Ch. 3

Harriet was sitting at her desk when she noticed Sturgis lingering around. "Cdr. Turner, do you have a moment sir?"

"Of course Lt. Simms, what can I do for you?" Sturgis leans in and quietly asks, "anything going?" Harriet whispers back…

"Nothing yet sir, I'm speculating that her mission was successful." Just then Mac's office door opens and both Harm and Mac emerge looking around a little cautiously. Harriet smiles and glances at Sturgis. "They sure look guilty don't they Cdr.?"

"Just a bit Lt. I guess we will get briefed at a later date but did you notice anything unusual Cdr.?" Sturgis continued to watch his friends as they began to leave the bullpen…

"Not really… what did you see?" Harriet leaned in after making sure no one was close by.

"Well, the Colonel's lipstick was all gone yet her lips were quite plump and rosy."

"I don't follow you Lt."

"Well Sir, a woman's lips only get that way one way sir, I can show you if you want to give me a few minutes to visit with my husband." Harriet giggles and leans in... "They were doing some serious lip locking." Sturgis' eyebrows inched up as he watched both Harm and Mac heading for the glass doors of the bullpen. Harriet extends her hand to shake Sturgis' and says. "Job well done Sir." Shaking her hand with a grin reaching from ear to ear he says.

"Let's just hope this doesn't backfire on us."

Mac convinced Harm to take the vette because it was such a beautiful afternoon. She was excited to be away from the office even if it was for just a few hours. She looked over at Harm sitting in the passenger seat and thought about how well her plans had worked out today. She pulled over at a roadside park suddenly and Harm turned to see her smiling at him. "What's up buttercup?" Mac gave him a little grin and said.

"How about we put the top down? It's such a lovely day and I feel like a little wind in my hair." She waits with a hopeful sparkle in her eyes as Harm stares at her lips once more.

"Sounds like a plan but it's gonna cost ya!"

"Ok, what are your terms sailor?" Harm stares with his stormy eyes once more and wonders just how far he should push his luck. 'Oh well what the hell? I'm going for it!.' he thinks to himself.

"I want three things…" Mac eyes him warily but with an excitement she hasn't felt in years. "First, I would like to respectfully request the privilege of driving you from here on out. Second, I really want to kiss you again as soon as possible. Third, I would like to reserve one request for a later time this afternoon." Mac begins to contemplate by raising her finger to her lips while she slowly rubs along her lower lip.

"Let's see...yes, yes please, and I'm not so sure." Harm gets out and walks around to open Mac's door. He gives her his hand to help her out of the driver's seat. As soon as she is standing in front of him he steps forward and gently but firmly pins her against the car. He cups her cheek with his right hand and she gently leans into his hand.

"Do you trust me?" She looks into his eyes and says.

"Implicity, why?"

"Then give me the last one too."

"Ok, so...yes, yes please, and absolutely! How's that?"

"Perfect" Harm leans in for a slow and very passionate kiss that makes her knees wobble yet again. If he hadn't had her pinned between his body and the car she was sure she would have been in a puddle on the ground. Escorting her to the passenger side and leaning in to snap her seatbelt for her while brushing his lips against her breast for a delicious treat. He shuts the door and heads back around to lower the hard top and jumps behind the wheel to get back on the road and closer to their destination, beginning the start of what he hopes is a weekend bridging their past and their future.

Harm pulled into the visitors parking lot of Annapolis' business and administration building. "I thought we would tackle some interviews first. What do you say?" Then we can have a quick bite and head for my surprise which will be that last secret request you promised me."

"Lead the way, sailor, this is your turf so to speak." Harm grins as they exit the car. He leads her with his hand on the small of her back. "I wish I could hold your hand Harm. I know I am a big bad ass marine but holding your hand, having your arms around me, well..it just makes me feel safe and secure, but mostly I feel...I don't know...cherished! You know?" Harm looked into her eyes and said.

"Well, I can only say that you just made me the happiest sailor on this campus. You deserve all of that and more, and I want to be there to show you always."

"How about we get down to business so the pleasure can commence?"

"Mac, I couldn't agree more." The next hour was filled with interview after interview. They only had one more to track down but 1300 was fast approaching and Harm had a plan to get under way. "Mac, I say we break for lunch. Are you ready?"

"Sure, what did you have in mind?"

"Well my plans are a bit complicated so let's get going." Mac looks over at him with a slight look of concern etched on her face.

"Harm, should I be worried about this, I mean will I need to come up with some type of dispassionate plan to get us out of trouble?" Harm chuckles as he opens the door for her.

"Nope, just keep an open mind and relax a little. Our last witness isn't expected back on campus until 1700. That gives us almost four hours to enjoy." That brought such a smile to her face he couldn't help but pull out all the stops.

"My only requests are food and more kissing...lots more kissing actually, the rest is up to you." Harm wanted her to relax and the best way he knew to relax was a little sand, a little sun, and a little food. Now, how to get her to trust that we can pull this off? The beach is definitely where we need to be to make the rest of my plans take shape...Well no better battle plan than to plow full speed ahead right?...It's worked for me so far.

"Mac...we're having a picnic...at the beach!"

"But Harm, how are we going to enjoy a picnic in our uniforms?"

"Don't worry Mac, we are going to divide and conquer. I've got it all worked out. I will drop you at the deli so that you can pack up the picnic. I will take care of our change of clothes. Deal?" Mac eyes him suspiciously and says.

"What size are you going to get me?" She looks at him seductively. Harm knows this is a loaded question and knowing Sarah Mackenzie the way he does he also knows that she is toying with him.

"Well Mac, I think the correct answer to that question is the perfect size." She throws her head back and laughs so hard that she snorts. He grabs her around her shoulders and pulls her in as he begins to giggle. [yes, Harm giggles in my world peeple] "Mac, I've got this. Don't worry!"

"Ok, drop me off and I will get the picnic ready. How long will you be?"

"About 30 minutes" Harm leans over and gives her a quick kiss but the kiss quickly turns into something heated and recklessly on the verge of being a bit out of control. "Wow, Marine. You keep giving this sailor kisses like that and I won't ever take you back to DC."

"Promises, Promises Cdr. Rabb!" Harm pulls up to the deli, looks over at Mac and says.

"I will be back as soon as I can. If you finish before me, don't wander too far. I want to try and be at the beach as close to 1400 as we can. Sound good?"

"Yep. See ya Flyboy!" Harm drives off and makes his first call.

""Lt. Simms, How may I help you?"

"Harriet..It's Harm"

"Yes sir, what can I do for you?"

"Please don't read anything into this but I need you to help me figure out what size Mac wears. I have a general idea but I don't want to insult her by accident." Smiling, Harriet says.

"Well sir, what type of clothing did you have in mind?"

"I need to buy her a sundress, and a swimsuit." Harm thinks to himself 'I should be able to figure out her sizes on everything with these two things.' Harriet pumps her fist in the air and does a quiet little jig behind her desk. "Harriet? Are you there?"

"Oh, sorry sir, Ok let's see the last time we went shopping she was buying that formal for the Navy Ball. I think she bought a size 6 if I am not mistaken so I would think a size 6 is what you would need for a sundress. Now the swimsuit I would probably get a size smaller so as size 4 would be the way to go. Swimsuits generally need to fit a little more snug to, umm, keep things in place if you know what I mean sir"

"Uhhmm, right Harriet, good thinking. Thanks for your help."

"Have a good rest of your day...Sir? Will we not see you back before the end of the day?"

"No Harriet, our last interview isn't scheduled until 1700 so we won't be back in the office until Monday morning"

"Right sir, well have a good weekend then Cdr.""

Mac quickly finds the proprietor, a Mrs. Loenstein. "Good afternoon dear, How can I help you?"

"Yes ma'am, I am planning a last minute picnic and would love it if you could help me. I only have about twenty minutes before he gets back. It may be a bit challenging because he doesn't eat meat and I do. Can you help me?" For the next 20ish minutes both Mac and Mrs. Loenstein raced around gathering up the makings of a spectacular picnic basket filled with fruits, nuts, breads, cheeses, cured meat and salmon, crackers, egg and chicken salad as well as a few veggies to make her sailor happy. Mac added a few bottles of sparkling water as well as regular water. "I just need something to carry it all in. Any ideas?" Mac looks down at Mrs. Loenstein. "Do you have anything I can buy here like that?" Mrs. Loenstein starts to look around and says.

"I know I had one around here somewhere, let me take a look." The cashier starts to ring up everything while they wait for Mrs. Loenstein to return. Mac looks around and notices one of those disposable cameras so she adds it to her purchases. Mrs. Loenstein makes her way back. "How's this dear?"

"Oh my, that is beautiful Mrs. Loenstein."

"I'm glad you like it. Consider it a gift, along with these amazing double fudge brownies for dessert." Mac's eyes widen and she immediately starts shaking her head.

"I couldn't do that Mrs. Loenstein. Please let me pay for them."

"Nonsense Sarah, I haven't had this much fun in years. Let me do this for you. I can't imagine how much sacrifice has taken place throughout your life of service. It's an extremely small way to say thank you." Macs' eyes began to tear up as she leaned in to give this special woman a grateful hug.

"Thank you so very much Mrs. Loenstein. I promise to always swing by to say Hi when I make it down this way."

"You do that dear! I would love to watch this little romance develop." She grins at Mac as Mac tries to hide her blush that starts to creep up her neck and into her face. Soon the three ladies have the basket packed up so that Mac could be on her way.

While Mac is busy creating their lunch Harm quickly drives down the main strip to his favorite little clothing boutique. He makes quick work of grabbing a set of towels, swim trunks, a pair of flops and a red polo shirt for him. He swings around looking for some khaki shorts and a button up short sleeve shirt with a cuff on the bottom so he doesn't have to tuck it in, a pair of sperry's finishes that outfit. Then he grabs a dress shirt and a pair of slacks, socks, boxers, and a couple of undershirts. 'Ok, I've got what I need taken care of, now for Sarah.' He makes his way to the ladies clothing section and quickly seeks out someone to help him. "Excuse me, I could use your help." A spritely twenty-something girl turns to his voice and, about trips over her bottom lip as her mouth drops open. Harm chuckles and says. "I only have about ten minutes and I need to grab some items for my girlfriend. Do you think you can help me?""

"Uhmm, absolutely sir, Do you know her size? What's her skin tone?, and what exactly are we looking for today?" Harm continues to peruse the sundresses.

"Well, she is a 4-6 depending on what the item is, she has 36-24-36 measurements, her skin tone is a lovely olive with brown hair and auburn highlights, and the most delicious brown eyes. I am looking for everything she will need for a surprise weekend getaway. Including but not limited to a swimsuit, sundress, undergarments, pj's, something for a night out to dinner and dancing as well as comfortable shoes to match all outfits. Anything else you think she will need to feel comfortable. Money is no object. I just want her to feel...cherished." Twenty-something girl races around shopping for Harm as he makes his way to the swimwear. He can't concentrate on anything without seeing Macs' body in each and every suit. So he calls upon his good navy training and discipline to focus so that she isn't waiting too long. He finally settles on a cherry red string bikini and finds a cute pair of red sparkly flops to match. Happy with his contribution he walks over to find a frantic twenty-something racing around with an armful of choices. He chooses a baby blue sundress that has beautiful red poppies all along the bottom. Then a red camisole/short set for sleeping, if she decides it's necessary and a lovely nude and lacy bra/panty set. He then grabs a casual polo that is a pale pink, with a set of white chinos for Sunday. The only thing left to grab is her evening attire for our night out. Twenty-something has really done a good job.

"May I suggest this dress for your evening out? If you will be wearing that grey button up it would go nicely and I see that you really like to see her in red. Your preferences are a little obvious if I do say so myself." Harm chuckles.

"Yeah, I guess you're right. I just love red on her. That dress seems a bit small. Are you sure it's the right size?"

"Yes sir, it is a very stretchy material so you want it a little snug. However with this type of dress you will need to purchase additional undergarments so if you don't want to do that we can find something else." Harm is curious why additional undergarments are necessary but he doesn't want to seem like he has no clue so he simply says.

"No, that's fine. Please get her whatever she needs and she is size nine so get the shoes she needs for the pink polo outfit and the dress as well."

"Right away sir, just give me a second I will ring you up." Harm is curious so he watches twenty-something as she grabs the last minute items. First she heads over to the shoes and quickly grabs a pair of silver strappy high heel sandals and a pair of brown leather sandals, then as he watches her grab a package of what looks like stickers and a piece of string that seems to be knotted up everywhere his brow begins to crease. Twenty-something starts to giggle. "Questions Sir?" Harm cocks his head to the right and says.

"What are these things?" He picks up the package and string of knots and shows them to twenty-something.

"Well sir, these are what we use when the dress doesn't allow for us to use a bra. It provides us with minimal support but covers our nipple area to keep wandering eyes from staring." Harms' eyebrows shoot up as he looks at her. He then picks up the sting of knots and says.

"And this?"

"Uhmm, well, that's a thong. We use those when we don't want any panty lines. This dress is going to fit her like a second skin. I promise you she will appreciate these." Harm says.

"I know what a thong is but I have never seen a thong like this before. What are the knots for?"

"Well, uhm, if you really want to know, they offer a certain level of stimulation throughout the night while she wears them. They are all the rage right now. I thought you might appreciate this aspect." She giggles as she watches Harm blush clear up and into his ears. Twenty-something decides this might be the most fun she has had in a long time.

"Ok then, let's get everything rung up! I love it! And, uhm, thanks." With his purchases taken care of and carrying two large bags out as well as a garment bag for their evening wear he turns to his next task.

As Harm makes his way back to Mac he places his next call. "Keeter, What's you been up to buddy?"

"Harm, it's great to hear from you. Aww, you know man, just working and breaking hearts all over the world. You know how it is. Speaking of hearts, when are you going to set me up with that gorgeous marine of years?" Harm chuckles and says.

"How about when hell freezes over or better yet ten minutes past when hell freezes over?"

"Ouch, Harm, when are you going to tell that beauty how you really feel?"

"Funny you should bring that up. That's kind of why I'm calling. Do you still have that condo on the beach up by Annapolis?"

"Sure do, I also added a sweet little yacht at the marina as well." Harm whistled low and slow…

"C.I.A. must be paying you well."

"Not really I just put all my hazard pay and any extra paychecks for deployments and what not into my retirement instead of an apartment I'm never in. So, I'm guessing you would like to spend some time up there this weekend with a certain jarhead. Am I right?"

"You are indeed my old friend. What do you say?"

"Throw a weekend with your steerman at me and you've got a deal." Harm lets out a breath and says.

"Deal, now how do I get in?" Keeter and harm discussed the specifics of the condo, the lock code, and the instructions for the marina. Jack told Harm he would call the crew at the marina so they would have everything ready for them by tomorrow mid morning around 1000. With that arranged Harm makes his last call. "Tiner, Is the admiral in? Harm pulls into the parking rows in front of the deli he left Mac at. She sees him as she steps out of the deli with her basket. Mac heads his way while she places her purchases in the back seat. She gets in just as Harm is connected with the Admiral. "Yes Sir, this is Cdr. Rabb. The Colonel and I have concluded all but one interview so we are about to break for lunch...Yes sir it has been very nice to visit my alma mater… No sir, that's why I was checking in. Our last interview isn't set to return to the campus until 1700. We have an appt. with him for 1715...That's what I was hoping for Sir. That way we don't have to return late this evening. Thank you sir... you too Sir."

As soon as harm hangs up Mac says, "Everything ok?" Harm just smiled and said.

"Absolutely perfect actually...the Admiral said for us not to worry about reporting back in today and that he would expect our report after the staff call Monday morning meeting." Mac's grin is now stretched from ear to ear and can hardly contain her excitement.

"So what you're saying is we just have to meet with Capt. Rodriguez at 1715 and the weekend is ours?" Harm just nods his head as he leans in for a sweet kiss.

"Now, for my third request. Stay the weekend with me. We have almost everything we need and what we don't have we can buy. We can stay and head back early Monday morning if we take care of our uniforms. What do you say?"

"Oh Harm, I really want to but do you think we should? I mean we are going to need to make quite a few purchases."

"Let's just decide to make it happen, Mac. Let's be spontaneous and live in the moment. What better way to help us both relax. I've got most of it all arranged already." Mac looks at Harm with excitement.

"Ok, you're on, but we can't be late so that means we are leaving WAY ahead of schedule." Harm is on cloud nine as he starts the vette and heads to the condo that will be their home for the next couple of days. Mac closes her eyes and lays her head back on the head rest with a smile that just melts his heart. It's right then and there that he decides he wants to spend the rest of his life doing everything he can to ensure that she smiles like that at least once everyday. Mac interrupts his thoughts when she asks, "Hey Harm, where are you taking me anyway?"

"Well my fair beauty I just might have access to a lovely condo on the beach that we will be staying at for the next few days." He watches as her eyes widen with surprise and excitement.

"We get to stay on the beach! Oh Harm, I love relaxing at the beach."

"I thought you might enjoy that. We should be there in just a few minutes. Then we can get settled, changed and walk straight out to the sand to have our picnic."