Disclaimer: they still aren't mine but I'm starting to think they should be.

AN 1: A big thank you to Beth for helping out.

AN 2: The vows and celebrant's opening have been taken from various online sites.

AN 3: Thank you to all who have read and reviewed this story, it's been a wonderful journey.

God bless Japan. Thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has endured so much this year. xox

The final chapter

Three o'clock came and there were no surprise visitors. Alison and her partner had arrived at lunch time and as far as Mattie was concerned everyone was there. Four o'clock came and still nothing.

With the caterer cooking up a storm for the reception and the photographer having arrived, Mattie figured it was time to get dressed and get the wedding underway. With her bridal underwear laid out on Harm and Mac's bed and the dress hanging behind the door, Mattie smiled when Harriet put the final touches to her makeup and hair.
"Now, there'll be touch-ups to do when your dress is on and your hat is pinned but I think it's time for you to get dressed, honey," Harriet said, packing away the makeup.
"Thanks, Harriet, you've done a great job," Mattie said, taking another look at her reflection.
"I had a great subject to work with," Harriet replied, patting her back. "Now, do you need anything else?"
"Not for a minute," she said. "Just trying to keep my nerves in check. I'm so excited."
"So, I can tell," Harriet said with a knowing smile. "And you're going to make the most beautiful bride."
"Thanks, Harriet."

Dressed in all her undergarments, Mattie took the dress off the back on the door and peeled off the protective bag. Gazing at it, she was disturbed by a soft rap at the door.
"Mats..." Mac called. "Can I come in?"
"Sure," she replied, taking the dress from the hangar.
"Thought you might want to wait a minute before you put it on," Mac said handing her a robe and taking the dress back.
"Why? What's wrong? Has Colin..." she said quickly.
"No, no, nothing's wrong," Mac interjected lest Mattie get too wound up. "Veronica and the girls have a surprise for you downstairs and I figured you might be more comfortable in a robe."
"Okay," she said slowly, not too sure what was going on but trusting Mac.

Downstairs and Mattie scanned the immediate area to find nothing amiss. Then Veronica came from the living room.
"I did something in honour of your wedding," she said nervously. "I can't afford a fancy present and didn't know what else I could do to show you how much I value your friendship and support."
"There was no need to get me anything," Mattie said, taking hold of her hand.
"Well, I didn't," Veronica replied. "I didn't get you anything...it was more of a someone."
"Someone?" she replied. There was no one else she wanted at her wedding to the ones she had invited.
"Well, two someones," she clarified. "They're in the living room and ...god, I hope I've done the right thing."

Following Veronica, she was soon face to face with June, a lady she'd met as a very young child and had a brief correspondence with during her recovery. The older woman looked just like her grandmother, who passed when Mattie was ten, and there was no doubt in Mattie's mind who she was.
"Aunt June?" she said hesitantly.
"Yes, child, it's me," she replied, holding her arms out and hoping Mattie was pleased to see her. She was.
"Oh, Aunt June," she cried. "It's so wonderful to see you...so wonderful you are here ... It's ... it's ...amazing..."
Veronica took a deep breath, glad it all went well.
"And this is your mom's cousin, Tim," Veronica said, introducing the man standing in the background.
"Are you the Timmy who cut my mom's hair when she was five?" Mattie asked, moving across to him.
"Guilty as charged," he said, holding up his arms to surrender. "She was five, I was nine and thought she was being annoying."
"That's what mom said," Mattie said with a laugh.
"You did well," Mac whispered to Veronica as she slipped her arm around the nervous woman's waist. "Mattie is so happy to have them here."
Veronica smiled; more through relief than acceptance she had done something good.

After more hugs and chats with Mattie and her newly arrived relatives, Mac realised things needed to be wrapped up.
"Now, I'm sorry to interrupt," she said, wrapping her arm around Mattie's shoulders, "But we need to get you ready. June and Tim are here until..." she paused.
"Monday," June said. "That is if it's alright."
"It's more than alright," Mac replied. "So you'll have a chance to have a good visit in the next few days. However, there is a wedding scheduled in 57 minutes and ..."
"Oh my god!" Mattie said, pulling away from Mac. "I didn't realise the time."
"It's okay," Mac reassured her. "But we need to get that dress on soon so the photographer can do his stuff."
Ten minutes later, the dress was on, the pillbox hat was on, Harriet had touched up Mattie's makeup and hair in between helping Harm dress the children.
"What do you think?" Mattie asked breathlessly as she turned around in the master bedroom.
"I think you look unbelievably perfect," Mac said proudly. "That dress looks like it was made for you. Grams would be so proud."
"I think so too," Mattie replied, willing herself not to cry.
"Now, I know you didn't really want to go traditional so I didn't want to do all the 'something old, something new'," Mac said, "But the dress is old, the hat is new, and so I bought you a blue garter...just to spice things up," she added with a laugh.

As Mattie slid on the lacy blue item Lily came in unannounced and watched curiously.
"What is that?" she asked, pointing to the item now hidden by Mattie's dress.
"It's Mattie's something blue," Mac said, smoothing down her daughter's dress before telling her of the four 'something's.
"So what about the borrowed?" Lily asked and Mattie shrugged. "I know!" she shouted in a moment of inspiration before racing out of the room and calling for her dad.

Within a few moments, Harm appeared in the bedroom and went straight to his bedside table drawer. Taking out a velvet pouch he handed it to Lily.
"Here, Mattie," she said, offering the pouch to her sister. "It can be your borrowed thingy and it goes with the dress 'cos remember Grams said she wore it at her wedding too!"
Mattie tipped the necklace out into her hand. It was perfect.

As the time moved closer to six, the house emptied of people who made their way into the barn and took their seats. With grandparents and Harriet looking after the littlest MacKenzie-Rabbs, Lily stood waiting impatiently by the backdoor for the bride. Dressed in an ankle length burgundy gown she had chosen herself, Mac had instructed Lily to stay in the house until they were ready, wanting the dress to stay clean and tidy until the end of the ceremony and photos. Mattie stood in the middle of the living room, with Harm and Mac, glad that all the photos were done and she could turn her attention to the most important part of the day.

Taking a few deep breaths, she tried to calm her racing heart and still her trembling hands, she knew this was the right thing for her, Colin was the love of her life. And, considering they had been living together a while she knew there was nothing to worry about there. And, considering they had been intimate from their fourth date and she was carrying his baby, she definitely wasn't a virgin bride nervous about her wedding night or in need of motherly advice on how to cope with such things.
"You okay, Mats?" Mac asked bringing her from her thoughts.
"Yeah, I think so," she said before taking another big breath.
"You've gone quite pale, come sit for a minute," she said, leading Mattie to a kitchen chair.
"Do you feel sick?" Harm asked, taking her hand.
"No, not sick," she said slowly. "Nervous, I think."
"Nervous about what?" he asked and she shrugged.
"I don't know," she answered. "I want to be married, I want this, so very much."
"Maybe it's more excited than nervous," he offered and Mattie nodded, maybe he was right.
"Well, unless you would like to be fashionably late, it's time to go, kiddo," Mac said, helping her up.
"Can't believe my girl's getting married," Harm said, his blue eyes cloudy with tears.
"Don't start, Harm," Mattie warned. "My emotions are already fragile to say the least."
"Okay," he whispered, kissing her cheek. "Just let me tell you I love you very much."
"I love you too," she replied, taking his arm. "And I love you too, Mac."
Mac smiled; "Love you too, Mats."

In the planning, the arrangements were simple, Harm and Mac would stand alongside the celebrant and Lily and Mattie would walk in to the Josh Groban and Charlotte Church version of 'The Prayer'. However, standing just outside the barn, Mattie realised she didn't want that at all.
"Don't go," she said, when Harm and Mac went to walk inside.
"What's wrong?" Harm asked.
"I want you to walk me down the aisle...well, so to speak," she said, gesturing to the barn. "I know I said I didn't and all but I do and I want you to but that's only if it's alright with you," she said rapidly.
"It's more than alright with me, Mattie," he said, fighting his tears. "I would do anything for you."

When Mac smiled at the pair and went to move inside, Mattie spoke again. "You too, Mac. I want you both to walk me in...after all, I wouldn't have Harm as a dad without you and I wouldn't have you as a mom without him and I wouldn't be here today without you both so..." She stopped to draw a breath.
"We'll do it together," Mac said, coming to stand on the other side of Mattie.
"Are you guys right now?" asked Lily impatiently. "Everyone's waiting."
"We're right now," Mattie said with her first genuinely happy smile of the day, her nerves all but gone. Maybe, she thought to herself, it wasn't the wedding which had her nervous, just her idea of family.

With the music playing, Harm and Mac escorted Mattie to her place beside the groom before both kissed her and moved to the side and the bridal couple joined hands.

As the music stopped the celebrant began. "Before God we have come together today, for marriage is one of the most sacred of His wishes. And now through me He joins you together in one of the Holiest of Bonds.

Let us bow our heads in prayer. O Lord, hear our prayer for Colin and Matilda who today are united in marriage before you. Give them your blessing and always strengthen their love for each other. Amen."

As the celebrant spoke, Mac slipped her arm through Harm's and leant her head on his shoulder as she watched on. Soon, the memory of their wedding filled her mind.

Flashback: 11 Years Previous.

Engaged within months of first becoming intimate at Christmas, Harm and Mac had decided to forego the traditional engagement party. After all, Mac had already been a part of one of those and ended up kissing Harm rather than the one she was betrothed to. That didn't mean there weren't a lot of question and comments from family and friends about the event they were all anticipating.

With things at work a little slower than normal and with Harm's birthday a month away, Mac had come up with a plan to stop the persistent 'engagement party' pestering.
"Harm," she said slowly one night, coming to sit across his lap as he worked at the computer.
"Yes," he said equally as slowly, knowing there was a question coming.
"I've been thinking about this engagement party that everyone is going on about," she said, raking her fingers through his hair.
"And what exactly have you been thinking?" he asked wrapping his arms around her.
"I think we should have a sort of engagement party," she said, gazing at him.
"What's a sort of engagement party?" he questioned.
"Well, you know it's your birthday next month..." she started and Harm nodded. "I say we invite people to a small birthday – engagement party."
"Kill two birds with one stone," he commented.
"Three actually," she said with a cheeky grin.
"Three?" he countered, furrowing his brow.
"Well, we'll tell everyone it's a birthday – engagement party, which should stop the 101 questions and then we'll surprise them by getting married at the party," she said excitedly.
"I like your thinking," he said, kissing her briefly. Neither were hugely public people, neither liked a big fuss and if this was happening about a party they didn't really want, who knows what they'd be put through about a wedding. "Where would we have it?"
"Here," she said, looking around his loft. "There's enough room, it's intimate, we'd have all the same people anyway..."
"So, are you asking me to marry you on the 14th of next month?" he questioned, caressing her face.
"I am," she said, brushing a kiss across his lips.
Their plans were celebrated physically before any written plans were made.

-
Looking down at his wife, Harm realised Mac was reliving their own wedding and he pressed a kiss on her temple.
"Huh?" she said, startled, before realising where she was.
"It's okay," he whispered as the celebrant continued to talk. "You thinking about our wedding?"
"Yeah," she replied with a happy smile.
"Yeah, me too," he said, kissing her head once more.

Flashback continued

All the plans for the evening had come together easily except for some last minute screw up with the caterer, which was easily fixed when Harm drew himself up to his full height and used his best military voice.

Both were dressed elegantly, Harm with a black dress suit, pale green shirt and dark green tie with the pale green horizontal stripes, his jacket was on the back of a chair. Mac had a knee length dark green dress, it's colour a perfect match for Harm's tie. The dress had a low, yet tasteful neckline and fitted Mac's form beautifully. Her matching stiletto heels gave her added height and allowed her to kiss her fiancé without pressing up on tiptoes.

With the decorations around the loft matching the green theme, none of the guests had any reason to suspect this was anything but a birthday – engagement party; no one except Reverend Turner who was going to officiate. Harm had called him a few weeks ago, and left it to the man himself to organise his attendance. He had to try not to laugh when Sturgis approached him during the week to ask if it was okay for his dad to join himself and Varese at the party as he was coming to town unexpectedly. Of course Harm agreed and was left smiling when Sturgis departed none the wiser.

When the last of the guests had arrived and everyone was happily engaged in eating and chatter, Reverend Turner cleared his throat.
"Ah, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Harm and Mac I'd like to welcome you all here tonight," he began and Sturgis wondered what was going on, a quick scan of the room told him the happy couple were nowhere to be seen. "If I may ask your indulgence for a few moments, the happy couple would like me to ask you to fill your glasses and make yourself comfortable."

As the guests began to do as they were asked, Harm stepped closer to Mac who was changing in the bathroom.
"You look incredible," he gushed taking in the floor length bridal gown she was now wearing. Its tight fitting bodice accentuated her figure and Harm had to take several deep breaths to keep himself controlled.
"You look gorgeous," she said to him, adjusting the right epaulette on his dress blues. Mac loved him in blue.
"Gorgeous enough to marry?" he asked and Mac grinned.
"Oh definitely," she replied, kissing him briefly. "Now, have you decided how we're going to sort out the witnesses?" she asked, brushing down his jacket.
"Well, we have a room full of people," he replied, playing with her hair. "My thinking is we ask mom and Frank or Bud and Harriet to sign."
"I like your thinking," she said, kissing him once more.

When Reverend Turner pressed play on the CD player, a soft piano rendition of the Bridal March filled the air and when Harm and Mac appeared arm in arm on the steps to his bedroom there were gasps and exclamations of joy.
"Oh, my god! Oh, my god!" Mattie exclaimed jumping up and down when she realised what was happening. "Is this for real?"
"It is," replied Harm with a broad grin. "Definitely for real."

Amid the disbelieving chatter, the couple moved from the steps to stand in front of Reverend Turner and he began the short service.

-
"...So long as you both may live," the celebrant said.
"I do..." muttered Harm before Mac nudged him bringing him back to the present.
"I think he was asking Colin," she said with a smirk.
"Sorry," he whispered, "Just reminiscing..."
"Me too," she admitted, squeezing his hand. "We had a lovely wedding."
"We did," he replied and although he tried to focus on the scene in front of him, he couldn't help drifting back to the time when it was all about him and Mac.

"Harmon and Sarah had chosen to recite their own vows," Reverend Turner announced, looking at the loving pair in front of him.

"Sarah," Harm started a little nervously. "From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were the one with whom I wanted to share my life. Your beauty, heart, and mind inspire me to be the best person I can be. I promise to love you for eternity, respecting you, honoring you, being faithful to you, and sharing my life with you. This is my solemn vow." Leaning in, Harm placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.
"Harmon," Mac began before taking another deep breath and willing her tears to keep away. "Today I take you as my husband. Together we will create a home, becoming a part of one another. I vow to help create a life that we can cherish, inspiring your love for me and mine for you. I vow to be honest, caring and truthful, to love you as you are and not as I want you to be, and to grow old by your side as your love and best friend."

There wasn't a dry eye anywhere.

After the exchanging of the rings and a few solemn words by Reverend Turner, he proclaimed them husband and wife.
"You may now kiss the bride," he said to Harm with a wink and Harm did exactly that. Ignoring their audience and his usual shyness about public displays of affection, he slipped his arms around Mac's waist and leant in.
"I love you so very much, Sarah MacKenzie," he whispered, leaning his forehead against hers.
"Rabb," she said. "Sarah MacKenzie-Rabb," she corrected.

With that his lips met hers and they poured their love into one another with the exchange of a tender and passionate kiss; their first as husband and wife.

"You may now kiss the bride..."
Harm went to kiss Mac before realising the words were for Colin and Mattie. Shaking his head, he was very glad Colin's brother-in-law, Tony, was recording it so he could actually see them get married, everything else but his beloved Mac being a blur in his head.

With the nuptials sealed with a kiss, there were plenty of cheers and clapping as the celebrant announced them as Mr and Mrs Bates. Hugs, kisses and celebratory slaps on the back ensued until the photographer came in and organised the clan for the next lot of photos. Harm couldn't help but smile proudly as he posed for the bride's parents and bridal couple photo, this was his girl, regardless of what her birth certificate said.

After two dozen or so photos had been taken with a combination of family groups and of the happy couple alone, the final photo was of the entire group and would take pride of place on the living room wall of Mattie and Colin's house. They already had the perfect frame for it sitting on a table in the barn so everyone could leave their messages and sign it. Even Frankie had been given the pen to make his mark.

Appetisers were served and Mac delighted in seeing the happy couple standing by the flowers, eyes only for each other.
"They're very much in love," Trish commented bringing her out of her thoughts.
"They are," Mac agreed. "It's so nice to see."
"I'm sure they're going to have a long and happy life together," Trish continued, watching as they fed each other.
"I hope so," Mac replied. "Mattie so very much deserves that kind of love and stability."

Before long it was time for the bridal waltz and the couple had chosen 'Feels Like Home' for their first dance as husband and wife. They soon stood entwined on the dance floor, actual dance steps replaced by a tender embrace, kisses and swaying to the music. Halfway through the song the DJ asked for the parents of the happy couple to take to the floor and they did so, Bill with Mac and Harm with Kathy.

A few spins around the dance floor and the song changed and so too did the dance partners. Mattie held her arms out for Harm and he grinned widely as he wrapped his arms around her.
"You look so happy," Harm observed, kissing her forehead.
"I am...very," she said with a contented sigh.
"I'm very proud of you, Matilda," he whispered, holding her tighter. "So very proud."

Not knowing how to respond, Mattie held on tighter. This was the man who changed his whole life to help her. He was the man who fought for her. He was the man who never gave up on her; not when her father came back into her life, not when the accident threatened to claim her life. He was the man who never regretted having her in his life; something she could not say about Tom Johnson. And while she knew today was about new beginnings and the future, she knew she also had to put the past behind her.

Looping her arms around her neck, Mattie pulled back slightly and took a deep breath.
"I know I'll soon be calling you grandpa or grandad or pa once this baby arrives," she said quietly, "But today... and for the rest of my life, I would like the honour of calling you dad," she said tearfully. "You are the man I want to be my father, the man who has been my father ... the one I want this child to know as my father... Is that okay?"
"Oh, Mattie," Harm cried as his tears fell. "It's more than okay...it's ...it's absolutely amazingly okay."
Their tight embrace only ended when the song changed and it was time to change partners once more.

At the first opportunity, Mac made her way back to Harm and held him close before pressing up and kissing his cheek.
"You okay?" she asked, stroking his tear-stained face.
"Aha," he said, kissing her head before proceeding to share the story with Mac.
Mac grinned; she knew this was what Harm wanted all along but had never pushed with Mattie.

As she wrapped her arms around him and swayed to the music, Harry came running over.
"Up, mommy," he demanded. "I wanna dance too."
Smiling, Mac scooped him up and settled him on her hip.
"Do you like dancing with mommy and daddy?" she asked and Harry nodded. Feeling very tired, he was happy to be in his mother's loving arms.

Spying the scene and not wanting to be left out, Rosie came over and demanded the same thing of Harm. Picking her up, Harm slipped his free arm back around his wife as they continued to sway to the music.
"How come I don't get to dance?" Lily asked, wedging her way between them and standing on Harm's feet.

It may have only lasted a few minutes but Mac couldn't help but feel overwhelmed at this little family scene. The closeness they had established since living on the farm was something she had only ever dreamed of – now her fairytale was reality and it was all thanks to the gorgeous Prince Charming in front of her.
"What are you thinking?" he asked, as Rosie cuddled into him.
"Just how perfect this all is," Mac replied with a contented sigh.
Harm grinned; things were perfect. Leaning in he kissed Mac tenderly before Lily spoke up:
"Hey, remember I'm in the middle here getting squashed!"

With the youngsters all getting tired and restless but all determined to stay up until midnight for the fireworks Dave had organised, Harm realised plans may need to change before some of the crying and carry on put a dampener on the evening. With a quick word to Dave, an early fireworks show was put on and the guests gathered outside the barn in their jackets or surrounded by blankets.

As the brilliantly coloured fireworks lit up the sky the children watched in awe. Frankie found it too loud and Mac held a hand over his ear as she pressed the other one to her chest. It worked and soon his eyes were big and bright watching the colour bursts in front of him. Watching the reaction of the children, rather than the fireworks, Harm took delight in the joyful expression on Lily's face and the clapping and cheering of Harry as each firework exploded overhead. Turning to find Rosie, Harm's heart sank when he saw the tears tumbling down her cheeks and her hands firmly clasped over her ears.

Quickly, he scooped her up.
"Hurts, daddy," she said burying her head in the crook of his neck. "Make it stop."
"Ssh, ssh, baby," he soothed as he carried her from the festivities into the house, "It's okay."
"Too loud, too loud," she cried, wriggling in his arms every time a firework discharged.
"It's okay, it's okay," he said rubbing her back. "It will be over soon."

True to his word, the fireworks ended soon after but it didn't really stop Rosie's distress. While she had a hearing impairment, the explosions were too loud for her sensitive ears and each blast caused her considerable pain as the vibrations ricocheted around her eardrums.
"It's over, baby, it's over," Harm said, rocking her gently.
"Bang all gone?" she asked uncovering her ears.
"All gone," he said, kissing her head. "All better now?"
"Oh, daddy," she said with a sigh, resting her head on his chest.
"It's okay, precious," he said, kissing her forehead, "Daddy's here."

It was daddy and daughter time for ten beautiful minutes in the living room in front of the fireplace. During that time he kissed and caressed her and wondered what life would hold for his precious youngest daughter. Caught up in his ponderings, he didn't register the others coming into the house to settle the children in bed before the adults had their turn at partying and welcoming in the New Year.

It was Trish who spied them first and, rather than interrupt, she let Mac know where he was before she called out a full scale search outside.
"Hey," Mac said quietly, moving across to them, not too sure if her daughter was awake or asleep. "Are you guys hiding out in here?"
"Not really, mommy," he replied, looking up sadly.
"What's up?" she questioned, raking her fingers through his hair.
"Fireworks caused Rose a lot of pain," he whispered, looking back at his sleeping daughter. "She was really distressed so I brought her in here and held her tight."
"Oh, poor baby," Mac said, kneeling down in front of her. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"You and Frankie looked like you were enjoying them and I didn't want to spoil your fun," he said as Mac ran her finger down Rose's face.
"Is she okay?" Mac asked her eyes never leaving her daughter's face.
"She is now," he said, taking Mac's hand in his before kissing it. "I'll take her up to bed and ..."
"Mom's just taken Harry and Frankie up," Mac said, helping him to stand.
"Do you think she'll be alright during the midnight fireworks?" Harm asked as they walked up the stairs.
"She should be," Mac said, guiding him into the bedroom. "She sleeps soundly enough."

Drawing a deep breath, Harm edged by his mother and placed Rosie in the crib before removing her shoes and placing them on the top of the drawers beside him. Carefully, he pulled her arms out of the sleeves and lifted her up so Mac could pull the dress over her head. With all her warm undergarments still on, Harm decided not to worry about dressing the child in her pyjamas and shifted her into her space in the crib before covering her and stroking her face. "Love you, baby."
"Me too," said Harry, sticking out his arms as Trish held him. "Love me too."
"Of course I love you too," Harm said taking his son and hugging him. "I love you very much, Harry."
"Love you, daddy," he said squeezing him tight. "Rosie looks sad," he added, pointing at his sister's tear stained face and pouting.
"Rosie has sore ears," he said honestly. "But she'll be better tomorrow."
"Oh, poor Rosie Rose," he said resting his head on Harm's shoulder. "Me kiss it better."

Knowing it wouldn't hurt, Harm upended his son so the boy could kiss his sister before changing him for bed. It didn't take long before Harry was placed at his end of the crib but the boy wouldn't stay still for long. Walking out of the room after Frankie had been bedded down, Harm wanted to give Harry some time to settle; believing that he would once there was no audience. He was right.

After spending five minutes standing on the landing as Mac used the bathroom Harm peeked into the bedroom to find Harry asleep but instead of being at his end, he was sleeping behind his sister, one arm thrown protectively across her. Harm couldn't help the tears which welled up as he quietly entered the room and tucked the blankets around the twins. He was glad that whatever the world would throw at them and whatever the future may hold that these two would always have each other.
"What's up, daddy?" Mac whispered as she ran her arms around his waist as he stood there watching them.
"Ah, nothing," he replied with a sniffle. "Just thinking how lucky they are – they'll always have each other."
"They are very lucky," she said, leading him from the room. "And so are you, you'll always have me."
Harm grinned before planting a soft kiss on her lips.

Before it could develop into anything further, Lily clambered up the stairs.
"Dad, we're ready for bed and Jessie needs you," she said wrapping her arms around her parents embrace.
"Okay, pumpkin," he said, kissing Mac's forehead before releasing her.
Half an hour later, the adults had all returned to the barn ready for a couple of hours of food, dancing and celebrating before seeing in the New Year.

With the mood light and carefree, Mac spent much of the following two hours eating, chatting and dancing with her husband who was a little too preoccupied for her liking.
"What are you thinking?" she asked as she wrapped her arms around his neck and slow danced with him.
"How beautiful you are," he replied, kissing her nose.
"Nice try but I'm not buying it," she replied, caressing his face. "Are you thinking about Rosie?"
"Yeah," he said with a sigh. "Am I that transparent?"
"Only to me, honey," she said, pressing up to kiss him. "Did you want to go check on her?"
"No, no," he said. "I've...um...well, I've put the baby monitor on and have the receiver in my pocket."

Knowing Harm was still very sensitive when it came to their daughter's condition and not wanting to spoil the day for another daughter, Mac simply pulled him close to her and raked her fingers through his hair.
"I know I should be better about these things and I'm sorry I'm not," he said before kissing her head.
"No need to apologise," Mac said as they turned on the dance floor. "She's a beautiful little girl who has a daddy who loves her so very much."

Not knowing what else to say, Harm kissed his wife as they continued their slow dance.

As midnight approached, the adults who were left gathered outside and waited for the countdown to the New Year. Dave had the second lot of fireworks ready to go and Harm had the receiver turned up to its maximum so he could hear any distress being registered.

"5...4...3...2...1...Happy New Year!" the group said in unison before hugs and kisses ensued and the fireworks exploded.

"Happy New Year, gorgeous," Harm said as he embraced his wife. "I hope the New Year brings nothing but good health and good times for you." He then brushed his lips across hers.
"For us..." she managed before his tongue slipped into her mouth and despite being in a group of family and friends, for a few minutes there was nothing but them and the fireworks overhead.

When the party came to a natural conclusion and everyone headed off to their respective beds, Harm and Mac made their way to their room via their children's rooms. Frankie was awake and unsettled and to avoid him waking his siblings, Mac scooped him up and held him close.
"Want to bring him into our bed?" Harm asked, hoping she'd say no. After all, he had plans of recreating their own wedding night joys and a few of the New Year's Eve nights they'd celebrated together as a bonus.
"No, it's alright," Mac said, placing the boy back in his bed. "I'm sure he'll sleep." After all, Mac had some plans of her own.

It wasn't long before they were both naked and entwined underneath the covers enjoying the intimacy they had desired all day, the memories of their own wedding day stirring heated images of their wedding night and honeymoon. Alas, before things developed further, the baby monitor sprung to life, still in Harm's jacket pocket.

Holding their collective breath, both silently prayed Frankie would settle once more, and he did, only to cry out minutes later again. Deciding she should go and see to her son before he woke everyone else, Mac sighed deeply.
"You're getting up, aren't you?" Harm asked, rolling off her.
"Figure we should be good parents and not ..." she said but stopped when Lily's voice filled the room.
"Hey, Frankie," she whispered, rubbing his tummy. "Why are you awake?"
Frankie whimpered.
"Oh, baby, you're all uncovered. Is that the problem?" she asked as she adjusted the covers. "And why are you awake, Harry?" she asked when she realised she was being watched.
"Wanna drink," he said, standing at the side of the crib.
"Okay, Harry, I'll go get you one," she said before disappearing out the door.
"Do you think I should get up?" Mac asked, not moving from her husband's embrace.
"I think Lily has it under control," he whispered, kissing her head.
"The question is, why isn't Lily asleep? I would have thought she'd be exhausted," she said, closing her eyes.
"I don't think we should question our good fortune," he said, covering her lips with his.

"Here you go, Harry," she said, handing him a tippee cup of milk.
"Lily, what's wrong?" Nikki asked coming into the room.
"Frankie was upset and Harry was thirsty," she replied looking from one brother to the other.
"Why are you doing it? Where's your mom and dad?" she asked standing in the doorway.
"They are in their bedroom," Lily said quietly.
"They should be getting up," Nikki said unimpressed, "It's their job."
"We're family," said Lily proudly. "It's all our jobs. Besides, they're busy."
"Doing what?" Nikki asked, turning to look at the closed door.
"Probably all that sex stuff," Lily announced, she hadn't missed all the lovey-dovey looks and touches throughout the day.

Harm nearly choked on his own breath.
"Think we've been sprung," Mac whispered caught between being mortified and thinking her husband's reaction was hysterical.
"What do we do now?" he asked. "If we go out now she'll know we've been listening. If we don't they'll think we're having sex."

Meanwhile, Nikki had given up and returned to bed, not at all interested in helping Lily with the younger kids, not that Lily cared. Nikki had turned 13 and the teenager in her was definitely coming out.
"I promise you guys I'll never be mean and nasty when I become a teenager," she said, taking the cup back from Harry. "I'll always love you and look out for you especially when mom and dad are too old to do it...well...they're already old...dad is 50 this year...that's half a century...but don't worry, Grams lived until she was 90 so dad's going to be around a whole lot longer...unless mom kills him first. She doesn't know but it was him who broke the living room lamp. Mom thinks it was one of you guys but it was dad when he moved the Christmas tree..."
"It was you?" Mac asked, rolling on top of him.
"Guilty as charged, ma'am," he said, his arms wrapping around her.
"Why didn't you tell me?" she challenged, cupping his face in her hands.
"Well, you didn't want the tree moved in the first place and you just assumed it was the kids, so I didn't feel it was necessary to disclose that piece of information," he said running his hands around her back.
"You are so lucky I love you," she said, kissing him. "So, very, very lucky."
"Don't I know it," he replied, kissing her back.

When Frankie cried out once more, Mac realised she needed to do something. Slipping out of bed, she threw on her nightgown and unlocked their door. Padding across the hall she found all four children were now awake and despite it being the ungodly hour of 3:00 AM she could only smile.
"Gonna need a hand, Harm," she said, knowing he'd be listening.

Quickly, he pulled on his boxers and tee and crossed the landing.
"What's up?" he asked before taking in the sight. "Oh, all the babies are awake."
"Yep, and I think the best place for everyone is our bed," she said, knowing the kids would all settle quickly with them.
"Even me?" asked Lily, holding Harry's hand.
"Even you, Lil," Mac said. "But only if you want to."
"Oh, I want to," she said, walking Harry across to the master bedroom and helping him settle into the middle as
Harm carried a grizzly Rosie and Mac rocked Frankie.

It wasn't long before everyone was nestled deep in the king sized bed in the darkness of the night. Mac was on her side, with Frankie clutched to her, his little hand searching between the buttons on her nightgown, reaching her breast he squeezed it.
"Mama," he said pushing on her breast.
"Are you hungry, little man?" she asked, it would explain his interrupted sleep.

Unbuttoning her nightgown, Mac freed her breast and Frankie instantly started suckling, which was exactly what he wanted.
"You Rabb men," she whispered, stroking his head.
"What about us Rabb men?" Harm asked as Rosie slept on his chest, his son tucked into his side.
"A few minutes at my breast and he's asleep," she said, stroking Frankie's head.
"Well, speaking for myself," he said, his hand reaching across the mass of now sleeping children to find his wife's. "I require more than a few minutes but I do find I am fully relaxed and satisfied after being with you."
"Oh, you're so sweet," she said, squeezing his hand.

Very soon, all six MacKenzie-Rabbs were asleep, safe and sound in the comfortable bed, surrounded by each other. All they needed was love and to be together and everything was right with the world, or at least in their very corner of it on the farm.