July 2009
Harm stopped in the doorway and studied his wife. She looked thoughtful as she looked through an album, and she had to be preoccupied or she would have heard him enter the house. They were one week away from traveling back to the US. They had found the perfect house in a nice neighborhood, not too far away from work and school. They had bought a car, and had his Vette shipped from D.C. He couldn't wait to get behind the wheel of his car again. Everything was under control, from daycare for Matthew to school for the kids. His Mom would stay with them until school started, to help with the transition and take care of the kids while Harm and Mac worked. Mac was going back to work full time, on the Judiciary, and she was looking forward to it.
"Hi, beautiful," he said and stepped into the room.
She turned her focus on him. "Hi. You're home early."
"They really don't need me anymore. Captain Johnson has it all under control," Harm put his cap on top of a box and walked over to her. He put his hand on the small of her back and peaked over her shoulder. "Our wedding album."
She smiled. "Yup."
"It was a nice day," he leaned in and kissed her softly. "Do you need help with something?"
She offered an amused look and put away the album.
"Okay, stupid question," he said and looked around. "Put me to work."
She smiled and stepped closer to him, opening the top button of his summer whites. "Trish and Frank took the kids to the Park."
He smiled and put his arms around her. "I see," he moved his hands under her shirt and started kissing her neck. "That was really nice of them."
"I thought so," she finished opening the shirt, then moved away from him and took his hand. "Come on sailor, let's pack the bedroom."
He smiled as he followed her. It didn't take long to shed their clothes, taking their time they made passionately love. "Packing is fun," he said as he tried to catch his breath.
"I agree," she said and moved over him, kissing her way up his chest, finding his mouth with hers. "But don't think that I won't put you to work."
He laughed. "Oh, I know you will," he moved them around so that he was on top, moving his hands down her body.
"Anyone home?"
They both let out groans and Harm moved off her. Harm got out of bed and threw his boxers and stepped into the hallway. "We're up here packing. Be right down."
"I'm starting lunch," Trish yelled.
"Great Mom," Harm walked back into the bedroom and closed the door. "So, where were we?"
Mac laughed. "On our way to start packing," Mac said, her clothes halfway on. "I can't believe we almost got busted by your Mom."
Harm put on pants and a shirt and followed his wife's movement across the room and soon she was in his arms. "We better go downstairs to greet the troops."
Harm leaned in and kissed her softly. "We can continue this tonight."
They walked into the kitchen hand in hand. "Where are the kids and Frank?" Harm wondered.
"They'll be here soon. I wanted to get a head start on lunch," Trish said and smiled.
"I could have fixed us lunch," Mac reminded her.
"I knew you were busy with the packing, and other stuff," Trish looked teasingly at her son. "You have lipstick on your cheek."
Harm smiled and wiped it off, blushing slightly. "I'm not needed at the office anymore, so I figured I'd put myself to use at home instead."
Mac smiled. "And you did," she teased as she started setting the table.
"There's still a lot to do before the movers arrive," he said and ignored her attempt at making him feel even more uncomfortable. He was a grown man, but knowing that his mother knew what he'd been up to a little earlier still made him uncomfortable.
"We'll get it done," Mac assured him. "In a week we'll be unpacking it all," she reminded him.
"And going to work full time at the same time," he let out a sigh. "Who's idea was this anyway?"
Mac and Trish both laughed.
"Bud called earlier," Harm said. "He's settling in as a civilian back in D.C." Bud and Harriet had decided to move back to D.C. Bud had retired and gone into private law.
"I know, I talked to Harriet. They seem happy with their decision," Mac said as she walked over to get the glasses. "Maybe one day we'll be back in D.C too."
"I'm so happy about this move," Trish smiled. "It makes it so much easier to visit."
"It'll be great," Mac agreed. "However, I will miss this place."
Harm nodded thoughtfully. "A lot of memories."
One week later they were standing in the kitchen of their new house, surrounded by boxes. They both had to report to new duty stations the next day, and in-between they had to get the house in order.
"It's a mess," Mac commented as they sat down to lunch.
"It'll be alright," Trish reassured. "Frank and I will unpack the kitchen while you're at work tomorrow. The kids can help."
"You guys have already done so much," Mac argued.
"You guys enjoy your time with the kids, we can unpack the kitchen today. That leaves the living room for the next few days," Harm said.
"Okay," Trish stood. "Let's go check out the neighborhood kids. We'll go for a walk, maybe go to the park."
Mac stood. "Come on Admiral, let's get started with the kitchen."
Harm stood. "Yes, ma'am."
They worked systematically for a few hours, then Harm decided that they needed a break. He took Mac's hand. "Come on, let's go check out the neighborhood."
"Okay," she reluctantly let go of the bowl she was holding. "We've come pretty far."
"We have," Harm agreed. "The last few weeks have been crazy, and it won't slow down yet. When was the last time we did something fun?"
She looked thoughtful. "I have no idea."
"Exactly," he moved her out of the kitchen. "Tonight, after we put the kids to bed, we should have sex. Great sex," he smiled cleverly. "Don't you agree?"
She laughed softly. "I do agree."
"And this weekend, we should go on a date," he suggested.
"That sounds great," she smiled lovingly at him.
They headed outside and decided to walk towards the park to meet Trish, Frank and the kids.
"Are you looking forward to tomorrow?" Harm asked as they walked.
"I am," she hesitated. "It's a big change though, all of this, for all of us."
"I think we'll be fine though," he smiled cleverly. "I have a good feeling."
"I do to," she agreed. "As long as we have each other, we can do anything."
"Absolutely," he agreed.