THE HOLIDAYS
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters.
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DECEMBER 23
Mac spent last night alone. She was home and safe. Harm protested but Mac won out. She walked into the JAG bullpen ready for work. Since only select people were aware of what happened she didn't have to deal with talking about Zurich and what had occurred.
"Good morning Harriet." Mac said with a smile.
"Good morning Ma'am." Harriet replied. "How are you feeling today?"
"I'm good, feeling ok." Mac said and she went to get coffee.
"Morning Sturgis." Mac said walking into the coffee room.
"Hey Mac, how are you this morning?" Sturgis asked.
"I'm good." Mac smiled.
"Is Harm in yet?" Sturgis asked.
"No, it's only 8:07, he probably isn't even awake yet." Mac laughed. "Did you need something?"
"I needed to go over the Binder case with him. Wanted to wrap it up before tomorrow." Sturgis said.
"The Binder case, I handed that off to him. It was a no brainer." Mac said.
"Don't ask." Sturgis replied, "It became a disaster."
"How could a simple drunk and disorderly turn into a disaster?" Mac asked.
"Because he says he wasn't drunk or disorderly." Harm answered as he walked into the break room.
"Good morning Harm." Sturgis said.
"Hello, I see you are discussing my case." Harm joked.
"It was my case and yes. He had a blood alcohol above the legal limit and he clocked a shipmate in a bar." Mac replied.
"Yeah well, anyway, how did you sleep last night?" Harm asked.
"Fine didn't have anyone stealing the covers." Mac said with a laugh. "How about you?"
"Great, I didn't have anyone's cold feet kicking me." Harm shot back.
"You guys want to be alone?" Sturgis joked.
"Good morning people." The Admiral said.
"Good morning Sir." They replied in unison.
"What are we discussing?" The Admiral asked.
"Cold feet and blanket stealing Sir." Sturgis said with a laugh, "If you'll excuse me."
"Well I always found, a pair of socks and a second blanket usually solves that problem." The Admiral said as he walked out of the break room. Mac and Harm just looked at each other. Sometimes this place was so odd.
There wasn't much to do. Tomorrow would be an easy day and for some reason they had all been told they did not have to report back to work until December 30th. For the following week, they were given off January 1st and again did not have to report back until the following Monday.
The Admiral had assembled everyone in his office. "In light of my generosity in closing the office for the extra days, I am going to need something from each of you." The Admiral began. "There will be a total 6 weekdays that the office will be closed. As I see it, there are 6 of us. Each one of you will pick one day to be on call in case of a situation."
"If it's all the same, I will take January 3rd. That way I can go home for Christmas." Lt. Aldridge said.
"Very well. The rest of you please pick your days." The Admiral said. "Oh and anyone without plans, open-house tomorrow night at my home. From there I will be going to the services lead by Reverend Turner if anyone cares to join me. Dismissed."
They picked their dates and left the office.
CHRISTMAS EVE
A light snow had fallen over Washington making the city look like a wonderland. The first hours were always the most beautiful before cars and plows turned it into black mush. Mac looked out her window and watched the snow coming down. She had called Chloe earlier to wish her a Merry Christmas and was waiting for Harm to pick her up. They, along with the rest of the group, had decided to take the Admiral up on his offer. The next day they would be spending the day with Bud and Harriet. Mac looked at the tree in her apartment. The lights twinkled and the ornaments glittered. It wasn't the biggest tree; they had bought it last night and didn't exactly get the pick of the litter. Tonight both Harm and Sergei would be staying with her. They planned on having a family style Christmas morning. It was a very untraditional family, but none of them cared.
There was a knock at the door and Mac walked over to answer. "Why didn't you use your key?" Mac said laughing.
"No reason." Harm said with a smile.
"Where's Sergei?" Mac asked.
"He's meeting us later. He went to spend tonight with Elena." Harm said with a smile. "You ready?"
"Yes I am." Mac said picking up a small wrapped package.
"What's that?" Harm asked.
"It's a house gift for the Admiral." Mac replied.
"Oh, I didn't get anything." Harm stated.
"I signed both our names." Mac said with a laugh.
THE ADMIRAL'S HOME
The Admiral had really decked the halls. The front porch was covered with garland and twinkling lights. A huge wreath hung on the door and the inside of his home was just as festive. While it was the Admiral's home, Meredith was the person who deserved the credit. Together they welcomed the guests inside.
"Welcome, Merry Christmas." The Admiral said.
"Merry Christmas Sir," Bud and Harriet replied.
"Tonight, it's AJ. Where's my namesake?" AJ replied.
"He's home, but he did send something for his Uncle AJ." Harriet said handing him a picture.
"I have something for him too." AJ said walking towards his tree and retrieving a package.
"Thank you Sir, I mean AJ that was very kind of you." Bud said taking the gift.
"Merry Christmas, may I bring you something to drink." Meredith asked.
"Merry Christmas, thank you. Let me help you." Harriet said walking off with Meredith.
"Happy Holidays everyone." Tiner said as he walked in with Lisa.
"Merry Christmas it's good to see you all again." Lisa said. They all exchanged the typical greetings and chatted.
"Ho ho ho." Gunny said as he arrived with Irena.
"Hey Gunny. Good to see you Irena." Bud said.
Again all the hellos were made.
"Were are the Colonel and Commander?" Tiner asked.
"Right here." Harm said as they walked in. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas everyone." Mac said.
"Colonel after you are married do you think you can work on Rabb not always being the last to arrive?" AJ joked.
"I'll work on it." Mac replied with a laugh.
Sometime during the evening, Webb arrived with Ana.
"Merry Christmas Ana." Mac said.
"Merry Christmas Mac. Talking to me?" Webb asked Mac.
"Of course I am, Merry Christmas Clay." Mac said giving him a hug.
"Webb!" Harm called from the other side of the room. "Would you step outside please?"
"Rabb!" AJ said with a slight warning.
"Harm, it's Christmas." Bud said quietly.
"Relax people." Harm said, as he and Webb walked out onto the porch.
ON THE PORCH
"Harm I don't know what to say to you. I am sorry about everything that happened." Webb said immediately.
"You almost lost the woman I love." Harm said.
"I know, I never expected it to happen, I thought I took every precaution." Webb said.
"You did, you didn't remove the guard. How's your hand?" Harm asked.
"Better, Harm what can I do to make this up to you?" Webb asked sincerely.
"Say yes." Harm replied.
"To what?" Webb nervously asked.
"Being an usher at the wedding." Harm answered with a smile.
"You guys want me? Are you serious?" Webb asked.
"Yes, Clay. We want you as part of our wedding." Harm said with a smile.
"It would be an honor." Webb said and they walked back inside.
"Is everything ok?" Harriet asked.
"It's fine." Webb said.
"People, it's time to go." AJ announced. They left the Admiral's home and drove to the chapel.
THE CHAPEL
They met Sturgis and Bobbie there and they took their seats. Reverend Turner gave his sermon. Last year he had spoken of Joseph the forgotten man. This year he spoke of compassion, understanding and acceptance. He asked people to look at the one next to them. He said that until you have walked a mile in that person's shoes you would never understand the trials and tribulations they have endured. Remember people have their own demons to deal with. Remember to be compassionate with those in need. Understand that they are working through their problems the best they can and accept each person for who they are. He ended with a prayer for peace.
"Always inspirational Chaplain." The Admiral said.
"Good to see you AJ." Reverend Turner replied.
"Nice to see you Reverend Turner." Harm said.
"Harm, how are you?" The Reverend asked. "Mac I'm happy you are home and safe."
"Thank you Sir." Mac said.
"I believe we need to meet to discuss the wedding." Reverend Turner said. "Also, I need to speak with the pastor of the church you are having the ceremony at. Where are you having it again?"
"Nice try Sir." Harm said with a laugh.
Reverend Turner looked at the group standing around him and shrugged, "I tried."
The all stood and chatted a bit enjoying the cool winter air. Harm looked at his watch, "It's that time." He said.
"Is Sergei meeting you there?" Bud asked.
"No, he went on his own earlier today." Harm replied.
"Harriet and Bud are going to drop me off. Tell him I said Merry Christmas. I love you." Mac said giving Harm a kiss.
"Mac, come with me." Harm said.
"Harm, are you sure?" Mac asked.
"I'm a part of him and you are my life. I'm sure." Harm replied.
THE VIETNAM WAR MEMORIAL
"Here he is." Harm said pointing to his father's name. He held Mac's hand tightly. "Dad, this is Sarah MacKenzie. I love her and we're getting married. One day we are going to come here with Harmon Rabb III. Merry Christmas. I love you Dad."
"Merry Christmas." Mac said quietly.
They stepped back, saluted and went home. Sergei was waiting for them when they got there. Harm made a fire and they sat and watched for a while before retiring for the night. When they woke up it would be Christmas Day.
CHRISTMAS DAY
Mac woke up first. She looked around her room and smiled. Harm and Sergei had shared the guest room last night. Mac wasn't sure why but last night she felt it would be better if Harm didn't sleep in her room. She went to the kitchen and started to get breakfast ready. She went to the living room, started a fire, put on some Christmas music and switched on the tree lights. It looked like a traditional setting. Mac fixed herself a cup of coffee and settled into the couch. She watched the fire and relaxed. She began to reflect on the last few months. She smiled as she thought about the night she and Harm finally admitted their feelings. She laughed about the karaoke in Hawaii. A warm feeling came over her as she remembered the few days they spent in Puerto Rico. She felt relief as she remembered the number of times she had escaped death; in the past year alone she has been in Afghanistan, almost drowned in Hawaii, foiled a hijacking and most recently been kidnapped. This was not a normal life by any standard, but it was her life and soon she would be sharing it with Harm.
"What are you thinking about?" Harm asked as he walked in to the living room.
"This that and the other thing." Mac said with a smile. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas." Harm said as he leaned down and kissed her. "What smells so good?"
"Oven baked French toast and vegetarian sausage." Mac replied. "I see Sergei is a typical Rabb sleeping in as long as possible."
"There is an insult in there somewhere." Harm said with a laugh.
"Harm before Sergei wakes up, I, have a gift I would like to give you." Mac said getting up.
"You do?" Harm said with a smile.
"Yes." Mac said handing Harm a box.
"Tiffany's? What is it?" Harm asked smiling.
"Just open it." Mac said.
Harm removed the white ribbon from the blue box. Inside was a sterling silver and gold key shaped key chain. Inscribed on the key was "Always and Forever."
"Mac, is this the key to your heart?' Harm asked smiling.
"Something like that." Mac said.
"I love the inscription." Harm said giving her a kiss. "I have something for you too."
"You do?" Mac said with a curious smile. Harm handed her a small box. "Bared's? Isn't that the store in Puerto Rico?" Mac asked.
"Yes it is." Harm said sitting next to her. Inside was the most delicate pair of diamond heart earrings that matched her pendent.
"Harm these are gorgeous. When did you get them?" Mac asked.
"I called Bared's a few weeks ago. I remembered them from when we were there and I thought they would look beautiful with your wedding gown." Harm said with a smile. Mac just looked at them in awe. She leaned over and kissed Harm. Her thank you kiss turned into a passionate embrace; one that would not have stopped had Sergei not entered the room.
"Ahem, Merry Christmas." Sergei said with a smile.
"Merry Christmas Sergei." Mac said jumping up and giving him a hug.
"Merry Christmas." Harm said.
"What are we doing?" Sergei asked.
"We exchanged some private gifts." Harm said.
"Yes I saw that. Shall I go back to the other room?" Sergei asked with a laugh.
"Funny." Mac said. "How about we eat breakfast in here and open the presents?"
"Sounds good to me." Harm said. Mac went into the kitchen and brought out the breakfast and dishes on a tray.
They sat and enjoyed breakfast. Harm decided he would play Santa and handed the gifts out. They opened up their gifts and thanked each other. They had all gone a bit overboard but it was their first family Christmas. After everything was cleaned up they all got ready to go to Harriet and Bud's. It was going to be a quiet day there. Sergei was going to Elena's and Sturgis and Bobbie were spending the day with Reverend Turner.
ACROSS TOWN
"Merry Christmas my love." She said handing him a small box. "I hope you like it."
She opened his gift. "This is beautiful." She said holding up the necklace. "I love it."
She left the living room and went to the kitchen. She brought two plates with Christmas Dinner. "I hope you enjoyed what I prepared. How was your day? Did you have to spend it with those cheery Roberts?" She poured more wine.
"Oh I went to visit your father yesterday, he'll be my father soon." She said. "Harm, I don't want to wait any longer than we have to. I spoke with the minister and we can be married at the end of January instead of waiting until April. The printer was so sweet he will redo the invitations at no charge. It will be a rush, but I can't go on like this anymore."
The meal was finished and she cleared the plates. "This has been a wonderful evening. I am so glad we were able to spend some time together. I hate that we have to be apart. I know you have to go now. Back to that pretend game of yours. Give me a kiss, my love."