A/N: Thanks so much for all of the great feedback! Again, the restaurant is real, but I've never been there. Thank heaven for the internet!
As always, nothing belongs to me, and no infringement is intended.
10:15 EST
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
Mac looked nervously at Harm, as they stepped off of the elevator. "Maybe I shouldn't have come with you," she said uncertainly.
Harm stopped in front of his apartment door, and pulled her to him. "Mac, relax, will you? I promise you, everything's going to be fine," he kissed her, then cupped her face in his palm. "I love you; that's all they need to know."
Mac smiled at him, nodding.
Harm opened the door to the apartment and motioned for Mac to go in before him. As soon as he had the door closed, he turned around to see his guests, and was surprised. Not only were his mom and Frank here, but so was his grandmother, and Harmony. Eyebrows raised, he smiled. "Hi, everyone," he said, glancing at Mac before his mother and grandmother came forward for kisses and hugs.
"Mom, Frank, you remember Mac?" he asked rhetorically, putting his arm around Mac's shoulders.
"Yes, of course we do," his mother said. "It's so good to see you again, dear."
Mac smiled warmly. "Hello Mrs. Burnett; Mr. Burnett."
"Oh, heavens! Call me Trish, or Mom," Harm's mom said. "And you can call him Frank."
Frank winked at her as he shook her hand, giving her a nod. "Congratulations on your engagement," he said to her.
"Thank you, Frank," Mac said, smiling up at Harm.
"Mac, this is my grandmother, Sarah Rabb," Harm told her, indicating the elderly woman who was standing next to him. "Grammy, this is my other Sarah," he said, smiling proudly. "Though she prefers Mac; it's a Jarhead thing," he stage-whispered, making everyone laugh.
"Mrs. Rabb," Mac said, taking the older woman's hand. "It's nice to finally meet you."
"Now, now, none of that Mrs. Rabb nonsense," Sarah Rabb said, pulling Mac in for a hug. "You call me Grammy, just like everyone else."
Mac chuckled softly. "Okay, Grammy."
"Harm, are you moving?" Frank asked. "The place is packed up, and it doesn't look like you've lived here in at least a week."
Harm smiled at his family. "Mac and I have found a house we're going to buy. We made an offer on it yesterday, so we're just waiting to hear if the owner will accept it."
This brought another round of congratulations and hugs, before Harm got everyone something to drink from the refrigerator.
They sat and talked for hours, making Mac feel like a member of the family. Mac loved hearing stories about Harm, and Harmony, while they were growing up, and Harm's family enjoyed hearing stories of Harm and Mac's adventures together over the last nine years.
When it was nearly lunch time, Frank suggested that they all head to Olive Garden for lunch, his treat.
Harm, Mac, and Harmony rode in Harm's SUV, while his parents and grandmother rode in the rental car.
They all had a great lunch, and enjoyed visiting together, before Harm looked at his family. "Where are all of you staying?" he asked.
"Your mother and I have booked a hotel room downtown," Frank told him. "I was going to get your grandmother a room there, as well."
Harm looked up. "Oh, don't do that, Frank," he said, smiling at his grandma. "She can stay in my apartment as long as she'd like. I know exactly where the box with the linens is, and since none of the other boxes are actually sealed up yet, she can use whatever she needs out of them."
"I don't want to inconvenience you, Harm," his grandmother said.
"It's not an inconvenience at all," Harm told her. "At least, not for me. It might be one for you, if you have to constantly dig through boxes to find what you need."
His grandmother laughed at that. "Oh, Harm, you know me; I don't need much to make me happy."
Harm laughed, too. "True. So, will you stay at my place?"
Grammy took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Of course I will, dear."
19:00 EST
Mac's Apartment
Georgetown
Mac came out of the bedroom wearing her black silk robe, her face still flushed from her bath. She settled herself on the sofa while she waited for Harm to finish in the bathroom.
After lunch, they'd brought everyone to her place so that they could visit some more. Since they'd had such a large lunch, no one was really hungry for a big dinner, so Mac had just made some sandwiches, while Harm had made up a vegetable snack tray. Everyone had left around 18:00, promising to get together for dinner tomorrow night after Harm and Mac got off work. Harm insisted that he would cook dinner for them all at Mac's apartment.
Harm came in and sat down beside her, pulling her close. "So, what do you think of my family?" he asked, kissing the top of her head.
"They're wonderful," Mac said, smiling up at him. "They made me feel welcome; like a real member of the family."
"That's because you are," he said softly, tilting her chin up to kiss her lips. "I have something for you," he said, pulling a jeweler's box out of his shirt pocket.
Mac's eyes widened. "Where did you get that?" she breathed.
Harm smiled. "My mom and Frank brought it with them," he told her, as he handed it to her. "These were my mother's rings, when she married my dad," he told her. "I had her take them to the jeweler to be cleaned and sized. I used a piece of string to size your finger while you were asleep one morning, so I don't know for sure if they'll fit. If not, we'll have them adjusted."
Mac held the box in her now-shaking hand, her eyes moist with tears. "Oh, Harm," she breathed softly, "I don't know what to say…"
"You don't have to say anything," he told her, "just open it."
Mac opened the box and her breath caught in her throat. Inside lay a beautiful golden wedding set. The wedding ring was a simple band with roses engraved all around it. The engagement ring also had engraved roses all around it, with a small diamond set perfectly in the center. They were beautiful in their simplicity. "They're perfect," Mac whispered, tears slipping from her eyes. "Thank you," she said, looking up at Harm.
Harm took the engagement ring from the box, closing the lid and setting the box aside. Reaching for her left hand, he slipped from the sofa onto one knee in front of her. "I know I already asked, but I have to do it right," he smiled. "Sarah Mackenzie, will you do me the greatest honor, by becoming my wife?"
Mac nodded, as more tears slipped from her eyes. "Yes, Harm… oh, yes," she said, as he slipped the ring onto her finger. It was a perfect fit.
Harm pulled her to him for a deep, lingering kiss. "I love you, Sarah," he said softly, as he stood and pulled her into his arms, kissing her again.
"I love you, too, Harmon," she said, as he lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.
11:07 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
Mac was reading through a file she had on her desk for a new case she'd just been given, when the phone on her desk rang. "Mackenzie," she answered.
"Colonel Mackenzie," a female voice replied. "This is Dr. Martindale."
Surprised, Mac set the file aside. "Hello, Doctor, what can I do for you?"
"I was wondering if you knew that since you and Commander Rabb are going to adopt Harmony's baby, you are entitled up to three months of family leave?" Dr. Martindale asked.
"Yes, actually, we discussed that last night. Harm and I both decided that we're going to take the time off to be with Miranda, and, hopefully, Harmony," Mac told her. "Why?"
Dr. Martindale paused, taking a deep breath. "Colonel, I have to be honest with you, it's doubtful that Harmony will be around much longer after Miranda is born. Her condition is extremely serious."
Mac forced back the tears. "I see," she said softly.
"I've already spoken to Harmony about this, and she loves the idea, so she asked me to call you and talk to you about it," Dr. Martindale continued. "How would you like to breastfeed Miranda?"
Mac's eyes widened. "Huh? I mean, is that even possible?"
Dr. Martindale chuckled softly. "Yes, as a matter of fact, it is. If we start you on hormone shots now, it only takes a few weeks for your body to start producing milk. You could be ready to nurse as soon as Miranda arrives. The first six to eight weeks is the most important time, and once you return to work, you could express the milk, or fill in with formula during the time you're at work."
Mac sat back in her chair in shock. "I'd… I'd love to…" she said, softly. "What do I need to do?"
"I have an opening tomorrow afternoon, if you can come out here on your lunch hour, I can do an exam and start the first shot. Then I'll show you how to do it, and you can administer them to yourself for the next several weeks, if that sounds all right," Dr. Martindale told her.
Mac smiled widely. "I'll be there, just tell me what time." She wrote down the time in her planner and hung up the phone, before rushing into Harm's office to tell him.
Harm stared at her in amazement after she'd told him about the conversation she'd just had with Dr. Martindale. "Wow," he grinned. "How do you feel about that?" he asked.
"Scared to death, but excited," she told him. "Harm, I had no idea they could do that. We know I may never be able to carry a child of our own, but if I can nurse a baby if we adopt, that makes it almost okay," she told him. "Are you okay with it?"
Harm smiled at her. "Of course I am! I think it is a wonderful idea. What time is your appointment tomorrow?"
"13:30," Mac told him.
Harm's face fell. "I have to be in court at 13:00," he told her. "I'd like to go, but there's no way I can miss court.""I can see if I can reschedule," Mac told him.
"No," Harm told her. "This is too important. We don't know how long we have until Harmony will have to deliver, so you need to start the shots as soon as possible. I'll see you afterwards," he said, smiling at her.
Mac returned his smile and nodded. "Thank you, Harm, for understanding."
Harm winked at her. "You're welcome. Now get out of my office, love, I have work to do."
Mac laughed and returned to her own office, hoping she'd be able to concentrate on her own work now.
15:00 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
Next day
Mac walked into her office, still rubbing her hip where she'd gotten the shot. Harm was still in court, so she wouldn't be able to talk to him about her office visit for awhile yet. A message on her desk said that the Admiral wanted to see her as soon as she arrived, so she put her things away and walked towards his office.
"Hello, ma'am," Jennifer Coates greeted her. "I'll let the Admiral know you're here," she said, buzzing the intercom. "Sir, Colonel Mackenzie is here to see you."
"Send her in," the Admiral's voice came over, "oh, and Coates? See if you can't find Lt. Millavich and send him in."
"Aye, sir," Coates said, nodding to Mac to go in.
Mac opened the door and walked in, coming to attention in front of his desk. "Colonel Mackenzie reporting as ordered, sir," she said.
"As you were, Colonel," the Admiral said, closing the file he was reading and removing his glasses. "We have a new staff member, and I want you to handle his integration," he told her. "I have to warn you, Colonel, he's arrogant, cocky and a royal pain in the six, but I'm hoping that his skills as a lawyer will make him of use around here."
Mac suppressed a grin. "Sir, how do you want me to handle him?"
The Admiral smiled at her. "I'll leave that to you, Colonel, but under no circumstances is he to receive any kind of special treatment, is that clear?"
Mac did grin this time. "Crystal, sir," she said, as Jennifer buzzed the Admiral to let him know that Millavich had arrived.
After the young man was standing in front of his desk, the Admiral introduced them. "Colonel Mackenzie is going to show you the ropes around here," he told him.
Millavich gave her a barely concealed leer. "I think I can handle that, sir," he said.
"You'd do well to listen to her, Lieutenant," Chegwidden said, "she's been here for nine years, and she's one of the best I've got."
Mac hid her surprise, extremely pleased by the compliment.
"You're dismissed Lieutenant, but don't go far, Colonel Mackenzie will join you shortly," he said.
Millavich saluted, then turned and left the office.
Admiral Chegwidden looked at Mac. "I have full confidence in your ability to handle him," he told her, a small smile on his face. "Just don't put him in the hospital; I don't need the paperwork."
Mac smiled. "I'll do my best, sir."
Chegwidden stood and came around the desk, leaning on the front and crossing his arms. "How are things going with Harm's cousin?" he asked.
"Not well, sir," Mac said softly. "His family has arrived, so hopefully we can all help him through this."
Chegwidden nodded. "Have you set a date for the wedding?" he asked, his eyes darting to her left hand. "I noticed this morning that you now have a ring."
Mac gently rubbed the ring. "No date yet, sir, but we're planning something small; just family and close friends." She looked him in the eye. "Sir, I was hoping… would you walk me down the aisle?"
Chegwidden smiled at her. "I'd be honored to, Mac," he said. "Just tell me when and where."
Mac smiled. "I will. I wish the White House rose garden was available," she said, smiling, "since that's where we met, but I'll settle for a small church service. I'd better go, before Lt. Millavich gets lost," she said, standing at attention again.
"Dismissed, Colonel," the Admiral said, standing up straight. He watched as she left his office, a contemplative look on his face.
16:45 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
Harm and Bud were talking quietly, both secretly glad that Mattoni had managed to get a conviction on their client, as they entered the bullpen. They said their goodbyes, and Harm was about to knock on Mac's door, when it opened and a young man looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Hello," Harm said, "I didn't realize that Colonel Mackenzie was busy; I'll come back."
"That's okay, Harm," Mac called, "we were finished, weren't we Lieutenant?"
Harm recognized the tone of voice, and he winced, wondering what the young lieutenant had done to piss off his beautiful fiancé. "I'm Commander Rabb; you are?" he asked, sticking his hand out.
Millavich eyed the hand for just a moment, before taking it. "I'm Lt. James Millavich; I'm the new guy here at JAG."
"Come on in, Harm," Mac said, as Millavich left her office. "Lt. Millavich, I expect to see you in my office at 09:00 tomorrow," she said.
"Yes, ma'am," Millavich said, as he watched the Commander enter the office and close the door. He raised an eyebrow when he saw said Commander pull the Colonel into his arms and give her a brief kiss. Turning, he went to his new office to secure for the day.
"So, how was your doctor's visit?" Harm asked Mac.
Mac rubbed her hip. "Painful," she said, grinning. "Dr. Martindale did an exam, and then she gave me a shot. Then she gave me what I need to give myself shots. Two a day for the first three days, and then one a day for the next three weeks."
Harm frowned slightly. "Oh, honey, I'm sorry," he said.
Mac smiled brilliantly at him.
"What?" he asked, confused by her smile.
"You just called me 'honey'," she said. "Honestly, Harm, I don't mind taking the shots. It will all be worth it in the end. Are you finished for the day? We have to meet your family for dinner tonight."
Harm smiled at her. "Let me go lock up my office, and then I'll be ready to go."
Mac nodded. "Okay; see you in five."
Lieutenant Millavich was about to open his car door, when he paused. Commander Rabb was holding the door of a SUV open, and he helped Colonel Mackenzie into the vehicle, giving her a quick kiss before closing the door; then he went around and climbed into the driver's side, laughing as he started the vehicle. Millavich frowned, before climbing into his own vehicle and leaving.
17:30 EST
Alpine Restaurant
Arlington, VA
Harm and Mac walked into the restaurant, smiling when Frank waved to them. Heading over to the table, they quickly greeted everyone, before Harm pulled out Mac's chair for her. As soon as she was seated, he took his own seat beside her.
"How was work today?" Trish asked them.
"Fine," Harm told her, accepting a menu from the waitress. "What did you all do today?"
"We toured DC, before heading back to your apartment to rest up a bit," she replied.
Harm was about to say something, when his cell phone rang. Seeing it was the Admiral, he winced. "I'm sorry, I have to take this," he said, standing and flipping open the phone. "Yes, Admiral…" he said, as he moved away from the table.
Mac watched his retreating form for a minute, before turning her attention back to Harm's family. "I hope he doesn't have to go out of town," she said.
Trish gave her a sympathetic smile. "It must be difficult, to just have to up and leave at a moment's notice."
Mac smiled and shrugged slightly. "Sometimes. Most of the time I don't mind it, unless it inconveniently interferes with prior plans. But duty is duty; if I really dislike it enough, I can always resign my commission."
"Have you thought about doing that?" Trish asked. "I get the impression that you love being a Marine."
Mac smiled at her. "I do, don't get me wrong. I have thought about it from time to time; heck, I even did it once, and I hated civilian law. But sometimes I find myself wondering what it would be like to just… I don't know, be a wife and mother. I've been a Marine most of my adult life."
"At least you have the option, dear," Grammy said to her, taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
Mac returned the older woman's smile. "Yeah." She looked at Harmony. "I went and saw Dr. Martindale for that appointment we talked about last night," Mac told her. "It went great; I started the shots today."
Harmony smiled at her. "That's great, Mac."
Harm rejoined them, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Sorry, everyone, the Admiral needed to discuss something with me."
Mac looked at him curiously. "Do you have to go out of town?"
"No," he said, shrugging.
"Is it a new case?" she asked, wondering at his smile.
"Nope," he said again. "Just something he needed my opinion on."
Now Mac was really suspicious. "Okay… can you share with the rest of us?"
Harm laughed at her. "No; at least, not yet."
Mac's eyes widened. "Is this about one of us transferring out of JAG?"
Harm winked at her. "Maybe. Honestly, Mac, I can't talk about it yet. I'll tell you as soon as I can; I promise."
This seemed to satisfy her, so she nodded and turned back to her menu.
They had a lovely dinner, and enjoyed visiting with each other. After nearly two hours, they finally said their goodnight's and went their separate ways.
"I'll see you tomorrow night," Harm told them, having promised to meet them at his apartment the next evening.
As soon as they were settled in the SUV, Harm looked at Mac. "What do you say we get married this weekend?"
Mac looked at him, eyes wide. "What?"
Harm smiled. "My family is all here, and we can fly Chloe here. Mattie was already supposed to be coming on Friday night, so she'll be here… I talked to Frank, and between the two of us, we can have it all arranged by Saturday; Sunday at the latest. What do you say?"
"I'll need to find a dress… are you sure we can pull this off this soon?" she asked.
"Absolutely," Harm told her.
"Then, yes! I'd love to get married this weekend!" Mac said, laughing.
Harm took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "I love you, Mac."
"I love you, too, Harm."
