A Christmas to Remember

A/N: This was inspired by a story written on this site; the original writer took it in a different direction early on, which made me wonder how things would have been different in Shipper-land. I have been unable to locate the original author to give credit for the inspiration, so if anyone is able to lend a hand, I would love to give him or her the proper respect here. Thank you!

Musical lyrics are real, and come from a song called Almost Like Being in Love by Lerner and Loewe. I first heard it in the musical, Brigadoon with the incomparable Gene Kelly. Enjoy!

December 22, 2004

Somewhere in Rural western Virginia

1730 EST

"Harm, look at the snow! It's so pretty here!" Mac exclaimed as they traveled down the tree-lined state road in their government issued sedan.

"It is beautiful. I just hope it doesn't make the roads worse. We're still about 5 hours from Falls Church and I am not that familiar with the area. " They had been on an investigation in western Virginia, looking into the disappearance of an Academy Midshipman and his grandfather, a retired Navy admiral. They had almost finished their investigation and were returning to JAG HQ.

"This reminds me of all of those Hallmark Channel Christmas Movies. Let's find a station that plays Christmas Carols!"

"What's gotten into you, Mackenzie? You are almost giddy!"

"I don't know. It's been a good year, and the Christmas spirit puts me in a good mood. Don't be such a Grinch, Harm, or Santa will leave you a bag of coal."

Laughing, Harm stretched his arm across the back of the seat and patted Mac's shoulder. "Yes, mom!"

Mac found "Jingle Bell Rock" on the radio and began singing along. All of a sudden, Harm hit a pothole in the road, and a loud CLANK emanated from below the car, jarring the two officers.

"That didn't sound good." Harm said, pulling the car over. Getting out, he looked below the vehicle's front end. There was a break in the rod of the front wheel axle. It had broken almost clean through.

Getting back into the car, Harm grabbed his cell phone to call the military wrecker service. "Great. No service here."

"Well, let's lock the car up and start walking," Mac said, gathering up her coat. She got out of the car and went around to the trunk of the car to get her running shoes out of her sea bag. "Walking in heels is not my favorite form of exercise. Standing up in her new shoes, they began walking in the same direction they had been driving.

"We passed a sign a mile or so back. I think the next town up isn't too far away. I hope that we can find somewhere to eat and call HQ. Hungry?"

"Always. You know me well," Mac grinned as she put her hands deeper into her pockets. It was only about 30 degrees, and it had been snowing all afternoon. They couldn't help but notice that the roadside was becoming slick as the sun was going down and the air got colder.

Harm smiled and saw what looked like a small town at the top of the next hill. "There we go…let's see what we can find there." Carefully picking up the pace, they came to a mechanic's shop at the edge of the town that was still lit up. By then, it was past 17:30, and they couldn't guarantee that much would be open for them, especially in a small town. Leading the way, Harm walked into the office of the business. An older man wearing coveralls greeted them. The name "Nick" was embroidered across the chest. His white beard went to his chest, and his eyes twinkled in the glow of the light coming from the wood-burning stove in the corner of the office.

"Howdy there…what can I do fer ya?"

"Hi there. I'm Commander Rabb and this is my partner, Colonel Mackenzie. Our car broke down a few miles down the road from here, and we couldn't get any cell coverage to call the military towing service. Could you tow our car here for repairs?"

"Sure, but my boy has it out on an accident right now. He just left to go west of here. It may be a few hours. If you will leave me your keys, you can get a bite to eat at the Tea Room in town. Harm wrinkled his nose, but said nothing. Seeing Harm's reaction, he said, "Don't worry. It sounds frilly and girly, but they have great food. Almost like home, really." There is a bed and breakfast in town where you will probably want to get rooms ta-night. Do you have anything in the car you need?"

Mac spoke up. "Yes, sir. I have a duffle in the trunk, and so does he. We always prepare for emergencies. "

"Sounds like "emergencies" happen to you a lot, ma'am."

"You have no idea," Harm chuckled.

"Well, I will bring the bags to the Inn once't I get the car back here. It's the only thing close to a hotel in these parts, unless you go about 60 miles down the road. Welcome to Seelyville." After shaking the man's hand, and handing him the keys, Mac led the way out of the shop, with Harm's hand on the small of her back. Mac couldn't help but smile, although she said nothing.

They walked up the street, lined with Victorian-style homes that were decked-out for the holidays. Each home had been kept in the traditional style, and all had a Christmas tree and candle lights in each window. The street lights cast a warm glow on the sidewalk, and they soon came to the bed and breakfast that was situated next door to the tea room Nick had mentioned.

"This has to be the place Nick mentioned. Should we go ahead and get rooms for the night before we eat?" Mac asked.

"Good idea. Marine, you are practically dancing. What is wrong with you?"

"Harm, I really need to use the head. Why don't you register while I use the bathroom? Ok?"

Stifling his laughter at her schoolgirl "pee dance," they walked into the lobby of the bed and breakfast.

"Hi there, " said a pretty brunette behind the desk. "May I help you?" Her southern drawl was rich, and it definitely piqued his interest.

Before he could say another word, Mac interrupted, "where is your bathroom?"

'Right there," she said, pointing to the doors behind them in the lobby.

"Hi there. We need two rooms for the night. What do you have available?"

"Well, I think we are totally booked, but let me check with my mom. She is the owner." She walked through the doorway behind her to what appeared to be an office. Seconds later, an older woman in her late 50's came to greet Harm.

"Hi there. I'm Vonda. We were booked up, sir, but we had a cancellation about an hour ago. Our honeymoon suite is available. The couple who were going to spend the rest of the week here was in an accident and had to cancel. They're fine, but they are both under observation at the hospital for a few days."

"I am sorry to hear about the couple, but if that's all you have available, we'll take it." He handed the Navy charge card and noticed her raised eyebrows, clearly impressed. "Nick from the garage is supposed to bring our bags here once he tows our car to his shop. If we are still at the restaurant eating, can you store our bags for us until we return?"

"Sure thing, darlin'. Thank you for serving my country." She smiled sheepishly, and handed the card back to him. "The suite includes a tray of fruit, chocolate, and champagne. Would you still like it?"

A little taken aback, Harm stuttered, "Uh, Sure…can you replace the champagne with sparkling grape juice or something non-alcholic?"

"Sure can…we often get pregnant women who stay here on getaway weekends with their husbands, and they can't drink, so we always keep that kind of thing on hand."

"Thank you, ma'am." Just then, Mac emerged from the restroom and joined Harm at the desk. "This is my partner, Colonel Mackenzie. Mac, this is Vonda. She owns the Bed and Breakfast. Mac smiled, and greeted the woman.

"Are we ok?"

"Yes. Let's eat and I will explain."