Disclaimer: I did not own or take profit in the use of the JAG characters. This story is for entertainment purposes only. I do not place any claim on the use of these characters, except those characters invented by myself for entertainment purposes.
Author's pre-story comments:
This story evolves around the Harmon Rabb/Meg Austin relationship that eventually does blossom into romance. In my JAG world, there is no Major Sarah MacKenzie, there never should have been. Meg Austin was the perfect compliment for Harm. She could relate to him, professionally and emotionally, yet she did not compromise her integrity and virtues for anyone. I felt she was much more in sync with Harm than Mac ever was. Harm and Meg were comfortable with each other, that was quite obvious as the first year unfolded. Tracey Needham created a character that was very real and appealing. Her dismissal was a gross injustice, but what do I know. We can only speculate on what would have happened if Meg had not transferred and stayed in JAG for several years at Harm's side. And now, the speculation is over. Read on and enjoy.
Note: There will be at least 4 additional chapters to the story. For all you romantics, the end will be worth the wait. I will try and post them expediently.
You Were Meant For Me
Chapter 1JAG Headquarters
Washington D.C.
16:30 Hours
Lt. Harmon Rabb had been sitting at his desk, without rising, for over three hours. His mind was anywhere but on the task at hand, which should have been deciphering military legal codes for an upcoming trail. He knew he was distracted, but he didn't want to admit it to himself. The source of his distraction was sitting at her desk, not fifteen feet from his. Lt. J.G. Megan Austin had work of her own. She was quite absorbed with stacks of files that moved around her desk in whirl of motion that never seemed to stop for very long. Harm tried to keep his mind from wandering, but the distraction of her was overpowering. He raised his head slightly and snuck a peek at the woman who shared his office. At first, all he could see was her blond hair, wavy and shining. By contrast, her hair was a perfect compliment to her dark navy jacket. Then she looked up, but not at him. Her eyes were still on the work before her. Harm marveled at the freshness and beauty of her face. God, why does she have to be so damn attractive, he muttered under his breath. I'll never get any work done, not today, not ever. He studied her visage for as long as he dared. His eyes eventually found their way to her lips, which today, were coated quite wonderfully with a not too obtrusive soft shade of red. He wondered what men and how many have kissed those lips, tasting the delicious sweetness they invitingly offered. Was she the type to give her kiss freely, or was she selective and discriminating, only giving her kiss to those men who had her heart. For a moment, Harm wondered if he would ever have that opportunity, but a feeling a regret overtook him. She was his partner, a professional colleague, and that was the bottom line. He felt he could never take advantage of their working relationship. He glumly returned to his military codes, resting his head with his right hand.
Moments later, Meg Austin lifted her eyes from her workload and slyly looked at Harm, hoping he was not aware of her looking his way. This was her tenth day at JAG since her reassignment. She felt very at home with her surroundings and with her co-workers. But one co-worker in particular had captured her full attention on her first official day at JAG. Dressed in full flight gear, on her way to the USS Tigershark, she had been briefed, not only on her first mission, but also on her partner for the mission, a Lt. Harmon Rabb. She had been forewarned about his good looks and charming, ingratiating personality. Lt. Caitlan Pike, Harm's former partner, had warned her about his male magnetism that could cast a spell so overpowering on an unsuspecting female, she wouldn't knew what hit her. Then, when the woman was mesmerized by his wit and chiseled features, he would reverse himself from full attentiveness to a "let's just be friends" attitude. But when Meg finally met her new partner in the helicopter, she was completely unprepared for the emotions that began to whip into action when they conversed about the mission. Somehow, in a way she couldn't explain or fathom, she felt a connection with Harm , on a level she could not comprehend or identify. It became more apparent to her during the mission, and now together in the office they shared, this bonding feeling was growing. But she knew it was one sided, or was it?
Meg's gaze at Harm was growing more intense. He was absorbed into papers of his own, not sensing her stare. As she gazed upon him, she once again, inventoried his attributes: the dark lush hair, his soul searching eyes, the rugged masculine jaw. Then her mind thought back to the Tigershark, just after they had arrived, soaked to the bone from their dangerous plunge from the helicopter into the icy turbulent ocean. They were together briefly in a stateroom, waiting for new dry clothes. Harm had removed his flight gear down to his white sleeveless t-shirt, and boxers. Meg realized the situation did not call for modesty, but she could not help but notice Harm's lean, muscular body that was on display, if only for a few moments. She tried to act casual, after all, this was the Navy, but her sense of duty was taking second fiddle to Lt. Harmon Rabb Jr. and his athletic physique. Coming back to reality, she thought about the job at hand, but her sapphire blue eyes still remained on the handsome man across the room. God, he's so good looking, she thought wistfully, but completely unattainable. She saw Harm raise his head and in an instant, she quickly spun hers away.
Harm could still not concentrate. He carefully rose his head and eyes to look at Meg again. Good, she was writing and shuffling. He thought back to the Tigershark, about her claustrophobia, her staunch and stalwart resolve to fight through it, and her determination to crack Grover's computer. God, she was a fighter, and a good team player. Who knows what would have happened had she not been assigned to that mission? Harm grinned inwardly. She sure as hell stood up to me. She's got spunk, but is she a good lawyer?
He suddenly realized he had all but forgotten about his partnership with Lt. Pike. He tried to envision her face, but it was lost to him. Their flirting and sexual tension seemed like a distant memory. His thoughts were focused on the present, and the reality that was his new partner, Lt. J.G. Austin, the golden haired beauty that was seated several feet away. He studied her face again, her fair, flawless completion, her bright Caribbean blue eyes, her blond hair that waved its magic around her gorgeous profile. She was hypnotic-- he could not look away. He sensed something more, a heightened sensation coming from her that made his pulse quicken. This feeling was new to him, like nothing he had known before with other woman. He tried to identify it, but it was elusive, yet it was there. Am I picking up on her feminine vibes, he thought anxiously? Can I be in tune with her, in some unexplainable way? Meg was looking up. Harm spun in his chair, pretending to grab something from a drawer.
Now it was Meg's turn to sneak a peek at Harm. This is crazy. I'm starting to act like a lovesick teenager with a crush, she said under her breath. I shouldn't be acting this way. We are professionals and this is a place of business with rules and regulations. She tried to go back to her legal agenda, but it was impossible. Her concentration had vanished. He was what Texas girls called, "slick and sassy." Then she smiled to herself. Harm was also a hunk. No doubt about that.
Harm had resumed his forward posture at his desk. Meg had done the same. Then, as if on cue, they met each others eyes. For a few precious moments, they looked at one another without expression, their eyes locking together, each seeking to communicate without words what new emotions were generating in their hearts. Then Meg giggled—Harm laughed out loud. Embarrassed, they spun in their chairs and faced each other.
"It's been a long day," Harm spoke, still smiling.
"Yeah, my mind is turning to mush, " answered Meg, grinning as well.
"How about a soda?"
"Okay, " said Meg jumping from her chair, "but I'm buyin."
"Sounds good to me." He followed her out of the office and they walked side by side down a long hallway to the kitchen. Once inside, Meg opened the refrigerator and peered inside. Harm was quick to notice the backside curves Meg was displaying as she bent over.
"Well, we've got Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Diet Sprite, and…I know what you want."
During her short time at JAG, she seen Harm only drink coffee, never anything else, except water. She reached inside a pulled out bottle with a clear liquid.
"Club Soda…I'm I right?" She looked at him for conformation, somehow knowing she had made the right choice.
Harm nodded his head and grinned. "Yep, you got it Lieutenant." She was surprising him once again.
Meg was about to grab her drink, but she stopped, and gave him a look. "Okay Sir, what was I about to take?"
Harm gave her a "right-back-at-ya" look and stepped toward the open door. He didn't have to rely on his lawyer skills to solve this caper. Somehow, he just knew. He reached inside, grabbed a can, and handed it to her with eyebrows raised. Meg looked at it and smiled broadly. Harm marveled at how infectious her wonderful smile was. It had a power unto itself; a radiating energy that could pierce the hardest heart, or melt a glacier.
"Well Sir, you nailed it. May I ask how you knew?"
Harm leaned against the counter with arms folded. "You're at times, a high energy woman. That energy must be fed, so Mountain Dew is your drink."
Meg popped the top and drank a large swig. "I wonder what else I know about you, Sir, " she said with a mischievous expression.
"Tell you what, when we are like this, or in our office, you can call me Harm—okay Meg."
Meg took another sip. "Okay, Harm.
"Maybe you can tell me just what Kate told you about me." He leaned toward her and whispered in her ear. "Whatever it was, I reserve the right to defend myself."
Meg was quite amused. "Well Harm, us girls have to keep a few secrets."
"Oh, playing the ole gender card, hey. I object counselor."
"Well, I can tell you this." She stepped toward him and whispered in his ear. "She told me you were the best lay she never had." She stepped back and giggled, waiting for his reaction.
Harm just shrugged. "Yeah, that's Kate," he replied, still trying to remember what she looked like. With Meg right in front of him, he just gave up. What was the point?
Meg's expression grew serious. "But she also said you were a man of your word, a man with honor, for the Navy and for your friends, and you are always truthful to the people you care about."
"She said that about me?"
Meg was contrite. "Yes she did. I know I have no reason to comment on your character—I've only known you a short time, but I believe that is the man you are."
"Thank-you Meg, " Harm replied graciously. "That is true, I would never let a friend down, and now that you are my partner, I feel that way about you. You can always count on me."
Meg breathed a heavy sigh of gratitude. "Thank-you Harm, that means a lot to me. You can always count on me too. I will do my job to the best of my abilities. We'll make a great team."
"I'm beginning to believe it, " he answered confidently. "You impressed the hell out of me on the Tigershark. You fought off your claustrophobia and saved the day."
"That's the fifth time you've been impressed with me since we've been back." She was grinning at his forgetfulness, but happy she had made such an impression.
Harm felt his face grow hot with embarrassment. "Ohhh….yeah…well, I guess I can stop saying it."
"You can, but that doesn't mean I'm getting tired of hearing it, "she teased.
"As you were Lieutenant, " said Harm with mock seriousness tone. "You've only been at JAG a little over a week. Let's see if you can go on impressing me as a lawyer."
Meg stepped toward him until they were almost nose to nose. "Not only will I keep on impressing you, Sir, I will even surprise you, and quite often."
"Of that I have no doubt, " he replied. "Do you have a summary for me on the men you interviewed, we go to court next Monday."
"I was finished two hours ago. I've got the report on my desk."
Harm was surprised. "Two hours ago? What have you been doing since then?
It was now Meg's turn to be flustered. "Ohhhh…. ummmm…I was…double checking everything. You know…making sure." She had stepped back from him until she bumped her backside against a counter top, knocking over an empty plastic water pitcher, which caromed off of a toaster and onto the floor, bouncing away from them.
A second later a male and female voice, in unison cried, "I'll get it." Together, they made a dash for the elusive pitcher, bending over with arms outstretched. As they were about to grab the object of their pursuit, the proximity and angle of their bodies caused their heads to knock together, with some force. They each reeled backward, rubbing their temples, exclaimed a series of "ouches and aahhhss." Still rubbing the hurt, they looked at each other and started to laugh riotously. Upon hearing Meg's giggly laughing bouts, Harm found himself laughing harder, now partly due to the humorous way she was exclaiming her merriment.
As they basked in the funny moment, an ominous figure entered the kitchen, stopping in between them. Harm and Meg did not notice Admiral Chegwidden immediately, their hysterics had them doubled over with aching sides. The Admiral stood and waited with folded arms until a better sense of composure had been established. Upon seeing their commanding officer standing between them, Harm and Meg snapped to attention, but still showing the after effects of their amusement.
"Last time I checked Lieutenant's, this was a law office, not a comedy club," he spoke solemnly. "I came to check on you Lt. Austin, to see how you are doing. I'm not sure if I should ask though."
Meg, with an emotionless expression, answered her superior. "Sorry Sir. Lieutenant Rabb and I were just getting some pop."
The Admiral looked puzzled. "What's so funny about that?"
"Nothing Sir. It's just that…." She looked at Harm and started to smile. " the pop promised pleasure but the pitcher pontificated precipitously, pirouetting playfully….until—pop." Harm sought to suppress more tumultuous laughter over Meg's ingenious play on words, but several muffled guffaws still cut loose. Meg began to giggle several short bursts of laughter she tried to sound deaden with her left hand. The Admiral looked skyward and gave up.
"Well Lt. Austin, " he said in exasperation, "I see you're doing…okay. Just wanted to thank you for your exemplary actions aboard the Tigershark."
Sir, that's the third time you thanked me, " she replied grinning, "but your comments are well appreciated."
Chegwidden looked aghast. He had rarely, if ever, given a second statement of gratitude over a single meritorious action with anyone under his command. Now, according to the Lieutenant, he had praised her three times for her successful mission. If true, this Lieutenant Austin deserved his special attention. She had the potential for a very promising career in the Navy and at JAG, but she still had to prove her worth as a lawyer. He shook his head in recognition and grinned slightly.
"Well then Lt. Austin, you must go on impressing me. That will be you vocation here at JAG."
"That's exactly what I told her Admiral, "interjected Harm, not wanting to be left out of the conversation.
"Is that so Mr. Rabb?" The Admiral stepped up to Harm and got in his face. "That will be your vocation as well. It will be twice as hard for you because I am familiar with how you sometimes overlook and bypass JAG methods and regulations, but I know you will impress me, Mr. Rabb, or you will die trying. Understood?"
Harm stiffened quickly. "Yes Sir."
"Good. Now, I'm getting back to work. I suggest you two do the same." He started to leave, but spoke to Meg softly. "Keep an eye on him Lieutenant."
Meg gave the Admiral a mischievous grin. "I already am Sir…I already am."
8 Months Later
Lemoore Naval Air Station
Lemoore, California
15:30 Hours
Newly promoted Lt. Commander Harmon Rabb, and his partner, Lt. J.G. Megan Austin, walked up the steep metal tail gate of a C-130 transport. Their investigation of a Naval Captain deemed unfit for command had concluded. Harm and Meg had uncovered sufficient evidence to substantiate the charges of dereliction of duty due to erratic and irrational command decisions by a man who had twenty-five years of his life to the Navy.
There assignment had ended with no joy on their part, and both felt empathy for the Captain who succumbed to the pressures of the job. But both realized that their field investigations and courtroom work had its own highs and lows. It was just a part of the job as a Navy JAG lawyers.
Carrying briefcases and pulling luggage, they walked inside the spacious cargo plane and found two empty seats near the front. The planes four engines roared into action and soon they were airborne, bound for Andrews Air Force Base. Once at cruising altitude, they unfastened their seat belts and stretched in their seats. Meg's long legs were overlapping into Harm's space.
"You know, sometimes your being nearly six feet tall can be pain, "teased Harm, trying to push her legs back away.
"Oh, excuse me for living," snapped Meg in retaliation. "It's you who should be thanking me for being as tall as I am." She playfully pushed back at him.
"And just how do you figure that." Harm felt the warmth of Meg's thigh against his—he liked the sensation. He pushed his thigh against hers with an equal amount of force, which surprised her. Meg was enjoying the unexpected body contact too. She vainly tried to push Harm's leg away, but his legs were much more muscular. She finally ceased and looked at him with a gleam in her eye.
"Okay, you may be the muscle on our team, but we see eye to eye most of the time, if you get my meaning." She smiled at him with a "you-know-I'm right" look.
Harm shook his head and laughed. "You know Meg, you're just fun to be around. Never a dull moment."
"Gee, you finally figured that out Harm?" she chided.
"Well, I may have known it for quite a while, " he replied with eyebrows raised, "but I didn't want your head to swell-up larger than your behind."
Meg's mouth opened wide with an exhale of hot breath from surprise. "You are so dead, " she retorted with mock agitation. She pushed against him, this time with her shoulder, causing him to almost fall out of his seat. As he started to rise back, she pushed him back, keeping him off balance. Finally, Harm just gave in.
"Okay—okay! You win," he conceded, rubbing his own shoulder, which really didn't hurt.
Meg looked at him, almost serious. "I win? What do I win."
In that instant, Harm had the overwhelming desire to kiss her. He leaned his head very slightly toward her, his eyes locked into hers, but he stopped, and then retreated. The urge was still there, but something in his mind was telling him to keep it legit, don't screw-up a good friendship. Meg had sensed his desire, and was disappointed at the lost opportunity, but deep within her, she understood where the relationship stood. Harm tried to regain a small sense of composure.
"You win a chance to hear me tell you a good joke."
Well, at least he's still in a good mood, thought Meg. "Okay flyboy, let's hear it."
Harm cleared this throat. "Okay. When was dancing first mentioned in the Bible?"
Meg looked at him blankly. "I give up—when."
"When Moses stepped on the burning bush." Harm waited for a funny reaction from Meg. She started to laugh, but it wasn't from the humor of Harm's lame joke.
"Oh man, is that the best you can do," she replied with unbelief. "Let me try." She thought a moment and then the light bulb went off. "Okay, you want to get religious? Answer me this: what happened when Jesus went to Mount Olive?"
Harm gave the appearance of knowing the answer, but he had no clue. "I give."
Meg showed her million-dollar smile. "Popeye beat him up."
Harm wanted to laugh uproariously, but with all his resolve, he fought off the building swells of laughter that desperately wanted to find release. Meg looked at his stoic face and her smile disappeared. She poked him in the ribs, not believing his acting for a minute.
"Harm, you know that's funny, " she said robustly. "You can start laughing now." She started to tickle him under his armpits and ribs. He acted as if he was fending her off, but he loved this new mode of attention he was receiving from his beautiful female partner.
Meg wasn't about to let up until she had him laughing. "Com'on you goof, "she teased, still wiggling her fingers up and down his sides. "You're just dying to laugh—you can't hold it in forever. I'll tickle you all the way to Andrews if I have to."
Finally Harm could not suppress the laughter another second. "Okay! Okay Meg!" he bellowed between peels of hardy laughter. Meg was not about to stop her tickling barrage just yet. She wiggled her long slender fingers more vigorously around his ribs.
"Now say it. That joke was funny, you faker, "she giggled loudly.
"Okay Meg! It was funny. Please stop tickling me—I'm gonna split a gut!" Meg stopped the tickling while Harm doubled over from laughter. Her giggles soon turned into high pitched hyena-like squeals of merriment that made Harm laugh even harder.
"Oh God Meg, " he croaked between chuckles, "don't you laugh too—you have the funniest laugh in the world."
Unable to control herself, Meg commenced with a series of machine gun-like squeals of silliness that had them both rolling on the floor of the plane. She had such an infectious laugh, Harm on several occasions, had to run from her when she started a laughing bout for fear of losing all control himself. A half a minute later, Harm heard a loud "hick".
He looked over at Meg, who was looking back at with a wide-eyed expression of disbelief. Her laughing marathon had ceased. Harm sensed something was wrong.
"Oh no, " she spoke with a shaky voice.
"Meg, what is it? What's wrong." They were kneeling on the metal floor of the plane, close enough for Harm to reach out to touch her shoulder.
Then another loud hick sound echoed from Meg. Her body spasmed upward from the reaction. She gave Harm a look of near sorrow.
"Now it's happened, " she moaned. "I've got the hiccups."
Harm exhaled a long winded column of hot air and chuckled. "Is that all? It's no wonder. You were laughing so long, I thought you would turn inside out. Then your name would be Gem."
Meg started to giggle again, but a very loud hiccup interrupted more laughter. Then they heard a gruff voice coming from the front of the plane.
"Hey, what's all the commotion?" It was the Air Force co-pilot, a lst Lieutenant. He noticed Harm's gold oak leaf and snapped to attention. "Can I be of assistance, Sir?"
"Hick-hick!" Meg covered her mouth, slightly embarrassed.
"Lieutenant, do you have any bottled water or soda on board," asked Harm, rising to his feet, helping Meg along the way.
"Yes Sir. We have water."
"Two bottles will do."
The Air Force Lieutenant left and came back seconds later with two sixteen ounce bottled waters. Harm motioned Meg to sit and he handed her a water.
"Now, take ten baby sips of water, then wait 30 seconds, and take another ten sips."
Meg nodded agreement. After following Harm's directions, she waited for the hiccups to keeping coming, but they had stopped.
"Wow Harm! That worked, "she exclaimed happily. She wanted to hug him in gratitude, but realized their teasing and flirting had really gone too far, by Navy standards. "Nothing like that has ever worked so well before. Where did you learn that?"
Harm shrugged. "My mother. She taught me many things…that was just one."
"I'll bet she's quite a woman, " replied Meg. "I'd like to met her someday." The instant she had said the last word, she immediately regretted the remark. She had not meant to be so personal. Her expression betrayed her, but Harm was alert to its intention.
He looked away, nodding his head and extended his lower lip as if contemplating the right response to her request. "You know something Meg, I believe you will." He grinned at her, making her feel quite relieved. "I want to know one thing though."
"What's that."
"How did you know I was ticklish?"
Meg smiled, rolling her eyes around the plane. "Oh, I just knew—don't ask me how—I just did."
Harm gave her a look that said, "so-you-think-you-know-it-all." Okay, what else do you know. Hummm…let's see. " He scratched his chin in a up and down motion, trying to give the appearance of being deep in thought. "Okay, I'm gonna ask you a few questions. Now, your response will be based on how you would answer personally, not how you think I would answer." This was the most enjoyable flight he could ever remember. Meg was so pleasant and easy to converse with—at the very least, their banter was making the flight seem much shorter.
"I thought you wanted to find out how much I knew about you."
"Well, let's just do it this way," he replied.
Meg's eyes gleamed. "Okay hotshot. Fire away."
Harm looked directly at her, with a blank expression. "Yankees or Red Sox?
"Haaa! That's easy. The Red Sox of course."
Harm nodded. "Okay. I already know your favorite football team is the Longhorns."
Meg flashed the Texas Longhorns "hook'em horns" symbol with her index and pinkie fingers of her right hand. "Yep, that's my team."
Harm thought back to their investigation of the marine private who was beaten-up by a gang for refusing to sell their drugs to his fellow marines and the gang's use of the hook-em horns symbol as a method to show their identity. After explaining the Italian sexual connotation of the hand gesture to her, Meg, in fun, gave him the hook'em horns signal right back. He still wondered which meaning she meant to convey to him. Was it in good fun?
"Well, excluding the Cowboys--"
"I don't like the Cowboys, "she interjected assuredly. "They've always seemed too cocky to me. I like the Packers. The green and gold—yeah baby!" Meg shot her right arm in the air and swung his fist around, in salutations. Harm was momentarily stunned. The Packers were his favorite team too. What were the odds? She was two for two. He gazed skyward, as if looking for help from the gods. I gotta get tougher, he thought as he met her eyes again. She was smiling at him, as if saying, "I know you like a book."
"Okay Lieutenant, which would you choose to do:sailing Chesapeake Bay, hiking the Appalachians, or spending a weekend in Cape Cod."
Meg frowned. "Do I have to pick just one?"
Yep. That's the question."
She sat back in her seat, pondering her response. "Hummm…this is a toughie. Well, I just can't pick one cause I would want to do all three, especially the weekend in Cape Cod." She rolled her eyes all around. "I wonder who would be willing to take me, or better yet, who can I take on a romantic get-a-way."
Harm nearly rose his arm skyward as a, "I'll take you—let me, " gesture. Then he suddenly realized his mistake. He liked to do all three himself. He had forgotten to mix in two things he didn't like to do. This woman was really getting under his skin, but not in an irritating way. There had to something they differed on. How about a change in tactic. He eyed her suspiciously, next thinking about a question that would test her in a psychological manner.
"One more question, okay?"
"Okay, but then I get to ask one of you, " she replied eagerly. Meg was thoroughly enjoying this repartee. She took a large swig of her bottled water. "You're a miracle worker Harm—still no hiccups."
"Well, this question may bring them back," he replied. "Ready?"
Meg nodded. "Bring it on baby—I mean Sir."
Harm cleared his throat. "In this scenario, you have a younger sister, by a couple years."
"Well, growing up with three brothers, I'd like to have a new sister. Go on."
"You are engaged to be married—"
"Oouuu—I like it already," she cooed with a big grin.
"You won't after you hear the rest. Can I continue?" Harm gave a look of semi-exasperation.
"Okay—okay. Sorry."
"As I said, you are engaged to be married. You are deeply in love with you fiancée, and you are making plans for a big wedding, but a definite date has not been set. Lately, you have seen your fiancée flirting with your younger sister, who is quite attractive, much like yourself." Harm winced slightly by his slip-of-the-tongue, but he did not regret this confession. Meg eyes light-up immediately.
"Is giving compliments a part of your story?" she asked smiling.
Harm's face was flushed with red. "Ahhhh…well…anyway, you are not concerned because you trust him. But as time goes on, you notice them spending more time together. Soon, it seems he is spending more time with your sister that with you. You confront him about his behavior but he says he's just being nice to her because she will be his sister-in-law. Soon afterward, you accidentally catch them in a passionate embrace.
You want to interfere, but something holds you back. Later that evening, you confront him again about what you saw. You are obviously upset and you feel you cannot trust him. He begs your forgiveness and swears this one time indesgression was just a wild impulse, and it was really initiated by your sister, but it will never happen again. He emphatically says he loves only you. Are you with me so far."
Meg just nodded, watching him intently. As she listened, she was entranced by his masculine good looks, and his voice, which seemed to elicit a tone of sincerity and trust. She often wondered if that same voice would ever speak words from his heart, words expressing passion and tenderness. His eyes were also a source of conflicting character, sometimes showing indifference and lack of feeling, while at other times, offering a window into his inner most self, which he closely guarded. It was at those moments Meg sought to explore, the man behind his reserved exterior. Somehow, she sensed Harm was a man wanting to break loose from the constrictions, whether they were self-imposed, or extemporaneous, that had him holding his heart in check. But what did it matter. She was a professional colleague and nothing more. But could it ever be more?
"Now, you still have doubts about the strength of his love for you. You must be sure beyond a reasonable doubt, an expression you and I have heard many times before. So, you confront your sister. She admits being very attracted to him, and would not mind him being in her arms instead of yours. You ask her if he has been with her more than once, and she admits they have had two other romantic encounters. Her attitude is, "all's fair in love and war" –too bad sis. Then she tells you that he confessed to her that he had been engaged before, something you never knew."
"Is there a question somewhere in this soap opera,"asked Meg, feigning exasperation.
"Alright. The question should be obvious. Do you still marry your fiancée and can you forgive your sister."
Meg shifted in her chair, and looked out the window. Her view consisted of mountains of puffy white clouds that interlaced the azure blue sky with majestic heavenly grandeur. She never tired of seeing the Earth from this vantage point. She secretly hoped Harm would take her flying sometime soon in his vintage single engine prop. She kept dropping hints, but Harm hadn't much time himself for flying because of their heavy caseload. But somehow, she knew he would ask her. She turned to him with a serious expression.
"It's not as easy an answer as one might think, "she responded slowly—carefully. "If I am engaged to this man, that means I have made a commitment to him, a commitment of marriage, and that shouldn't be taken lightly. If I trust him, then I should take him for his word."
Harm looked a little surprised. "Is that you answer."
She shook her head slightly, looking almost forlorn. "No, it's not. If I were that girl, I would break off the engagement. Maybe he is sincere and maybe he will keep his promise to our relationship, but my doubts would always be in the back of my mind. The fact that he had a previous broken engagement and kept that from me does help either. Nope—couldn't do it. He broke his promise with my sister—now I'm glad I don't really have one--so adios amigos. And as far as my sister goes, hummm…if I were her brother, I would take her over my knee and give her a good Texas wallopin' on her bad ass. Nobody in my family would act like that—not the way we were brought up."
Harm grinned at her. "Okay. No more questions." She had answered just as he thought she would—just as he would have answered had it been a similar scenario.
Did you find out what you wanted to know, " Meg asked with a look of recognition.
Harm chuckled to himself. God , she is really something. She was certainly more intelligent and intuitive than he gave her credit for. She had the makings of becoming a very fine lawyer. He pursed his lips together and nodded. "I guess I did."
"Harm, " spoke Meg softly, leaning toward him.
He turned to her and met her bright sapphire blue eyes with his own. "Yeah."
Her face appeared sullen and serious. "You…ahhhh…you wouldn't be a guy like that, would you. I mean…you wouldn't be a two-timer, like the guy in your hypothetical story." She looked at him, beseechingly for some kind of answer she hoped would validate her opinion of his character.
Harm wanted to hold her hand, but again, some internal force prevented him from acting on this impulse. He gazed at her beautiful face and spoke softly himself.
"No, that's certainly not me. I'm not that kind of man, but I think you knew that."
"Sir, I apologize for…if I was…too…ahhhh—"
"Don't worry Lieutenant, it's just you and me on this flight and stacks of cargo. I don't think the cargo is going to say anything to anyone back at JAG. But now that you know I am ticklish, I hope you will refrain from anymore attempts to use that to your advantage when we are on duty."
Meg gave him a special smile. "And when we are off duty?"
Harm measured his response with care. "Well, if and when that opportunity arises, we will just have to see how well I can resist laughing to another one of your jokes."
He stiffened in his seat, suddenly realizing something he meant to ask. "Meg, you said you wanted to ask me something?"
"Can I take a rain check," she answered. "I've learned that when I get the opportunity to ask you something which might be construed as personal, I need to choose my words carefully. Will you grant me the right to ask my question at some point in the future?"
Harm shrugged his shoulders. "If that's what you want, I will agree to it."
"Do you want to hear something really funny Harm?" She looked like she was ready to start her giggles again.
"What's that?"
"I've practically forgotten why we made this trip to California."
Harm started to laugh. "You know, I think I have forgotten." They laughed together over such a ridiculous notion. Eventually, they settled back in their seats and said very little until they landed at Andrews Air Force Base. During this time, each wondered to themselves if their lighthearted flirting and kidding around was a prelude to something that would evolve beyond a working relationship and friendship. It was a happy thought for both, but at this point in their careers, it was only a dream.
End of Chapter 1
Well, the foundation has been laid. More bricks and mortar will be piled on in Chapter 2, or in other words, the romance is slowly building. All reviews and comments are certainly welcome. I am an amateur in the strictest sense, but I'm having fun. So, stay tuned, there is more to come. It will be posted soon.