THE REHEARSAL DINNER
STANDARD DISCLAIMERS
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Author's Note: I wrote this at a weak moment, I have no idea where the "mushy" came from.
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In attendance at the rehearsal dinner: Mac, Harriet and Bud, Sturgis and Bobbie, AJ and Meredith, Trish and Frank, The Andersons, Chloe, Ahmed, Sergei and Elena, Reverend Turner and Clayton Webb. The Admiral is generous not a millionaire.
L'ETOLIE RESTAURANT
Everyone gathered at the table except Mac. She was in the entrance area of the restaurant pacing back and forth. What could have been so important in Norfolk that it took all week? She wondered. She was not angry at Harm but she was upset that he was cutting it so close.
"Mac, he's on his way." Harriet said.
"I know but it's so crazy." Mac replied.
"Mac come back inside and relax." Harriet said to her friend.
"No I think I will wait here." Mac said. "You go back, it's ok." Harriet went back to the table.
"Is she okay?" AJ asked.
"Sir she's stressed." Harriet replied.
"I didn't think this would take that long." AJ stated.
"With all due respect Sir, it wasn't too smart to send him to Norfolk this week." Harriet said forgetting all protocol.
"Harriet" AJ said quietly, "I didn't send Harm there. Harm went to get Mac's gown."
"Oh, Sir that was so nice. I'm sorry for thinking you were a bonehead." Harriet said before she could stop the words from coming out.
"It's ok." AJ said laughing.
"Does Mac know?" Harriet asked.
"No one but the three of us." AJ replied.
Mac walked back into the dining area. The guests were all seated. As Mac approached the table everyone turned and looked at her.
"Well, Harm's always late. Why should today be any different?" Mac said to no one in particular.
"Mac, my son is well my son. You know he has to make a dramatic entrance." Trish said trying to lighten the mood.
"I know mom, but it doesn't make this any easier." Mac said. "I wanted at least one thing to be perfect."
"One thing? Everything is perfect." Bobbie chimed in.
"Mac why don't we go over the processional?" Reverend Turner suggested.
"Might as well." Mac said exhaling. "It's going to be pretty basic. Harm and Sergei will be at the front with Reverend Turner."
"Will there be an alter?" Chloe asked.
"Nice try." Mac laughed. "Now Trish will walk down escorted by Sturgis and Frank following. Mrs. Anderson escorted by Bud and Mr. Anderson following."
"Will there be chairs or pews?" Mrs. Anderson asked.
"There will be seating." Mac replied.
"Mac don't you think you can tell us now?" Bud asked.
"Nope and before I forget. There will be a limo at the Harm's at 1pm to bring the ushers to the ceremony. AJ, Harriet, Bobbie and Chloe will meet at my place." Mac said.
"Which means they will know and can call us." Elena said with a smile.
"All cell phones will be confiscated before any one reaches the final destination." Mac said with a smile.
"Mac, this whole mystery thing is out of control." Sturgis protested.
"See if you had my job instead of being in the military you would already know." Webb teased.
"That's right you already know." Sergei said as they all stared at him.
"What do you know?" Meredith said.
"Sorry it's classified." Webb said with a smile. Several napkins were tossed at him because of that secretive smile.
"Can we please get back to the processional?" Mac asked trying to change the subject.
"Please continue big sister." Ahmed said.
"Thank you. Now Clay and Ahmed will be responsible for bring the white runner back from the front." Mac stated.
"Oh so there will be an aisle." Bud said.
"Yes!" Mac laughed. "When the time comes, it will be Bobbie, Harriet, Little AJ and then Chloe."
"I go last? Cool." Chloe said.
"No Chloe, I go last." Mac laughed. "And that's it."
"No, that's not it. We get married." Harm said walking up behind Mac.
"Harm it's about time." Mac said jumping up at the sound of his voice.
"I told you I always keep my promises." Harm said embracing Mac. "Sorry I'm late."
"Harm go change." Mac said handing him the garment bag.
"Be right back." Harm said.
"Commander." AJ called after him. "How did everything go?"
"Very well Sir, the situation has been straightened out and the mix up in procurement has been corrected." Harm said with a smile.
"Ok people." AJ said clapping his hands together, "Let's celebrate." On cue the waiters began to bring out a wonderful feast. During the course of the meal each guest rose and toasted the happy couple.
STURGIS
"With the exception of Mr. and Mrs. Burnett, I guess I've known Harm the longest. It's been a long time since our Academy days old friend. Never in a million years did I think that a pain in the neck classmate would end up with such a wonderful woman. Mac, not only are you a Marine, but you are a class act. I wish you both happiness and love."
BOBBIE
"Mac Harm what can I say. It is an honor to know you both. You are all my best friends. I know this is going to be a marriage that is blessed by heaven because you are a match made in heaven."
BUD
"You guys. You guys. This is so great. You have taught me so much, been there with my family and me every step of the way. I will be there for you both – no matter what. This is so great!"
HARRIET
"The smartest thing I ever did was locking you two in my basement. I am so happy and know that you have both overcome a lot of hurdles to get here. I also know it was worth the trip."
SERGEI
"In my life I never imagined that I would find my brother and a family. I wish to you all the happiness that life has to offer. I also wish for a niece or nephew soon. Thank you for making me the best man, but brother you are the best man. Mac I look forward to calling you sister."
TRISH AND FRANK
"Harm you have given me enough grief to last two lifetimes. But I love you son. And Mac, I couldn't be prouder if you were my own daughter. I welcome you to our family and wish you luck in keeping that son of mine in line." Trish said.
"You are two wonderful people and I wish you much happiness." Frank said.
THE ANDERSONS
"On behalf of Martha and myself, Mac you are a gem. You gave us our granddaughter and brought Ahmed into our lives. We are honored to be part of your family and proud to have you as part of ours. Harm, you are a good man and I know you will both take good care of each other."
CHLOE
"This is so cool. I am so happy for you guys. I always knew that it would end up this way. I told Mac you were cute. Oh, thanks for letting me be the maid of honor."
AHMED
"Thank you for making me part of this family and for everything you have done for me. I am assured this will be blessed."
CLAYTON
"What can I say? I need a favor." This comment garnered groans and laughs. "Seriously, I need you to both promise that no matter what life throws at you it will be handled with love and respect. I have never seen two people more perfect for each other. Anna said to tell you that in all her years of working with couples you guys are her favorites."
AJ
"I remember saying when you first met, don't get to familiar you're going to work together. Glad to see you listened. Come to think of it when was the last time you listened? It's a privilege to be the one to escort Mac down the aisle. I can't think of anyone else I would want to give her away to.
REVERAND TURNER
Mac and Harm I am happy for you, I know I speak for everyone when I say it's about time. We are all so happy to be a part of this wonderful event. Now if my son would just, how do you say it, get his head of out his six. Tomorrow is going to be a wonderful day filled with love, happiness and a bright future. Bless you both.
Mac and Harm sat there holding hands listening to their friends. They were touched by all the sentiment. Harm leaned over, kissed Mac and stood up.
HARM
"I think it's my turn now. Thank you all for kind words. I know I speak for Mac, this one time relax." Harm said deflecting the look he got from Mac. "I know I speak for Mac when I say thank you all for everything. The friendships you have given us, the love, the push when we needed it. Without all of you we wouldn't be where we are today. Mac the day you walked into my life, I first thought I was seeing a dream. I then realized that the dream was you and only you. You are my reason for breathing. I never realized that I wasn't whole until you weren't there. Tomorrow can't come soon enough. I love you with all of my heart."
MAC
Mac looked at Harm. She stood up and wrapped her arms around him. She kissed him and then spoke. "I never thought by joining the Marines and becoming a lawyer I would find a family. You have all been my salvation. Harm, when I realized I loved you a whole new world opened for me. For the first time I was able to love and be loved with no fear. When I am with you I know there is nothing I can't face. The idea of spending the rest of my life with you brings more joy than you can imagine. I am a better person because of your love. I can't wait until tomorrow when we become husband and wife, because it will mean that my life is complete. I love you forever and always."
Harm kissed Mac as everyone watched. Seeing two people so much in love was breathtaking. The night ended and everyone said goodnight. Bobbie, Harriet and Chloe were meeting at Mac's at 9 am to go to the hairdressers and help her get ready. Harm drove Mac home walked her to the door and kissed her goodnight.
"Mac, I am so sorry about being late. I love you and if it wasn't absolutely necessary I would not have gone." Harm said.
"I know Harm. I am just glad you got back. I love you too." Mac said.
"Hey the next time we are at this door, you will be Mrs. Harmon Rabb Junior." Harm said.
"And you will be Mr. Sarah MacKenzie." Mac teased.
Harm wrapped his arms around Mac and held her tight. Neither wanted to let go.
"Harm, I don't know about you but I have big day tomorrow. I need to go to sleep." Mac laughed.
"Mac tomorrow is the biggest day of my life." Harm said.
"Good night." Mac said kissing him.
"Good night Mrs. Rabb." Harm said and walked to his car.
Mac walked into her apartment and flipped on the light. She looked around and saw Mrs. Latham's dress on the couch. She sighed and walked to the bedroom. She started to undress and noticed her closet door was slightly opened. Walking over she inspected the door to see what was keeping it ajar. Upon opening the door she saw the garment bag hanging there. Attached to the bag was a note.
Mac –
Don't worry I didn't look.
Being in the Navy has some advantages.
Can't wait to see you tomorrow and see what this dress looks like.
All my love,
Harm
PS This is why I had to go to Norfolk.
Mac dropped the note and ripped open the garment bag. It was her gown.
She went to the phone and called Harm.
"Hello?" Harm said very casually.
"You are amazing." Mac said.
"Well I know that." Harm teased.
"How did you do it?" Mac asked.
"Do what?" Harm asked.
"Get my gown back you nut." Mac laughed.
"Connections." Harm laughed.
"Harm, thank you." Mac said.
"Anything for you Mrs. Rabb." Harm said.
"See you tomorrow and Harm don't be late." Mac teased. "Oh Harm I slipped something in your pocket. Good night."
Mac went to bed with a smile on her face. Tomorrow was finally going to get here.
Harm put the phone down and reached into his pocket and pulled out a tape. Popping it into the car's player he heard Paul McCartney singing.
There
were bells...on the hill,
but I never heard them ringing
No, I never heard them at all,
Till there was you.
There were birds...in the sky,
but I never saw them winging,
no, I never saw them at all
Till there was you.
And there was music,
and there were wonderful roses,
they tell me, in sweet fragrant
meadows of dawn and dew.
There was love, all around
but I never heard it singing,
no, I never heart it at all
Till there was you.
Then there was music and wonderful roses
they tell me in sweet fragrant meadows
of dawn and dew
There was love all around
But I never heard it singing
No, I never heard it at all
Till there was you
Till there was you
Harm listened to the end of the song and got out of his car; he practically danced to the door.