A/N: Sorry for the delay in updating. Real life has kept me busy the last few months, but I think we need a little Harm and Mac time.

I switched a scene (Harm getting his second DFC) from the last chapter to this one. I also made a few minor changes to that one. Had to rub more salt in the wound.

To the anonymous reviewer who commented about making this story sympathetic to Brumby, you obviously don't know the extent of my hatred toward that character. I have nothing but contempt for that slimy SOB.

Harm and Mac's House
April 3, 2003
2100 Hours

Harm finished cleaning the kitchen and putting away the last of the leftovers. Mac had been quiet most of the evening. She claimed she was tired, blaming it on a difficult court case, but he sensed there was something else.

If he'd learned one thing in eight months of marriage, it was not to push her. She'd talk when she was ready and not a minute sooner. He'd sent her upstairs after dinner, promising he'd be up shortly.

After turning out the kitchen lights, he checked the outside doors to ensure they were locked, then climbed the stairs. They hadn't intended to buy a house so soon after their marriage, but after learning Mac was pregnant, decided it was best.

They had moved into his loft when Mac's lease was up, but the one-time bachelor apartment wasn't suitable for raising a family. The two of them considered moving to a larger apartment when Mac happened upon a house for sale. It was located near Falls Church.

When she told Harm, they decided to look at it, not really expecting to buy it. But the house was everything they wanted in a home. The first floor had a large living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room, and a kitchen with a breakfast nook. Harm was practically salivating when he saw the recently remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.

There was also a room which could be used as an office. It was large enough to accommodate a desk as well as a table for Mac's dinosaur bones. She'd had to store many of her things away when she moved into Harm's place.

Upstairs had four bedrooms, including a large master suite. The bathroom was huge with a walk-in shower, partitioned by glass blocks much like the one in Harm's loft. The jacuzzi tub was big enough for two people. The house was in a word, perfect. They made an offer, it was accepted, and they closed within a month.

When Harm entered their bedroom, he wasn't surprised Mac was in the tub. She'd left the bathroom door open, and he stood for a moment, drinking in the sight of her naked body, and feeling a familiar tightening in his groin.

Her head was leaning back, and her eyes were closed. Without opening them, she said. "Like what you see, sailor?"

"How did you know I was standing here?"

"Remember when you said you always know where I am? Well, it goes the same way." She opened her eyes. "There's room enough in here for two."

That was his cure she was ready to talk. Harm didn't waste any time stripping out of his clothes. Mac scooted forward in the tub, allowing him to climb in behind her. Once he was in, she settled between his legs, and he rested his hands on her protruding belly.

"Pretty soon both of us won't fit. I'll be too big."

"You're not fat, honey."

"No? I'm just seven and a half months pregnant. What does that make me?"

"I happen to think you look very sexy carrying my child."

"You do?"

"Maybe it's a male ego thing, but yes."

Mac was silent for a few minutes. When she finally spoke, it was in a hushed tone. "I saw Mic this morning."

Harm knew it was inevitable, but he still hated the idea. "What did he say to you?"

"He wanted to take me to lunch."

Harm stiffened. The arrogant bastard was making a play for his wife. "That son of a bitch."

"Naturally, I turned him down, but in typical Mic fashion, he didn't take no for an answer. He said we could do it another day, or he'd take me out to dinner."

"Okay, that does it. I'm going to—"

"Harm, please. Don't do anything rash. I'm not even sure he knows we're married."

"Maybe not, but he couldn't help but tell you're pregnant."

"I was sitting behind my desk. He might not have known. And he's always so caught up in himself, I doubt he noticed my wedding rings. Anyhow, I told him in no uncertain terms that I was his superior officer, and he was to address me as Colonel Mackenzie."

Harm couldn't help but grin. "You didn't?"

"I did."

"That's my marine." He nuzzled her neck, and she tilted her head to one side, allowing him access to that little pulse point that had always been a sensitive spot for her. His hands moved from her belly to cup her breasts, massaging them gently before moving lower.

"Not fair, Flyboy." Mac reached between them to caress Harm's hardening member.

"I think it's time we took this to the bedroom."

JAG Headquarters
April 4, 2003
0900 Local

Mic stood at attention with the other officers as Bud called the group to order. He didn't want to be here. The last thing he wanted was to see Rabb receive another commendation. But he didn't have a choice. Chegwidden said attendance was mandatory.

"Person to be decorated, front and center." The admiral's voice rang out as Sturgis Turner walked to the front.

"The president of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal to Commander Sturgis Turner, United States Navy, for meritorious achievement while on TAD to the USS Watertown in the Arabian Sea on 21 May 2002. By his courage and effectiveness, Commander Turner reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Chegwidden pinned the medal on the officer then snapped a salute.

Mic recognized Congresswoman Bobbie Latham as she stepped forward to place a kiss on Turner's cheek. He guessed they were an item.

"Commander Rabb, front and center."

Rabb stepped up to the podium.

"The president of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Commander Harmon Rabb Jr., United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and heroism in an F-14 Tomcat on 21 May 2002. By his superb airmanship and loyal devotion to duty, Commander Rabb defeated a grave threat to the fleet from an enemy missile, reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Chegwidden pinned the medal, saluted, then motioned for Mac to step forward. Mic didn't want to watch, but he couldn't help himself.

"Gently, marine," Rabb said as Sarah kissed him.

It was all too reminiscent of another ceremony when Rabb received his second distinguished flying cross. Back then he had hope for a future with Sarah.

This time all hope was lost. Or was it?