Nursery Rhymes

Matt and Trisha are settled in for the night. Harm and Mac are curled up on the couch together with him spooned behind her, with his hand underneath her shirt lightly stroking her rounded belly. He still can't get over the fact that there are three little lives growing in there. Normally, she will place her hand over top of his when he does this, but she seems like she is off in another world tonight. He suddenly feels her yawn, and replies, "C'mon, Marine. I think it's time we turn in too."

She starts to sit up, and audibly sighs. Harm thinks to himself, 'Okay, she has stewed long enough. It's time to figure out what is going on.'

He sits up next to her, and takes her hand in his, inquiring, "What's wrong, Mac? You've been quiet most of the night. I know that you have been thinking, but I wanted to give you some time to sort through it before asking about it. Whatever it is, it's obviously weighing heavily on your mind. Is it work, or something else?"

Mac tilts her head down, avoiding his gaze, as she quickly mumbles, "I'm thinking you might need to get a vasectomy."

She may have rushed her words, and spoken them softly, but he surely heard it. This is definitely not something he was expecting her to say. His eyebrows go to his hairline as he jumps off the couch, "What? Why?"

Mac manages to look up at him with slightly watery eyes. She never thought that she would suggest something like this either. She loves being pregnant with Harm's children, and can't really imagine not having anymore after this, but this pregnancy is causing her to look at things differently. "Well…Because we already have two children, and now you knocked me up with triplets with no problems at all."

Harm squats down so that he is eye level with her, and places both of her hands in his, squeezing gently. The thought of her never being pregnant again after this breaks his heart, but he will do it if he has to. He softly asks, "Sarah, what's your concern? I thought you wanted a big family. If this is seriously what you really want, I'm willing to discuss the pros and cons with you. But please know that it isn't what I want to do. I want to have as many children with you as God is willing to let us have. And not that money is any issue right now, but if it ever became one, you know that we could easily get six figure incomes a year each if we left the military and went into civilian law."

Mac looks up to meet his gaze, seeing the faint gleam of moisture in his orbs as well. She didn't mean to hurt him with her statement. She answers, "I do want a big family, and I love carrying your children. No, it's not about the money. I'm just scared to death of getting pregnant with triplets again. I'll end up like the old lady that lives in a shoe."

Harm slightly chuckles, realizing that this conversation is most likely the product of her irrational hormones, rather than any real desire to have him get snipped. He sends a silent prayer up to heavens for that, but he won't dismiss her concerns either. He has a feeling that she will probably bring it up again, most likely when she is in labor! He starts to stand up, and pulls her up with him. He cups her chin in his hand and leans in to give her a soft kiss. Stroking her cheek, he says, "Mac, you are never going to be an 'old lady' and unless your shoe collection manages to take over the whole house, which is a distinct possibility; you will never be living in a shoe either."

She whacks him in the arm, "Not the issue here! And don't complain about my shoe collection. Having 'lots and lots of comfortable shoes' was one of the prerequisites for our marriage. I knew we should have had a pre-nup!"

Harm shakes his head, "There was never any reason for us to have a pre-nuptial agreement. Normally, I don't mind all your shoes, but I just don't want them taking over everything. Although, I suppose I could add some shelves in the new shed for shoe overflow. Apparently, I am missing your point here, so spell it out for me."

She rolls her eyes, sometimes her Flyboy is still completely clueless. "Duh, Harm, the old nursery rhyme. 'There was an old lady who lived in a shoe,' I'm going to have so many children I won't know what to do!"

Harm places a comforting hand on her shoulder, "That's what you have me here for, so that I can help you with all the children our love creates." He adds with a wide grin, "Of course, there is the added bonus of enjoying all the practicing we indulge in to create them."

Mac goes silent, and her lips curve downward in a frown.

Harm realizes she is upset, but can't figure out why. She has never complained before about how often they engage in bedroom activities. He figures he will start with the helping part, hoping that is what it is rather than their vigorous sex life. He inquires, "What, don't I help with the kids?"

Mac teases, "Yeah, you do…. But half the time you act like one of them too! And occasionally you are worse at listening then they are!"

Harm drops his jaw, and decides that a little payback is in order.

Mac take a step backwards seeing the glint in Harm's eye, knowing that she is in trouble for that comment. She forgets momentarily where she is standing, and nearly falls back on the couch. Catching herself on the arm, she sidesteps around him and starts heading for the stairs.

Harm begins following her like a lion stalking his prey, catching her and wrapping his arms around her waist. He considers picking her up and hoisting her over his shoulder, but thinks better of it. She hasn't had too many bouts with morning sickness, but he doesn't want to risk having dinner regurgitated down his back. He settles for tickling her sides "You think you are pretty funny, don't you, Marine?"

Mac giggles, "I can't help if it's the truth! I'm sure plenty of other people would agree with me as well!"

As his attack subsides, she rests her head in the crook of his neck, catching her breath. He holds her close and quietly states, "If you really feel our family is complete after these little ones arrive, I'll do whatever you want me to do."

Mac nuzzles his neck with her lips, "We'll see how I feel about it later. However, since you can't currently knock me up anymore than I already am, I suggest that you take me to bed, Sailor."

Harm grins, recognizing the lines from one of his favorite movies, and completes the dialogue "Or lose you forever?"

Mac laughs, "You're never going to lose me, Harm. I love you too much to ever let you go. But your wife has needs that currently require some attention."

Harm turns his head and catches her lips with his, a kiss that quickly deepens and leaves them both breathless. "I love you too, Sarah. So, what do you say I carry you off to bed and indulge in whatever your heart desires?"

She smiles, "I knew I married a good man!"

Harm chuckles, "And you have a great career and lots of comfortable shoes. What more could a girl possibly want?"

Mac teases, "Ice cream! Let's stop by the kitchen before we head upstairs!"

Harm groans, the tightness in his pants already a little painful, "I thought I was taking you upstairs to make love and you want ice cream?"

Mac nods, "Uh huh. It should make our activities a little more interesting!"

Harm gulps, silently remembering the last time she brought that particular dessert to bed with them and she decided to use a certain part of his anatomy as her ice cream cone. He hardens further and unconsciously thrusts his hips against hers, letting her feel what she is doing to him. He replies, "Hurry up!"

Mac coyly smiles, as she whispers in his ear, "Don't worry Sailor, I'll help cool you down."

Yep, it's definitely going to be an interesting night!