Cigars, Bones, Babies and Jimmy Blackhorse. Chapter 37.

Summary: this is a fictional story, in a fictional (slightly) Alternative Universe, about fictional characters who entertained us in a fictional TV series between 1995 and 2005. It involves a minor diversion from canon in April 1998 and strikes out in a new direction in 2005 after the final Season Ten episode "Fair Winds and Following Seas".

A/N: AU: "they aren't mine, I'm just playing with them - apart from any fictional character created by myself". See Phase One of this story for the whole disclaimer A/N. Feel free to PM me if you spot any typos - my goal is 100% error-free. Feedback and comments are also welcome; I see plenty of followers and visitors to this story. Your opinions, critiques (and requests as PMs) are always helpful - and welcomed. ALL ERRORS ARE MINE – I wish my wonderful beta "Syrae" a speedy recovery from everything that is going on in this Covid-upended world of 2020.

A/N: Allusion to canon: none. Moving beyond the canon time-line of JAG, we would now be well into "season 12" (theoretical broadcast dates from September 2006).

A/N Publication date 20-October-2020 (following the JAG Pilot 25th Anniversary last month): ...and now, we close the storylines. Harm, Terri and their family head home. Faith comes across in the other direction, with important news for Andrew and their families in 2007.

Final A/N: This was a very hard decision, but I have decided that this is a good point at which to bring to a close a story which has given me great pleasure (and a distraction through my wife's breast cancer treatment and remission) across almost two-and-one-half-years. Thank you for sharing the journey. Other ideas and other possible stories need my time and my attention, whilst my adopted characters in this fan-fic story are all in a very good place. Mike

TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR

Chapter 37 – "Back across the Pond both ways: THE END".

TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR

Sunday 11th February 2007, 16:59hrs GMT

Home of the Burridge family, Baker Street, London, NW1 6XE, UK

"Hi Honey, we are just heading for Dulles – see you in the morning."

"OK Faith; we wish you all safe flights and we'll be ready here in Wiltshire to greet you in the morning once you drive down from Heathrow."

"Great, Andrew and thanks; I'll collect a rental from the Hertz depot at Heathrow and we can get under way to Wiltshire. Helen – my nanny - will then use it to visit with her parents in Droitwich Spa."

"Sounds like a plan, Faith; you are all packed, so Heathrow will be just an important pit-stop on the road to the west. My kids have the birthday cakes all safely packaged for Daniel and Hope, ready for Wednesday."

"Thanks Andrew – and please thank Cynthia, Maria and Albert for their kindness. My two are really looking forward to seeing England and meeting up with your three. Helen is also looking forward to seeing her parents, once she has seen her charges settled in the Shire."

Truth be told, Andrew was really excited at the prospect of introducing his American girlfriend to his country retreat – and getting their five children together. For him, it seemed an important step forward in their developing relationship since the tragedy of "7/7", which was now more than 18 months in the past. With Faith's carefully-paced and committed loving, Andrew was living again. He also knew that his involvement with Faith Coleman had also helped her healing from the wrongs which had been done to her, back in 2002. Having her with him – and his family – to celebrate her children's fourth birthdays was an important event in the merging lives of the two families.

"OK darling Faith, have a great flight and we'll see you down here when you get away from T4 in the morning. Drive safely and remember we drive on the wrong side of the road!"

"OK Andrew; the steering wheel will be a bit of a give-away! I cannot wait for tomorrow. Goodnight, my darling."

Faith was unusually effusive in her farewell; Andrew had high hopes for the coming week when she – and her precious twins – would be visiting and staying at the Burridge family home in the depths of rural Wiltshire.

In preparation for a week of rural activities including horse-riding, Faith had once more spent a weekend down in Kentucky with Tracy Manetti at her parents' ranch, brushing up on her equestrian skills. Tracy had provided a homely base for that weekend, as well as encouraging Faith to "go out and grab life" and the two of them relaxed over wine on the Saturday night.

Faith had packed both jodhpurs and riding gloves for the journey east. She was very satisfied with everything in her life. Just a little over four years earlier, her rescuers had led her - barefoot, shackled and pregnant - towards the light, safely emerging from her personal hell-hole. Even though her healing was still continuing (and would for some time, she was certain), she had firmly put into practice the best form of revenge – living well.

She busied herself with the details of her East Coast Sunday lunch. The twins already knew that a good meal was only minutes away. Their Mommy was a great cook, on the days when she gave the domestic staff the day off.

TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR

Sunday 11th February 2007, 19:14hrs GMT

Rented UK home of Capt. Harmon Rabb, Jr, USN JAGC and LtCdr Teresa Coulter-Rabb, USNR

Bryanston Square, Marylebone, London W1H

"Now Mattie, are you sure that you have everything for the interview at Annapolis next week?"

Mattie hugged her mom, reassuring Terri that everything was in order. "Yeah mom, all set and I'll be travelling light so that I can get out to Heathrow on the Tube. The telephone interviewer was pleased that I was committing to be permanently back stateside after my exams in June. They've relaxed their preference for me to be back across the pond around Memorial Day, in deference to my parents' duty stations and seniority."

"Good – and quite right too. Your father is getting the Embassy visa section to sort out the travel paperwork for Iris when he's next in London, at the end of February."

Harm's transfer from Naples to the Pentagon was looking likely to take effect from May, whilst Terri was working her exit from the NCA in London and her return to FBI HQ. Although she had initially been asked to consider aiming to be back home for Memorial Day at the end of May, Mattie's schooling would wrap up with British exams in May and June. Accordingly, Terri had agreed to stay behind until the end of June to support her eldest daughter. The British NCA were delighted to have a further month of knowledge and expertise from their American colleague.

Harm's detailer was looking at a one-month deferral, but the Coulter-Rabb family's rental agent had served notice on their tenants in the Washington house that the Rabbs would be moving back to DC from Memorial Day onwards. Their long-term tenants (a cardiac surgeon and his wife and children) were happy to accede to the slight curtailing of the lease at the two-year point, because their elderly parents in Fairfax were looking to downsize. A house-swap, along with funding a retirement home in Clearwater Florida, was the perfect solution to that family's residential conundrums. They had rented the Coulter-Rabb home for two years since their relocation from Vancouver, so now was a good time to put down roots near DC.

Mattie settled alongside eight-year-old Ellen and David, who was proudly proclaiming (to anyone who would listen!) that he was "four and a huff". 15-month-old Iris was seated in a high-chair, nibbling on carrots as a distraction before the Sunday meal was delivered to the table.

In the kitchen, Harm was finalising the details of the apple-and-blackberry crumble, which would shortly go into the oven for a 35-minute browning before being served up with custard.

Life was good.

TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR

Monday 12th February 2007, 13:06hrs GMT

Country home of the Burridge family, Burridge Hall, Much Binding-in-the-Marsh, Wiltshire UK

Andrew noted the late-model Range Rover turning around on the gravel forecourt and reversing up to the front door, with Hertz barcode asset tags showing in several windows.

"Thank heavens for sat-nav." As the air suspension of the vehicle lowered, Faith stepped out and opened the rear door to let young Hope out into the bright Wiltshire sunshine. On the passenger side of the Range Rover, a younger version of Faith performed a similar duty to assist Terence out of the vehicle. The powered tailgates opened, revealing the luggage stowed in the load-space.

Andrew embraced Faith firmly and kissed her.

"Welcome to the Shire! Hello darling Faith, I am so pleased to have you here with us in the countryside." He extended a hand to the younger adult. "Hello, I presume that you are Helen? Welcome, I am Andrew Burridge."

"Indeed sir – and thank you for permitting me to stop over with the Boss before I get out of your hair and head up to my parents' home whilst I am back in the UK." The Norland-trained nanny was politeness personified.

Andrew knelt down to greet the two younger visitors. "Well hello Hope and Terence. I am Andrew and I want to welcome you to Burridge Towers. My children – Cynthia, Maria and Albert – are looking forward to meeting you, so please come inside. We'll get your luggage in a while."

Walking into the house, everyone was soon at ease and chatting in the drawing room, where a roaring fire dispelled any hint of a late winter chill.

As her two children interacted seamlessly and happily with Andrew's three, Faith leaned back into his embrace. "Thank god they are getting on" she observed.

Andrew kissed the nape of her neck (she had put her hair up into her former-customary USN bun for the journey from Heathrow to Wiltshire). "Well, Faith, I reckon that they are well matched – plus, I may have let slip that there is fudge for afters at the end of tonight's meal."

Faith's forehead wrinkled slightly. "Fudge?"

"Oh, you colonials would think of it as 'taffy' – sweet, chock-full of sugar, melts in the mouth." He looked mischievously into her eyes. "And, Madame Coleman, should you decide to misbehave, I shall take pleasure in feeding you."

She smiled, as she turned slowly around in his arms and rested her head on his shoulder: "Why do I get the impression that I won't be losing weight on this vacation?"

"Hah! Hey, have a week off; you look pretty darn good to me!"

He blushed slightly, but he was reassured by Faith's near-instant wide smile as she leaned in and kissed him once more.

The five children were soon lined up on the deeply-padded settee watching cartoons, whilst Andrew introduced Faith to the cook who had prepared the lunch and would return to arrange the evening meal.

"OK kiddies, wash hands and then places please. Helen, whilst you are under my roof I intend to treat you as family, so please just pitch in."

"Thank you, sir."

"Well, if you can forget the Norland programming for a moment, I would be honoured if you were to call me Andrew – however, please act in whatever way you are most comfortable."

"Thank you, mister Andrew." Helen had worked out a respectful yet friendly compromise. Looking down at the younger woman, Faith smiled knowingly. "Helen, there is no rush but will you spend a day here with us then head up to your parents' home on Wednesday?"

"Yes madam; that would be my plan."

Andrew picked up on the conversation. "Then, Helen, you are most welcome to ride across country with your mistress Faith and myself tomorrow. We'll be riding across to Newton Magna, because I am sure that Faith hasn't brought across all the clothing that she may need whilst she is in this country. Tell me Helen, do you ride?"

"Indeed I do, sir – I might need some items but let's see what is available."

"Certainly – we'll look in the tack room in the morning. Faith darling, have you brought most of your riding kit?

"Well Andrew, I *do* have most things. I'd planned to buy a new pair of boots and start breaking them in, because one of my JAG colleagues is providing regular riding weekends at her parents' stud in Kentucky. They are such label fanatics, so I thought I'd bring some genuine British equestrian products."

"Good thinking – show those colonials how to do things with true style! Well, there is a good outfitters in Newton Magna, so provided the weather is co-operative on the way there, you'll be fully outfitted by the time we ride home."

Andrew's use of the word "home" somehow caught Faith unawares. Looking around the room, she realised how comfortable everything felt.

It was time to break her news to Andrew.

"Well Andrew, it is possible that I may be coming across the pond for an 18-month stint as observer at the International Criminal Court in The Hague – across in the Netherlands. The USA has ignored the ICC up to now, but we feel that we should at least make some contact. It looks like I shall be the sacrificial lamb."

"Wow, now that would be a feather in your cap. I'm sure that we can arrange to meet up and explore continental cities over the next two years?"

She nodded, smiling enthusiastically. "Plus, because they finish on a Thursday, we will have long weekends to look forward to."

"Faith, God bless the US of A!"

TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR

Tuesday 13th February 2007, 10:21hrs GMT

Country home of the Burridge family, Burridge Hall, Much Binding-in-the-Marsh, Wiltshire UK

The day had dawned bright and dry. With the children all grouped in the drawing room, working on jigsaws, puzzle books or school projects over the vacation period, Andrew and Faith had the day to themselves as they prepared for the ride.

With Helen in tow, they went across to the stable block and began saddling up the three horses which they would be riding out of the valley, over the hill and along the northern bridleway network to the market town of Newton Magna.

Helen only needed a helmet, chest protector and boots – all of which were stored, in her size, in the store room.

Andrew looked pensively at Faith as he held up a pair of spotlessly-polished riding boots. "Faith, I know that these will be your size, but they have a history…" He hesitated.

She looked deep into his eyes, then hugged him and kissed him to reassure him. "Let me guess – they were Angela's?"

He nodded.

"Andrew, she was a joyous part of your life, I know. However, the world – and you and your children – lost her to a maniacal group of what I understand you Brits refer to as 'nutters'. I have no problem with recycling old items of footwear – after all, I might have found these boots in a Goodwill charity shop, yes?"

He brightened and nodded, then provided a shoulder for Faith to lean on as she kicked off her loafers and slid a pair of long socks over her jodhpurs before sliding into the riding boots. She picked up a long Australian stockman's waxed riding coat and pronounced herself ready. A helmet followed from the storage cupboard and she stood back, seeking his approval.

"Andrew, this feels great – do I look OK to represent Burridge Towers? I'm not too over-dressed?"

Just occasionally, even years after captivity, she still found herself seeking validation and approval. His heart swelled with pride, thinking that she was asking *him* for his opinion. This was going to work!

He smiled and nodded. "Of course, my dear Faith, because we need to keep you both warm and dry – and the Australian coat is just perfect for keeping the rain off and your body dry."

Mounting up, the three riders were soon on their way up the bridleway leading up into the woods on their journey.

TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR

On arriving at Newton Magna, Helen hobbled the horses on the village green with nosebags and tended to them whilst Andrew and Faith went shopping. Within two hours (and after a light lunch at the Waggon & Horses) the three riders were once more mounted up and heading for home.

That evening, as she relaxed in a deep, hot bubble-bath, Faith realised that she was aching in parts of her anatomy that didn't usually complain about riding across Kentucky with Tracy Manetti's family. It must be down to the Arabian saddle which she had used on the ride today - trust the Brits to do things differently!

Drying off and after applying moisturiser, she checked in on her children then, fingers playing with the bow which secured the front of her nightgown, she padded down the landing towards Andrew's room.

He had a half-bottle of champagne chilling in an ice-bucket, which he picked up as she entered his bedroom suite. He raised an inquisitive eye. She nodded and walked towards him, tugging on the bow. Her gown slid to the floor.

He smiled. "Well, do you normally wear that much, Miss Coleman?"

"What, apart from perfume, Mr Burridge?"

As he turned with two champagne flutes in his hand, he took in the near-flawless beauty that was Faith Marie Coleman. Handing her both glasses, Andrew wasted no time in matching her state of undress, as he reclaimed one glass then toasted her as they moved slowly towards the four-poster bed.

"Happy Valentine's day for tomorrow, my darling Faith."

"Happy Valentine's Day, Andrew. Now come and make love to your future wife; she's travelled a long way for this."

"Yes, ma'am."

Half a corridor away, the other occupants of the house heard nothing until a shrill, satisfied female voice was heard to cry out: "Oh Andrew!"

Moments later, a gruff male voice answered: "Oh Faith!"

The past would stay in the past; there was a bright future to look forward to, as the years came and went.

Everyone was home: and life was good. THE END.

TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR

FIN

TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR

** END of "Cigars, Bones, Babies and Jimmy Blackhorse" Chapter 37 – "Back across the Pond both ways: THE END".

TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR-TCR&HR

And that's it. Thank you for your company through the AU lives of Harmon Rabb jr and Teresa Coulter - along with Faith Coleman and various other characters - now that we have marked the 25th anniversary of the original JAG pilot on 23-September-1995.

Mike, United Kingdom, 20-October-2020

************************************end of CH37 here ****