Chapter 37

Rabb Residence

"Where's Harm?" asked Mac walking into the living room where Chloe was sitting on the couch watching television.

"I'm under strict orders not to tell you," replied Chloe, looking away from the tv to grin at Mac.

"I see. Was this order from Harm?" asked Mac sitting down beside her.

"Yup," said Chloe.

"You know, I have two months on him…my orders should count for more," teased Mac.

"I didn't say I wouldn't consider telling you if you give me a better order," said Chloe slyly.

"All right, let's see. I order you to tell me where Harm is and if you tell me ice cream will be involved," said Mac smiling, clearly thinking her offer was pretty good.

"I'm afraid his offer was better," said Chloe with a laugh.

"Did his involve money?" asked Mac.

"No, he told me I already had my pocket money for the week," said Chloe rolling her eyes.

"Honestly, like my cooperation isn't worth a little extra," continued Chloe jokingly.

"Are you sure you're really on his side?" asked Mac with a laugh.

"Shh, he might hear you," laughed Chloe.

"What are you ladies laughing at?" asked Harm walking into the room, wiping his hands on a towel. There was paint on his cheek and several streaks of paint on his clothes.

Chloe and Mac took one look at him and broke out into giggles.

"What have you been up to Sailor?" asked Mac.

"Nothing much," replied Harm, glancing at Chloe.

"I didn't say anything I swear," said Chloe.

"She didn't, I tried to bargain with her but apparently your offer was better," said Mac with a smile.

"All right Chloe, make a call for the pizza and we'll get your ice-cream later," said Harm.

"That was the extra bargaining chip…pizza?" asked Mac looking at Chloe incredulously.

"And softening up the Admiral so I can interview him for my English class," said Chloe.

"Chloe, I really wouldn't leave that part to Harm. He's likely to get the Admiral mad at him in the process," said Mac with a laugh. Harm mock glared at her.

"Can you ask him for me?" asked Chloe looking at Mac.

"Sure, I'll ask him tomorrow," said Mac.

"Thanks, I'm going to call for the pizza," said Chloe.

"Oh…I forgot, my English teacher sent a letter home with me today," said Chloe.

"What's it about?" asked Mac, her eyebrows raised.

"I don't know, I haven't gotten in trouble I promise. She said something about a different class though," said Chloe reading Mac's look.

"Okay, bring it here," said Mac.

Chloe went to her room and brought the sealed letter back to the living room, handing it to Mac and disappearing to call for the pizza. Harm gave Mac a look.

"You think she got in trouble?" asked Harm, sitting down beside her as Mac tore open the letter.

"I hope not," said Mac. She scanned the letter quickly, a smile crossing her face.

"She didn't get into trouble," said Mac, handing Harm the letter. Harm read it and smiled too.

"Chloe, can you come here please?" called Mac.

Chloe entered the room. "What did it say?" she asked

"Your teacher wants to put you into the Advanced English class," said Mac.

"Really? But they have so much more homework," said Chloe doubtfully. Harm and Mac shared an amused look.

"Well, it says here she's very impressed with your work and thinks you need something more challenging," said Harm.

"It is kind of boring in my regular English class. Okay, I'll move," said Chloe.

"Harm and I give our permission, it will be good for you," said Mac. Harm nodded in agreement.

"We're very proud of you Chloe," said Mac, hugging Chloe warmly.

"We are," said Harm, moving to hug Chloe also but being sidestepped as Chloe tried to get away.

"You'll get paint on me!" said Chloe, looking horrified at the thought.

Harm laughed. "Wouldn't want to do that," he teased as he shook her hand instead.

"Thanks guys," said Chloe, smiling brightly.

"So why are you covered in paint flyboy?" asked Mac.

"I was painting," said Harm.

"The nursery?" asked Mac.

"Yeah, you are not going in until it's finished though," said Harm.

"You think I haven't been in it?" asked Mac jokingly.

"Mac! It's a surprise, and there are paint fumes everywhere!" said Harm, giving her a stern look.

"Relax, I was just teasing. I've been good and baby Rabb and I haven't been inside," said Mac.

"Make sure it stays that way," said Harm.

"Yes sir," said Mac saluting him with a grin.

Later that night
Harm and Mac's room

"Mac, are you awake?" asked Harm as he felt Mac move again.

"I'm sorry, I'm keeping you awake. I just can't seem to get comfortable," said Mac.

"That's okay. Is there anything I can do?" asked Harm.

"No, I'll let you sleep though. I'll go out to the couch," said Mac.

"I don't think so Marine," said Harm, taking hold of her hand.

"But you need to get some sleep and I'm keeping you awake," said Mac. She winced slightly but smiled at him, hoping he hadn't noticed.

"What's wrong?" asked Harm, sitting up and looking at her with concern.

"It's nothing," said Mac. Harm gave her a disbelieving look and she sighed.

"I've sort of been getting contractions, just little ones," said Mac.

"What!" asked Harm, pushing the covers back and rushing to get to his feet.

"Harm, I think I'd know if I was really in labour. I do have 3 weeks and 2 days left before my due date," said Mac, putting out a hand to pull him back down.

"We can't just sit here!" said Harm looking worried.

"Honey, it's fine. Right now it's just a discomfort. That and my back hurting," said Mac.

"Your back was hurting you yesterday too," said Harm.

"One of the great joys of pregnancy," supplied Mac.

"Are you sure?" asked Harm looking very uncertain.

"I'm sure," said Mac. She moved slightly and then stopped.

"Uh, can you help me up? I need to go to the bathroom," said Mac.

Harm grasped her hand, easing her up to a sitting position and helping her get to her feet.

"Thanks," said Mac softly, squeezing his hand.

Mac opened the bathroom door to re-enter their room and saw that Harm was on the phone.

"Yeah…uh I don't really know. Here, ask Mac," said Harm. Mac glanced at the phone with a curious expression.

"It's Harriet, I called to ask her about your contractions," said Harm.

"You woke Harriet up! Do you know what time it is?" said Mac in disbelief, before taking the phone.

"Harriet, I'm sorry Harm rang you so late," said Mac, glancing at her husband. Harm looked at her apologetically.

"That's okay. He was worried about you," said Harriet.

"Now, tell me more. Are you in much pain?" asked Harriet.

"No, it's just twinges of pain every now and then. My back's been hurting but that's been normal for me lately," said Mac.

"It sounds like you're having Braxton-Hicks contractions," said Harriet.

"I remember reading about those," said Mac.

"I wouldn't worry about it too much right now but definitely get it checked if it starts hurting more," said Harriet.

"Thanks Harriet. Can you tell the Sailor too so he stops worrying?" said Mac.

"I think it's sweet…just don't tell him that," smiled Harriet.

"Okay, it'll be our secret," smiled Mac.

"I'll try to put his mind at ease then. Have a good night Mac," said Harriet.

"You too, I'm sorry this was so late," said Mac.

"Oh it's no problem," said Harriet.

Mac handed the phone over to Harm and Harriet repeated what she'd told Mac before he thanked her and hung up.

"Are you mad?" asked Harm.

"No, it's pretty hard to get mad at you. I know you meant well," said Mac.

"I just worry about you that's all," said Harm caressing her cheek.

"I know," smiled Mac, kissing him softly.

AN: Thanks for the reviews and keep reading! A certain event we've all been waiting for, myself included, is very close now. :)