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: We the People, Adrift Part 1, Game of Go, Silent Service, Full Engagement, People v. Rabb, Impact, To Russia with Love,
A/N: The poem read by Harriet is written by 'Claire Raven.' Does not belong to me. Other speeches do belong to me.
Chapter 13: The Rehearsal
"Harm, where are your dress whites?"
Mac walked into the living room, and Harm turned around. "Uhh, Mac." Mac's eyes went wide, "Don't tell me there was a mix-up again. Harm, we are getting married tomorrow, and you can't not where your dress whites," Mac began to ramble jumping to conclusions. Harm walked up to her, placing his hands on her shoulders, "Sweetie, they're hanging on the coat rack, I was just about to bring them into the bedroom." Mac breathed a sigh of relief. Harm picked them up and carried them into the bedroom hanging them next to her dress. Mac leaned against the doorframe, "See nothing to worry about." Mac smiled and nodded, "I guess I'm just a little uptight. I want Friday to be perfect." "And it will be. Come on; let's get some sleep. It's late." Mac nodded.
Harm crawled into bed as Mac shut off the last light. She crawled in beside him, snuggling up to him. "Goodnight, Harm." "Goodnight, Sarah." He kissed the top of her head, before Mac lifted her head and gave him a proper kiss. Snuggled together the soon-to-be married couple fell into a peaceful slumber.
Thursday June 20
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
ZULU 0830
Harm and Mac were up early. Harm was in the shower while Mac finished dressing. Mac slid into a pair of tight, blue; flare jeans and a bubblegum pink sleeveless top with a low v-neck. She threaded a pair of gold hoop earrings through her ears and clasped a gold chain with a cross pendent around her neck. She sat on the bed and pulled on a pair of sneakers. Seconds after Mac went into the kitchen Harm came out of the bathroom and began to dress. He pulled on a pair of blue jeans and a dusty blue t-shirt, and a pair of sneakers.
Mac poured to cups of coffee and brought one into the bedroom for Harm. Harm was fixing his hair in front of the mirror, when Mac came up behind him. She placed her hand on his shoulder, as she handed him the cup of coffee. "Good morning," she smiled as she rose up on her toes to kiss his cheek breathing in his cologne. "Good morning," he said giving her a proper good morning kiss. Mac smiled and went back into the bedroom checking once again to see if they had everything.
Ten minutes later the SUV was loaded with their luggage. Back up in the apartment, "Do we have everything," Harm asked. "Yes." Mac picked up her purse and turned to Harm, "Ready?" "Ready." Harm wrapped his arm around her waist after locking up the apartment and they walked down to the parking lot. Climbing into the SUV, Harm started up the car and they were off.
Harriet and Bud's House
Alexandria, Virginia
ZULU 0945
They made the twenty-minute drive to Bud and Harriet's house. They were surprised that, Trish, Frank, and Chloe had already arrived. Bud and Frank were rearranging the Robert's van, to fit all the luggage into it. Harm parked the car, and they both hopped out. Harm shook hands with Bud and Frank in greeting and Mac gave each of them a quick kiss on the cheek. Harm began to help them with the luggage when Frank stopped him, "Go say hi to your grandmother." Harm smiled and followed Mac into the house.
She opened the door, "Hello." Harriet poked her head out of the kitchen, "Hi, Mac, Harm." Mac and Harm walked into the kitchen. "Good morning dear." Trish greeted her soon-to-be daughter in law with a hug followed by a hug to her son. Mac returned the hug, and then hugged Harriet. Sarah Rabb sat next to Trish. "Grams," Harm grinned as he wrapped his arms around the older woman. "Hello Harmon." Harm pulled back and Trish gave a small cough. "Grams, I'd like you to meet my fiancée Sarah MacKenzie," Harm turned to Mac, "Sarah, my grandmother Sarah Rabb." Sarah smiled warmly at Mac and enveloped her in a hug. Mac immediately felt loved by the older woman just like she had felt with Trish, and returned her hug. "My grandson talks about nothing but you, and it's so good to finally meet you." Mac smiled, "I'm glad to finally meet you to Mrs. Rabb." Grams gave her a stern look, "That's Grams to you young lady, your sister has already gotten used to it." Mac laughed, "Okay Grams."
Harm smiled and wrapped his arm around his mom's shoulders. Harriet reached for two mugs and poured coffee for Harm and Mac. Harriet set one of the mugs down in front of Mac, as 35 pounds of little AJ hit Mac in the legs. Mac startled looked down to see little AJ giggling up at her with sparkling blue eyes. Mac knelt down to him and he wrapped his small arms around her neck. Mac smiled and stood up with the little boy on her hip. Chloe came into the room obviously looking for little AJ. "Hi, Chloe." "Hi, Mac," Chloe responded with a big smile and a hug for her sister. Harm exchanged a hug with Chloe and then his godson.
A few minutes later the men walked into the kitchen followed by Sergei, Allison, and Wesley. Greetings were exchanged, and talk had broken out among the group while they were waiting for the Admiral, Julie, Sturgis, Bobbi, Caroline, and Keeter. Harm went through introductions once again, "Grams, this is my brother Sergei Zhukov, his girlfriend Allison Granger, and Allison's brother Wesley." Grams greeted Allison and Wesley, and then turned to Sergei. She wrapped her arms around his tall figure, "You have so much of your father in you." Sergei returned the hug.
Sturgis and Bobbi arrived a few minutes later with the Admiral, Julie, Caroline, and Keeter. Once introductions came to an end, Harriet looked around checking to make sure everyone was here. She nodded to Mac who called out, "Okay, people, it's time to hit the road." They made their way out to the crowded driveway. Luggage was moved around to fit the car pool and Mac's corvette was put into the Roberts' garage where the van normally would've been. One by one the cars backed out of the driveway on route to Annapolis Naval Academy.
The windows were open in the SUV. Harm leaned one elbow on the window edge watching the road. Mac sat looking out the window. Harm reached for the hand that rested on her thigh. Mac smiled threading their fingers. "I love you," she whispered to him. "I love you too baby," and he brought her hand to his lips gently brushing his lips along her knuckles.
Some time later Mac dozed off still holding Harm's hand. Harm smiled at the sight of her sleeping figure out of the corner of his eye. The six cars turned off on the correct exit and headed towards Annapolis Shores. Harm's car in the lead they turned into the parking lot of the Annapolis Shores hotel. Each car pulled into a parking space. Harm pulled the key out of the ignition, unbuckled, and leaned over towards Mac. "Sarah, we're here," he said softly and gently stroked her cheek. Mac opened her eyes and grinned at Harm. He kissed her nose gently before getting out of the car. She followed suit.
Everyone walked into the hotel lobby. Harm and Mac walked up to the front desk. The woman greeted them warmly and began handing out room keys. Bellhops helped with the baggage. Everyone decided to split up for a little bit to get settled in and then they would all meet again for lunch.
Annapolis Shores
Mac and Chloe's Room, # 506
Annapolis Maryland
ZULU 1100
Chloe hung her dress up in the closet, as Mac came out of the bathroom. Mac hung her dress up and started talking to Chloe. "You and Wes seem to be getting along real well," Mac remarked. Chloe blushed which didn't go unnoticed by Mac. Mac sat next to her on the bed, "Do you like him?" Chloe nodded, "I like him a lot." Mac smiled, "But." "I don't think he likes me too you know. I mean I think he thinks of me as just a friend." "Oh, honey, I bet he thinks more." "How can you tell?" "Well, for one thing, it's mostly like what went on with me and Harm." Chloe's eyes widened in mock horror, "Oh no." Mac gave her an incredulous look and began to tickle her. Chloe giggled and tried to tickle Mac as well.
Harm and Wes's Room, # 504
ZULU 1100
"Harm, how do you know if a girl likes you?" Harm turned his head to look at Wes, "Wes, you're asking the wrong guy. Supposedly women fall at my feet and I have no idea." Wes laughed, "Ok, then how did you know that Mac liked you?" "It started when I met her, there was an instant click, like the whole world was put right side up for me. We became best friends first and then I found myself falling for her. I knew when she would enter a room; her smile made my knees weak and my heart melt. Little things I guess, I could just tell with her, but I knew she was the one." Wes nodded as Harm concluded.
"You and Chloe seem to be getting along real well." Wes nodded and Harm figured it out, "You like her don't you?" Wes nodded, "But I don't think she likes me. I mean I think she thinks of me as just a friend, you know." Harm cocked his head to the side, "Wes, trust me, don't wait. Talk to her." "Thanks, Harm." Harm clapped him on the back.
After a peaceful lunch, the group split up for awhile. More people were arriving, including Gunny and his date Kim Stevens, Tiner and his date Christine McGuire, and Mickey Roberts and his date Tera Davidson.
By 2:00 Mac and Chloe started to get ready for the evening. Chloe was finishing up her hair and Mac was finishing her make-up. Mac looked over at Chloe and Chloe turned to her and hugged her. Mac wrapped her arms around the young girl.
They met up with everyone downstairs. Harm's eyes lit up when he saw Mac descend the stairs with Chloe. Mac stopped in front of him and blushed as he spoke, "You're beautiful." She smiled and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. Harriet's voice broke them out of their trance, "Okay, people we should get going."
The Cathedral of the Navy
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland
ZULU 1600
Chaplain Kettler met them at the entrance. "Commander Rabb, Colonel MacKenzie. It's nice to see you again." He shook each of their hands, "It's nice to see you too." Introductions were made. "Well, shall we get started?"
He told Harm and the groomsmen that they would enter from a side room and stand on the right side of the altar. Harm in the front, Bud behind him, and everyone else behind him descending on the steps. The people sitting in the front row consisting of their family and their closest friends of those who aren't in the wedding party. Little AJ, as ring bearer would walk down the aisle next, and would sit with Mikey Roberts in the front row. The Bridesmaids followed by Harriet would come down the aisle and assemble on the stairs leading up to the altar. The wedding march would begin and the Admiral and Mac would walk down the aisle towards the altar and Harm.
The Admiral and Mac arrived at the altar and the Admiral placed her hand in his. Chaplain Kettler spoke, "The Admiral has informed me that he will be saying a few words at the ceremony, but would like to say them for the first and only time tomorrow afternoon during the ceremony." Following the Admiral's speech Trish would stand and say a few words as well. "We will then proceed with the first set of vows Harmon and Sarah would like to bestow upon each other and that is of 'The Hands of the Bride and Groom'. Then Harmon and Sarah will exchange their written vows. Then will be the 'Blessing and the Exchanging of the Rings ceremony.' Following that will be the 'Rose Ceremony'."
After the vows had been said and Harm and Mac pretended to slide the rings onto the others left-hand ring finger, Chaplain Kettler continued, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has brought together, may no one put asunder. Harmon, you may kiss your bride." Harm lowered his dark head and covered her lips with his. The Admiral cleared his throat and Harm and Mac pulled apart. They smiled sheepishly, and Harm whispered in her ear, "I like that part." Mac nudged his ribs playfully.
They stayed and talked with Chaplain Kettler for a few minutes before everyone got back into their cars and drove back to the hotel.
Annapolis Shores
Annapolis, Maryland
ZULU 1800
Coffee and dessert were now being passed around in the banquet hall. Bud stood up gently tapping his fork against his glass. Everyone quieted and turned to look at Bud. He smiled around at the large group before starting, "A few days ago I caught myself thinking about destiny. How and why things happen the way they do. Five years ago I was ordered to assist the then Major MacKenzie and Lt. Commander Rabb aboard the Seahawk. That same weekend my brother Mickey and I had concert tickets and I tried to find a replacement for myself on that trip, but couldn't. I had to accompany them to the Seahawk, where I met my destiny. I met my wife of five years, and is also carrying our second child, Harriet." Harriet smiled at Bud and he continued.
"Colonel, Commander your meeting was a matter of destiny. I was one of the precious few to have witnessed the meeting of Sarah MacKenzie and Harmon Rabb. When the Commander had witnessed de ja vu and was seeing an old Academy sweetheart that was murdered, I was unsure of how they would get along. Over the next few months that the two were working together they became friends with several bumps along the way. Including sandbagging, blowing holes in the courtroom ceiling, and so on. But they overcame those bumps as well as several others that they came to in the future. Over the period of several years myself and the rest of the JAG staff have watched these two say goodbye, say hello, have arguments, have forgiveness, but most of all we have watched the friendship that these two share. They know each other better then they probably know themselves, we have watched the little glances, the innuendo, the eye contact, the intimate conversations, the silent agreements, etc. The signs were all there for these to two to follow and granted the Commander and Colonel are very smart and intelligent people but when it came to each other they were rather dense. No offense Commander, Colonel."
Harm chuckled, "None taken, Bud." Bud grinned, "But when they finally got their act together, all's I can say is that it's about time and you belong together, and you can get through anything as long as you have each other. Congratulations Harm and Sarah."
Bud took his seat again as a round of applause came from the audience. "Bud, that was beautiful," Mac said smiling at him. Harriet leaned over and kissed her husband whispering, "I love you." "Thank you, Bud," Harm said smiling at his best man. Mac kissed Harm's cheek before standing up, she cleared her throat before beginning, "I wanted to say a few words tonight. And before I begin, Harm know that I will always love you."
"My life as a child is a whirl of emotions and memories that stabbed my heart for so long. For the longest time I never thought I would be able to love again even with the relationships I had, until I met Harm. He showed me how to love. He showed me what love was all about and started to heal my wounds and put my memories behind me. New wounds were made due to several mistakes that have since then been corrected. But now after all that we've been through it was all worth it. My memories of my childhood will continue to haunt me every once in awhile but when they start to overcome I turn to Harm who will push them back into the deep recesses of my mind. He reminds me that if I look at how lucky I am, at the amazing career that I have, the amazing friends and family, the comfortable shoes, and the man of my dreams the dark memories ebb away. And they are replaced by only happy memories of him and me and of my friends and now my family." Mac took a breath before continuing.
"I remember every obstacle, every memory, and all the signs that Harm and I created and failed to see. The first is when we first met in the Washington Rose Garden and I remember that at first Harm had had de ja vu back to Diane his old college sweetheart who was murdered. The looks that we had exchanged made the Admiral say 'Don't get too friendly, you have to work together.' Well what can I say Admiral I don't think we listened?" "Do you ever?" The Admiral said gruffly. Everyone laughed.
"The first case we were put on had to with a Colonel Mathew O' Hara who had stolen the Declaration of Independence. The man had been my uncle and I knew where he was hiding out and Harm followed me. While driving out to Red Rock Mesa, Arizona, Harm looked behind him and said something to the effect of that there was a bed back there, along with giving me the famous flyboy grin, that I've come to love so much. And I told him that he had a nice smile and that I'm sure most of the time it got him what he wanted, but I told him I didn't know him and that I would keep my privacy to myself. Now when we reached my uncle's hideout, I had a gun to the back of Harm's head to make it look like I was joining my uncle. Now at first Harm got kinda mad but he must have figured out what I was doing and he cooperated with me. Later on he represented my uncle in his trial. When Harm had first offered to help my uncle, he turned to me and said, 'Where'd you find this sailor, Sarah?' I told him that I had found him in a rose garden. The last thing I remember about this case was when Harm was dangling from the helo he requested permission to come aboard and I granted his request.
The next thing I remember is when Harm and I were in Columbia. I was trying to convince him to let a Corporal go with us on a mission and when he finally agreed, I had reached up to kiss him but stopped myself a mere breath away. He made some flippant comment about what they say about dress whites and gold wings. I told him that what they say about dress whites and gold wings were highly overrated." Keeter opens his mouth to say something, Mac who isn't even looking at Keeter says, "Can it, Keeter!" Everyone laughs as Keeter sat there and gaped at Mac. Mac continued, "Now I will admit that dress whites and gold wings are no longer overrated… to him.
I remember every trial and tribulation, every tear, every smile, every memory good or bad. Now even though Harm can be very stubborn, arrogant, and sometimes a real pain in the ass. But he is also compassionate, loving, passionate, kind, affectionate, and a devoted man in everything that he does. Whether it is in the courtroom or when it comes to his friends and family. I know that whenever I need him he is always there standing next to me and whispering words of encouragement, and making me stand tall. I know that he will always be there to back me up no matter what the circumstance. I know he'll be behind in case I fall and be there to pick me up and tell me that everything will be okay. Even in the middle of an obstacle you were always there. You were my eyes when I couldn't see. Which did actually happen on the USS Watertown. The Corpsman had a syndrome known as Munchausen by proxy. He blinded me with ammonia and hit Harm in the larynx. He couldn't talk; I couldn't see, you do the math." Laughter was heard around the room. "You are my everything Harmon Rabb. I love you!"
Harm stood up and cupped her face in his hands gently thumbing away a few tears that slipped down her cheeks. Harm drew a shaky breath, "I love you." Mac smiled a teary smile and whispered, "I love you," before his lips met hers. Seconds later they pulled back to applause. Trish stood up and hugged Mac, "That was so beautiful, dear." Gram Sarah stood, "That was absolutely beautiful." Mac smiled, "Thank you." Harm hugged her one more time before he gently lowered her to her chair, and he remained standing. Everyone quieted and Harm began:
"I have never been one for superstitions or a believer in fate or in love at first site, but that all changed. The moment I laid eyes on the then Major Sarah MacKenzie. I was shocked, because she looked exactly like my old Academy sweetheart that was murdered. Other than that something instantly clicked, like two puzzle pieces coming together, and it was a perfect fit. I believe that fate did have a hand in our meeting in the Washington Rose Garden.
Several weeks after we met we became real good friends. One day I persuaded Mac to come flying with me in my yellow bi-plane, 'Sarah'. We were having a blast, until we had to make an emergency landing, due to a fuel line that split. While we were walking through the woods looking for help, we came upon a bunch of poachers that had just killed a game warden. One thing led to another and in the clinch, Mac was shot in the leg. For the next several hours, she walked being the tough Marine that she is. By nightfall, Mac had a fever and the wound was infected. We spent the night in the woods, and the next morning the poachers were hot on our trail. At a stream that was close to where the plane was, I promised Mac that no matter what I would get her out of this. We made it to the plane and took off. While we were taking off, I chanted 'Come on Sarah.' She asked me what had happened to Sarah, and I replied, nothing she lives in Belleville, Pennsylvania. Then she asked if I still loved her, and my response was 'I'm wild about her. She's my grandmother.'" Everyone laughed out loud. "I love you Gram." Harm grinned at his grandmother who smiled back, "I love you too dear."
"About a year later, Mac met a lawyer at a civilian law firm, and she was contemplating on becoming a civilian lawyer. We were on a carrier, out on the deck, and I asked her what she was searching for. She told me, 'What every woman wants – a great career, a good man, and comfortable shoes, lots and lots of them.' Now, she has a great career, I'd like to believe she has a good man, but I'm not sure about the shoes." Laughter was heard around the room and Mac spoke, "Ahh, two out of three ain't bad." Everyone chuckled.
"I remember telling her that when the Admiral told me he was partnering me with a Marine major, I had visions of a tattooed jarhead challenging me to arm wrestling. She told me that she did have a tattoo that she was a pretty good arm wrestler, and although she didn't like the term she was technically a jarhead. Now you could've imagined my shock at finding out she had a tattoo. I remember saying to her, 'you have a tattoo? How come I've never seen it? And where would someone find this tattoo.' She told me that it was classified information." Keeter raises his eyebrows as he looks up at Harm and is about to say something, Harm gives him a mock glare, "And it will remain classified." Everyone burst out laughing at Keeter's stunned expression; he wasn't able to get a word in with these two.
"After she transferred and became a civilian lawyer, I got myself into a slight jam." The Admiral coughed loudly, and everyone chuckled as Harm continued. "I was thrown in the brig and was awaiting trial. When I escaped from the brig, I went straight to Mac, and she helped me with out a second thought. She did come back to JAG, in fact the final day of my trail she talked to the Admiral into coming back to JAG.
Mac is also the one who followed me all the way to Russia. When I stopped by my mom's house, she asked me how Mac was; I told her she was fine. Her next sentence I will never forget, 'She's quite the girl isn't she?'" Trish looked up at her son, "A mother knows."
Mac is also the one who saved my life, after my punching out into the Atlantic last year. Her 'visions' saved my life. Through everything Sarah, you stood by me, my wacky ideas, my hair-brained plans, my stubbornness, my obsessions, but most of all you put up with me. There were times where we would fight, and not speak to each other for a few days, but we made it through.
Sarah MacKenzie, I love everything about you. The tough Marine Lt. Colonel, the no-holds-barred JAG lawyer, the Mac who keeps me in my place, and my Sarah. You are without a doubt the love of my life, my best friend, my sole mate. I'm amazed by everything you do. You are my everything and I love you!"
"Oh, Harm," Mac whispered as she stood up and gently kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her as she buried her face in his shoulder. He kissed her hair whispering, "I love you." "I love you too," Mac whispered into his chest. Still standing, Harriet stood up with a piece of paper in hand.
"I read this on the Internet, and I thought it represented something perfect, like Harm and Sarah's marriage. I believe you two were meant to be together. Through everything you went through and everything that will come you two will always have each other, and your love, and you will overcome anything and everything. This poem is written by Claire Raven."
"How often do you find that one person that you know you will love forever?
A love that's so strong and passionate that its ribbons of joy you can't sever.
Maybe it's the friendship that's so evident in the couple that make their love so strong.
Maybe it's the fact that fate played its hand and the partnership was meant all along.
You will know when you meet these people, as their bliss is so blatant to see.
Even when they are down, and are wearing a frown, you know it's only temporary.
Never take for granted the fortune you've been given, a sole mate's so difficult to find.
Offering your life and your love to another is the most generous gift of its kind.
As the years came and go, and you both understand the reason you were brought together.
Gaining cherished memories in a future ever happy and a bond to last forever.
Envisage your potential together, and grab hold of those thoughts so tight.
Numerous dreams to be had of the family you will raise, and being together feels so right.
Excitement and uncertainty at what the future holds and enthusiasm to begin a life anew.
Never to forget the past spent single, but the future presents such a perfect view.
From this day forward, in sickness and in health, till death do you part, is your oath.
To a very dear couple on your wedding day we all wish love to you both."
Mac stepped out of Harm's embrace and hugged her friend, "Thank you, Harriet." "Your very welcome, Sarah." Harm hugged Harriet, "That was beautiful." Harriet smiled.
Everyone was once again seated. "Colonel, Commander now that the speeches have been said. We have a few gifts for you." Harm and Mac looked curiously at their C.O. Harriet handed Mac a bag since Mac was closest. Inside was a framed copy of the poem, Harriet had just read. Mac and Harm smiled, "Thank you."
Bobbi stood, "Some of us were shopping a little while ago and we came across some a few things that we thought were perfect for you two." Bobbi handed one bag to Harm and one bag to Mac after checking the tags. Harm reached inside the bag and pulled out a t-shirt. Unfolding it he burst out laughing as he read the letters across the front. He turned it to the group laying it across his chest. Mac looked at the Marine green t-shirt with white block letters decorated the front, 'Property of a United States Marine.' Mac laughed, "I like that." Harm flashed his flyboy grin and leaned over and kissed Mac's cheek. Mac turned to her bag and reached inside. She pulled out a navy blue t-shirt with 'Property of the United States Navy,' decorated the front in white block letters. Harm grinned, "Alright."
"There is another shirt in each bag you two," Sturgis called rolling his eyes. Mac looked down into the bag and pulled another navy t-shirt from the bag. On the back was a pair of airbrushed gold wings across the shoulders, on the front, 'Property of a United States Navy Pilot.' Mac smiled, "Very true." Harm meanwhile reached into his bag again. He pulled out a light gray sweatshirt with black block letters across the front, 'My wife is a Marine and I'm Proud.' "She will be tomorrow, and I'm damn proud."
Harriet stood once again, "And last but certainly not least, this gift is from the entire JAG staff." Sturgis laid a flat box wrapped in silver paper on the table in front of them. Harm and Mac looked at each other before turning to the box. Carefully tearing the paper Mac gasped at what she inside. Inside was a framed oil painting of the Cathedral of the Navy at Annapolis Naval Academy. Mac and Harm looked around at all their friends, "Thank you all so much. This is beautiful." Mac ran her fingers over the framework.
The Admiral spoke once again, "For the two who are not to see each other after 2359 hours, there will be a bed check to make sure everyone is in the correct room." He looked toward Harm and Mac who smiled sheepishly. "Now I know the men want to treat Harm to one last drink as a single man." "I haven't been single for a while," Harm said. The Admiral rolled his eyes, "Ok, as an unmarried man." Trish spoke from her chair, "And us women are going to have some girl talk."
Everyone began to get up; Harm leaned over and whispered in Mac's ear, "I want to talk to you for a minute." "Ok," Mac whispered back. Harm took her hand and led her out onto the patio. She leaned her arms on the railing and turned her head to look at him. He leaned on the railing next to her. "Sarah, I wanted a few minutes alone with you, so I could give you something." Mac looked at him, "Harm you've already given me so much." Harm smiled, "You're worth it."
He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a long black velvet box. Mac looked at him curiously as she accepted the box. She snapped the box open and gasped, "Oh Harm. It's beautiful." Inside was a silver charm bracelet. She carefully studied each charm. The first was a plain heart with 'I love you' etched in fancy lettering. The next was a plain heart with 8-14-69 etched on one side, on the other 'Sarah' was etched in fancy lettering with her birthstone underneath her name. A Marine Corps globe came next. A plain heart with 10-25-63 etched on one side, and 'Harm' etched in fancy lettering on the back with his birthstone underneath the name, was the next charm. The Navy anchors and shield came next, followed by, the scales of justice, the JAG emblem, and a plane. The next charm was a delicate rose with a diamond in the center and the date they met etched on the stem. The final charm was a heart with small etched roses decorating the edge with a small diamond in the center of each rose, with 'Engaged' on one side in fancy lettering and 4-24-02 etched underneath the word.
Mac looked up at Harm with tears in her eyes. Harm took the bracelet from the box and clasped it around her wrist. Mac looked down at the bracelet and then up at him, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer to him. Mac pulled away to look up into his face, "Thank you, Harm. It's beautiful." Harm cupped her cheek in his hand, "Not as beautiful as you." He stroked her cheek with his thumb, "Wear it tomorrow." "You can bet it on." She pulled his head down to hers and kissed him. Finally pulling away Mac laid her head on his chest, and he rested his chin on top of her head.
Back inside the banquet hall a few minutes later the group was getting ready to split into groups. Some people were going to their rooms to relax, most men were going down to the bar, and some of the women were going up to Mac and Chloe's room to talk. Mac and Harm shared one last kiss before they were pulled in different directions.
Harm and the guys sat at the bar, talking and watching a football game, for the next few hours.
Mac and Chloe's Room, #506
Annapolis Shore Hotel
Annapolis Maryland
ZULU 2300
"Mac I had no idea you had a tattoo," Harriet exclaimed. Mac blushed. "Me too. Where is that tattoo of yours?" Mac giggled as she told them. "When did you have it done?" Harriet asked. "A long while ago. Before I joined the Marines." "Hmm, and a rose no doubt. You and Harm were just perfect for each other weren't you?" Bobbi acknowledged and Mac smiled.
Chloe grinned, "Well she had something else done?" They all turned to Mac who glared at Chloe. "Mac?" Caroline raised her eyebrows. Mac rolled her eyes, "I had my belly button pierced." "Serious?" Mac nodded, "Yup. Harm got a kick out of it, when he saw it." They all giggled, "I'm sure he did," Caroline gasped out.
After the giggles subsided Mac looked over at Harriet, "How's baby Roberts doing, Harriet?" Harriet placed a hand on her still flat belly and smiled, "Coming along." Mac got quiet for a minute and Harriet looked at her quizzically. Mac looked around at her friends, "Would you guys mind if I…" "If you, what dear?" Trish said gently. "If I put my wedding dress on. During the time I didn't have it I would imagine myself wearing it. And then last night I put it on in the bathroom without Harm knowing." Trish smiled, "Go ahead dear." Mac smiled around at her friends before getting up off the bed and heading toward the closet to get the black dress bag before heading to the bathroom.
Some time later, Mac came back out in light blue and light green striped drawstring pants and a black spaghetti strapped tight shirt. Trish looked up, "I think we're going to head out. The bride needs sleep as do the rest of us. Everyone left, Trish being the last. She hugged Chloe good night and then turned to Mac. "Good night dear," Trish hugged Mac tightly. Mac returned the hug, "Night Mom." Trish pulled back smiling and tucking a lock of hair behind Mac's ear.
Harm and Wes's Room, # 504
ZULU 2315
Harm quietly opened the door to the room he was sharing with Wes. The room was dark except for the TV screen. He turned on a bedside light and looked over at Wes. He lay asleep on the bed with the clicker in his hand. Harm smiled as he gently pulled the clicker from his hand and turned the TV off. Harm pulled Wes up gently and fixed the pillows and laid him back down covering him with a blanket. Harm smiled at the boy's sleeping figure and began to get himself ready for bed. He crawled between the sheets, switching off the light. He stared up at the dark ceiling, "Good night, Sarah." He thought to himself before rolling onto his side and closing his eyes.
Mac and Chloe's Room, # 506
ZULU 2315
Chloe watched as Mac emerged from the bathroom and crawled into the bed beside Chloe. Harm and Wes had gotten the room with the two double beds; Mac and Chloe had gotten the room with the 1 queen size bed. Mac turned off the bedside lamp and Chloe rolled closer to Mac. Mac moved her arm and let Chloe curl up next to her head on Mac's chest. Chloe took a deep breath and asked Mac what had been bothering her, "Mac will things change between us?" Mac startled looked down at Chloe, "No, sweetie. Whatever gave you that idea?" "Well, since you and Harm are getting married tomorrow, you'll be having kids and…" Chloe stopped and Mac looked down at her, "Is that what you thought? Oh, Chloe. I love you and Harm loves you. You know that. Nothing will change between us, you're spending your summer here with us, as soon as we get back from out honeymoon, and I promise we'll do an all girls' day. And if you want to come for spring break or winter break, I'm just a phone call away. And when Harm and I do have kids, I'll have you come out as often as you can." Chloe smiled up at her sister, "Really?" "Really. Besides, I know that if you're here, Wes will be here, and we'll get babysitters out of the deal." "Hey." Mac smiled softly tickling Chloe.
Mac kissed the top of her head, "I love you Chloe." "I love you too Mac." Mac stared up at the dark ceiling, "Good night, Harm." She closed her eyes and slowly drifted to sleep.
Sorry I haven't updated for awhile, school just got slightly outta control. Chapter 14 will be up in the next few days, I started it as soon as I had finished this chapter, in the same night. Please Review and tell me what you think!!!