Ch04 of "Bringing up babies with Harm": "What's in a name?"
A/N: AU. This is a fictional story, in a fictional Alternative Universe, about fictional characters who entertained us in a fictional TV series between 1995 and 2005. Mike. Characters borrowed with love and appreciation for the great team who brought us "JAG"; may your following careers blossom.
A/N: AU: "they aren't mine: I'm just playing with them - apart from any fictional character created by myself". See Ch01 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. Your opinions, critiques (and requests as PMs) are always helpful - and will be considered.
A/N: Publication date: 20-OCT-2022: summary: Harm and Carolyn have to move quickly, to prevent her being suspended as a JAG lawyer (and worse). A trip down memory lane beckons. Jack Keeter begins his count-down to marriage (although he may not realise it yet!). Mike, UK, 20-10-2022.
A/N – link to Canon Episodes: S04Ep01: "Gypsy Eyes" airdate 22-SEP-1998: S09Ep06: "Back in the Saddle": airdate 31OCT2003.
A/N – updated 21-10-2022: My grateful thanks to reviewer "shoppingnull" for the info regarding the hotel bedrooms at Kellogg; much appreciated.
Characters from FFNET – H Rabb; Carolyn Imes-Rabb: Jen Coates; RAdm AJ Chegwidden: plus others, TBD as my storyline grows.
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*Flashback*
Friday 31st October 2003, 10:00hrs EDT
Main office floor, JAG HQ, Falls Church, VA United States
Chegwidden simply could not believe what he was reading. Placing the report on his blotter, he stabbed at the intercom.
"Coates – please find Commanders Rabb and Imes."
Ten minutes later, Harm and Carolyn were standing in front of the Admiral's desk. At the end of her first trimester and at around 13 weeks, Carolyn was clearly showing the presence of her child and was beginning - ever so slightly - to waddle along as she walked.
"Reporting Sir – I don't believe this - another Friday!"
Chegwidden smiled reassuringly as he looked at Harm.
"Actually Harm – this isn't about you. Carolyn, please take a seat and take the weight off."
She acknowledged the courtesy, sinking into the wing-back chair. Chegwidden didn't miss the fact that she reached for - and kept hold of - Harm's hand.
"Carolyn, this is difficult; have you ever had any problems with your status as a lawyer since you qualified?"
"Not at all Admiral; I passed in Michigan after night school (not the highest score on the Alumni board, but a clear pass and the same for the Michigan Bar exam) and I pay my annual renewal fee every year."
She looked quizzically at the Admiral.
"Why, sir?"
"As part of the enhanced screening processes following 9/11, a routine check on your status and standing with your Law School shows that there is no-one called Carolyn Imes on the Law School Register".
"Well, shoot!"
Carolyn could feel the colour rising in her cheeks as her grip on Harm's hand tightened.
*End Flashback*
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Friday 31st October 2003, 14:05hrs EDT
Leaving the car park in Harm's Lexus, JAG HQ, Falls Church, VA, United States
Clearly, Carolyn and Harm had a lot to think about, beyond just the baby, as they headed for Carolyn's first scan on the Friday afternoon.
Apart from elevated blood pressure (easily explained by the morning events in Chegwidden's office) all of her stats and measurements were fine. A second check of her blood pressure after a half-hour of sitting quietly was enough to reassure everyone that she was within normal limits for the stage of her pregnancy.
However, in the event, they learned something unexpected: Carolyn was not - as they had thought all along - around nine weeks pregnant. All the indicators pointed to a conception a few weeks earlier. The best guess from the obstetrician was that Carolyn was in her 12th (or possibly even 13th) week...
The baby would be coming sooner - which meant that their wedding plans had less time to complete than they had thought. The ultrasound was clear - little Miss Imes was on the way!
Reassuringly, by having reached the 13th week, Carolyn's risks of a miscarriage had reduced massively - so she (and Harm) could plan a delivery date with confidence.
She and Harm simply had less time to plan their wedding - which was a nice problem to have, they both agreed in the Lexus on the way back from the hospital.
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Friday 31st October 2003, 15:17hrs EDT
Apartment of Harmon Rabb, North of Union Station, Washington DC
Harm had (naturally!) been brooding about Michigan on the drive back to his apartment. On the way home from the hospital, they had stopped by Carolyn's apartment for her to collect some more clothes, update the super on her temporary whereabouts and also to check for mail.
The pile of mail included a surprise - which had Carolyn chuckling heartily (with just a hint of Imes irony) before she showed Harm the letter which had caused her so much amusement.
He had to read it twice, to be sure. Then his reaction was still - slightly - a case of "WTF?" before he, too, began to laugh.
The letter was dated a week previously and had been sitting in Carolyn's mailbox whilst she had been building her nest over at Harm's apartment.
"The Michigan State University College of Law in Lansing is pleased to invite Miss Carolyn Imes to address the first year student intake, as part of the alumnus program, on Monday 15th November 2003 at 3pm in the afternoon.
For transport and arrival details, please contact…"
He opened his arms wide and she stepped into his comforting embrace, still holding her letter from Michigan.
"Well darling; *someone* thinks that you belong to the University of Michigan."
"Told you!" She just snuggled closer into Harm's chest and closed her eyes, savouring the closeness and his embrace.
This was just too much! What the hell was going on in Lansing? She felt another brief pang of annoyance before settling again.
But her man would be "front & centre" in supporting her in resolving this latest problem.
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Saturday 1st November 2003, 07:44hrs EDT
Apartment of Harmon Rabb, North of Union Station, Washington DC
In the 12th (or even 13th) week of her pregnancy, Carolyn had spent part of the previous night sorting through her old diplomas and University fee receipts, going back some 16 years to her year of graduation. She had a full set of receipts - all of which quoted her Register number (which was also hand-written on her Law certificate from 1987).
On reaching Harm's apartment on the Friday afternoon, she had immediately telephoned the Alumni Office at Michigan State.
The Alumni Office at the Law School (apart from welcoming her confirmation that she would attend to speak on the 17th) was quite sure that Carolyn was a member of the Alumni Association and that her annual membership fees were fully up to date.
That night, neither Carolyn nor Harm had slept well. She knew that she was absolutely in the right, but had tossed and turned, eventually even disturbing Harm in the massive bed which had been custom-made for his height. He had made tea for them around 02:30hrs before settling back into a restless sleep.
The accusation had nagged at Carolyn's deep-seated and well-developed sense of honour, honesty and probity. By 06:30hrs on the Saturday morning, she had given up any pretence of sleeping and had gone across to the kitchen to make a cup of tea. She pondered the "how and why?" as the kettle boiled.
This was just *so* unfair! She knew that she had graduated - AND she had passed the Michigan Bar. So what the H..."
She was suddenly interrupted by Harm's very-welcome arms sliding gently round her swelling mid-line. His voice rumbled in her ear.
"Honey, why don't we book time via Coates on Monday morning, dump this whole mess in the Admiral's lap and suggest that he contacts the Dean to get this resolved? This SNAFU on your status clearly needs a quick kick from someone senior in the Law School to get the problem fixed and put to bed. I don't want this affecting your career, future Mrs Rabb."
She turned, snuggled up to him and kissed him in gratitude.
"Thanks Harm; you always come up with the right answer."
He bent down and kissed the crown of her head; "anytime, my darling Carolyn. You are truly worth it."
She felt her body responding to his presence, his scent and his embrace, as she replied. "Anytime."
After breakfast, they spent a little time planning their flights to Lansing for the weekend of Carolyn's speech. Carolyn had decided that she would show Harm a few parts of her Alma Mater and some parts of her family history whist they were there, so a full weekend was planned.
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Monday 3rd November 2003, 07:46hrs EDT
Office of Adm AJ Chegwidden, JAG HQ, Falls Church, VA United States
After a restful Sunday, part of which was spent on looking at other baby names in case their original choices threw up a problem ("unlikely!" they had both thought), Harm and Carolyn headed into work early on the Monday morning.
By now they were obviously sharing one car, given that everyone knew about the baby and their engagement.
After dropping their briefcases and covers into their respective offices, they met up again and walked side-by-side towards Chegwidden's office where Jennifer Coates sat on guard.
"Good morning Coates - just to let you know that Commander Imes and I need ten minutes with the Admiral today; any time today but preferably sooner rather than later please."
Jen Coates smiled.
"You may be in luck right now, Commanders. I took him his coffee ten minutes back – and the "first sight" file this morning had just one item in it."
A quick check by Coates had Harm and Carolyn quickly cleared to enter Chegwidden's office. He waved Carolyn to what was becoming her customary pregnant perch in his office. She acknowledged the courtesy, sat down and smoothed her skirt then began to explain the inconsistency. Harm had placed the Law College letter in a folder in his hand as he stood alongside her chair. He placed the file on Chegwidden's desk.
"Sir, we have a conundrum, which is a very timely link to the problem which the security clearance board outlined to you on Friday."
She pointed to the invitation from Michigan State University College of Law.
Chegwidden read the letter then grunted; he looked at Carolyn over the tops of his reading glasses.
Then he grinned, as he rapidly reached the same conclusion that Harm and Carolyn had reached on the Friday night.
"So, one would surmise that the College of Law would never be inviting you, as a guest speaker to address first-year students, if they did not believe that you are a bona-fide graduate of the College."
"That's about it, sir. Harm and I discussed this over the weekend and we would respectfully suggest that you contact the Dean directly."
"And your point in my doing that, Miss Imes?"
"Well, he is the Dean now, but he was my tutor throughout my time there and through to my graduation. I recall him propping me up in the bar and calling a cab on the night after I passed the Michigan Bar. Hopefully he will remember me - and I believe that you would need (as the JAG) to hear his testimony first-hand from the Dean himself."
She sat back into the armchair, hands placed gently in her lap, awaiting Chegwidden's response.
Chegwidden nodded. "Agreed; leave this with me. Oh - and I presume that you two would like to book some vacation time for the speech in Lansing on Monday 17th?"
Carolyn smiled, then nodded.
"Yes please sir, if that would be possible. With the discovery (from Friday's scan) that I am three weeks further along in the pregnancy than we had previously thought, I am starting to run out of weeks when it would be safe to fly. I know that women are certified by the FAA up to week 30 (so I am at the midpoint), but I really don't want to push my luck beyond Christmas."
"Very well, Commanders; leave the Dean to me and pass your leave requests to Coates."
As Harm and Carolyn left, they hear the interphone on Jen's desk buzz.
"Coates, there is a letter here from Commander Imes' old law college which I need copied: then I need to speak with the Dean at the Michigan State University College of Law, so find me his or her details by lunchtime and then fix a time to place a call."
"Aye-aye sir; on my way in to collect the Imes letter."
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Monday 3rd November 2003, 12:35hrs EDT
Office of Adm AJ Chegwidden, JAG HQ, Falls Church, VA United States
"Good morning Dean; Admiral AJ Chegwidden, US Navy Judge Advocate General."
"And a good afternoon to you, Admiral. It's not every day that a small law college in Lansing receives a call; how may I help, Admiral?"
"Well, we have a problem (perhaps I should say an anomaly) with one of my officers who is an alumna of your College of Law."
"OK, what's his (or – if you said alumna – her) name and how can I help?"
"Actually, *her* name is Carolyn Rebecca Imes."
"Good lord, plucky little Carolyn! Yes, she was one of my star inspirations; a poor family background but her aunt (also a Carolyn I believe – and a much earlier graduate of Lansing) funded part of her study costs. She clerked and worked as a paralegal then put herself though here on her own efforts. She is one of my star exemplars when I speak about overcoming adversity and persevering. So Admiral, what is the problem?"
"Well firstly it is good that you recognised her name and secondly - it sounds as though she definitely graduated?"
"Yep, class of 1987 and roughly in the middle of the pass band as I recall. She then also passed the Michigan Bar that same year (and then passed out in the college bar on the evening of her celebrations - most memorable!). So...?"
"Well, when our security team ran a routine check with your Registry, they were told there was no match for Carolyn Imes."
"Ah crap, not another one!"
"Excuse me?"
"Sorry Admiral; about eight or nine years ago, we had a new CEO who came from a fast-food background (don't ask!). He was an efficiency fiend. There was some computerisation carried out, transcribing manual paper records onto a spreadsheet."
"Let's just say that they went for the lowest bidder - and did not check proficiency in the English language. Look Admiral, let me take a note of your number and I shall ask my PA to get onto this when she returns from lunch. But in essence, yes I can confirm from my personal memory that Carolyn Rebecca Imes graduated from here, passed the Michigan Bar exam and I have no doubt of those facts which I am happy to place in evidence."
"Much obliged Dean; I understand that she is rather amused because you have invited her as a guest speaker on the 17th, addressing a group of first-years."
"Ah yes, the Alumnus programme. Well, I shall look forward to welcoming her if I can get across to the Conference Centre during the 17th. It would be good to catch up with one of my exemplar pupils."
Given the reassurances from the Dean, Chegwidden was mightily relieved. "Thank you, Dean. She is one of my leading attorneys and I am delighted that you have cleared this up. As she is in the fourth month of her pregnancy, I wanted to ensure there would be no problems with her mat leave, so thank you. However, a formal confirmation from you will, of course, be required, I'm afraid."
"No problem - leave that with me Admiral. I shall also ask the Alumni Office to get her bumped up the running order on the 17th, so that she won't be hanging around too long in her present condition. Now, what is the name of your PA (or whatever you call them in Navy terms)? Let's plug our support people together now that we have spoken and you can rest assured that there is no problem."
"My Yeoman is Legalman Jennifer Coates; thank you Dean; I am much obliged."
"A pleasure Admiral; and we look forward to welcoming Carolyn later this month."
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Monday 3rd November 2003, 15:49hrs EDT
Office of Adm AJ Chegwidden, JAG HQ, Falls Church, VA United States
"Admiral Chegwidden's office, Legalman Coates speaking."
"Good afternoon Legalman; this is Deborah, PA to the Dean at the College of Law in Lansing Michigan."
"Good afternoon ma'am; I have been awaiting your call."
"Oh, please call me Deborah. Well, please reassure the Admiral that Carolyn Rebecca Imes *did* indeed pass her Bar Exam - and also graduated from this college. The problem was that some idiot, during computerisation, mis-pronounced her name (or typed it in) as "Eames" rather than "Imes": a student called Iverson has encountered the same foul-up, so we are now implementing a thorough search and correction in 2003."
"That's great Deborah; please call me Jen. Sadly, I'll require email confirmation if you don't mind."
"No problem Jen (and, to be honest, I would expect nothing less for the senior law officer in the US Navy). Just let me have the email address and I shall zip up this PDF and get a confirmatory email across to you."
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Less than one hour later, the cloud over Carolyn Imes' career (and potential freedom) had been lifted.
Carolyn and Harm had a relaxed (but muted) celebratory evening in his apartment, as they worked out an itinerary which Jenn Coates would assist in booking during the following day.
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Harm and Carolyn decided to fly out on the Saturday morning, planning to enjoy a restful weekend touring around Carolyn's old stomping ground.
The Admiral, hearing of their plans, instructed Jen to book them onto the Friday afternoon flights and approved their revised leave and absence requests.
After all, he explained, on the Monday Carolyn would be representing the US Navy to a group of fresh-faced law students.
The next two weeks seemed to fly by, as the countdown to Carolyn's delivery continued inexorably. This brought its own set of complications thanks to Mother Nature: Carolyn had to – very reluctantly – purchase a new uniform skirt with a wider waist-line to cover her growing baby.
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Friday 14th November 2003, 18:56hrs EDT
Arrivals Hall, Capital Region International Airport,
4100 Capital City Blvd, Lansing, MI 48906, United States
Their Friday evening arrival into the Capital Region International Airport (airport code LAN), located to the northwest of central Lansing, had gone smoothly.
Harm and Carolyn quickly transferred across to the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Centre, where Monday's conference would be taking place. Harm (and Jen) had determined that they would stay, the whole time, in the one hotel. Avoiding unnecessary hotel transfers would be easier on Carolyn, who gratefully agreed with their reasoning. Her energy levels were beginning to sag as the baby moved into week 16.
The hotel complex, located to the north of the main MSU campus, provided a comfortable base for their weekend excursions around Lansing – and Harm's introduction to the back-story of Carolyn Rebecca Imes.
On arrival in their room, Carolyn was delighted to note that a deep tub (a feature of the end rooms in the hotel) enabled her to wallow in a lovely bubble bath as she soothed away the aches and pains of the journey.
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Saturday 15th November 2003, 10:36hrs EDT
Kellogg Hotel & Conference Centre,
219 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
After a leisurely breakfast, Harm and Carolyn hailed a cab for the six-mile drive to their first destination – an adjacent pair of graves in the local cemetery, resting on the south bank of the Grand River.
Carolyn had packed her warm clothes and footwear for the chilly Michigan setting - and she definitely needed the coat, scarf, hat and boots for the cemetery trip on the Saturday morning.
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Saturday 15th November 2003, 11:24hrs EDT
St Joseph's catholic Cemetery,
2520 W Willow St, Lansing, MI 48917, United States
Harm stayed one pace behind Carolyn as she knelt – slightly awkwardly because of her baby – at her parents' graves. She had collected two bouquets of flowers on the journey across from their hotel.
"Not a bad place to stay for time and all eternity" Harm remarked, surveying the surrounding scenery and the neat rows of headstones as they spread across the cemetery.
"Indeed; they are together forever. My mom did a fantastic job of raising me, even though my Dad had come from Vietnam under a flag in 1963 before I was even born."
Still facing the grave, she reached out behind her and Harm was instantly there, holding her hand and then, gently, providing support as she crumpled slightly against his chest.
For a moment he envied Carolyn, standing in the neatly-manicured beauty of the cemetery at her parents' graves. At least *she* had a grave to visit when she wanted to commemorate her father.
The sheer unfairness of Vietnam surfaced briefly in Harm's mind. His mind wandered back to the unlimited expanse of the Russian taiga, where he and Mac had finally tracked down the ultimate, 1981, fate of his father. Then, he dismissed the thought as non-productive. That was then, this was now, in 2003 and he was supporting the mother of what would be born as - and would grow up as – his first child.
"Carolyn?"
"Yes, darling." The affectionate expression slipped out unnoticed. He stood closer behind her and gently folded her into his arms. She twisted her head gently to kiss his cheek as he continued.
"Let's get the wedding under way ASAP".
"Harm, that sounds like a plan, sailor".
The warmth of Carolyn's appreciative kisses broke through the chill of the November Michigan morning.
On their way back from the cemetery, Carolyn had directed the taxi to the Trowbridge shopping centre on Trowbridge Road, around a half-mile south of the Kellogg Centre. One necessary piece of shopping which she had undertaken over the weekend was her first pair of support hose, to support her legs during pregnancy and reduce the chance of developing varicose veins. Harm had previously remarked that he wanted her "dancer's legs" to emerge unchanged from the pregnancy. She had also found several additional packs in a colour which matched the USN uniform code.
With this piece of "retail therapy" concluded, they headed back to the hotel. Given the short distance involved, Carolyn and Harm elected to walk; the exercise was appreciated and Carolyn enjoyed walking through her home town with her fiancé on display, arm-in-arm with him as they strolled northwards up South Harrison Road, passing Cherry Lane Park.
By the time that they reached the hotel however, Carolyn was beginning to admit that a pregnancy in her 41st year was going to be a bigger challenge that she had previously thought. Even with flat-heeled boots and strolling slowly, her feet and legs were beginning to complain as she arrived at Reception. Fortunately Harm came to the rescue, quickly running a deep, warm, foamy bath for her whilst she disrobed, then giving her a back-rub and foot massage afterwards as she lay on the bed in a warm fluffy bathrobe.
This parenting game had its drawbacks - and its advantages - she decided.
Then she fell asleep!
Harm let her snooze for two hours, then gently awoke her to ascertain the room service choices for her evening meal, which arrived within 25 minutes. Afterwards, Carolyn was asleep again before Harm could even ask "what coffee?".
Harm watched his sleeping fiancée with a sense of awe. This wonderful woman was prepared to put herself through this discomfort and stress, to bring a child into this world. Additionally, she had willingly discussed the idea of a future brother and/or sister for "the Bump."
Once more, Harmon Rabb jr was very grateful for the world which had sent Carolyn Imes in his direction.
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As Carolyn slept, Harm passed part of the late Saturday night on shoe-polishing duties, then channel-surfed for a few hours before he, too, succumbed to the fresh air and (probably) the aftermath of some of the stress in the previous week. They didn't bother setting the alarm clock for the Sunday morning, but Carolyn's bladder provided a wake-up call on the Sunday at around 06:43hrs.
The rest of the weekend passed quickly, with a gentle stroll around parts of the Campus, along with a quick recce of the venue for Monday's lecture.
On Monday morning, Carolyn was donning her uniform in the hotel, ahead of her lecture.
She intended to impress the first-year law students.
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Monday 17th November 2003, 10:22hrs EDT
Lecture Hall, second floor, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Centre
219 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
Their walk downstairs to the lecture theatre was short and easy. They had left their hotel suite, after arranging a delayed check-out with the Front Desk. Carolyn's revised time slot had been fixed on the agenda for 10:30hrs, thereby delivering on the Dean's promise.
Carolyn was in place and ready to speak, with eight minutes to spare.
Arriving early, she had - laughing at Harm's terminology from his flying days for what she was about to do - located the adjacent ladies' washroom for a quick "panic piss" before she stood, tall and confident, in front of the entrance to the auditorium. She had met the organiser and the distant voice of the previous speaker was drifting out - to be acknowledged by the applause from the audience as the session wrapped up.
One minute before her allotted time, Carolyn walked into the auditorium, escorted by the organiser to the lectern. She surveyed the ranks of keen, young students who were enjoying a minute or so to relax.
"Dear God, did I ever look this young and enthusiastic?" she mused as she took off her cover and opened her notes. Her jacket, buttoned around her newly-purchased uniform skirt, *just* covered her "bump". It was getting close...
She surveyed the audience before her – noting Harm's presence in the semi-dark at the back.
She also noticed that the Dean slid in quietly just as she began her talk, introducing himself to Harm.
"Good morning everyone. It is a pleasure to address you as an alumna of the College of Law. My name is Carolyn Imes and - as you can see - I am a lawyer in the Judge Advocate General's office of the US Navy."
Sitting quietly at the back of the lecture hall, Harm was immensely proud of the confident performance by the woman who would - shortly - become his wife.
The immensity of that small statement made him pause.
His wife.
Mother of his child(ren).
His partner-in-crime.
He realised that, when Mac returned from her post-PTSD recovery and treatment after the CIA SNAFU operation, he would probably need to sit down with her and explain how the world had changed. Their four-year baby deal was clearly null and void, but it would be courteous to let her know.
Harm was sure that Mac would accept the voiding of their baby deal. After all, she had enough on her plate with the splatter-back from the busted Paraguay op - and she had been in counselling for some time since her return to the USA.
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Thursday 20th November 2003, 19:32hrs EDT
American Airlines staff assembly point, Washington Dulles (IAD) Airport, Washington DC, United States
"Hey Jack".
"Hey Katherine; welcome back to home turf."
"Well Jack, you can say that after I've unbuttoned this uniform and slid these heels off. Thanks for taking my valise."
Katherine was obliged to maintain the "smart and buttoned up" uniform appearance until the car had left the airport perimeter. Jack Keeter was taking her to a long-planned three-day escape at a hotel in Chantilly. Unfortunately he had placed all their luggage in the trunk of his car after their enthusiastic "first re-union" on the kerbside at Dulles, so Katherine was trapped in her "corporate high heels" for a while longer. In the darkness of the passenger footwell, she slid out of her heels for the journey to Chantilly.
Katherine was pleased to be back on US soil, to continue her exploration of this interesting aviator. Although Jack had told her that he was a US naval aviator, she was sure that he had only told her part of the story. His proposal, to treat her to a three-night stay at the Westfields Marriott Dulles, in Chantilly to the south of the airport, had seemed a very attractive proposition when he made the suggestion. Now, aching to get out of her heels, have a good meal and find out more about this interesting "international man of mystery", Katherine could barely contain her excitement and anticipation.
Jack Keeter didn't get many chances to spend money on a lady of his choice. Despite the "dashing debonair pilot" image, in truth he had (like Harm) focussed on "quality, not quantity" in his choice of girlfriends - despite the earlier amicable parting from Maria Elena Carmelita Moreno-Gutierrez. Every time he saw an Iberia airliner since their amicable break-up, he had thought of Marie Elena over quite a few years - "but not any more".
Senorita Moreno-Gutierrez was in the past, as interesting opportunities opened up with Katherine.
He had been impressed that Katherine had pushed his buttons from the first minutes of the flight back from Paraguay - and she had been keen and interested when he made his move as they prepared to disembark with Clayton Webb, Mac and Victor Galindez.
She had watched him in their hotel room on their very first night together, as he washed the stink of Paraguay from his body, then she had joined him in the shower and had made his day (and his night!). Their leisurely lovemaking on that first night had led to his offer to spend more time together when they next met up.
Of course, Katherine had been pleased to accept. She wanted to know more about Commander Jack Keeter, USN: and Jack was keen to oblige.
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Thursday 20th November 2003, 19:57hrs EDT
14750 Conference Center Dr, Chantilly, VA 20151, United States
Barely 20 minutes later - even with Jack obeying the speed limits despite his desire to get Katherine to the hotel - they had arrived at the hotel entrance.
Katherine (as a First Class cabin service director) was accustomed to staying in reasonable-quality hotels when travelling "for the company" on AA flights - but she had to admit that she nodded approvingly when she caught sight of the hotel. She quickly slipped her heels back on as Jack walked around the car to open the door and offered her his hand for support. Keeping her knees demurely together as she swung her legs out to the floor, she exited the car and smoothly stood tall.
"Thank you, kind sir." She leaned closer to kiss him. Katherine (Jack had discovered) was a tall girl; in three-inch heels she was actually slightly taller, but Jack was not inhibited. He gladly returned the kiss.
Jack had opened the trunk and they handed their luggage off to the bellman, then handed the car keys to the valet and headed straight for the restaurant. By agreement with Katherine, Jack didn't want the remains of room service to be cluttering up the suite - and, he had openly admitted to her, once he had Katherine in the suite, he would not need them to be disturbed!
Katherine saw no reason to object. She had approved - and readily consented to - his plan for the evening, when he had outlined it some days earlier.
She was increasingly impressed by his consideration (plus, of course she was accustomed to the unbearable arrogance that usually came with pilots' wings!) and was glad that she had given him that extra attention during the flight home from Paraguay.
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Neither of them hung about whilst eating their meal - each had plans for what they would do with (and to) the other's body at the start of their three-night passion-fest in Chantilly! Their weekend would pass quite quickly.
By the Sunday morning, Katherine and Jack were well on their way to building a commitment. They would continue "getting to know one another" for the following 11 months until Jack proposed marriage, alongside the Trevi Fountain in Rome, in October of 2004.
By that time, Harm and Carolyn Rabb would be married and would be the proud parents of an energetic six-month-old daughter called Rosemary
End of Chapter 4 of "Bringing up babies with Harm": "What's in a name?"
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Mike: UK, 20-10-2022
