So here's chapter three!!! I hope you like it and keep those reviews coming ^_^ Also if you have any ideas or suggestions let me know!
Mac awoke as the sun started to make its presence known. Still a little groggy she could feel a warm presence next to her. She opened her eyes and noticed that sometime during the night, they most have moved and she was now nestled in Harm's arms. Mac had to admit that she enjoyed this predicament but she wasn't too sure that Harm would when he woke up so she got out of bed and went to shower while he was still asleep.
Harm woke up and noticed that he was alone in the bed. 'Mac must be up already' he thought. He decided that since it was already 0700 he wasn't likely to be getting any more sleep he would get up. He was about to head into the bathroom when he heard the showering running. He found this particular assignment one of the most difficult ones he had ever been on. Right behind that door was the woman he loved. And because of his stupidity he was stuck on this side of the door. Harm tried to reason with himself but he couldn't deny the fact that in the past when it came to Sarah Mackenzie he had been an idiot.
'I'm a lawyer. I can convince a Jury of almost anything, but I can't convince the woman I love that I love her.'
Harm heard the water being shut off and decided he would head downstairs to the living room and make himself some coffee. Seeing Sarah Mackenzie right out of the shower was too much of a temptation.
Mac had showered and gotten dressed and now headed downstairs in search of her partner. She found him drinking a cup coffee out on the terrace.
"Hey, shower's free," she said as she stepped outside.
"Oh thanks. Here you go," Harm said as he handed Mac a cup coffee. "Don't worry this coffee is strong enough to stop any normal person dead in their tracks. Just how you like it," he said with a smile.
"Thanks." That was just one of the many things Mac loved about Harm. The way he went out of his way for her. Sure all it required was making another pot of coffee but not even Mic had ever bothered to do something that simple for her.
"So what's on today's agenda?" Mac asked.
"Well tonight we have tickets for Sigfried and Roy. So I thought during the day we could do a little sightseeing. Visit some of the other hotels nearby. And of course the day leaves room for plenty of shopping."
"Now I can show you how well I can spend your money," she said with a gleam in her eyes.
"Oh really? Just remember the idea is not to bankrupt your husband on the first day. At least wait till day two," he said with a smile.
Mac gave him a playful shove. "Get in the shower squid."
"Yes Ma'am."
After Harm and Mac got dressed they decided they would do a little sightseeing. The place they went to was the Mirage.
"We have to come here tonight for Sigfried and Roy so I thought we could find out where it was before hand. Besides I hear they have a pretty cool endangered species exhibit," Harm said as they entered the hotel.
Both Harm and Mac admired the serene atmosphere of the hotel. As in most of the hotels in Vegas the Casinos hit you as soon as you entered the lobby, but in this hotel they noticed several small water falls and lots of lush jungle plant life that seemed to mask the sound coming from the casino. They made their way to the back of the hotel and out into the gardens. They then ventured out to the White Tiger exhibit. This natural habitat housed several different species of animals that Sigfried and Roy were currently trying to preserve.
"Mac take a look at this," Harm said pointing to several large lions. "Says here that they are the White Lions of Timbavati (A/N: not sure if that is the correct spelling). There were only two left in the world and now there are seven."
"Wow they're gorgeous. Aww look at the little cub he's so cute."
After they finished looking at all the animals they decided to head into the gift shop. After all, as Mac had pointed out, Webb did say they had to shop. Harm just shook his head and laughed.
"Harm look at this," Mac said picking up a big Lion stuffed animal. "I think AJ would like this. The lions are his favorite animals at the zoo."
"Are you trying to spoil our godson?" Harm asked noting the rather large size of the animal. Definitely over double the size of the small boy.
"It's my job to spoil him. Besides we're going to miss his birthday so we better get him something big to make up for it."
Harm had to smile at her happiness. He could just picture her shopping for their kids one day. 'Well it's not like that's going to happen anytime soon.' The small voice in Harm's head said.
"I can just see when you have your own kids to spoil. You'll go broke," Harm said smiling.
"Not when I have such a rich and caring husband. He'll want to spoil my kids just as much as I will," Mac said as she gave Harm a quick kiss and a smile, which caught Harm of guard.
'I wonder how good he is at getting my hints?' Mac thought. 'Hell if I leave up to him he'll never get it,' Mac thought back at all the times she'd tried to let her somewhat dense partner know how she felt. She'd even laid it all out on the line in Australia and he still hadn't gotten it. Actually if she was truthful with herself she would have to admit that he had heard her, he'd just asked for some more time. And she'd stupidly run to Bugme…. Brumby's arms. But that was in the past, and Mac resolved that she would stop living in the past. It was time start anew and it was time to put her new plan into action. It was one thing to be married to Harm on the assignment; she hoped that by the end of this trip it might actually be a reality.
"Mac, earth to Mac come in please," Harm said waving his hand in front of Mac's face.
"Huh?" Mac said as she was brought out of her reverie.
"Where were you? I've been trying to get your attention for the last three minutes. Are you ok?"
"Yes I'm fine and I was only out of it for two minutes and 37 seconds."
"Are you ever going to tell me how you do that?" Harm asked still amazed at her sense of timing.
"Are you kidding? It's a matter national security. I mean I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you," Mac said with a teasing smile on her face.
Harm just laughed.
After paying for the huge over sized lion and some other 'little' things Mac just had to get, they decided they would head over to Caesar's Palace, which was near by.
Once in Caesar's Palace Mac suggested that they head downstairs to the mall.
"Harm I think Webb gave us specific orders. Those orders included plenty of shopping. Besides he made the mistake of giving us a platinum credit card."
"Didn't you buy enough stuff when we were back at the Mirage?"
"Shop till you drop!" Mac just said excitedly.
Harm laughed. He was glad to see Mac happy. He hadn't seen her this happy and carefree in a long time.
"Ok then, where should we head to first?" Harm asked getting just as excited as she was.
"Well let's see. Ooh they have a discovery channel store. I was watching this program on TV about dinosaurs and I really wanted to get the video."
"Ok Discovery Channel store it is."
Both and Harm and Mac were enjoying themselves immensely. For the first time in a long time they could just be Harm and Sarah. No ranks and regulations in the way. They both understood how important this assignment was, but that didn't stop them from having fun.
After the Discovery store they headed over to FAO Schwartz where Mac bought some more gifts for little AJ. Then they headed over to the IMAX theatre where they rode the mystery of Atlantis Ride. The ride was actually a 3-D experience almost like a roller coaster. Mac was squealing with delight during the whole ride.
"Well squid we weren't exactly pulling g's but I think the ride was fun. And now comes food."
"I should have known. Where do you want to go for lunch?" Harm asked still amazed by Mac's appetite.
"How about the Cheesecake Factory. I hear the food is great. And I know they have great desserts."
"Well we better hurry. If I remember correctly somebody gets vicious when they don't eat," Harm teased.
Hand in hand they made their way to the Cheesecake Factory.
Once they were seated they began to look through their menus.
"So what looks good?" Harm asked.
"The tons of fun burger. Look at this. Two large burgers put together with lettuce tomato cheese and a special sauce."
"I shouldn't have asked."
"You know Harm you should really try eating some meat. I mean all that rabbit food will come back to haunt you some day."
"You should talk. Mac I am amazed at how you stay so thin eating that food. I mean most people who ate all that food…"
"Would be fat? Is that what you were trying to say," Mac said looking annoyed.
"Well not exactly."
"So you're saying that you wouldn't like me if I was fat?" Mac looked really mad now.
'How did this happen' Harm thought about the unfolding conversation. Every time he opened his mouth it always seemed like something stupid came out.
"Uhhh No I mean, wait… well that's not what I meant," Harm bumbled.
Mac started laughing, which confused Harm even more.
"Calm down I was only kidding," Mac said still laughing.
"You know things like that aren't funny. Could give a guy a heart attack."
Soon they placed their orders and slipped into a nice friendly conversation.
'Just like old times' Harm thought as he listened to Mac talk about the recent dinosaur exhibit she had seen at the Smithsonian.
After Mac had polished off her ridiculously sized burger it was time for dessert.
"So which one do you want to get?" Harm asked pointing to the long list of different types of cheesecake.
"Well, I was thinking about the tuxedo cheesecake. Tons of hot fudge and caramel sauce looks good."
"If that's what the lady wants then that's what the lady gets."
Soon a large slice of cheesecake was delivered to the table.
"Ok Mac you try it first," Harm said handing her a fork.
"Ok. Hmmm it's good."
"Here squid try some," Mac said as the she fed him a piece.
"Not bad actually pretty good," Harm went to feed Mac a piece that somehow missed her mouth and landed on her nose.
"Harm!"
"Ooops," was all he said as he laughed. Mac had hot fudge running all down her face.
"Just wait squid, payback is hell," Mac said with a gleam in her eyes.
"Don't worry ninja girl I can take anything you can dish out."
After lunch they continued to walk around the mall. A particular store caught Mac's eye and she decided to step things up a notch.
"Let's go in here," she said pointing to a store across the mall.
"Ok," Harm said before he realized exactly where they were going.
When Mac led him inside Victoria Secret he started to panic.
'I can't be in here. Especially with Mac of all people.'
"Uhh Mac maybe I should just wait outside," Harm said trying to mask his discomfort.
"What's the matter Harm?" Mac asked noticing Harm's face turning red.
"Nothing," Harm said hoping he sounded more convincing then he felt.
"Good. Then there is no need for you to wait outside." Harm groaned inwardly. If this was payback then he was in hell.
"What do you think of these?"
Harm turned to see Mac holding up a pair of red thong panties. His eyes almost went out of his head.
'What is she doing?'
"Um there nice," Harm squeaked out.
Mac was having a field day. She hadn't had this much fun watching Harm squirm in a long time.
"Or what about these?" Mac held up a pair of black barely there lace panties and Harm thought he was going to die on the spot.
"Which one do you think is better?" Mac knew that although Harm came off as the cocky arrogant pilot, he was really a prude underneath. She loved every minute of this torture.
"See I can't decide. Maybe I should just get both. But then there are these over here. Decisions, decisions."
Harm was visibly sweating at this point. 'Why is this bothering me so much?' Harm asked himself. He knew the answer. It was one thing if this was Mac his best friend who he had no feelings for what so ever. But this was Mac the woman he was in love with. And to say that he was slightly turned on by the whole experience was an understatement.
"Umm well… I guess they're all nice."
"Well I guess I will just have to get all of them."
And with that Mac paid for her purchases and decided she would save Harm any further embarrassment and they left the mall. Once they were out of the mall and into the limo Harm felt relieved to say the least. Harm decided that the best way to relieve any tension (actually the best way to make him feel better) was to change topics.
"We'd better get this thing back to the room," Harm said pointing to the lion sitting next to Mac in the limo.
"Don't be scared harm. It's not going to bite."
"Very funny. So what do you want to do after we get back to the hotel?" Harm asked as he played with the radio.
"Well I was thinking since we have to go to the show tonight we could relax for a little while before we have to get ready for the show."
"Sounds like a plan," Harm said finally finding a radio station he liked.
Once they got back to the hotel a bellman came to help them with their bags. Mac had decided she would make her husband broke a day ahead of schedule.
"Don't you think people are going to find it funny. I mean us walking in with that thing," Harm said pointing to the lion the bellman was now wheeling in.
"Harmon Rabb since when did you care what other people thought?" Mac said laughing at his obvious discomfort.
Finally they made it up to their room. After depositing their purchases in the spare bedroom, they went downstairs to explore the casino.
"I've never been much of a gambling man myself. But I guess I am going to have to try and look like one," Harm said as they entered the casino.
When Harm approached one of the cashier booths he was slightly surprised to find out that he already had a $50,000 credit limit set up.
Harm got $2,000 worth of chips and headed over to one of the blackjack tables.
"Now squid are you sure you know how to play?" Mac whispered as he sat down.
"I'm a natural," Harm said trying to sound confident.
He lost his first two games but won his next three. With his winnings he headed over to one of the roulette wheels.
"Ok Mac which one do you think we should go with?"
"Well to start of with, I think our best bet is to go with either red or black. See how are luck goes, then go with a number."
Harm placed his bet on red and won.
Then Mac suggest he place his bet on 32 red. They won. After their third win in a row, Harm really got into it. He turned to Mac and gave her a huge kiss, which caught her totally of guard.
"Mac you're my lady luck. You're a natural." Then he spun her around.
Mac was laughing as she said, "Put me down squid." After little more time spent in the casino they cashed in their winnings and headed upstairs to get ready for the show.
Webb looked at his watch and noticed right about now some of the clothes he had picked out should be delivered to Harm and Mac's room. He remembered all the times he would complain to his cousin about them. How infuriating he thought they were. But if truth be told they were the closest friends he had next to his cousin. His cousin had once asked him why they didn't just get together and get it over with? Webb had told him that everyone had been asking the same question for years and nobody knew the answer. His cousin would have liked to see the two of them get together. So that's exactly what he was trying to do. Plus if it got rid of the fighting and bickering he seemed to be caught in the middle of lately then that would be an added bonus.
Harm and Mac had just gotten back to their room when there was a knock on the door. Harm went to go answer the door. A large rack of clothing was wheeled into the room along with an envelope. Harm thanked the bellman and brought everything inside. He opened the letter and wasn't surprised to find a note from Webb inside.
Here are some clothes I thought you could use for your evenings out. Let me know if you need anything else.
--Webb.
"What happened to Webb?" Harm asked as he looked over the clothes.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean when was Webb ever this nice to us?"
"Good question. But as long as he's being generous who am I to complain?"
"Right let's enjoy it while we can."
After ordering room service and eating in, Harm and Mac started getting ready for the show.
Mac looked through the clothes that Webb had sent over. She decided on a beautiful but simple black dress. Harm had also gone through the clothes that Webb sent over and decided on a dark charcoal suit.
Mac had finished getting dressed and headed downstairs to the living room. Harm was already waiting for her. His breath caught in his throat as soon as he saw her. 'She looks gorgeous.' Mac was having similar thoughts, as she looked Harm over. Mac was wearing a black halter dress that was fitted till the waist where it flared out till it ended knee length. Harm was wearing a charcoal suit with a metallic blue colored shirt and tie. The color of the shirt and tie made his eyes glow.
"Wow Mac, you look fabulous."
"Thanks, you look pretty good yourself."
They made it to the show with time to spare. They were led to their table where they sat down and ordered something to drink.
The show was amazing and both Harm and Mac had a great time.
"Mac did you see when they appeared out of nowhere and landed on the table behind us? I wonder how they did that?"
"It's Magic. It's not supposed to be explained," Mac said with a smile on her face.
They made back to the hotel and back to their room. When they walked into to the room Harm decided he would turn on the radio.
Mac had just returned from the bathroom when she heard the radio playing downstairs. She headed down to the living room. She searched and found Harm sitting outside on the terrace. She went and sat down next to him. At first it seemed like he didn't even notice she was there. He looked like he was a million miles away. Mac was surprised when he turned towards her and asked her if she wanted to dance.
Harm had been doing a lot of thinking lately. Even before this assignment. The truth was he knew he wasn't getting any younger. He had everything a man his age could seem to want. A Successful career, and lots of friends. But what he really wanted was a family. And not with just anyone. He wanted a family with Mac. And he knew that now was his chance to make it right.
Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight, floated out onto the terrace:
It's late in the
evening
She's wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her make up
And brushes her long blonde hair
And then she asks me
Do I look alright
And I say yes, you look wonderful tonight
Harm pulled Mac close as they swayed to the music.
We go to a party
And everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady
That's walking around with me
And then she asks me
Do you feel alright
And I say yes, I feel wonderful tonight
Mac was shocked when Harm started singing along with the song.
I feel wonderful
Because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize
How much I love you
Mac pulled back to look at Harm. Harm sang the last line of the song to still speechless Mac.
I say my darling, you were wonderful tonight
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight
"Sarah when it comes to you I've been the biggest idiot in the world. I only hope that it's not too late. Because it's true Sarah, the wonder of it all is that you just don't realize how much I love you."
Mac had tears streaming down her face. And finally they were tears of joy. No matter what happened from now on in her life, she was no longer alone.