Saturday, September 11th

To Harm's surprise, Mac was in deep sleep when he heard nature call at 08.35. She had been sleeping in a lot lately when he thought about it. He figured she was finally embracing being her own boss after twenty years of service. He decided that a run would be good and dressed in his running gear and slipped out the door.

When he got back the bed was empty, and he assumed she had gotten up to have breakfast. He hurried to shower and dress for the day, then he found both Mattie and Mac in the kitchen.

"Good morning," he smiled brightly.

"Too bright," Mattie complained.

"It's past 09.30," he kissed Mac softly.

"Good morning," she smiled. "Did you have a nice run?"

"It was," he arranged himself some coffee and sat down, reaching for the newspaper. It's September 11th," he let out a sigh.

"Yeah, I can't believe it's been four years already," Mac hesitated. "What a day."

"I just remember the pictures on the TV," Mattie hesitated. "My Mom turned it off so I wouldn't watch. Where were you guys?"

"I was in court and when I stepped into the Bullpen everyone was standing in front of the monitors, some were crying," Mac reached for Harm's hand.

"I remember Bud peaking into my office, saying that I had to come to see what was going on," Harm remembered. "No one spoke, it was nothing to say really."

They talked some more about terrorism, then Mac suggested a walk in the beautiful autumn weather. She wanted to stop by her favorite bookstore too.

"I guess a walk would be good," Harm agreed.

"And when we get back, we have to prepare the house for our guests to arrive," Mac pointed out.

"I can help with that," Mattie suggested.

"I've got it," Mac reassured.

"I think I'll just chill inside today. I want to get started on my English essay," Mattie started to stand. "And I really need to understand that geometry thing Mr. Bruno was talking about yesterday. That man has an interesting way of making complicated things even more complicated, or maybe my brain just doesn't get geometry."

"I wasn't great at geometry, but I could try to help," Mac offered.

"Me too," Harm smiled as he stood. "I was pretty good at it."

"I'll let you know if I need help," Mattie promised. "I just want to make sure I'm not too behind since I lost a lot last year."

"You'll do fine," Harm reassured.

"Nick wanted to watch a movie tonight, so I invited him here. Is that cool?" Mattie wondered.

Harm and Mac shared a look. "I guess that's okay," Harm said, and Mac nodded in agreement.

"Great," Mattie put her dishes in the dishwasher. "See you guys later."

Harm took his dishes to the dishwasher. "Are you going to stress about preparations for the semester all weekend, or will you be able to relax?" Harm wondered.

Mac stood. "I've been really focused on that lately," she smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," he smiled as he leaned on the counter, crossing his arms. "I'm just worried about you exhausting yourself."

"You don't have to worry about me," she reassured as she put her dishes in the dishwasher and closed it before turning to him. "But it's cute that you do."

"Cute?" he didn't look too convinced.

"Sweet, is that better?" she was amused.

"Much," he said with irony.

She chuckled. "I didn't mean to mess up your image as a cocky sailor by implying that you were sweet."

"Or cute?" he questioned with amusement.

She put her hands on his arm. "Did I mention how hot you look in jeans and a t-shirt? It's always been my favorite look on you."

"I thought you liked me in my dress whites?" he uncrossed his arms and put his hands on her hips.

"It's something about the relaxed, civilian side of you," she moved her arms around his neck. "And I promise, this weekend, you have my undivided attention."

"Yeah," he moved in to kiss her, almost touching her lips with his. "So, what do we do about that?"

"Outside, because it's supposed to be a beautiful day," she kissed him softly. "Maybe a round of my favorite bookstore, coffee at that nice little coffee place next door while I read my new book," she kissed him softly again.

"Sounds like I'll have to buy a book too, so I won't be bored when you read yours," he moved in to kiss her again, but they were interrupted by Mattie.

"Is this your idea of going outside?" she wondered with amusement as she headed for the fridge.

"We're going," Harm smiled.

Mattie took out a bottle of water, then closed the fridge. "Can you guys pick up some snacks, soda, and candy for tonight?"

"Absolutely," Mac promised.

"You guys can watch the movie with us if you want to?" Mattie suggested.

Harm nodded. "Maybe we will."

"But no inappropriate behavior," she added as she walked away.

"Can't promise anything," Harm called after her.

Mac chuckled as she moved out of his embrace. "Come on, Sailor."

Wednesday, September 14th

Mac looked up from her spot by the conference table as the conference room door opened. She had found a place furthest down on the large table with law books scattered around her, a notepad, pen, and computer as she worked on her lecture plan for the semester. Next Monday was her first lecture and she was starting to feel prepared. She had been feeling a little under the weather lately, assuming that she had been working too hard. She had promised Harm that as soon as she had held her first lecture everything would return to normal. He had been worried about her the last few days especially because she had been pale looking.

Harm's staff entered one after the other, offering curious looks in her direction as they sat down around the table.

"Don't mind me. Just working on a lecture," she mumbled as she opened another law book. Harm had told her to use the library as she wanted, so she had decided to go with him that morning.

"All rise!"

"As you were," Harm waived them off. He winked at her, then sat down and started the morning staff meeting.

Mac was impressed by Harm's leadership style. He was relaxed, letting his staff discuss among themselves on ongoing cases. Much like Admiral Chegwidden had encouraged them when he was JAG. He was getting good at being patient when everyone else didn't reach the right conclusion as fast as he did. He was brilliant and would have loved to argue cases in court instead of train others to do what he did best of all. She was so proud of him, it was hard to put into words how much. He had always been a natural born leader, wanting to make the decisions. He hadn't always been the most patient man impatience, but through the years he had grown into it.

"Okay, I think that's it," Harm leaned back in his chair. "Back to work."

They all stood at attention and one by one they left the room. Harm stayed behind.

"You're doing a great job, Harm," she complimented.

"Thanks," he smiled. "I have to admit that I enjoy some parts about being in charge. I miss the courtroom though."

"Make sure you take on a few cases," she advised. "You are brilliant in the courtroom, and you love it. It's important to do things that you enjoy too."

He nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. How long are you staying?" he wondered.

Mac hesitated, then smiled teasingly. "Until I'm done, or you kick me out."

He chuckled. "How about lunch then?"

"Come find me," she smiled as she leaned back in her chair. "If anyone needs the library, they should just kick me out."

"I'm sure they will," he stood and walked over to her, leaning down he brushed his lips to hers. "Later, Rabb."

She chuckled as she watched him walk away. Two more days and they would be in Oxford, just the two of them.

Friday

Harm held the door open and let Mac in before him. He looked around the spacious suite and smiled. This would be perfect for a weekend with his beautiful wife. She had been working hard lately and deserved a little treat.

"Are you sure you're prepared and can relax now?" he wondered as he put their suitcase away.

She turned to him and smiled. "I promise. What about you? Ready for a relaxing weekend?"

"Absolutely," he walked over and wrapped his arms around her. "Ready for dinner?"

"I am," she kissed him softly. "Where are you taking me?"

"I thought we could have pizza tonight, and tomorrow I made a reservation at this French restaurant. Very fancy," he kissed her again. "Tomorrow we can see the city."

"Sounds great," she let out a contented sigh. "I feel so blessed."

"You seem happy," he cupped her face. "I can't believe I've managed to put that smile on your face."

"I have you, I have Mattie and I've never been happier," she smiled sweetly. "I love you, Harm."

"I love you more," he kissed her deeply.

The next day

Harm laughed softly by the way Mac was looking around the bookstore. Like a kid in a candy shop, he thought. They had found a bookstore with a section of old books. Mac had been at it for an hour while he was the one ending up carrying the books she chose.

"Done soon, honey?" he wondered.

"Almost," she put another book in the pile he was carrying. "These will look great in the shelf by the fireplace."

"You're buying books that look good?" he was amused.

"These are classics," she pointed. "Dickens, Brontë, Fitzgerald…" she watched him with huge eyes. "What?"

"Just," he chuckled. "You're such a pretty geek. I mean, seriously, who would have thought."

She smiled. "I do love my crime novels too, you know that, but," she hesitated. "I used to read these when I grew up. Books like these got me through some bad times."

He nodded. "I get it. And yes, they will look great on the shelf by the fireplace. We have a beautiful home thanks to you."

She leaned in and kissed him. "Come on, let's pay. I'm in the mood for hot chocolate."

"Whatever you want, beautiful," he turned and headed for the register.

"You've made some excellent choices, sir," the clerk said.

"My wife did," Harm smiled as he handed the clerk money. "We're on a belated honeymoon."

Mac walked up to them.

"You have excellent taste in books," the clerk told her.

Mac smiled. "Thank you. You have a lovely store."

"Thank you so much," Harm took the bag in one hand and Mac's hand in the other. "We'll come back here."

"You're welcome any time," the clerk smiled.

"You didn't have to pay," Mac said as they stepped out on the street again.

"I wanted to," he leaned in and kissed her. "I haven't given you many gifts."

"You don't have to buy me gifts," she tugged on his hand. "Come on, there's a café right around the corner."

They sat down outside, Harm with his coffee, and Mac with her hot chocolate.

"I still can't believe that you've given up coffee," he was amused.

"Not given it up, just cut down drastically," she pointed out. "I want to make sure I do everything possible to be able to conceive."

He nodded. "We have that appointment this coming week."

"I can't wait to hear what the Doctor says," she hesitated. "I just hope she has some good news."

He reached for her hand. "Me too. But whatever happens, we have each other, and that's the most important thing."

"You say the sweetest things," she smiled lovingly.

"It's the truth," he smiled sheepishly.

Mac nodded. "You're amazing."