AN: Thanks to everyone who let me know you want me to continue. As a fledgling writer, I like to know if a story is worth continuing. I really want to finish this so I can start the one I have a 10 page outline for. Enjoy.

Harm and Mac were dressed in no time, which is saying much when it comes to them. Usually when they start getting dressed, they just end up removing the clothing, only to have to put it back on. It was really hard not to tear the other's clothing off, especially with what they chose to wear. Mac was wearing a navy blue french satin dress with a slit up the side. The top of her dressed was a sweetheart cut that ran so low, Harm could see the valley between her breasts. 'She's going to be the death of me, but what a way to go.' Harm thought as he gazed at her. Mac wasn't doing any better. Harm chose to wear a black suite with a gray shirt and blue tie. She was use to dress whites and gold wings, but she always thought this man could definitely grace the cover of GQ. 'Just remember to breathe Mackenzie. Just breathe.'

Harm walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. "You look beautiful, Sarah."

Mac released the breath she kept trying to tell herself to exhale. "You don't look too bad yourself.

"Ready to go?"

"Lead the way."

They were almost out the door when Harm remembered something.

"I'll be right back. I left the keys on the nightstand."

"Well we won't get too far without those."

Harm rushed back into the bedroom and grabbed his "keys". Tucking the ring into his breast pocket, Harm made his way back to Mac.

"Now we can go."

"Good, because I'm starving."

They arrived with five minutes to spare and spotted AJ sitting at the bar. Harm informed the hostess of their reservations, and they were escort to a private booth. The waitress arrived and took their drink orders, and offered an appetizer. Declining an appetizer, the waitress stated she would be back with their drinks and take their orders in a few minutes.

All the time they sat there, Mac noticed Harm seemed a little uneasy tonight. When she would look at him, he would give her a small smile and quickly glance away. She was about to question what was going on when the waiter returned with their drinks. It wasn't too hard to figure out what Harm was going to eat. They had an excellent fish and seafood selection. He ended up picking pan steamed shellfish with thai red curry and jasmine rice. Mac picked pan seared beef filet with wild nettle risotto, asparagus, and morel mushrooms. AJ chose herb crusted loin of lamb with israeli cous cous, yellow zucchini and garam masal. Once the orders were taken, light conversation took over. AJ could tell Harm was nervous, so while Mac went to the restroom, he tried to calm him down.

"You know she's going to suspect something is up?"

"I pretty sure she knows something is up, AJ."

"You need to calm down."

"Easier said than done. I'm so nervous that I don't even know how I'm going to eat. My butterflies have butterflies."

"Do you have any reason to believe she'll say no?"

"No."

"Then why are you so nervous."

"You remember what it's like, AJ. I've never made this type of commitment before. I know I love her and she loves me, but this is forever. It's wonderful and scary all at once. What if something happens to me? Then she's left all alone with the baby. I don't want to do that to her."

"Harm. There are no absolutes in life. You could be sent on a mission and die just as easy as walking in the street and getting hit by a car."

"Yeah, but I chose the military. I chose to go on those types of missions."

"Are you saying you want to give up the Navy?"

"No. The Navy has helped me become who I am today."

"Then what's your point?"

"My decision making skills. I know they aren't the best, and I don't always think before I act. I need to do that now. There's too much at stake."

"Yes there is, but don't forget Mac in this equation."

"All my thoughts are because of Mac."

"But you are forgetting one important thing."

"What's that?"

"Mac is a grown woman. She knew exactly what she was getting into when she decided to be with you. Don't make any assumptions about how she might feel. You'll regret it."

"I've done that so much in the past, AJ, and I regret it all. I need to trust in us."

"I think you already do. You just can't see it yet."

"You're probably right. Everything will work out."

"Good to hear you say that. Now get yourself squared away, sailor, because she's on her way back her."

"Thanks, AJ."

"Anytime."

The rest of dinner passed in relative silence. AJ filled them in on possible people he could talk to about their situation, and Harm and Mac informed him of her upcoming OB appointment tomorrow. Once dinner was completed, AJ told Harm and Mac that he had to go.

"Are you sure you have to go, AJ?"

"Yeah. I have a meeting early tomorrow morning."

"Ok. Thank you for joining us for dinner."

"My pleasure. Take care you two. Let me know what the doctor says."

With a brief hug, AJ took his leave. Harm put his arm around Mac and turned to face her.

"Come with me somewhere."

"Sure. Where are we going?"

"You'll see."

Harm glided Mac to the car. Once she was seated, Harm got into the driver's seat and the engine roared to life. It wasn't a long drive to his parent's house thank goodness. He didn't know how much longer he could wait. He hoped his nerve would still be with him when the time came. Harm parked the car in the driveway and got out. Making his way over to Mac's side, he couldn't help taking a calming breath. 'This is it. It's now or never.' He opened Mac's door and helped her out of the car. Grabbing her hand, they made their way to the beach.

"Take a walk with me?"

"Yeah."

Harm slipped his arm around Mac's waist and pulled her close. Mac couldn't help but lose herself in his embrace. In his arm, she felt safe and loved, but she couldn't help trying to figure out what was going on. 'I wonder what he's up to.'

The sky was clear and hundreds of stars danced in the night. It was perfect. It wasn't too cold, although, Harm notice Mac shiver and quickly offered his coat. He guided her over to his special place. Looking up into the moonlit sky, Harm said a silent prayer that he would find the right words. Mac couldn't help the gasp that escaped her mouth when Harm went down on one knee. With her hands in his, he began.

"Sarah. For nine years you have blessed my life with your presence. Not a day goes by that I don't thank God you are here with me. You have always been there for me, and have helped make me a better person. You have shown me that it's ok to loose control. To let go of my lifelines. I have let them all go except one, and that is my heart. I was so scared to let my heart go, but I realized I never really had it to begin with. You see, you've had my heart the moment I saw you in a Rose Garden. Sara Mackenzie, will you bless me with your hand in marriage as you have already blessed me with your heart?"

Mac couldn't stop the steady stream of tears if she wanted to. All her life, she pictured this day, and had resolved herself to the fact that it would probably never happen. Now, it is here, and it is better than she ever imagined it. She was so lost in thought that she almost didn't notice Harm's apprehensive face, or hear him when he called her name.

"Sarah….?"

"Oh, Harm. Yes….yes I will marry you."

Reaching into his breast pocket, Harm retrieved the jewelry box. He opened it and took the ring out. Grabbing Mac's hand, he slid the ring onto her left ring finger. Mac couldn't help but notice how beautiful it was. She was about to ask him about the design when Harm answered it for her.

"I had it while I was deployed. It represents our lives coming together in one love surrounded by nine years of love and friendship."

"Oh, it's so beautiful. I don't know what to say."

"I actually rendered you speechless. This is indeed a memorable occasion."

"Watch it, squid."

Joking aside, Harm stood up and pulled Mac to him.

"I love you, Sarah."

"I love you, too, Harm."

Their love was sealed with a kiss. A kiss neither felt before. It was a kiss of love, desire, and a promise of a future. It only ended when the need of oxygen became apparent. Harm rested his forehead against hers as he spoke.

"You've made me the happiest man alive."

"And you have made me the happiest woman alive."

"Do you know why I brought you here?"

"I know this is your parents place, and I know this place must have a very special meaning to you. Maybe something to do with your father?"

"You're right. This is where my dad use to take me when we needed to talk. After he went down, I found myself coming to this spot to talk to him. You know, there were times I think I actually heard him talking back to me. I could always feel his presence here. Helping me get through the tough times. This place has always held a special place in my heart for me. What better place to ask the woman who has my heart to marry me?"

"I think it's a perfect spot."

"Glad you think so. As much as I want to spend the whole night here with you in my arms, we have a busy day tomorrow."

"Yeah. We better head back to the room."

Arm in arm, Harm and Mac made their way back to hotel, once inside, they surrendered to their love. Celebrating an event that was written in the stars.

Well there it is. I hope you liked it. Be prepared though. The angst is coming! Probably next chapter. I will introduce a blast fromt he past. Now all you have to do is hit the lilac button and review. You know you want to. (evil grin)