Romance- Chapter 1

By: Kathryn Rabb

Rating: PG-13

Summary: Someone is getting married, who is it?

Disclaimer: I do not own the JAG characters. The names I chose for the bride and bridal party were randomly chosen. The songs do not belong to me, I don't know who owns them. No infringement necessary!

Author Note: Thank you to Lynne for helping me write this.

August 1, 2002

1801 Zulu (1:01 PM EST)

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

'I can't believe he just walked in here. It's been months... no, years since we have seen each other. He waltzes in and pops his head into my office,' Mac thought.

"How's the most beautiful Marine I know?" he says with a smile.

"What in the world are you doing here?" Mac asks with a laugh.


"I came to tell you, you were right. She was the one. I am getting married in less than a month. Me, I'm getting married, who would have thought it?" he says.

"That's wonderful. Congratulations!" Mac says jumping up to hug him.

"So Mac was I right about you and you know who?" he asks.

"Not exactly," Mac tells him with her best "It's no big deal" smile.

Jack Keeter grabs Mac for another hug and swings her around. "I can't wait to tell Harm and Stu, where are they? They won't believe I am getting married. We all thought it would have been old Stu to marry first. This will surprise the pants off them!" Jack laughs.

"Keeter!" A call is heard from behind. It's Harm followed by... Stu! "Put her down!" Harm orders in a rather protective tone.

"Harm. Long time no see, Stu even longer man. What happened? Last I heard you were a bubblehead. When did you surface and decide to be a lawyer? How you been?" Mac watched with amusement as the three men shook hands and carried on like teenage boys. With a cough Mac got their attention and suggested they take the conversation into an office.

They file into Harm's office and Keeter takes center stage. "Well, Mac already knows most of what I will say and I want to thank her for keeping it quiet." Harm and Sturgis are so intrigued their ears are the size of satellites. "I'm getting married at the end of this month." You could have heard their jaws dropped as Jack made his announcement.

Harm bursts out with, "Are you screwing with us?"

"No, it's true. The ladies man, Jack Keeter is officially off the market," Keeter said with a smile.

Sturgis laughs, "Congratulations, Jack! Looks like we were all wrong when we thought I'd marry first." Harm is still speechless.

"Harm, buddy. You okay?" Jack asks Harm, who looks like he was hit with 1000 volts.

"Uhh... yeah. Great, congratulations Keeter! So who's the lucky girl?" Harm asks.

As Jack is about to answer, Mac sees a glint in his eye. He is still that mischievous little boy at heart. "It's Mac." Harm's face tensed up to the point he would hurt himself.

"What?" Harm and Sturgis ask at the same time.

"I'm kidding. She's a first grade teacher I met while grocery shopping a few years back, her name is Ellie Grant and I asked her to marry me earlier this year," Jack says.

"So when's the wedding?" Mac asks.

"August 31st. Harm, Stu, I want you two to stand with me as my groomsmen," Jack states. Harm and Stu both happily agree and Mac suddenly starts laughing. They all turn around and look at her. Mac can't stop laughing and they all think she has finally gone off the deep end.

"Harm... best... man... Bud... dress... whites... strippers!" Mac gets out between fits of laughter. Harm is suddenly interested in the papers on his desk.

"Harm, what is Mac talking about?" Stu asks.

"I'll tell you later," Harm mumbles as tears pour down Mac's face.

"Oh, come on Harm... if you don't tell them I will. It is the day before Bud and Harriet Sims wedding. Jack, you remember Bud?" Mac begins.

Jack nods, in his mind he is thinking, 'He was the goofy looking lieutenant that was with Harm when Mac and I returned to the carrier.'

"Harm was best man, so he leaves his dress whites at the cleaners. But when he comes to pick them up, there was a mix-up and ended up with a cop uniform that..." Mac starts laughing again.

"...That belonged to a stripper," finishes a gruff voice. They all snap to attention. "As you were, I don't believe we've ever met... Commander Keeter is it?" It was Admiral AJ Chegwidden.

"Yes, sir," Jack replies.

"So what brings you to JAG?" the Admiral asks.

"Checking up on Commanders Rabb and Turner, sir. Making sure they are behaving," Jack says with a huge grin.

"Oh, I am sure the Colonel has that covered," the Admiral smirked.

"Yes, sir, I believe she does. I am also here to invite you, the Commanders, the Colonel, and a few others to my wedding, sir. I hear that you were very instrumental in my return- both times," Jack states.

"Congratulations, Commander. We don't leave our own behind and it will be an honor," the Admiral replies.

"Thank you, sir." Jack says as he hands the ex-SEAL a white cream-colored invitation. "I hope you can make it, sir. Now I have to go drop off my... *ahem* dress whites at the cleaners." The Admiral nods a dismissal. The three stand there with invitations in hand as Jack walks through the bullpen and into Bud.

"Lieutenant," Jack says.

"Commander Keeter, what brings you to JAG, sir?" Bud asks.

"A wedding invitation, here you go Bud. I hear you got married since I last spoke to you, congratulations! I have errands to run excuse me." Jack turns around leaving a stunned lieutenant in his wake. While waiting at the elevator, a blonde lieutenant is standing next to him. Even though he is about to be married a pretty blonde never escapes him.

"Hello, sir. With all due respect sir, I don't believe I know you. Is there anything I can help you with?" Harriet asks.

"No, I was just here visiting some people Lieutenant-" Jack smiles.

"... Sims, sir," Harriet replies.

"Oh, so you must be the lucky woman Lieutenant Roberts got to marry," Jack says.

"Yes, sir. Do you know the Lieutenant?" Harriet asks.

"You can say that, let me introduce myself, I am Commander Jack Keeter."

"Oh, sir! I have heard so much about you!" Harriet says with a laugh.

"All good I hope." The charm is flowing like a river. The Lieutenant laughs as they enter the elevator.

"Yes, sir. I heard all about the stories of you, the Commander, and the Colonel in Iran. It sounded so exciting," Harriet announced.

"You can say it was Lieutenant," Jack says with a big smile.

"I mean being held in that Iranian prison without proper healthcare. AFTER, landing successfully from a stealth fighter. Amazingly, you were able to send a coded message to Mr. Webb through the Commander. After those great feats, you escaped from the prison but the man helping you, the Commander and the Colonel, betrayed you. Then you ran into Bedouins and the Colonel offered to stay for collateral while Commander Rabb flew the stealth back to the carrier! Sir," Harriet is bursting as she relays the details to Jack..

"Well Lieutenant seems you know the whole story," Jack grins at her as they step off the elevator. "I've invited you and your husband to my wedding. I hope you can make it. "

August 6, 2002

1703 Zulu (12:03 PM EST)

Lynne's Kitchen

Washington, DC

"So Mac tell me what 'No, not quite' meant the other day?" Jack asks.

Mac continues chewing before replying. "I don't know. Has Harm told you about my engagement? On the Eve of my wedding, the night Harm went down, I was... I guess, terrified. Terrified Harm wouldn't survive; terrified I was going to marry Mic. Mic was my fiancé, he was in the RAN. The next day after they found Harm, I postponed the wedding without consulting Mic and I guess he resented that. Not to mention I wouldn't turn to him when Harm was missing, he did not like that. I guess he had enough because he left. He called off the wedding; before he left he said one thing that hit really close to home. He asked, why was it that he was the last I turn to when I am in distress? And the answer is because I always turned to Harm. Harm is my best friend, partner, and the love of my life. I also think I was settling for him."

Jack gave her a sincere look, "Look Mac, you know I always thought Harm was your soul mate. You two have this connection that is like no other. It may have been a while for you to admit that out loud but for Harm it's going to be even longer. Harm is a proud and honorable man, which could mean his downfall. I know Harm loves you as much as you love him but he will put your needs in front of his and if he thinks that being apart is better for you he will do that. He is also very scared and he is one of the most stubborn people I know, next to you that is," Jack said with a grin. "But you have to get it through his thick head that it won't hurt either one of you." Mac just looks at him with disbelief.

"Jack, what happened? In the desert, you were such a ladies man. Harm told me you probably would never settle down. This must be some girl," Mac says with a smile.

"She is, I didn't think I'd ever marry anyone either until I met my Ellie. She is the sweetest most beautiful person you could ever meet. Mac I hope you take what I said to heart because you and Harm feel for each other like what I feel for Ellie," Jack said as they finished their lunch and return to JAG.

1912 Zulu (2:12 PM EST)

JAG Headquarters - Elevator

Falls Church, Virginia

"Mac, what are you and Harm doing August 17th for dinner?"

"Well, I'm not sure about Harm but I'm free."

"Well I want Ellie to meet you, Harm, and Stu too."

"Sure, you want me to ask Harm?"

"No, I'll handle it." Mac nods as she steps off the elevator. Jack left to finish wedding preparations.

August 17, 2002

0000 Zulu (7:00 PM EST)

La Dauphine

Washington, DC

Ellie and I are sitting at our table discussing the sights of Washington when Mac walks up. "Mac! Right on time! Sarah Mackenzie this is the love of my life, Ellie Grant."

"Hello Ellie, call me Mac," Mac says as she sticks out her hand.

"Hello Mac. Have a seat, I can't wait to hear your stories about Jack!" Ellie grins and Jack couldn't help but panic.

"Harm didn't tell you anything did he?" Jack asks nervously.

"Oh not much..." Mac smirks.

Jack opens his mouth to reply but his cell phone rings. "Hello?... Yes... That's right..." Jack points to his phone and towards the door and leaves.

"So Mac, what did Jack do at the Academy?" Ellie starts.

"Harm swore me to secrecy about this but... since you are going to be his wife and all..." Mac trails off secretly with a grin. "It was their senior year at the Academy and Harm, Sturgis, and Jack were just waiting for the time they could graduate and go off to their respective training courses. It was the night before the football game and being bored out of their mind, Harm and Stu dared Jack to streak across the field at half time. Jack being who he is, does not back down... so right at half time when the Navy band was playing, Jack comes running out screaming, 'Go Navy!'."

"That is so unbelievable!" Ellie says with a laugh. "Jack actually tried to get me to believe that he was the studious type."

"Oh sure and the Pope is Jewish," Mac replied with a laugh.

After the laughter died down. "Mac, I have a problem and being that you are my only female friend in DC I was wondering if you would help me out," Ellie began.

"If I can," Mac replied.

"My best friend broke her leg and I am short a Maid of Honor. That gives me a few weeks to make you my new best friend and my Maid of Honor. How about it?" Ellie asked in desperation.

"Ellie, don't you have a sister or cousin?" Mac asked.

"No I don't. I understand if you want to decline," Ellie said.

"Oh no, Ellie, it will be fun. This will be a first, the Maid of Honor knowing the groom better than the bride," Mac said with a laugh.

"Terrific, thank you so much. I guess we can look for a dress one day this week?" Ellie asked.

"Not a problem, we can take a ride to Potomac Mills or Tyson's Corner's. There are some great stores there," Mac replied.

"This is going to be fun," Ellie said.

"What's going to be fun?" Jack asked arriving with Harm, Stu, and his date, Bobbi Lathem.

"Mac's agreed to be my Maid of Honor," Ellie replies.

"That's great, Ellie, this is Harmon Rabb... Sturgis Turner... and Congresswoman Bobbi Lathem," Jack says.

They all shake hands and get seated. The group is coupled off, Jack and Ellie next to Harm and Mac who are next to Stu and Bobbi. After ordering the conversation turns into a comfortable lull. While everyone else was chit chatting, Harm turned to Mac and grinned, "So you're my Maid of Honor to my Best Man?"

Mac laughs, "You could put it that way." The two best friends continue their conversation but unbeknownst to them, a person was observing them very closely.

Ellie leans over to Jack, "And that's them?"

"Yeah, crazy they aren't together huh?"

"Crazy doesn't even begin to describe it. So basically he loves her and she loves him but neither will do anything about it?" Jack nods.

Ellie shakes her head and begins to giggle slightly, "If I hadn't asked you out, you probably would never had the guts!"

"Shh! Don't want that to get out!" Jack grins devilishly.

"What to get out?" Sturgis asks.

"Oh that Jack-" Ellie begins.

"... loves his fiancee so incredibly much!" Jack finishes grinning at his future wife. Mac smiles thoughtfully at the sight and her mind drifts. 'I wonder if that will ever be me... with Harm?'

Meanwhile, Harm's thoughts mirror Mac's, 'I want that, I want it with Mac. But it's too soon, too risky...' Their dinner arrives and everyone enjoys the night together.

August 20, 2002

1912 Zulu (2:12 PM EST)

Beltway

'Good thing I left work early, this traffic is terrible... Oh, hope I'm not late.' Mac thinks as she races to meet Ellie at the bridal boutique in Washington. Driving along the freeway, a song came onto the radio. It was "Can't Fight This Feeling" by REO Speedwagon. Mac was about to change the station, she didn't feel like having another reminder of her nonexistent relationship with Harm, but something stopped her. Mac left it on the radio station it was and continued driving. Before she knew it, she was singing along while thoughts of Harm fluttered through her head.

Pulling into the parking lot, Mac parked her Corvette and runs into the store. "Ellie! Hey!" Mac says.

"Mac! Great you're on time," Ellie exclaims. "Let's go back to the dressing room and you can try on the dress." Mac and Ellie walk down a hallway to the fitting room where Mac's dress was waiting. "Here it is Mac." Ellie handed Mac the dress to try on.

The Riviera Sky blue dress Ellie selected for Mac was perfect. As Mac slipped on the chiffon gown it clung perfectly to her body. The blue hue made her skin and hair glow.

The soft v-neck front was accented with a fitted bodice that accentuated her without revealing anything. The sleeveless princess gown with a sweeping train fell gracefully to the floor. The back was more impressive than the front, the cowl back was low and the detailed jewel hung from the spaghetti tie added to its elegance. It was going to be hard for the guests to watch the bride after seeing Mac walk down the aisle in this gown.

Ellie grinned. "Mac you look gorgeous! Harm might have a hard time walking down the aisle with his eyes glued on you."

Mac blushed. She had to admit it was a very beautiful dress. 'Hmm... wonder if this'll get Harm's attention...' Mac did a spin before saying, "I don't think it needs any adjustments." Ellie nodded an agreement.

August 24, 2002

2322 Zulu (6:22 PM EST)

Harm's Apartment

North of Union Station

The week had passed quickly and it was Saturday night. The night Ellie and Jack have their bachelor and bachelorette parties. Harm tracked down most of their old friends from the Academy. The guys were having a great time. Harm got up to make a toast, "Okay everyone listen up! We are here because Jack Keeter, the old dog, is going to take the plunge. He must have drugged her because no woman in her right mind would agree to marry him. Seriously though, Jack old buddy, old pal. Congrats. You found a wonderful woman and I wish you all the best." The men raised there various drinks ranging from beer to hard liquor and all drank to Jack.

*buzz*

Harm grinned. "Jack, buddy, you need to sit in this chair..."

"Why?" Jack looked at Harm suspiciously.

"Because, it's part of the events for tonight," Harm replied mysteriously. As Jack sat down, Harm went to open the door. Harm let the person in, it was a leggy, curvaceous blond in a nurses outfit.

"Who's the lucky guy getting married next week?" she asked in a deep husky "bedroom voice" to the group of men staring.

Jack looked at Harm and grinned, "This is going to be a fun night."

Hours Later...

"Harm, when're you goin' to... admit you lub Mac?" Jack slurred.

"Lub her? Why would I lub her?" Harm replied smashed out of his mind. By then most of the guys had gone home.

"Because she lubs you, doofus!"

"Mac has never lubbed me in her life. And I am not even sure what lubbed is or how to do it!" Harm said while falling down on his couch.

"LUB Harm! Lub! Like I lub Ellie and I know you lub Mac!" Jack replied as he sat down next to him.

Harm took a second before it finally clicked, "Ooooh! You mean lub her! Shh! She doesn't know I lub her!"

"Well shouldn't you tell her?"

Harm thought about it for a minute. "Yes, I should." He got up and looked for his phone and dialed speed dial 1. While it rang Harm slumped down to the floor.

Mac yawned, "Hello?"

"Mac, it's... it's... Harm. Yeah, I'm Harm."

"Harm, you're drunk. What's wrong?" Mac answered patiently but quite tiredly.

"Mac you need to listen to Harm."

"Harm, you aren't making sense. Do I need to come over there?"

"No, 'sokay. I want to say somethin'."

"Well what?"

"I want to say, 'I lub you!'"

Mac was silent. 'Did he say what I think he said?' "Harm! What did you say?"

"That I lub you and I know you lub me... I'm sleepy now, good night Mackey!" and Harm hung up. Mac was left staring at her phone. 'Did he say what I just think he said?'

August 25, 2002

1305 Zulu (7:05 PM EST)

Harm's Apartment

North of Union Station

Mac let herself in because the door had been left unlocked. Walking in she could smell stale beer and Harm and Jack asleep and wrapped around each other. Jack was snoring... very loudly. Mac walked over to Harm's kitchen and set the bagels on the counter and started to make coffee, lots of it.

After she finished, Mac walked over to the Sleeping Beauties on the couch and shook them. "Harm, Jack! Wake up!"

"Mom, can I have five more minutes please?" Jack replied half asleep.

"No you may not Jack. Now get up!"

"But mom..." Jack whined and turned over.

Mac looked at the two and had a thought. "RECRUITS! IT IS OH-EIGHT-HUNDRED AND YOU ARE STILL LOLLYGAGGING IN BED. GET OUT OF THOSE RACKS NOW BEFORE I KICK YOUR BUTT TO HELL!!!" Mac yelled in her best DI voice. Harm and Jack stumbled off the couch and tripped over each other.

"Geez Mac, what are you doing here?" Harm mumbled while rubbing his head.

"I have breakfast and lots of coffee. Now go get cleaned up," Mac said as she turned around to go back into the kitchen.

Ten Minutes Later...

Harm came out of his bedroom not looking any better then he was before. He could see Mac sitting at the cooking island reading a paper and drinking coffee.

Mac could hear Harm behind her and turned around, "There's coffee and bagels."

"Thanks Mac, I think I'll skip on the bagels. Just coffee right now," Harm replied but Mac had gone back to reading the paper. 'What did I do now?.. Oh man, last night!' Harm thought through the pounding in his head. 'I told her I loved her... Why isn't she saying anything?!'

"Mac?"

"Yes Harm?"

"Do you remember last night I called you?"

Mac was silent and answered carefully, "Yes, I do." Mac was nervous, 'Is he going to say it didn't mean anything?'

"I think I should explain."

Mac nodded, "It's okay Harm. You don't have to, I know you were drunk. Look, I only came here to revive you guys. I will see you tomorrow." Mac quickly grabbed her coat and left. As the door shut, Mac leaned against it. "You chicken!" Mac scolded herself and left.

"Dammit!" Harm muttered inside the apartment.

"What's wrong?" Jack says as he looks around. "And where's Mac?"

"She left," Harm says sadly.

"Why?"

"Because of what happened last night."

"What happened last night?" Jack asks.

Harm looks at him, "You don't remember?"

"I vaguely remember talking about Mac..." Jack says while he drinks his coffee.

"Well let's recap shall we? You convinced me to call Mac and tell her 'I lub her'. This morning I was trying to explain what it meant but she left," Harm replied in all sarcasm.

Jack realized what happened and tried his best to fix it, "Look Harm, go over there and talk to her."

"No I think it's best if I don't. I may just get a mouthful of foot again."

To Be Continued...