Spoilers: Parts from Answered Prayers

During the next few months, Harm and Mac grieved for their lost child. Their relationship became more serious and they prepared for the birth of their child. Sam and Ryan are still staying with Mac.

DECEMBER 23, 2001

0723 ZULU

MAC'S APARTMENT

GEORGETOWN

Mac had taken the day off to go Christmas shopping and spend time with Sam, Ryan, and Chloe. Harm was going to come over later to see the kids and he was going to spend the night on Christmas Eve.

"You guys, hurry up and get dressed! The mall is going to be murder if we don't get there early." Mac yelled to the kids down the hall. After a few minutes, Sam, Ryan, and Chloe came out of the extra bedroom dressed in hats, coats, and gloves. "OK, we're ready." Chloe said as she grabbed Sam's hand. Mac reached down and picked up Ryan, trying to find a comfortable position with her now swollen belly. They walked out the door and went on their way to the mall.

1827 ZULU

ANACOSTIA NAVAL ANNEX

FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

Harm walked away from the brig with Petty Officer Jennifer Coats. He was very upset that he was given this case two days before Christmas especially when he actually had special plans. He had been looking forward to spending the holidays with the woman he loved and the children he had grown very fond of in the past several months. Now he might have to keep the petty officer during the holidays and that kind of ruined things for him. He was planning on proposing to Mac during the holidays but now he wasn't so sure. Plus the petty officer was not exactly the easiest person to get along with. He wanted to do whatever he could to make sure his plans weren't ruined.

2016 ZULU

MAC'S APARTMENT

GEORGETOWN

Harm and Mac sat at the table after he had come over to talk. "Where are Sam and Ryan? I thought they'd want be here to see Chloe before she goes back to Vermont." Harm asked. "They went to visit a family friend, they'll be back tomorrow morning to see Chloe before she leaves."

"Well, we only have a couple of weeks before the baby is born. Have you thought of any names?" Harm asked. "Well, I've always liked Grace or Nicole." "What makes you think it will be a girl?" Harm asked with amusement. "A mother knows these things." Mac teased. Harm gave her an amused glare. "OK, OK how about Harmon Joshua for a boy?" Mac asked. "Another Harmon, are you sure you could handle it?" "If I can handle you I can handle anything." Mac replied with a chuckle. "Why Joshua?" Harm asked curiously. "I never told you about Joshua?" "Who's Joshua?" "Joshua's my brother." "You have a brother?" Harm interrupted. "I guess I better start from the beginning.When I was eight my parents told me they were going to have a baby. I was so excited, I had always wanted a little brother or sister. I thought that this would help bring my family back together again.stop my father from drinking. I helped my mother with everything, and at night I would lay my head on my mom's stomach and listen to the baby's heartbeat. I was so happy the day my mom went into labor. We didn't know it but my mom was going to have twins. I guess it runs in the family." Mac paused rubbing her swollen stomach thinking about the baby she and Harm had lost. Harm noticed her discomfort and reached for her hand, urging her to continue. "Well, the first baby was still born, a little girl, Grace Louise. I was so sad. Then they told me about my little brother, Joshua Matthew MacKenzie. When I first got to see him, I promised him I would always take care of him," By this time Mac had tears in her eyes, "But I broke that promise, when he was three he got ran over by a car and died. We were all devastated but my father was the most. He had always wanted a son. After that everything went wrong. My father started drinking again.and you know the rest."

"Mac, why didn't you tell me? God that must have been horrible." Harm replied, walking over to Mac and catching her into an embrace. They sat there for a few minutes until they noticed they had an audience. Chloe and Jennifer were staring at Mac and Harm. Chloe got up from the couch "Mac, what's wrong? Is everything OK with the baby?" "Everything is fine Chlo. It's just the hormones, they just got the better of me." Mac replied with a half smile.

"Well, I better go. I gotta go meet Sturgis. I'll see you tomorrow morning, 0900." Harm said as he opened the door. "Not if I see you first sir." PO Coats said. Harm glared at her. "It's a joke, sir." "Make sure that it is. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye, Mac. See ya, Chlo." Harm walked out and closed the door.

CHRISTMAS EVE

0046 ZULU

ROBERTS RESIDENCE

Mac stood next to the Admiral toasting to the fact that they had finished the case involving the reindeer. "Admiral, I was wondering if I could ask you a question. One involving a personal matter, sir." Mac said with slight apprehension. The last time Mac asked the Admiral a personal question was when she asked him to give her away at her wedding. Since Mac wasn't getting married the Admiral was worried what she was going to ask. "I was wondering sir if you would be my baby's godfather, once he's born of course." Mac looked at the Admiral with curious eyes. "I'd be honored, Colonel." "Thank you, Admiral." He gave her a heart-warming hug, which caught Mac by surprise. The Admiral was never this emotional in front of people.

****

After finding the Petty Officer at the bar they made there way back to the Roberts' house. Harm was helping Mac into her coat. They walked toward the door together and stopped when they noticed they were standing under the mistletoe. "Hmmm.do you think we should stick with tradition?" Mac asked with a chuckle. Considering that they were the only people left in the apartment, they shared a long passionate kiss before they walked out the door on the way to the church service.

0328 ZULU

MAC'S APARTMENT

GEORGETOWN

After dropping Sergei off at his apartment, he drove to Mac's apartment. Harm sat outside in his Vette holding the velvet box in his hand. He hadn't been able to ask Mac with everything that happened with his car and the Petty Officer. He had wanted to ask her months ago but he wanted to wait to make it special. Now he regretted waiting this long because they would have to wait another year before they got married. He didn't want to wait, if he could help it he would get married tonight.

He got out of the car and walked toward Mac's apartment. He knew her, the petty officer, and the kids were probably sleeping but he didn't care. He needed to see Mac, hear her voice. He quietly knocked on the door hoping not to wake everybody up. After a few knocks, Mac opened the door, sleepily rubbing her eyes. "I'm sorry to wake you wake you up but I really wanted to talk to you. Could we take a drive?" Mac just stared at him. "Harm, you know I love you but its 0334 in the morning. Are you crazy? I can't leave the kids here alone either." "The PO is here, just leave a note or something, Please Sarah." Harm stared at her with puppy dog eyes. Her heart melted and her knees became weak. She couldn't deny Harm when he used her given name. "Hold on, I'll be right back." Mac closed the door with Harm still in the hall. She returned a few minutes later in jeans and a coat. She locked the door and they walked to the Vette.

0356 ZULU

UNKNOWN LOCATION

WASHINGTON D.C.

Mac and Harm sat in the Vette. "Sarah there was something I was going to ask you tonight but with the vette missing and me having to watch the petty officer. I wasn't able to ask you." Harm pulled the velvet box out of his coat pocket. Mac gasped. "Harm." Harm stopped her. "Don't say anything. You know I was just going to propose and then just have a normal engagement but I was sitting outside your apartment thinking about how, if you said yes," Mac smiled at that, "I don't wanna wait six months or a year before we get to walk down the aisle. I want to marry you now.tonight. And don't think I'm doing this just because of the baby because you know I love you and that I just don't want to marry you just out of obligation to our baby." Harm just kept babbling on not wanting to hear Mac if she said no. "But if you don't want to marry me I'll understand. So what do you say?" Harm couldn't stare at her straight in the eye.

Mac was having a hard time trying to comprehend everything Harm had just said. She noticed the nervous look in his eyes as he stared at his lap. "Harm look at me."

CHRISTMAS DAY

0704 ZULU

MAC'S APARTMENT

GEORGETOWN

Sam woke up early realizing it was Christmas morning. She looked over at brother. He was sleeping peacefully with his thumb hanging out of his mouth. She tiptoed silently out of the room she and her brother shared and walked into the living room, careful not to wake the guest sleeping on the couch. She looked at the tree and all the presents under it from Santa. A sudden streak of excitement hit her and she ran back to her room. She shook her brother until he sleepily opened his eyes and yawned. "C'mon Ryan its Cismas. Wet's make bekfast fer Mac." She and Ryan eagerly exited their room and went to the kitchen. After attempting to crack some eggs, Jen heard the commotion in the kitchen and started to help he kids make breakfast.

0816 ZULU

Mac awoke to the smell of eggs and bacon. She looked at the body next to her and smiled. She looked at her left ring finger and smiled even bigger. She and Harm had found a church open last night. They had gotten married. It was the happiest night of her life. She heard laughter in the kitchen and went to investigate. She found Sam and Ryan still in their pajamas but Ryan had a small apron on. They were throwing the flour at each other and at Jen. When they realized that someone else had entered the kitchen, they stopped. "Good Morning, ma'am." Jen said with a laugh and a very giggly Ryan in her arms. "We were just making breakfast, but I guess we got a little carried away." "A little is an understatement." Mac said as she looked at her flour-covered kitchen. "Sam, Ryan go wash up. If we're going to eat you have to be clean." Mac said with a laugh. Sam and Ryan walked grumbily to the bathroom.

"So Colonel, you must have had quite a night last night to be waking up this late." Jen said as she started to wipe up the countertop. Mac stared at her. "I read the note, and I saw you and the Commander come in earlier this morning. So are you going to tell me about it or does this rock say everything there is to say." She said as she took hold of Mac's left ring finger. Mac was speechless. "Why don't you go wake the Commander before all this food gets cold." Jen said as she walked toward the dining room with a tray of food.

Mac was dumbfounded but she managed to return to her bedroom to wake Harm. She crawled back under the covers and wrapped her arms around Harm's back. She could hear him chuckle sleepily and smiled. "Good Morning, Jarhead. Its quite the Merry Christmas isn't it?" He said as he gave her a gentle kiss. "Why yes it is but we have to get up. The kids made us breakfast and I'm sure they're anxious to open presents." "OK I guess I can get up if it's for the kids." Mac playfully punched him and gave him a quick kiss before returning to the kitchen to help Jen with the food.

A few minutes later, Harm walked out of Mac's bedroom in a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. "Good morning, Commander." Jen replied with a smirk. Harm stared at her. He had grown rather fond of the petty officer, almost like a younger sister. They all sat down at the table when something struck Harm. "I better call Sergei. He's probably wondering where I am." "When did Sergei get here?" Mac asked. "Last night at the Wall. It was my Christmas present from Webb. Do you mind if I ask him to come over?" He said as he got up from his chair, heading for the phone.

After they finished eating and Sergei had come over they sat in the living room so Sam and Ryan could open their presents. Ryan got a remote control car and a remote control airplane, a Tomcat and some other toys and clothes. Sam got a doll, some computer games, a couple of Barbies, and some clothes. Sergei got a watch and some clothes. Mac got some clothes, a sweater from Jen, some baby clothes from Sergei, and a necklace with the birthstone of January. "For the baby." He said. Harm got some clothes and an aviator computer game from Mac. "So you'll always be able to fly. I know it's not exactly the same but hey I try." He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Even Jen got some presents, some clothes and jewelry.

"You know, next year there will be another little one running around on Christmas morning. She'll be almost a year old by then." Mac replied. "Yes I was aware that *he* will be here by then." Harm said with a chuckle. Everybody started laughing. "Ms. Coats, would you like to go get a drink with me?" Sergei asked shyly. Harm had seen his younger brother eyeing the petty officer all morning, he was wondering when he was going to make his move. When Jen turned around to get permission from Harm he nodded in approval. Sergei helped Jen into her coat and they left the apartment.

Mac and Harm got off the couch and started to pick up the pieces if wrapping paper. "Sam, Ryan why don't you get into your holiday clothes? We'll be going to the Admiral's house tonight for Christmas dinner." Sam and Ryan ran into their bedroom with their new stuff and to get dressed. "Harm, we have to tell them about us. That's going to be the easy thing. How are we going to tell our friends, the Admiral?" "Everything will be fine, Mac. They'll understand. I only think that they'll be mad at the fact that they couldn't witness the event." Harm replied with a laugh. Mac smiled. "Harm. There is something I want to ask you. Now that we're married-wow, that's something I've always wanted to say, married-anyway, what about Sam and Ryan? I know that legally I'm their foster mother but I see the look in their eyes when we talk about us and the baby, they feel left out like we're going to be a family and their not going to be in it. I want to adopt them. Make them part of our family." "Mac, I wouldn't have her any other way." He wrapped his hands around her and they shared a deep passionate kiss. They didn't notice when Sam and Ryan entered the room. They finally separated and looked toward the kids.

"Hey guys, why don't you sit down. We need to talk to you." Mac and Harm sat on the couch with Sam in between them and Ryan on Harm's lap. "Guys, we got married last night, so Harm will be living with us." Tears started to well up in Sam's eyes and she ran off the couch into her room. Mac and Harm got up and followed her to the room. "Sam what's wrong?" "It's not fair, you guys are gonna have a family wif da baby 'n me and Ryan ain't gonna be part of it. You won't want us anymore!" She screamed. "Sweetie, that's not true. That's what we wanted to talk to you about. We wanna adopt you guys so you would be our real son and daughter. We would never leave you. We love you guys." Sam tears began to lessen. "Really, ya mean it? We won't have to leave?" "No, we'll talk to the social worker tomorrow and see if we can have the paperwork for it." Ryan didn't understand much. "Ryan, Mac 'n Harm are gonna be are new Mommy and Daddy." Ryan's face brightened and he screamed "Dadda!" and swung his arm around Harm's neck. Harm was speechless but he joined into the hug. The family shared in a group hug looking onto the future.

1902 ZULU

ADMIRAL'S HOUSE

MCLEAN, VIRGINIA

Mac and Harm stood outside the Admiral's door remembering the last time they were here. Sam and Ryan in their arms. Sam in her velvet dress and shiny Mary Jane shoes and Ryan in his miniature suit. Sergei and Jen behind them. The Admiral opened the door, "Merry Christmas, Colonel, Commander. Merry Christmas to you too Sam and Ryan." "Merry Christmas, Uncle AJ!" Sam said. "Hug!" Ryan said as he jumped from Mac's arms to the Admiral's. The admiral wasn't ready for that and almost dropped the toddler. "Come in." He laughed when Ryan was settled.

The Admiral set Ryan down by baby AJ. And Harm helped Sam remove her coat. Sam went over to her brother and little AJ to keep an eye on them. Mac and Harm conversed with Bud and Harriet and other people from the office before dinner. Jen and Sergei had stayed on the porch to talk. Harm chuckled remembering the 'talk' he and Mac had had on the Admiral's porch.

When the time to eat came around everybody sat down in the dining room. After the blessing, Harm and Mac stood up. "May we have your attention." Everybody stopped talking and looked toward them. "We have something to tell you." Harriet noticed the glimmer on Mac's left. "Are you and the Colonel engaged?" She accidentally blurted out. Everybody looked at Harriet and then back at Mac and Harm with questioning eyes. "Close but no, we kinda got married.last night." Everybody got up to congratulate them, with hugs and handshakes. Life was getting better and better.

JANUARY 11, 2002

1138 ZULU

JAG HEADQUARTERS

FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

Harm was sitting his desk, even though he and Mac were married the Admiral had been able to keep them at JAG. Mac had started he maternity right after Christmas. Even though it was two days past her due date, the baby still hadn't come yet. Harm thought about how good Mac was with Sam and Ryan, she was going to be a great mother, actually she already was. They had gotten the adoption papers filled out but they probably wouldn't be finalized for about six months. The thought about how they child would look.a little boy with Mac's eyes and his stubbornness or a little girl with his eyes and Mac's spunk. He smiled at the thought. The phone ringing interrupted his thoughts. "Commander Rabb." "Harm, my water broke about seven minutes ago. I called an ambulance and they're on their way here. The neighbor can watch the kids but could you pick them up on your way to the hospital?" Harm was scared, nervous, and excited all at the same time. "We're going to have a baby?" He asked just to make sure it wasn't a dream. "Yeah, we're gonna have *our* baby. I'll see you in a bit." "Bye, baby. I love you." "I love you too."

Harm hung up the phone and walked toward the Admiral's office. He knocked on the door. "Enter." He walked in. "What can I do for you, Commander?" "Permission to leave early, sir?" "Why is that, Commander?" "My wife.Colonel MacKenzie has gone into labor, sir. I have to go get the kids and get to the hospital ASAP." The Admiral smiled. "Permission granted. Let us know as soon an you can." "Aye, sir. Thank you, sir." He quickly exited the room, telling Bud and Harriet about Mac. He asked Harriet to come with him. He got his cover and walked to the SUV to pick up the kids.

1204 ZULU

BETHSADA HOSPITAL

BETHSADA, MARYLAND

Harm exited the elevator into the maternity ward with Ryan in his arms and holding Sam's hand. He looked around and spotted Dr. Michaels. "Dr. Michaels, where's my wife?" "Ah Commander, I was wondering when you were going to get here. She's through here. I'm sorry but you're going to have to stay out here." She said motioning to Harriet and the kids. Harm passed Ryan to Harriet and followed Dr. Michaels. He gowned up entered Mac's room. "Harm! I was worried. What took you so long?" "I got here as fast as I could." He took hold of her hand just as another contraction hit. He guided her thought it just like they had learned in Lamaze class. Dr. Michaels came in and looked at the results on one of the machines. "You better get used to that because you got a while before the actual birth." "Oh great." Mac replied.

16 hours and 23 minutes later Mac gave birth to a healthy baby boy, 7 pounds 14 ounces, 22 inches long. Harm sat next to his wife's bed while she held their son for the first time. "He's so beautiful. He looks just like you." Harm said. "I have a feeling he's going to look like his father." "Harmon Joshua Rabb, welcome to the world." Mac looked at Harm. "You mean it we can name him Joshua?" Mac asked, knowing Harm wasn't 100% with the idea because of his godson Josh and his failed relationship with Annie. "Yeah, I mean it." Harm placed a gentle kiss on his son's head. "You better go out and tell everyone. They've probably bitten of all their nails waiting for this." Mac smiled while Harm gave her and their son one last kiss before he left the room.

He entered the waiting area to see that Bud, the Admiral, Sturgis, Sergei, Jen, Mikey, and even his parents had joined Harriet and the kids. Sam and Ryan were sleeping along side little AJ on one of the couches. When everyone saw Harm enter the room, they all stood up. "It's a boy, he's healthy, 7 pounds 14 ounces, his name is Harmon Joshua." Everyone went up to him hugging him, congratulating him. Harm was beaming. They all took their turns to see Mac while the baby was in the nursery.

Nobody noticed when a sleepy Sam entered the room. "Did Mommy have da baby yet?" she asked as she rubbed her eyes. Her and Ryan had taking to calling them Mom and Dad, and neither Mac nor Harm minded one bit. "Yes she did, Sammie. You have a new baby brother." Harm said as he picked her up. "Would you like to see him?" Sam eagerly nodded and they left the room and headed for the nursery. They looked through the big glass window and Harm pointed to a bassinet at the end of the second row. Sam stared at the little boy, content with her newly found brother. After a few minutes a nurse entered the nursery and took the baby's bassinet out toward Mac's room. He was getting hungry. Harm stopped the nurse so Sam could see the baby more closely. "This is you're brother, Sam. His name is Harmon Joshua." "Can I call him Joshie?" She asked as she stroked the baby's brown downy hair. "It's OK with me." It made more sense to call the baby Josh and not Harm so as not to get confused.

When they entered Mac's room, they saw that Ryan had woken up and was sitting next to Mac on the bed. Also that everyone else had left. Harm sat in the chair next to Mac's bed. The nurse played the bassinet next to Harm and he took the baby out and handed him to Mac. Sam got up from Harm's lap. "Ryan, this is our new brother, Joshie." Ryan smiled and placed a gentle kiss on the baby's head. Josh began to whimper. "He must be hungry." She started to remover her gown. "Why don't we find uncle Bud and aunt Harriet. You guys are going to stay with them tonight and you can come back and see Mommy and your brother tomorrow." Harm exited the room with the two kids and returned about ten minutes later.

Harm sat down next to Mac on the bed, he gently stroked his son's hair. "Thank you, Sarah." He said plainly. "For what?" she answered sincerely. "For giving me all I ever wanted, our son, our family, you." Mac smiled and tears began to well in her eyes. "Same to you, Sailor. A family with you is all I've ever wanted. I just wish it hadn't so long for us to admit it." They kissed passionately. When the kiss ended, they looked down at their son. He had fallen asleep with Mac's nipple still in his mouth. They chuckled at the image. Mac fixed her gown and her and Harm fell asleep on the hospital bed with their son in their arms. Content with their dreams of a future.together.