Part 9

Francesca went to check on her husband. "What's wrong, why so sad?"

"The letter, it's from Mac, and she told me things in the letter, things that needed to be said. A part of me will always love Mac, Francesca, but my heart belongs to you, know that. She gave her permission for you to read it, to know where she's coming from. Both of us made some assumptions about the other. I was sure she was with Clay, she isn't."

Francesca read the letter, she knew her husband was right to say part of him would always love Sarah Mackenzie; she'd keep an eye on them when circumstances would force the two together. She wasn't Marcella Paretti's daughter for nothing.

Thanksgiving Day Francesca was reintroduced to the traditions of the American holiday. Trish and Frank had invited them over for the meal, along with Jack who had delivered the plane on Wednesday. Friday morning she left for New York City to meet with her boss and prepare for the fashion show, her boss knew she wouldn't be able to fly out later in the pregnancy so they were getting things done now. That Saturday Harm went to see his plane, knowing that it needed servicing after the long flight. He also met the manager of the field; Tom Johnson and his daughter Mattie who was helping him run things on the administrative end. She was itching for the day when she was old enough to solo.

Mattie was fascinated by the old bi-plane of Harm's. Most of the planes housed here were decades newer. After getting Tom's permission Harm took her up for a flight. While they were up in the air, Harm found out a little about the teen. She was a sophomore, though she was home schooled, and hoped to attend the USNA. As alum, Harm told her he would give her a recommendation; he could see right off she had the leadership qualities that an officer needed. He also gave her suggestions what she needed to have besides the academics for the application.

Mattie told him of her baby sister, Shaylee, who'd been a big surprise to her parents the year before. Her mother headed the administrative portion of the business before the birth; Mattie decided to home school, via computer, with a renowned correspondence school her freshman year, as Shaylee came several weeks premature and she'd helped keep the family business afloat. She'd made an agreement with her parents; she'd run the company as much as she could while they were at the hospital and do her schoolwork at the same time. If she didn't keep her grades better than a B average she'd go back to public school.

Over the next several weeks, Mattie became close to Harm, and eventually Francesca who would come out to the airfield to watch her husband. She had no interest in flying in that type of plane, something that Harm could not fathom. The relationship between Francesca and Mattie was more niece and aunt. Mattie was not into high fashion, but she liked to wear things she'd made herself and Francesca gave her pointers, not only on fabrics, but also on life in general.

Harm replied to the letter Mac had sent, making sure his wife read it before he sent it off. He'd learned when it came to Mac, Francesca would always be very jealous. Any contact with her he let Fran know about immediately, even if was being consulted on a legal opinion.

Mac,

Thank you for the letter. I know it must not have been easy to write, it sure wasn't easy to read. Once AJ explained why there had been no contact with anyone, I felt better about that whole mess. At least I know now, you all weren't intentionally let me hang out to dry. You're right about Paraguay, it wasn't the time or the place for a discussion, and for that, I'm truly sorry. I shouldn't have pushed any issues at that time. Or assumed facts not in evidence. I know now that what I thought I saw was not what was going on between you and Clay, and for that I only have only myself to blame. I could've asked either of you if anything truly were going on. I should've realized just how badly off Clayton really was. Which was one reason I was such a sweet loveable guy after we got back to town?

Yours truly does keep the occasional toe in the water where JAG is concerned, mostly through AJ. However, I do have to send in the occasional report. I hear the occasional tidbit at San Diego JAG so I know Bud and Sturgis both need a good kick in the pants. They keep it up let me know, I'll come and deliver said kick myself :) other than that I'm more aviator than attorney these days.

I am glad to hear you're finally at full staff after so many months of being so short-handed. Normal bureaucratic speed. I'm not so glad to hear about Krennick, but I'm glad to hear she's changed. I hope she truly has.

I'm glad to hear you're working with youth; you have a lot to offer them. I think I might not have hared off to Vietnam looking for my father, if there'd been some adult to talk to, not family a family member, just to listen, not that I talked that much. As a kid, I tended to keep my personal thoughts to myself. Imagine that :.

Not only that, but you have had a lot to overcome in your life. Some of these kids really need to hear that, that no matter how hard your life is now you can make a difference as an adult. Don't forget to take time for you, and if you're in the area, at least phone and say hi.

Jack Keeter, remember him, brought the plane out here, and I have it at a hanger not too far from here. Its family run and I think I could actually see myself doing something like that after my twenty years are in, and tire of the law.

Keep yourself healthy, do whatever you need to deal with the endometriosis. Mom told me when I asked her; apparently, she had that flare up after I was born, which is why I'm an 'only' child. I always did wonder why she and Frank never had children. They couldn't.

A part of me will always wonder what we might have had, and a portion of my heart will belong to you. As I said on the porch at AJ's, for the time being, the time we spend together has to stay in the realm of work, or as godparents. As long as I am married to Francesca, and I hope and pray that is decades, I know we cannot be more than good friends, and friends for life.

Take care, Friend for life

Harm

A couple of days before Christmas Sarah Rabb arrived in southern California. Harm was surprised to see how frail she was becoming, and realized she was aging. Frank discussions took place during the visit, and it was decided she would leave the home she'd lived in for most of her adult life and move to an assisted living center not far from Harm and Francesca. When she got her strength back from the illness she'd had, a cold that she couldn't shake, they would find a senior community close by--or she could go to live at the center full time. It would depend on what her health would do. As she was expecting her first great grandchild, Sarah was determined to be on her two feet as soon as she could. Harm just made sure she didn't overdo it. She had a tendency to do that. Francesca's pregnancy continued, with few problems. Except for a craving for a delicacy that tended to hit at three in the morning, Harm would then have to drive about ten miles to the only store that was open at that hour that carried it. She insisted it had to be fresh. Captain Walton just smirked when Harm explained why he was tired several hours later, trying not to fall asleep during the staff meeting.

Harm wanted to do something special for Valentine's Day, his first as a married man. He'd asked Frank what he should do that would be romantic but not too taxing for someone within a month of delivery.

Frank told him he couldn't entirely help, as he'd never had the luxury of dealing with an eighth month of pregnancy wife. It was the one regret of the marriage to Trish. He did give his stepson a few ideas though, including having a meal catered in. After some thought that's what he did.

Francesca was at first disappointed they weren't going to be going out for the evening, Saturday February 14th, but as the day progressed she realized she wouldn't have been up to going out. Harm had arranged for an early supper. Actually, he had no choice, he had to pick the food up at a certain time, and if he wanted everything freshly cooked, they'd have to eat early.

When Mattie had heard of the plans for the evening, she offered to be the wait staff of one at Chez Rabb. Harm was glad; it freed him up to focus all his attention on his wife. They were eating a chocolate mousse for dessert when Francesca gasped. "I hope that stops."

"What!" Harm said wondering why the sudden shift in conversation.

"It's too early to have baby" she slightly was slightly in a panic.

"Was that the first one?" Harm had been reading several books on labor, and knew that as long as they stayed far apart it was a good sign.

"Yes,"

"Let me know when you have another one, and if it's stronger than this one" he gently ordered.

They finished their dessert and Mattie cleared away the table while they went out poolside to cuddle.

"Harm, this one was stronger" he noted how long it had been between the contractions and wondered if they should at least call in to see what should be done next.

While he was sitting there with Francesca Mattie opened the sliding glass doors to the patio and told him her dad would be there an a few minutes and for them to have a good weekend.

"Mattie thanks for all your help tonight, enjoy the rest of your weekend."

Harm had no more than heard the Johnson car pull up in the front and Mattie get in when Francesca suggested they go into the hospital just in case. She waited while he went and grabbed everything they'd need for labor and delivery. He then grabbed her purse and took it out to her. While he was doing that, she'd called her doctor who indeed suggested she come in when she described the contractions.

Harm deliberated whether to call his mother and Frank. He knew they were at the country club and enjoying a leisurely, romantic (he shuddered at that thought, even after nearly thirty years together he sometimes had trouble with that) evening. He knew it would be best to wait to call Francesca's parents until they were sure the baby was due to arrive. Because of the great distance there was no way either one of them would get to San Diego in time for the birth in any case. They went to the Naval Hospital emergency room, and sure enough, she was in labor. Francesca's ob/gyn was soon there, and made the determination to let nature take its course; either she'd have the baby that night or on Sunday or a month from now.

About nine thirty, it was obvious young Rabb was going to make their appearance in February. Harm was told he needed to go make whatever phone calls outside on his cell phone and then hurry back to be the for the delivery. He first called Frank, who didn't mind this particular interruption, and because they were having a very late dinner would be there as soon as they could. Harm then called Marcella; where it was very early on Sunday morning. At first she was disgruntled by the early call, until it got through to her that her grandchild was on the way. Marcella said to call her when the baby came, that she would be there as soon as she could arrange a flight.

He called AJ, who'd broken the engagement to Meredith Cavanaugh when he found her in the bed of another man, and even though it was after midnight this was a phone call he didn't mind taking. He told Harm he'd be there as soon as he could arrange leave. He got all the way to the maternity floor when he remembered to call his grandmother. She told him she didn't mind, she could always sleep at the hospital.

At 2323 Riley Marcella Rabb made her appearance. As she was about a month early, she weighed just less than five pounds, tipping the scales at four pounds twelve ounces and was nineteen and three quarters inches long. Other than her weight being just less than five pounds, she was in excellent health for one who was early. The doctors wanted to make sure, and would not release her until Tuesday.

Frank, Trish and Grandma Sarah were able to see their little Valentine just before the clock struck midnight. "This might be the only one I get to be there for just after they're born" she'd insisted as her daughter-in-law picked her up after ten in the evening.

Harm knew he needed to call his brother, and checking the time difference, knew it would be a good to deliver the good news. Sergei asked what the significance was of the first name, he'd never heard of it as a first name. Harm explained that Riley was Trish's maiden name. Sergei's niece would be named after both her grandmothers. Even though it was short notice, the Captain gave Harm the first week of Riley's life off as leave. He had plenty of leave on the books; and as the father of four he knew Harm was needed at home.

Marcella arrived in San Diego Monday morning, exhausted but determined to see her granddaughter before she slept. She tried to take over things at the Rabb house, but outmaneuvered by everyone. Trish and Frank would not allow it, and could see why Francesca gravitated towards Trish; they got along better. Harm didn't budge either, even though it meant for strained relations with his mother-in-law. AJ, who'd hopped on a military transport to get there sooner, said something to his former wife, in Italian, and after that, she let them do things there way.

AJ was only able to stay a few days, but seemed to spoil his granddaughter in that short amount of time, seeming to buy out a toy store. Harm took AJ up in Sarah, and introduced him to Mattie, who'd been relieved to hear just how healthy Riley had been at birth. By Thursday there were congratulations sent from various people in their lives who lived out of the area.

The reason the staff at JAG were able to get things to San Diego before the birth was announced was Admiral Harper had informed the staff why Chegwidden was not going to be in the office part of the week.

On his last evening before his return AJ waited in the living room while Harm put his daughter to bed, Francesca was very tired and had gone to bed early so to be able to see her father off in the morning. The admiral heard music coming from the nursery and on impulse grabbed his camera and was able to unobtrusively film his son-in-law, Harm, as he sang to his five-day-old daughter.

Go to sleep Riley dear

Go to sleep my dar-ling

Mi cara, mi amore, my heart and soul.

May the Lord keep you safe

All through the day

`May the Lord keep you safe

All through the night.

AJ recognized the tune as Brahm's lullaby and was touched by the words. If he didn't know the depth of love between his daughter and her husband he did now, it poured out in every word being sung.

Harm had on a pair of jeans and a San Diego Chargers t-shirt that had seen better days as he rocked his daughter to sleep. He knew there were several people at JAG who would want to see this side of the Commander but cleared it with Harm before showing it to the Roberts', Mac, Sturgis and others.

Things settled down as Riley adjusted to life on the outside. She was a good baby, for which her parents were thankful. Both had heard stories from their parents that they hadn't been so nice. Harm had been told he'd had colic and was a fussy baby. Francesca offered to make Mattie a formal. It would be a one of a kind, just for her dress. The design was demure enough not to make Tom object; yet sexy enough that Mattie felt very feminine and adult in it. After many discussions, they decided on royal blue silk as it complimented her skin tone and hair. They agreed it would be tea-length. This would give her a few more occasions when she might be able to wear the dress. The dress was finished by the end of April, now she just needed an occasion to where the thing.