Chapter 4
They were in Lisa's office again, after three weeks without seeing her. Their schedules had been crazy, first with Harm being sent on an investigation on the Patrick Henry, then Mac was sent to San Diego a few days after Harm's return.
Then Matthew had caught the flue, and he'd been keeping them busy both day and night. His high fever and bad cough had caused enough concern to take him to the Doctor, but now he was recovering and would be able to go to day care again withing the next few days.
"You both look tired," Lisa commented.
"It's been a rough period lately," Harm said.
"Works been busy, Matthew has the flu and I think I'm coming down with something too," Mac added.
"I hope you'll recover quickly. I had the flu last week and I'm still not one hundred percent," Lisa smiled warmly. "So, how are things going with you two?"
"Okay, I guess," Harm said.
"I guess there hasn't been much time for us lately," Mac said.
"With both working, and a small child in the house time together can be limited. Are you making an effort to have some quality time even when life is busy?" Lisa asked.
"I think we could do better," Mac answered honestly.
"Yeah, I agree. We do have periods of just existing in the same house, just like I'm sure all couples sometimes have," Harm said.
"Most couples forget that the little things can go a long way in a busy life. Like leaving a note for your partner, or get up an hour earlier to have breakfast together, or have quickie in the shower. Small thing matters in a relationship. You two work in the same building, so maybe have lunch together at least," Lisa suggested.
"We do have lunch together, but most days we're joined by coworkers. It's not that easy to have time to be social, so lunchtime is mostly about that," Harm said.
"And mornings and nights are mostly about Matthew," Mac added. "With our busy schedules I guess we feel like it's wrong to have a babysitter watch him while we go out, because we're away from him so much as it is. In my opinion it's not that we don't see each other, but it's mostly at work, or when we're with our son,"
Harm nodded. "Yeah, we spend a lot of time together, but it's not as a couple."
"And do this arrangement feel like it's working?" Lisa asked.
"The way I see it, we're in the Military and by being stationed in the same building we're luckier than most couples where one or both are in the service. I get to spend time with my best friend, and discuss legal issues with someone whom I consider to be one of the best lawyers in the Military," Harm reached for Mac's hand. "It's how we met, and the stubborn legal weenie is who I fell for."
Mac and Harm shared a sweet look.
"It's refreshing to see two people with so much respect and love for one another. You are both independent, opinionated and stubborn, which seems to come out a lot. Do you feel like you argue respectfully?" Lisa asked.
"We start arguing about one thing, and then we let it escalate into other things," Harm answered honestly.
"We're getting too good at throwing mistakes at each other," Mac continued.
"How about if you try something new? The next time you have a difference of opinion, stick to the subject at hand. That's your homework," Lisa said with a smile.
Tuesday morning
Mac and Harm's house
Finally Matthew slept through the night and Harm actually felt rested when he woke up. He'd set the alarm one hour earlier than he needed to, planning to make breakfast for his family. No one could argue that he wasn't taking Lisa's advice.
After checking in on Matthew, making sure he didn't have a fever and bringing him water in case he'd wake up thirsty he headed for the kitchen to start breakfast preparations.
Mac walked into the kitchen ten minutes later, not looking good.
"You okay?"
"I just threw up," she sat down on a chair and put her head on the table. "I've never felt this terrible in my life."
He felt her forehead. "You're not having a fever. Throat hurt?"
"No, just feeling dizzy and nauseous."
He pulled her to her feet. "Back to bed."
"I'm staying home with Matt anyway," she mumbled and headed back to the bedroom.
Thirty minutes later Harm and Matthew had eaten, and Matthew had gone to the living room to watch cartoons. Harm brought some toast and coffee for Mac. She had to try and eat something.
"Thanks," she mumbled.
Harm changed for work and left the house shortly afterwards. Mac and Matthew spent a quiet day inside, mostly in front of the TV.
Wednesday
JAG Headquarters
Harriet walked into Mac's office with some files and found her leaned back in the chair, looking pale.
"Everything okay, ma'am?" she asked with worry as she put the files on the desk.
"I'm dizzy," Mac took a deep breath. "Maybe I should have stayed at home today."
"Coming down with the same as Matthew?" Harriet assumed.
"I don't have a sore throat or a fever, just dizzy and a little nauseous," Mac shrugged. "I'm sure it'll pass over fast."
"I hope so ma'am," Harriet said with a smile.
"How are you doing Harriet? You're really starting to show," Mac noticed that Harriet had her maternity uniform on.
"Yeah, this pregnancy is so different than when I carried little A.J. I've been having terrible morning sickness, and I'm already showing," Harriet patted her belly.
"You and Bud must be so happy, having a girl this time." Mac reached for the files Harriet had brought for her, but stopped suddenly and froze. Harriet's words came back to her; '...terrible morning sickness.' She dropped the files and reached for her calendar.
"Ma'am, are you okay?" Harriet saw Mac count the weeks and it dawned on her. "Oh my God, you're..."
"Harriet!" Mac warned and stood abruptly. She rounded her desk and closed the office door.
"...pregnant?" Harriet said quietly.
"Don't say a word about this to anyone," Mac smiled warmly. "I need to talk to Harm."
"Of course, ma'am," Harriet promised.
Mac and Harm's house
Later that day
Harm had just finished dinner when he heard the front door open and shut. He heard Matthew yelling; "Mommy!" And that he ran into the hallway.
Harm smiled when he heard both mother and son giggle as they moved further into the house. It was nothing better in life than listening to the sound of his happy family.
"What's cooking?" Mac asked as she entered the kitchen with Matthew in her arms.
Harm walked over to them and kissed his wife. "You're just in time for pasta night."
Mac put Matthew down. "Sounds good."
"Harm put his hand on her forehead. "Feeling better?"
"Yeah." Mac removed her husbands hand from her forehead. "I never had a fever."
"Doesn't hurt to check," he pointed out stubbornly.
Mac smiled sweetly and put his hand on her belly. "There's some good news," she whispered.
Harm looked at her smiling face and then he looked at his hand on her belly. He smiled widely when it dawned on him. "Are you sure?"
She nodded. "The Doctor confirmed it today."
"What are you guys whispering about?" Matthew asked.
Harm turned to his son. "I'm just telling mommy how much I love her."
Mac smiled and moved into her husbands embrace. "I love you too."
"Can we eat now?" Matthew asked impatiently.
Harm kissed Mac's head. "Let's eat."
To be continued...
