TITLE: "To Ask the Lord's Blessing" AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: Thanksgiving 2002. USO arranging home stays for military personnel who have no real home to go to. The young man with whom Harm and Mac are matched will permanently and irrevocably touch their lives. This is the first chapter in series that will run probably through 2003 as plans are now. 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.} ==================== "To Ask the Lord's Blessing" JAG HQ Friday, November 22, 2002 "Mac you haven't seen the Admiral have you?" Harm asked as he ducked into her office. "No why?" she asked as she looked up at him. "You need to see him?" "No I'm trying to avoid him," Harm admitted as sunk down in the chair in front of her desk. "You're trying to avoid the Admiral?" she laughed. "Can I ask what you did this time?" "I didn't do anything. I'm trying to avoid him so he won't think about the fact that he told Meredith I would take her up in Sarah as soon as the weather was nice enough again." "Oh like tomorrow when it's supposed to be about sixty degrees and sunny?" "Exactly. I've made up every excuse in the book for the past two months but I'm running out of excuses and I know he's going to ask if I will. And I can't show her how to fly a plane. At least not my plane." "Harm be careful what you say about Meredith." "Look Mac I'm sure she's a wonderful person. But I don't let just anyone up in Sarah. And from what the Admiral said about her and how she thinks she's more skilled than she is there's no way I want to let her fly Sarah. Even if I am in the backseat." "He said that about her" Mac gasped. "Oops" Harm said sheepishly. "Look maybe I should just go find somewhere else to hide out." "Sit down mister" she ordered. "When did he say this?" "Mac I am not getting involved in the Admiral's private life. And I don't think you should either. Even if Meredith is your friend." "Just tell me if really said that." "He did. Now can I be excused?" "I had a feeling things weren't going well" she sighed. "It's been a few weeks since I heard from Meredith. I was going to call her but I didn't want to pry." "I wouldn't pry if I were you. You remember how upset he got when we started prying in the spring." "Point taken. I'll stay out of this." "Excuse me" a tall woman with long blonde hair said as she knocked on Mac's door. "I'm sorry to interrupt but there wasn't anyone at the desk outside Admiral Chegwidden's office and I'm supposed to have an appointment with him." "Tiner must be away from his desk" Harm smiled as he rose, his gaze sweeping over the woman. "I'm Commander Rabb. I'll be happy to let the Admiral know you're here. You are?" "Kendra Martin from the USO" she replied. "Mrs. Martin I'm so sorry" AJ sighed as he reached the office. "My yeoman is MIA despite the fact he knew I had an appointment and I was tied up on a phone call." "Ms. Martin" Kendra corrected as she smiled at AJ. "And please just call me Kendra. And I know you're busy and I promise I won't take up too much of your time." "Actually my afternoon is pretty clear" AJ smiled. "So you have my attention for as long as you need. Why don't we go to my office and you can tell me what you need help with." "Gee Flyboy you must be losing it" Mac laughed once the Admiral and Kendra Martin were gone. "Losing what?" he demanded. "Oh Harm come on. Don't tell me you didn't flash that Flyboy smile at her. I didn't see much of a response." "I did not. I was being friendly." "You stick to that story." "Mac I was just being nice. Okay so maybe I did look her over a bit. I'm human. But I wasn't trying to get a date with her. If I wanted to date someone you'd be the first to know." "Why is that?" she laughed. "I don't know Mac" he sighed as he headed to the door. "When you figure it out, let me know." "Halt sailor. You don't just say something like that and walk out of my office. You trying to tell me something?" "Just that I wouldn't mind if you and I were to. . ." he managed before his courage failed and he shot her a helpless look. "Excuse me. I hear Bud calling." "Feet of clay," she sighed in exasperation, at the same time shaking her head. She was in reality no worse when it came to reticence in the area of her and Harm. She watched his back as he retreated across the bullpen. Maybe it should be her move. ============== "Admiral I can't thank you enough for allowing me this time," Kendra smiled as AJ guided her to a chair, taking the one next to her rather than sitting behind his desk. "You would not believe how many places have turned me away." AJ gave her an encouraging nod and she took a deep breath. "I've been put in charge of operation Home for the Holidays," she smiled. "Basically that's a program where our service men and women are matched with families when they either have no home to go to, or because of operational considerations can't be given enough time away from their duties to make a trip home worthwhile." "OK I'm with you so far," AJ nodded. "Well so far we've got a lot more sign ups than we do homes," Kendra went on. "You think any of your people would be willing to help? Right now we're talking Thanksgiving, but there's a need for Christmas too. I have some details here." She reached into her bag and withdrew a folder which she passed to him. "I'm not above begging." =============== "You busy tonight Flyboy?" Mac asked softly, coming up behind Harm where he stood alone at a file cabinet. "Uh. . .actually no. My usual bottle of beer in front of ESPN," he replied, not turning around. "Uh. . .have you. . .uh got something I should be doing? And please don't say the Murphy fiasco. I still have my headache from this morning over that. I'm praying it goes away quietly." "I thought you might want to take a pretty girl to dinner and maybe a movie? If you're interested, here's her phone number." She dropped a folded piece of paper over his shoulder and was gone before he could recover himself enough to catch it. By the time she had returned to her office, her interoffice phone line was ringing and she smiled to herself when she looked over to see Harm's dark head bent over his desk, obviously on his phone. "Well what's it going to be Sailor, my place or yours?" she cooed. "Colonel Mackenzie?" Her hand froze and her breath caught in her throat. "Admiral?" "I'm not sure what sailor you were expecting Colonel but yes this is your CO." "I'm so sorry sir" she whispered. "Never mind. Can you please come to my office for a few moments?" "Yes sir" she said before hanging up. With a deep breath she headed to his office, blushing sheepishly when she realized Kendra Martin was still there. "Come in Colonel" AJ motioned. "Colonel Mackenzie is my Chief of Staff and she might be able to help coordinate the effort." "What effort is that sir?" Mac asked as she sat down. "Home for the Holidays" Kendra smiled. "As I was telling the Admiral, we have a lot more sailors than we have families this year. I'm making my way around to the various Naval agencies in hopes of gathering a bit more support." "Of course" Mac nodded. "I'm sure once we let everyone know about it they'd be happy to help out. Myself included. Are we talking Thanksgiving or Christmas?" "Both actually. But my main concern is finding some families for next week. I hate to tell these sailors there isn't anyone for them to spend the holiday with. They're really just kids away from home for the first time and I know it's not easy for them despite what they say." "I know that feeling" Mac nodded. "So how many families do you need?" "Probably more than you've got volunteers here" Kendra laughed. "Why don't we see about that?" Mac smiled. "Thank you. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. And I don't mean to be pushy but I'll need to know as soon as possible so I can make other arrangements." "I understand. And if the Admiral has no objections, I'd like to take you around to meet the other JAG staff and see if we can't find some nice homes for these sailors." "Not at all" AJ replied. "Just let me know how it goes. If you're still short families, I can make some calls for you." "Thank you Admiral" Kendra smiled. "I'm glad I came by here. This is exactly the kind of support I was hoping to get." "My pleasure" AJ smiled as well. "Why don't we get started?" Mac suggested as she stood up. "Of course. Thank you again Admiral." "Stop back once you're finished" AJ smiled. "I will" Kendra promised. "Colonel lead the way." "Mac please" Mac said as she and Kendra made their way out of the Admiral's office. "First stop, Petty Officer Tiner." "Yes ma'am, what can I do for you" Tiner asked. It didn't take long for Mac and Kendra to take Kendra's list down with the JAG staff more than willing to help. "Thank you so much Mac" Kendra said as she checked her list. "I can't believe how well this has worked out." "Who do you have left?" Mac asked as she peered at the list. "Just one. A young man named Dale March. Can you take him?" "Give me one minute" Mac said softly. "I need to see if someone else would be willing to help out with that." She led Kendra to her office before heading to Harm's office. "Hi you got a minute?" she asked as she walked in. "Sure what is it?" "What are you doing for Thanksgiving?" "You inviting me over for dinner?" "Harm you know how I cook" she smiled. "I was thinking more about you inviting me over. Along with one of the sailors from the Home for the Holidays program." "I saw something about that in the Navy Times but I didn't think it affected me. Now I see that it does. Let me guess, you're going to be entertaining some hunky Colonel or Commander and you're expecting me to cater." She opened her mouth to protest, closing it quickly when she saw she was being teased. "And if you weren't locked in here all morning preparing for your so called high profile case, you would have known that the pretty lady you gave one of your best smiles to was here to arrange places for these guys to stay, and she is asking if I can take a young man. Well you know I don't have a guest room, but I do have a friend who might be willing to share." "For you anything," he grinned. "By the way, I tried to call you in response to your note but you weren't in the office by the time I got off from my conference call with Malone's attorneys." Mac giggled slightly, blushing at the memory of what happened. "I'm missing something." "Yeah you are. I thought it was you calling, and answered the phone in a rather unprofessional manner." "So who. . .not the Admiral?" "Oh yeah it was," she giggled again. "Fortunately he was pretty distracted so he didn't say anything. But back to the point at hand. Seaman March, and my note. Come on Flyboy, let's have an executive decision on both matters here. You can do it." He laughed and shook his head. "I'll help you with March any way I can to include providing a sofa and cooking a turkey. And I would love to take the aforementioned pretty woman to dinner, and even a movie. You think Ms. Martin took that much of a liking to me?" "How would you like to go home with the imprint of stapler upside your head," she threatened, lifting the object menacingly. "Pick you up at 1800," he grinned, pretending to cower. "We'll do Mike's deli and then the Plex at Montgomery." "You're on," she nodded, "now let me go tell Kendra we're all set." "Sure you don't want me to do that," he teased as she walked out, throwing a dirty look over her shoulder. She headed to her office, surprised to find AJ in her office with Kendra. "So are we all set?" Kendra asked. "Yes ma'am. Commander Rabb and I will be happy to have Seaman March for the holiday." "Thank you so much. I was just telling the Admiral how wonderful his staff is. You've all been so gracious and I can't thank you enough." "It's our pleasure" AJ smiled. "Have you had lunch yet Admiral?" Kendra asked suddenly. "My treat. If of course you're not busy." "My calendar is clear the rest of the day. And I'd love to have lunch." ============= "Did I see the Admiral leaving with Kendra?" Harm asked as he wandered into her office a few minutes later. "Yes. She asked and I about fell over when he said yes. I wonder if him and Meredith have taken a break from each other. Maybe I should call her and find out." "Mac what did I tell you about meddling?" "Harm he just seemed so eager to go with Kendra." "Can you blame him?" Harm grinned and she shot him a long glare. "Rabb you're pathetic. Totally." "Mac I think you're over reacting. Kendra Martin is a little young for the Admiral don't you think?" "Well she's probably about my age" Mac replied. "I guess that's more years between them than most couples but it's not unheard of." "You really think someone like Kendra is going to go out with our Admiral?" Harm smiled. "Oh I suppose she'd be more likely to fall for someone like you?" Mac laughed. "You are so full of yourself sometimes Flyboy." "Mac come on. If you had your choice of the Admiral or me, who would you want?" "You don't really expect me to answer that do you?" "Course not" he smiled. "18:00 tonight right?" She nodded just as her phone rang and he headed out just as she picked up the phone. "Colonel Mackenzie" "Mac it's over" the sobbing voice of Meredith wailed. "AJ broke up with me." ************************ LA CASA RESTAURANT "Okay so did you really just stumble your way to JAG today?" AJ asked once the waitress had taken their order. "Actually no" Kendra smiled. "I heard through the grapevine that Admiral AJ Chegwidden was the right guy to help me get the job done." "Whoever told you that was a liar" AJ laughed. "But I'm glad my staff was able to help you." "They were wonderful. This project is real important to me and I hate the thought of any one of those sailors spending time alone on the holidays." "Well with you working for them I don't think they have to worry about that" AJ smiled. "Is the USO a full time job for you?" "Yes it is" Kendra nodded. "It means a lot to me to support our men and women in the military." "Were you in the military?" "No" Kendra said softly. "My father was. During Vietnam. He didn't make it back alive." "There was a lot that didn't" AJ said quietly. "I was one of the lucky ones." "Yes you were. I wish he'd been that lucky." "Is this why you've made a career of the USO?" he asked. She nodded. "To honor his memory. I think he would be happy to know what I'm doing." "And damn proud I'm sure" AJ smiled. "I like to think so," she blushed. "I don't have much of him. Just his letters to Mom, his medals, that kind of thing." "How did it happen? And you must not have been more than a baby." "I was seven. He was the NCOIC of the Marine guards at the embassy. We even saw him on TV that day." "Fall of Saigon," AJ sighed, shaking his head. "Yeah. He kept putting people on the choppers ahead of him. At least that's what his citation reads," she smiled softly. "At least I have some memory of him. So, you were there?" "Yeah I was. 1970. Big bad Navy SEAL. On the outside. Inside I was a twenty year old kid, scared out of my mind." AJ grinned. "Somehow I made it through my year, and the war was starting to wind down, and I came home and went to college on the Navy and then to Law School and then to JAG." "You should be about done then?" "Well I serve at the pleasure of the secretary of the Navy," he nodded. "So each day when I get my distribution, I expect that letter to be in there. I plan to hang it up. Just not sure when would be a good time. And I would like to think the decision would be mine, not his." ======== JAG HQ Same Time "Oh Meredith I'm sorry," Mac gasped. "Are you OK?" "What's wrong with Meredith?" Harm hissed. "Meredith wait one. Harm we're going to talk about her PMS OK?" "Whoa I'm so out of here. See you later." "Sorry Meredith, had to get rid of this cocky Flyboy what won't leave me alone. Look I can escape for an hour. You want to talk?" Twenty minutes later they were on the patio of the Falls Church Starbucks, with hot coffee and a box of kleenex. "This is ridiculous," Meredith sighed, dabbing at her eyes. "You'd think I was sixteen and saw Tommy Miller kissing Louisa Pratt." "Well I'm sure it's upsetting," Mac nodded. "I'm guessing you want to talk about it? Did you guys have a fight?" "Not really," she sniffed. "He just said he thought I was great but. . ." "Always that 'but'. So what did that beast do?" Mac took a long drink of her coffee and leaned back in her chair, cup to her lips once more. "He wouldn't go sky-diving with me." Mac had just gotten a mouthful of the hot liquid when the mental image of AJ sky-diving was painted before her eyes. She gave a sharp gasp and sat up straight, coughing as coffee went into her nose. "You did say sky-diving? You wanted the Admiral to go sky-diving with you?" she gasped out. "Yeah is that so wrong? Then when I objected to his no, that started off a long discussion about what we both wanted out of life. Honestly Mac, the man is contented to grow old gracefully. Me, I'm just coming into my prime. I've got money in the bank, money that I've worked hard for, and now I'm cutting back my work hours and planning to enjoy life. I've signed up for SCUBA lessons, and in two months I'm off to Kenya on a photo safari. Six months from now I'll be in China. But all I wanted right now was for him to join me at that sky-diving club in Manassas. They give you a ground lesson and then take you up. It's all very safe. You jump on a static line at first and then when you discover how much you love it. . .what?" Mac had been waving her hand to stop Meredith's flow of words and she was shaking her head. "Meredith you know the man lived a full active life in the Navy. He was a SEAL. He's done his share of jumps in fact." "OK OK but it's not just that," she pouted. "He says he can't keep up with me. And apparently doesn't feel inclined to try." "Hey I'm not sure I could keep up with you," Mac laughed. "Especially while working full time at Zoo JAG. Look, at least you got it all out. Do you feel better? And before you answer that, let me give you a word of advice. Once that man makes a decision, he seldom changes his mind. If he's said he's not ready for a relationship with you, well suggest you look elsewhere." Meredith gave another long sniffle and took a deep drink of coffee. "Yeah well he's not the only man I know." *************** JAG HQ's "How was lunch sir?" Harm smiled as AJ stepped off the elevator. "Not that it's any of your business Commander but it was very enjoyable" AJ replied. "Does this mean that I don't have to take Meredith flying in Sarah?" Harm asked as he followed AJ to his office. "Not unless feel so inclined," AJ said slowly. "I've broken up with Meredith." "You did?" "Yes I did. And I'm sure Meredith has already called the Colonel and told her what an ogre I am." "Actually she did call but Mac said they were talking about something else. But I guess that was just to get me out of the room." "I hope Mac understands" AJ sighed. "I didn't mean to hurt Meredith. But her and I just aren't on the same boat anymore. And there's no point in dragging this out any further. " "No sir. I understand completely. And I'm sure Mac won't hold it against you." "Good. And I wanted to thank you for helping Kendra out with the program. It means a lot to her." "Glad to help sir." Harm was watching for Mac as she stepped off the elevator and at once started towards her office. "Admiral told me he broke up with Meredith," he said as he followed her in. "Is that what she called you about?" "He told you?" "Yeah. When he came back smiling from his lunch with Kendra Martin." "I guess it didn't take him long to get over Meredith" Mac sighed. "I just hope it won't take her as long to get over him." "Well I can't say I'm too upset" Harm smiled. "Now I don't have to worry about giving her flying lessons." "Was the Admiral really smiling when he came back from lunch?" Mac asked. "Oh yeah. Can't say I blame him." She gave him a long look at his comment. "So are we still on for dinner tonight sailor or would you rather find Kendra Martin and ask her?" "The only person I want to have dinner with is you" he admitted. "That is if you're still willing to have dinner with me." "You're buying right?" she grinned. ***************** Mac's Apartment 18:00 "Very nice Commander" Mac smiled as she admired Harm in his tight black jeans and sweater. "I can say the same to you Colonel" Harm grinned as his eyes traveled over her body. "You ready?" A short time later they were filling up on Mike's Deli and discussing the holiday plans. "Kendra said we'll need to pick up Seaman March Wednesday night" Mac informed him. "Unless you want me to drive down and get him myself." "No I'll go with you. That way he doesn't think he's got a sexy Marine Colonel to himself for Thanksgiving." "Sexy Marine Colonel?" Mac smiled. "Easy on me Commander. I can't handle this many shocking statements from you in one day." "Sorry" he grinned. "I'll try and refrain from that for the rest of the evening." "And if I didn't say thank you earlier, than I am now." "For what?" he frowned. "For agreeing to do Thanksgiving dinner. I know Seaman March will appreciate this." "I didn't do it for Seaman March" he said softly. "I did it because I wanted to spend the holiday with you. And I wasn't sure how I was going to ask you." "You couldn't have just said 'Mac if you don't have Thanksgiving plans, I don't either so why don't we cook a turkey roll and watch football together'?" "Gee it sounds so simple when you put it like that," he mumbled. "So what are you plans for Thanksgiving?" "To hang out with a hunky Sailor," she grinned, adding teasingly, "and you of course." "Seaman March is about five foot five, horned rim glasses and a computer geek," he laughed. "More like six-one, blonde hair, piercing blue eyes and washboard abs," she countered. "Models underwear--briefs, not boxers--to make a little pocket change." "OK now it's really thick," he groaned. "Can we get back to the dinner menu, which I had an idea about. Since we're making Thanksgiving dinner for these guests, why not all of us eat together? I mean it seems ridiculous for us all to make a turkey when we could have a gathering of everyone. Say at Bud's new place. If they supply the site the rest of us could do the food." "Oh and I know exactly how that's going to turn out," she groaned at once. "You men will be in the den watching football unendingly on that surround-sound TV and drinking beer and when it's dinner time you'll want it served in carry-out boxes." "Nah it won't be half that bad," he grinned. "All we have to do is schedule it for half time and everything will be fine." With that he reached over with his fork, intending to stab an olive off her plate just as she was reaching for it. What he ended up stabbing was the back of her hand. Her cry was of indignation more than pain and he withdrew his hand at once, staring at the tine marks he had left. "I am so sorry," he gasped, and grabbed her hand to kiss the back. "I was playing and. . ." "Well it's a good thing you didn't have a steak knife," she laughed. "You're a menace." "Are you OK really? It's not funny you know. I might have really hurt you." "Not and lived," she teased. "It's fine. Hardly broke the skin." =============== With negotiations that would rival mid east peace talks, the arrangements for Thanksgiving Day were finally made. Everyone had their assignment as to what they were bringing, and knew who their USO guest was to be. With JAG closing at noon on the day before Thanksgiving, Harm and Mac left straight from there to pick up their guest. "Harm, Kendra faxed over Seaman March's sheet with the instructions on where to meet him," Mac said as she drove onto the interstate. It's in that blue folder there. And I didn't get a moment to breathe all morning let alone read about our visitor." "OK let's take a look at the young Seaman," Harm smiled and slipped the paper out. His scowl was immediate and deepened quickly as he read. "You need to stop the car." "Have you lost it completely?" she sputtered. "Harm there's a huge truck about a foot off my six here. Not to mention we're doing sixty. I'd like to live to enjoy that turkey you're going to fix at Chez Roberts thank you. Now what are you on that you want me to stop? Something about March?" "He's a felon." "Excuse me," she gasped and shook her head. "Try explaining that a little better would you." "OK, he's in the Navy because he asked the judge if that could be his community service that he plea bargained his felonious assault charge down to a gross misdemeanor." "OK and he's been in the Navy for how long? And straight all the time?" she demanded as if he was on the witness stand. "I guess," he conceded. "Mac, Kendra didn't tell you he'd been in trouble did she?" "She probably, and rightly, assumed it didn't matter to me. Why is this a big deal here and why is it even on the form? I thought it just told a little about him." "No apparently the person agrees to list any adverse information that pertains to them. In other words we should have known this ahead of time." "Well we would have if the first attempt to fax it hadn't failed and if I had known that sooner," she soothed. "Now for the other part of my question please. Why is this bothering you so much?" He scowled even deeper and shook his head. "It's bothering me because. . ." His words trailed off and he looked at her helplessly. "You're not going to tell me you think this boy could be dangerous." "I'm not?" "Harm do not be infuriating while I'm driving in this traffic. Tell me something else about him, and without making him the re-incarnation of Jack the Ripper please." "Besides the assault charge there doesn't seem to be anything else" Harm sighed. "He's nineteen years old and he's from some small town in Illinois." "Doesn't sound like anything bad. I think you were over reacting sailor. And you don't know the facts behind the assault charge so I wouldn't be so quick to label him a bad guy." "All right. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. But I won't be leaving you alone with him." "Rabb you're hopeless" she groaned. "Can I help I care?" he growled. "You do?" she smiled. "You know I do" he sighed as he looked over at her. "And I wish we'd gotten someone besides Seaman March." "Well I hope you keep that thought to yourself. This kid is expecting to spend the holiday with someone who cares. Not someone who's going to judge him before he walks in the door." "Okay point taken. I'll keep my opinions to myself." "Good. We're supposed to be a positive influence on this young man. Not make him feel bad about himself." "All right. I'll be good." A long three hours later they arrived in Newport News and Mac followed the directions to the apartment complex Seaman Dale March lived in. They located the correct apartment and Mac knocked on the door. "Hi" she smiled when the door opened. "Mac and Harm. We're here to take you to DC for the holiday." He nodded and opened the door further, Harm getting his first look at the young man. He was Mac's height and from his frame Harm could tell he worked out. "Thanks for coming to get me. I appreciate that." "No problem" Mac replied. "Tomorrow is all worked out but we're pretty much free for tonight if there's something you'd like to do." "No whatever" he shrugged. "Why don't we grab dinner when we get back to DC and then we'll see what else we can do?" Harm suggested. "That way we can talk and get to know you a little better." Dale nodded and grabbed his bag. "I guess you have some questions about what I put on the form." "You don't have to talk about it unless you want to" Mac said as shot Harm a warning glare. "We're not here to judge you. We're just here to provide you some company over the holiday." "Thanks" he said with a small smile. "But I think the Commander would like it better if I explained myself." "Dale you don't have to explain anything to me" Harm said quietly. "Well I will anyway. We've got a long drive up to DC right?" "Yes we do" Mac nodded. "If you're ready we can get going." "So are you two married?" Dale asked once they were on the road again. "No" Harm replied. "We've worked together at JAG for the past seven years." "You're lawyers? I though you were a pilot." "I was a pilot. Still am some of the time. But yes we're lawyers." "You don't look like lawyers. My lawyer was a big twit who didn't care about anything except getting paid." "Was it his idea or yours to go into the Navy?" Harm asked. "Mine" Dale sighed. "There wasn't anything else at home so I thought maybe if I joined the Navy I could have some kind of career here." "Where's home?" Mac asked. "Illinois. No jobs, no nothing there anymore. That's why I took the out when I could. Better than spending the rest of my life flipping burgers at McDonalds. Which was the best career I was going to get there." "Do you still have family there?" she asked. "Yeah. But I don't plan on going back there for a while. This is my life now. The Navy." "I like what you're saying," Mac smiled. "I uh . .well I didn't have the happiest upbringing either and the Marines have been good to me. Very good to me. No real family then Dale?" "None that want to know me; nor me them," he replied. "And the only people back there that do want to know me aren't guys that are good for me if you know what I mean. Sir." "Excuse me?" Harm frowned. "I totally forget my protocol," Dale gasped. "I'm yakking away to you two and you're officers. Sir, ma'am. I'm out of line." "Dale we're out of uniform on holiday," Mac smiled as she and Harm exchanged glances. "And ma'am and sir are not necessary right now. You relax and enjoy yourself please. Which is exactly what Harm and I are going to do. We didn't even bring any work home." "OK thanks. Harm, you know I wanted to say too that if it's going to be too much having me I can get a hotel." "No. Not at all," he said firmly. "Giving you a home is about what this is all about--a home for the weekend. I've got the space, a stocked fridge and no place I need to be except at the home of the Roberts for Turkey Day. Mac will be spending it with us too." He added that last part in a small hopeful voice. "Is that an invitation?" "No, it's a plea." Mac had to swallow twice before she could answer. "Then I'm accepting." "I'll run you by your place after we eat so you can get some things. Dale have you been to DC?" "No sir never. Only seen it in pictures. "OK then I'll get off the highway before Mac's area and swing through the federal triangle area anyway." "I'd really like that," he said shyly. "I've always wanted to see the Wall. We could get out maybe for a minute?" Mac looked at Harm for his reaction, not sure if he would welcome a non-Christmas eve visit. "Sure that's fine," Harm nodded. "Whatever you'd like to do." ============== With the influx out of the city, Harm was able to park easily and by the time Mac was exiting the vehicle he was around to help her. "An officer and a gentleman," she smiled, even more surprised a few seconds later when he took her arm for the short walk. "Dale what makes you so interested in the Wall?" Harm asked as they walked past the Lincoln Memorial and made their way onto the walkway in front of the black marble. "Lieutenant Steven March. My grandfather," he sighed. "My grandmother died two years, and all the while growing up I heard about him. My grandmother was the only one in the family who treated me like I wasn't a first class screw up see. She said she saw him in me and whatever I had that was good came from him. So as long as we were here I. . ." His voice trailed off as he caught his first glimpse of the Memorial, names stretching ahead for what seemed like miles. "I didn't know," he gasped. "I mean that so many. . ." "I know. That was my exact first thought when I saw it the first time," Mac nodded, feeling Harm's hand briefly tighten around her arm. "Fifty-eight thousand plus to be exact." "How can we find him in all that many?" "By the book," Harm said softly, gesturing to the index book that rivaled a Webster's dictionary in size. "Mac why don't you show him while I. . .uh. . .pay my respects." "Does he have someone here too?" Dale asked her when Harm had ambled down the walkway. "His dad yeah," Mac nodded. "He was MIA for a good while. Flew off the Ticonderoga in 1969 and didn't come back." "A lot of good men didn't" Dale sighed. "Grandpa included. I wish he had. Maybe I would have turned out different if he'd been around in my life." "Sounds like you're getting yourself back on track" Mac said gently. "Joining the Navy was the first step." "I'm trying. But it's hard to leave your past behind." "Anything you want to talk about?" "Not right now" Dale said with a small smile. "I just want to find Grandpa." "Let's find him then," Mac said as they headed to the book. A short time later they stood in front of the panel that held the name of Lt. Steven March. "This is so unreal," Dale said quietly. "Thanks for bringing me to see this. I don't think I would have ever gotten up here." "No problem" Mac smiled. "But it's getting cold and I'm starving. Let's go find Harm so we can get some dinner." He nodded and they headed down the path to where Harm stood in front of another panel. He turned at the sound of their footsteps and let out a long sigh. "You guys ready?" he asked. "Yes we are" Dale nodded. "And thanks for stopping here." "Anytime" Harm said with a smile. "Everyone hungry now?" "Starving" Mac smiled. "What would you like Dale?" "Anything is fine with me ma'am. I'm just happy to be out of the apartment for a while." "You haven't made too many friends down there?" Harm asked as they headed to the car. "No sir. I'm not real good at that. I tend to keep to myself. I've got a few buddies from the Ike that I hang out with but mostly I just go on duty and then come back and sit in front of the TV." "How about TGIFriday's?" Mac suggested. "Works for me" he nodded. "Sir. . .uh Harm is that okay with you?" "Sounds good. We'll go there, then stop by Mac's and head to my place. Maybe we can stop and get a movie on the way." A short time later they were at TGIFriday's, Harm sharing his side of the booth with Mac while Dale sat across from them. "So what did you fly when you were a pilot?" Dale asked as he looked at Harm. "Tomcats." "Cool. Did you fly during the Gulf War?" Harm nodded and smiled at the same time. "Do you even remember the Gulf War?" "A little bit" Dale smiled. "That was a few years ago wasn't it?" "I won't even mention flying over Libya" Harm groaned. "It was probably before you were born." "How come you don't fly anymore?" Dale asked. "I do occasionally," Harm said slowly. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked that. It's none of my business. Here I am prying into your life and I didn't even tell you about mine." "No it's okay. I flew until I had a ramp strike. Then I didn't fly because for several years because I was misdiagnosed with night blindness. Got that fixed and tried it again a few years ago." "So why aren't you still flying?" "How many guys my age do you see flying Tomcats off the Eisenhower?" Harm sighed. "Not many" Dale admitted. Mac smiled and gave his hand a quick squeeze. "I think God and the Secnav have other plans for you at this stage of your career. . .thankfully." The young Sailor gave them both a studious look. "I may be young but I can tell by that 'thankfully' there's a story there." Harm smiled sheepishly and Mac gave his hand another squeeze. "I put an F14 in the water about a year and a half ago doing quals off the Henry in the Atlantic," he explained, "and I guess I scared my friend here a little." "He scared the hell out of me and it was one of the worst nights of my life," she admitted quietly. "No day at the beach for me either," he replied. "On the other hand, it had a good outcome." "Oh yeah?" Dale was immediately interested. Mac blushed and Harm simply smiled. "Yeah," she said softly. "It prevented me from marrying a man I didn't love." Dale nodded, looking from one to the other, noting that as they sat their upper arms touched and neither made any move to give more space. "I can't thank you enough for taking me to the Wall today," he said softly. "No problem. It does me good to visit there myself. Makes me remember properly a man I owe everything to." "Harm, my grandfather. . ." Dale began and looked up hesitantly. "What about him?" "He was an aviator on the Ticonderoga at the same time as your dad. They would have had to know each other wouldn't they?" "Yeah. Would you like to meet someone who would have known him?" "Are you serious?" "Admiral Thomas Boone," Mac spoke up knowingly. "I'd. . .I'd be honored, thank you." "You're welcome. Now eat. Boy don't they feed you?" "Are we still up for the movie?" Mac asked once she'd grabbed her bags and they were on their way to Harm's. "You may have to keep Harm awake" Dale smiled as he caught Harm yawning in the front seat. "But please don't feel you have to do anything else tonight. It was kind enough of you to take me to dinner." "I can stay awake as long as it's something action" Harm informed him. "What about you Marine?" "I say we get one" she replied. "We don't have to be to Bud and Harriet's until noon anyway." They stopped at a Blockbuster near Harm's and after carefully perusing the video aisles ended up with two movies for the evening. "Nice place" Dale smiled as Harm let them into his apartment a short time later. "Wow." "Yeah it's not too bad" Harm smiled. "Harm did most of the work in here himself." "No way. You did this yourself?" "Over the course of several years" Harm laughed. "But yeah most of it I did myself." "Someone teach you how to do that kind of work?" Dale asked. "Self taught" Harm said proudly. "I'm pretty handy with things." "Except refrigerators" Mac teased. "I'll have you know I fixed Harriet's refrigerator that time. It just took me a few times to get it right." "Just giving you a hard time Flyboy" she laughed. "But Harm really is pretty handy. He even has his own plane he put together." "No way" Dale gasped. "You put together a plane?" "It's a Stearman" Harm replied. "It was my grandfather's. I'd hoped me and my Dad would restore it. But I ended up doing that alone." "Your grandfather was a pilot too?" "Yes he was. But he didn't come back from World War II." "So both your Dad and Grandfather went down and you still became a pilot?" Dale asked. "Figured the third time might be the charm," Harm said softly. "So where we all sleeping Flyboy?" Mac asked as she looked around. "I'll take the floor ma'am" Dale said automatically. "You can have the sofa." "No I can't let you sleep on the floor. You're Harm's guest." "So are you" he countered. "No one is sleeping on the floor" Harm spoke up. "Dale you take the sofa. Mac you and I will simply share the bed. Unless of course that's not okay with you." "Just don't snore and hog the covers" she smiled. "Now let's get those movies going before we all fall asleep." It was during the second flick that Mac did just that, gently resting her head against Harm's shoulder as they sat together on the floor. "You better take her to bed" Dale said softly. "Yeah I will. You need anything else before I do?" "No thanks. I'm fine. And thanks again for bringing me here for the holiday." "No problem. We're glad to have you." "You're lucky to have a person like Mac in your life. She seems like a real nice person." "You don't have anyone in your life?" Harm asked gently. "At one time I did. But I messed it all up big time. And when I left for the Navy that pretty much was the end of it." "What's her name?" "Allison. We'd been together for a while before my life went out of control last year. She deserved better than me anyway. Not that she was going to find it back home." "You want to talk about what happened?" Harm asked. "Not really. I blew it and she had ever right to walk away. And with me in the Navy I wouldn't have been around for her anyway. It was all for the best." "Did she break up because of the assault charge?" "Among other things" Dale sighed. "I hurt her badly. I was stupid one night and I went out with this chick that everyone had their turn with. Allison found out and she dumped me. It was just stupid of me to do what I did." "You were in love with Allison weren't you?" Harm smiled. "Still am." "And do you think she feels the same way?" Harm got to his feet and gently helped Mac up as well. Dale shrugged. "I know we were young, but that doesn't matter does it?" "You want to field that one dear," Harm teased and Mac glared. "OK. I can't speak from experience, but my grandmother was only sixteen when she married my grandfather. Mac come on, we need a woman's opinion here." "OK OK," she giggled. "A generation ago it wasn't at all unusual for people to marry just out of high school. No, love is love. I'm not talking about fourteen or fifteen year olds here, but at eighteen you're an adult. You think she might feel the same about you still?" "I've never asked her," he mumbled. "We had this horrible fight when she found out about Cassie. But she was already upset with me over my friends and the trouble that was starting to attach itself to me. We said a lot of things that night and she ran off crying. I cooled down after a couple of days and went around to see her but her mom said she was spending the summer with her dad in Wisconsin. I pretty much hit bottom at that point and well only the Navy saved me." Mac gave another huge yawn, despite her best effort to squelch it and Harm smiled and shook his head. "Good night Dale. Please help yourself to anything you want from the kitchen, but remember we're doing a full-on Thanksgiving dinner." "Yes sir. I'm saving up for it," he grinned. "Good night. Thank you." Harm draped a casual arm around Mac's waist to lead her into the bedroom. "You know I can perfectly well bunk right here in the chair," he offered. "No way Sailor. I want you well rested for cooking chores. You want to take a shower. . .and that alone would indicate how tired I am since I walked into that. On second thought, I'll have mine in the morning." By the time he came from his shower, she was not only out of her clothes, dressed in the boxers and tank top she favored for sleeping, but also all but asleep, curled up on the far edge of the bed. Harm dropped beside her, lying on his side and put a tentative hand on her arm. "Night Mac." "Night Harm." Her head sank further into the pillow and she could feel waves of sleep washing over her. He pulled the cover up more closely around her and gave her arm a quick affectionate squeeze. His own head was just about to hit the pillow when he heard it. There was another muffled good night, and then two words followed. "Love you." He froze in place, his hand midair and his head an inch from the pillow. "Mac?" he managed, after at least a minute had passed. "Mac what did you say?" Her only response was the smooth even breathing of someone asleep. "Your imagination is working overtime Rabb" Harm murmured to himself. "She didn't say she loved you." But as he closed his eyes he could still hear those two words. Love you. ************* "Morning Mac" Dale smiled as Mac wandered from Harm's bedroom into the kitchen. "You're up early" Mac yawned. "Didn't anyone tell you this was a holiday?" "I know. But it's hard when you're used to getting up every morning early. I guess that's why you're up too." "I'm always up early. A few hours sleep is all I need." "Me too" Dale nodded. "You want some coffee?" Mac asked. "I think I can manage to make that. Harm is better equipped to handle breakfast." "I'd love some" Dale said as he joined her in the kitchen. "Thanks." "So you want to tell me more about Allison?" Mac asked as she went through the cupboards in search of coffee. "I wasn't real awake last night." "Not really. It's over and there's nothing else to talk about." "You never said goodbye when you left to join the Navy?" "She didn't want to see me" he sighed. "And I didn't blame her one bit." "Have you thought about trying to contact her again? She may have forgiven you by now." "She's better off without me in her life. All I did was cause her heartache and trouble. She deserved better than how I treated her." "But you still have feelings for her." "Allison was the first girl I fell in love with. I'd dated other girls but with Allison it was different. And I know you're thinking we're way too young to even know what real love is and you're probably right." "I wasn't thinking that" Mac smiled. "But from my own experience I know that life when you're eighteen you think you have a lot figured out and you don't." "Tell me about it. The only thing I got going for me now is the Navy. Which is probably the best thing that ever happened to me." "I can relate. The Marine Corps and my Uncle is what got me back on track." "You were off track?" Dale frowned. "I'm an alcoholic. If it weren't for my Uncle Matt I'd probably be a wino living on the streets or dead. But he got me into the Corps and helped me get my life straightened out." "I hope I can do like you did. I really want to get my life in order." "Well the Navy is a good place to do that" she smiled. "So who's all going to be at this dinner today?" Dale asked. "The Admiral for one." "I'm having dinner with an Admiral?" Dale gulped. "You didn't tell me that." "Relax. He's really a good guy. He's a former Seal." "Okay besides the Admiral who else?" "Our friends the Roberts. Bud and Harriet. I guess I should warn you about Bud. He suffered a horrible accident in May. He was in Afghanistan and he stepped on a land mine." "And he's alive?" "It was touch and go there for a while" Mac said softly, her mind wandering back to those hours she and Harm had spent together on the Quadalcanal while they waited for word on their friend. "But he survived. Only he lost a leg in the process." "And I thought I had it rough" Dale said quietly. "I guess I should learn to count my blessings a little more." "Yeah that's what I keep telling myself too. We sometimes get caught up and forget we don't have it all that bad compared to others." He gave her a shrug and a small smile. "Can I ask if the Commander is one of those blessings ma'am?" "You can ask me anything but I can't guarantee you'll get an answer," she hedged, with an eye to the bedroom door. "We've been friends for a long time, best friends, partners. We've also had our times where we were civil and nothing more." "But now?" he persisted. "And just bust me in the chops if I'm getting too bold. It's just that. . .well there's this thing the two of you have." "What thing would that be Seaman?" Harm asked from the doorway, and Mac could not help but burst into laughter at the site of him, rumpled undershirt over boxers, his hair going in a hundred different little spikes, and glaring at the two of them. "Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead," Dale mumbled. "No I don't think so," Harm told him. "You were about to make a point. Finish." "Yes sir." Dale heard the tone and the implied order and smiled softly. "OK. Here it is. I hardly know you, and when the two of you are together, there's this thing. . ." "That much I got," Harm growled. "What thing?" "An aura about you sir. Around the two of you I mean," the young man tried to explain, flushing as he did so.. "There's a connection binding you guys together. Deep and strong." For a long moment there was an almost uncomfortable silence, especially for Harm as he remembered what Mac had murmured in sleep last night. "OK Dale, you're off the hook," he finally smiled and Mac laughed lightly, her eyes suddenly seeking Harm's. He gave her an almost imperceptible nod, as if he was saying 'maybe we should listen to this kid'. "And now I need coffee and juice and then it's time to get dressed. Dale by the way, this is not a formal thing. In other words, no tie. Thank God." ================= FALLS CHURCH,VA Home of Bud and Harriet 3 hours later "This place is incredible and I haven't even seen the inside," Dale gasped when Harm pulled up in front of Bud and Harriet's new house. "Wow. No one in my town has a place like this. Closest thing is Old Man Malloy's farmhouse." "I'm just glad I don't have to clean it," Mac smiled, stepping from the SUV in time to see Sturgis pull in behind them. Sturgis alighted and waved to her, hurrying around to open the two passenger doors. From the rear Chaplain Turner alighted along with a young man presumed to be their USO guest, and Mac could not help but watch as Sturgis reached his hand inside the front and a second later emerged with Lt. Cdr. Tracy Manetti. "Harm and Mac hi," Sturgis called and Tracy blushed and smiled at the same time. "I guess introductions are in order. This is Petty Officer Brian Mulrooney who's staying with Dad but I'm sharing him. And you probably know Tracy. We're on first names today aren't we?" "Yes we are," Harm said firmly, smiling at Sturgis's comment about knowing Tracy as he shook Brian's hand. "Harm and Mac, and Dale. Tracy glad you could come, and Chaplain always a pleasure." "Just here for the football and food," he grinned. "Let's get started." He ambled toward the steps, Brian close behind him and Sturgis put a quiet hand on Tracy's back to guide her in that direction. "OK should I read anything into that?" Harm frowned and gestured. "Yeah they carpooled here," Mac told him dryly, giving him a push toward the door. "Shouldn't you be in there cooking." Before he could answer, AJ's large SUV pulled up. "Looks like we're just in time" AJ smiled as he climbed out. Moments later the passenger door opened and Kendra Martin stepped out, followed a few seconds later by a young woman. "Ms. Martin" Harm smiled. "Nice to see you again." "Nice to see you too.uh..I'm sorry I've forgotten your name" Kendra replied. "I do remember Mac and this is Seaman March I presume." "Harm" Harm offered. "Of course. I'm sorry. And this is Petty Officer Melissa Barnes." "Welcome to the party" Harm smiled. "Harm and Mac and this is Dale." "Nice to meet you all" Melissa said quietly. "Dale Ms. Martin is the USO coordinator who got us all set up" Mac explained. "Thank you ma'am" Dale said as he looked at Kendra. "This is has been a great experience so far." "Kendra please" she smiled. "And I'm so glad this has worked out. AJ invited me today and I couldn't think of a better way to spend the holiday than with all of you." Another car pulled up and Tiner stepped from his car and made his way over to them. "Right on time I guess" Tiner smiled as he looked at the group. "Petty Officer Jason Tiner this is Petty Officer Melissa Barnes and Seaman Dale March" AJ spoke up. "I presume you know everyone else." "Yes sir" Tiner nodded, his eyes glancing back to Melissa again. "Sailor what are you doing standing out here" Mac smiled as she looked at Harm. "You're supposed to be in there cooking dinner for us." "On my way ma'am" he said with a mock salute before leading the group up the stairs to the front door. "Happy Thanksgiving Bud" he grinned when Bud opened the door. "The rest of the party is here." "Wow" Bud laughed. "Come on in everyone. Harm I think Harriet needs your help in the kitchen." "Chef Rabb to the rescue" Harm as he headed to the kitchen. The house was a buzz with activity, the men finally finding their way to the living room and the TV while the women hovered in the kitchen. "What on earth are they watching already?" Mac asked. "The three hours of pregame babble" Harriet laughed. "We'll be lucky they join us at the table for dinner." "Oh they will" Mac assured her. "I'll disconnect the cable if they don't come to the table." "Somehow I don't doubt you would" Kendra laughed. "I'm so glad the Admiral invited you" Harriet smiled. "I heard so much about the program and if we could have we would have been happy to have had someone with us." "Completely understood" Kendra replied. "Besides you've offered us your wonderful home for today and this is exactly what these kids need. A place that feels like home." "We're glad to help." "You haven't had any problems with Dale have you?" Kendra asked Mac. "I know I didn't tell you about his background but I didn't think that would be a problem with you and Harm." "None. He's a great kid who's trying to put his life together. I have nothing but good things to say about him." "I figured that wouldn't be a problem with you two" she nodded. "Not at all. In fact we've had some good talks with him." "Thank you. That kind of guidance is what he needs." "Okay what are you women talking about in here?" Harm grinned as he walked into the kitchen. "Not you" Mac teased. "He's not the least bit arrogant" Tracy laughed as well. "Hey no picking on the chef. Otherwise Mac will have to cook and that won't be pretty." "I take it you're not much of a cook?" Kendra smiled. "No ma'am I am not" Mac admitted. "Which is exactly why we've all trusted Harm with dinner." "And you guys did good getting this organized," he approved. "I won't miss much of the game at all." "Well I'm here for the duration," Harriet smiled. "I can totally live without football thank you, and that surround sound home theater thing just gives me a headache." It wasn't long before the traditional smell of turkey and dressing and pumpkin pie filled the house along with the sounds of friends talking and football fans cheering. "Hey Flyboy," Mac said softly, dropping a soft hand on his shoulder as he hunched over the TV, taking a well deserved break from the warm kitchen. "Not now dear. The Lions are about to score and I've got them and the points," he laughed and reached up to pat her hand. "What can I do for you?" "I'm going to walk outside. Just thought you should know in case I was abducted by aliens or something while I was out there," she laughed, letting her hand trail slightly across his shoulder as she left the rowdy group, seeking some quiet and air on the wide porch and finding she was not alone. "Tracy, hi. Did you come out here to escape the testosterone blitz?" "Yes ma'am. I mean Mac. I just needed a little space and air. This many people is overwhelming to me at times. I get people overload in other words. Especially around people I don't know well." "I thought you and Sturgis were making good inroads in that getting to know you thing," Mac told her softly. Tracy blushed furiously. "We just kind of hit it off right away. I normally don't warm up to people, but he was so different. So easy to talk to. And he's alone and I'm alone and we've been sharing a couple of those lonely nights. Pizza, a movie. He took me bowling the other night, and I beat him. I don't think he'll be doing that again." Mac laughed and shook her head. "Sturgis is a great guy, and I can totally see that you might want. . .that you might enjoy. . .whatever. He's a great guy." "And you and Commander Rabb?" Now it was Mac's turn to blush and Tracy quickly covered her mouth her hand. "Ma'am I'm sorry. None of my business. Out of line." Mac shook her head in dismissal of her concern. "Harm and I have known each other for seven years now, and we've blown several attempts at. . .well at an 'us'. This is another attempt. Though between you and me, it feels different this time. It feels like it might just work. And that is between you and me Commander." "Yes ma'am. And if I may say, long as I'm out of line anyway, you're a lucky Marine." ============= "Melissa can I get you anything while I'm up?" Tiner asked softly, having jockeyed himself next to her on the sofa. "Or maybe you'd like to walk outside now that it's half-time. The leaves are beautiful and it's warm in the sun." "Yes I'd really. . .thank you Jason," she smiled and blushed softly. "I can't believe at first I didn't want to do this. Everyone is just been so great." "We're kind of family here," he smiled. "Let me tell them where we're going so they don't think I've abducted you." "Hey that works for me too," she giggled, smiling at the handsome young man who was requesting her company. "But that might be better saved until after we have some of that great smelling food." Jason grinned and caught Kendra's eye. "Ma'am. . . I mean Kendra, I'm going to take Melissa for a walk--just wanted you to know she's in good hands. Uh maybe I should rephrase that." "Go. Have a nice time, but you may wish you'd saved the walk for after dinner judging from the amount of food we're about to enjoy." "Yes ma'am. Well I'm not going to object to two." Tiner helped her on with her sweater and they walked out onto the porch, followed closely by both Harm and Sturgis who coincidentally were looking for the women with whom they came. "You OK?" Harm put his hand on her shoulder. "Is there some reason I wouldn't be?" she smiled warmly. "Of course not, but I can show I care can't I?" "Yes you can. I'm just not used to it." "I think we should leave these two alone" Sturgis teased. "Besides you look cold out here." "Just a little" Tracy admitted. "Come on. Let's go inside where it's warm. Rabb don't forget about dinner." "I won't" Harm assured him. He waited until they were alone before giving her a wide smile. "Finally a moment of quiet." "It is nice isn't it" she sighed as she leaned against him. "Though having everyone here is pretty fun too." "You think Dale is having a good time?" Harm frowned. "He seemed pretty quiet the last time I stuck my head in the living room to check on him." "I think he's a bit overwhelmed" she smiled. "There's quite a few people here. And unfortunately it seems like most of us are coupled off." "You think there's something going on with the Admiral and Ms. Martin?" "Well I think she's a bit more interested in him than she was in you" Mac giggled. "Considering she didn't even remember your name." "That's okay. I'm not interested in her anyway. Besides her and the Admiral seem to hit it off pretty good. And after Meredith he needs someone stable like Kendra." "That he does. And obviously Kendra likes him despite the age difference." "Yep. And our favorite yeoman seems to have made a friend as well." Mac followed Harm's gaze to where Melissa was leaning against a tree, Tiner facing her. "How cute" she grinned. "I wonder if the Admiral planned that." "Too bad we didn't have someone for Dale" Harm sighed. "I think he's still in love with Allison. At least from what he said this morning it sure sounds like it." "This Allison must be someone special." "Harm you remember what your first love was like don't you?" Mac smiled. "How you never thought you'd get over it." "I haven't," he said softly. "Rabb what are you talking about?" she whispered. "My first love" he smiled. "I've never gotten over her. And I never will." With those words he leaned forward and dropped a kiss on her surprised lips. "Oops sorry" Dale gasped as he walked onto the porch. "Bad timing." "No you're fine" Harm grinned as he moved away from Mac. "We were uh just having a Thanksgiving kiss." "You don't have to explain anything to me" Dale said as he dropped down on the bench. "I had you two figured out from the beginning." "Are we that obvious?" Mac frowned. "To me you were" he smiled. "You having a good time?" Harm asked. "Oh yeah. Everyone is real nice. I guess this is what it would be like to have Thanksgiving with a real family." "You really aren't close to your family are you?" Harm asked as he dropped down beside him on the bench." "No sir. Dad and I just never really got along. Mom did her best to smooth things over but I think she's glad I'm gone now. She doesn't have to referee between us." "Why didn't you and your Dad get along?" Mac asked. "I don't know. He expected me to be something I wasn't. I was a troublemaker instead. And when I realized I couldn't live up to what he wanted, I just rebelled more. And I can assure you he wasn't sad to see me leave. Nobody was." "I'm sure that's not true," Mac said softly. "It is but that's okay. I have the Navy now. That's all I need." "Dale you need friends and family in your life" Mac said gently. "You can't shut everyone else out." "I do have friends. The guys from the Ike. That's all I need." "Maybe for right now," Harm agreed easily. "You know once there was a time when I thought I didn't need anyone but the guys I flew with. I was so wrong." "Well the one person I thought could make my life better I totally blew my chance with," he sighed. "Now I have to make the best I can with what hand I was dealt. . ." His voice trailed off as he looked out over the yard, and he whistled softly as he watched Tiner bend over to kiss Melissa's cheek. "Boy works fast," Harm gasped, himself amazed. "Quit staring both of you," Mac scolded. "You know there is such a thing as meeting someone and knowing it's right. That's not something romance writers made up." "Now what did I say a little bit ago when you were prattling about first love," Harm smiled and Mac blushed slightly, remembering the kiss. "But there is such a thing as knowing it was right and not doing a damn thing about it." "Can that be fixed?" She kept her eyes averted as she asked, only to have him hook his finger beneath her chin and turn her face up to his. "You damn right it can." Only Dale's amused throat clearing broke the spell and both laughed quietly. "Why don't I get dinner moving," Harm said finally and Mac rose, only to have him catch her arm. "This is a subject we're going to be exploring in the days to come. If the lady wishes that is." "The lady does wish, very much." He nodded and looked over to Tiner and Melissa once more, yelling, "hey you two going to stand there and make kissy face or coming in to eat." "Rabb you are a jerk," Mac giggled. "I had to say that because being enlisted they won't, but they're thinking it." He laughed heartily and hooked his arm around her neck to guide her inside. With a lot of jockeying and order giving, the sideboard was filled with food and the large crowd gathered around the table. "We need a volunteer to ask the blessing--thank you Mr. Rabb." "I didn't have my hand up," Harm yelped. "Gee I thought I was through with that once I was out of the Academy. OK. No one better laugh." He took a long breath, gathering his thoughts as he got to his feet and extended his hands to either side, for Mac on one side and Sturgis on the other. "This is how we did it every Thanksgiving at my Grams." Silence fell and he took another breath. "Heavenly Father, for thy bounty on this table, for the friends with whom we're about to share it, for this country in which we're blessed to live in, make us truly grateful. Amen." "Amen" was murmured around the table and Harm started to sit down, changing his mind. "I have one more thing to say. For the woman on my left Lord, I am both blessed and thankful." "As am I for you," she replied softly, her eyes locked with his, and her words for him only. For a long few seconds, there was silence at the table as the guests acknowledged that which they were witnessing. Finally Bud cleared his throat. "Pass the turkey?" "Oh yeah right" Harm said sheepishly. "Sorry. I got lost there for a minute." The food made its way around the table and the room was filled with sounds of small chatter. "Good job Commander" AJ smiled. "As good as Mom used to make." "Thank you sir." Afterwards the men managed a hasty exit to the living room, leaving the women in the kitchen. "Okay with the exception of Harm, not one of those guys has done anything today" Harriet declared. "And we helped Harm with dinner and set the table." "Are you saying they should clean up?" Kendra smiled. "That's exactly what I'm saying. Harm excluded of course." "You want to march in there and tell them that?" Tracy laughed. "Cause Im not going to tell the Admiral he's got kitchen duty." "I will" Kendra smiled. "I don't report to him. You guys are in charge of getting the others to help." "Come on ladies" Harriet said firmly. "We have a mission." They marched into the living room, lining up in front of Bud's big screen TV. "Hey what are you doing?" AJ complained. "It's the last five minutes of the game." "Kitchen duty time" Kendra spoke first. "You guys have had the whole day in front of the TV while we've done all the work. Harm you're excluded from that comment." "I was hoping cooking dinner would count for something" he laughed. "Honey we'll help clean up after the game" Bud said as he tried to see around Harriet. "There's only five minutes left." "Which in real time is another hour" she groaned. "And isn't there another game on after this?" "Well yeah of course." "See. You'll never clean up." "Ma'am I'll be happy to help" Tiner said he stood up. Brian and Dale stood up as well and headed to the kitchen and Kendra gave AJ a long look. "Well I see how it is when you get to the top of the chain of command" she teased. "I will not have my yeoman and some young kids make me look bad" AJ muttered as he pushed himself from the sofa. "Me neither" Sturgis said as he quickly joined him, his Dad following after him. "I guess I better help too" Bud smiled. "Although when we get back we're taking back the TV." "As soon as you clean up sweetie" Harriet smiled. "Okay tell me you're not turning off the game" Harm said when he was alone with all the ladies. "Harm you don't really think we want to watch football do you?" Mac laughed. "Yes you do" he smiled. "Well he did cook a good meal" Kendra laughed. "I suppose he could let him watch the end of the game." With all the men helping it didn't take long to clean up and they all returned just in time to see the Cowboys lose. "I don't believe it" Harm groaned. "How could they blow it like that?" "See you should have helped us clean up" AJ grinned. "Would have been less frustrating than watching the end of that." "Yeah really" Harm muttered. "When's desert?" Bud asked as he made his way back in. "Those pies smell really good in there." "Coffee is on and the bar is closed," AJ announced. "We've got pumpkin, pecan, and apple. Name your poison. And remember we have to get rid of all this some time." "Well one of us doesn't," Bud said to a suddenly quiet room. "Harriet please just tell them so you can stop fretting that they're going to find out." "Pregnant," she said softly, her face beet red. "Bud has been wanting to tell for like two months but I wouldn't let him. I wanted to wait until the miscarriage months had passed and I could maybe believe it was going to happen." "It was one of my hospital furloughs," Bud laughed and Harriet turned even more red as Mac was the first to reach her, giving her a warm hug. "Congratulations sweetie, and I know it's going to be fine this time." "Well I'd say we have something else to be thankful for," AJ declared. Pie and coffee was served and football dissolved into the Faith Hill special as the house filled with music. Harm and Mac sat together on the loveseat and he casually slipped his arm across her shoulders, urging her to rest against him. "It's been a perfect Thanksgiving," she whispered, turning her face up to his in time to receive his soft kiss. "Tiner, make sure my file cabinet is stocked with Advil and Pepto first thing Monday," AJ growled. =============== SUNDAY AFTERNOON The Thanksgiving leftovers had been carted to AJ's home for an afternoon of turkey sandwiches and more football, both on the TV and in the backyard as the beautiful weather continued. "AJ you're not out there," Kendra pointed out. "Well no neither are you," he laughed, letting his arm slip around her waist. "I don't need a broken hip thank you. What's your excuse?" "Cramps." "Uh. . .too much information." Tiner waved Mac down the long yard and heaved a pass in her direction that she jumped to bring down just as Harm barreled toward her to tackle the receiver. Caught off guard and in the air, she took the brunt of his weight as he could not stop himself. They both fell to the grass, him landing on top of her to the sound of Bud's referee whistle. "Nice hit Rabb. But you may have killed her," Sturgis chortled. "Nah she's tough," he laughed and rolled to his feet, reaching his hand down to help her up. A hand which she did not take. "Mac?" She lie curled in a ball, her face hidden and he was down beside her a second later. "Mac my god did I hurt you? Mac answer me." When she did not do so, he bent over her even more closely as the other players quieted and gathered. "Mac please," he begged and pushed her hair from her face to check on her. It was at that second that she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to the ground in a perfect Marine take-down maneuver, landing on top of him. "I had you big time," she laughed. "Had you big time." A cheer went up and Harm shook his head, panting hard from the exertion and weak with relief at the same time. "You are so dead. When you least expect it, you are so dead." Her brown eyes were sparkling as she pulled him to his feet, wincing slightly from the soreness his hit had put on her ribs. "Mac I did hurt you," he gasped. "Relax, nothing an ice bag won't take care of, which I will go do now while my team rallies. Melissa I'm leaving the team in your hands. Go fight win kill." "Yes ma'am got it," she yelled back. "I should have been a Marine." Harm watched Mac walk toward the house, starting to follow when Sturgis grabbed his arm. "No you don't L-T, get back on our line. She's fine." Harm groaned but allowed Sturgis to push him back to the game. "Walking wounded Colonel?" AJ gave her a hand as she reached the back steps. "Yes sir, but I got even. Of course now I'm under threat of payback for that," she laughed. "I'll just get some ice and sit out the next couple of plays. Next time we wear padding." She returned to the porch a few minutes later, a baggie of ice tucked under her sweatshirt, sinking gratefully onto the porch. "Where's Kendra?" "Getting something for cramps," he murmured. "You and her look good together sir," Mac smiled. "She's young." "Excuse me?" "She's young Mac. And I like her. I like her a lot." "Then that's all that counts," Mac told him firmly. "Maybe," he sighed, sounding like he was not all that convinced. "Anyway, I see you and Mr. Rabb are. . .and I think I don't want to know." "We're having a good Thanksgiving thank you sir," she smiled, and if she had dimples they surely would have been prominent at that moment. "Sir I think you know that we're too much the professional to let it interfere on duty. And I'm not even sure what 'it' is yet, except that we know we're trying right now harder than we've tried since. . .well before Harm left for the Henry. I don't really know how to explain it except that there's a difference now. Something is different." "Change of subject. Have you two and Seaman March had a good time? He seems like a good kid." "Very sir, on both counts. We took him up to Harpers Ferry yesterday for the day. Poked around the historic area, ate fried chicken by the river, and it was just a good time. Friday he and Harm messed with the Vette's and I watched because I'm a Marine, not a grease monkey, then we went to Outback for dinner. He's. . .well as you say, a good kid." ************* "Thanks for the ride" Dale said glumly as Mac pulled up at his apartment building in Newport News several hours later. "I don't suppose you two want to come up" "I think we can spare a few minutes if you've got some coffee" Harm replied. "Deal" Dale smiled somewhat. "Let me just stop at the mailbox while I'm down here." They followed him to the row of metal boxes and waited as he pulled out the stack of flyers and junk mail. "I swear I get mail for everyone but me" he smiled. "Course its not bad getting FHM because the guy who lived here before me never put in a forwarding address." "No way. You're getting FHM?" Harm grinned. "Let me guess some girly magazine" Mac groaned. "And never mind I don't want to know." "Hey I didn't order it" Dale laughed as he shifted through the rest of the mail. The smile on his face suddenly faded and he shoved an envelope in the bottom of the stack. "Everything okay?" Mac asked. "Yeah fine. Just junk mail. Come on let's go see if I have coffee up there or not." They followed him inside and Mac watched as he dumped the stack of mail in the trash can next to his computer desk. "Have a seat" he offered. "I'll go check on the coffee." "You want some help?" Mac asked. "No just relax. Flip on the TV if you want. I'll be back in a minute." He disappeared into the kitchen and Harm sank down on the sofa while Mac wandered the living room, slowly making her way towards the desk. "Mac what are you doing?" Harm whispered. "Looking to see who the envelope was from. I could have swore I saw an Illinois return address on it." "Mac you're snooping" he hissed. "I don't believe you." "I am not snooping" she retorted as she casually lifted the stack of junk mail from the can and finally reached the letter. "It's from Allison" she whispered. "Mac" Harm groaned and Mac quickly shoved the envelope in her purse as she heard Dale coming from the kitchen. "Sorry guys—there's no coffee" he sighed. "Hot chocolate is the best I can offer." "That sounds good" Mac smiled as she made her way back to the sofa where Harm was. "Harm that okay with you?" Dale asked. "Yeah sure." He nodded and headed back to the kitchen to make the hot chocolate while Mac sank down next to Harm. "Why did you take that?" Harm demanded when they were alone. "Because he still loves this woman and if she's trying to contact him and he's ignoring her there's a problem" Mac whispered. "And that's his problem" Harm sighed. "Harm he's alone here. He has a few friends on the Ike and that's it. He needs more than that. You even said it yourself the other day." "So what do you plan to do to fix that?" he asked. "I don't know. First I have to find out what the problem is. Then I'll figure out how to fix it." "Mac" he groaned. "Harm it's the holidays" she said softly. "What better time for two people to come together. Maybe we can make that happen for them." "What if she wrote to him to tell him she's marrying someone else?" Harm countered. "Stop ruining my plans" she said as she gave him a playful smack. "When did you become the merry match maker?" "When I found out that it's pretty nice to be with the person you care about" she smiled. "This was a really nice weekend." "Yeah it was," he said as he leaned forward for a kiss. "Bad timing again" Dale groaned as stepped out of the kitchen. "I swear I need bells when I'm around you two so you'll know when I'm coming." "No you're fine" Mac smiled. "Well I wanted to thank you guys for this weekend" Dale said as he sat down on the chair next to them. "I had a lot of fun. You and the rest of the JAG staff is a great bunch of people." "You know this doesn't have to be a one time thing" Harm offered. "And we'd really like to have you join us for Christmas if you're going to be in town." Dale nodded eagerly. "I'd like that a lot. Unless it would be too much trouble or if you'd rather pick someone else from the USO rosters or if. . ." "Seaman shut up. You're joining us for Christmas and that's an order. We'll be in touch," Harm growled. "You have a great bunch of friends," Dale smiled and relaxed. "I really would like to be considered part of that--your friends I mean." "We'd like that too," Mac nodded as she took a long drink to finish her cocoa. "So you don't plan to go home for the holidays at all then?" "I'd rather be alone," he snapped and was immediately sorry. "Ma'am that was unforgivable given all that you've done especially." "It's all right," she assured him. "It's been a long weekend and we're all tired, not to mention have to work tomorrow so we need to get back on the road. But just let me say that I've been there--not wanting to spend time with family I mean." "Thanks for understanding. We can email right, or call or. . ." "You bet," Harm stopped him. "You keep your nose clean on duty now. Don't do anything that's going to get you restricted so you can't get Christmas leave." "No sir I won't," he nodded eagerly and Harm held out his hand to him. Dale shook hands and pulled him into an awkward hug at the same time. Mac simply embraced him when it was her turn. "Bye Dale. It was a great time," Harm grinned, clapping his shoulder as he guided Mac out of the door. It was not until they were back out onto the interstate that Mac removed the letter from her purse. "You know you can get five to ten for mail theft," Harm chided her. "He threw it away," she retorted, "so that makes it public property or something. I just want to get a feel for this girl. He still loves her Harm, and what if she loves him. What if they could be happy together except for those two stupid things you men have, ego and pride. And what if. . ." "Yeah go on," he prompted, his eyes on the holiday traffic swarm. She had stopped speaking but was staring at a wallet size picture of a cherubic infant. On the back was written 'Christopher Dale March--age 4 months'. TO BE CONTINUED in Chapter 2 with a Christmas story.