Title: E-Love
Author: Ninjagurl354
PG-13
Romance/Drama
Summary: Harm and Mac are writing e-mails to each other but they don't know that the recipient is their best friend; the problem is they fall in love and want to meet…
Disclaimers: All characters belong to Donald P. Belisario and Belisarious Productions. No copyright infringement intended.
Spoilers:
Chapter 12: Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties
Wednesday June 12
Mariah's Bridal Apparel
Washington D.C.
ZULU 1800
Mac parked Harm's SUV in a parking place, turned off the engine, grabbed her purse, and hopped out of the car. She saw her red corvette pull into the lot and leaned against the SUV as Trish parked the car. Trish and Chloe climbed out and Mac greeted them before the walked into the building.
Harriet, Caroline, Bobbi, and Allison arrived a few minutes later. Mariah brought the dresses into the main room. Trish went into a dressing room to try on her dress while Chloe went into another dressing room and tried her dress on. Mariah made a few notes for Trish's dress and Trish returned to the dressing room.
Chloe came out of the dressing room, Mac stood up, "So what do you think?" Chloe grinned, "I love this dress." Chloe's dress fit pretty close to perfectly and Mariah made a few notes for alterations. After, Allison, Caroline, Bobbi, and Harriet had tried their dresses on again; Mac went into the dressing room. Chloe's eyes widened when she saw Mac in her wedding dress. "Wow!" "You like it?" "I love it!"
While Mac was talking to Mariah at the counter, Harriet turned to the other women. "We have to give Mac a bachelorette party," Harriet said. "Definitely," Bobbi responded while everyone nodded the affirmative. "What if we do a bachelorette party at my house on Friday. Girl talk, movies, what do you guys think?" "I think that sounds like a great idea." Just then Mac joined the group, "Ok guys we can pick the dresses and the accessories on the 18th."
"Mac, we want to throw you a bachelorette party this Friday at my house. We can do movies, girl talk," Harriet told Mac. "That sounds great, Harriet." "Alright, how's 1900 for everyone?" Everyone murmured, "Fine."
Meanwhile…
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
ZULU 1800
Harm sat on the couch with a pad in his lap, music played softly in the background. He was working on his written vows for the ceremony. He didn't want Mac to see him writing them, so when she left for the fitting; right away he started on it.
Bud and Harriet's House
Alexandria, Virginia
ZULU 1810
Bud picked up the phone and dialed Sturgis number, keeping a close eye on AJ who was playing on the floor. Sturgis answered on the second ring, "Hello." "Sir, it's Bud." "Bud, what can I do for you?" "What do you think if we threw Harm a bachelor party this Friday at McMurphy's?" "That's a great idea, Bud." "Ok, so who do we invite? The Admiral, Tiner, Gunny, Sergei, Frank, Keeter, Webb, you, and me." "Sounds right. Why don't we split the people to call? I'll take the Admiral, Tiner, Gunny, and Keeter. You take Sergei, Frank, and Harm." "Alright sir. Good night." "Night Bud."
Bud called Sergei first and then Frank at Mac's apartment. Then he called Harm.
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
ZULU 1825
The phone ringing brought Harm out of his thoughts. He reached over and picked up the cordless. "Hello." "Sir, it's Bud." "What's up Bud?" "Sir, are you doing anything on Friday night?" "I don't think so, why?" "Well, you have your bachelor party to attend." "My what?" "We are throwing you a bachelor party on Friday at McMurphy's for 1900." Harm laughed, "Ok, I'll be there." "Good thing sir, you're the guest of honor." Harm laughed again, "I'll be there, Good night Bud." Harm hung up the phone and returned to the pad in front of him.
Thirty-five minutes later a key in the lock announced Mac was home. Harm slid the notebook into the desk and returned to the couch leaning his head back. Mac walked into the apartment and Harm looked up, "Hey. How'd it go?" "Great. Pick up is on Wednesday," Mac answered sitting beside him on the couch and kissing him. "So whatcha been up to while I was gone?" "Not much. Oh, I was invited to my bachelor party this Friday at McMurphy's." Mac smiled Bud and Harriet probably planned this, "Well, it just so happens that I will be at Harriet and Bud's house for my bachelorette party."
"Did you eat?" "Not yet, and I'm hungry. Did you?" "No. How about we go out?" Mac raised her eyebrows. "Nothing fancy. We can go to that café that's right around the corner." "Sounds good." So they left the apartment together and got into the vette and drove to the café.
Café Almandine
Washington D.C.
ZULU 1910
At the café they were seated and were given menus. The waitress took their drink orders and Harm and Mac looked over the menus. Mac decided on linguine and Alfredo sauce. Harm decided on pasta with wine sauce, shrimp and scallops. Harm and Mac talked and laughed avoiding the topic of work. They enjoyed each other's company. Their meals came and they both dug hungrily into their meals. Half way during the meal, "So, what's your dress look like?"
For the past several days Harm had been sneaking the question into conversations hoping to catch Mac if guard, but no such luck. Mac gave him a knowing look, "I've told you countless times, Harm. You are going to have to wait." Harm gave her a half pout, "Hey, can't blame a guy for trying right." Mac rolled her eyes and they finished up their meal. After paying the bill they drove home.
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
ZULU 2030
Harm and Mac sat on the couch. Mac was sitting next to Harm, cuddled against his chest, one hand on his knee. Harm had one arm draped loosely over her waist the other on the armrest of the couch. "When does your grandmother come in?" "Wednesday night. Mom and Frank are going to pick her up." Harm noticed that his stomach didn't seem to want to settle down.
They switched topics to work. Harm was really not starting to feel well, "Mac, I need to get up." Mac looked confused but sat up and Harm immediately went straight for the bathroom. Mac got up and by the time she entered the bathroom, Harm was sitting on the floor puking whatever he just ate straight into the toilet. Mac walked over to him grabbing a washcloth from a shelf. She wet it with some cool water and sat on the floor next to her fiancée. She gently began to sponge the back of his neck and forehead with the cool cloth. She rubbed his back soothingly, as he emptied his stomach.
When he was finished, he leaned weakly against the wall and Mac. Mac wet the washcloth again and gently sponged his face and neck. She ran her fingers through his hair and spoke softly, "Looks like your food didn't agree with you. Might be food poisoning." "Lovely," Harm mumbled as his stomach lurched, and he leaned over the toilet again. Mac rubbed his back and set the washcloth on his neck. After his stomach finished it's revolt, "I'm going to get you some ginger ale and some Mylanta, ok." Harm nodded. Mac got up and walked into the kitchen. She pulled a can of ginger ale out from a cabinet and poured it into a glass, she grabbed two Mylanta tablets from the bottle and went back to Harm.
She knelt down next to him and handed him the two tablets and then the ginger ale. Harm leaned his head back, "I feel like crap," he moaned. "I know baby." Mac pushed his hair off his sweaty forehead and kissed his temple. "Come on, let's get you changed and into bed." Mac helped him stand up and lead him into the bedroom, where she sat him on the bed. She helped him strip to his boxers and fetched a t-shirt from a drawer for him. No sooner had she gotten him dressed he quickly made for the bathroom again.
Mac followed him and sat behind him rubbing his back gently. Finally his stomach finished its revolt and he flushed the toilet. Mac took the cool wet washcloth to his face and neck again. Mac helped him stand up and he rinsed his mouth out and then brushed his teeth. Mac brought him back into the bedroom and sat him on the bed. She went into the kitchen and refilled his glass. She brought it back to him and crawled into the bed beside him. Harm leaned against the pillows with his eyes closed. Mac gently pulled him down until his head was in her lap; he shifted slightly to get into a more comfortable position. Mac kissed the top of his head. "Thank you," Harm mumbled. Mac smiled and kissed his head again, gently running her fingers through his hair.
Several minutes later, Harm's even breathing told her that he was asleep. She smiled as she watched him; her fingers were still running through his hair soothingly. She reached over and picked up the TV remote, she was glad that he had relented to buy one, and she knew he was glad too. She flipped through the channels, finally deciding on a rerun of The West Wing.
Towards the end of the show Mac gently lifted Harm's head from her lap to the bed. She turned off the lights outside of the bedroom and locked the door. Coming back into the bedroom she quickly changed into a tight black spaghetti strap shirt and light blue drawstring pants. After brushing her teeth she crawled back into bed, placing Harm's head back into her lap. She wasn't real tired yet, so she began to flip through the channels again, settling on The Bachelor: Special Edition.
A few minutes into the show the phone rang. Mac quickly reached over and answered the phone, so the ringing wouldn't wake Harm. "Hello." "Hello dear." "Hi, mom. How are you?" "I'm fine dear. I just wanted to let you know that Frank and I are driving out to see a friend of ours, and we won't be back till late in the afternoon." "Alright, do you want to drop Chloe off at JAG?" Mac asked. "We could do that, would that be alright with the Admiral?" "I think so." "Alright, we'll drop her off on our way. Probably by 9:15." "Ok." "Is Harm there?" "Actually, he's asleep," Mac smiled down at Harm who was sleeping comfortably. "Asleep?" Trish asked. "Yea, we went out to a café and Harm's dinner didn't agree with him I think he got a touch of food poisoning." "Ooh, he doesn't do well sick." "So, I've noticed," Mac, laughed softly. "Alright dear, I won't keep you. Tell Harm we say hi, and hope he feels better." "I will, see you tomorrow. Bye."
Mac clicked off the phone and turned her attention back to the TV. Towards the end of the show, Harm began to stir. He opened his eyes and looked up at Mac. "Hey, how you feeling?" "Better, that Mylanta helped." She rubbed his arm soothingly, "I'm glad." He raised himself up and that's when he noticed her change of clothing, "You weren't wearing that earlier." "I know, I moved you so that I could change and turn off the rest of the lights, and when I came back I brought your head back into my lap. You were out cold. Your mom called by the way, she and Frank are going to see a friend of theirs and won't be back till late in the afternoon. They're dropping Chloe off at JAG." Harm nodded. "Thank you." Mac smiled, "For what?" "For taking care of me." "You would do the same thing for me. And we're getting married next week, it's my job." Harm smiled, "I owe you the next time you get sick." "I'll hold you to it, sailor," and she kissed him gently.
Mac switched off the TV and the light and curled up with Harm. Within minutes both were sound asleep.
Friday June 14
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
ZULU 1316
Harriet knocked on Mac's door, "Enter." Harriet opened the door, "Ma'am." Mac looked up from her desk, "Oh hi, Harriet. Come on in." "Are you ready for tonight, ma'am?" Mac smiled, "Am I ever." Harriet smiled, "We'll see you tonight then." Harriet left and Mac returned to her work.
ZULU 1700
Harm poked his head into Mac's office. "You ready?" "Almost. I just need another minute." "Ok." The Gunny was packing up to leave as well, "See you tonight, sir." Harm smiled, "See you tonight, Gunny." He turned back to Mac as she was gathering her briefcase and cover. "Let's go flyboy."
ZULU 1800
They arrived at his apartment an hour later; they had stopped to grab a pizza on the way. Harm set the pizza on the counter and went into the bedroom to change. Mac was trying to decide what to wear. She finally settled on a black sleeveless scoop neck shirt with a bright blue sequin design on the front and black flare jeans. She slipped out of her uniform and changed into her preferred attire. Harm quickly changed into a pair of blue jeans and a red short sleeve button down shirt. Mac tied on her sneakers and threaded a pair of silver hoop earrings through her ears.
In the kitchen, Harm got two plates, and Mac grabbed two cans of coke. Mac smiled as she pulled the two cans from the fridge and Harm's arms encircled her waist. He pulled both cans out of her hands and set them on the counter as he turned Mac in his arms. Mac smiled as his lips claimed hers. She moaned softly as his mouth slanted over hers deepening the kiss. They pulled back breathing heavily. "They didn't hire a stripper for your bachelor party did they?" "I don't think so. And if they did, I would imagine it was you."
Mac lifted a slice of meat lover's pizza from the box and took a bite. Harm took a bite of his veggie delight slice. When they finished eating Mac went into the bathroom and brushed her teeth. Harm was getting ready to leave as well; he was going to pick up Keeter. Mac handed Harm the keys to his corvette and she picked up the keys to the SUV. Harm locked up the apartment and they walked down to the parking lot.
Harm walked her to the SUV and opened the door for her. Mac turned to him, "Have fun tonight." "You too, and drive carefully." "You too. I love you and don't ever forget it." "I love you too and I'll never let you forget it," Harm promised. Mac kissed him gently before climbing into the car. She started the engine and rolled down the window. She leaned her head out the window and kissed him one last time before she backed out of the parking space. Harm went over to his vette and climbed in. He started it up and pulled out of the parking lot.
Mac turned on the radio and proceeded down a main access road. She slowed the car to a stop at a red light. She leaned her elbow on the windowsill waiting for the light. As the light turned to green she pressed her foot to the gas. Ten minutes later she pulled into the parking lot to Caroline's apartment building.
She slipped the key from the ignition and got out of the car. Taking the elevator up to the second floor and down to apartment 4D. She knocked and a second later Caroline opened the door. "Hey." "Hey, you ready?" "Yea, let me just find my purse. Come on in," Caroline said. Mac stepped into the apartment, "Nice place." "Thanks. Ok, shall we?" "We shall," and the two walked down to the parking lot and to the SUV. They climbed in and Mac started it up. They made the fifteen-minute drive to Harriet and Bud's house, talking about this and that.
Bud and Harriet's House
Alexandria, Virginia
ZULU 1855
Mac pulled the car into the parking lot and pulled out the key. They got and walked up to the door. Harriet opened the door, "Come in on." "Harriet, this place is beautiful," Caroline commented. "Thank you, ma'am." Caroline gave her a stern look, "Sorry, Caroline. Well, come on in. Bobbi's in the kitchen." Mac and Caroline followed Harriet back into the kitchen. On the counter sat a cheese and cracker, a fruit, and a veggie and dip platters. "Can I get you both something to drink?" "Sprite, please," Mac responded. "Coke, please." Harriet grabbed a sprite and a coke from the fridge and poured them into brightly colored party cups. "Thank you."
The doorbell rang and Harriet went to the door and opened it. They could hear Harriet greeting someone and then footsteps in the hall. Trish, Chloe, Julie, and Allison entered the kitchen. Mac hugged her soon to be mother-in-law and then hugged Allison. She turned to Chloe and gave her a tight squeeze. Harriet got Trish, Allison, Julie, and Chloe their drinks.
Harriet disappeared for a minute and a minute later she returned and music was playing in the background. Mac sipped on her drink as Harriet spoke, "Why don't bring the platters into the family room and we can talk in there. And I picked two movies for us if we want to watch them later on. Everyone grabbed something to bring into the other room. They placed the platters, plates, and napkins on the coffee table. Mac took a seat on the couch with Allison and Bobbi. Harriet and Caroline sat in the love seat, Trish and Julie each sat in a chair, and Chloe opted to sit on the floor in front of Mac.
Caroline picked up a watermelon slice and took a bite, "So, Mac." Mac looked up at her and Caroline grinned, "Did Harm really suggest you two go halves on a baby?" Mac laughed, "Yes, he did." "I still don't get how you two agreed to have a baby together but he couldn't tell you how he felt nor you to him," Bobbi exclaimed. "Well…" Everyone laughed. "Like I said in the video if my calculations are correct that deal is up next year in May," Harriet said, "Are you planning on keeping that deal?" Mac smiled, "We hope too."
McMurphy's Bar and Tavern
Washington D.C.
ZULU 1915
Harm and Keeter walked into the bar to find that most everyone was there already. "Looks like we're late," Keeter mumbled to Harm as they joined the group. "Jeez, Harm, are you early for anything?" Sturgis commented handing him a beer. "Yea, when Mac's with me, her internal clock is never off by more than 30 seconds." "Rabb, she ever tell you how she does that?" The Admiral asked. "No." They took seats at a table near the back of the bar.
They started talking, typical guy talk. "So, Harm are you and Mac planning on keeping that baby deal?" Sturgis asked. "We hope too," Harm smiled. "I don't get what took you two so long Harm. I mean for crying out loud I knew it when we were in Iran and that was what three, four years ago," Keeter exclaimed. "It was complicated then." "Life is complicated, Rabb. Get used to it," the Admiral said.
Bud and Harriet's House
Alexandria, Virginia
ZULU 1925
The women were giggling at something Bobbi had just said. "Mac, where did he propose?" Caroline asked. Mac smiled remembering the moment, "In the Washington Rose Garden, where we first met, in the exact spot too." Caroline was a sucker for romance just like Harriet was. "He brought me there after we had dinner at La Tours. Lights illuminated where we stood and music began to play, and he took me in his arms and he started to softly sing along with the song." "What song was it?" Allison asked. "It's Your Love duet by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill and then another song played later on, I'll Still Love You More by Trisha Yearwood. When the song was over he sat me on a bench and confessed his love for me, and asked me to marry him at exactly 9:00. And at exactly 9:01 I said yes. He slid the ring onto my finger telling me the story." "What story?" Caroline asked.
"I am not the first recipient of this ring. This ring was first given to Harm's grandmother, Sarah, by his grandfather Peter. At the time it had just the one diamond, the largest, Peter engraved his first name initial and her first name initial and the date they were engaged, and asked Sarah to marry him. When Harm's dad was old enough Sarah gave it to him to give to the woman he knew was the one. He added the next pair of stones and got the next engraving a T and an H and the date they were engaged, and he asked Trish to marry him. Now when Harm was old enough, Trish told him about the ring but said that she wouldn't give it to him until he found the one. He added the next two pairs of stones and got the third engraving on the ring an H and an S and April 24, 2002."
McMurphy's Bar and Tavern
The guys had ordered some appetizer plates and were continuing their guy talk. "So, Harm, what's she like?" Harm looked at Keeter, "Oh no, I am not going into that." "What?! Come on Harm, when I was in the desert with her I kept wondering, and when I asked her if she ever wanted to go out, she gave me a flat out no. She was already to taken with you to give a damn about me." Harm smirked, "Anything your mind conjures up is not even close to the real thing. End of discussion." Keeter raised his eyebrows and took another sip of his beer.
"Bud, did you know what Harriet's dress looked like before the wedding?" Bud thought for a moment, "No I don't think so. She wouldn't let me." "Is that something women do?" Bud shrugged. Keeter rolled his eyes. "Harm, we obviously know that she is a Marine, and we also know that she is a very attractive woman. What does she act like outside of Marine-mode?" "She is a Marine, and she is my very beautiful woman. But she likes to wear jeans, but when we're out she dresses up. She always looks good in my opinion, in whatever she wears."
Harriet and Bud's House
"Harriet said that you guys hired a wedding planner." Mac picked up a grape and popped it into her mouth. "Yup. Jennifer Hill, she came highly recommended, and she's amazing. Trish met her the last time." Trish nodded, "She has done so much for their wedding in the time period that she was given."
"Mac are you nervous at all?" Allison asked. Mac looked thoughtful, "I am and then I'm not at the same time. Is that possible?" "Of course it is, sweetie," Trish responded with an encouraging smile. "I mean, I'm marrying the man of my dreams, the man I love more than life itself. And then I'm nervous that I'll wake up one morning and find it all a dream, or something bad will happen." Everyone nodded in understanding, Bobbi patted her leg, and Chloe squeezed Mac's hand.
"Harriet, were you nervous on your wedding day?" "Of course I was, but I also had matricide not matrimony on my mind," Harriet said with a smile. Everyone laughed.
McMurphy's Bar and Tavern
"So Harm, what did Mac look for in a guy?" Keeter asked. Harm grinned, "Someone who is friendly, kind, funny, gentle, smart…" "No like what makes her weak in a guy, how did she fall for you?" "Oohh, well she loves the flyboy grin." Keeter smiled the flyboy grin and pointed at his face confused. All the men chuckled they knew what the problem was; it wasn't the Rabb flyboy grin. "She once told me I had a cute six," Harm continued. Keeter stood up and turned his head to look at his backside, all the guys laughed. Keeter sat back down still confused. "And she likes that I can cook." Harm had him there. Keeter's face took on an understanding/beaten look, 'Damn I got to learn how to cook. If what Harm says is true, then women like it when men can cook.'
Bud and Harriet's House
"Bobbi, are you and Sturgis getting serious?" Bobbi blushed, "I hope so." Everyone smiled. "Harriet, do you have your wedding album nearby?" Harriet nodded and got up and went into another room. When she returned she sat on the couch with Bobbi and Allison. Everyone gathered round and looked through the wedding album.
They reached the pages with the garter and bouquet toss. They had a picture of Harriet throwing the bouquet over her shoulder and another picture of the bouquet sailing right into Mac's lap. The next picture was of Bud sliding the garter down Harriet's leg, then of Bud throwing the garter over his shoulder. The next picture was the lacy garter sailing right into Harm's hand. The next couple of pictures, one of Harm with the garter twirling on his finger, the next of Mac sitting on the chair and Harm kneeling before her sliding the garter up onto her leg.
The women looked at Mac and she blushed. Harriet turned the page, the first picture was of Harm and Mac sharing a quick kiss on the lips after Harm put the garter on. "Well, I guess it's true of what they say." "What's that?" "That if you catch the garter or the bouquet you're the next to be married, and what do you know, Harm and Mac are the next to getting married." All the women giggled.
McMurphy's Bar and Tavern
"Rabb, are you getting nervous?" "I am a little and then I'm not. I mean marrying the woman I love more than life itself and that I can't live without and yet, I'm scared that I'll wake up one morning and find it all an amazing dream or something bad will happen." "That's normal, Harm." Bud smiled encouragingly.
"Where are you guys going for your honeymoon?" Harm grinned, "Hawaii." "How long?" Sturgis asked. "Two weeks," Harm answered leaning back in his chair. "We get your cases don't we?" Sturgis said already knowing the answer. Harm nodded, "Yup, Mac and I are splitting the cases up between you, Bud, and, Singer on Wednesday."
Bud and Harriet's House
"I've always wondered if Harm was a good kisser," Caroline thought out loud. Everyone turned to look at Mac who was taking a bite off a strawberry. Mac looked at them but didn't say anything. "Come on Mac. When Harm kissed me at my wedding, I mean I love Bud, but that kiss was wow." Mac smiled, "It is wow. It's amazing." "I bet everything with him is amazing." Caroline said a glint in her eye. Mac flushed a deep red, and all the girls giggled.
Chloe looked up at Mac, "Trish said that Harm was sick the other day." Everyone tuned in as Mac spoke, "Yea, we went out to dinner and when we came back we sat on the couch, he told me he had to get up and he went straight for the bathroom. When I followed him, he was puking his stomach out. So, I rubbed his back and put a cool washcloth on his neck. I got him some Mylanta and ginger ale and got him into bed. He fell asleep with his head in my lap." "What did he eat?" "Linguine in a wine sauce with shrimp and scallops. I think he got a touch of food poisoning and he felt fine in the morning."
"How about we pop in a movie?" Harriet suggested when conversation topics came to a low point. "What did you get?" Chloe asked. Harriet grabbed the two movies, "Kate and Leopold and Runaway Bride." "Let's watch Runaway Bride first," Bobbi suggested. "You know that's not something a bride-to-be wants to hear exactly." "Oh, come on it's a good movie and I know you like Richard Gere and Julia Roberts." Harriet put the DVD into the DVD player and pressed play.
McMurphy's Bar and Tavern
The guys were now playing pool. While the Admiral was setting up his shot Keeter leaned over to Sturgis, "Sturg, the guy wont be single after Friday, and you guys didn't invite a stripper." Sturgis chuckled, "Apparently something happened at Bud's bachelor party because both he and the Admiral said no to the stripper. They were rather adamant about it." Keeter raised his eyebrows but walked to the pool table for his next shot.
A Few Hours Later
Bud and Harriet's House
ZULU 2215
The second movie had just finished. Everyone was getting tired. Chloe and Trish were the first to leave, and then Julie and Allison. Bobbi, Carline, and Mac were the last to leave. Mac hugged Harriet tightly, "Thank you, Harriet." "Your welcome, Mac." Harriet smiled and waved as Caroline and Mac got into the SUV and Mac backed out of the driveway.
Mac drove to Caroline's apartment building. Mac hugged Caroline before Caroline got out of the car. Caroline made her way up to her apartment and let herself in. Meanwhile, Mac drove back to Harm's Apartment.
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
ZULU 2245
Mac let herself into the dark apartment, switching on a light. First thing she noticed was that Harm wasn't home yet. She dropped her purse on the counter and went straight for the bedroom. She quickly changed into her pajamas, brushed her teeth and crawled between the sheets.
McMurphy's Bar and Tavern
ZULU 2300
The guys had just finished their fifth round of pool. Frank was the first to leave followed by Webb, and the Admiral. Gunny, Tiner, and Sergei were next. Sturgis, Bud, Keeter, and Harm walked into the parking lot together. Saying good-bye they separated to their cars. Harm started the car up and drove Keeter to the condo complex that he had rented.
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
ZULU 2330
The elevator took forever to get to his floor. Finally he exited the elevator and stuck his key in the door and opened it. The lights were on so he knew Mac was back. Mac heard him enter the apartment and then the bedroom. Harm quietly began getting himself ready for bed and was startled when Mac spoke, "How was your party?" Harm turned to look at her, "It was fun, you know we bonded." Mac smiled. "How was your party?" He asked as he slid into bed next to her. "It was a lot of fun. We talked, we watched movies, and we looked through Harriet and Bud's wedding album." Harm stretched his arm out for her and she scooted closer to him, cuddling against him.
"Harm, do you remember Bud and Harriet's wedding?" "Of course I do, I couldn't forget it." "Do you remember that I was the one who caught the bouquet, and the garter sailed right into your hands?" Harm grinned, "Yes, and then I got to slide it up your leg, and then we kissed, and then we danced." Mac smiled, "Bobbi said that the sayings are true." "What sayings?" "The saying that if you catch the bouquet or garter you will be the next to be married." Harm finished her thought, "And we are the next to be married." Mac smiled and looked up at him, he smiled back before kissing her softly.
Sunday June 16
Harriet and Bud's House
Alexandria, Virginia
ZULU 1200
Harriet and Bud's living room was filled with people. Harm and Mac sat on the floor; Harm was leaning against a chair with Mac sitting in between his legs. Mac had a notebook in her lap and Harm was looking over her shoulder at it. Everyone soon quieted and Mac was able to talk.
"Ok, everyone, first of all, Harm and I want to say thanks to all of you. We could never have pulled this wedding off without all of you." "Us and the wedding the planner," Bobbi retorted. Everyone laughed. "Her too," Harm grinned. "Ok, the last dress fitting was last Wednesday. Pick up is this Wednesday, including dresses, shoes, etc. Harriet and I will be picking the dresses up at 1600, and then will proceed to do drop-off."
"Now, considering what happened to a certain someone's dress whites at Harriet and Bud's wedding. I won't name, names." Everyone turned to look at Harm and Mac, Harriet, and Caroline burst into giggles. Everyone who hadn't been present had no idea what they were laughing about. Trish looked over at Mac with a quizzical look on her face. Mac got her giggles under control, "Well, Harm dropped his whites off at a dry cleaners and when he went back for them they weren't there. To make a long story short his whites landed in the hands of a stripper who landed on the front page of the newspaper with Harm's name. And the same stripper was at the club where Harriet's mother had brought us and the guy was on stage stripping off the uniform." Mac dissolved into giggles, Harm glared at her from behind and he clasped a hand over her mouth. Her shoulders shook from her silent laughter.
Mac calmed down and removed his hand from her mouth and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders from behind hugging her closer to him. "All the dress whites will be dropped off at the cleaners on Tuesday, and then Harm and Bud will pick them up on Wednesday and bring them back to me. I want to know where all the dress whites are until the ceremony. Also, make sure you bring the covers with the whites. Shoes shined, and make sure you all have your insignias, medals, gold wings." All the men nodded.
"Harm you guys are also picking up the rings, correct." "Yes, ma'am." He mock saluted her. Trish looked over at Mac, "Why don't you go through your list to make sure you didn't forget anything." Mac nodded and began reading off her list. "Jennifer will meet up with us on Thursday, the photographers have directions and will be arriving on Thursday, Flowers are being dropped off at 1300 at the hotel for the bridal party on Friday."
Harm looked over her shoulder and read off the rest of the list, "DJ has directions and will set up on
Friday. He'll play instrumental music through dinner and then will play songs till 2300. The caterers will arrive in the morning and the cake will be dropped off at the reception by noon." "I think that covers it," Mac said.
She turned the page. "The manager at the hotel gave us the room numbers for the bridal party and family. We're all on the top floor. Harriet, Bud you're in 501." For the next few minutes Harm and Mac named off names and room numbers. The Admiral spoke up, "You two do have different rooms don't you? I mean besides your wedding night where you get the honeymoon suite far from the rest of us." Harm and Mac looked at each other and then at everyone else with a look that clearly said, 'do I have to.' Trish nodded. Mac sighed, "Ok, Chloe why don't you bunk with me and Wes you can bunk with Harm." Wes and Chloe nodded.
"Mac, are we carpooling or how are we doing that?" Sturgis asked. The next several minutes were spent figuring out the carpools. Harriet and Bud offered to take Chloe with them, and the Admiral and Julie offered to take Trish and Frank. Harm and Mac would be taking the LEXUS down to Annapolis and then Trish and Frank would drive the car back to D.C. Sturgis and Bobbi offered to take Grandma Sarah Rabb with them. Finally, the planning was done. Bud went into the kitchen and ordered the pizza.
Caroline turned to Mac, "You might want to make sure that Harriet and the rest of us women have bail money." Mac laughed and Harm and the Admiral glared over at Caroline. "Bail money?" Sturgis asked. Caroline laughed, "Yes, you see the groom, the best man, and the Admiral were all at a bar. A fight broke out and they ended up getting arrested. Well, Mr. Best Man over there, called Mac and she had to come down to the jail the morning of the wedding and bail their sorry asses out." Everyone burst out laughing, except for Harm, Bud, and the Admiral.
Mac tried desperately to get her giggles under control. She turned around Harm was glaring at her. She cupped his cheek, "I'm sorry, sweetie." Harm continued to glare, "Yea right." Mac leaned her head forward and kissed him, when she pulled back he smiled.
The pizza arrived and Bud set them on the coffee table. Harriet finished getting AJ situated with a slice of pizza, and looked over at her husband. Bud smiled and walked up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Everybody, we have an announcement to make." Bud called. Everyone looked up at them and Harriet continued, "We're pregnant." Everyone broke into grins and congratulated the happy couple. Mac stood up and hugged Harriet, "I'm so happy for you," Mac whispered. Then Mac hugged Bud while Harm hugged Harriet.
"When are you due?" Bobbi asked. "February probably around the 14th." "Ooh, a Valentine's baby," Caroline cooed. "When did you find out?" Allison asked. "Thursday," Harriet replied with a smile. All the women looked at her, "Why didn't you tell us last night?" Bobbi exclaimed. Harriet shrugged. "How have you been feeling?" Mac asked. "A touch of morning sickness not as bad when I had AJ. I'm more tired this time."
"Well, just make sure you don't go on any cleaning sprees in the fridge without consulting me," the Admiral said gruffly his eyes twinkling and a hint of a smile tugging at the edges of his mouth. Laughter broke out and Harriet responded, "Yes, Sir."
Wednesday June 19
JAG Headquarters
ZULU 1000
Monday and Tuesday had been a whirlwind for Harm and Mac. Last minute details and phone calls. Dropping off all of the dress whites at the cleaners. At JAG Harm and Mac were in out and out of the courtroom, and when they weren't in the courtroom they were filling out paperwork.
Wednesday had finally come. Harm and Mac sat in a conference room with Bud, Sturgis, and Singer. Mac handed Sturgis several folders, Harm handed several to Bud, and then they both handed several to Singer. "All of our notes are on the first couple of pages, we should've covered anything. Take a look over them real quick, to make sure we didn't miss anything or if you have any questions." It was silent for a few minutes while they looked over the files.
"Ma'am?" "Yes, Lieutenant," Mac said looking at Singer. "Toilet paper?" "Yes, Lieutenant. The Ensigns stole several thousand rolls of toilet paper." Harm, Bud, and Sturgis coughed to cover their laughter, but couldn't help the smirks on their faces. "Why ma'am? What did they use it for?" Bud asked still smirking. "They Tped the quarters of the Captain and the X.O." "Any other questions?" Harm asked. They shook their heads. "Dismissed."
ZULU 1100
Mac was bent over a drawer in her filing cabinet. She was actually cleaning her office and organizing her files, in case anyone needed them while she was away. She was muttering to herself as sorted through them, when she was interrupted. "Enter," she called out. The Admiral opened the door and stepped inside. Mac stood straight, "Sir." The Admiral motioned for her to relax, "What time are we meeting at Bud and Harriet's tomorrow?" "1000, Sir." "Thank you, Colonel. I would've asked Harriet, but she wasn't at her desk." Mac nodded and the Admiral turned and left Mac to her organizing.
ZULU 1430
After lunch, Harm and Mac quickly drove back to his apartment and changed out of their uniforms. They, Harriet and Bud had gotten the afternoon off. Harm and Mac were waiting by his SUV when the Roberts' van pulled in. Bud hopped out after kissing Harriet good-bye. Mac gave Harm a quick kiss before getting into the van with Harriet. Harm and Bud hopped into the SUV. And both were off.
Mariah's Bridal Apparel
Washington D.C.
ZULU 1500
Harriet and Mac entered the store. Mariah smiled from behind the desk. "Hi, Mariah." "Hello, Sarah, Harriet." She held up one finger and disappeared for a minute before returning with several dress bags. Her assistant came out with shoeboxes and then returned a minute later with the bag with the garters. "Each dress bag, and shoe box has a name tag on it. Each bag has the shawl in it, and your veil is also in the bag," Mariah explained, indicating the garment bags and shoeboxes. "Thank you so much, Mariah." "it was my pleasure. Congratulations!" "Thank you," Mac smiled. And between Harriet, herself, and one of Mariah's assistants they brought everything out to the car.
They laid the dresses over the backseat and set the boxes on the floor of the van. They stopped at Bobbi's apartment first, and then they were off to Caroline's apartment.
D.C. Cleaners
Washington D.C.
ZULU 1500
Harm and Bud exited the cleaners with eight pairs of dress uniforms. They laid the uniforms on the backseat and got back into the car. A few minutes later Harm pulled the car to a stop in front of the jewelers. They entered and walked to the counter.
"Can I help you?" The woman behind the desk asked. "Yes, I'm here to pick up a set of wedding bands. Under the name Rabb." The woman nodded and disappeared for a moment before returning with a bag. She set the bag on the counter and pulled out two black velvet boxes and popped them open. Harm looked at each ring, and each engraving, inspecting. He nodded and the woman stuck them back into the bag. Harm handed her his credit card and she rang it up handing him his receipt and his card back.
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
ZULU 1600
An hour later Harriet and Mac arrived back at Harm's apartment. After stopping at Caroline and Bobbi's apartment, they swung by Allison's apartment and then went to Mac's apartment to drop off Chloe and Trish's dresses. Mac and Harriet went up to the apartment to wait for the guys.
Mac opened the door and stepped inside, Harriet right behind her. "Can I get you anything to drink?" Mac asked coming back into the kitchen from hanging the dress up. "Some water, please." "Sure." She retrieved two bottles of water from the fridge and set one in front of Harriet. Harriet opened the bottle and took a sip, "Are you guys all packed?" Mac shot her a disbelieving look and Harriet laughed, "I remember packing for my honeymoon with Bud the night before the wedding, I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off. Trying to find this top, and this pair of shorts, or that bathing suit." Mac laughed.
A few minutes later Harm and Bud showed up. Bud kissed Harriet lightly on the lips in greeting. Harm caught Mac's lips in a quick kiss after laying the uniforms on the couch. "We should probably get going, relieve the babysitter and finish packing," Harriet said. "See you tomorrow." Bud called as they left. Harriet and Bud left, and Harm and Mac were left with their packing.
Harm shut the door and turned to Mac, he grinned, "Hey." Before she could say a word he wrapped his arms around her crushing her against him, his lips finding hers in a deep kiss. "Hey, yourself," Mac breathed when they broke apart. She rested her forehead against his, "I love you." "I love you," Harm said softly pressing a kiss to her eyelid.
ZULU 0030
Harm and Mac were up late that night. It was thirty minutes after midnight and they were still packing. Mac was finishing up her luggage for the honeymoon. She was folding something into her bag when Harm came up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her handing her a bag. "What's this?" Harm smiled, "Harriet helped me pick it out, although I chose the color. But, I want you to wear it our first night in Hawaii." Mac peeked inside the bag and smiled and turned her head to give him a quick kiss.
Mac looked over all the luggage, checking and double-checking to make sure they had everything. They had everything except…
"Harm, where are your dress whites?"
Next chapter will be slightly delayed, school started again, oh-no!! I'm working hard on it and it will hopefully be up in the next week or so!! Until then reviews will be greatly appreciated they always keep me going and help me write the next chapter!!! So please, please, please, review!! Thank you once again to my beta reader; I don't know what I would do without you Danielle!!!