Chapter 38

Harm stood at Mac's office door, she was leaning on the edge of her desk talking on the phone, apparently too uncomfortable to sit down. A smile crossed his face as he watched her and Mac looked up and saw him when she finished the call.

"What are you smiling about?" she asked, making some notes on a legal pad.

"You," said Harm, stepping inside. Mac gave him a curious look.

"You're so beautiful," said Harm.

"Harm, I'm nearly nine months pregnant, I'm huge," replied Mac, though the slight blush that had risen in her cheeks gave away her pleasure at the compliment.

"You'd like not to have a belly?" asked Harm, placing his hand there.

"No. I like knowing our baby is growing, not to mention almost ready to be born," replied Mac, placing her hand over his on her belly.

"You are beautiful," said Harm.

"Thank you, I'm glad you think so at least," said Mac caressing his cheek.

"Oh I'm not the only one Marine," smiled Harm, kissing her lightly. Someone knocked on the open office door and they both turned.

"Excuse me sir, ma'am. The Admiral would like to see you sir," said Tiner at the door.

"Thanks, I'll be right there Tiner," said Harm.

"I'll let him know sir," replied Tiner, heading back to his desk.

"I'd better go see what the Admiral wants. I'll see you in a bit," said Harm, kissing her and leaving the office.

Admiral Chegwidden's office

"The SecNav has requested you to go investigate an incident involving a Lt. Commander involved in a smuggling ring in Italy. You'd be leaving in two days with Commander Winters. It may take a couple of weeks," said AJ.

"Sir…I can't take this assignment," said Harm, the moment AJ had stopped speaking.

"Is this due to the Colonel being close to her due date?" asked AJ, having understood Harm's predicament.

"Sir, if Mac went into labor while I was gone, I'd be risking not being back in time," said Harm, clearly concerned.

"I understand that Commander. The SecNav did request you specifically but I am going to do my best to find a replacement for you. One that he would approve of," said AJ.

"Thank you sir, I appreciate that," said Harm looking relieved.

"We're a bit short-handed around here at the moment with Turner away on assignment and Roberts has his own cases. I'd send the Commander on her own but she doesn't have as much investigative experience as you do," said AJ.

"Yes sir," replied Harm.

"I'll make some phone calls and let you know by tomorrow at the latest," said AJ.

"Thank you sir," said Harm.

He left AJ's office, returning to Mac's.

"What's the matter?" asked Mac, noting his concerned expression.

"Hopefully nothing," said Harm.

"What is it?" asked Mac.

"I've been assigned on an investigation in Italy by the SecNav," said Harm.

"How long will you be gone for?" asked Mac.

"I told the Admiral I can't take the assignment. It could take weeks and I can't risk missing the birth," said Harm.

"They'd send you on a long assignment now?" asked Mac. "Unbelievable."

"The Admiral is looking for someone to replace me," said Harm.

"So you might still need to go?" asked Mac, clearly upset.

"Hey, I'm sure the Admiral will find someone," said Harm reassuringly.

"Who? We're short-handed around here as it is," said Mac worriedly.

"Commander Winters is being sent too," said Harm.

"I bet she's celebrating as we speak," muttered Mac under her breath.

"I'll find out tomorrow at the latest whether a replacement has been found. I promise you Mac, I will be here for the birth," said Harm.

"You better be. I'll need you there with me," said Mac.

"I'll be there," said Harm. He took her hand, squeezing it gently and Mac smiled slightly, trying not to think about the worrying news.

"I have to get court back into session, I'll see you later," said Mac, her internal clock alerting her of the time.

"Okay, maybe we'll have good news by then," said Harm.

Mac merely smiled and took hold of her briefcase, kissing him briefly on her way out.

Tiner appeared outside her office, and Harm watched in amusement as he argued with Mac about letting him carry her briefcase, it had become something of a daily occurrence. The JAG personnel all seemed to appear whenever Mac was carrying anything and offer to carry it for her, and Harm was appreciative of this. He knew whenever he wasn't around, his friends were keeping an eye on Mac. With the argument won, Tiner took Mac's briefcase, following her to the court room. Harm headed to his office with a smile, trying not to dwell on the possible assignment.

JAG Headquarters
The following day

Mac looked up at the unfamiliar knock on her door and was surprised at the identity of her visitor.

"Commander, it's been a long time," she said, standing with some difficulty and holding out her hand.

"It's nice to see you Colonel. Congratulations," said Commander Tracey Manetti, shaking Mac's hand with a smile.

"Thank you. I see congratulations are in order for you too. Congratulations on your promotion. Please, take a seat," said Mac smiling back as she sat down.

"Thank you. I was just here to see Admiral Chegwidden and thought I'd drop by to say hello. It's nice to be back at JAG," said Tracey sitting down.

"Oh, will you be joining us?" asked Mac.

"I'll be replacing Commander Rabb on the Italy investigation and I may be taking over from Commander Winters when you go on maternity leave," said Tracey.

"That's very good news Commander. I was worried about Harm missing the birth," said Mac.

"I'm glad to be able to help," said Tracey.

"I do hope that you can stay. I will have given birth, at least I hope so, by the time the investigation is over," said Mac.

"I'd like to, this office was always a very nice place to work. Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?" said Tracey.

"We don't know, we decided to be surprised," said Mac with a smile.

"Well, not long now," said Tracey.

"It's almost time," agreed Mac.

"I'd better go and meet with Commander Winters, but it was nice to see you. Say hello to the Commander for me and good luck with everything Colonel," said Tracey.

"Thank you. It was nice to see you too," said Mac.

JAG Headquarters
Break room

Mac was stirring some sugar into her tea when Harriet walked into the break room.

"Hi Harriet," said Mac.

"Hi ma'am. Did you hear the good news?" asked Harriet smiling. Despite the smile, Mac noted that Harriet looked quite pale.

"I actually saw Commander Manetti. She came to see me. Harriet, are you okay?" asked Mac.

"I'm fine…uh…ma'am, if you're not busy though, maybe we could talk?" said Harriet nervously.

"Sure, let's go to my office," said Mac, still looking at Harriet with concern.

AN: Thanks again to everyone for the feedback. The next update is coming very soon!