, Romance (H/M) Spoilers: "Enemy Below" Summary: A conclusion to the seventh-season finale, "Enemy Below." Bud’s struggles to put things back together after his injury with help from his “JAG” family. Disclaimer : borrowing characters from DB.. The only thing I'm gaining from them is a little entertainment value and putting H&M together where they belong.... This Thing Called Love May, 2002 0900 Harm’s Office Harm is sitting at his desk thinking about Bud and Harriet and how they have handled the situation since Bud lost his leg. He is thinking of what Bud told him while they were waiting in the hospital for Harriet to arrive. Bud was concerned that Harriet would not still love him after losing his leg. Why would a good looking woman like Harriet want to be stuck with a one legged guy. It was a scene he will never forget. . Bud was getting really nervous,” what would I do if Harriet left me, I wouldn’t want to live without her, Sir.” I reminded him to “get a grip, you know Harriet better than that, she loves you. “ Harm remembers standing outside the door to see how things would go, he was worried Harriet or Bud might need him. Harriet didn’t hesitate she went straight over to Bud and kissed him and tells him how much she loves him and she came to carry him to their new home. Bud asks how can she love him, she said I didn’t just marry you for your great looking legs Lt., I love all of you “for better or worse, in sickness and health” . Harm wonders to himself if he will ever have that kind of love. A knock on his door brings him back to reality, Sturgis says: “Morning Commander, deep thoughts?” Harm: What’s up Sturg? Sturgis: I was wondering if you have heard the rumors in the office. Harm: What rumors. Sturgis. That Lt. Singer will be going to replace Lt. Roberts on the ship, and Roberts will be going to Italy. Harm: No, I haven’t talked to the Admiral this morning, but what about Harriet? Sturgis: Don’t know that’s all I’ve heard. Harm: Have you seen Mac this morning? Sturgis: No, your losing your touch, Harm, you should keep better tabs (teasingly) Sturgis leaves on that note. Harm: Tiner, could I possibly see the Admiral. Tiner (checks) Yes sir, go right in When Harm enters, there sits Mac. Admiral: Come in Commander, I was just about to send for you. The Col. and I were discussing the rumors going round about Lts. Singer and Roberts. First of all, No I need Roberts here for the time being, so I am trying to decide whether to send Singer to the ship. The Col. has offered to go replace Bud for the time being Harm looks at Mac as if to say why? Seeing no emotion he turns back to the Admiral Admiral: But I am considering sending Sturgis, it will be only a few months and I really need you and the Col. here until I find out how Lt. Roberts is going to cope. He will need all the help we can give him. Harm: I understand Admiral, you can count on me. Mac: Yes, sir, you can count on me also. Admiral: You are dismissed, I will let you know my decision. They leave - as they are walking out Harm: Mac, why were you going away again? We still haven’t had our talk. Are you ready? Mac: Harm, I was only trying to help keep Bud here with Harriet awhile longer. He is really trying and Bud and Harriet are getting involved in the fight to destroy the mines in Afghanistan . As for our talk, yes , I am ready. When? Harm: How about tonight? I’ll make dinner Mac: On second thought, how about my place, (thinking to herself, no more meatless meatloaf, I’ll pick up Chinese) with a smile on her face. Harm: Works for me, about 8? Later:Mac’s Apartment Mac: Come in, door is open Harm: Something smells good, hope it isn’t Beltways... Mac: For shame Rabb, why do you think I said my place, I sure didn’t want meatless meatloaf. Harm: That’s one thing we need to talk about. Mac: Do you have a list? Harm: Well, partially, how about you. Mac: I have several thoughts (with a devilish look on her face) Harm: to himself ( I love it when she looks that way) Harm gets to table - Um he says , candlelight, Mac: Just thought we could set the mood, maybe no arguing before dinner Harm: This is cheating, you were supposed to cook this is take out. Mac: Cook, who said anything about cooking (smiling) They eat small talk about Bud & Harriet, Singer not getting Buds spot on the ship. After dinner: Mac: See, no clean up necessary. Now we can talk. We’ll have coffee in the living room. Harm follows her into living room. Mac sits on sofa and pats beside her for Harm to sit. Neither of them are interested in the coffee. Mac looks up at Harm: Where shall we start? Harm: This is really hard for me, I have a really hard time opening up to you and I don’t know why. At first I told myself it was because you looked so much like Diane, but the first time I kissed you and you thought I was kissing Diane, well, at first looking at you I was, but as I kissed you it changed it was completely different. It was as if I never wanted to stop and it scared me and I started backing off. Ok, thats where I’m starting, how about you? Mac: Oh, Harm, I do wish I had known how you felt then, because I felt the same thing in that kiss. It was magical like I knew at that moment something good was happening to me. But you never made any indication afterwards, just kept pushing me away with harsh remarks and such. Harm: I know, I just don’t know what happened to me. I guess I tried to hide my feelings for you by trying to fall in love with other people, but nothing worked enough for me to ever commit to anyone. There was always this nagging inside, I couldn’t feel complete fulfillment until the night of your engagement party to Mic. I wanted so much to tell you not to marry him, but if I did I would be committing and that scared me, but when we kissed, I wanted you so much I ached. Mac: When we were in Australia, you pushed me so far away, I just knew you didn’t love me, and Mic did but I wasn’t in love with him. I just didn’t want to spend the rest of my life alone and I do want a child before my clock runs out. Then at the engagement party, you almost said you loved me, and I wanted to hear that so much, but you still couldn’t commit. And when we kissed I felt the same way as you Harm, I really didn’t want that kiss to end, that’s when I knew deep down I couldn’t marry Mic...the magic wasn’t there with him. But I still don’t know how you feel. Harm: Mac, there is so much to think about. What will happen to us as partners at JAG. I can’t imagine not having you there to back me up or me to back you up if we were in real trouble. I always need to know your there. Mac: That’s sweet Harm, but it doesn’t have to stop, we can work it out. Look at Webb’s parents, there were both CIA. Surely, we can. Harm: Do you really think so? Mac, would you resent me later if somewhere down the line you had to leave JAG? I never want that to happen. Mac: Harm, what are you trying to say ... please, tell me Harm: trying his best to find the words. Mac; (getting irritated) Harmon Rabb, just tell me once and for all, do you or don’t you love me? Harm: Sarah, I am in love with you, this thing called love is so hard for me, I can’t seem to find the right words or ways to say them Mac starts crying Mac: You did just perfect. Now was that so hard? Harm: Yes, now I have committed so I have to finish this. He gets down on his knees in front of her on the sofa and say, “Sarah , will you marry me? I know it has to be someday, but will you if we can work it out? Mac: Well, lets see (looking as if she isn’t excited) Harm with a surprised look on his face Mac thinks a long time and Harm gets worried Mac: Harm, I am trying to compose myself to tell you YES YES, I will marry you , it doesn’t matter when as long as I know you love me and want to marry me. We will find a way. Mac leans over with tears streaming and takes Harms face into her hands and kisses him, he pulls her to her feet and they embrace Harm: I can’t believe I really did this, I didn’t know I was going to do this tonight, I didn’t even have a ring for you. Mac: I didn’t think you were ever going to , but I am so glad you did, I do love you Harm , with all my heart. We better wait about a ring until we can figure out how we are going to tell the Admiral. Harm gives her an oh, my aching head look.....then kisses her again. The end of Episode 1. Episode 2 “Spider Webb” Harm and Mac decide they had better tell the Admiral. Admirals Office Harm: Good morning Admiral. Mac: Good morning Sir Admiral: Ok, lets get on with it, what is so urgent.? Mac and Harm look at each other. Harm starts: Well sir, Mac and I, that is we, sir, I have asked Mac to marry me, she has accepted and we just wanted to tell you first. I know there are a lot of things to work out, but we both wish to stay with JAG if possible and continue to work together. Admiral: Well, turning away (smiling to himself) I am glad you let me know before the wedding took place. (roughly) Harm and Mac look at each other scared. Admiral: However, I am not surprised. Just surprised it took you so long to act Commander. Harm and Mac relax a little What are you two suggesting.? Harm: I know we are both under your command sir, but we are in different branches of service (Navy and Marines) and we were wondering if that might be a step we could look at in order to stay with JAG. Perhaps one of us could be assigned here maybe temporarily? Mac: We would like to get married as soon as possible. Sir, any help would be greatly appreciated. Admiral: Well, you two had better keep this quite until I have time to check everything out. I will let you know as soon as I find out anything. Dismissed. By the way, congratulations you two. Harm and Mac leave smiling, feeling somewhat relieved. Later that day Mac sticks her head in Harms office Mac: Hi, got a minute Harm: Always for you, he smiles Mac: Do you think we should get married in the Rose Garden or a Church or Harm: Lets keep it simple, you always wanted a simple wedding Mac: Smiles, Yes something small and simple Harm: I don’t think they let peons like us use the Rose Garden, Mac. Mac: Well what do you suggest. Harm: Would you like to go to Uncle Matt’s in Arizona, or my Mom’s in Calif., or my Grandmothers in PA , Grandmother does have a nice lake with a waterfall and pretty garden. Mac: That sounds perfect Harm, would your Grandmother mind? Harm: She would be elated I’m sure. But what about the wedding party, how many are we talking about? Knock on door -- Sturgis opens door and walks in, Harm and Mac have that guilty look again - Sturgis begins wondering Sturgis: Am I interrupting? Harm: Not at all Mac: I was just leaving Sturgis: Harm, just wanted us to go over the Miller case. Mac leaves and gets to her office leaning against the wall, “that was close, we are going to have to talk about this at home, wish I could get my mind off that wedding” That evening: Mac’s apartment Phone Rings: Mac thinks who could that be at 2200 , she picks up the phone Mac: Col. Mackenzie here Harm: Well, hello Col., couldn’t sleep without saying goodnight Mac: Oh, Babe, I am so glad you called. I wanted to apologize for coming to your office talking about the wedding, when we are supposed to be keeping it a secret. I was just so excited, please forgive me. Harm: No harm done, we will just have to be careful a while longer. As I was saying about Grandmother Time for a commercial (Mic selling vacuums) HA 2 weeks later JAG Headquarters Admiral: Tiner, get in here Tiner: Yes Admiral, Admiral: Soon as the Col. and Commander arrive have them come into my office. Tiner: Aye Aye Sir. Harm and Mac go into the Admiral’s office. Admiral: Close the door, Commander and have a seat. Harm and Mac look at each other and obey. Admiral: I have talked with Webb regarding your situation, as you know if anyone can keep it quite, it’s Webb. Well, he thinks he can arrange for Mac to work under his command, but stay in JAG. He needs someone who speaks Russian and Farsi and familiar with law to help him on occasions . Would either of you object to that scenario? Mac: No Sir, Harm: Wait a minute Mac - Sir what would her job description be, would she be traveling alone Mac: Oh Harm, I have traveled alone before. Harm: But not without backup, you know how I feel about that Admiral: How about I set up a meeting for you two with Webb? But, I really feel this is the only way you can both stay in JAG. Harm: Very good, sir, set up the meeting if it’s ok with Mac. Mac: Sure, I think that is a good idea , too Sir. They leave Admiral’s office. (The Admiral thinking to himself, Webb better make sure he talks them in to his spider web, I don’t want to lose Harm or Mac) Mac is having a hard time staying in her office, she wants to talk to Harm Harm is wondering what will happen if Mac takes this assignment, Next Day The Admiral calls Harm and Mac on phone to tell them a meeting has been arrange with Webb for the next evening at Harm’s apartment. That evening: Knock on door: Harm goes to answer - its Webb. Harm: Come on in Webb, Mac hasn’t arrive yet. Webb: Well, Harm I see you finally bit the bullet, didn’t think you had it in you. (with a smile) Harm: Yea, well, we all have our weaknesses. But, I am concerned over Mac being on here own with some of the assignments you have had the two of us work on, I really don’t want her to be alone. Webb: We’ll wait on Mac to answer that Harm, if you don’t mind. Harm: Would you care for a drink. Webb: sure Knock on door - Come on in Mac, Harm calls. Mac: Hi Clayton - we really appreciate what you are doing for us. We , that is I, didn’t want to put off this wedding very long , I’m afraid Harm might change his mind. (laugh) Harm: No danger , I’m committed , remember? They give each other the longing look. Webb: Ok you two, here is the plan. Mac will be assigned to me, no other change in status, however, she will have to take assignments in special cases that I need her expertise. I will try to have Harm with you , if that is not possible I will try to have Gunny there as your back up. Harm and Mac look at each other. Mac: Harm, is that ok with you. Harm: Yes, as long as you promise Webb, she gets a back up. Webb: Then we have a deal. Now, when is the wedding? Harm and Mac look at each other. Harm: Well, we haven’t planned it , but we will give you a call as soon as we can make arrangements. Webb: Well, goodnight and Congratulations you two, you deserve the best. Harm and Mac put there arms around each other and walk Webb to the door, Harm: Thanks Clayton, we really do appreciate your help Mac: Yes, we do Clayton, Webb: Well, I think the Admiral would have had my head if I didn’t, so thank him too. Harm and Mac look at each other and smile. They talk over wedding plans and decide to go visit Harm’s grandmother the following weekend. Harm and Mac call and talk to Harm’s Mom and Mac writes to Uncle Matt. After the visit to Grandmothers Admiral’s Office Mac and Harm enter: Good morning Sir Admiral: And what’s so good about it, Harm: Something happened Sir. Admiral: No, but I know it is going to....what are we here for? Harm: Well, Sir...Mac and I have decided to accept Webb’s offer and Mac: Sir, we have set the date and place, It will be May 3, 2003 at Harm’s grandmothers in PA...there is plenty of hotels nearby to accommodate those invited, and we, Sir would you still give me away Admiral: As I said before Col. it would be my honor, but what about your uncle? Mac: Well, sir he will not be out of Leavenworth until August and (looking at Harm) we didn’t want to wait. Admiral: Well I suggest you get busy with your plans and make your announcement to the staff. The End Episode 2 Episode 3 The Wedding: The day is perfect, just warm enough for Harm in his dress whites he thinks as he dresses. He is wondering what Mac will be wearing. She wouldn’t let him see the dress and Mom and Grandmother want let him near. He is really sorry Bud isn’t going to get to come, he really wanted him for his best man, but Sturgis is a good friend too. Mac is dressing with the help of Harriet and Chloe. Thank goodness Harriet can carry Chloe to the airport after the reception and she and Harm can leave for their honeymoon. Trish comes into the room Trish: Sarah, Mac which shall I call you, I think just for today I shall call you Sarah if you don’t mind. You look so beautiful, I am so proud and happy for you and Harm (she gives Mac a hug) but we must go it is almost 2 pm. Mac looks herself over once again, she wants to be perfect for Harm. The Admiral is waiting , Col. you look absolutely beautiful, Harm is a lucky guy. Mac: Thank you sir and thank you for giving me away. (They walk out A huge white wooden arch covered in pink roses has been placed where the waterfall is in the background (grandmother insisted on this) . Large ferns are on either side of the arch, and a large white marble table sits inside the arch holding two Memory candles. They have place a long ivory carpet runner the length of the walk for Mac to walk down. Harm and Sturgis are standing at the arch. The band is playing as Harriet and Chloe walk down the isle Chloe drops pink rose pedals on the way. Harm is so handsome in his Dress Whites and he stands nervously waiting for Mac. Then the band starts The Wedding March... all eyes are waiting for Mac to appear and does she ever .. she is so beautiful, Her dress is white, with an overlay of pale pink lace, it is fitted with a long train of pale pink from the waist (which is detachable) the neckline is low (but not too low) with tiny straps , her hair is soft and shinny and flowing losely from her face, her makeup is perfect with a pale pink lipstick with lots of gloss to it. Her dark complexion, eyes and hair - she looks like a china doll, her bouquet is of pink roses and baby breath. Harm can’t take his eyes off her, she is so beautiful and she is mine he thinks to himself. They never take their eyes of each other until they ask who gives this bride away and the Admiral speaks softly, I do and gives Mac’s hand to Harm. Harm and Mac exchange vows they wrote themselves: Harm: I Harmon Rabb, Jr. take you Sarah Mackenzie to be my best friend, my lover and wife. I promise to love you and protect you and to honor and respect you all the days of our lives in sickness and in health till death do us part. With this ring I make my pledge to you ( he slips ring on her finger) By now Harriet, Chloe and Sarah all have tears running down their faces, but Trish and Grandmother are all smiles. Mac hands her bouquet to Harriet. Mac with tears falling and Harm looking at her as if he wants to take her in his arms now: I, Sarah Mackenzie take the Harmon Rabb, Jr. to be my Husband. You are and have been my best friend, you know everything about me, you have seen me at my worst and helped me through so much, I still can’t believe you still love me. I promise to love and cherish you forever in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live. With this ring I make this pledge. (she places ring on his finger) I have so much I want to say to you , (this is a surprise to everyone only Mac and Trish knew this was taking place) but I have asked Trish (Yearwood) to sing this song now specially to you Harm, from me with all my heart Trish sings “You are the Wind beneath my Wings” Harm and Mac stand facing each other holding hands, tears run down both their faces By now everyone is crying Grandmother’s minister, who is marrying them, stands to the side. Harm takes Mac by the hand and the walk up to the Memory candles . Harm picks up the gas match and Mac puts one hand over his and they lite the two candles in memory of their fathers. Harm whispers to Mac with tears in his eyes: I wish Dad could have met you, he would love you as much as I do. Mac replies: Oh Harm, I wish I could have met him too. They turn around and the minister stands in front of them. Minister: I now pronounce you Man and Wife, you may kiss your bride. As Harm tenderly kisses Mac , she looks into his eyes, I love you flyboy, she says. And I love you Ninjagirl, Harm replies. They have been so caught up in looking at each other during the ceremony that no one noticed that Lt. Roberts had slipped in and was sitting in the back. As Harm and Mac start by him to the reception, they both stop and hug him. Harm tells him he wish he knew he was going to make it , we could have waited an hour longer for you to be the best man. Bud explains he had to take a standby and didn’t know himself until the last minute, but thanks to the Admiral, I will have a weekend with Harriet and little AJ. The reception is in grandmothers garden in back of the house. Harm and Mac go to cut the cakes. One tiered white with pink roses for Mac and one chocolate for Harm. The band starts playing and people start to mingle when Bud makes a toast to the bride and groom. “I can’t think of two people who should be together as much as The Commander and The Colonel, except maybe Harriet and me. I wish them happiness , and as much love and contentment as Harriet and I share. My the wind always be at your back. The band starts playing “ Have I told you lately that I love you ” , Harm takes Mac by the arm to dance....they dance over to where the band is playing and Harm picks up a guitar and starts singing the song to Mac. After the song is finished he kisses Mac. Harm says he thinks he will go dance with Chloe, then his Mom and Grandmother, Harriet, Bobbie and Trish Yearwood. Mac dances with Frank, Sturgis, the Admiral, Webb, Gunny and Tiner. Mac and Harm go to change before leaving on their honeymoon. Harm puts on jeans and a black silk shirt (oh me) and Mac puts on jeans with a blue silk shirt. They go out to the barn where the plane “Sarah” is waiting . Mac throws her bouquet and guess who catches it: You got it Lt. Singer who is there with Seregi. Everyone laughs, Singers face turns red, but Seregi smiles. Harm and Mac fly off everyone is wondering where (only Frank, Mom and the Admiral know for sure where) End of Episode.