"The Date" Mac and Harm are off on their first date and a mysterious
stranger brings some revelations.
Disclaimer: I don't own them.
Please send me reviews. even if it's just to say "Yeah I read it - so what"
====================================================================
Inside the Limo
Mac and Harm were sitting in the limo stunned by what had just occurred. "So you think they are trying to tell us something?" Mac asked. "Could be." Harm laughed. "I haven't seen that much pomp and circumstance in a long time."
"Harm this is too much. But I am loving every minute of it." The driver interrupted them "Excuse me sir, where shall you be going this evening?" "La Chaumiere on M Street North West," Harm responded. "What time is your reservation?" "8 o'clock" "Well then," the driver said, "I guess I can take the scenic route." And with that he closed the partition window between the front and back of the car.
Mac and Harm sat back in the limo, holding hands and smiling. This was truly a spectacular way to start out. As the limo drove up Washington Parkway, the two gazed out the window and at each other.
In a bucket of ice there was a bottle of sparkling cider. "Shall we?" Harm asked. "Why not, they did go to all this trouble, we shouldn't disappoint them." Mac laughed. Harm popped the cork and poured 2 glasses. Upon handing one to Mac he said, "To new beginnings." Mac looked at him and said "To the future." They clinked glasses and drank. They then looked at each other and laughed both saying at the same time, "No guarantees."
La Chaumiere
Georgetown
The limo arrived at La Chaumiere at 7:56. The driver opened the door and Harm stepped out, extending his hand to Mac. "Hmmm and officer and a gentleman," Mac teased. Harm pulled her close and said, "Watch it Marine." Giving her a quick peck on the lips.
"Sir, the car is yours for the evening. I will be here for you when you are finished." Harm nodded and the couple entered the restaurant. The country-inn atmosphere in this beautiful Georgetown restaurant was the perfect place for a first date. The Maitre d' escorted them to their cozy table; normally he would ask if the guests would care for a cocktail. There was no need as Harm had called ahead. The Sommelier approached the table and opened a bottle of sparkling cider and poured two glasses. The couple once again lifted glasses to each other and clinked them. This time no words were spoken. None were needed.
Harm looks over at Mac, and thinks she really is beautiful. Mac looks at Harm and places her hand over his and whispers "Are you happy?" How could I not be, he thinks. "Mac this is all I have thought about for years. Sitting with you, looking into your eyes. Knowing that I no longer need to hide my feelings. Not that either of us have really done a good job at that." Mac smiled and said, "Oh of course we did. Granted everyone else knew. But I think we did a pretty good job of keeping it from each other."
The Captain (head waiter) approached the table. "Excuse me sir, are you ready for your salads?" Harm looked at Mac, she smiled and shrugged. "Yes please bring them, thank you." Harm said. "Harm, we haven't even seen the menu." Mac looked quizzically at him. "Mac, I did not want to waste time tonight looking over a menu when I could be looking at you. With the assistance of some very helpful friends, I've already ordered. " Mac blushed. This is getting to be a habit with me, she thought.
The evening continued and the couple enjoyed their meal together. They talked about everything. In some ways there were as comfortable as any other time they had dined together, yet there was something in the air. Guests at other tables watched them. Upon leaving an older woman, stopped by their table and said "My late husband brought me here on our first date over 30 years ago. This place is magic, I can see the love you to share. Never lose it. He's gone now. We came back here every year to celebrate our first date. It didn't seem right not to come this year." Mac had to ask, "How did you meet?" "Oh, you don't want to hear the stories of an old woman," she laughed "but it was very sweet of you to ask my dear." "No really, please join us for a cup of coffee," Harm said. He glanced at his watch, seeing it was only 9:30, he had plans but it was still a bit early.
Another chair was brought to their table and the woman sat down. "My husband was an Army Major when we met. He was so handsome in his uniform. We were both working at the Pentagon. I was a civilian secretary and he was an aide." Harm and Mac sat smiling as the woman continued. "That was 1959, if I remember. I would handle his reports and we worked together for 3 years. He was such a dear friend. Then things changed. His duty was changed and he went to Viet Nam. The US was advising there at the time. Actually, he requested the transfer. I was so angry with him for leaving. While we had never really had a defined relationship, I felt as though he was leaving me.' Mac looked down at her lap, she knew exactly how this woman felt.
The woman continued, "He was gone for a year. The climate changed in the world and he was brought back to the states. I was so happy when he returned. But he was distant. I tried talking to him, but nothing seemed to work." It was Harm's turn to look away suddenly he realized what he had done to Mac.
"Another year or so went by, and he showed up at my home. I was a bit startled as I had another gentleman caller there at the time. He looked so hurt, he told me that night that he loved me. He made me cry, I realized then, if this man could make me cry then I must really love him." The woman smiled, thinking about it. "We were married 6 months later. We have 4 beautiful children. Actually I was considered an old bride nearly 33 at the time." The woman laughed. "But I guess we were meant to be."
Harm looked at his watch it was close to 10pm. "Ma'am thank you for sharing your story." Mac said. Harm looked at his watch, he knew they had to leave. The woman noticing this said, "That's ok, my dears. You have humored this old lady long enough." They all stood and Mac hugged the woman, "Your story is quite lovely, may I ask what your name is?" "Ellen Paradon. My husband was at the time of his death Brigadier General John Paradon."
"It certainly was a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Paradon, I'm Sarah MacKenzie and this is Harmon Rabb." Mrs. Paradon reached up and put a hand on each of their cheeks, "Be happy children and don't waste a minute." With that she walked out of the restaurant.
Harm and Mac walked towards the waiting limo. It was now 10pm. "Where to sir?" The driver asked. "The Mall" replied Harm. The limo took them to the Mall, at the far end stood the Washington Monument.
The Mall in Washington DC
As they walked passed the reflecting pool, soft music was heard playing in the background. "Would you care to dance?" Harm asked as he bowed. He gathered Mac into his arms and they danced under that stars in front of the Washington Monument. Mac looked up at Harm "This had been the most wonderful evening, I can't even begin to express what I am feeling right now." Harm looked at her, "I know Mac, believe me I know. All that time wasted."
"Too bad we didn't meet Mrs. Paradon sooner, she told us don't waste a minute." Mac whispered to him. They danced and kissed and began to really fall in love with each other. They always knew they loved one another, but this was a new feeling they were each experiencing. In the distant background, Clayton Webb stood watching his two friends fall in love. Who else but Clayton Webb could have convinced the National Parks Department to allow a small string ensemble, a naval commander and a marine colonel to be at the Mall at this hour?
It was closing in on 11 o'clock, "I don't want this night to end," Harm said. "Neither do I, but I think it's time we go." Mac replied. They walked hand and hand to the limo. The sat close together in the limo as it returned to Mac's apartment.
Mac's Apartment
Harm walked Mac to her door and kissed her good night. Mac closed the door and stood there staring. Harm was standing on the other side of the door tempted to knock, but just turned and walked back to the limo. There was a slight spring in his step, as he looked up to the sky and thought "This is it dad, I'm not going to mess this up ever again."
In her apartment, Mac wrapped her arms around herself and said, "Well Marine, you've got him now, don't let him go." With that she went to bed.
Coming soon, "The Next Day"
Disclaimer: I don't own them.
Please send me reviews. even if it's just to say "Yeah I read it - so what"
====================================================================
Inside the Limo
Mac and Harm were sitting in the limo stunned by what had just occurred. "So you think they are trying to tell us something?" Mac asked. "Could be." Harm laughed. "I haven't seen that much pomp and circumstance in a long time."
"Harm this is too much. But I am loving every minute of it." The driver interrupted them "Excuse me sir, where shall you be going this evening?" "La Chaumiere on M Street North West," Harm responded. "What time is your reservation?" "8 o'clock" "Well then," the driver said, "I guess I can take the scenic route." And with that he closed the partition window between the front and back of the car.
Mac and Harm sat back in the limo, holding hands and smiling. This was truly a spectacular way to start out. As the limo drove up Washington Parkway, the two gazed out the window and at each other.
In a bucket of ice there was a bottle of sparkling cider. "Shall we?" Harm asked. "Why not, they did go to all this trouble, we shouldn't disappoint them." Mac laughed. Harm popped the cork and poured 2 glasses. Upon handing one to Mac he said, "To new beginnings." Mac looked at him and said "To the future." They clinked glasses and drank. They then looked at each other and laughed both saying at the same time, "No guarantees."
La Chaumiere
Georgetown
The limo arrived at La Chaumiere at 7:56. The driver opened the door and Harm stepped out, extending his hand to Mac. "Hmmm and officer and a gentleman," Mac teased. Harm pulled her close and said, "Watch it Marine." Giving her a quick peck on the lips.
"Sir, the car is yours for the evening. I will be here for you when you are finished." Harm nodded and the couple entered the restaurant. The country-inn atmosphere in this beautiful Georgetown restaurant was the perfect place for a first date. The Maitre d' escorted them to their cozy table; normally he would ask if the guests would care for a cocktail. There was no need as Harm had called ahead. The Sommelier approached the table and opened a bottle of sparkling cider and poured two glasses. The couple once again lifted glasses to each other and clinked them. This time no words were spoken. None were needed.
Harm looks over at Mac, and thinks she really is beautiful. Mac looks at Harm and places her hand over his and whispers "Are you happy?" How could I not be, he thinks. "Mac this is all I have thought about for years. Sitting with you, looking into your eyes. Knowing that I no longer need to hide my feelings. Not that either of us have really done a good job at that." Mac smiled and said, "Oh of course we did. Granted everyone else knew. But I think we did a pretty good job of keeping it from each other."
The Captain (head waiter) approached the table. "Excuse me sir, are you ready for your salads?" Harm looked at Mac, she smiled and shrugged. "Yes please bring them, thank you." Harm said. "Harm, we haven't even seen the menu." Mac looked quizzically at him. "Mac, I did not want to waste time tonight looking over a menu when I could be looking at you. With the assistance of some very helpful friends, I've already ordered. " Mac blushed. This is getting to be a habit with me, she thought.
The evening continued and the couple enjoyed their meal together. They talked about everything. In some ways there were as comfortable as any other time they had dined together, yet there was something in the air. Guests at other tables watched them. Upon leaving an older woman, stopped by their table and said "My late husband brought me here on our first date over 30 years ago. This place is magic, I can see the love you to share. Never lose it. He's gone now. We came back here every year to celebrate our first date. It didn't seem right not to come this year." Mac had to ask, "How did you meet?" "Oh, you don't want to hear the stories of an old woman," she laughed "but it was very sweet of you to ask my dear." "No really, please join us for a cup of coffee," Harm said. He glanced at his watch, seeing it was only 9:30, he had plans but it was still a bit early.
Another chair was brought to their table and the woman sat down. "My husband was an Army Major when we met. He was so handsome in his uniform. We were both working at the Pentagon. I was a civilian secretary and he was an aide." Harm and Mac sat smiling as the woman continued. "That was 1959, if I remember. I would handle his reports and we worked together for 3 years. He was such a dear friend. Then things changed. His duty was changed and he went to Viet Nam. The US was advising there at the time. Actually, he requested the transfer. I was so angry with him for leaving. While we had never really had a defined relationship, I felt as though he was leaving me.' Mac looked down at her lap, she knew exactly how this woman felt.
The woman continued, "He was gone for a year. The climate changed in the world and he was brought back to the states. I was so happy when he returned. But he was distant. I tried talking to him, but nothing seemed to work." It was Harm's turn to look away suddenly he realized what he had done to Mac.
"Another year or so went by, and he showed up at my home. I was a bit startled as I had another gentleman caller there at the time. He looked so hurt, he told me that night that he loved me. He made me cry, I realized then, if this man could make me cry then I must really love him." The woman smiled, thinking about it. "We were married 6 months later. We have 4 beautiful children. Actually I was considered an old bride nearly 33 at the time." The woman laughed. "But I guess we were meant to be."
Harm looked at his watch it was close to 10pm. "Ma'am thank you for sharing your story." Mac said. Harm looked at his watch, he knew they had to leave. The woman noticing this said, "That's ok, my dears. You have humored this old lady long enough." They all stood and Mac hugged the woman, "Your story is quite lovely, may I ask what your name is?" "Ellen Paradon. My husband was at the time of his death Brigadier General John Paradon."
"It certainly was a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Paradon, I'm Sarah MacKenzie and this is Harmon Rabb." Mrs. Paradon reached up and put a hand on each of their cheeks, "Be happy children and don't waste a minute." With that she walked out of the restaurant.
Harm and Mac walked towards the waiting limo. It was now 10pm. "Where to sir?" The driver asked. "The Mall" replied Harm. The limo took them to the Mall, at the far end stood the Washington Monument.
The Mall in Washington DC
As they walked passed the reflecting pool, soft music was heard playing in the background. "Would you care to dance?" Harm asked as he bowed. He gathered Mac into his arms and they danced under that stars in front of the Washington Monument. Mac looked up at Harm "This had been the most wonderful evening, I can't even begin to express what I am feeling right now." Harm looked at her, "I know Mac, believe me I know. All that time wasted."
"Too bad we didn't meet Mrs. Paradon sooner, she told us don't waste a minute." Mac whispered to him. They danced and kissed and began to really fall in love with each other. They always knew they loved one another, but this was a new feeling they were each experiencing. In the distant background, Clayton Webb stood watching his two friends fall in love. Who else but Clayton Webb could have convinced the National Parks Department to allow a small string ensemble, a naval commander and a marine colonel to be at the Mall at this hour?
It was closing in on 11 o'clock, "I don't want this night to end," Harm said. "Neither do I, but I think it's time we go." Mac replied. They walked hand and hand to the limo. The sat close together in the limo as it returned to Mac's apartment.
Mac's Apartment
Harm walked Mac to her door and kissed her good night. Mac closed the door and stood there staring. Harm was standing on the other side of the door tempted to knock, but just turned and walked back to the limo. There was a slight spring in his step, as he looked up to the sky and thought "This is it dad, I'm not going to mess this up ever again."
In her apartment, Mac wrapped her arms around herself and said, "Well Marine, you've got him now, don't let him go." With that she went to bed.
Coming soon, "The Next Day"