By the end of the weekend Harm had convinced Beth to give up her VOQ booking and move in with him. They would start looking for a house for their family. Family it was something Harm had wanted to have for a long time. Beth had started making changes to Harm's apartment. She was making her mark on their home. Harm noticed Beth was nesting and making his place comfortable for her. Beth had insisted on a TV for them to watch.
On Monday, Harm arrived at work and was called into the Admiral's office. The Admiral had news for Harm. Mac was coming back early from her TAD assignment. The person she replaced had been cleared in the investigation and was returning to duty. Mac would be back next Monday. Harm moaned, knowing what Mac would do.
AJ asked "Have a good weekend Commander?"
Harm replied "Yes sir! She said yes. In two weeks I would like a week of leave sir."
"Granted, Will this be a big wedding?" The Admiral inquired
"No sir! Just family for this one. We will have a big ceremony later after the baby arrives." Harm stated
Once done with the Admiral, Harm headed back to his office. He called Beth. Once he got her on the phone. He said "Hey babe!"
"Miss me already sailor? How will you ever handle six month deployments?" Beth asked
"Of course I miss you. I have news and it's not great." Harm replied
"Mac?"
"Yup! She is back Monday. I am somewhat scared how she will react. She has always been possessive of me. I am hoping she will accept it like I did with Mic."
"She has never been respectful towards the woman you dated. What do you think she will this time?"
Harm had to admit Beth was right. He had to end the call quickly to get to court. While Harm was on the phone with Beth, the Admiral was thinking of who to pair Mac with because he knew Harm was out. Singer wouldn't work Mac and she would kill each other. Although the young lieutenant might just take Mac. Singer was a strong willed woman and a good lawyer but she could be better. Harm was a great teacher and mentor, just look at Bud and you would know that. Singer and Rabb would make a good pair. She could afford to learn from Harm.
Mac and Roberts would be a good pair. Roberts is Harm's protégé so Mac would still have to deal with Harm's teachings. Mac may outrank Roberts but he is one of a few junior officers that she will listen to.
The week flew by fast and weekend even faster. Harm woke Monday morning and it was storming. It was a full blown thunder storm. The weather only signaled what the day was going to be like Harm thought. Beth could see the strain on his face and knew she had to do something to ease the pressure on her future husband. She called Admiral Boone and told him Mac was going to be back today and to his credit Boone said "Well then lets meet at JAG and help Harm out! I have an excuse to head over there. I was told I need a JAG."
Beth was excited by the idea of surprising Harm at work. Harm trudged into JAG HQ that morning and his mood was worse than the weather. Mac was already at the office when he arrived. He went straight to his office until staff call. She hadn't bothered to stay in contact so why should he act like everything was normal.
At staff call the Admiral announced the new partners and said it was to shake things up. Also to give junior officers more experience that they needed.
Harm was relieved to say the least not to be paired with Mac anymore. Poor Bud cause Mac was going to blow a gasket when she finds out about Harm. Harm rounded the corner into the bullpen and there he saw the woman of his dreams Beth. She was standing outside his office and he was confused thinking he was dreaming for a minute.
"Hey Sailor, got a minute?" Beth asked
"For you I have two!" Harm replied
They entered his office and he closed the door. "What are you doing here?" Harm asked
"Boone is on his way and told me to meet him here. He was told he needs a JAG on staff. Since you are the only lawyer he trusts, guess who will be helping him pick one?"
"Sounds good. Since you're here…." Harm started but finished by kissing her. She hadn't noticed him closing the blinds.
Beth and Harm were interrupted before they got too crazy by a knock on the door. It was Mac of course. She had seen that FLYING SNAKE go into Harm's office and then the blinds close. Well Mac didn't like that at all. Harm had property of Mac stamped on him and everyone knew it. He was her toy and she hated to share.
"Harm?" Mac questioned
"Mac, most people wait to be invited in!" Harm retorted
"Well I am not most people. We are best friends so that does normally give some leeway. Wait, why are you two holding hands?" Mac was starting to figure out something was up.
Beth was now going to take the lead "Because we're engaged! I took him off the market for good!"
"WHAT? YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED?" Mac yelled
Everyone heard Mac yell. Even Admiral Boone who was just checking in at the front entrance and he thought Crap there goes the day!
"Yes Mac! Beth and I are getting married on Saturday. If it wasn't for you demanding I be at your wedding this never would have happened. So we thank you but please excuse us. We have some things to discuss." Harm stated and hurried Mac out the door and locked it.
