Title: Too Much To Walk Away

Author: Hollyjp

Classification: Harm/Mac Romance, some drama

Rating: PG

Spoilers:   My story picks up at the end of Posse Comitatus and refers to a 
variety of episodes and spoilers for season nine.  Past episodes are also 
included as historical references for the characters.

Standard Disclaimer: JAG is the property of Bellisario Productions, CBS, and 
Paramount. I have borrowed their characters for entertainment purposes only. 
  No monetary gain will result from their appearance in my story.
********

Mac stood there in the bullpen listening to the elderly gentleman imitating 
a band playing a patriotic song.  She couldn’t help but smile.  She glanced 
up at Harmon Rabb and marveled at the man’s ability to find lost souls and 
make them part of his life.  There were times she hated that part of him 
because it took him away from time that she hoped they would have together, 
but usually it was one of the many things she loved about the man.  At the 
moment that man was standing there keeping the beat, smiling and relaxed.

“Excuse me, Commander Rabb?” interrupted Harriet Sims-Roberts.  “Sir, I’m 
sorry to bother you, but there’s a call for you and she sounds pretty 
insistent.  She called earlier when you were with the admiral and is calling 
again now.”

“Thanks Harriet.  Mac, I’ll be right back, okay?”

Mac nodded as she watched him hurry away.  The smile was gone from her face 
and anyone watching one have seen the light in her eyes dim a bit.

“Rabb.”

“Harm? It’s Mattie...I’ve been trying and trying to call you.”  Her young 
voice was shaky and raising in pitched.

“Mattie, take a deep breath and let it out slowly.   You need to calm down 
and tell me what’s wrong.”  He heard her following his directive.

“Some suits showed up here and said they wanted to speak to my father.  When 
I said he wasn’t around and they should talk to me ‘cause I run Grace 
Aviation, they told me to tell him that he had one month to pay off the 
mortgage on the business or they would take it over!  Harm, my mother left 
this place to me - not him!  They can’t take it away from me can they?”

“I don’t know all the facts yet Mattie.  We’ll look into this.  Now, can you 
tell me where they were from and what their names were?”

“The card they left says Metro Area Mortgages.  There’s a phone number but 
no names.”

“Did they leave any paperwork or account numbers?”

“No.  Just this card.  Harm it wasn’t even so much the words they said but 
how they said them...I haven’t seen you in almost two weeks Harm.  You said 
you’d come out every week.”

“I’m sorry Mattie.  It has been longer then I planned.  I’ll tell you what.  
Can you put up a couple of people in that house you live in?”  Harm was 
concerned about the sudden clingy attitude from Mattie.  He knew she was 
really scared if she was reaching out to him in this way.

“Yeah...you bringing someone?”

“I hope so.  Do you mind?”

“Will I have to wait on them or will they make themselves at home?”

“My guess is that she’ll make herself at home and probably pitch in and try 
to help - although she doesn’t know much about planes.”

“Yeah.  When will you be here?”

Harm heard the loneliness in her voice this time and before he had heard the 
fear.  He also knew that Mattie didn’t like anyone to know she was feeling 
vulnerable.  He suspected that he would also be needed around the hangar to 
help on some maintenance jobs.

“Maybe tonight...tomorrow morning at the latest.  Okay?”

“Thanks Harm.”

“Hang in there kid.  Reinforcements are on the way.”

“Harm?”

“Yeah?”

“Who is she?”

Harm smiled.  Like Mac, Mattie had a way of cutting through the chase and 
getting to the main issue.

“Her name is Sarah Mackenzie, but her friends call her Mac.  She’s a Marine 
Lieutenant Colonel and has been my partner at JAG for years.”

“Another lawyer?”

“Yes.”

“Is she why you resigned your commission?”

“Mattie...”

“Is she?”

“In a way, yes.”

“Is she mean and nasty like the bald guy?”

“No, Mattie...but she doesn’t take crap from anyone either - especially me.”

“Is that a warning?”

“Nope.  I hope you’ll give her a chance and get to know her.  It’s important 
to me that you get along.”

“I’ll give her a chance, Harm, I promise.”

“I know you will.  If I can’t be there tonight I’ll call otherwise I’ll see 
you tonight.”

Harm heard her soft good-bye and the dial tone before he put the phone down. 
  Now it was time to see if he could convince Mac to go with him.  Mattie 
needed company and it wasn’t right for him to spend time alone with her in 
her house.  But if Mac was there, then it would be okay and he would have a 
chance for the two of them to get to know each other.  He felt that they 
would all be good for each other. Harm knew that he needed to take care of 
people.  That’s who he was.

Mac missed spending time with Chloe and was great with kids.  She and Mattie 
were so alike that introducing them would be either a stroke of genius or a 
living nightmare. The three of them together could form a little family away 
from JAG...Harm stopped his wayward thoughts.  First he had to see if Mac 
would be willing to go.  He knew she didn’t have plans as he had heard her 
telling Harriet she was looking forward to a quiet weekend at home with a 
good book.

Harm crossed the bullpen.  The impromptu concert had ended and everyone had 
moved on.  Harm spotted Mac in her office.

Leaning into the doorway he spoke, “Hey, Mac...got a minute?”

“Sure Harm.”  Mac forced a smile onto her face as she looked up at him.  
“What’s up?  You’re latest damsel in distress?”

Harm grinned a little.  Mac almost sounded jealous, and if she was then it 
meant there was a glimmer of hope for them still.  “Sort of...you heard that 
I had been working for a teenager crop dusting before I came back, right?”

“Yeah...the admiral sputtered about it at one point.”

“Her name is Mathilda Grace Johnson but she goes by Mattie.  She runs Grace 
Aviation which bought out the hangar where I keep Sarah - my plane.”

Mac rolled her eyes, “I know who Sarah is.  Tell me more.”

Harm took a deep breath.   This was actually going better then he had hoped. 
  “Mattie’s mother was killed about 6 months ago in an accident.  Her father 
was driving drunk and afterward kept drinking and took off.  Her mother left 
the business, the airplanes and a house to Mattie.  She’s been running the 
business and hiding the fact that she’s a minor on her own.  She quit school 
and has become independent- at least on the surface.”

“Harm, have you reported this situation to the authorities?”

“Yes and no...I’m applying to be her legal guardian and I’ve arranged for a 
neighbor to look in on her and make sure she has what she needs.  I’m also 
trying to get her to go back to school.  She’s hurting and vulnerable and 
trying to be so brave.”

“Harm, is this a new obsession?” Mac asked softly.

“No, I don’t think so.  It’s just we seem to have made a connection and she 
was just starting to trust me and open up when I left to come back to JAG.  
When I found out exactly what the situation was, I had to balance what I 
knew should happen with what I could do and retain her trust... Mac, she 
reminds me of you...she’s strong but has been dealt a raw deal.  Will you 
come with me to meet her?”

Mac’s interest was piqued.  Mac had seen herself as Harm had described 
Mattie before he ever mentioned the similarities. She also thought of Chloe 
and how the two girls had a lot in common.  Maybe Mattie would make Chloe 
seem closer as they  didn’t get together very often anymore...although they 
still talked at least once a month and emailed at least once a week.

“When?”

Harm couldn’t believe his ears.  Mac was agreeing without an argument so he 
decided to go for it all.

“Well, she got a visit from some guys saying that were from a mortgage 
company and they apparently threatened to take the business.  I want to look 
into it and I could use your help.  I’d like to go soon...tonight after 
work?” Harm paused and Mac nodded so he continued.  “We could stay the 
weekend and head back Sunday afternoon.  If you have work to do bring it 
with you.  I’m bringing some files and I know there will be work for me at 
the hangar.  If you don’t have any work you can always bring a good book or 
two to read...what do you say?” Harm raised one eyebrow and gave her his 
best ‘pretty-please’ smile.

“It sounds like the sooner the better.  Harm, are you sure this whole thing 
shouldn’t be reported?”

“Meet her and then tell me what you think.  I’ll listen to your suggestions, 
I promise.”

“Harm, where will we stay?  Should I call for rooms?”

“There’s plenty of room at the house.  We’ll stop and get groceries on the 
way.  I’ve got some frozen dishes I’m taking out as well... and no I don’t 
have meatless meatloaf, Mac!” Harm laughed as he beat her to her favorite 
line when they started discussing his culinary menu.

“What can I bring?”

“Just you...and maybe some advice?”

“Deal.  What time do you want to leave?”

“How about I pick you up about 1800 and we stop for dinner and groceries on 
the way?”

“I’ll be waiting.”

“Is that because you think I’m always late, or because you’re looking 
forward to going with me?”

Mac’s smile lit up her face and the room.  “Both!” she laughed.


1800
Mac’s Apartment

Mac had gotten home a little early and packed her bag including her books.  
She also packed a couple of photo albums she thought Mattie might enjoy 
seeing as most pictures included Harm.  She had changed into black jeans and 
her favorite red sweater and had just brought her bags into the living room 
when she heard Harm knock.

Opening the door to him she smiled, “Right on time.”

Harm found himself breathless and speechless when she opened the door and 
smiled that smile he hadn’t seen for months.  She was dressed in that soft 
candy apple red sweater that made her look drop-dead gorgeous.  Finally he 
regained his breath and voice.

“Hi, Mac...you look fabulous.”

“Thanks...” She took in his brown leather jacket, blue jeans and green and 
gold striped button-down shirt, opened at the throat.  “You look pretty good 
yourself.”

“Thanks.  This it?” Harm asked pointing to her bags.

“That’s it...I can carry it.”

“We’ll each take some this trip...you can help with the groceries later.  
Okay?”

“Fair enough.” Mac smiled.  So many changes in such a short time.


2120 EST
Blacksburg Virginia

Harm pulled up the SUV in front of a house on a side street in the village 
not far from the airport.  Before the engine had stopped, a teenage girl ran 
down the steps and launched herself at Harm as he stepped from the SUV.

“You made it!  I thought maybe you couldn’t get away tonight after all.”  
Mattie hugged Harm around his waist and then stepped back slightly 
embarrassed by her moment of weakness.

Harm had given her a light hug back but did not attempt to hold on to her 
Mac noticed.  Mac joined them on the driver’s side of the SUV.

“Mac, I’d like you to meet Mattie Grace, my boss at Grave Aviation.  Mattie, 
I’d like you to meet Sarah Mackenzie, my...” Harm paused.  He wanted to call 
Mac something more than a friend but there was still no word to use that 
really fit...so he chose  words that had broad meanings and couldn’t be 
argued with. “...friend and partner.”

The two women faced each other and extended hands.  With their hands 
clasped, their eyes met and they silently sized up the situation and each 
other.  They could either accept that the man watching was firmly ingrained 
in both their lives and make it work or become enemies and risk being on the 
losing end.  The silent message was passed and an alliance established with 
out words being spoken.

Mac smiled, “Nice to meet you Mattie.  Harm has spoken highly of you.”

“It was like pulling teeth to get him to talk about you...I’m glad you’re 
here...”

“Call me Mac, okay?”

“Okay, Mac.”

“Ladies, we have a car to unload... frozen homemade food, fresh groceries, 
staples, and our stuff.  Everyone pitch in and we’ll be done in no time.”  
Harm attempted to direct operations before things could turn awkward, 
although they seem to be connecting okay.

“Lots of healthy food, right?” Mattie asked.

“Yes...but Mac made sure you had her version of comfort food as well.” Harm 
assured her.

Mattie looked at Mac and smiled.  Together they recited, “Chocolate bars, 
ice cream, chips and dip!” and they broke into laughter.

Harm looked on pleased.

Twenty minutes later the car was unloaded and the groceries put away.  
Mattie showed Harm and Mac around the house and to the extra bedrooms.  The 
downstairs was a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and den.  At the top of the 
stairs was a bathroom and to the right was the bedroom that Mattie used.  On 
the other side of the bathroom were two more bedrooms side by side.  All had 
double beds made up with clean sheets, blankets and homemade quilts.

“Pick whatever bedroom you want.  They are both clean and freshly made.”

Mattie watched as Harm took the further bedroom and dropped his things on 
the bed.  Mac put her things in the room next to the bathroom.  She decided 
to wait and see how they acted together before she decided if that was the 
way they wanted it or if they were trying to set a good example for her.

Mac watched Mattie and tried to hide the grin when she realized what the 
younger girl was thinking.  Mac knew that it was a milestone that she was 
even here for a weekend with Harm.  The idea of ever reaching a point where 
sharing a bedroom again could be considered would take many more milestones.

Harm stepped back into the hall and asked Mattie, “Did you bring that card 
with you or is it at the hangar office?”

“No, I brought it home.  It’s downstairs in the den.  I also found some 
paperwork on the mortgage and stuff like that.  I’ve got the copy of my 
mother’s will too.”

“Good job, Mattie.  Let’s go down and take a look at it now.”


Two hours later
Grace home den


Harm yawned and stretched as he set the papers down.  He looked over to the 
big chair by the fireplace and saw Mattie curled up there asleep.  He turned 
to get Mac’s attention and motioned to her to look.  Mac smiled when she saw 
the girl sleeping there.  Relaxed in her sleep she looked much younger then 
when awake and both Mac and Harm realized that she needed both of them.  The 
bonds that would surround this unusual family unit that they had formed over 
their eight years together now included Mattie, whether she wanted it or 
not.

“Did you find anything in the papers you reviewed Mac?” Harm kept his voice 
soft and quiet so as not to disturb the sleeping girl.

“Nothing...Harm these papers all show the house and business are Mattie’s 
lock stock and barrel.  The original mortgages were paid in full and all 
taxes have been paid.   What about you?”

“Nothing.  I’m beginning to think that...”

“...there’s something fishy going on?”

“Yeah...” Harm looked at Mac a little funny thinking back to another time 
that she had finished his sentences all the time.  “I think we need to give 
it a rest for tonight and tomorrow we can see what we can find out about 
this mortgage company.  I don’t see any paperwork from them in these 
records...”

“...unless there are more records somewhere that Mattie doesn’t have.”

“Right...Mac, you’re doing it again.”

“What?”

“Finishing my sentences.”

“Oh...sorry.”

“It’s okay, Mac.  I don’t mind.”

Harm watched Mac with a little gleam in his eye.  Mac saw it and leaned in 
closer to him.  Harm reacted by leaning closer toward Mac, too.  Like a game 
of chicken they each moved closer to the other inch by inch to see who would 
pull back first or give in and go for it.

Across the room, Mattie opened her eyes slowly and watched as the two adults 
seated at the desk started leaning toward each other.  They moved in slow 
motion and when they were only an inch a part both sat up straight as if on 
cue and turn to look at her.

Mattie smiled, “Hi...I think I fell asleep.  You find anything?”

“Not a thing that shows you owe anyone money.  We’re going to explore some 
other angles tomorrow after we get some sleep...and you, young woman, need 
to get your rest as well.”  Harm gently scolded.

“I won’t argue.”

“Good, go on up. I’ll make sure everything is secure before I come up.”

“Night Harm.  Night Mac.”

“G’night Mattie.  See you in the morning.”

“Sleep tight Mattie.” Harm watched her before turning back to Mac. “Why 
don’t you go on up.  I’ll tidy up here and secure and then I’ll call it a 
night too.”

“Okay.”  Mac stood up and stepped next to Harm’s chair.  “Harm, I only 
stopped before because I didn’t want an audience.”  Before she could change 
her mind, she bent and placed a kiss against his lips. “Good night...sweet 
dreams.”

Harm was speechless as he watched Mac go upstairs.  How in hell was he 
suppose to sleep now? Having Mac close again had been great and he was 
encouraged by the frequent baby steps they seemed to be making toward 
getting back their friendship and re-opening the door for something more.  
Now Mac was taking control again if tonight was any indication.  Harm 
thought about that for a minute and sat back with a self satisfied smile on 
his face. It didn’t matter to him who was in control as long as they were 
working toward the same goal.  It looked like they were so Harm decided that 
it would be fun to see where she took things if he let her ‘be on top.’

With the papers and files back in order and the lights off, Harm made sure 
the doors were locked and proceeded upstairs to bed.  Mattie’s light was off 
and the bathroom door was closed until he stepped in front of it.  That’s 
when it opened and Harm found himself looking at Mac clad in a cotton 
nightgown that stopped mid-thigh.  His mouth got dry and his eyes dropped to 
her bare feet.  He remembered later thinking that her feet were beautiful.  
Slowly his eyes traveled back up her body.  He took in the slight blush on 
her face as their eyes met.  This time it was Harm that moved first.  His 
arms slid around her and he pulled her close as his head lowered to let his 
lips tease hers.  The tip of his tongue lightly traced her lips before he 
nibbled the fullness of her lips again.  Slowly releasing her he stood back 
and said, “”Sweet dreams to you too, Mac.”



0500 EST
Grace House

Mac awoke slowly from her dream.  It had seemed so real that even now it 
felt real.  In her dreams, Harm had crawled into bed with her during the 
night and held her in his arms.  When she had tried to ask why he was there, 
he had quieted her question with a gentle finger to her lips and said, 
“We’ll talk about it in the morning. Go back to sleep.”

She had done that and now it was if she could feel his arms around her and 
hear his heart beat.  In that instant she realized that it wasn’t a dream.  
Opening her eyes she looked at his sleeping face next to her.  Her head was 
on his shoulder and her hand rested against his chest.  Taking a deep breath 
she exhaled slowly and relaxed allowing herself time to enjoy the moment.

Fearing the awkwardness that they would probably face later after last 
nights kiss and his relocation to her bed during the night, she decided to 
get up early and get the coffee made.  Pulling on her robe, she headed for 
the kitchen to start the coffee.  Once there she decided to make a batch of 
muffins.  It was one of the few things she enjoyed making from scratch and 
could be sure would come out eatable.  While they were baking, she read her 
book and sipped her first cup of coffee.  As she took them out of the oven, 
she heard a noise and looked over her shoulder to see Mattie entering the 
kitchen.

“Good morning.  I hope you don’t mind that I made myself at home in your 
kitchen.”

“Morning Mac...no, it smells great.  Coffee and home made muffins is a great 
smell to wake up to.  Hasn’t been in this house for months.”  Mattie’s voice 
was still sleepy but pleasant.

“Can I get you some coffee? Juice? A muffin?”  Mac asked as she watched the 
teenager yawn and slide into a chair at the kitchen table.

“Thanks, sounds great...but you don’t have to wait on me.”

“Sit...I don’t mind.”  Mac put the muffin, juice and coffee on the table for 
Mattie, refreshed her coffee and added some juice and a muffin for herself 
and then resumed her seat to Mattie’s left.

“This is wonderful, Mac.  Thanks.”

“Your welcome... it’s one of Chloe’s favorites when she comes to visit.”

“Who’s Chloe?”

“My ‘little sister’ sort of.  I met Chloe about five years ago when she was 
about nine through the Big Sister/Big Brother program.  She had lost her 
mother to breast cancer.  She didn’t know her father and was living with a 
step-father that didn’t want her and his girlfriend that tended to get a 
little rough with her.  She was a handful at times but they put her with me 
because I’m a Marine and they thought I could handle her.”

“And did you?”

“When she wasn’t handling me I guess,” Mac laughed.  “She gave me a run for 
my money at times, but I always knew she was a great person and she needed 
to grow and have some guidance.  I’ve tried to do that.”

“Where is she now?”

“We were able to find her father and she lives at her grandparents farm in 
northern Vermont.”

“Do you ever get to see her?”

“Yeah, but not as much as I’d like.  She usually comes down for a few days 
during her Christmas break and again in the summer.  I try to get up there 
for a weekend each fall and spring.”

“Harm says that you and I have a lot in common, too.  Do you know why he 
would say that?” Mattie asked.

“Well, my mother left when I was fifteen and my father drank.”

“Your mother didn’t die did she?”

“No.  At fifteen there are so many things that come up when you need a 
mother to talk to.  Without one there I made some really stupid choices.  I 
think Harm is hoping that maybe I can be here for you once in awhile to 
listen to you when you need a woman to talk to.”  Mac leaned toward Mattie 
and whispered, “He’s doesn’t always understand what a woman wants or needs.  
I think we scare him at times!”  The two females laughed and the bond 
between them began to grow.

“Are you two...dating?” Mattie asked.

“That’s a good question, Mattie.  I wish I knew what to tell you.  Harm and 
I have a relationship that can’t easily be explained.  We’ve struggled with 
this for years.  All I can tell you for sure is that we are best friends and 
we have our ups and downs.  We are partners at work most of the time and use 
work to find time to spend together.  We have dated other people but when 
there’s a problem we find each other.  We’ve danced around having a romantic 
relationship but neither of us has been able to take the next step because 
the other has always backed off.  We almost destroyed out friendship trying 
to explore if there is an ‘us’ but we’ve been able to bounce back from 
disaster again and reestablish our friendship.  I thought that’s all we’d 
have, but...”

“You love each other too much to walk away, huh?”  Mattie said.

Mattie’s simple words made everything seem so clear.  In the honesty of the 
moment Mac could only agree, “It would seem so.”

“What would seem so?” asked a deep sleepy voice from the kitchen entry.

Mac and Mattie exchanged a look of understanding that this was girl talk and 
then greeted Harm.

“Morning Harm.”

“Coffee, juice and muffin, Sailor?” asked Mac.

“Mac made the muffins, Harm.  There really good.”

‘Is that so?  Well then I’ll have to try one.”

Harm walked up behind Mac as she put a muffin on a plate for him.  He leaned 
down next to her ear and let his lips lightly touch her face as he quietly 
whispered for her ears only, “I missed you when I woke up.”

Mac swallowed hard and then turned to get his coffee and juice for him.  She 
had moved away from his warm body to do it and her thoughts became clearer 
and less jumbled when she did. When she heard Harm’s deep chuckle rumble in 
his chest, she knew he was aware of the effect her had on her.

Mattie watched them and smiled.  She had been prepared not to like Mac, but 
had found herself warming up to her almost immediately.  If there were any 
doubts, then this morning’s talk had sealed it.  She had heard about people 
that created their own ‘families’ and now she was sensing that this is what 
she was becoming a part of.  It was wonderful and scary at the same 
time...much like Harm and Mac’s relationship apparently.

The three of them sat around the table eating muffins and drinking juice and 
coffee.  Over their breakfast, they mapped out the plans for the day.

Mac volunteered to research Metro Mortgage Company and dig up what she could 
on that.  Harm was going to help Mattie with some repairs and then take one 
of the dusting runs so that her pilot could have the day off for some family 
obligations.  Mattie needed to get some orders in for supplies before noon.  
Mac would bring their lunch out to the field around 1300.  They could 
discuss Mac’s findings over lunch.  After that, Mac would watch the office 
while Harm took Mattie up for a flying lesson in “Sarah.”  Later they would 
go back to the house, fix dinner together and watch a movie on Pay per 
view.”

As Harm and Mattie headed out the door, Harm dropped a kiss on Mac’s cheek 
on his way by.  “See you later.”

Mac put her hand to her cheek as she watched him follow Mattie to the truck. 
  He was leaving his car for her to use.  Mac was enjoying the feeling of 
family that this weekend was giving her.  The new domestic Harm was almost 
more then a woman could take.


1520 EST
Grace Aviation Hangar

Mac looked up to see two men in dark gray suits and four others in black 
pants, black turtlenecks and black jackets, pile out of two cars with 
blackened windows.

“Where’s Johnson or the kid?”

“Not here.”

“Who are you?” the older suited man asked.

“Why are you looking for them?” asked Mac.

“Look lady, I have business with Johnson and I left a message with his kid 
for him.”

“She’s not here.  Why don’t you tell me what you want? I’m the lawyer.”

“Lawyer?  Johnson took a risk hiring you and you are taking a bigger risk 
telling me.”  He nodded to two of the men in black who began moving around 
behind Mac.

Mac watched them as much as she could, but she didn’t want to lose sight of 
the others either.

At his second nod, Mac found herself over powered and restrained by two of 
the goons in black.  One put duct tape over her mouth.  Another held her 
while the third got a chair and the fourth appeared with rope to tied her to 
it.  When she was secured, the younger man in a suit approached.  He leaned 
close to her and said, “Tell Johnson that no fancy lawyers or charges will 
get you out of this.  You borrow, you pay.” And with that Mac saw his hand 
come up and swing toward her.  She felt her head snap back and then nothing.



Same time
Above Blacksburg, VA


Harm’s deep laugh rumbled in the air as he looped and swooped in the 
Stearman with Mattie screaming in delight.  This was their reward for 
behaving during the real lesson while Mattie had learned to control the 
airplane on her own.  Harm had talked her through some beginner maneuvers 
and then had her repeat the sequences without his instruction.  She had a 
nice light touch on the controls that came natural, which he had needed to 
work to achieve.

Harm understood why many women made good pilots and appreciated the finesse 
with which they flew.  Harm felt that Mac would have made a great pilot as 
her touch was so light, but she wasn’t keen on heights and speed.  She had 
enjoyed flying in Sarah with him before the trouble they had run into.  
Since then flying and Mac just didn’t seem to go together.  Maybe someday 
she would be willing to try it again, but he wasn’t going to force it.

For a moment a chill went through Harm which he shook off as they completed 
a final roll.  It was time to head back.  His instincts were warning him and 
he did not want to take a chance with Mattie.  She was going to make a good 
pilot but he didn’t want to over do things with her either.  Mattie was 
saying something that drew his attention again.

“Harm! That’s those guys from the mortgage company running from the hangar 
back to their cars.  What are they doing?”

“I don’t know Mattie, but were going to land and find out.  You stay with 
the plane when I set it down.”

“Harm...”

“Not now Mattie.”

Harm’s tone told her that it wasn’t the time to argue and she relaxed in her 
seat and prepared for the landing.  Harm taxied the plane toward the hangar 
a little faster then usual.  The cars were already pulling away and heading 
out onto the main road when they stopped.  Harm unbuckled and jumped out, 
running toward the hangar.  His long legs carried him rapidly across the 
distance to the door which he wrenched open and flung back.  As his eyes 
adjusted to the light he saw Mac tied to the chair, her head hanging 
forward.

“Oh God, Mac!  Are you alright?  Mac?”  Rushing to her side, he knelt beside 
her and tried to assess the damage.  He could see she was breathing.  He 
began to untie the ropes holding her feet to the chair legs.

Mattie joined him and without a word began helping to untie the ropes.

Once she was free they eased her onto the floor on a blanket that Mattie had 
found in the office .   Harm saw the bruise forming on her cheek where 
someone had connected.  He pulled the duct tape off her mouth and noticed 
that she was beginning to stir.

“Easy...It’s okay, Mac.  You’re safe.  Stay still, just open your eyes.”  
Harm tried to keep his voice soft and calm for both Mac and Mattie’s 
benefit.   Slowly her eye lids opened and he was able to see the warm brown 
of her eyes searching for his hazel ones.

“Harm, it was those guys from that Mortgage company.  There’s some shady 
deal going on...Mattie...?”

“I’m right here, Mac.  I’m sorry you got caught up in this.”

“It’s okay, Mattie, but we really need to get to the bottom of this 
situation.  Harm, help me up.”

“Mac, I don’t think...” Harm was cut off as Mac jumped in.

“Sometimes you don’t” Mac smiled at Harm to take the sting out of her words. 
“I’m shaky but I’m fine, so help me up.”  Easing his arms around her, she 
leaned into his strength as she stood up.  Mattie left and returned with an 
ice pack for Mac’s face.
“Should we take her to get x-rays Harm?”

“Probably,” answered Harm, while at the same time Mac said, “No need.”

Mattie shook her head looking back and forth at the two of them.  “What did 
they say Mac?”

Mac repeated the conversation and tried to give them the details.   She 
watched Harm as he became more and more agitated.  He could not stand to 
have people he cared about attacked.  His emotions were bubbling up and she 
knew that she had to come up with a plan to keep him from reacting before he 
thought things through.

“Harm, listen to me.  I think we need to contact the authorities.  Mattie, 
do you have any idea where your father is or how we can get a message to 
him?”

Mattie thought for a minute and then said, “I have my grandparents address.  
He probably is there or at least he’ll show up there at some point.”

Mac and Harm beamed at Mattie and said simultaneously, “Good girl!”

“What else are you thinking, Marine?” Harm asked.

“I think we need to get someone in here that we can trust to keep Grace 
Aviation going for Mattie, and then we need to get her away from here.”

“Good, idea.  Any suggestions?” Harm asked.

“Wait a minute!” Mattie was getting a little concerned about this plan.

“Mattie can stay with me for a night or two.  The couch isn’t bad for a 
short stay, but we’ll have to come up with something better long term.”

“Right, we can work on it...I actually have a couple of ideas.”

“Now wait just a minute, you two!” Mattie tried again to get their 
attention, but Mac and Harm were on a roll and kept going.

“I also have an idea for someone that can help with Grace Aviation.”

Mac looked thoughtfully at Harm, “Anyone I know?”

“Actually you know both of my ideas...Keeter is around I think and he might 
be able to help out short term.  In the mean time, I’ll call Sergei and see 
if he and Galina are interested in a move to the US for awhile.”

“Sergei?  Galina?  Keeter?  Who are these people you are talking about 
taking over for me?”

Harm turned to Mattie, “Keeter is a pilot and has been a friend for years.  
He owes me.  Sergei is my half brother and Galina is his fiancee.  They 
postponed their wedding until they could save up a little more money.  She’s 
a flight attendant and can live basically anywhere as she does the world 
flights.  He was working for a freight company but got laid off last month.”

“I think we should close up shop and go back to the house.  We got some 
calls to make and arrangements to set up.  Hang in there Mattie.  It may 
seem like you’re losing everything, but in the end I think we’ll be able to 
save it for you.”


2330 EST
Mattie’s House

Harm was sitting on the couch thinking what a long day it had been, when he 
looked up and saw Mac entering the living room from the kitchen.  He held 
out his hand to her and she took it, allowing him to pull her down on the 
couch next to him.  With his arm around her, she leaned into his warmth and 
strength and relaxed for the first time in hours.  She felt his face resting 
on her hair.

“Harm?”

“Hmmm?”

“Mattie go to bed?”

“Yeah.”

“She okay with everything?”

“Yeah.  Why wouldn’t she be?”

Mac pulled away just a bit to turn and look at him.  “Harm, she’s been on 
her own for months now.  She’s gotten use to being independent.  It’s pretty 
hard on someone that has had to fight to stand on their own two feet to 
suddenly give that up to someone.  We’ve been like bulldozers today making 
plans and telling her what’s going to happen.  I know how important it is 
for her safety and livelihood, however, I also know it isn’t easy to give 
someone else the control.”

“I know Mac.  She’s like you that way, huh?  Something I had trouble 
understanding for years.  I guess she’s okay.  She thanked us for being here 
when she went up to bed.  She said her bag is packed.  The only thing she 
seemed reluctant to do is go back to school just yet.”

“Let’s give her a few days before we push that issue, okay?”

“Mac...”

“If she resists when we bring it up to register her.”

“Okay.”

“Harm?”

“Yeah.”

“Have I told you that I like this new you?”

“Do you?”

“Yeah,” and with that Mac snuggled up beside Harm, her head on his shoulder 
and her hand resting against his chest. Harm tightened his arm around her 
pulling her a little closer and resting his head again on top of her hair.   
He reached up to touch the bruise on her face.  “Hurt much?”

“A little, but it’s okay,” she reassured him.

“Mac?”

“Yeah?”

“I like this new side of you, too.”

“What side is that?” Mac spoke softly, curious as to what he’d say.

“The soft, sexy side that’s all woman.”

Mac smiled as she raised her head to whisper into his ear, “That’s your 
reward for letting me be on top.”

Harm’s smile matched hers and he lowered his head to kiss her.  There lips 
met in a  kiss full of passion tinged with a desire to explore and learn.  
His lips kissed her with a hunger that he had previously not unleashed.   
Sarah Mackenzie met him kiss for kiss.  Their tongues teased and tantalized, 
explored and explained.

They adjusted their positions to give them more options, stopping every 
little while for air.  Both of them were fast approaching the point where 
they had little control.  Somehow, by mutual consent, they both stopped and 
just held each other for a few more minutes.

“Mac, I’d love to hold you again tonight but I’m not sure I can behave 
myself and I don’t think either of us is quite ready to take this further.”

“I know.  And you’re right.  At least I know now that you want me like I 
want you.”

“Do you still think there can never be an ‘us’?” Harm asked.

“No...but at the time I didn’t think it was possible and I doubted that you 
were even attracted to me at all.”

“Gee Mac, I’m sorry I didn’t realize that you had doubts about the way I 
felt about you.  Seems like we’ve wasted some precious time.”

“Let’s just remember that and don’t repeat our mistakes with each other.”

“Deal.”

Together they rose and climbed the stairs to the bedrooms.  Harm took the 
bathroom first while Mac checked on Mattie and then got her things from her 
own room.  They exchanged quick kisses as they passed each other in the hall 
by the bathroom.  Mac went in and got ready for bed.  When she returned to 
her room, Harm was laying on the covers of her bed in his boxers and the 
quilt from his room over him.  He smiled when she came in.

“I couldn’t stand being away from you, so I decided to try this.  You can 
always slap me if I get fresh,” Harm’s eyebrow was raised and he wore a 
cock-eyed grin.

Mac just smiled, dropped her robe and slid in under the sheets next to him.  
It made the covers a little tighter then usual with him laying on top of 
them, but after a few minutes they got comfortable and fell asleep, hands 
clasped on his chest.

“You know, Sailor, we’ve taken so many tiny steps this weekend that its 
almost like we’re running.  Can you handle it?”  Mac asked in a soft voice, 
not wanting to overwhelm him just in case.

“Mac, I’m doing what feels right.  If something doesn’t feel right to me, 
then I’ll know we moved too fast, but after eight years, I think we’ve 
finally moved from slow motion to fast forward only until we get to the 
place we really want to be.  Then things should seem more normal.  Does that 
make sense?”

“Yeah, it does.  I’ll try not to worry about it and just enjoy it.”

“Good, now go to sleep.”


0700 EST
Mattie’s House

Harm was up first and made calls to Keeter and Sergei before starting 
breakfast.  Keeter was expected around 1000 and Sergei promised to talk it 
over with Galina and get back to him with a decision within the week.

After starting the coffee, Harm whipped up omelettes filled with veggies and 
cheese.  He made bacon for Mac and Mattie and snuck a slice for himself when 
they weren’t looking.  He liked the taste of bacon but he didn’t like the 
fat and cholesterol so he always limited his intake to between zero and one 
slice.  Having lost a grandfather to heart disease when he was only forty 
made Harm extra conscientious of his heart health over the years.  His 
mother had often asked him why that concerned him, yet the fact that both 
his father and paternal grandfather died as a result of downed planes didn’t 
seem to phase him.

Two arms circles his waist from behind as he prepared their plates.  He felt 
Mac rest her face against his back for a moment.  “You’re awake early this 
morning.”

“Wanted to fix you a nice breakfast...Keeter will be here around 1000.”

“Wow!  You’ve been busy and lucked out.”

“Mmm...come here.”  Harm pulled Mac around in front of him so he could kiss 
her good morning.  He grimaced when he saw her face.  His finger lightly 
caressed her cheek.

“It’s okay, Harm.  Make-up will cover that for work tomorrow.”

“It should never have happened.  If I...”

“Don’t go there Harm.  You can’t live in my pocket and you know that I’m a 
lean mean fighting green Marine, so power down, Sailor.”

“I know...so sue me for caring.”



1003 EST
Grace House
Blacksburg, Virginia

“You flyboys are all alike - late for everything!” Mac kidded Harm as they 
worked packing up Mattie’s things that she would take with them while they 
waited for Keeter to arrive.

“He’ll be here...” Harm paused as the roar of an engine could be heard 
outside.  “See!” one eye-brow raised to emphasize his point as he tossed Mac 
his wide grin.

Together Harm and Mac went to the door as Mattie ran down the stairs behind 
them, waiting in the back ground.  When Jack Keeter looked at the open front 
door framing Harm with Mac standing in the back ground he was struck by the 
domestic scene and decided to give his commitment phobic buddy some razzing.

“Well if it isn’t a domesticated Rabb!  So when did you abandon bachelorhood 
for the domestic life, Buddy?”

“What makes you think that?” Harm asked shaking Keeter’s hand and still 
grinning.

“Come on Rabb - you standing in the door of a neighborhood house, a 
beautiful woman at you side and a kid in the background - it don’t scream 
swinging bachelor.”

“Knock it off and get in here.  You remember Mac- -Lt. Colonel Sarah 
Mackenzie, USMC?”

“Sure do.  Hi Mac - still hanging out with this looser?” Keeter hugged Mac 
briefly.

“Nice to see you Keeter.  Thank you for coming to help out.”

“Any excuse to see you again Mac.”

“Alright, that’s enough.”  Harm stepped in to move Keeter’s attention away 
from Mac.  “Mattie, come meet Keeter.  Mattie Grace Johnson- Mattie, Jack 
Keeter.”

After exchanging greetings it was time to take a trip to the hangar and go 
over the operation that Keeter was going to run temporarily.  It was decided 
that he’d stay at the house and so they did not need to pack up the 
refrigerator and cupboards.

Mac and Harm paused close together and stared in each others eyes for a few 
moments before Harm moved on to leave with Keeter and Mattie.  Mac would 
meet them at the hangar and from there they would leave for Washington, D.C.

Once at the hangar, Keeter cornered Harm after Mattie had gone over the 
basic operation with him and then walked over to say good-bye to some of her 
pilots and to explain to them what was going to happen.

“So Harm, what’s up with you and the Colonel?  You finally get your act 
together?”

“You know Keeter, I’m not sure where we stand - exactly.   Since I went back 
to JAG, we’ve reached a truce I guess.  We haven’t really talked about 
things, but we’ve re-established our friendship, I think...and we’ve at 
least admitted we are attracted to each other.  We’ve always known we could 
count on one another when things are down - but we’ve had a rough year.  I 
thought it was all gone, but there’s too much between us - good and bad - to 
just walk away and give up.  So, I’ve been trying to be more careful about 
what I do and say and I think we are both on the same page.  We are just 
getting our feet under us and I think we are in a position to move into 
something special.  We can’t rush it and we’ve got to work with it.”

“Wow, Harm, I didn’t realize how deep Mac and you had become.  Now how does 
Mattie fit into all this?”

“She doesn’t have anyone and she needs an adult to watch out for her.  I’m 
trying to get appointed her guardian and Mac was missing Chloe, her ‘little 
sister’ from the program, so I thought she might be able to help...so far 
they’ve gotten along great.”


“Yeah, you always had to work yourself into the ‘swinging bachelor’ role.  
Looks like you’ve been ignoring your natural calling all this time my 
friend.”

“What’s that?”

“You’ve been searching for your own family for years.”

Somehow Keeter and Harm both knew he was right and neither spoke anymore 
about it.


1830 EST
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown

It had been a busy day, but Mattie was finally settled at Mac’s.  The SUV 
had been unloaded while they waited for their Chinese take out order to be 
delivered.

“What’s the game plan for tomorrow?” Mac asked.

“How about we make a list of all the things we’ve got to do and then assign 
responsibilities and prioritize?”  Harm suggested.

“What?  Harmon Rabb with a plan?”

Harm paused a moment as if waiting for more.  Deciding she was not going to 
say anymore he just grinned.  He didn’t want to let old hurts infect their 
renewed friendship and closeness.

Two hours later they had decided that Harm would pick up Mattie in the 
morning and they would register her in school.  He would then meet Mac at 
JAG and they would see what they could find out about Metro Mortgage 
Company.


1220 EST
JAG HQ

“What’ve we got?” Harm asked Mac as they settled in her office to eat lunch 
and discuss their morning and Mattie’s situation.

Mac looked at Harm not sure how he was going to take what she was about to 
tell him.  She decided to start with the less emotional stuff first.

“Harm, Metro Mortgages is a real company and for the most part is on the up 
and up.  They do have a couple of guys however that run on the outskirts of 
the law and they are the ones apparently that have been visiting the hangar. 
  The company president is willing to work with us to nail these guys.”

“What aren’t you telling me, Mac?”  Harm asked as he focused on her upper 
lip twitching.

“One thing at a time Harm...how did school registration go?”

“Great...I explained that we were in the process of becoming her legal 
guardians and that we didn’t want her to miss anymore school.  They let her 
enroll and start her classes today.  She’s going back to your place after 
school and on her way home she might check out the library and some shops.  
I told her that you usually get home around 1800 - six o’clock and she 
needed to be there by then.  I also reminded her to call if she needed 
anything before then.”

“Well, it seems the school was a little more concerned about things then 
they let on to you.  They called me to confirm your story and have also 
reported the situation to Child Protective Services.  They will be meeting 
us at my apartment at 1800 tonight and want to see copies of the papers 
we’re filing.  They’ll also inspect my place and if they don’t feel we are 
the right situation for Mattie...”

“They’re going to take her away?”

“They could Harm, but I don’t think we should panic yet.  I explained that I 
have been part of the Big Sister program and they are going to check my 
history with them.  They also wanted names of people they could call as 
references.  I hope you don’t mind, but I suggested they should talk to Bud 
and Harriet, Jen, and Chloe’s grandmother.”

“No...no that sounds fine...thank you Mac for doing this.”

“Mattie wormed her way into my heart Harm.  She reminded me of Chloe and 
myself and I guess I wish someone had been there to do this for me when I 
was in a similar situation.  I think we’ll be okay if we stay calm and meet 
their hoops openly and honestly.”

Harm nodded his head in agreement as he studied Mac’s upper lip.  As much as 
he had enjoyed kissing it, he was much more interested in the twitching it 
was doing.  “What else Mac?”

“How do you do that?”

“You tell me how you do the time thing...”

“Never mind...it seems Mattie’s father took out a mortgage without her 
mother’s knowledge and because there has been no repayment of the loan the 
company could take over Grace Aviation and sell it for the balance owed.  
There’s not much that can be done in that respect, however, the guys that 
have been trying to get something out of the situation for themselves, are 
about to go down.”

“Thanks Mac...I guess I’d better get back to my own office and the mountain 
of files still there.  I’ll meet you at your place by 1800.”

“Harm, I think we should fill the Admiral in...”

“Right.  Good thinking.  I’ll see if we can get in now.”

“Actually we have an appointment in about an hour.  I set it up with Jen 
earlier when I told her that someone may call her about us.”


1400 EST
Admiral’s Office
JAG HQ


“Have a seat.  Are one or both of you in any trouble?”

“No sir.”

“Alright, then tell me what’s going on.”

“Admiral, do you remember the girl that was running Grace Aviation?”

“That cheeky brat that accused me of firing you?”

Harm grimaced and Mac grinned.  “That would be the one, sir.”

“Go on.”

“I discovered that her father has abandoned her and that she is all alone.  
She’s done pretty good on her own considering, but I have started to do the 
paperwork to become her guardian.  I took Mac with me to meet her this 
weekend, as I felt that it would be inappropriate for me to spend the 
weekend there alone.  Anyway, she and Mac connected and we decided to amend 
the paperwork to be joint guardians.”

“Did you contact Child Protective Services?”

“They actually were contacted when I enrolled her in school this morning 
near Mac’s place.”

“Admiral,” Mac spoke up to clarify things.  “She can’t live with Harm and I 
have been approved as both an emergency foster care placement and through 
Big Sister program to work with youth.  She’s staying with me so I am 
looking at the physical custody aspect, while Harm would be her advisor and 
have the power of attorney and so on.”

“Mac I can see you handling this responsibility.  You did a great job with 
Chloe.  Commander, are you sure you know what you are getting in to?  Are 
you ready for the commitment this will entail?”

“Admiral, while I was away from JAG I learned a lot about myself.  I don’t’ 
want to grow old alone and I need to be needed.  I know someday I want my 
own family, but I think I can help Mattie.  I know what it’s like to lose a 
parent as does Mac.  I was about Mattie’s age when I stopped being a kid and 
starting acting like an adult...” Harm held up his hand to stop them from 
what he knew they were going to say and addressed the issue himself.  
“That’s one reason I think it has taken me so long to act like a responsible 
adult again.  I play acted it as a kid and didn’t allow myself to be a kid.  
Then when it got to be too much I became impulsive... I just know that 
Mattie needs someone to watch out for her and take on the parental role.  
Being single I can’t do it alone...and I’m not going to go out and get 
married just so I can make a home for her.  When I do marry it will be 
because we love each other and we want to be together - not just to have a 
family.”

Harm’s words echoed through Mac’s mind reminding her of the deal they had 
made...she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that if they were not in love 
with each other, then there would be no baby.  It reassured her to realize 
how strongly Harm felt about that, and it also gave her a glimmer of hope 
that this new closeness they were enjoying was the real thing...not 
something being done because they had both been without others in their life 
way to long or just as a means to an end - providing a home for a child.  
Her heart swelled with pride in this man that was her partner.  As 
exasperating as he could be, he was an honorable man and she would  always 
love him and stand by him.  She hoped that someday she could tell him that.

“Rabb, you will never cease to amaze me.  Every time I think you’ve done as 
much as anyone can, you find a little more in you.  Makes it damn hard to 
give up on you, son.”

Harm’s heart swelled with pride this time at hearing the admiral’s words.  
He knew that his CO had always wanted more from him and now he was hearing 
him say that he hadn’t let his CO down after all.  It probably did more for 
his battered self-esteem then any award or medal could have.

After Mac and Harm outlined the plans they had established and filled him in 
on the role of Metro Mortgage in the events of the weekend, the Admiral 
assured them that he would support their efforts.


1800 EST
Mac’s apartment
Georgetown

Harm was running late and so he arrived at Mac’s still in his uniform.  Mac 
was starting the coffee pot and tea kettle when Mattie opened the door to 
him.

“How was your first day at school, Mattie?”

“Okay...Child Protective Services interviewed me at school.”

“Were you cooperative?”

“I probably gave them some attitude, but I answered every one of their 
questions.  I don’t like the fact that they think something’s weird about 
this.”

“Mattie, in this day and age with so many people doing things that just seem 
to be unimaginable to most people, we all have to be on the look out for the 
ones that pray on children and the weak.  I’d be more upset with the system 
if they didn’t question and investigate the situation.”

“Harm’s right Mattie.  The systems were put in place to protect children and 
as lawyers we have to uphold those systems.  You were right to be honest 
even if you didn’t want to be.”

Mac was interrupted by a knock at the door. “That will be them.”

Harm opened the door to the two women from Protective Services.

“Mr. Rabb?”

“Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr., Ma’am.  He politely corrected them with his 
rank and shook their hands as they introduced themselves.

“Ronda West and my apprentice, Janet Hudson.”

“Mrs. West and Ms. Hudson...Lt Colonel Sarah Mackenzie and Mattie Grace 
Johnson.”

“Nice to meet you Mrs. West.” Mac stepped forward to greet them, shake hands 
and invite them in.

As they stepped into the room, Mrs. West spoke to Mattie.  “Nice to see you 
again, young lady.”

Mattie nodded and stepped closer to Harm.

“Why don’t we take a tour of your apartment, Colonel before we start.  I 
understand that this is where Mattie is staying for now?”

“Yes.  Harm and I have discussed the possibility of locating another place 
to live eventually, but that’s as far as we have gotten.”

They walked around and looked at the small apartment, making notes while 
they walked.  It didn’t take long for them to see the entire apartment and 
they settled down in the living room area.

“Ideally we would like to speak with each of you privately, but it doesn’t 
look like that’s possible here.” Mrs. West glanced around.

“Well, you could interview me in the bedroom and Harm here or in the 
kitchen, “ Mac offered as a solution.

“Alright, Colonel Mackenzie, perhaps you and Ms. Hudson could go in there 
and maybe Mattie could join you?”

“Would like coffee or tea while we talk?” asked Mac.

“No, thank you.  Let’s get started.”

They agreed and Harm and Mrs. West sat at the table.  Harm had a feeling 
that this interrogation was going to get very personal quickly.  He wasn’t 
wrong.

“Commander Rabb, why are you interested in being this girl’s guardian?”

“She needs someone to take the adult role in her life and I feel I can do 
that.”

“Why you?”

“Because Mattie doesn’t take to people easily and we’ve established a trust 
and respect for each other.”

“Won’t your love-life suffer Mr. Rabb, or do you plan on conducting that in 
front of this teenage girl?”

Harm had to chuckle a little, “Mrs. West, my love-life as you put it has 
been non-existent for the past two years.  I don’t see that as a problem.”

“Why would a good looking man like yourself, not have a love-life for that 
long?”

“Look, there is someone I care very deeply about but I’m not sure we can 
work through all the issues that are keeping us apart.  Our love-life, or 
lack of one, will not interfere with us keeping Mattie safe and secure.  
Mattie is a kid that needs someone to look out for her interests.  Mac is a 
great role model for teenage girls.”

“Are you telling me that there is another person that will have a role in 
Mattie’s life?  Why isn’t this person present for us to talk to?”

“I’m sorry, Mac is Colonel Sarah Mackenzie.  Her friends call her Mac,” Harm 
explained.

“So you are telling me that you are in love with Sarah Mackenzie and that 
you two are not having an affair and will not set a bad example for a 
teenager?” Mrs. West looked amazed.

“Mrs. West, Mac and I have been best friends for years and we have never 
been able to identify what we are to each other.  I can promise you that we 
both live our lives by a high standard of conduct.  Mattie will see Mac and 
I argue at times and discuss issues and she’ll see us playful and teasing.  
She’ll see us worry about each other and be there for each other and our 
friends.  She’ll learn that the truth is everything and that education is 
important as are family and friends.”

Mrs. West sat back and thought about Harm’s statement a minute.  Harm just 
sat quietly and waited for her to comment.  He hoped he hadn’t gone to far.

In the bedroom, Mattie, Mac and Ms. Hudson sat on the bed and talked.

“Colonel Mackenzie, do you think that Harmon Rabb has an ulterior motive in 
becoming Mattie’s guardian?”

“Yes, he wants to help her grow into a responsible adult without having to 
give up her childhood, years to early.”

“How well do you know Commander Rabb?  Can he really be trusted with a 
female minor?”

Mac bristled a little and then decided to give her an example of how ethical 
and frustrating Harmon Rabb could be. “I know him very well and yes he can 
be trusted...and not just with a minor.  This man has an extremely high 
moral code.  Sometimes I think it is one of the things that has prevented us 
from moving beyond friendship.”

“Explain what you mean, please, Ms. Mackenzie - Colonel.”

“I have traveled extensively with Harm.  We’ve been alone and have even had 
to share a bed at times.  Not once, even when I was trying to get him to 
show interest, has he ever given in to the moment or situation.”

“Mattie said she has seen you kiss.  Is that true?”

“Yes, but there’s never been more then a hug and a few kisses.  Look, we 
work together and are in the military.  Protocol is strict.  Two officers in 
uniform do not even hold hands.  Harm lives that code.  I’ve seen him with 
girlfriends and he didn’t even hold hands in public with them.”

“Mattie did indicate that the kisses were brief and nothing that made her 
uncomfortable to see.”

“I said they looked cute together and that I thought they were a little 
uncomfortable kissing in front of me,” Mattie interjected.

“Yes you did, Mattie, but we need to determine if we need to worry about 
inappropriate behavior from your guardians,” Janet Hudson stated.

“I saw my father hit my mother when he was drunk.  I saw my mother afraid to 
let him see her fear in case it upset him further.  When I see Harm and Mac 
together, I see two people that care about each other.  I’d think you’d want 
me to be exposed to healthy interactions between two adults.”

“You’re right Mattie, of course.  However, we need to make sure you won’t 
see too much.”

Mac laughed a little, “Look it took us almost eight years to get to this 
point.  At this rate, Mattie will be out on her own and we’ll be retired 
from the military before either of us can move our relationship to an 
inappropriate level.”

Janet Hudson laughed and Mattie and Mac joined her.  In the other room, Harm 
and Mrs. West were discussing Sarah Mackenzie.

“I’ve read the background file we have on Sarah Mackenzie and she does have 
a reputation for dealing with troubled youth.  She already has a teenager in 
her life, from the Big Sister program, why would she want to take on 
another?”

“I know she misses Chloe and I think she feels that she may be able to help 
keep Mattie on a positive path instead of going down a destructive path like 
Mac did as a kid.  I also know that family is important to her.”

“Why should we grant Sarah Mackenzie physical custody and you guardianship 
of Mathilda Grace Johnson?”

“Mac and I want to help this girl.  She came into my life and she needed a 
family.  Mac and I both want a family and she is willing to do this with me. 
   We have been partners at work and we share a godson.  Together I think we 
can make a difference in Mattie’s life and make it better then it would be 
without us.”  They both heard the laughter in the bedroom and glanced at the 
closed door.

The door opened and Ms. Hudson asked, “Are you ready to switch yet, Mrs. 
West?”

“I think so.  Commander if I have further questions I will call you.”

Janet Hudson looked at the tall Navy Commander in his imposing blue uniform 
as he stood and waited for her to be seated.  She had heard the expression 
‘officer and a gentleman’ many times before, but she felt that she was 
seeing a living breathing example in front of her.   Janey Hudson did not 
trust men easily.  She had not had good experienced as a child or as a young 
adult, but she believed that were good men out there.  It was one reason 
that she was good at her job.  She relied on emotions and instincts at 
times, but they had not let her down.

“Why are you interested in becoming involved with a fourteen year old girl?” 
Janet Hudson asked with a directness that surprised Harm.

“I’m not.”

“Excuse me, then why are we here?”

“If you let me finish Ms. Hudson...” Harm waited until she indicated that 
she was ready.  “I am interested in helping Mattie.  She’s a child with no 
one to guide her.  When I was a child I lost my father when he was shot down 
over Vietnam.  My mother was there but I became the man of the house at six 
and I learned to hide my feelings and act like a man because I didn’t want 
to add to her burden.  When she remarried, I never gave my step father a 
chance and I resented her for moving on when I thought my father might still 
be alive.  You see, I can understand how Mattie feels losing a parent, and I 
know that another adult to rely on is important - even though they don’t 
take the place of that missing parent.  Yet they can support and guide a 
child into becoming a healthy independent adult.  I missed part of my 
childhood and Mac lost most of hers.  Neither of us like to see a child go 
through what we went through.  We also both value our independence and would 
want to help a child to learn to be strong and independent without losing 
the ability to rely on others at times.  It’s been hard for both of us to 
learn to trust another person and to appreciate how important it is to know 
when to lean on someone.  It just happened that Mattie came into my life, 
and eventually Mac’s because of me, and she needs what we can give her if we 
are allowed to.”

“What exactly is your relationship with Colonel Mackenzie?”

“Now that is the million dollar question.”  Harm thought a moment before 
answering.  “Mac and I have had a roller coaster ride since we met eight 
years ago.  I would say that we are best friends.  We’ve developed a trust 
and a connection that nothing has been strong enough to break - bruise 
yes...but so far when things get tough between us, we come out on the other 
side stronger for it.  I think in time we will both realized that what we 
have is something so strong and so lasting that we will give in to the 
inevitable and be able to voice what we really are feeling.  It’s hard to 
explain what we are - partners, friends...but never lovers - at least not 
yet.”

“Yet, I understand that Mattie watched you two kiss this weekend.”

“Yes, that’s true.  Tell me Ms. Hudson, is it wrong for a child - a teenager 
- to see two adults show affection?  I remember my mom and dad hugging and 
happy to be together.  I want that in my life.  Even my mother and 
step-father shared a closeness that thinking back on it made me feel 
safe...although I resented Frank for taking over the man of the house role, 
I also know now that he treated me with respect and understanding and that 
he loved me for who I was - faults and all.  What ever happens with Sarah 
Mackenzie and me, I know that I care about her.  Exchanging kisses is not 
something we’ve done much of - but it seems to be part of this next phase of 
our relationship.  I respect Sarah and I respect Mattie.  I would never 
intentionally do anything that would make either of them uncomfortable.”

Janet Hudson sat and considered the answers she had been given.

In the bedroom, Mrs. West addressed Mac, “ I’ve read your files Colonel 
Mackenzie and you and Commander Rabb have led exciting and dramatic lives.  
How do you think you are going to be able to handle a teenager and the 
commander, Colonel?”

“I’ve been learning to handle Harm for eight years and I’m just starting to 
understand how he works.  Of course he says he needs an instructor’s manual 
to figure me out.  We are both complex people.  We both value family and I 
think we will eventually have our own if we can keep moving forward.  We 
know how to work together...we know we can trust each other.  As for 
handling a teenager, I seemed to be able to get Chloe to understand things 
when others couldn’t.  We talked about it one day.  She said that she felt 
like she could tell me anything because I didn’t judge her...I listened and 
we discussed her options and I let her make her decisions once she knew and 
thought about what her actions might mean.  I guess Jennifer Coates is 
another example of a project that Harm and I shared.”

Mrs. West looked through her notes.  “Isn’t that one of the names you gave 
as a reference?”

“Yes it is.”

“Tell me about her.”

“Jen had grown up a wild child and the judge had given her the option of 
joining the navy or going to jail.  She joined and then get caught imitating 
Santa Claus while home on leave.  It was just before Christmas and Harm 
ended up having to take her into custody as their was no one to guard 
quarters over the holidays and he really didn’t think it would do anyone any 
good for her to sit in the brig over the holidays.  He tried to find someone 
to leave her with that he could trust.  Her father was verbally abusive and 
he knew she’s run from there...and so to make a long story short, he brought 
her to me.  She stayed with me at night and she stayed with him during the 
day.  Instead of treating her like a prisoner, he tried to get her to think 
over her life.  I tried to get her to realize that she could make her life 
something positive if she wanted to.  As a result of us showing her that we 
cared about her, she chose to stay in the Navy and she turned her life 
around after a short stay in the brig.  She became a part of our JAG family 
and has worked as both a legal-man and an administrative assistant with JAG. 
  She credits Harm and I guess me for caring about her.  We credit her for 
turning her life around and saving another JAG’s life when he was injured in 
Afghanistan.”

“I must say that you lead interesting lives.  What would happen to Mattie if 
one of both of you were called away?”

“We have several friends that would be willing to take Mattie.  Jen for one 
and the Robert’s for another.”

“And this won’t cramp your style?”

“No.  As I explained to Ms. Hudson, what Mattie might see around Harm and I 
would be respectful and caring.  Nothing that would corrupt a child.”

“Well Colonel Mackenzie, after we interview your references, and compare 
notes, we will get back to you.”

It had been a grueling two and a half hours with Mrs. West and Ms. Hudson.  
When the door shut on them, Mac, Harm and Mattie collapsed together on the 
couch.

Outside the door, Janet Hudson looked at Ronda West and said, “They might 
not have admitted to loving each other, but two people anymore committed to 
each other then Sarah Mackenzie and Harmon Rabb wold be hard to find.”

“Well, if we don’t turn up anything suspicious in the references then I’d 
say that Mattie is going to be one lucky girl to end up with those two 
watching out for her.”


Back in the apartment, Harm sat between Mattie and Mac, one arm around each 
of them.  They in turn rested their heads against him and held hands with 
each other letting their fingers rest on his stomach.  Harm tipped his head 
back against the couch and watched them through half closed eyes.   After a 
few minutes someone’s stomach growled.  No one was sure which stomach got 
noisy as they were all hungry.  After laughing about the fact that they were 
all hungry, they all entered the kitchen to see what they could throw 
together.  They had brought back some a couple of the frozen dishes that 
Harm had made and taken out for Mattie. They decided against those because 
it would take too long to heat up.  Grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade 
tomato soup won out.  It didn’t take long before they were eating and 
talking over the interviews.

“They really ask personal questions, huh?” Mattie asked them.

Both Mac and Harm agreed.

“Did I say the wrong thing when I told them I saw you kiss this weekend?”

“No, Mattie.  You told them the truth.”

“Did they ask you if you had ever seen us kiss?”

“No, they asked me to describe your relationship with each other and I 
didn’t know what to say.”

“That’s alright Mattie, we don’t know what to say either at times,” answered 
Harm as he glanced at Mac sitting across the table from him.

“Why did they talk to you in front of me, but not Harm?”

“I think they were trying to test me to see if I was a pervert or something 
and they knew they couldn’t ask the kinds of questions they needed to ask, 
if either of you were there.” Harm answered.

“Like what?”

“Like ask me again when you are over twenty-one, kid.” Harm smiled to take 
the sting out of his words.  Mattie knew that she wasn’t going to get 
anymore out of Harm regarding the grilling they gave him.

Mac fidgeted a little during supper, but by the time they were finished and 
Mattie excused herself to work on her homework, she had once again relaxed.  
Looking at the time she knew Harm must be getting weary, “Look Harm, I’d 
offer you to stay, but I don’t have any room.  It’s getting late...”

“I know.   Thanks for doing this.”

“Not a problem.”

Together they walked to the door and Harm bent to place a gentle kiss on 
Mac’s lips.  His lips lingered and nibbled for a few seconds before he 
called out, “Night Mattie.  Talk to you tomorrow.”

“Night Harm ...and thank you.”

“Night Mac.”

“Night Harm.”

Mac closed the door and leaned against it as she touched her lips with her 
finger tips.  She was sure now more then ever that someone had shown him her 
instruction manual.


November 25, 2003
1830 EST
Harm’s Apartment


Two weeks had passed since the interview with Child Protective Services.  
Other then the call that said Mac’s apartment was approved until the court 
hearing they had not heard a word.  Jen Coates had reported that her 
interview had also lasted two hours and that they had tried to trick her by 
rephrasing their questions and using double negatives.  She had tried to 
stay calm and focused and answered the questions as they were asked.  She 
remembered the techniques she had learned when she had been called to 
testify regarding Singer’s murder investigation.  She felt confident that 
they hadn’t made her say something stupid.  She was glad when they had asked 
her to prove her hero-worship of Harm would not color her reference of him.  
She told them that she had been called to testify and that her testimony had 
made Harm look bad.  She had done as he bid and told the truth regardless.  
In the end, they found that he had been innocent and he had been proud of 
her for telling the truth.

When they had asked her about their relationship she had told them the same 
thing they had said themselves.  It wasn’t easy to define, but it was 
special and unique and wonderful.

Bud and Harriet Roberts had been interviewed separately and together.   They 
asked them how Harm and Mac related to their son, AJ, and what other 
evidence they had that they would put Mattie’s needs first.  They asked them 
to describe their relationship between Harm and Mac.  While Bud had 
explained that they each cared deeply for each other, Harriet had declared 
that they were in love with each other and too stubborn to admit it to 
themselves or each other.  Harriet also expressed faith that they would 
eventually find each other and get married.

Tonight Harm was fixing dinner for the three of them and they were going to 
talk about some other options for living arrangements.  He had some ideas 
and he wanted to present them to Mac and Mattie to see how they felt about 
the idea.

He had the table set, and was tossing the salad when he heard Mac’s key in 
the door.

“Hi, we’re here!” Mac called as they came through the door.

“Something smells great.   What is it?” asked Mattie.

“You’ll see...how was school?”

“I passed both tests I had yesterday.”

“Good for you.  What’s everyone want to drink?” Harm asked.

“Why do you bother to ask when you know I’ll drink milk and you and Mac 
always have ’aqua mineralli’?” Mattie laughed as she got the glasses and 
started filling them.

Mac and Harm exchanged smiles behind Mattie as Mac put the salad on the 
table and Harm took their dinner out of the oven.

“Harm, you didn’t make your twice baked cheese potato casserole did you?”

Harm grinned and presented the golden casserole from the oven with a 
flourish.

“And is that baked chicken I smell?” Mac smiled as Harm nodded.  
“Uh-oh...Mattie he’s going to ask us for something tonight...be prepared.”

They all laughed as they gathered around the table.  The meal was mouth 
watering. They talked and laughed and to a stranger looking on they looked 
like a happy family...not three lonely souls connected by circumstances.

After dinner Mattie cleared the table and took care of the dishes so that 
Mac and Harm could have time to talk.  They moved into the living room and 
Harm sat on the couch in his favorite corner, while Mac settled into the 
chair.


“Mac, we had talked a little bit about you moving into a bigger place, if 
the court rules in our favor.  Have you got anything in mind?”

“Not yet.  I like being in the city, but I’m not sure it’s best for 
Mattie...and I doubt I can find anything reasonably priced that’s bigger.  
I’ll probably have to look into a Condo or a small town house.”

“What would you think of a loft something like this one?” Harm asked, the 
chewing of his bottom lip the only sign of nervousness.

“Harm, this loft only has one bedroom also.  I need to get a two bedroom 
place.”

“So what if it had two or three bedrooms?”

“If I could afford it...” Mac trailed off as Harm grinned and jumped up to 
grab a rolled up tube of papers and squatted down next to Mac’s chair and 
began to unroll the plans on the coffee table.

“Tell me what you think of this.”  Harm unrolled the papers and spread them 
out as Mac leaned forward to study them.  The floor plan showed a loft space 
with a living room dining room combined and a small kitchen alcove area to 
the left of the doorway.  To the right of the door way was another alcove 
done like an office and then two bedrooms with a large bathroom between 
them.

“This is the floor plan as it exists right now.  What do you think?” Harm 
asked.  Mattie had finished her work in the kitchen and had joined them.

“Not bad...where is it Harm?”

“Next door...and its available now.”

“Do you know what the owner is asking?” Mac asked.

He told her what the last tenants had paid but added, “I think he’ll come 
down for a Marine officer.”

“It’s about what I’m paying for my apartment.”

“There is garage space and storage available downstairs as well.”

“We’d be your neighbors, Harm?”

“Yeah, Mattie...”

“Oh Mac, wouldn’t it be great?  It would almost be like we were all living 
together.”

“There are plans to renovate the place as well.  Let me show you some of the 
plans.”

The next drawing Harm took out showed the loft apartment redesigned with an 
eat in kitchen and a living room-office area and three bedrooms.  A master 
bedroom had been added with a bathroom of its own where most of the living 
room had been.

“It’s really nice Harm.  Is that another drawing?  What’s that one?”

“Nothing special, “ Harm hedged.

“Let’s see.”

Harm relented and showed her the other set of plans.  This one showed a much 
larger place.  Mac studied it for a while and then looked at Harm in 
amazement.  “You own both places, don’t you?”

“Yes...”

“And these plans are using the entire space converting the entire building 
into a family home?”

“Yes...I have always had a dream of a family, you know that Mac.”

“And you’ve given it a lot more thought then I realized... Harm did you 
design these yourself?”

“Yes...a little hobby I’ve had.”

“Harm...are you sure you could put up with us...me...next door?”  Mac asked 
getting more and more excited about the possibilities.

“Yes...I think it would solve a lot of problems.  I could be closer to you 
and Mattie.  When we want to work on a case at night we won’t have to worry 
about one of us driving.  We could even plan to do meals together like a...” 
Harm broke off a glanced away.

“...family.” Mac finished for him.

Mattie sat a watched the two adults wondering how long before the they 
admitted that they were destined to be together.

“Harm, I really like the idea if you’re sure.”

“I’m sure Mac...I’m very sure.”

“So we’re going to move in?” asked Mattie.

“Yeah...” Mac and Harm stood up looking at each other.

“Want to see it?”

Mac nodded.

Together the three of them went next door and looked over Mac’s new loft.

“Mac, if you want to repaint anything, just let me know.  Or if you want any 
renovations done...”

Mac had spotted what appeared to be a doorway that had been closed off in 
the middle of the living room wall.  “Harm, was this a doorway into your 
place?”

“Yeah, there was a double french door that opened up into my loft.  When I 
decided to rent out this space, I closed it in on my side...I figured some 
day I would open it up again when I renovated this back into one space.”

“Where does it come in?”

“In my bedroom...but if I did the renovations as I had planned, it would 
come out behind my closet.  See I was going to move the closet wall over to 
close off the bedroom area and then this part of the loft would open up at 
the upper level and then you’d step down into the living area.  It wouldn’t 
take much to do that.”

“I’d like that Harm.”

“I’ll get started over the weekend.  You probably have to give notice if you 
are going to break your lease, right?”

“No, I’ve been there long enough so I only need to give a month notice.  
Harm, do you think I can move in before Christmas?  I’d love to surprise 
Chloe when she comes to visit.” Mac looked at Harm and her face was glowing.


Mattie had been exploring the rooms and asked Mac, “Which room will be 
mine?”

Why don’t you take the back one and I’ll take the one closet to the office 
area.” Mac suggested.

“Cool!”  Mattie danced around Harm and Mac hugging herself.

Harm watched Mattie and then let his gaze shift back to Mac.  Her beauty 
took his breath away.

Together they returned to Harm’s apartment and started discussing the work 
to be done before they could move in.  They sat around the coffee table 
making plans when the phone rang.

“Rabb.”

“Commander, this is Harriet.”

“Hello Harriet...what can I do for you?”

“Well, Bud and I thought we were going to be going to Florida for 
Thanksgiving with my parents, but little Jimmy doesn’t travel well and at 
the last minute we had a change of plans...so we thought we’d see if people 
wanted to get together and pitch in to do Thanksgiving like we do 
Christmas.”

“Sounds great.  Mac is here.  Let me ask her if she has plans.”

“Mac, Harriet and Bud are planning to do a Thanksgiving dinner like we do 
Christmas.  Want to go?”

“Sounds good...Put me down for sticky buns and rolls.”

“Harriet?  Mac says put her down for sticky buns and rolls.  Do you want me 
to make sweet potato casserole or stuffed mushroom caps?”

“The casserole, for sure Commander.”

“Oh and Mattie will be coming this year with us...what shall we have her 
bring?”

“She doesn’t have to bring any thing Commander.”

“A tossed salad it is...”

“Commander?”

“No trouble at all Harriet...I’ll even help her.”

“See you tomorrow at JAG, sir.”

“Thanks for calling Harriet.”

Harm hung up and rejoined them at the table.

They worked another hour before Mac announced it was time for she and Mattie 
to leave.

Harm walked them out to the car, and held the door while Mac got in a 
settled behind the wheel.

“Call me when you get home, so I know you are safe.”

“Harm, we’ll be fine.”

“Humor me...please?”

“I’ll call...”

“Night Mattie...Mac.”

Mac looked up at Harm and before he could think of all the reasons why he 
shouldn’t do it, he leaned in and kissed her lips before whispering 
goodnight one more time.




0825 EST
JAG HQ

Harm settled in his office after getting his coffee and started reviewing 
the file on Ensign Landers who would be arriving around 0900 to meet with 
his lawyer, Commander Rabb.   The dead rat had supposedly been found and 
removed but every morning after the office had been locked up for the night, 
it was evident when the office door was opened.  Harm had taken to leaving 
the door open so it could air out while he went to get his coffee.  By the 
time he returned, it had faded and was barely noticeable.

The phone buzzed and Harm picked it up, “Commander Rabb.”

“Commander, this is Ronda West, from Child Protective Services.  We have 
been given a court date for Monday, December 15 at 11AM.”

“Thank you for letting me know Mrs. West.”

“Tell me Commander, have plans been made for Colonel Mackenzie to move into 
a larger place?”

“As a matter of fact, they will be moving this weekend.  They are moving 
into a loft next door to me.”

“I will need to come by and inspect this new place before the court 
hearing.”

“Understood.  I will let Colonel Mackenzie know and she can contact you to 
schedule a visit.”

“Thank you Commander.”

A knock on the door announced the arrival of Ensign Landers.  Harm directed 
him to enter and be seated and for the next two hours reviewed the facts of 
the case with the Ensign.

1100 EST
Mac’s Office
JAG HQ

“Excuse me Ma’am?” Harriet Sims-Roberts stuck her head in the office door to 
speak to Colonel Mackenzie.  In her arms she held her infant son, Jimmy.

“Harriet, come in. How’s this little guy doing?” Mac came around her desk 
and approached her friend reaching her arms out to the baby.  “May I hold 
him?”

“Of course, Ma’am.  Here you go.”

Mac accepted the baby into her arms and lowered her face close to the baby 
do she could inhale the scent of innocence that seems to cling to all 
babies.

“Harriet, you are so lucky to have two beautiful children.  By the way, 
where’s my beautiful godson?”

“Little AJ is at pre-school this morning.  I need to pick him up in half an 
hour.”

“Does he still like school?”

“Of course...ever since Uncle Harm told him that he has to learn to be a 
good student if he ever wants to fly planes or drive ships, school has been 
the highlight of his existence.”  They two women chuckled over the logic of 
the Commander Godfather and acceptance from the godson.

“Ma’am, you look so natural holding a baby...”

“Thanks Harriet.  I just hope...never mind...”

“...Someone wakes up and realizes what he could miss in his life?”

“Who’s missing his life?” a deep voice asked.

“Commander...you startled me.”

“Sorry Harriet...okay, Mac...hand him over.  Uncle Harm gets a turn holding 
him too, right Harriet?”

“Of course, sir.”

Mac handed the baby to Harm and eased the little head into the crook of 
Harm’s arm. She stood next to Harm looking at the sleeping child and up at 
Harm watching the baby in his arms.  For the first time in many years, Mac 
had the feeling that Harm would embrace fatherhood whether it was a teenager 
or an infant...he would be there to guide that child through life and so 
that they could be strong and independent.

Harriet watched her friends with her son and thought again how much the two 
belonged together.  After a few minutes, Harriet reluctantly had to reclaim 
her son so she could pick up his older brother at preschool.  Harm handed 
the baby back to his mother.  No one knew that the lost of warmth and weight 
in his arms made him feel lost and alone.  His hands itched to hold someone 
to him and he had to fight the urge to put his arm around Mac.

After Harriet left, Harm turned to Mac to tell her about the call from Mrs. 
West.

“We have a court date - December 15 at 1100.”

“Wow...it’s really going to happen, huh?”

“Changing your mind?” Harm asked.

“No way!  Mattie’s a delightful girl and I think she and Chloe will get 
along great.  It’s going to be an exciting Christmas this year with both of 
them around.”

Harm was breathless looking at Mac’s radiant face as she talked about the 
upcoming holidays.

“New apartment. New responsibilities.”

“New chances?” Mac asked Harm looking him square in the eye, no matter how 
hard it was not to look away.

“What new chances would that be Mac?” Harm’s voice was so soft and quiet 
that Mac wasn’t even sure he had spoken for a second.

“New chances for you and me?”

“Why Mac?  Why now?  Why here?  Why change your mind about there never being 
an us?”  Harm didn’t look away.

“Because we share to much to be able to walk away, Harm.”

“I know.”

For a moment they just looked into each other’s eyes.  Then Harm, in the 
same soft voice said, “I think we need to take some time to talk after all.  
Why don’t you and Mattie plan to pack up some things and camp in your new 
place tonight?”

“Harm we won’t be able to talk with Mattie right there.   Maybe she can go 
over to Bud and Harriet’s for awhile this evening and we can go out to 
dinner or something.”

“I don’t know Mac, I don’t want her to feel she’s in the way or anything?”

“Then I guess we may have to wait, to find the right time.”

“No, Mac...we are going to make the time.  Let me think about it and I’ll 
get back to you.  As a matter of fact, why don’t all three of us go out for 
dinner this evening?”

“Alright...Pick you up at 1900?”

“Good...see you later.  I’ve got to run to Bethesda to interview a guy for 
the Landers case.”

Mac smiled and watched Harm walk away.  There seemed to be a spring in his 
step that she hadn’t seen in awhile.


1935 EST
Restaurant


Harm, Mac, and Mattie had decided to try a new restaurant that had opened 
near the mall.  Harm wore a teal blue shirt and charcoal gray dress slacks 
with a matching jacket.  Mac wore a flowered skirt and matching top in rust, 
brown and blue.  Mattie had refused to wear a skirt or dress but did wear a 
pair of olive green corduroys and a slightly lighter shade sweater.  They 
were waiting for their names to be called when they heard a familiar voice 
call out to them.

“Commander?  Colonel? I thought that was you!”

“Evening Jen.  Have you met Mattie?”

Jen extended her hand to the teenager.  “Nice to meet you Mattie. I’m Jen 
Coates.  I work with them at JAG.”

“Are you alone, this evening, Jen?” asked Mac.

“Yes Ma’am.  I thought I’d grab a bite to eat and then hit the mall for a 
little shopping tonight.  Crowds aren’t usually as bad the night before 
Thanksgiving as they are the night after.”

Harm nodded and Mac suggested, “Why don’t you join us, Jen?”

“You sure?”

“Of course.”

“Please,” added Mattie, “I could use a...new face.”

“I think what Mattie means, is she would appreciate having someone around 
closer to her own age.”

“Wouldn’t hurt...”

“Then I’d love to join you.”

The four of them were seated, and they had a good meal as they discussed the 
up-coming move, the pending court case, and exchanged stories.  Jen was 
irrepressible and Mattie enjoyed her company.  When Jen asked her if she 
wanted to join her on a shopping trip around the mall, Mattie 
enthusiastically accepted and then realized that she should have asked Harm 
and Mac for permission, first.

“I mean, I’d love to join you if Mac and Harm don’t mind.”

Harm and Mac glanced at each other and then nodded.  Mac asked, “Jen where 
do you live?”

“Actually Ma’am, I live almost around the corner from Commander Rabb.”

“I didn’t realize that Jen.”

“I only moved there about a month ago.  I can bring Mattie to your place 
when we are done, if you want.” Jen offered.

“Perfect.  Mattie do you need some money?” asked Mac.

“I’m fine.  Thanks Mac...thanks Harm.”  Mattie got up and gave them each a 
quick hug, before leaving with Jennifer Coates to shop the mall.

They watched the young Petty Officer and their ward leave the restaurant 
together, before looking at each other and grinning.

“Mac, I think this is our cue, that we are suppose to have our talk tonight 
after all.   Shall we go?”

Harm placed his hand on the small of her back as he escorted her from the 
restaurant and into the SUV.  Neither talked as they traveled north of Union 
Station.

Harm put it into the garage and locked it up, then reached for Mac’s hand to 
lead her to the apartments above.

“Your place or mine?” he asked.

“Your place,” Mac decided.

Once inside they turned to look at each other and without a word they moved 
closer and closer to each other.  Harm looked down into her face and Mac 
looked up into his face.  They stopped about three inches apart.  Neither 
spoke with their voice.  They let their feelings show in their eyes.  Each 
let the other see into the soul.  Mac reached up to touch Harm’s face with 
both hands.  Harm let his hands rest on Mac’s waist.  Slowly his head bent 
lower and lower toward Mac’s lips.

Mac could feel his breath on her lips.  She felt the heat from his body.  
There were so many things they needed to say, but for now they each seemed 
to be letting their emotions communicate for them.

Neither of them backed away for once.  Finally, Harm’s lips moved...and Mac 
heard his voice.    “I don’t know exactly when my feelings for you changed 
from friendship with my partner, to what I feel now, but risking life and 
limb or not you’ve got to know that what I feel for you is not platonic, 
Mac.”

“Harm?”

“Yeah?”

“Me neither.”

“Really?”

“Harm are you going to stand her teasing me like this or are you going to 
kiss me?”

“I don’t know, Mac...I don’t want to rush into anything.”

“Eight years is not rushing into anything, Harmon.”

“Oh, then I guess...” Harm stopped talking as his lips moved against Mac’s 
and he wrapped his arms around her pulling her to him.  First he kissed her 
like he had that night on the Admiral’s porch when she had been celebrating 
her engagement to Brumby.  Then he kissed her like he had under the 
mistletoe at Bud and Harriet’s two years ago.

Finally Mac stepped back just a bit.  “Harm, I really think we do need to 
talk.”

“I know...but kissing is good too...”

“Kissing is very good...and you do it well.”

“Thank you...you’re not bad yourself.”

“Talk, Harm...we need to talk.”

Mac pulled back enough so she could turn and lead him by the hand to the 
couch.

“I’ll go first...if you want,” Mac offered as they settled on the couch - 
Harm in the corner turned to face her as she sat crossed legged in the 
middle of the couch facing toward him.

“There’s something I want to say first...okay?”

“Okay...” Mac hesitated a little worried that this talk might stall before 
it ever got started.

“Mac I was hurt and angry that things didn’t go the way I had planned in 
Paraguay or when we got back.  It’s been a rough summer and fall for me, but 
I’ve learned a lot about myself.  I am competitive and I love arguing with 
you over points of law because you know your stuff and keep me sharp.  I 
hope that we will always be able to push each other professionally like 
that.”

“I love the way we push each other professionally too because we both value 
getting to the truth...but I think we need to talk about more personal 
things Harm.”

“I agree Mac, but I wanted to cover our professional lives as well because 
that’s part of us too.  Personally, I discovered that the more emotion I 
have invested the  harder it is for me to express myself off the cuff.  In 
the court room I can make impassioned pleas because I have time to prepare 
and test them before I actually have to use them.  Every time we have tried 
to talk, it has been more or less off the cuff and I freeze.”

“So what makes tonight or this time different Harm?”

“I’ve spent the last several months figuring out what I would say if I ever 
got another chance at this talk.”

“And what would that be?”  Mac’s voice was soft, patient, encouraging as she 
spoke.

“We have a connection already that most couples spend a lifetime 
developing...and I would be a fool and a liar if I said I had never noticed 
how attractive you are...you are beautiful Mac.”  His voice was rough with 
emotion as he talked softly.  “You are the most important person in my life. 
  You make me feel things more intensely then anybody else.  I was a jealous 
idiot over Clay, Brumby, and even Dalton although I didn’t understand at 
first why it bothered me that you would date them.”

“Harm, there really wasn’t anything between Clay and me...other then the 
shared experience and concern over his health.   We did go out a few times, 
and he said he loved me but I knew I would never be able to trust him.  He’s 
a friend and probably always will be at some level.”

“Thank you for telling me the truth...”

“I probably should have told you sooner but every time you started acting 
jealous I just...I don’t know...I guess I thought I could make you open up 
and talk to me if you thought you might loose me, but every time you would 
back away and I’d get angry and then it seems we both started saying 
horrible things to each other.”

“I know...and I’m sorry for my part in that Mac...I didn’t want to talk you 
into something or come between someone you wanted to be with, so I’d back 
away even when it was killing me.”  Harm maintained eye contact with Mac as 
they talked, openly and honestly.

“Harm, I don’t know why I didn’t realize what you were doing.  The more you 
were saying that you were alright with things, the more you were hurting, 
weren’t you?”

Harm nodded.  “I was afraid that if I wanted something you didn’t I would 
destroy the good stuff we did share.  I could pretend that I didn’t see you 
as anything more then a platonic friend until that night on the Admiral’s 
porch.  You almost pushed me to the point where I couldn’t hold back...a few 
more seconds in my arms and you would have known that night...but you walked 
away - back to your future husband and I was disgusted with myself for 
starting across that line.”

“Oh Harm...I think I knew that night that I couldn’t marry Mic, but I was so 
afraid of ending up alone with no one that I wouldn’t admit that I didn’t 
love him.  He was a good man, and he was fun, but...you were right.  It 
wouldn’t have lasted.”

“Mac, when you came to me that night I wanted to take you in my arms and 
hold you and comfort you and tell you that you weren’t alone and wouldn’t 
ever need to be alone if you didn’t want to...then Renee showed up in tears 
dealing with her father’s sudden death and I was torn by what I wanted to do 
and what I felt was my duty.”

“I know Harm...it’s what makes you who you are and I would never ask you to 
change who you are...only the way you do some things...” Mac grinned to take 
any possible stung out of her words, and Harm grinned back.

“When things fell apart in Paraguay and you said it would never work for us, 
I couldn’t believe my ears.  I think I was in shock and then I wanted to 
deny that you had meant it.  But I kept seeing Clay drooling on you...”

“He did not drool on me!”

“Maybe not literally...”

“Harm!  Not at all...”

“Okay, Mac...have it your way if you will admit that he went out of his way 
to make me think that you two were involved.”

“That I can admit, now...then I didn’t realize how it would look to you.”

“Anyway it was bad enough that we didn’t seem to be on the same page in 
Paraguay, but then to have the Admiral dress me down in front of you was 
almost more then I could take.  I would have understood if he had said, 
‘Harm the way things are since that investigation Lindsey prompted has tied 
my hands.  You’ve served with distinction and we’ll miss you...’ Instead he 
accused me of not being a team player, being driven by my emotions, and 
suggested I get a job driving cab or fighting alligators.”

“And you blamed me didn’t you?”

“I don’t think I did Mac.  I was angry with you by then about Paraguay but I 
didn’t blame you for the Admiral cutting me loose.  I blamed him for not 
granting me leave so I could go and I blamed him for not understanding why I 
had to go.  I blamed everyone but myself for not being able to put into 
words what I was thinking and feeling.”

“Is it too soon to ask you what you were thinking and feeling?” Mac asked 
barely louder then a whisper.

“No...” Harm reached out to take her hands in his.  “You know, I use to hear 
Brumby and Dalton call you Sarah and Clay, too.   I’ve called you Sarah a 
couple of times, but it just didn’t feel right.  It felt like I was asking 
you to be someone else, so Mac, I don’t want you to be someone else.  I want 
you to be true to yourself.  I think that no matter what happens now, we 
will always find a way to reestablish what ever this is that we have between 
us.  I love you as a friend and a partner and for all the things that make 
you who you are.  I would like to explore other aspects of our relationship 
that we haven’t explored yet...sometimes I don’t know how I’ve kept my hands 
off you...”

“Harm...” Mac spoke his name as she gasped, somewhat surprised by his 
boldness.

“Let me finish Mac, please.”  Mac nodded so Harm went on.  “As usual we are 
going about things backwards.  We’re taking on a teenager together before 
we’re even sure where we are going.  We’ll be limited as to the time we can 
be together to explore the physical aspects of our relationship; our 
military careers present other obstacles which can be dealt with eventually; 
but the bottom line is this...with all we’ve been through I think that 
working out these hurdles will be fairly easy.  You asked me one time what I 
wanted most and I said never to lose you...well I never really had you...so 
this time I’m going to answer that question differently.”  He paused to 
collect his thoughts.

“Harm, what do you want most?”

“To have you in my life to hold and love and to share the good times and the 
bad times; To have a family made up of people we love and care about as well 
as any children we are blessed enough to have of our own.  Mac, why are you 
crying?”

Mac launched herself into his arms and he settled her across his lap.  For a 
few minutes Mac just let herself cry on his shoulder and he just rubbed her 
back trying to sooth her.  Finally she looked up and smiled at him, “Is that 
your way of telling me you are in love with me?”

“Yeah...is that okay?”

Mac just nodded at first.  “It’s more than okay...Harm I have been in love 
with you for so long but I didn’t think you were interested in me like that 
at all.”

“Even when I made the deal with you about going halves on a kid?”

“I just thought I was going to be a last resort I guess.”

“Mac, for some reason I envisioned you as the mother of my children long 
before I realized that I had fallen in love with you.”

“Well, we’ve sort of kept one promise already.”

“What’s that Mac?”

“We’re going halves on a kid...Mattie.”

“I guess we are,” Harm chuckled.  “I hope however the time will come when we 
can go halves on one that will look like you and have my brains...”

“I still think she should look like you with my brains!”

“Either way would work for me Mac...” Harm hugged her tight.

“Harm?  Why did you suddenly start sneaking kisses and touching me like I 
was special?”

“I couldn’t keep my hands off you I guess...and I thought maybe if I went 
after you I could convince you to give us a try after all.”

“I’m glad you did.  Harm, about my moving next door and the plans for 
renovations...”

“Yeah, what about it?”

“I think we should combine the two areas into one big place - with one 
living room, one kitchen, an office - maybe two, and several bedrooms and at 
least two bathrooms.”

“I like the idea, but I think we will have to be careful what message we 
send to Mattie.  And as much as I don’t want us to rush into anything, I 
think that we may need to wait until we are married to live together in one 
big place.”

“That doesn’t mean we can’t find time alone once in awhile, does it Harm?”

“I hope not...” Harm stopped at the noise in the hallway. “I guess we may as 
well let them see that we are a couple...what do you think?”

“I think Mattie won’t be surprised at all and I think Jen will be happy for 
us.”

The door opened and Jennifer Coates froze in her tracks as she saw beyond 
Mattie to the Colonel and Commander sitting together on the couch holding 
each other close.  Mattie looked up at them and grinned.  Turning to Jen she 
said, “I told you it was only a matter of time before every one saw what 
I’ve been seeing.”

Jen was a little flustered, but she followed Mattie into the apartment.  Mac 
slid off Harm’s lap and stood up pulling Harm behind her with one hand.

“Did you shop for sales or just what caught your eye?” Harm asked.

“A little of both I guess,” Mattie answered.

“You going to show us what you got?” asked Mac.

Mattie grinned and pulled out a soft yellow sweater top out of one bag and 
said, “This was the sale item I couldn’t resist, huh Jen?”

“Yeah, I found one too, only I choose a dark red.  With all the holiday 
parties I figure it will come in handy.”

Mac approved their buy and then asked to see what else.  Mattie showed off a 
pair of brown velvet slacks that she said she couldn’t resist and that she 
thought the sweater would make a great outfit for school or for parties.  
Mac also approved this purchase and told Mattie, “You have a nice flair for 
style and seem to know what works for you.  That’s great, Mattie.”

Mattie asked Mac, “Wish you’d come with us now?”

Mac looked at Harm and smiled.  “You know I do enjoy shopping, but I am very 
glad that I didn’t go with you tonight.  I found something much more 
valuable right here at home.”

Jen and Mattie exchanged knowing looks and just smiled.  There would be a 
great deal of thanks given this year at dinner.



1100 EST
THANKSGIVING DAY
Mac’s Apartment

“Mattie, you got the salad finished?”

“Already Mac.  Isn’t Harm suppose to be here by now?”

“Yes, but as usual he’s running late.  He’ll be here though.” Mac assured 
her just as the phone rang.  “Mattie can you get that for me?”

“Got it!  Mackenzie residence, Mattie speaking.”

“Uh, hi Mattie...I’m Chloe, Mac’s little sister.”

“Hi!  I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you have.  Mac said that Harm is going to be your guardian 
and that you are staying with Mac for now.”

“Yeah...but that might be changing.  I’ll let Mac tell you about that.  I 
hope you’ll be coming down soon.  I’m looking forward to meeting you.”

“Me too.  Can I talk to Mac?”

“Hang on and I’ll get her.”  Mattie brought the phone to Mac who was 
finishing packing up more of her things in the bedroom for the pending move. 
  “Mac, it’s Chloe...and I think that’s Harm getting here finally.”

“Thanks Mattie.  Have him load the car up okay?...Chloe!  Happy 
Thanksgiving.”

“Happy Thanksgiving Mac...so ah, Mattie seems nice.”

“She’s a good kid.  I can’t wait for you two to get to know each other.”

“Yeah...we’ll be great buds I’m sure.”

“Chloe?  Are you upset because Mattie is living with me?”

“No...yes...may be a little.  It’s just I wish I could spend more time with 
you and now when I come down, I’ll have to share you with Mattie.”

“...And Harm.”

“What?”

“Chloe you were right.  Remember years ago when you said that Harm loved 
me?”

“Yeah...”

“Well you were right.  He finally admitted that he’s always thought of me as 
being in his future and well, we had a great talk last night.”

“Are you getting married?”

Mac laughed, “Probably, but we haven’t set a date yet or anything...as a 
matter of fact he hasn’t asked me yet, but we did talk about getting 
married...you are the first person I’ve shared that with, by the way.”

“Really?”

“Really.  After all you’ve been through, I wanted you to be the first to 
know that we’ve discussed marriage.”

“You sound happy Mac.”

“I am.  Hey, Harm’s here.  You want to talk to him?”

“Not today.  I know you’ve got plans and stuff, but I just wanted to talk to 
you and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.”

“I’m glad you did.”

“Tell everyone I’m thinking of them and give Harm a hug from me, okay?”

“I will.  I love you Chloe.  Talk to you soon...Oh!   I’m going to be moving 
into a place next door to Harm.  It’s bigger and you’ll be able to have your 
own room when you come to visit.”

“I’ll look forward to it.  Talk to you soon.  I love you too Mac.”

Mac hung up and joined Mattie and Harm in the living room.

“Chloe?”

“Yeah...I think she feels a little left out right now.”

“She won’t when she realizes we all still love her.”

“I know.”  Mac stepped up to Harm and gave him a hug. “That’s from Chloe.”

“Thanks...do I get one from you?”

Mac hugged Harm again and added a kiss for good measure.

“Mmmm...that’s a nice greeting.”  Harms arms were around Mac, and his wrists 
locked behind her rested against the small of here back.

“Come on you two...we’ve got food to deliver and a dinner to help prepare.  
Kiss and hug later.”

Mac and Harm stepped back afer one more quick kiss and joined Mattie taking 
the last load of things to Harm’s car.


1145 EST
Bud and Harriet Robert’s House

Mattie, Mac and Harm each entered carrying their contribution to the dinner. 
  Harm introduced Mattie to everyone and Jennifer Coates joined them just as 
they were finishing the introductions.  Little AJ had claimed his Uncle 
Harm, who was now holding the four and a half year old boy in his arms.

Harriet had the meal well under control so they went in to the living room 
to watch the rest of the Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Harm sat with AJ on his 
lap and Mac perched on the arm of the chair next to them.   Mattie and Jen 
sat together on the couch next to Mike Roberts who had joined them from the 
Academy.  Big Bud wasn’t expected this year as he had made other plans when 
he thought Bud and Harriet were going to be away.  The group that gathered 
was smaller then usual, but large  enough to make the day seem festive.

Bud sat in a recliner, holding his youngest son, until Harriet lifted him up 
saying she wanted to feed him before their dinner was ready.

Harm saw the wistful look that Mac had on her face as she watched her friend 
carry her baby into the next room for privacy to nurse.  After Harriet was 
out of the room, she turned to Little AJ still sitting in Harm’s lap and 
smooth his hair back from his face a little.  She saw Harm watching her and 
smiled.  He reached up and squeezed her hand lightly returning her smile.  
Very quietly he whispered, “It’ll happen.”

Mac just nodded and tried to refocus her attention on the parade.  Her mind 
kept going back over their talk.  Somewhere along the way, both of them had 
grown up and learned from their mistakes.  She had not expected him to open 
up as well as he had.

On the couch Jen, Mike and Mattie were discussing their favorite things 
about Thanksgiving Dinner.

Bud watched the scene playing out with Mac and Harm, while his oldest son 
watched and listened to his godparents as they whispered back and forth 
every now and then above his head.  He hoped they weren’t saying anything 
that they didn’t want everyone to hear, because his eldest son had 
definitely inherited the gossip gene from his mother.

Before long Harriet returned and handed the baby back to Bud, as she turned 
to Mac and asked, “Colonel, do you want to give me a hand in the kitchen for 
a few minutes?”

“Sure, Harriet, but you have got to remember to call me Mac when we are out 
of uniform.”

“I know Mac, I do try but sometimes it seems like Colonel and Commander is 
just another name for you two.  I think if you were to be given different 
ranks, I’d still be trying to call you by Colonel and Commander.”

“No you wouldn’t Harriet, you are too good a Naval officer to mess up 
ranks,” kidded Mac.

“So Mac, you and Harm seem to be cozy today.”

“I guess we are, Harriet.  We had a nice talk last night and I think we’re 
heading in the same direction for once.”

“Are you dating?”

“I guess...actually I think in our own way we’ve been dating for years but 
calling it other things.  Now we know we want what we have to grow and 
deepen and last.”

“Wow!  When did this all come about?”

“Last night actually...although Harm had been dropping hints that he wasn’t 
giving up on us for a couple of weeks.   When we went down to see Mattie and 
bring her back with us, he really turned on the charm but in a very sincere 
way.  It’s hard to explain, but it got my attention.”

“Are you going to keep this quiet?”

“We are just going to be us.  If people ask we’ll tell them but we aren’t 
going to broadcast our new relationship.  Our friends will probably see it 
and know.”

“What about JAG and the Admiral?”

“We will be on our best behavior in the office and if the Admiral inquires 
or if Harm and I feel that we need him to step in, we’ll level with him.  
Harm and I have always been able to keep the court room and separate from 
every thing else so we don’t see that we’ll have a problem there.  If one of 
us is called to the bench, it might be more of a problem, but I think we can 
even handle that now.”

“Are you sure?”

Mac smiled, “No...and I expect we’ll have our share of squabbles, but you 
know what Harriet?”

“What, Ma’am - Mac?”

“We always work it out eventually.  Mattie says it’s because we love each 
other too much to walk away - and I think she’s right.”

“Does this mean that this year if I put up mistletoe, you won’t wait until 
you think know one is around to steal a kiss like you did two years ago and 
last year?”

“Harriet?  How did you know?”

“Well, the first time I started back to the apartment to see what was 
detaining you and then last year you got caught on a security camera.”

“Oh my God!  Harriet you don’t still have that do you?” Mac asked.

“No, I think it was taped over.”

“And you must have been shocked.”

“Not really.  I did hope that you’d start dating or being more open about 
how you felt about each other...you know both those kisses I saw were pretty 
hot, Mac.”

“Lieutenant!”

“Sorry Mac...we’re out of uniform.  No ranks today, remember?” Harriet 
teased.

Mac and Harriet laughed and turned to getting the dinner on the table.


2022 EST
North of Union Station
Harm’s Apartment

Mac and Harm had carried the last load of bags and boxed from the SUV and 
dropped them in Mac’s new apartment before returning to Harm’s to get 
something to drink.

“I’m beat.  Did you want anything to eat?” Harm asked Mac.

“No way...I’m stuffed from that feast we had today.”

“The Marine is actually full and satisfied?”

“Well, full, but I’m not satisfied yet, Sailor.”

“Oh really?  What did you have in mind?”

“I just thought we ought to take advantage of the fact that Mattie is 
staying over at Jen’s tonight so they can go Christmas shopping early Friday 
morning.”

“I thought they went shopping before Thanksgiving to beat the crowds.”

“They did.  They got things they needed.  Now they are going for the fun of 
being part of the crowd without the pressure of feeling that you have to 
buy.”

“Women...I just don’t get it.”

“Get what?”

“The pleasure of shopping I guess.”

“Good save Sailor...anything else you aren’t getting?” Mac asked as she 
leaned against him and slid her hands up his chest to his neck.

“May be...Are you teasing me or are you trying to seduce me?”

“I’m trying to put ideas in your head.”


“That you don’t have to do...I’ve got lots of ideas, Mac.”

“And fantasies?”

“Oh yeah...”

“Shall we indulge a few of them while our teenager is away for the entire 
night?”

Harm never spoke his answer.  He reached for Mac and pulled her to him 
kissing every inch of her face before settling on her lips and searching her 
mouth, exploring with his lips and tongue.  Mac matched him kiss for kiss.  
Neither could deny the hunger they had for the other.  Their lips continued 
to taste, touch and caress as they used their hands to unbutton, unzip and 
remove clothing here and there as they made their way to the bedroom.  
Together they knelt on the side of the bed and eased each other down until 
they were laying face to face on their sides.  They continued to kiss long 
and slow and deep until they finally had to break apart to breathe.

“Mac...you are so incredible.”

“Me?  Harm you take my breath away all the time - before we ever kissed.  I 
don’t know how I’m going to stand to be around you and not touch you or kiss 
you.”

“We don’t have to stop yet, you know...unless you want to.”

“No...I don’t want to stop.  I can’t get enough of you.”

Harm pulled her to him again and then rolled with her so that he could kiss 
her while he ran his hands over her body, slowly removing more clothes as he 
went along.  When she laid before him wearing only a smile, Mac, took 
control, pushing Harm so they he would lay back and let her explore his 
body.

Harm smiled as he tried to relax and let her take control for awhile.  Her 
soft hands tickled and caressed him as she removed his clothing, kissing him 
all over as he had her.

“Mac...honey, please you have to stop a minute...we need to talk about 
something.”  Harm’s voice was insistent despite the fact he didn’t want Mac 
to stop her sweet torture on his body.

“Why do we need to talk tonight?  Tonight’s about making love.”

“I know Mac, and I want that more then anything, but, umm...there are a few 
things we need to talk about.”

“Okay, Harm.  What’s so important that we need to talk about it now...that 
can’t wait until morning, perhaps?”

“Mac, I umm...should I use...I mean are you on....damn...why do I become so 
inarticulate around you?”

“Harm, you do sound nervous...” Suddenly Mac realized what Harm was trying 
to find out.  She tried to hide her face so he wouldn’t see her grinning.  
It was so typical of him to put someone else first and this time it was her 
he was putting first.  And the Admiral thought he was driven by 
emotions...that may be true but at least he had enough sense not to take 
career threatening risks for either of them.  Deciding to put him out of his 
misery she leaned into him to kiss him and whispered in his ear.  “Yes I am, 
but to be sure I think you should use one if you have some.”  Make couldn’t 
completely hide her smile.

“Are you laughing at me?”

“No...but I do appreciate your thoughtfulness.  Do you mind using a condom 
even though I have a patch?”

“No of course not...so that’s what I felt...”

“Yeah, the patch is much easier when I’m traveling...I just don’t know how 
reliable they are yet.”

“Then double protection it is...besides they’ve been sitting around for 
awhile.”

“Really?  Why’s that?”

“Mac I haven’t been with anyone since Renee...that’s over two years ago.”

“You too?”

“Yeah...aren’t we the same ones that thought it was unbelievable that a good 
looking person hadn’t been out or been intimate for three years?”

“Yup...I don’t think either of us thought it possible until now...”

“I’m not going to make it three years, Mac...I want you 
now...tonight...please don’t change your mind now...”

“I want you too Harm...make love to me...”


NC-17 Part

Mac’s hand glided over his body until it reached his erection.  Her fingers 
lightly skimmed the length of him and she watched as it jumped in 
anticipation of her touch.  She had never realized how much she could be 
turned on by the sheer power her touch had over a man until she realized 
that her touch undid Harmon Rabb the way his touch was undoing her.  Mac 
repeated her slow gentle caresses and gradually increased the pressure of 
her hand on him.  She felt the satin skin, hot and hard beneath her hand as 
she stroked from the base of his shaft to the head, finally slipping one 
finger over the tip and finding it moist.

Harm watched her touching him and bringing him such sweet agony with each 
stroke.  He knew it was important to her to have control and he gave it to 
her allowing her the freedom to touch and taste as she chose.  Her scent 
grew stronger and he knew that his pleasure excited her further.  He watched 
Mac lick her lips and lower his head toward his throbbing erection.

Mac licked her lips and lowered her head toward that moist tip she had 
touched.  She wanted to taste him.  She had always found his scent 
stimulating and wanted to know if his touch was as wonderful.  Slowly she 
extended the tip of her tongue to touch the drop of moisture waiting there 
for her.  The coolness of the air and the moisture from her tongue against 
his hot flesh elicited a groan of pleasure from Harm and encouraged Mac to 
let her tongue slowly winding its way around the head of his penis as she 
drew first the tip and then more of him into her mouth.

Slowly at first she slid him in to her mouth as far as she could not quite 
able to take all of him on the first try.  Letting the tip of her tongue 
wrap around him and rest against the nerves on the sensitive underside she 
slid him out of her mouth and changed her angle just a bit and took him 
slowly into her mouth again.  This time she was able to take in all of him 
and she gently sucked as she slid her mouth back off the length of his 
erection.

Harm gasped and moaned, “Mac...That feels so good.”

Mac repeated her actions a little faster and with more suction this time.  
Harm began to squirm and reach for her.
“Honey, please...you do that again and I’m not going to last much longer.  
It’s been too long since I’ve done this and I want to be inside you this 
time.”

Mac allowed Harm to pull her up against him and when he kissed her he could 
taste himself on her mouth.  It had been over two years since he had allowed 
himself the pleasure of sex, but tonight was about making love and he wanted 
to show Mac how much he did love her.

Harm continued to kiss her mouth as he let his large sensuous hands roam 
over her body.  He caressed her large beautiful breasts with one hand and 
slid the other over her satiny skin down her back and across her six.  He 
let his fingers play with the hardened nipples and let his lips travel to 
her breast to take one of those enlarged nipples into his mouth.  He rolled 
it in his tongue and gently sucked it until he heard her moan as he had 
earlier.  He repeated his actions on the other side as he let his fingers 
wander lower caressing her mound and the hot wetness he found at her core.  
Sliding his hand back up his fingers sought the her nerve bundle and pressed 
as he drew her nipple into his mouth again.  Her hips raised up silently 
asking for more.

Harm’s long fingers found her core and he slowly entered her with one finger 
and then two.  She was hot and wet and he could feel her muscles tighten 
around him as he slid them in and out of her, using his thumb first to tease 
her nub.  Sliding lower, Harm replaced his thumb with his lips, licking and 
teasing that nerve bundle as she writhed on the bed under him.  He looked up 
for a minute to see her eyes closed, head back so close to release.  He 
whispered in awe, “Let go baby, soar for me.  There’ll be more, so let go.”

Harm increased the speed of his hand and returned to kissing her mound and 
clit until he heard her cry of release and felt her tightened around his 
fingers.   He wanted it to be good for her and knew without a doubt as he 
felt her clench around his fingers that he wouldn’t last long when he 
entered her.

Mac felt him remove his hand from her as she felt the orgasm subside.  She 
opened her eyes and saw him reaching over her into his bedside table.  She 
watched him open a foil wrapped and place the condom over the tip and slowly 
roll it over his silken length.  Mac had never found that particular action 
sexy, but she found herself even more turned on watching Harm ready himself 
to enter her body and find his own release.

Mac reached her arms out for Harm as he knelt between her knees and 
positioned himself against her.  “I don’t think I’ll last long Mac...I want 
you and it’s been so long...”

Mac nodded and lifted her hips to encourage him to make their union 
complete.  Slowly Harm pushed himself into her wet heat.  Once he had 
entered her, he held still to allow her to adjust to his length and size.  
He kissed her lips and their tongues began to duel and imitate the motions 
their lower bodies were about to make.  Harm slowly pulled himself out 
almost to the tip before sliding himself back in a little faster.  Mac 
wrapped her legs around his back giving him total access and Harm picked up 
speed, beginning to set a faster pace.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Mac.  Are you okay?”

“Yes...you’re not hurting me Harm.” And she tightened her legs around him 
urging him to move faster.  Harm could feel himself getting ready for 
release and he wanted to prolong that moment just a little longer if he 
could.  He slowed his pace and rotated his hips just a little.  He felt 
Mac’s inner muscles begin to tighten around him and when she sucked his 
tongue into her mouth, he knew he couldn’t hold back any longer.  He began 
to pound into her body, hoping he wasn’t hurting her and knowing he had no 
control left.  He felt Mac reach orgasm again just as his body tightened and 
sent his release through him.  He slowed then and rolled to one side, still 
inside her bringing her into his arms.

“Wow, sailor.  Do they teach you those maneuvers at the academy or flight 
school?”

Harm chuckled and looked at her.  “You okay...I got a little carried away.”

“You carried me right with you, Harm.  I have no words to express the way 
you make me feel.”

“Me either.”  Harm carefully removed himself from her body and decided he 
needed to get up to remove the condom.  She watched him as he walked around 
the bed in his naked glory.  Holding the condom in place until he got into 
the bathroom.  Mac heard the water running and new he was probably washing 
himself.  She wanted to go to him and help, but smiled delightedly when she 
realized she didn’t have the energy right then.  She leaned back against the 
pillow and closed her eyes, a smile of pleasure and contentment on her face.

That was how Harm found her when he returned to the bed.  Carefully he slid 
in beside her and put his arm over her.  She moved a little so that her head 
was nestled under his chin.  Together they fell asleep, only to wake again 
less then three hours later to make love again.  This time, Harm let Mac 
finish him off with her mouth and they fell asleep wrapped in each others 
arms until day break.  Harm woke up first.  He slid out of bed and pulled on 
his boxers and went out to the kitchen to fix start the coffee and turn on 
the timer.  He picked up their clothing that was littering the apartment and 
returned it to the bedroom.  Then he slipped out of his boxers and into bed 
beside Mac again.  He watched her sleep and thought about the little sounds 
she made when he had touched her in certain places.  The memories were 
arousing him again.  He allowed his hand to caress his own shaft and he 
compared the utilitarian actions he had become use to with the gentle, sexy 
actions and hot hard demanding actions that Mac had used on him.  Deciding 
that he definitely liked what the Marine in his bed had to offer he leaned 
over her and began kissing her behind her ear and down her neck.  His hands 
reached out to touch her skin, and he couldn’t stop himself from trailing a 
finger between her breasts and around first one nipple and then the other.  
He watched in fascination as they grew longer and stood at attention from 
his delicate touch.   He began kissing his way down her neck and toward 
those aroused nipples.  While he played with one with his fingers, he lips 
latched on to the other gently tasting and teasing it with his tongue.

Mac felt the delicious warmth spreading through her body.  She moved closer 
to the heat and felt it pool in her very center.  She reached out her 
fingers until she found the pulsing erection, which she wrapped her hands 
around.  As she began to set a tempo with the motions of her hands, she 
found the suction on her breasts was matching it.  She opened her eyes and 
found Harmon Rabb nursing one breast, while his fingers rubbed and pulled on 
the other nipple.

“Harm?”

Hearing his name, he lifted his head.  Mac missed the wonderful sensations 
his mouth had been creating.  “Sorry Mac. I just couldn’t resist.”

She grinned, “Me either,” and she stroked his enlarged shaft again.  They 
grinned at each other and then made love again.  This time it was hard, 
pounding, mind blowing sex.  Harm had reached for another condom and this 
time Mac took it from him and rolled it on making it one of the most erotic 
experiences Harm could remember as an adult.  When he came, he filled the 
condom again.

Mac could resist asking, “Do you always produce this much?”

Harm blushed a little and answered, “I don’t remember it being that much 
before you.  I guess you wring it out of me.  Do you mind?”

“Why would I mind?  It’s typical Harm - you have to out do the ordinary 
man.” They both laughed and knew that they would think of this moment in the 
future when he ended up doing something heroic, or larger then life as 
Harmon Rabb Junior seemed destined to do.  Once again they fell asleep in 
each others arms.   END NC-17

Friday
0905 EST
North of Union Station

The smell of coffee wafted through the air.  Harm smelled it and remembered 
getting up at sunrise to set the coffee pot before they had made love one 
more time and fallen back asleep.  He could feel her warmth beside him and 
turned slightly to watch her sleep.  Her nose was twitching so he was sure 
she smelled the coffee and would be awake soon.  In the meantime he watched 
her and thought about the glorious night of love making they had shared.  It 
had been awhile for both of them, but he liked it because it made what they 
shared that much more special and honest.  Mac’s hand rested on his stomach, 
and her fingers slowly moved tickling him.  He slipped his fingers under her 
hand and lifted it to his lips.  He kissed each finger and then turned it 
over to kiss the palm of her hand.

Mac woke to the smell of coffee and her hand be kissed.  When she felt him 
nuzzle her palm, she slipped her hand open and caressed his cheek, with its 
nights growth of beard.  She had seen Harm unshaven before, but had never 
had the right to touch his face and feel the roughness.

She looked into that beautiful face and saw his smiling green eyes watching 
her.

“Good morning,” she whispered.

“Morning...you okay?”

“Yeah.  Are you?”

“I haven’t felt this right about things in a long time.  I didn’t hurt you 
last night or this morning, did I?”

Mac was aware that she was a little sore, but nothing out of the ordinary so 
she reassured him that she was fine.  “I’m fine Harm, but I could use a 
shower and some coffee.  We’ve got a lot to do today to get moved into the 
new apartment.”

“Aye, aye Ma’am.  Shower and coffee coming up.”  Harm entered the bathroom 
and started the shower getting the temperature set.  He turned expecting to 
see Mac behind him and when she wasn’t there he called, “Mac, your shower is 
ready.”

Mac had watched him walk naked into the bathroom.  She couldn’t seem to get 
over the fact that a man as beautiful physically as Harmon Rabb could also 
be such as good hearted person.  She was even more stunned by the fact that 
he had become hers.  His voice calling to her broke off her daydream and she 
joined him in the bathroom, sliding her hands down his back as he shaved. 
“You going to join me in the shower?”

“I’d like to Mac, but we’ve got a lot to do today and I’m afraid I’d get 
side tracked if I joined you.  Leave the water on when you’re done and I’ll 
jump in.  I’ll have your coffee waiting for you.”

Harm finished shaving and poured her coffee.  She was wrapped in a towel as 
they met in the bedroom.  He handed her the coffee, leaned in for a quick 
kiss and then headed for a shower too.  He knew the water would be getting 
cool, but he figured he’d need more then one cold shower to keep himself 
under control now he new what being Mac’s lover was like.

By the time he had showered, Mac was dressed and had started fixing 
breakfast for them while he dressed.

The phone rang just as they were finishing breakfast.  Harm grabbed the 
phone, “Rabb.”

“Harm, Sturgis.  Do you still need some help moving stuff today?”

“Yeah, if you don’t mind.”

“I’m not sure how you’ve been able to forgive Mac, so fast for putting you 
through so much, but if having her for a neighbor will make you happy, then 
I’ll help.  Of course if she was happier maybe she wouldn’t be so priggish 
all the time.”

“Sturgis, where in hell is that coming from?”  Harm was angry with his 
friend for painting Mac in such a bad light.

“She was a sanctimonious prig before you returned.  I’ll admit she has been 
better since you returned to JAG, but she still thinks she’s better then 
everyone, accept maybe you.”

“Sturgis, if this is how you really feel about Mac, then I think you and I 
had better stay away from each other.  You may as well know that Mac and I 
are together.  We love each other and in time...well let’s just say that 
Mattie and Chloe are only one part of our family.  When the time is right 
we’ll add to it - the old fashion way.  For now, we are enjoying what we 
have together.  I appreciate your offer, but I think it would be better for 
now if we remain colleagues, only.”

“Harm...I’m sorry I didn’t realize that you had repaired things to that 
extent.  Look, I’m sure Mac and I will get back on even ground soon.”

“Well, I’ll wait and see what happens, but make of it what you will, but I 
will not put up with you giving her a hard time for doing her job.”

“Understood.  I’ll see you Monday I guess.”

Harm disconnected the call and turned to Mac.  “I’m sorry, Mac.  I didn’t 
realize that you and Sturgis were at odds.”

“It’s okay...well its frustrating, but then compared to other frustrations 
I’ve endured, its nothing.”

Harm smiled, “Look we can still move a lot of things together.  What we 
can’t move without help, we’ll leave until we can come up with another 
plan.”

“Actually Harm, if we unloaded the bureaus, we should be able to move most 
every thing ourselves...we’ll be exhausted, but if we pace ourselves, it 
will be manageable.”

“Alright, then let’s see what we can get done before our shopper returns.”

1945 EST
North of Union Station
Mac and Mattie’s new apartment

Harm and Mac collapsed side by side on her couch in her living room looking 
at their accomplishments of the day.  The bed, the bureaus, the dining room 
table, the chairs, the hutch, the buffet table, the couch and chairs, her 
desk and office chair, the vanity and bench and a few end tables along with 
an assortment of boxes had been loaded and unloaded throughout the day.

After they had loaded the truck up, they had realized that although the 
apartment was bigger, Mattie still didn’t have her own bed, so they stopped 
at a furniture store and selected a convertible day bed in wrought iron that 
could be used as a single bed, two single beds, or a king size bed when the 
two were put together.  Mac had splurged and bought a very feminine white 
eyelet ruffled cover and matching pillows for it, figuring Mattie would like 
it, although she’d never ask for it.  Mac knew as a girl, it was exactly 
what she had dreamed of.  They had help loading the new purchases on the 
truck, but she and Harm had unloaded it and assembled it on their own.  They 
did that so first so it would be ready for her whenever she got back.  They 
had then tackled the rest of the load.  Together they had made up Mac’s bed. 
  Mac had two bureaus and she gave one to Mattie telling Harm that she would 
find another place to store the rest of her things.  He suggested that she 
may want to keep a few things in his place for those times that they could 
be together.  She had been pleased by his suggestion and said she’d keep 
that in mind.

As they sat there surveying their handy work they heard Mattie and Jen 
laughing as they stepped off the elevator.  They heard the door open to 
Harm’s apartment and Mattie call, “I’m home!  Mac?  Harm? Where are you 
guys?”

Harm called, “Next door...join us.”

Mattie and Jen came in and stopped looking at the apartment with Mac’s 
furniture mostly in place, despite the unpacked boxes scattered around.

“Wow!  You guys were busy today.”

“A little,” Mac smiled. “Mattie, go look in your room and see if it looks 
okay.”

Mattie was puzzled why she would be going into a room with no furniture and 
a few boxes stacked in the corner.  She gasped when she saw the bed set up 
with its coverlet and matching pillows.

“Oh Mac, its beautiful...thank you.”

“You needed a bed, and I thought the room needed something versatile.  I 
hope it will be comfortable.”

“I’m sure it will be.”

“So, did you have fun today?” Harm asked.

“Yes...but now I feel guilty cause you guys were here working so hard.”

Harm and Mac exchanged a glance and a smile. “No problem, Mattie.”

Jen spoke up, “We didn’t know if you guys had eaten so we stopped and got a 
bunch of Chinese take-out for everyone.”

“Thanks Jen.  It sounds great.  Why don’t you bring it in here and we’ll 
have our first meal in the new place,” Mac suggested.

“I’ve got some beverages I’ll bring over,” offered Harm.

He was just ready to leave his apartment with the drinks when his phone 
rang. Setting things on his desk, he answered the phone, “Rabb.”

“Is this Commander Harmon Rabb?”

“It is.  May I ask who this is?”

“Yes, sir...My name is Warren Johnson.  I’m Mattie’s father and I want her 
back -now!”

“Mr. Johnson...I’m afraid I cannot release Mattie to you unless the courts 
order me to, sir.” Harm’s heart was pounding in his chest as he tried to 
remain calm and focused and handle this situation rationally - not driven by 
emotion.

“What do you mean?” snarled Johnson.

“I mean sir, you abandoned your child, left her to fend for herself.  I have 
been appointed her legal guardian on a temporary basis and we have a court 
hearing set up in a couple of weeks for the judge to rule on permanent 
custody and guardianship.  Unless I have a court order I cannot allow her to 
go with you.”

“Look here Rabb! She’s my daughter and I want to see her.”

“Alright...let me talk to Mattie.  If she says she wants to see you, we’ll 
set something up.  Give me a number where you can be reached.” Harm 
reluctantly suggested.

Johnson gave him a number which Harm wrote down.  After he had reassured 
Warren Johnson that he would hear from them one way or another soon, he 
disconnected the phone.  With a heavy heart he went to share the news with 
his family.


2008 EST
Mac’s New Apartment


Mac took one look at Harm when he walked in with the drinks and new 
something was wrong.  She waited a minute to see if he was going to say 
anything.  She knew from years of experience that pushing him before he was 
ready to open up was not effective.  She saw him open his mouth as if to 
speak and then close it again and swallow hard.

“Harm, what is it?  What’s wrong?” Mac quietly asked.  Both Jen and Mattie 
heard Mac question him and stopped eating.  They looked questioningly toward 
Harm waiting for him to answer.

“I’m sorry...I wanted us to be able to enjoy our dinner first, but I guess 
it doesn’t matter.  I just got a call, Mattie, from Warren Johnson.”

Mattie gasped.  Tears sprung to her eyes and she just shook her head from 
side to side.

Jen asked, “Who’s Warren Johnson?”

“Mattie’s father?” asked Mac.

“Yes...he wants to see you Mattie.”

“What did you tell him?” asked Mattie.

“I said that I would ask you.  If you want to see him, he gave me a number 
to call to set something up.  It’s up to you Mattie...unless the court 
decided something different.” Harm stayed calm and spoke to her.

Mac sat silently beside him, her hand on his thigh to provide comfort. She 
knew there was more and for some reason he was telling it all.  She figured 
once they had a chance to be alone he would tell her what else there was.

“What should I do?” Mattie asked.

“If you want to see him, we’ll set something up where we can be nearby and 
still give you privacy.  If you don’t want to see him, I’ll call him and 
tell him you aren’t ready to see him and that he’ll have to get a court 
order or show up at the custody hearing to stop proceedings.  It’s up to 
you.  We’ll support your decision.”

“Will it make a difference to the outcome of the court case?”

“It might Mattie...it’s hard to tell.”

“I want to see him to tell him what I think of his double dealing, but I 
don’t want to live with him again...I don’t want him to be my father!” 
Mattie got up and ran from the room, tears streaming down her face.

Harm started after her, until both Jen and Mac called him back, “Harm, 
wait.”

He stopped and looked at them.  They both had fathers that had made their 
life hell.  They shared that in common.  He knew that if they said to wait 
to go to her, they knew what they were talking about.  Slowly he walked back 
to his seat next to Mac, all pretense of an appetite had vanished.

“Harm, what else did he say?” Mac asked.

“He demanded we give her back.  I told him that I couldn’t do that.  I 
already was appointed her guardian for legal matters and that there was a 
permanent custody hearing scheduled.  I told him that he would have to get a 
court order to regain custody and if she didn’t want to see him I wouldn’t 
allow it without a court order.”

“That’s all we can do.  But we shouldn’t leave her alone.  We also need to 
notify the school that this could be an issue.”

“You’re right Mac.  Good thinking.”

“I have some leave time I can take if you need me to provide some escort 
time.”

“Thanks Jen.  You know, Harm, if Johnson finds out where we live, it might 
be  safer for her to stay at Jen’s.”

“You’re right.  Hopefully he won’t be able to find us, but at lest if he 
does we have a plan of action.  Thanks Mac.”

“Hey, I’m going to push off.  Holler if you need me, okay?  She’s a great 
kid and I always wanted a little sister.” Jen smiled as they all stood up.

Harm crossed his arms and looked down at Jen.  He thought back to how he had 
taken her in with Mac’s help and helped her to get her life on track.  Jen 
was definitely a part of their family now.

“Are you telling me I’m old enough to be your father?” Harm grinned.

“Well, sir, I guess you probably are - technically at least...but I guess I 
look at you more as a favorite big brother or uncle.”

Mac laughed, “Tactfully put Jen...nice job.”

“Call if you need me,” Jen told them again before she left.

Harm reached for Mac and pulled her into his arms.  After a few minutes of 
just holding on to each other, they stepped apart, except for their hands.

“I don’t want her to hurt Mac.  I don’t like to see any kid without her 
father, but he abandoned her.”

“I know...he’s even word then my father.  He was a drunk, but at least he 
tried to make a home for me.  This guy took off and was gone for how many 
months before he showed his face?”

“It’s been about eight months now.”

“Harm, I can’t see the court willingly giving him custody...but they may 
grant visitations.” Mac cautioned him.

“I know...Mac, I know this is going to sound crazy - especially coming from 
me giving my history, but I love Mattie as much as I would if she was my 
daughter.  I guess it’s because I imagine you being so much like her at that 
age.”

“You’re not crazy Harm... she is a lot like I was at that age.  I want her 
to have the kind of life that I kept hoping for.  And you know what? She’s 
pretty easy to get attached to so I can understand you feeling the way you 
do...and I’m pleased you can say it so easily.  She’s got some tough days 
ahead of her and she’s going to need both of us to be there for her without 
smothering her.  She’ll come to us when she wants to be with us.” Mac 
stepped into Harm’s arms again and they just held each other again, lost in 
their thoughts.

Mattie watched them for a few minutes before she cleared her throat.  Harm 
and Mac separated slightly and turned toward her when they heard the sound.  
Harm followed Mac’s lead when she held out her arm to Mattie.  Mattie held 
out her arms and stepped toward them.  The three of them hugged each other 
and just held out for several minutes.

Together they moved to the couch and sat down, Mattie between Harm and Mac.

“I don’t want to see him yet...maybe in a few days.  I would talk to him on 
the phone maybe...if you guys can be there with me.”

“You want to talk to him on speaker phone so he knows we can hear what he 
says too?” Harm asked.

“Yeah.” Mattie dropped her head on to Harm’s shoulder. “I don’t think I 
thanked you for giving me a home and a family.”

“Glad to have you with us.” Mac said.

“Can I ask you guys something personal?” Mattie asked.

Mac and Harm exchanged looks over the top of her head.  “What is it Mattie?” 
asked Mac.  “We hope you’ll be comfortable to talk to one or the other of us 
about anything.”

“Well, you to seem closer.  Are you?”

“Yes, Mattie.  I finally was able to tell Mac things I’ve wanted to say to 
her for a long time.”

“If I’m going to be in the way...”

“Don’t even think about going there,” Mac stated.

“That’s right Mattie.  Mac and I are growing closer but we both want you to 
be with us.  We promised each other years ago that someday we’d share a kid 
together...I guess you are that kid,” Harm told her grinning.

“You’re kidding right?  Mac, tell me he’s kidding.”

“Yes and no, Mattie.  We have talked about having a family together someday, 
and right now we both think of you as our family.  You will always have us 
no matter what, okay?”

“Thanks.  Jen has a lot of energy, but she’s so cool.”

“Had a good time?” Harm asked.

“Yeah...I’m pretty tired.  I think I’m going to bed.  Besides, you guys look 
like you want some privacy.” Mattie grinned as she got up off the couch.  
She reached down to hug Mac and then hugged Harm.  “Night.”

“Night, Mattie,” they both said.  They watched her go into her bedroom and 
shut the door.

Mac slid over closer to Harm.  “I’d love to curl into bed beside you to 
night and hold you and sleep next to you all night long and then make wild 
passionate love at daybreak again, but I think I need to stay here and you 
need to go home tonight.”

“I know.  Mac?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

“I love you too Harm.”

“Shall I tuck you into bed?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.  I don’t have much will power left where 
you are concerned.” Mac smiled and then stood up and pulled him to his feet. 
“Come on Sailor...I’m sending you home tonight.”

“Yes, Ma’am.  Call me if you need me, okay?”

“I will.  Kiss me goodnight and go home, Harm.”

Harm obliged after three kisses between the couch and the door.  Once the 
door was open, he kissed her once more and when he lingered, Mac pulled away 
and shut the door.  Leaning up against it she heard him return to his own 
place.  This was not going to be easy.

Harm leaned against his own door after he entered his apartment and locked 
the door.  He didn’t like leaving Mac after only one night together.  A big 
smile spread across his face as he thought of a solution to their dilemma.  
He decided that now he had a goal in mind it was time to lay out a plan and 
go after it.

Whistling he set to cleaning his apartment and making plans.  That night, 
despite the unsettling call from Mattie’s father, Harmon Rabb slept well, a 
smile on his face.


December 10, 2003
1830 EST
Local Mall

Harm walked determinedly through the mall toward like a man on a mission.  
He didn’t mind shopping when he knew what he was after and where to go to 
look.  He had decided almost two weeks ago that it was time to cement the 
family life he had developed with Mac and Mattie.  They had spent evenings 
together in one apartment or the other.  Mattie would do homework while they 
worked on cases after they prepared and ate dinner together.

They had called Mattie’s father on the speaker phone and Mattie quietly 
listened to what he had to say.  He had begged for her forgiveness and 
another chance to be her father.  It didn’t take long before they realized 
he was drunk. Mattie had reached over and disconnected the call.  Mac and 
Harm had hugged her in their group hug they had started that first night in 
the new apartment.

The next day, Mac thought that they should call Chloe on the speaker phone 
in Harm’s apartment so they could include her in their family. At first 
there were some awkward moments, but before long, they were all laughing and 
joking and making plans together for the holidays.  Chloe had begged and 
pleaded with her grandmother to be allowed to spend her entire vacation with 
her Washington D.C. family.  She didn’t know that Mac had already asked her 
grandmother if she would mind, this one time.  Martha Anderson had consented 
as Chloe’s father was deployed and would not be home this year.  She knew 
that it meant a lot to both of them to spend time together and they had not 
gotten together much this past year or two.  So, Chloe was going to arrive 
on Tuesday night, December 23 and would go home on January 4.

Harm had been listening and thinking about what he would get ‘his girls’ for 
Christmas.  He had heard Chloe telling them about the locket her friend at 
school had gotten for her birthday from her grandparents.  It was shaped 
like a heart and had her birth-stone in the center.  The heart opened and 
their was a place for two pictures.  Mac and Mattie had both commented what 
a wonderful family symbol that was.  All three girls had longed for families 
of their own, and Harm was determined that there family feel real.  So here 
he was on a mission in the mall to find lockets.  He had their birth months 
so he could get the stones right.  He found the jewelers that he had in 
mind.

As he walked in, he glanced at the rings in the cases he passed.  He reached 
in his pocket and felt the small case he had brought with him.  He was 
bringing a family heirloom to be cleaned and polished.  It was his 
grandmother’s engagement ring, which she had given to his father to give to 
his mother when they were engaged.  Sometime ago his mother had given it to 
him for when he was ready to make that step.  He liked the ring, and thought 
maybe Mac would like it, but thought he’d see if there was something else 
she would prefer.

The woman behind the counter approached and asked Harm how she could help.

“Do you carry the necklaces they call heirloom lockets? They are heart 
shaped with birth stones in them,” he explained.

“Yes we do.  Do you want silver, gold or platinum?”

“Gold, please.”

She reached under the counter and pulled out a tray with several lockets 
displayed.  They were all similar and yet different.  He picked up one that 
had an engraved scroll around the place where the stone would go.  Another 
was plain and very shiny.  Still another had a texture to the finish.  This 
was going to be a little more difficult then he had thought.  At first he 
was going to get them all alike, then he decided that they were each unique 
and needed something to represent those differences.

“We can personalize them with engravings and designs of your choice as well. 
  These are only samples.”

“Harm picked up a plain one with a satin finish and said, “I’d like three of 
these...one with an Emerald birth stone and a horse engraved on it.  Then 
I’d like one with an amethyst and an airplane on it.  The third will have a 
ruby and can you put the letters H and S on it hooked together some how?”

“Sure.  Here are some drawings that we have.  Look them over and tell me 
which ones you prefer.”  Harm looked through them.  It was easy to find the 
horse and the airplane.  The letter combinations were more difficult to pick 
from.  He finally found an R and an M that he liked.

“Tell me, would it be inappropriate for me to my girlfriend’s initial from 
her last name and my last name together...or is it better to stick with 
first names?”

“Are you thinking of getting married eventually?”

“Yes...”

“Do you think she would keep her last name of take yours?”

“I don’t know...I wouldn’t be surprised if she kept her name professionally 
at least.
“Then you should probably use first initials if you aren’t sure or go to a 
picture that represents something she values.”

“She has always wanted a family, and it is something I have promised her I 
would make happen.”

“What about the joined hands surrounding her stone?”

Harm looked at the sketch she showed him.  It didn’t sound that great, but 
when he saw the picture he knew that it was perfect.  It reminded him of 
their group hugs.

He left the lockets to be prepared and the ring to be cleaned.  They would 
be ready next week.  He felt great about his choices and left the jewelers 
headed for the toy store.

The woman in the jewelry store watched the tall good looking man leave and 
thought that there was a pretty lucky lady out there somewhere.

Once in the toy store he selected gifts for little AJ and baby Jimmy.  From 
there he moved on and looked for gifts for Sturgis, Bud, Harriet, Jen, the 
Admiral and his mother, Frank and his grandmother.  He found a book for 
Sturgis, and a picture frame for Jen.  He settled on a book for the Admiral 
as well.  At the last minute he chose a frame for his mother and Frank and 
another one for his grandmother.

He arrived home to an empty apartment with his purchases.  He had decided to 
ask Mac for help finding a gift for Bud and Harriet.  For everyone else he 
felt he had something special and meaningful.

He put the bags in his table and went to the bedroom to change out of his 
uniform.  Once dressed in his comfortable sweats and an old t-shirt he 
opened the refrigerator to look for some leftovers.  He laughed as he 
realized that since Mac, Mattie and he had started sharing meals together he 
had very few leftovers now.  He heard a knock and then his door opened.

“Harm?”

“I’m here Mac.  Come in.”

“I brought you some supper.”

“Thanks...” he took the plate she offered him and set it on the island as he 
pulled her into his arms.  “I’ve missed you.” He lowered his head and kissed 
her.  He felt his body react immediately and when she pressed closer to him 
he knew she felt it too.

“Harm, when are we going to have time together again?”

“Where’s Mattie?”

“Next door doing her homework.  Think she’d miss us if we locked your door 
for awhile and had some alone time?” Mac asked as she slid her arms around 
his waist and down over his firm six.

“Maybe we should wait until she goes to bed...”

“You eat...you may need your strength tonight...and I’ll go tell Mattie that 
we are going to wrap presents and to call if she needs us.”

“You are a genius!”

Mac kissed him again and rub herself against him for good measure.

Mac was gone for about twenty minutes, and when she returned she was 
smiling.

“I helped Mattie finish her homework.  She’s watching a show on TV and when 
that’s over she’s going to bed.  She said to tell you goodnight and she’d 
see you tomorrow.”

“Think she knows?”

“She probably wonders but I don’t think it bothers her.”

“Mac, I’ve missed you.  Our goodnight kisses have left me very unsatisfied 
and wanting so much more.”

“I know, Harm...but tonight we can satisfy each other even if I can’t spend 
the night.”  Sliding her hands under his t-shirt she lifted it up and he 
helped her pull it off.  She ran her hands over his chest and played with 
his nipples, letting her fingers tangle in the light coating of hair.  She 
smoothed her hands over his firm abdominal muscles and rested them at his 
waist as he leaned in to kiss her and hold her against him.  She felt his 
arousal growing between them and slipped her hands under the waist band of 
his sweat pants to play with his navel.  She heard him gasp and moved her 
hands lower to caress him.

Harm groaned her name against her mouth and delved his tongue inside to 
taste her.  Their kisses got hotter and more intense while both of them 
allowed their hands to roam the others body.  Harm’s hands caressed her 
breasts and slipped underneath her top lifting it over her head.  His 
actions forced her to remove her hands from their intimate exploration of 
him.  Once her top was removed, she felt the warmth of his hand on her 
breasts as he lifted them and bent to kiss each one.  She was breathless 
with her desire for this man.  Her hands returned to his waist and started 
sliding his sweat pants down his hips.

“Mac...let’s take this to the bedroom.”

Mac nodded and led the way, their fingers entwined.  Harm scooped up their 
shirts and dropped them on his bureau.  They removed the rest of their 
clothing and reached hungrily for each other.  The touched, tasted, and 
tantalized to their hearts and bodies delight.   It was after midnight, when 
they lay together sated from their love-making, and Mac started to get up to 
go home.

“I wish you didn’t have to go...”

“I know, but we can’t take a chance on losing our chance to give Mattie a 
home.”

“I love you Sarah Mackenzie... I love our family of orphans we’ve found...I 
love what you do to me and how you make me feel powerless and out of control 
one second and powerful and in total control the next.  You are amazing.”

Together they got up and threw on some clothes so that Mac could go back to 
her apartment.  Harm walked her over despite her insistence that he stay in 
bed.  After a lingering kiss at her door they parted, each returning to 
their own lonely bed.  Harm put his head on the pillow she had used and 
inhaled her scent.


December 15, 2003
0940 EST
North of Union Station

Mac and Harm had discussed how they were going to present themselves in 
court today.  They decided that Harm would wear his uniform and Mac would 
wear civilian clothes.  Mattie chose to wear her new yellow sweater and 
brown pants.  Mac wore a soft gray skirt and jacket with a pale pink 
sweater.  They had met at Harm’s apartment and were almost ready to go.

“Mattie, no matter what the judge decides today, we want you to know that 
you will always be a part of our family.  We love you as much as if you were 
a daughter.”

“I know...and no matter what, I will always love you for giving me this time 
with you.”

Together they headed for Harm’s SUV and the fate the judge would decree.  
When they arrived at the courthouse, they found Jennifer Coates along with 
Bud and Harriet Roberts.

“Hey guys, thanks for being here.” Harm greeted everyone for all of them.

“Sir, with all you have done for us, it’s the least we can do for you,” 
answer Petty officer Coates.

“Where are the kids Harriet?”  Mac asked.  She knew it was rare that Harriet 
left the children with a sitter.

“Actually Mikey is watching them.” Bud answered.

“We really need to go on in,” Harm instructed them.  “I think they will have 
you wait outside in the hall until you are called to testify,” he explained.

“Mac, you and Harm will be inside with me right?” Mattie asked.

“Yes, Mattie.  We’ll be right with you.” Harm reassured the teenager, who 
looked more like a little girl at the moment then a young woman.

“Sir, are you acting as counsel for yourselves and Mattie?” Bud asked.

“Actually Child Protective Services provided a lawyer, Jim Smith, for Mattie 
and he and I have talked several times.  He’s a decent guy, just learning 
the ropes, but we’ve been happy with the way he’s working with us.  I am 
counsel for Mac and myself.”

“If you need any help, sir, just let me know.”

“Thanks Bud.”

James Smith was asked to make an opening statement.
“We are here today on behalf of my client, Mathilda Grace Johnson, Mattie.  
Mattie is fourteen years old, and eight months ago lost her mother in a car 
accident caused by Warren Johnson when he lost control of their car while 
driving under the influence of alcohol.  Mr. Johnson, her father, did not 
focus his attention on his daughter, but he left the scene of the accident 
and continued to drink and drive.  More importantly, he left his fourteen 
year old daughter alone to fend for herself.  Mattie inherited Grace 
Aviation and a house from her mother.  She left school to run this business 
and take care of herself, until this man, Harmon Rabb Junior, Commander in 
the United States Navy, discovered that instead of helping her father out 
with his business, that she was in fact running the business.  He 
immediately applied to become her guardian and was granted power of attorney 
in her interest.  He made sure that there were people to keep an eye on her 
and he helped her to become established with Ms. Sarah Mackenzie, an 
approved foster parent and an experienced member of the Big Sister Program.  
Ms. Mackenzie is also a lawyer and a Lt. Colonel in the United States Marine 
Corps, stationed at the Judge Advocate Generals office in Maclean, Virginia. 
  She was granted temporary custody of Miss Johnson until this hearing was 
held.  We would like to move that Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie be 
granted permanent joint custody of Mathilda Johnson.”

Mr. Smith took his seat and glanced at Harm, who gave him an encouraging 
smile.

“Mrs. West, do you have any objections to this petition?” asked the judge.

“No sir, I don’t.  I have found both Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Rabb 
excellent role models for this young woman.  They have made decisions in her 
best interest already and I find that she is happy and secure with them.”

“Has her father been found as yet?” queried the judge.

“Yes, sir, he has called Mr. Rabb demanding to take Mattie back.  Mr. Rabb 
did not release her to his custody and in fact agreed to set up a 
visitation.  Mattie refused to see him, but Mr. Rabb arranged for them to 
talk by phone.”

“I see.  Is Mr. Johnson here in this courtroom?”

Mrs. West looked around.  “No sir.  He was informed of the pending court 
case, told he would need to appear to state his case if he was to retain 
custody and offered a ride and legal counsel.”

“And did he accept what was offered to him?”

“No your Honor, he did not.”

“Mrs. West, the reports you have submitted appear thorough including your 
interviews with potential witnesses.”

“Yes your honor.  I have the witnesses available if you would like to speak 
with any of them.”

“Thank you Mrs. West, but I do not think that will be necessary.  I am 
satisfied with the reports you have submitted.  Is there anyone in this 
court that feels Mr. Rabb and Ms. Mackenzie should not be granted permanent 
custody?”  The judge paused and everyone held their breath.  The court room 
doors opened to admit a clerk that approached the judge with a note.  
Murmurs were heard around the court room while the judge read the message.  
Finally he turned his attention back to the court room. “Now then, I was 
about to announce my decision wasn’t I?”

Heads nodded.  Mac, Mattie and Harm held hands and waited.  
“Congratulations, Mattie, you have a new family.”

Mattie’s face beamed as she looked back and forth from Mac to Harm.  She 
turned her attention back to the judge as he continued.

“If you chose to change you name, you must wait at least six months.  At 
that time, this adoption becomes final.  It is unusual for an unmarried 
couple to apply to adopt a child, yet the petition as Commander Rabb 
presented it to this court indicated that while physical custody would be 
with Ms. Mackenzie he would be her legal advisor and would be an active 
participant in her life, providing the guidance expected of a father.  It 
was also brought to my attention that it is possible that the two of you 
might marry some day.  For that reason, I feel that joint custody is 
appropriate.  Court’s adjourned.”  The gavel came down and the court room 
erupted in congratulations, hugs and handshakes.  The door opened and Jen, 
Bud and Harriet entered.

“What happened?  Is it all over?”  asked a bewildered Harriet.

“She’s ours!” beamed a radiant Mac.

“The judge was satisfied with Mrs. West’s reports and didn’t feel it 
necessary to provide further testimony on our behalf.” Harm explained as he 
shook Jim Smith’s hand.  “Thank you Jim, for everything.”

“Good luck to all of you.” Jim answered as he picked up his things and 
hurried away to prepare for his next case.

“Harm did you have any idea that the judge was going to grant joint custody 
like this?” asked Mac.

Mattie was still holding both of them by the hands as they talked about this 
astounding turn of events.  Her fears of her father trying to stop the 
custody hearing had been for nothing.    Mattie had a permanent home with 
these two special people that a allowed her to be herself yet guided her and 
loved her without question.

“Not a hint of a clue.  I thought it was going to be a battle all the way.” 
Harm firmly stated.  “Look why don’t we go out for lunch to celebrate?”

“Actually sir,” Harriet spoke up, “we have a surprise waiting back at our 
house.”

“Alright, Harriet, your house it is...would you mind if I stop by our place 
so I can change out of this uniform first?”

“No sir... we’ll see you at the house when you get there.”

1230 EST
Robert’s Residence

Harm, dressed in brown casual slacks and a darker brown sweater with his 
leather jacket, held Mac’s hand as Mattie led the way to the Robert’s house. 
  Inside many of their friends had gathered to join them in celebrating the 
official establishment of this family.

The three of them stayed together as they greeted their host and hostess 
again, thanking them again for their support.  Admiral AJ Chegwidden was 
there is civilian clothes to celebrate with them.  He looked at Mac, and 
asked, “Are you really sure you want to take on both of them?”

Mac smiled and nodded.  “Yes, sir, without either of them my life wouldn’t 
be complete.”

“And you Harm, are you sure you are ready to be responsible for not just a 
kid, but a kid that acts an awful lot like you from what I can gather?” AJ 
asked.

Mac spoke up, “Harm has changed a great deal Admiral.  He’s more open and 
more settled...Keeter calls it domesticated.”

“Did I hear my name?” a voice boomed in the background.

“Keeter!  How’s the aviation business going?” asked Harm.

“It’s ready for its new owner/manager.”

“Harm?  What’s happening with the business?” asked Mattie who really hadn’t 
thought a lot about it recently.

“Remember when we talked about Keeter keeping it going until a more 
permanent set up could be put in place, to free you up to go to school and 
be a kid?” Harm calmly explained to Mattie.

“Yeah...”

“Well, my half brother, Sergei and his wife Galina agreed to run Grace 
Aviation.  The business has been set up as a corporation.  You hold the 
majority of stocks and shares in the business, but in order to pay off the 
outstanding mortgage Warren Johnson had taken out on the business, we needed 
to get some investors interested.  Sergei and Keeter both invested some 
money in the business.  Sergei has been working with Keeter for the last 
week and a half learning the ropes because Keeter has to report for duty 
Wednesday.  When you finish school, you will be able to take the business 
back, if that is what you want to do.  In the meantime, Sergei and Keeter 
will keep it going for you.”

Mattie thought for a minute and then reached up to hug Harm around the neck 
as she whispered, “Have I thanked you for doing all this for me?”

“No need, Mattie.  Seeing how happy you are with us and watching Mac smile 
when the judge said you were ours, is all the thanks I need.”

“You are a good man, Harmon Rabb...Maybe I should start calling you ’Pop’!” 
Mattie laughed at the look on his face.  “What’s the matter, make you feel 
old?”

“Actually it makes me feel proud.  I was just surprised when you said 
it...and if that’s what you want to call me, I don’t care.” Harm grinned.

Mac, put her arm around his waist and said, “Harm, look who else is here.”

Harm looked up to see Sergei and Galina coming toward them.

“How did you guys pull this off?” asked Harm.

“Brother, it is good to see you.” The two men embraced briefly.   “You 
remember Galina?” Sergei asked.

“Yes.  How are you Galina?”

“I am fine.  Sergei seems so happy with this business.”

“Mac, this is Sergei’s wife, Galina...Galina, this is, my...” Harm paused 
and looked at Mac for a second before making up his mind. “...my girlfriend, 
Sarah Mackenzie.”

Mac glanced at Harm and smiled, “Nice to meet you Galina.  Please call me 
Mac.”

“Mac?”

“Yes, it’s short for my family name, Mackenzie...”

“And I’d also like you to meet our daughter, Mattie, the real owner of Grace 
Aviation.” Harm continued.

“Daughter?” asked Sergei puzzled.

“Long story.  I’ll explain it some other time.” Harm assured them.

The afternoon was spent celebrating and eating; laughing and talking; 
enjoying time spent with family and friends.  The group began to break up 
around 1530.  As the Admiral was leaving he asked, “Do you suppose we can 
get down to JAG business again tomorrow?”

“Yes, sir.  Thank you sir for being here with us today and letting us have 
the time off.” Harm began.

Mac joined her voice to his. “We know this is unusual to say the least, two 
single people sharing custody of a teenager, but we are a family admiral and 
the fact that you have allowed us family leave time for this purpose, well 
it means a lot sir.”

“Glad to be able to help Colonel.  Mattie, I expect you to mind your 
manners, but you keep up that sense of responsibility and independence and 
know one would ever know you weren’t there biological child!” the admiral 
walked away chuckling to himself.

“Yes, sir,” Mattie grinned from her position between Mac and Harm.

“Well, family, don’t you think we ought to head home and let Chloe know how 
things turned out today,” Harm asked.

Mattie and Mac agreed and they said their goodbyes to those remaining and 
headed home after making arrangements to get together with Sergei and Galina 
over the holidays.


December 17, 2003
1845 EST
Local Mall

Harm, Mac and Mattie had all wanted to hit the mall and they decided to go 
when they had all ended up at home before 1730.  Uniforms were stashed, 
jeans, sweaters and sneakers donned and they all piled into the SUV and 
headed for the mall.  They had decided to meet up at 1900 for pizza and then 
decide how much more time they needed for tonight’s trip.

Mac and Mattie had gone off together at first.  Mattie wanted to get Chloe a 
sweater like hers and she wanted Mac to help her select size and color.  
Mattie  settled on a burnt orange cowl neck sweater.   Mac bought her a 
short skirt in dark brown that would make a great outfit for her.

Once they had that done, they discussed who was getting what for Harm. He 
had given them a list of things he wanted or things he liked at their 
insistence.  He had put two or three books on his list, describe some 
sweaters and shirts that he had his eye on, and listed some CD’s he was 
hoping to add to his collection.  He had broken a guitar string the other 
night playing Christmas carols for them to sing a long with and he mentioned 
that he needed to replenish his supply.  When Mattie had asked him about one 
song he said he knew the one she meant, but didn’t have any music for it and 
it would take him awhile to figure it out by ear.  She had decided to get 
him a book with guitar chords in it and the words to songs.  The one she 
selected had current tunes and contained the song she had been looking for.  
Mac was sure Harm would enjoy it.

Together Mattie and Mac had gone into the men’s clothing store that they 
knew Harm counted on as they carried longer length clothing and athletic 
cut.  Mac found a soft deep purple sweater that she knew he would like and 
it would look great with his grey slacks or jeans.  Mattie laughed as she 
had found a dark purple sweater in the other store and she knew she would go 
back after she parted from Mac to get that for her.  They would look 
adorable in matching outfits.

Mattie decided to get Harm one of the shirts on his list.  She settled on a 
dark silver grey silk shirt with a matching tie.  As they started out of the 
shop, Mac spotted some silk boxers with Christmas decorations on them and 
others that were plain.  She couldn’t resist and bought two pair - one white 
with mistle toe springs tied with red bows scattered on them and the other 
were navy blue (she figured he’d like that).  He had commented on her silk 
lingerie one night and asked her if it was something she had worn under her 
uniform.   She had answered that she usually wore Marine issue underclothes 
in uniform and saved her sexy lingerie for civilian clothes.  He said he 
didn’t think he’d like wearing silk boxer as it would keep him a constant 
state of arousal.   Mac couldn’t wait to see his face when he opened that 
gift.  Mattie blushed when she saw what Mac was buying Harm.

While the girls were shopping at one end of the mall, Harm was at the other 
end of the mall picking up the jewelry.  He checked over the pendents and 
found them to his liking.  They wrapped the boxes for him.  He then checked 
over the ring and found the warm gold band with the inlaid diamond flanked 
by small sapphire and ruby gems to be polished to look brand new.  The ring 
was very old.  It had been wore by his grandmother for about four years and 
his mother a total of seven years.  The band had been repaired and the ruby 
was replaced once while his mother had worn it.  He thought Mac would like 
it because it was patriotic, it belonged to his family and it was 
practical...and maybe because it symbolized his commitment to her.   Once in 
his possession he put it in his pocket to wait for the right moment.

Harm then went to another of his favorite stores for finding gifts and 
picked out the perfect gift for Bud and Harriet.  He selected a family 
heirloom looking picture frame designed to create a collage of pictures.  
Harm had managed to collect photos from a variety of people at recent 
gatherings.  He had several  reprinted in various sizes for some of the 
photo frame gifts her had decided on.

He had also enlisted Jen’s help getting some recent photos of Mac, Mattie 
and Harm together.   No one thought anything of Jen taking pictures or 
getting them into poses because she sometimes was asked to do it as part of 
her job as well.

At 1900 Harm entered the pizza shop just as Mac and Mattie were taking their 
first bite.

“Late as usual Harm...so you get to pay the bill.”

“I was going to anyway, dear.”  Harm leaned into to kiss her as he slid onto 
the seat beside her.

“I don’t need to ask how your shopping is going.  Look at the bags!”  Harm 
saw that the entire bench next to Mattie was filled with their shopping 
bags.


“How are you doing?” Mac and Mattie wanted to know.

“I think I’m about done.  You ready to go after we eat?” Harm asked.

Mattie and Mac informed him that they had more to do.  IT was decided that 
Mattie was going to go on her own for a little while and then meet them near 
the door closest to the car.  She assured them she would not leave the mall 
without them.

Harm and Mac were going to shop together.  Harm said, “I guess that means 
I’m going to be the pack mule.”

“You don’t have to...I can carry my shopping bags.  I’m not a 90 pound 
weakling, you know.”

“I’ve noticed...you have nicely defined muscles Colonel,” Harm said as he 
waggled his eyebrows at her.

They finished off the pizza and resumed their shopping, planning to meet at 
the benches near the door at 2200.

Harm offered to carry most of Mac’s bags so she would have one hand free, 
which he tried to hold onto while they walked.  Mac, would hold it for a 
while then drop his hand to dash off to look at something she had spotted.  
Harm shook his head and waited for her to come back and slip her hand back 
in his.  The time passed quickly and soon it was time for them to call it a 
night.

As they walked to the car, Harm started humming Christmas carols and bumping 
first Mac and then Mattie.  She had never seen Harm as happy and as relaxed 
as he was tonight.  It had been a slow transformation but he was more 
relaxed and she had to admit that their family life was agreeing with him.

Once in the SUV, Harm started singing along with the carols on the radio and 
urging them to join in.  His laughter and joy was infectious and before long 
they were all singing.

Once back at the lofts, they took packages into ‘the girls’ apartment’ and 
deposited their things.

“Harm, when are you going to start renovating this place?” asked Mattie?

“Actually I had hoped to get a major project under way tomorrow.”

“Really?”

“Oh, I hadn’t heard anything about the plan...or don’t my ideas matter?” 
asked Mac with a little edge to her voice.

“Well, I thought I would work on moving the closet for the bedroom on my 
side and get the french doors operating that are between the two places like 
we had discussed.  If that’s a problem, Mac, I’m sorry.” Harm was a little 
upset that Mac seemed miffed about his plans. “Or if its because I decided 
to take some time off, before the holidays, then I’m sorry about that too.  
I knew the admiral had announced that he was not going to let everyone have 
the entire holiday season off as there is too much going on with the limited 
staff we have.  I thought that if I took off a couple of days now, then you 
might be able to take more time off when Chloe was here because I could pull 
more your duty for you.”

Mac heard the hurt in Harm’s voice, as did Mattie. “Harm, I’m sorry...its 
fine...actually it’s a very nice and thoughtful plan... and a surprise,” Mac 
spoke softly approaching Harm and putting her hand on his arm.

“Yeah...I’m sorry if I spoiled your surprise for us,” added Mattie.

“Come here...group hug.” Harm opened his arms to both of them and they 
stepped within the shelter of his arms. “I will try to do better letting you 
in on my plans, Mac and you did not ruin a surprise...at least not a planned 
one, Mattie.” Harm hugged them both to him and place a kiss on top of both 
heads.

Mattie excused herself to go to bed.  Harm gathered his things and prepared 
to go to his place.  Mac walked Harm to the door and kissed his cheek as he 
opened the door.

“That all for tonight, Mac...” Harm grinned referring to the chaste kiss she 
had given him.

“Pretty much I guess.”

Harm set down his bags and reached out to take Mac in his arms. “Are we 
okay, Mac?”

Mac smiled up at him and nodded.  “Of course...just chalk my mood swings up 
to being a woman thing, I guess.”

Harm hugged her close and asked, “Can I give you a proper goodnight kiss?”

Mac smiled, “I’m not sure your kisses and the term proper belong in the same 
sentence, but if you mean a real goodnight kiss then most definitely.”

Harm relaxed and took her in his arms and kissed her lips, her eyes, her 
neck and her ears.  He held her close and before setting his mouth to hers 
to deliver a kiss that made her toes curl in her shoes.  When he relaxed his 
hold on her, she remained standing out of sheer military training.  With one 
more kiss on her nose he let go of her, picked up his bags and shut the door 
behind him.

Once in his own apartment he took out the gifts and put them away in his 
bureau.  The ring, he looked at and thought about how and where he would 
give it to her.  He fell asleep that night with a plan in mind.

December 20, 2003
Blacksburg, Virginia
Grace Home

Mattie was the first one to bound out of the car to get a better look at her 
home.  Mac and Harm got out more slowly and followed her up the steps.  
Sergei and Galina were staying here while he ran Grace Aviation for Mattie.  
Sergei had called while Harm had been working on the renovations on Thursday 
and invited them to come out for dinner with them and to celebrate an early 
Christmas.  At the same time they could check on the business and if the 
weather was good, Harm had promised Mattie another flying lesson.

Mac had agreed to the plan when he had told her about the invitation.  They 
had packed up their gifts for Sergei and Galina, wrapped them and brought 
them out so they could put them under their tree.

Galina opened the door before they could knock.  She wore jeans and a 
turtleneck under her apron.  Her Russian accent was thick but she did well 
speaking English.  Mac however knew that they would appreciate hearing and 
using their native tongue and so she greeted them in Russian for all of 
them.  Harm had learned enough so he knew most of what she said.  He was 
proud of her for thinking of those little things that mean so much to 
people.

Harm and Sergei took the gifts in and put them under the tree.  “Sergei, you 
have a beautiful tree.”

“Thank you my brother.  My wife has the decorators touch.  She is able to 
make many things beautiful with her touch.  You seem much happier these 
days, Brother. Is this because you and Mac are together?”

“Mac and Mattie have given me the family I guess I’ve always wanted.  They 
are teaching me what it means to be a family man...and yes, I am happy.” 
Harm assured his brother.

“Are you going to marry Mac?” asked Sergei.

“Perhaps...we have talked about getting married at some point, but it will 
effect the way things are at JAG.  Neither one of us want to leave right now 
and there are regulations about couples serving in the same chain of 
command.  I’m sure we can work it out when its time.”

“Don’t wait too long to marry and have your own babies, Brother...you are 
getting any younger, you know.”

Harm gave his brother a raised eye-brow look and then laughed as he slapped 
him on the back.  “Don’t worry, Sergei, I have a plan...and I won’t say 
anymore right now.”

Same time
Kitchen

Mattie asked permission to go to the attic to see if she could find some of 
her Christmas decorations.  Galina assured her she should do what ever she 
wanted as it was still her home.  Mattie thanked her and went to the attic 
to rummage around.

Mac spoke in Russian to Galina, “Is there anything I can do to help you 
prepare dinner?”

“No...I have control,” Galina answered in English.  “I appreciate you trying 
to make it easier for me by speaking Russian, but I need to speak English 
all the time.  Tell me when I say wrong things, okay?”

“Okay, Galina...you are doing very well with your English.  I’d be glad to 
help however I can.”

“Are you and Harm getting married?” Galina asked.

“He has referred to marriage as something in the future, but it took him 
eight years to admit he was attracted to me, so even though he has said he 
loves me, I am sure it will be a few years before he can get his the words, 
‘Marry me’ out of his mouth.”

“And you are okay with this?” Galina asked.

“I accept this because I love him.” Mac explained.

“Do you not want babies?” asked Galina.

“Very much and if it is meant to be it will happen.  What about you and 
Sergei?”

Galina smiled and ran her hands over her apron to show Mac her barely 
visible belly.

“Are you...?” Mac asked.

“Yes...but I haven’t told Sergei yet...it will be one of his Christmas 
presents.  He thinks that I have just put on a few pounds now that I’m not a 
flight attendant and living here where we have plenty of good food.”

Mac knew that Harm would be very excited to learn he was going to be an 
uncle.


2230 EST
North of Union Station

Harm pulled the SUV into the garage after they had unloaded it.  Mac and 
Mattie had gone on up while he parked and secured things for the night.  
They had a great day with Sergei and Galina.  His first impression of his 
sister in law had been  that she was a bit of a dits.  She had turned out to 
be a hard working woman that was willing to do whatever necessary to make 
the business work and to make Sergei happy.  Mattie had gone into her old 
bedroom and looked at all her things.  Galina had seen the look and spoke to 
Sergei in Russian, forgetting that Mac could understand them.  They had 
decided to bring Mattie’s bedroom furniture to her in the truck on Sunday.

Harm joined Mac and Mattie upstairs.  The renovation project had moved 
forward much faster then he had anticipated.

Flashback to December 18:
The first day he had successfully moved his closet wall and because of the 
modular system he had been able to take it down and put it back up with very 
few problems.  Once he had constructed the frame for it, which included a 
bedroom door, it was easy to reinstall the units.  He wanted to discuss the 
wall on the back side with Mac so he had waited to finish it off, hanging a 
couple of sheets on the back as a curtain.

He had then removed the sheet-rock wall that hid the double doorway between 
the two places.  He exposed the opening and removed the frame work.  Then he 
went up to the attic and found the doors in the casing as he had removed it 
eight years ago when he had first moved in and started this project.  He 
brought it down along with the hardware so it was there when he was ready.  
Carefully he fitted the casing into the opening and attached it.  Using 
lumber he had in his workroom downstairs he finished off the casement.  With 
the hardware reinstalled and the hinges balanced, Harm opened the double 
doors into Mac’s place and then closed it.  He had a mess to clean up and 
wanted it done before Mac got home.

She had been thrilled with the changes and the look.  Over dinner they had 
discussed ideas for the place and set priorities.  They had decided that 
they usually cooked in Harm’s kitchen and that became the focus for the next 
project.  The kitchen on the girl’s side was going to go.   After dinner 
they all went to work on it.

The refrigerator was cleaned out, unplugged and removed to the garage where 
it was set up as an extra.  The stove was electric and pulled out and placed 
in the attic.  The cupboards were emptied as well.  The sink was left in 
place for the night.  Counters were pulled off and Harm made them slow down 
and remove the cupboards carefully so they could be saved and used later if 
they wanted them.  The apartment had been a mess when they went to bed, but 
the kitchen had been ready to become a bedroom.

Mac had also told Harm that she thought a sheet-rock wall made the most 
sense as they could tape, sand and paint it themselves.  He had tackled the 
kitchen/bedroom the next day, starting as soon as Mac and Mattie were off 
for the day.   He had turned the water off to remove the sink and cap the 
pipes and drain.  Because of the location, he had needed to build up the 
floor.  Chloe would need to step up into the bedroom, but overall he thought 
the effect would be nice.  He had been able to get the sheet-rock up and 
taped in the small bedroom before mid-afternoon when Mattie got home.  She 
had pitched into help.

They had been able to sand once before Mac got home and went to the store to 
pick up finishing materials for around the window and paint for the walls 
and trim work.  They also found a room size carpet that would fit nicely 
into the room and go with the colors that Mac had selected for Chloe.  With 
the carpet tied on the roof, they had headed home to try to get more done 
before Mac arrived only to get a message on the machine saying that she had 
been sent to do an investigation and would probably not be home before 
midnight and that she doubted her cell phone would be any use until she was 
on her way home.

At midnight that night, Mattie and Harm were standing back to examine their 
handy work when they heard Mac come in and gasp in amazement, “Wow! You two 
have been hard at it huh?”

Harm had put down the brush to give her a hug and kiss.  “Hungry, Babe?”

“No, but tired...I want to see the rest of your work though.”

Harm guided her with his hand in the small of her back.  She stepped up into 
the bedroom painted in a soft peach color with off white trim.  The 
variegated carpet in shades of beige, burnt orange and peach had fit as if 
it had been measured for the room.

“Harm its beautiful.  Chloe is going to love this.  Mattie, thank you for 
helping make this room a reality.” Mac rested her head against Harm’s 
shoulder as they turned to step down.

“Mac, why don’t you get changed and then come over to see the rest of the 
place.  I’ll fix you a nice cup of tea or hot chocolate?”

“Chocolate, please.  Okay...I’ll be just a minute.”

“I’ll see you guys in the morning.  I’m exhausted.” Mattie announced.

Harm had used the new doorway and had hot chocolate ready for Mac when she 
had joined him.  The new wall was the same grey-blue as the rest of the 
bedroom.  The bedroom door was in and painted white. Harm had closed the 
glass wall. He had already applied a frosting material to the glass to give 
him more privacy when they had first moved in and had applied a second coat 
with some blue paint mixed in.  The wall was almost opaque unless there was 
a bright light shining inside the bedroom.

“Harm this looks wonderful.  You do good work, Sailor.  Thank you...” Mac 
accepted the cup Harm handed her and took a sip. “Mmmmm.”

Harm stepped behind her as she sat on the stool at the island.  He began to 
lightly message her neck.  “Want to talk about it?” he offered.

“Not tonight...I just want to relax and forget about it. That feels so 
good.” Mac murmured as the gentle massage continued.

“Suppose Mattie was trying to give us some time alone with her exit 
tonight?” Harm asked.
“Yeah, she’s a great kid...I wish I had the energy so we could take 
advantage of it,” Mac whispered.

When Mac had finished her cocoa, Harm had led her to the bedroom where after 
undressing he had held her in his arms and they had slept.
End Flashback.

Tomorrow Mattie was getting her own furniture so she was giving up the 
beautiful bed they had gotten for her so that Chloe could have it in her new 
room.  She was dancing around in Harm’s living room when he got upstairs.

“Tomorrow morning we are going to move everything into Chloe’s room, right?” 
Mattie asked.

“I promise we’ll get right to it.” Harm smiled.

Mattie said goodnight again and when they were alone, Harm took Mac into his 
arms and pulled her onto the couch with him.  They talked about the day and 
then turned to plans for the next day.

“Harm you’ve gotten so much done on this place, but we haven’t done a thing 
about decorating for Christmas.  Do you have any ideas if, when, and how you 
think we should decorate?” Mac asked.

“As a matter of fact, I do...I thought we should wait until Chloe gets 
here,” responded Harm.

“Harm that’s really pushing it to try and get a tree up, get it decorated 
and everything else when we have plans for Christmas Eve already.”

“I thought that Monday night when she gets here we could go out together to 
pick out a tree.  We can put it up and the next night we can decorate. What 
do you think?” asked Harm.

“I like that plan...but Chloe isn’t coming until Tuesday.”

“Then I guess we need to rethink it.  Not really.  Mattie, you and I can 
pick out the tree and put it up just like you’d planned on Monday and then 
after we pick up Chloe we can come home and decorate.  What do you have for 
decorations?”

“I don’t know...odds and ends I guess.  We can go through them tomorrow.  
Mattie brought some with her tonight.  You have some?”

“Yeah, but if we had nothing, it would still be the best tree just because 
its ours.”

“You know, Mac, I think you and Chloe are going to need some time without 
Mattie and I around, so why don’t you pick her up and meet Mattie and I back 
here for dinner.  It won’t give you a lot of time, but I think it will be 
important to Chloe. What do you think?” Harm asked.

“I think that’s why I fell in love with you...you always think of others 
don’t you.  Thanks Harm, I think you’re right,” Mac kissed him.

They cuddled on the couch awhile longer before deciding to move to the 
bedroom.  As they settled in for the night, Harm asked, “Do you think of 
this as our bedroom or mine?”

“I guess I think of this bedroom as yours, but I think of this as one 
apartment now - ours.  Why?” Mac asked.

“Just curious I guess...I’m glad you think of it as our apartment.”

Harm thought of all the plans he had made to make this a special Christmas 
for everyone, and fell asleep with Mac in his arms and a smile on his face, 
not knowing, that Mac had some plans of her own to make it special for him.  
It was sure to be an interesting holiday.


Tuesday December 23
1635 EST
National Airport

Mac waited at the terminal for Chloe to arrive from Vermont.  It had started 
snowing lightly around noon time and Harm had insisted she take the SUV to 
the airport.  He drove her corvette home.  The plane had landed on time and 
passengers were starting to enter the terminal.  Being a kid Chloe was 
usually one of the first ones off the plane, but this time she wasn’t.  Mac 
was starting to worry when she spotted her ‘little sister’ with her carry on 
luggage coming toward her.

“Chloe!” Mac called and waved.

“Mac!” Chloe ran the rest of the way to her and said, “I was looking for 
Harm towering above the crowd.  I almost missed you.”

They exchanged hugs and Mac explained, “Harm is waiting at home with Mattie. 
  He thought you and I should have some time alone to reconnect before we 
join them.”

“Its really going to be different this time huh?”

“Not that different, Chloe.  You and I will still spend time together...but 
I hope that you and Mattie get a long.  We’ve got a lot of surprises for 
you!”

“I love surprises...let me see your hands.” Chloe turned then to take Mac’s 
hands in hers.  “No engagement ring, huh?”

“Chloe, don’t bug Harm about that.  He and I are together and happy and its 
more then I had dared to hope for...I had given up on there ever being an 
‘us’ but he didn’t.”

“I can’t wait to watch you two together...” Chloe giggled and they hugged 
again before going to the baggage pick-up.

“Chloe, how much stuff did you bring?” Mac asked when Chloe said there were 
two large suitcases on wheels.

“Well one has my clothes and one has the presents.  I wasn’t sure what to 
get Mattie, so I hope what I got is okay.”

“I’m sure it will be...do you need to do any shopping tomorrow?”

“I don’t have to shop, but I thought it might be fun if there is time...but 
are you working?”

“No work.  Tomorrow is our day, but we have plans tomorrow night...Bud and 
Harriet are having all of us over for dinner and then we will go to the 
services together at the chapel with Chaplain Turner...his son Sturgis works 
with Harm and I at JAG.  After the services I am sure Harm will drop us at 
home while he goes to the wall.  When he gets back we’ll have cookies and 
hot chocolate and each open a gift.,,just like we always talked about doing, 
remember.”

“How did you convince Harm?”

“He actually told Mattie and I that he thought that Christmas Eve we should 
have hot chocolate and each open a gift before we go to bed.”

“He thought of it?!” Chloe stopped in her tracks as they pulled the bags 
along on the way to the car.  “He really had changed hasn’t he?”

“Not really...he just has become more opened.  I think he’s always thought 
of things like that but thought he’d be laughed at or something.  As soon as 
he found that we like it when he does stuff like that he started doing 
more...he tells me someone finally gave him an instruction manual on females 
in plain English.”

They finally made it to the SUV and loaded it up.  They rode in silence for 
a few minutes while Chloe looked around at the holiday traffic while Mac 
negotiated the traffic away from the airport.  When they passed the turn 
they use to take to go to Mac’s old apartment, Chloe sat up and then 
remembered that they wouldn’t be returning to Mac’s old place.

“Tell me about the new place...and Mattie.” Chloe asked.

“Mattie is a good kid and I want you to give her a chance...Harm found her 
and when he introduced us, I knew that I wanted to help her too.  We are 
doing for her what I would have done for you if we hadn’t found your real 
father and grandparents.  I’m just glad that they let us keep you I our 
lives.  I can never thank them enough for letting you spend the entire 
holidays with us this year.”

“So what about the apartment situation...how is that set up?”

“We started renovations and so now it is mostly one big apartment.  Most of 
the bedrooms are on one end and most of the living space is in the other.  
You’ll see when we get there.  Just remember that its not done and there are 
many other things we may do later on.”

“So when are we going to eat?”

“Harm and Mattie will have dinner waiting for us when we get there.”

“How’s that working? Harm doesn’t eat meat and you do.”

“Actually, Harm does eat some meat...he stays away from red meat most of the 
time, but every now and then he eats some.  We do eat a lot of fish and 
chicken, but I found that Harm actually has some great recipes for 
vegetarian dishes that are good.  He made eggplant parmesan for dinner 
tonight.  Mattie is charge of the salad and I made a desert for us.”

“Chocolate mayonnaise cake?”
“That’s the one...it is so moist that I can’t resist...with cream cheese 
frosting of course!”

They arrived north of union station and Harm and Mattie met them at the door 
when they pulled up.

“Hey Chloe...” Harm greeted her as she got out of the SUV.

“Hey Harm...” she stepped up to him and gave him a quick hug.  “Thanks for 
having me.”

“Hey, you are family.  Speaking of which, I’d like you to meet Mattie.  
Mattie, Chloe Madison.”

“Hi Mattie.”

“Hi Chloe.  Come on, I’ll show you where to go.  Got something I can help 
you carry?”

“I got it...but thanks.”

“Go ahead up and Mac and I’ll bring the rest of the stuff.”  Harm bent to 
give Mac a quick kiss as he passed her.  Chloe had turned just in time to 
see it.  She giggled as she turned to Mattie.

“They do that a lot?”

“Kiss?” Mattie asked and Chloe nodded.  Mattie thought a few minutes, “Yeah. 
  Cute aren’t they?   They try hard not to make me uncomfortable by being 
too physical with each other when we are all together.  I try to give them 
time to be alone sometimes.”

“I watched them falling in love when I first met them.  I’m glad they 
finally got it together.  I guess I should thank you for helping them to get 
past what ever it was holding them back.”

“I don’t think I really did much.  I met Harm late last summer.  He ended up 
flying planes for me and he figured out that I was alone.  He started 
keeping an eye on me.  We got to be friends and sometimes he would be really 
brooding and not want to talk.   I teased him about leaving early for a hot 
date one time and the next day he was really brooding.  I asked him if the 
love of his life had dumped him, and he said, ‘yeah...but not last night.’  
So I asked him why he was in the dumps, and he just gave me this look that 
told me to mind my own business.”

“But you didn’t, right?” Chloe asked.

“Right...so I asked what her name was and he started to say Sarah, but 
stopped himself and said, ‘look I saw her and I wasn’t ready to deal with 
her.  What do you need me to do today?’ so I let him off the hook for then.”

“Things were really bad between them for a while, huh?”

“Mac talk about it?”

“No...that’s why I knew.  I could usually get her talking and laughing about 
him but not this summer.  Here they come...fill me in later, okay.”

“It’s a deal.”

Finally Chloe took time to look around the loft part of the apartment...she 
spotted the undecorated tree standing in front of the windows in the living 
room. “Wow! Look at that tree.  You haven’t decorated it yet?”

“We wanted to wait for you Chloe...it’s a family project.” Harm told her as 
he came through the door behind Mac.

“Come on Chloe, we’ll show you your room and the rest of the apartment.”  
Mac led the way and Chloe was followed by Mattie and Harm.  They went up the 
stairs and through the double doors into the bedroom end.  They came into a 
living room area, where the TV and VCR were set up.  They had turned this 
living room into a lounge area for now.  Mac opened the first door on the 
left and stepped up into the room first, then turning to watch Chloe’s face.

“Here’s your room...what do you think?” Mac asked.

“Wow...my own room...it’s great...thank you.” Chloe stepped to hug Mac.

“Thank Mattie and Harm...they did the work last week while I was at work.  
This use to be a kitchen until Harm remodeled it.”

“Thank you Harm, Mattie.  This is really great.”

“Come on...let’s show you the rest of the place.” Mac showed her the other 
two bedrooms and the bathrooms while Harm and Mattie went to get dinner on 
the table.

After the tour, Mac and Chloe joined Harm and Mattie for dinner.  They 
related the story of selecting the tree and buying new lights for it the 
previous night so they would be able to decorate it together.  They had put 
out a few decorations around the apartment but kept most of it for a project 
to do together.

Chloe had asked for seconds on the eggplant and Mac couldn’t help but teaser 
her, “So you decided that it was eatable even if it was a vegetarian dish.”

“Its good.  I just thought I’d better eat up in case the next meal isn’t as 
good.” They all laughed as Chloe rolled her eyes.

“Well when you are done, we can started on decorating that tree.  No hurry 
though,”  Harm reminded them as he sat back to watch his family.

He tried not to appear to anxious to get that project underway.

Three hours later the tree was trimmed, the dessert consumed, Christmas 
carols were being sung, and the presents were put under the tree.   Mattie 
and Chloe exchanged looks and both announced they were going to bed.  They 
gave Harm and Mac hugs and wished them a goodnight.

Once on the bedroom side of the apartment, they gathered in Mattie’s room 
and giggled about their plan.

“They are so cute together!” Chloe exclaimed.

“I know...did you see the way he watches her when she’s doing things and he 
thinks she won’t notice?”

“Yeah, and they way she checks him out when she thinks he can’t see.”

“Yeah and the way the two of them find ways to touch when they think we 
won’t notice!” The two girls started to giggle as they sat on Mattie’s bed 
building their bonds of friendship over their shared love of Harm and Mac.

“So, tell me more about when you first got to know Harm and Mac,” said 
Chloe.

“Well, I was just starting to trust Harm when this guy came out and wanted 
to talk to him.  I knew he would be leaving when Harm agreed to talk to 
him.”

“Was it Admiral Chegwidden?”

“Yeah...I asked Harm why he would want to go back to work for that mean old 
man.  Harm just gave me one of those looks...you know he understands what 
you are saying, but he feels he should tell you not to say things like 
that,” Mattie asked.

Chloe giggled, “Yeah, Harm and Mac both do that look...there own kids won’t 
have a prayer.”

“Do you really think they’ll get married and have kids of their own?”

“I hope so...I’ve waited forever it seems for them to admit what I saw the 
first time I saw them together.”

“What’s that?”

“That they were in love but neither wanted to admit it even to themselves.”

“I’m glad you’re here Chloe...I feel like we are almost like sisters.  We 
both adore Harm and Mac and we both want them to be happy.  Merry Christmas 
and welcome home.”

“Thanks Mattie...I do feel at home already.  But I think I need to get some 
sleep.”

The girls said goodnight and went to bed while Harm and Mac still sat and 
enjoyed the quiet lights of the Christmas tree together.

Same Time
Harm’s Couch

“I think Chloe and Mattie got a long just great, don’t you, Mac?”

“Mmmm...thank you for making this a special night for all of us.”

“Your welcome, but I hope that we can make this a little more special for 
us, tonight...think that’s possible?” Harm murmured near her ear.

“Oh, I think we can probably spend a little time together in your bed,” Mac 
whispered as she turned to kiss him.

Harm enjoyed the kissing a few more minutes before he sat back putting a 
little space between them.   Mac frowned at his action feeling like maybe 
she had misunderstood his intent.  She Harm’s smile and decided that he 
wasn’t stopping her, just delaying her seduction of him a little while 
longer.  Thinking that Chloe may still have questions about where things 
were or need something, it was probably wiser to wait before they went to 
Harm’s room.  Mac watched Harm as he stood up and reached into his pants 
pocket as he walked to the tree to get a closer look at it...and hide the 
smile on his face as he took out the ring he had slipped into his pocket 
earlier.  He was trying to act as natural as he could while he ran over the 
words he wanted to say one more time in his mind.  Finally he turned to hold 
his hand out to Mac to join him by the tree.

“What is it Harm? Is something bothering you tonight?” Mac asked.

Harm smiled to himself as he pulled her in front of him and wrapped his arms 
around her from behind so they could both see the tree.  “No...just 
thinking.”

“Want to share?” Mac asked him.

“ I do Mac...more and more all the time.” Mac turned to look up into Harm’s 
face as he answered her question.  “You know, I wasn’t sure how we would do 
blending our lives and I think it is one thing that held me back from 
opening up to you sooner...but it’s gone well and Chloe and Mattie seemed to 
hit it off tonight.”

“Yeah they did.”

“Mac, I was wondering something?”

“What, Harm?”

“Would you marry me?”  Harm reached into his pocket and took out the ring he 
had been waiting to give her.

Mac turned in his arms completely so she could study his face.  He had the 
most sincere loving look on his face as he waited for her to answer.  When 
Mac saw that, she threw her arms around his neck and whispered against his 
ear, “Yes....yes, I’ll marry you.”

Harm took Mac’s hand and slipped the ring on her finger. “I love you Mac, 
and I want to marry you whenever you want to set the date.  You can plan any 
kind of wedding you want as long as its to me and its what you want.”

“Harm, I would be happy to marry you right now with no one else around, but 
too many people would be upset that they didn’t get to share the moment with 
us.”

“So you want a big wedding and lots of time to plan, right?”  Harm tried to 
hide his disappointment.

“Not a big wedding, but something more then a private exchange of vows.  And 
it won’t take a long time to plan.” Mac kissed him.  “Thank you...this ring 
is beautiful and I’m guessing there is a story that goes with it.”

“Yes...the original ring was given to my grandmother by my grandfather when 
he proposed.  He couldn’t afford an engagement ring and a wedding band so he 
went for this one.  The diamond to represent their engagement and the ruby 
for her birth stone and the sapphire for his.  When he was killed four years 
later, my grandmother took it off and put it away.  When my father was going 
to propose to my mother, my grandmother offered it to him.  He found a 
wedding band that worked with it and they left the stones because they 
decided the red, white, and blue theme worked for them as a symbol of 
patriotism.  I decided not to change the stones because I figured we were 
uniting Navy blue and Marine red with our engagement.”

“Harm it is so perfect...” Mac looked at the ring and admired it as it set 
on her left hand.  It looked right there...and not gaudy and over stated 
like the one Brumby had put there.   Together they turned out the lights and 
went into Harm’s bedroom.

“I suppose the world wouldn’t end if I stayed here all night, would it?” Mac 
asked Harm as they turned to each other in bed.

“I don’t think so...but it is your choice, Mac.”

“I think I’ll stay,” Mac announced as she resumed her seduction of Harm - 
her fiancé.  This time he did not stop her.



December 24, 2003
0630 EST

Mac opened her eyes and looked at the sleeping face of her fiancé sleeping 
beside her.  She had the day off, while he had duty at JAG.  She hated to 
wake him up any earlier then she had to as they had not fallen asleep until 
after three this morning.  Her internal clock had allowed her to wake up in 
time to wake him so he wouldn’t be late.

“Harm?  You need to get up and get going or you’ll be late for duty.”

“Okay...I love you.”

“I love you to Sailor. Why don’t you hit the shower while I get your 
breakfast?”

After one more lingering kiss, he had rolled out of bed, and headed for the 
shower.  Mac had gotten up and slipped into her robe she had left in his 
room.  Securing the sash she started his breakfast and had the coffee ready 
when he joined her in the kitchen wearing his blue uniform pants and 
t-shirt.  His feet were bare still as he came down the stairs to nuzzle her 
neck and get his coffee and breakfast.

They were eating scrambled eggs and toast when they heard a noise and looked 
up to see Chloe joining them.

“You’re up early,” Harm commented.

“I always get up early living on a farm...and I was hungry.”

“You want eggs and toast?” Mac asked.

“I think I’ll just have some toast...” Chloe said as she went in to the 
kitchen to fix her toast.

“You may want to take a nap later as we have a late night 
tonight...Christmas Eve and all.” Harm reminded her.

“I probably will...Oh my God!  Mac?” Chloe scrambled around the island and 
grabbed Mac’s left hand.  “Is that what I think it is?”

Mac and Harm grinned as Chloe pounced on Mac’s hand lifting it to look 
closer to the ring that hadn’t been there when she and Mattie had gone to 
bed last night.

“Harm gave it to me last night,” Mac explained.

“It’s beautiful!  You guys are really going to get married?”

“Yes.”

Chloe hugged Mac and then Harm before heading down the hall, “I’ve got to 
get Mattie!”

“Your toast...”

“Later, “ Chloe called over her shoulder as she disappeared into Mattie’s 
room.

“Think she’s happy?” Harm asked smiling at his fiancé as they waited for the 
teenage whirlwinds to come back.

“Is it true?” Mattie called as she ran down the stairs with Chloe on her 
heels.

“Yes.” Harm and Mac answered together.

After Mattie had examined the ring and given her approval, Harm excused 
himself to get ready for work.  Mac made more scrambled eggs and toast for 
the two girls as they chatted like magpies about the engagement and started 
throwing out ideas and suggestions for a wedding.

Harm appeared in his uniform ready to leave for headquarters.  “Okay, girls, 
I’ll see you later.  If all goes well I’ll secure around 1500 and be home 
shortly after that.  Then we can get ready for the evening’s events.”

Mac walked with Harm to the door, “You going to tell the admiral about this 
today?”  She held up her hand with the engagement ring on it.

“Actually I told him awhile ago that it was in the works, but I’ll tip him 
off that it is a done deal so he can let us know what options we have.”

“Okay...can we make the announcement tonight at the party, you think?”

“I think that our two elves will announce it for us if Harriet doesn’t 
pounce on it first,” Harm chuckled.  “Want to give the imps a little show?”

Mac wrapped her arms around Harm’s neck and they kissed a long slow kiss 
before he put her away from him to leave for work.  “I’ll see you later.”

JAG HQ
0815 EST

Harm had arrived at JAG on time and had asked Jen to get him in to see the 
Admiral as soon as possible.  He had picked up his coffee and settled in at 
his desk to review some files, when PO Coates buzzed him to tell him the 
Admiral would see him now.  He immediately headed toward the Admirals’ inner 
sanctum.  He knocked once to announce himself and entered at the Admiral’s 
request.

“At ease Commander.  Have a seat and tell me what’s up.”

Harm sat across from the Admiral and started to explain his visit. “Sir, I 
mentioned to you a few weeks ago that the Colonel and I had discussed the 
possibility of a marriage in the future.  We thought you should know that 
last night I asked her to marry me and she said yes.”

“Congratulations, Harm...have you set a date?”  The admiral motioned him to 
stay seated as he came around to sit in the chair next to him.

“Mac is working on that.  I told her I wanted her to have the kind of 
wedding she wanted and that she could set the date...she said it won’t be a 
long wait.”

“That’s great.  Look I started looking into some things when you told me 
this was a possibility.  I’ve prepared a list of things for you to consider. 
  I think that you’ll find something on there that will work for you.  I 
don’t want to lose either of you, but if one of you does have to move on so 
you can be together, then we will deal with it.”

“Thank you sir, we will look them over and get back to you as soon as we 
can.  In the meantime, I promise you that we will do the best we can, not to 
bring our relationship into the office.”

“I’m sure you will...actually Harm, I’ve been pleased with the way you’ve 
kept the balance since you’ve returned.”

“Thank you sir.  We have also decided not to make a public announcement here 
about our engagement.”

“Are you going to really try to keep it a secret?”

“No, sir.  We thought we could announce it at Harriet and Bud’s tonight.”

“I’d be pleased if you’d let me make the announcement for you, Harm.”

“I think we’d both like that...but I’m sure the ring will be noticed right 
away or the girls will spill the beans.”

“Pleased, huh?”

“Yes sir.  Perhaps Mac will slip the ring off until after we can announce 
it.”

Both men stood and shook hands.  Harm finally felt that things were back on 
track  with the Admiral and his life in general for the first time in a 
year.
1500 EST
North of Union Station

Mac had taken the girls shopping during the morning even though they didn’t 
need anything more for Christmas presents.  Instead they looked at wedding 
dresses and planning books and talked about when and where Mac and Harm 
should get married.  Mac had spotted the dress she wanted to wear to marry 
Harm.  It was a simple off white silk dress with a drop waist in a ‘v’,  
with 3/4 length bell sleeves and a scalloped edge, v-neck.  It ended just 
below her knee.  She had sworn the girls to secrecy when she had purchased 
the dress.  When she had tried it on it had fit to perfection and did not 
need any major alterations.  The woman told Mac that she could have it ready 
in an hour if she wanted to come back for it.

They had eaten lunch out and enjoyed just being together.  Mac was thrilled 
that the girls got along so well.  After lunch and a little more shopping 
they picked up the dress and headed home with the intent to take naps so 
they could enjoy the evening.

While the girls had slept, Mac had made a few phone calls.  She couldn’t 
wait to tell Harm that she knew when she wanted to have their wedding, and 
if he agreed, he wouldn’t have long to wait.  It was time to get the girls 
up to get ready for this evenings events.  She used Harm’s shower while the 
girls took turns showering at the other end of the apartment.  When Harm got 
home at 1545 he found three bathrobe clad females, painting their nails with 
curlers in their hair in the lounge area watching a romantic comedy on 
television called, “Holiday Affair.”

“Hi Harm!” Mattie and Chloe giggled as they winked at each other as they 
watched Harm lean down and kiss Mac’s cheek.

“They been like this all day, Mac?”

“Oh no...they’ve been very serious all day...”

“Like I’m going to believe that!  I’m not that gullible.  Did you have fun 
shopping?”

“Yes we did.”

“What d’ya buy?”

“It’s a surprise, Harm...you know Christmas...” Mac said as she shot the 
giggling teenagers ‘the look’.  “Did you tell the Admiral?”

“Yeah, he wants to announce our engagement for us tonight...if you don’t 
mind...he thought maybe you could slip the ring off until the announcement 
is made..ad you two need to keep it under wraps, too,” he laughed pointing 
at the girls.

“Alright, just remind me when we get there and I’ll slip it off.  You can 
put it in your pocket until its time, but then it goes back on my finger.”

Chloe and Mattie decided that their nails were dry enough and they scampered 
off to their rooms, to start getting dressed.  Mac got up and hugged her 
fiancé before they went back to his room.

“I wasn’t sure what you wanted to wear tonight so I didn’t set anything out. 
  If you want to tell me, I’ll get it out while you shower.”

“Thanks, Mac...I thought I’d wear the charcoal gray suit with a dark red 
shirt.  You want to pick out a tie?”

“Sure...and then I’m going to go to my room to get ready.”

“I’ll be glad when we have one room...” he leaned over to kiss her.

“Actually I’ve been thinking.  What do you think about getting married on 
December 31?”

“Really? If that’s what you want to do, its fine with me.”

“I called and found out that we can have the service in the same chapel we 
are going to tonight.  We could have an evening wedding and then all go out 
to dinner before  we go to the Admiral’s house for the New Year’s party.  
Can your Mom and Frank make it you think?”

“We should call them...tell them you’ve agreed to be my wife and then see if 
they can come.  If not, we’ll take lots of pictures...”

“Harmon Rabb Jr...you are so bad...let’s call.”

They sat together on Harm’s bed to call.  Trish Burnett answered the phone.

“Good evening.”

“Merry Christmas Mom.”

“Harmon!  Merry Christmas, son.  This is a surprise...you usually call much 
later.”

“I know, but this couldn’t wait...is Frank there?”

“What’s wrong, Harm?”

“Nothing...but if Frank is there I’d like him to hear what I’m going to say 
too.”

“Harm this worries me when you get all mysterious.”

“I know Mom, but don’t worry...”

“Harm?  This is Frank...we’ve got the speaker phone on.  What’s up?”

“Well, I’ve got my speaker phone on too...because I want you to meet my 
fiancé, Sarah Mackenzie...my parents - Trish and Frank Burnett.”

“Harmon, did you say your fiancé?”

“Yes, Mom...”

“Mac?  Is that you?”

“Yes, Mrs. Burnett.”

“Congratulations to both of you.  I am so happy that you were able to work 
things out.”

“Thank you...Frank are you taking mother on the cruise again this year?”

“Actually we are passing on it this year.  Why?”

“Would you be able to bring Mom to Washington D.C. for New Year’s Eve?”

“Sure I guess so...if its important to you.” Frank assured his step-son.

“It is important...we plan to get married that evening and I would like you 
both to be here.”

“That soon?”

“Yes...it took us so long to work things out that we don’t want to wait 
longer... besides, I thought you wanted to try grand-parenting.  If we wait 
much longer, we’ll be too old to have your grandchildren.”

“What can we do to help?” asked Frank.

“Nothing right now.  We are just making the plans, so we’ll call you when 
things are more set and let you know.”

“We’ll talk to you later then.  Welcome to the family, Sarah.”

“Thank you.  We’ll talk soon.”

Harm disconnected the call and gave his fiancé one more hug and kiss before 
he headed for the shower and she headed for her room to get ready.

1630 EST
North of Union Station

Chloe and Mattie put the final touches to their hair and helped each other 
ease the dresses over each other’s head.  The girls had discovered how 
similar their tastes were when they showed each other the dress they had 
bought for tonight’s events.  Both had selected a dress of crushed stretch 
velvet.  Chloe had gone with a dark green sleeveless dress with a matching 
jacket edged with black lace.  Her shoes were black with a small heel.  With 
her hair done up she looked elegant and felt grown up.

Mattie on the other hand had chosen a navy blue dress of the same material 
with long fitted sleeves and a high neck with navy blue shoes with a little 
heel.  She had done her hair up also and applied light make-up with Chloe’s 
help.  Mac had worked with Chloe over the years to make sure she learned to 
use make-up right, if she was going to use it.  Chloe used Mac’s advice as 
she did her own make-up as well as Mattie’s.   They had done their nails 
with a pale pink with white tips, but their toe nails were done in bright 
red, to be festive for the season.

When Mac came out of her bedroom, dressed in a dark red dress of the same 
material the girls were wearing they all started to laugh.  Mac’s dress had 
a cowl neck and it dropped in the back as well.  It had long sleeves and was 
very fitted on the top to her waist, before it flared over her hips into a 
slightly fuller skirt that fell below her knee.  Her shoes were black and 
had a high heel with a strap around the ankle.     Mac had put a diamond 
pendant necklace on which settled in the hollow of her throat.  In her hand 
she brought two other necklaces with her.  She was going to see which one 
the girls thought looked better with her dress.  Instead she changed her 
mind, seeing that neither girl was wearing a necklace.

“I have just the finishing touch for your outfits if you would like it,” Mac 
offered.  “Mattie I think this pearl tear-drop necklace would be a perfect 
finish for your dress if you would like to borrow it tonight.”

“It’s beautiful, Mac...thank you.”  Mattie turned so that Mac could clasp 
the necklace on her.

“Chloe, I think this one is made for your dress.”  It was a black velvet 
choker with an opal pin on it.  Chloe’s eyes lit up when she looked at 
herself in the mirror.  She turned and hugged Mac.

“Shall we present ourselves to Harm?” Mac asked.  The girls agreed and 
together they walked through the doorway and down the steps to Harm who was 
waiting by the Christmas tree.

He turned to see the three coming toward him and his mouth opened and all he 
could say was, “Wow!”

“Close your mouth Dear,” Mac said as she stopped in front of him.  “Think 
we’ll pass muster?”

“I will be the envy of every man there tonight when I show up with you three 
beautiful ladies.  Mattie and Chloe, you both look so grown-up tonight.  I 
can see that we are going to be on our toes keeping the young men in 
line...”  He held his arms out to Mac.  “Mac you take my breath away you are 
so beautiful.”

“Thank you Harm.  You look very handsome yourself, tonight.”

They all got their coats on.  Harm informed them that he had the car running 
and the bags of gifts already loaded.  They slipped into their boots as 
their was a light coating of snow and they were calling for more.  They each 
took a bag to carry their shoes.  Harm started them all singing carols as 
soon as they were in the car.








1730 EST
Robert’s Residence

Bud and Harriet had asked Mac to come early so they could spend some time 
with the children before the others arrived.  This was going to be the 
tricky time to keep their secret.  Mac and slipped her ring off in the car 
and given it to Harm.  He returned it to his pocket and reminded her it 
would only be a little while before the announcement was made.

Harm helped the girls get to the porch steps first and then went back to 
help Mac and bring the gifts.  Once they were all on the porch, they rang 
the door bell.  It was opened by four year old AJ and his father.

“Uncle Harm! Aunt Mac!”

“Hi AJ, Did you see who we brought with us?”

The little boy looked at the two girls and then asked, “Chloe and Mattie?”

Bud smiled, “You young ladies look very grown-up tonight...I don’t think he 
recognizes his buddies.”

Chloe realized that he hadn’t seen her in awhile so she took the lead.  “How 
about you help me get my boots off and shoes on then you can show Mattie and 
me your new brother and your Christmas tree.”

“Okay...” and like most four year olds he was redirected to something liked 
to do and everything was okay in his world again.

Bud gathered their coats while they took off boots and slipped into their 
shoes.  “Harriet had to change the baby from head to toe at the last 
minute.”

Harm looked at his friend who had a history of getting his tie messed up and 
said, “It looks like your tie survived tonight though, Bud.”

“Yeah, for once...come on in.”

They moved from the hall into the living room where Chloe, Mattie and little 
AJ were standing by the tree while AJ pointed out all his favorite 
ornaments.

“They’ve really grown-up haven’t they, Ma’am...Mac.” Bud said as he watched 
his friends watching their teenage charges.

“They sure have Bud.  Do you realize that Chloe was only nine years old when 
I first met her.  She was eleven by the time she came to JAG and met you 
that year.  Now she’s sixteen years old and quite a young lady.”

“How are the two girls getting along?” asked Bud.

“Like they’ve known each other for years...” Harm answered.

Harriet entered then carrying a freshly cleaned baby.  “Hi guys, sorry I 
wasn’t here to greet you.”

“That’s alright, Harriet.  Can I hold him?”

Harriet handed her son off to Mac with a caution, “Don’t bounce him too much 
or he may ruined your beautiful dress.”

“Hey little man.  You wouldn’t do that to Aunt Mac, would you?”  Mac cooed 
to the baby as Harm escorted her to the love seat where they sat side by 
side, with Harm’s arm around the back of Mac’s shoulders.

Harriet watched them and smiled.  “You know, you could have one of your own 
if you wanted to.”  Mac blushed and Harm smiled, neither daring to look at 
Harriet directly.

Harriet turned her attention to Chloe and Mattie, complimenting them on 
their outfits and how grown-up they looked.

Bud excused himself to answer the door, as the next early guest arrived.  
“Admiral, Ms. Cavanaugh, Please come in.”

“Merry Christmas, Bud.  Where’s the family?”

“Everyone is in the living room, sir.”  Bud took their coats and motioned 
them to join the others as the door bell rang again.  Bud admitted Petty 
Officer Coates as the others welcomed AJ and Meredith.

“Good evening, Admiral. Meredith.” Mac greeted her CO and his fiancé from 
her seat as she was still holding a now sleeping Jimmy.

Harm stood to greet them and when the Admiral shook his hand he murmured, 
“Haven’t told Meredith yet either...let’s announce this soon.”  Harm nodded 
his agreement with the admiral and resumed his seat next to Mac.   When Bud 
entered with Jen,  he saw the baby was asleep and took his son from Mac and 
put him in his crib in the den next door.  When he returned, the admiral 
called to Harriet, “Could you join us for a moment Harriet.  There’s an 
announcement I’d like to make before the others get here.”  Mac took Harm’s 
hand and Meredith, Bud and Harriet exchanged puzzled glances.  No one 
thought about Harm and Mac not exchanging glances with anyone else as they 
were looking at each other.

Standing between the couch and chair where Meredith was sitting, he 
began,“As I think everyone knows, the four of you have become my family over 
the years.  You filled the loneliness when Francesca and I couldn’t spend 
holidays together.  We’ve made it through good times and bad and Meredith 
you’ve come into my life to see me through some of the best and worse times. 
  Jen you’ve been adopted by this group as have Chloe and Mattie.  I felt 
that it was fitting that I make this announcement to all of you here tonight 
before the others arrive.”

Chloe and Mattie quietly listened, even though they knew what was 
coming...or at least most of it.

The Admiral paused and then continued subtly motioning Harm and Mac to 
stand.  “It is my great pleasure to announce that after years of being blind 
to what the rest of us could see, Sarah Mackenzie has agreed to marry Harmon 
Rabb Junior.  Congratulations you two.”

Harm slipped the ring out of his pocket and back onto Mac’s left hand.  He 
place a soft kiss on her lips and then turned to accept the congratulations 
and best wishes from the others.   After a few minutes, Harm held up his 
hand.

“Please if you could indulge us for just a moment more...we are planning a 
quiet wedding for 1800 on December 31.  The rest of the details will be 
forth coming, but we would like all of you to be among the small gathering 
of family and friends that we will be inviting to join us.”

Chloe and Mattie exchanged looks then as they realized how soon the wedding 
was going to be held.  Chloe was thrilled that she would be a part of the 
planning and would still be here.

Everyone was in a mood to celebrate by the time the others arrived.

Mike and Big Bud Roberts joined the group for dinner, as did Ensign Tiner.  
They had not been able to track down Gunny; Sturgis had declined the 
invitation to dinner, but said he would see them at the service later; and 
Sergei and Galina had plans to spend the holidays alone in their new home.
After dinner, they exchanged their shoes for boots and put on coats to head 
for the church.  Jen had offered to stay with the children, but Tiner 
announced that  it had become his job over the years and he didn’t want to 
break tradition.

They had filed into the church together and Harm and Mac had sat hand in 
hand behind Jen, Mattie and Chloe.  The Admiral and Meredith joined Harm and 
Mac.  Behind them sat Harriet, Bud, Big Bud and Mike.  Many others joined 
them for Chaplain Turner’s service.  Sturgis came in and sat in the front 
next to Jen Coates.

Chaplain Turner’s service was again stirring.  He talked about the 
importance of family and that family could be many different things.  He 
talked about being able to love someone enough to accept them for the good 
and bad that makes each person the unique and special person they are.  He 
talked about how easy it is for some people and how it takes much longer for 
others to understand the concept.  He compare the love and acceptance that 
Joseph had shown Mary when he accepted her as his wife, knowing that the 
child she carried was not his.  He talked of the love of the innkeeper that 
had no room but still offered them the shelter of the barn and the warmth of 
the animals.  He spoke of the love the three Wisemen had shown by following 
the star even though they didn’t understand why.  Everyone had joined in the 
singing of “The Little Drummer Boy” and “Silent Night” during the service.

Chaplain Turner wrapped up his service by saying, “May this Christmas Season 
be one filled with love and peace and may you rejoice in the love in your 
life, in what ever form it may come to you.  Merry Christmas...”

Everyone stood while Chaplain Turner was escorted out by his son, who stood 
at his side to provide a steadying hand while he thanked each person for 
attending.  When Harm and Mac approached, Chaplain Turner said, “I 
understand that we will be back here next week for your wedding.  
Congratulations.”

“Thank you sir.  We really enjoyed your service this evening.” Mac offered.

“Thank you.  Merry Christmas to both of you.”

As they stepped by, Sturgis stopped them, “Did I hear correctly?  You are 
getting married next week?”

“That’s right Sturgis...perhaps you will be able to join us...if you want to 
talk before then, let me know.” Harm answered his long time friend and then 
moved on down the steps.

When they were all loaded into the SUV, Harmed headed into Washington D.C..  
Mac realized that he was taking all of them to the wall with him.

“Harm, don’t you want to drop us off at home first, before you go see your 
dad?” Mac asked.

“If you don’t want to go with me, I will.  I was kind of hoping that I could 
show him my family this year...I’d really like to have you with me unless 
you don’t want to go.”

Mac put her hand on his thigh and squeezed lightly, “I’d love to go with 
you.”

Harm smiled her way before returning his attention to the road.  At the 
Lincoln Memorial end of the mall, he parked the car and everyone got out.  
Together, arm in arm, they walked along the black wall with the engraved 
names honoring those lives lost in Vietnam.  When they reached the place in 
the wall where his father’s name appeared he broke off for just a moment to 
share a few private thoughts with his father.  Then he reached out his hand 
and Mac and the girls joined him.  He showed Mattie and Chloe where his 
father’s name was.  He told them how he remember his dad making Christmas 
seem so special when he was little and that it had seemed so cruel to have 
lost him on Christmas eve as well.  Then he turned to them and with tears of 
happiness glistening in his eyes he spoke.

“Dad, for the first time since I lost you, I feel that Christmas is as 
special for me as it was when I was four years old.  These ladies have given 
me back the ability to love and to enjoy life.  They are my family now.  Mac 
has agreed to marry me next week and just maybe next year we will be 
bringing your very own grandchild to meet you for the first time.  I’ll 
always love you Dad, even if I don’t always come to the wall on Christmas 
Eve anymore because I’m with my family.  Merry Christmas Dad.”

Mac embraced Harm then, hiding her tears in his shoulder.  She knew that he 
needed a moment of comfort to regain his composure.  Chloe and Mattie had 
quietly walked back to the SUV to wait for them.  Mac and Harm kissed and 
then hand in hand they returned to the girls.

Smiling widely, Harm announced, “Okay ladies, it’s almost Christmas.  We 
have just enough time to make hot chocolate and sing a few carols before 
midnight.  Let’s go!”

MIDNIGHT
North of Union Station

Still in their best clothes, Mac and Harmed served the hot chocolate and led 
the Christmas carols.  Mattie and Chloe chimed in eagerly, rolling their 
eyes now and then when Harm and Mac would kiss each other.  After finishing 
their cocoa, Mac announced that it was now after midnight and they could 
each select one gift from those under the tree.  Harm was ready with the 
camera and started snapping pictures.

Chloe picked a medium size box about three inched thick, wrapped in a 
sparkly, green paper and matching bow.  Mattie picked a six inch square box 
wrapped in snowmen paper with a red bow on top.  Mac looked things over and 
went with an odd shaped package in green and gold stripes.

Harm looked things over and said to Mac, “Just grab one for me.”

“Oh, no...you get over here and pick a gift just like the rest of us 
did...I’ll show you a few and you have to decide which one,” Mac chided.

Mac searched under the tree and pulled out a few of the gifts that were 
labeled with Harm’s name.   She held her breath as he went for the one she 
had hoped he would pick.  It was a small flat box wrapped in gold paper with 
red and green ribbons.

Once they all had a gift, they each opened the one they picked, while the 
others watched.

Chloe went first.  “Its from Bud and Harriet,” she read on the tag.  She 
slipped the package open and pulled out the box.  She lifted the lid to find 
a hat and a note that read, ‘We remember you always seemed to like hats, so 
we just had to get this one for you.  Hope you like it.  Love,  Bud, 
Harriet, AJ and Jimmy.”  Chloe lifted it out the brown felt hat and opened 
it up to reveal the rolled brim and the detachable decorations which 
included a ‘mushroom chickadee’, a silk Poinsettia, and a snowman.

“Oh I love, it!  It’s so cute.” Chloe was thrilled with the gift.

Mattie went next.  She ripped the paper off as everyone asked her who it was 
from, “ I don’t know...It just says ‘To Mattie’.”  Mattie took out a cube 
with pictures on five sides.  “Oh!” Tears sprang to her eyes.  Mac and Harm 
went to her right away.  Mac picked up the wrapper to see who had sent it.  
Harm had put his arm around Mattie.

“Is that you and your Mom?” Harm asked.

Mattie just nodded.  Mac held up a little card that fell out of the box and 
read it aloud, “Mattie, to my beautiful daughter.  You are growing up so 
fast.  I wanted you to have this so you could remember your childhood and 
the special moments we’ve shared.  Love, Mom.’ Oh Mattie, this is such a 
precious gift.  Galina must have found it and forgot to tell us that she had 
put it in with the other gifts.”

Mattie was smiling through her tears as Harm held her close to his side.  
“You okay, kiddo?”

“I’m fine, Harm...sorry to be blubbering and bringing everyone down.” Mattie 
apologized.

“If I’ve learned one thing lately, it is that tears do not always mean 
someone is sad.  Emotions can bring tears of all kinds, so don’t apologize 
for having feelings.  Don’t let yourself lock them away, Mattie...its not 
worth it.”

She hugged Harm and then returned to her seat with her picture cube of her 
over the years with her Mom.

“Your turn Mac...” Chloe directed from her seat on the edge of the coffee 
table.

Mac took a deep breath and unwrapped the unusual shaped package. “It’s from 
Meredith Cavanaugh.”

“Don’t eat it if its food,” Harm cautioned having had experienced Meredith’s 
culinary efforts.

“It’s safe.” Mac held up a basket with shower gel, body lotion and bubble 
bath as well as a candle all of the same scent. She read the label to 
herself, ‘Aroma therapy for relieving stress and getting in the mood for 
your man.’  Mac blushed and burst out laughing as she handed the card to 
Harm so he could see it for himself.

Harm shook his head and raised his eye-brow toward Mac.

“Your turn Harm,” encouraged Chloe.

Harm shook the package and tested it for weight and balance.  He sniffed the 
package and then read the tag.  “To Harm...it doesn’t say who it is from.”  
He opened the package faster then Chloe but slower then Mattie.  He opened 
the box to reveal a pair of Christmas print silk boxers.  He held them up 
and looked at Mac.

”You are behind this aren’t you?”  Mac blushed but tried to look innocent.  
Chloe and Mattie hooted with laughter at Harm’s own blushing face.

“Mac, you’ll have to let us know if he models them for you.” Chloe teased.

“Come on Chloe...I think this is our cue to go to bed.” Mattie and Chloe 
picked up their gifts, thanked Harm and Mac for a wonderful night, wished 
them both a Merry Christmas and went to their rooms, shutting the double 
doors on the way.

Harm looked at Mac, “You are behind this...”

“You always seemed to like my silk lingerie... I thought you should try some 
of your own...test your theory so to speak.”

“My theory?”

“Yeah, you told me you didn’t think you’d like wearing silk boxers as it 
would keep you in a constant state of arousal.  I thought you should test 
your theory.”

“I don’t need boxers for that when I have you around...”

“But...when we get married and I’m not around all the time, they might help 
remind you of me.”

“You are unforgettable, Mac...I don’t need anything to help me think of 
you.”  Harm began kissing her and caressing her as they sat on the couch.

Mac pulled away and took him by the hand to pull him up and toward the 
bedroom. “Bring those boxers...just in case.”

Harm brought them, but they weren’t thought of again as he proved to Mac 
that he didn’t need boxers or aroma therapy to put him in the mood to make 
love to her.


0745 EST
Christmas Morning
North of Union Station

Chloe and Mattie were in the kitchen getting the coffee started and whipping 
eggs for omelettes.  They had the bread ready to go into the toaster when 
they heard murmuring coming from Harm’s bedroom.

Mattie whispered to Chloe, “I think they’re awake.  Think we should say 
something so they know we’re out here.”

“No...let’s just get the dishes out and rattle some things.  They’ll know 
we’re here and they’ll probably be upset that we caught them together.”

“I don’t think so...embarrassed maybe, but they’re getting married next 
week. There’s nothing wrong with them sleeping together,” Mattie told Chloe.

“I know...I agree with you, but they’ll think they let us down by not being 
good role models or some thing,” Chloe explained.

Little by little Chloe and Mattie started talking softly, but not 
whispering.  They began making some noise as they moved around in the 
kitchen.  In the bedroom, Mac whispered to Harm.

“I think the girls are up fixing us breakfast...Do you mind that they have 
sort of caught us sleeping together?”

“No...I probably should but I don’t.  They are both old enough to understand 
and we are not grabbing each other in front of them or being...”

“...obnoxious with each other?”

“Yeah, I guess that’s a good way to put it.”

“So, are we going out together to face the music or one at a time?” Mac 
asked.

“I guess we might as well face it together.”

They got up and Mac slipped on her bra and underwear and pulled on her robe. 
  She handed Harm the Christmas boxers and he shook his head.  “Please?” Mac 
asked as she held them out again.  Harm rolled his eyes as he took them 
without saying a thing.  He pulled them on and then stepped into his sweat 
pants and pulled on a long sleeved t-shirt.    In bare feet they both headed 
to the kitchen.

Harm opened the door and they called out, “Merry Christmas!”

“Good morning, girls.  You’re up early.”

“What’s for breakfast?”

“Cheese omelettes, toast and coffee,” announced Mattie.

“And juice,” added Chloe.

“Oh yeah...Ready for coffee?”

“Sure.”

“Okay, have a seat and we’ll bring it to you.”

Harm and Mac sat at the table and Chloe brought Harm his juice and coffee 
while Mattie brought Mac hers.  The girls each brought two plates to the 
table as they sat down to enjoy their Christmas breakfast.

While they cleared the table, Harm brought out the stockings that he had 
hidden in his room along with a few other presents.  The stockings were 
propped up against some other gifts and the additional packages were set 
under the tree with the others.

While Harm went to warm up his coffee, Mac slipped the fourth stocking under 
the tree.

Together they began to open their gifts.  Everyone was happy with their 
stocking stuffers...and Harm groaned when he discovered the navy blue silk 
boxers in his stocking.  He also found a birth control patch at the bottom 
of a stocking with a tag on it that said, “Harm, I’m throwing these away.  
You know what to do when you are ready for the consequences. Love, Mac.”

He had tucked it back into the stocking without anyone else seeing it.  He 
looked at Mac and mouthed, “Thank you.”

The room was littered with colorful wrappings, ribbons, and empty boxes 
while piles of clothing and gift items were stacking up around the room.  
Finally Harm drew their attention to three small gift boxes on the branches 
of the tree.

Mattie picked them up and handed one to Chloe, one to Mac and looked the one 
over that was marked with her name.

“Harm, these are from you aren’t they?”

“Yes...I hope you all like them.”

They opened up the three locket pendants that he had chosen for each of 
them.  Inside, he had put pictures of the four of them.  Thanks to Jen’s 
skills with digital photography, she had been able to take individual 
pictures and put them into the same picture.  Harm and Mac were together on 
one side, and Mattie and Chloe on the other side.  All three of them 
launched themselves at Harm to hug him and thank him for the gifts.

It had been a very special and wonderful family Christmas for the four 
people that were bound together by love.  Later that morning Jennifer Coates 
would join them for Christmas Day to watch the parades and football games 
and enjoy a dinner they would prepare together.

They had all invested too many years and too much love to walk away from 
each other now.

THE END (I will try to post an epilogue soon).

Author’s Note: This story took on a life of its own and grew and grew.  I’m 
sure there are many loose ends that I have left dangling.  Perhaps I will 
write a sequel some other time.  I started this story to get through an 
extended period of time without a new episode of JAG.  Real life is now 
demanding my time, so I will need to focus on that for awhile.

I want to thank everyone for the feedback and enthusiasm for this story.  I 
hope that I have tied up the most major loose ends with the epilogue.


EPILOGUE

December 31, 2003
1800 EST
The Chapel

Harmon Rabb Junior, in formal winter dress uniform, and Sarah Mackenzie, in 
her simple off white dress with the flowered headpiece on her dark hair, 
stood in front of Chaplain Turner.  Harriet Roberts, Chloe Madison and 
Mattie Johnson stood to the left of the bride in the dresses they had worn 
for the Christmas eve dinner.  Bud Roberts, Jack Keeter and Sergei Zuchov 
stood to the right of the groom in their winter formal dress uniforms.  AJ 
Chegwidden and Meredith sat in place of the brides parents across the aisle 
from Trish and Frank Burnett.

“We are gathered here this evening to unite this man and this woman in holy 
matrimony.  It has been a long and challenging journey that had brought 
these two people to each other.  It was their loyalty to their friendship 
that brought them together time and time again until they were both in a 
place to recognize that the tie that bound them together was a deep and 
abiding love.  This evening, they have asked us to join them as they 
exchange their vows. Join hands.  Harmon, will you begin?”

“Mac, our family and friends are probably trying to kick me because I didn’t 
call you Sarah.  I know you understand why I call you Mac...because I 
cherish you and love you for the person you are.  I don’t want to change you 
or face life without you.  You are my best friend; you make my life richer 
and deeper.  I want you in my life to hold and love and to share the good 
times and the bad.  I love you as my friend and my partner.  Our love has 
already withstood many challenges and as long as we remember that we are at 
our best when we work together then there is nothing that we can’t handle 
that this life sends our way.  I love you and am honored that you have 
consented to be my wife.”

“Sarah?”

“Harm, when I first met you I felt an instant connection and it scared me.  
I had never met anyone that made promises and kept them.  You were fun to be 
around and you were good at everything you tackled.  You pushed me to be my 
best and yet you respected me and my decisions...sometimes so much that I 
wondered if we could ever work out our differences.  But when I was ready to 
give up on us, you hung in there.  You realized that I hadn’t meant it when 
I said there could never be an us and you set about showing me that you 
would fight to keep our friendship and you fought once again to expose the 
truth.  Your drive for the truth saved me and saved us.  I love you and I 
want to spend the rest of our lives living the truth of our love.”

“Harmon and Sarah have exchanged their vows of love.  Harmon, do you take 
Sarah to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day 
forth, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, until parted by 
death?”

“I do.”

“And do you Sarah, take Harmon to be your lawfully wedded husband to have 
and to hold from this day forth, in sickness and in health, for richer or 
poorer, until parted by death?”

“I do.”

“May we have the rings?” Harriet and Bud passed the rings to Chaplain 
Turner.

“These rings which you are about to exchange are the symbols of your never 
ending love.  The love you give will be returned to you over and over again 
in a never ending cycle.  Harmon, place this ring on Sarah’s finger and 
repeat after me... I, Harmon Rabb Junior promise to love, honor and cherish 
you with all that I am and all that I have for eternity.  This is my solemn 
vow to you.”

“I, Harmon Rabb Junior promise to love, honor and cherish you with all that 
I am and all that I have for eternity.  This is my solemn vow to you.”

“Sarah, repeat after me...I, Sarah Mackenzie, promise to love, honor and 
cherish you with all that I am and all that I have for eternity.  This is my 
solemn vow to you.”

“I, Sarah Mackenzie, promise to love, honor and cherish you with all that I 
am and all that I have for eternity.  This is my solemn vow to you.”

“In as much as Harmon and Sarah have shared their intent to love, honor and 
cherish each other for eternity and taken solemn vows to remain true to each 
other, I now pronounce you husband and wife.  Harmon you may kiss your 
bride.”

Harm turned to Mac and drew her into his arms as he placed a long and 
lingering kiss on her lips.  The witnesses in the chapel began to cheer and 
whistle.  When Harm stood back at his full height he gave Mac the wide smile 
that made her weak in the knees.

“May I present for the first time in public, Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Rabb 
Junior.”

Harm and Sarah turned to face their friends and as the music started they 
walked down the aisle to the chapel entry, down the steps and into the 
waiting car.  Bud and Harriet joined them in the first car, while the rest 
of the party climbed into the second waiting car.  Their family and friends 
left the chapel and followed them in their own cars to the restaurant they 
had chosen for the reception, a present from the grooms parents.

September 23, 2004
0100 EST
Bethesda Naval Hospital

“Come on Mac, you’re almost there...you can do this.  I love you Mac...and I 
love our babies.” Harm coached his wife thought the labor that had wrung her 
body for the past seven hours.  He pressed a cool cloth against her 
forehead.

“Alright, Sarah on the next contractions I want you to push.”

“Come on, Honey...here it comes...Push!”  They were both tired, but Mac was 
reaching exhaustion and she had two children to push out.

“Good girl, Sarah, one more push and baby one will be here.”

Mac gave one more push and collapsed back against Harm, as the doctor, told 
them that they had a son and she placed the infant on his mother’s stomach.  
Mac and Harm both had tears running down their faces as they welcomed their 
first son into the world.

“We have fraternal twins here folks, so we may have some rest time or not.  
We should know shortly. In the mean time relax.”

Harm kissed Mac as the nurse took their son to clean him up and keep him 
warm.

Harm spoke in the soft soothing voice she loved so much. “Rest, 
Sweetheart...just rest as long as you can.  You’re doing great.”

“Harm?” Mac’s voice was weak.  “I can’t do this anymore.”

“Yes you can.  Come on Mac, you can do this...” When the doctor nodded,  
Harm reverted to his best drill sergeant voice to keep her going. “Push! 
Colonel, you can do it.  Come on Marine...PUSH!”

Mac gave it all she had and with a gut wrenching scream she pushed the 
second baby into the world.  She fell back in exhaustion, crying, barely 
aware of Harm and the doctor’s voice telling her it was a girl.  Harm let 
silent tears fall as he held her and rocked her soothing her into sleep.

Two hours later
Sarah’s Hospital Room

“Harm?”

“Hey, Mac...welcome back.  How you feeling?”

“Like I could sleep a week.  Harm, did the doctor tell us that we had a girl 
and a boy?”

“Yeah...remember our deal, Mac?”  She nodded. “Mac, our son has brown hair 
and brown eyes just like you.”

“And our daughter?”

“Brown hair and green eyes just like me.”

“Harm what are we going to name them?”

“What do you think of Mackenzie Burnett Rabb for our son?”

“We’d have two Mac’s.”

“Or we could call him Ken.”

“Okay...I like it Sailor.  Any ideas for a girl?”

“Don’t push your luck, Marine.  You must have some ideas.”

“There is one name I have thought a lot about...”

“What is it?”

“Harmony Rose Rabb.”

“No way!  I like Rose but not Harmony.”

“Please?  We could use a nickname...”

“Like what?”

“Monny?”

Harm shook his head...and then offered a counter settlement, “Rose Harmony I 
could live with.”

Mac grinned, “We have names for our babies.”

“Why don’t you rest while I go fill out the paperwork and then I’ll see if 
they can bring our babies in for us...and I think we need to call the 
grandparents too.”

“Harm it’s the middle of the night.  We’ll call them in the morning.”

As the sun rose outside the window Harm and Mac held their babies and talked 
about all the things they wanted for their children.  It was to be a 
wonderful life that they would be glad they hadn’t walked away from.