June 2008

Harm turned off the alarm and stretched lazily. He found the spot next to him empty and he sat up and looked around. He heard the shower running and got out of bed and headed for the bathroom. He dropped his boxers and slipped into the shower with her.

"Morning," he said as he pulled her close.

"Good morning," she kissed him softly. "Don't get any ideas, Captain. We have a tight schedule today."

Harm ignored her and started kissing down her neck.

"Harm," she warned and tried to push him away."

"We've got time," he said and pushed her against the wall. "I'm the boss."

"You have a 0800 meeting," she reminded him as her arms went around him. "And I have court."

He moved his hands down her sides. "We'll be quick," he said as his lips found hers. "God you're so beautiful."

"You're a hard man to resist," Mac said between kisses, now determined to finish what they had started.

By the time they made it downstairs Trish had finished setting the table and had breakfast ready. Matthew was in his chair looking really happy. He had just turned two and they had a party planned for Saturday.

"Good morning," Trish greeted them.

"Good morning," Mac said and bent down to kiss Matthew. "Thank you for taking him this morning."

"No problem," Trish ruffled Matthew's hair happily. "Nathan and Claire are getting their backpacks. Matthew and I can follow them to school if you'd like?"

"Okay," Mac said and looked at her husband.

"Great Mom. That way we have time to eat before we go," Harm said and winked at his wife. Their little morning activity took longer than planned.

"What's the plan for tomorrow?" Mattie wondered.

"What's tomorrow?" Harm asked teasingly. "Kidding. Since it's a workday, we have plans for Saturday night, after Matthew's party."

"And he refuses to tell me what he's up to," Mac complained as she sat down.

Harm laughed softly as he sat down as well.

"I can't believe it's been three years already." Mattie said with a sweet smile.

"Time flies," Mac said.

"And now you're almost ready to go to College," Harm said proudly.

"I am," Mattie said and stood. "I better go. I'm meeting Nick before school."

"See you for dinner then," Harm said.

"Have a nice day, Mattie," Mac said and smiled as Mattie bent down to kiss her brother.

"I'm going to miss you the most when I go to college," Mattie said and laughed when Matthew offered her a bite of his food.

"Mattie have pancake!" he said and handed her a bite of his pancake.

"You are so sweet, but I don't like half chewed food," Mattie said and pointed to Matthew's mouth. "You eat it."

Mac and Harm shared a loving look. They would miss having Mattie around in the fall.

The next day

Mac was happy to be back in uniform again, even though it was only for a little while. She had been asked to step in on the judiciary for a period, and she had to work around her schedule at the university where she was lecturing two days a week. The semester would be over soon, and they were scheduled to go back to the states in the beginning of July to spend two weeks with Grams, and she hoped the Marine Corps didn't mess with Harm and her plans to spend two weeks together with their family, Grams, Trish and Frank.

"Colonel," Petty Officer Larsen stood. "The Captain just got off the phone so you can go straight through. Happy anniversary, ma'am."

"Thank you, Petty Officer," Mac smiled. "I forgot to ask, did you have a nice birthday?"

Hanna smiled. "I did. Pat and I went to dinner, then a concert."

"Sounds like a nice night," Mac said as she knocked on Harm's office door and opened it. She almost walked straight into Harm who had been on his way to open the door.

"Woah," Harm put his hands on her hips to steady her. "I was just on my way to find you."

Mac smiled. "Ready for lunch?"

"I am," he let her go and waited for her to turn around before he put his hand on the small of her back. "I'm going to lunch Petty Officer."

"Yes, sir. Enjoy," Hanna said before answering the phone that was ringing. "Captain Rabb is out to lunch; can I take a message?"

Harm mouthed thank you to Hanna and followed Mac into the bullpen. "Let's go out."

"Sounds good," Mac agreed.

They decided on Thai food and went to a place very close to the office, where Harm often had lunch since it was so close and the food was amazing. After ordering Harm turned his focus to his wife.

"There's a downside to having you in uniform," he said.

"There is?" she asked.

"I have to be professional around you," he leaned in closer.

She smiled. "If it makes you feel any better, I'll let you help me get out of this uniform when we get home."

Harm swallowed hard. "Now I'll be having trouble concentrating the rest of the work day."

She nodded and took his hand. "It's been nice to be back in uniform. I like it on the judiciary."

"That's because you like to be in control," he teased.

"Maybe," she hesitated. "I think I'm ready to consider going back full time."

"That's great, Mac," Harm offered a reassuring smile. "Have you made a request to go back to full duty?"

"Not yet," she let go of his hand as the waiter brought them water.

"I'm sorry about the delay," the waiter said as he filled their glasses. "The food will take a little longer than usual Captain Rabb. It's busy today. Desert is on the house."

Harm smiled. "Thank you, but that's not necessary. We have time."

"You made her blush," Mac teased when the waiter had left them.

Harm was amused. "It's probably the uniform."

"Probably," Mac responded with a slight eyeroll.

Harm leaned forward. "I only have eyes for you, Colonel."

"Such a charmer," she smiled. "Must be why I agreed to marry you."

Harm laughed softly. "Must be."

That night when they stepped into the house they were met by three very excited children. They were all dressed nicely, Nathan and Matthew in suits, and Claire in a pretty dress. Mattie appeared behind her siblings, also dressed in a pretty dress.

"You guys have to go change," she said.

Harm and Mac shared a look. "What's going on?" Harm wondered.

"You'll see," Mattie smiled secretively. "Go dress nicely and come back down."

They did as they were told, Harm forgetting that he had been promised that he'd get to help Mac out of her uniform when they got home that night. He dressed in a suit and tie, and whistled flirtingly when Mac appeared in a beautiful red dress, showing off her body perfectly.

"Nice," he said and kissed her softly.

"Thank you," she took his hand and together they walked downstairs.

Mattie led them to the kitchen where Trish and Frank stood by the stove. "Happy anniversary!" They both said.

The table was set beautifully. "Wow," Mac said and walked over and hugged her mother in law, then Frank. "Thank you."

"This is a surprise," Harm said with a bright smile. "Thank you."

"Dinner is ready, please sit down," Trish ordered.

Mac lifted Matthew into her arms. "You look so handsome." She kissed his cheek.

Harm waited until they were all seated before he stood. "I have a hard time finding the words. I just wanted to use this opportunity to say that I'm grateful for you all, and that I love you guys. A little over three years ago before Mac and I decided to get married, I wouldn't have believed it if someone told me that I would have a wife and four kids in my life within a year, and now after three years as a husband I'm happier than I've ever been. It's been an amazing journey. I want to propose a toast to my beautiful wife and partner. Mac, I love you so much."

Mac reached for his hand. "I love you too. All of you," she looked around the table. "This is truly amazing."

Harm leaned down and kissed her, then he sat down. "We better eat before it gets cold. It looks great, Mom."

"I wanted to do something special for you," Trish said. She was wiping her eyes. "I'm just so thankful to be here with all of you."

Frank took her hand. "That goes for me too."

They shared an amazing dinner. Later when Harm and Mac lay snuggled together after making love, they whispered words of love.