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. "Hands of the Bride and Groom" vows, "Blessing and Exchange of Rings" and "The Rose Ceremony" vows do not belong to me. Harm and Mac's written vows and the Admiral's speech, and Trish's speech belong to me. Thanks!
Spoilers:
Chapter 14: The Wedding
Mac and Chloe's room, # 506
Annapolis Shores Hotel
Annapolis, Maryland
ZULU 0730
The sun streamed through the windows and onto the bed. Mac slowly opened her eyes and blinked in the bright sunlight. The engagement ring caught the light and shimmered and sparkled. "I love that ring," Chloe said sleepily. Mac turned her head, "Hey you're up. I thought I was going to have to go for a run by myself." "Wonderful way to say good morning Mac. I would've been fine with, 'Good morning Chloe. How did you sleep,' but one word I don't like to hear at 7:30 in the morning is run." Mac laughed, "C'mon sleepyhead. You're look out for me today remember. I'm not supposed to see Harm until the ceremony." Chloe jumped up, "I'll be ready in a few." Mac smiled and retrieved a pair of navy adidas pants and a white tank top.
Chloe came out of the bathroom a few minutes later in red adidas shorts and a white t-shirt. Chloe grabbed her sunglasses and tossed Mac hers and opened the door in front of Mac, looking around before opening the door fully and they both walked out.
They jogged out into the sunshine. They passed a young woman jogging with a golden retriever puppy at her side. Chloe smiled, "You two have to get a dog." Mac laughed, "We'll see." They jogged for another mile and a half before turning back and jogging back to the hotel. Chloe opened the door and they met the Admiral and Julie who were going into the dining room for breakfast. Chloe looked around, the Admiral smiled and said, "You're safe. Harm just went into the dining room." Mac smiled, "Thank you sir."
Back in the room, Chloe took her shower first. Chloe exited the bathroom 10 minutes later and Mac disappeared, returning a few minutes later dressed in white jean capris and a sky blue stretch top with a wide square neck. Together they walked down the stairs and were about to enter the dining room, when Trish came up behind them. She placed her hand on Mac's shoulder, "Mac, dear, Harm is still in there having breakfast." Mac's eyebrows shot up, "Still?" Trish nodded, "Afraid so."
Mac went and sat in a chair in the front lobby after telling Chloe to go have breakfast. Trish sat with her and they chatted about this and that for a few minutes. Mac was extremely hungry and slightly annoyed that Harm was taking so long. Mac looked over at Trish, "Mom, could you do me a favor?" "Sure, dear. What is it?" "Could you go into that dining room and tell Harm to get his six in gear and out of that dining room so that I can eat. Or you all will have one very hungry marine on your hands." Trish nodded, and patted her leg before standing up and walking in to the dining room.
Trish marched over to her son and with a straight face relayed the message from Mac. "Harm, Mac wants you to get your six in gear and get out of this dining room so that she can eat. Or else all of us will have one very hungry marine on our hands." Harm cocked his head to the side and quirked an eyebrow. Sturgis and Keeter looked at him, "Hey, buddy I'd listen to what Mac was saying." Harm chuckled and said, "I'll be done in a few minutes." Trish gave her son a look before going to prepare a cup of coffee for Mac.
Trish handed the cup to Mac who accepted it gratefully. "So, is he coming out?" "He said he'd be out in a few minutes." Mac gave a slight glare and Trish shook her head. Several minutes later Mac was really annoyed and rather perturbed. She knew Harm was doing this on purpose as a joke. Finally, she walked over to the door and stood to the side of it without looking into the room. In her best Marine drill-sergeant voice she yelled, "Harmon Rabb Jr! Get your six out of this dining room! If not, you will find out how comfortable the couch is on your wedding night! So, move it, Mister!!"
Harm gulped and his eyes bulged slightly out of his head. He stood up yelling, "Yes ma'am." He quickly left the room. Mac smiled as she entered the dining room and headed straight for the buffet table. After piling her plate, she took a seat beside Keeter. "Nice job, Mac. You won't have any problems keeping him in line."
ZULU 1145
Mac had gone for a walk in the gardens that surrounded the hotel. She sat down on one of the benches and watched as the sun danced on the water. Frank stepped off the deck and walked toward where Mac was sitting. He sat down next to her, Mac looked over at him. "Hi, Frank." "Are you okay?" Mac smiled, "A little nervous I guess, but I know that I'm marrying the man of my dreams." Frank smiled, "You and Harm are truly sole mates." Mac smiled. Frank wrapped his arm around her shoulders, "Come on, let's get the bride fed." Mac smiled as they stood up together and walked into the hotel and into the dining room.
Many more people had arrived, and the second dining room had been opened. She stepped behind Harriet in the buffet line. Mac filled her plate and joined Harriet, Bud, and little AJ. Little AJ walked over to Mac and smiled up at her. Mac smiled, "Come here, kiddo." She lifted the little boy onto his lap and kissed his blonde head.
Annapolis Shores
Mac and Chloe's Room, # 506
Annapolis, Maryland
ZULU 1230
When lunch had concluded Harriet ushered Mac and Chloe into their room. Chloe went into the bathroom and came out 15 minutes later in a bathrobe. Mac then disappeared into the bathroom and Chloe went to the door to let Harriet, Trish, Caroline, Allison, and Bobbi into the room. The photographer came a few minutes later for pictures of the women getting ready.
Mac emerged from the bathroom a few minutes after they had arrived, in a short light blue bathrobe. Everyone turned as Mac entered; Harriet pulled a chair out in front of the vanity table and motioned for Mac to sit. "Everything's ready for you." Mac walked to the chair and sat down, Harriet placed her hand on her shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze.
Mac's hair was done first. Her hair was dried and then styled to bounce around her face and flare out slightly. (A/N: Like the way it was in Lifeline.) Caroline meanwhile, was putting Chloe's hair up into a high ponytail and then used a curling iron to give it soft curls and then hair sprayed it. Bobbi, Caroline, Harriet, and Trish's hair was left down. Trish's hair curled and bounced around her face, Harriet's curled around her face just the way she liked it. Caroline's hair flared out, and Bobbi's hair was left down in soft waves.
Mac reached into her suitcase and pulled out a pair of white lace panties, a strapless bra, and nylons. Mac then changed her belly button ring to heart shaped diamonds. Trish and Caroline unzipped the black garment bags. Trish slipped into her dress and Mac zipped the back zipper up. Harriet zipped Caroline's dress and Bobbi zipped Harriet's. Mac zipped up Chloe and Allison's dresses. Harriet lifted Mac's wedding dress from the garment bag and held it out to Mac who slid into the dress and Harriet zipped it up and hooked the hook and eye.
Make-up was next. Mac dusted blush onto her cheeks, and eye shadow to her eyes. Eyeliner and waterproof mascara was next. "Harriet, I'm glad you thought of waterproof mascara." "Learned from experience." Mac glossed her lips and looked in the mirror. Trish stepped up behind her and placed her hands on her shoulders, "You look beautiful." "Thank you."
Mac sat on the chair and slipped into the white satin 3-¼ inch heels. Chloe fetched the bag with the garters and handed them to Mac, only slightly stumbling in the heels when she first stood up. Mac pulled out the white satin and organza with the small satin bow garter from the bag. Lifting up her skirt she slipped the garter over her foot. She pulled the garter up to mid-thigh and looked at everyone, "Well, what do you think mid-thigh or higher?" Caroline grinned mischievously, "Higher. Make him look for it." Mac looked shocked but giggled and moved the garter up to the very top of her thigh. She did the same with the blue silk and organza garter.
There was a small knock on the door and Bobbi got up to answer it. Gram Sarah stepped into the room. Mac stood up and turned to face her. "Sarah, dear, you look gorgeous. I think the groomsmen better be able to catch Harm when he sees you or to pick his jaw up from the floor." Mac gave a soft laugh. "But I do think that this will add the final touch." She pulled a white handkerchief with small lace and embroidered roses. Unfolding it revealing a gorgeous pearl necklace. "Oh, Gram. I can't…" "Of course you can dear," Gram said smiling as she picked up the necklace and clasped it around Mac's neck, "I wore this to my wedding." Mac turned to look at the older woman with tears in her eyes. Gram smiled and hugged Mac tightly. Mac pulled back, "Thank you." Gram kissed her cheek.
Harriet approached Mac, "At my wedding you had given me this bracelet. Now I'm giving it to you to wear on your wedding day." Harriet clasped the bracelet onto her wrist along with the charm bracelet Harm had given her last night. "Thank you." She hugged Harriet tightly. Trish came to stand in front of Mac. "Now, I know that you have the something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue but Frank and I wanted to get you something." She snapped open a royal blue velvet box to reveal pear drop pearl earrings. Mac's eyes grew wide, and Trish smiled. "Go on dear." Mac carefully threaded the earrings through her ears. "Thank you so much." She hugged Trish before turning to everyone else in the room. "Thank you all so much." The women gathered in for a group hug.
A knock on the door interrupted the hug. Chloe went to the door and called out, "Who is it?" "It's Wes. I have someone who wants to see his mommy." Chloe opened the door and her jaw almost dropped to the floor. Wes stood looking absolutely gorgeous in dress whites. The Admiral had apparently pulled some strings because little AJ was also in a pair of dress whites. Wes who was holding AJ on his hip had a minor brain freeze. He couldn't think, he couldn't talk; he could only see the beautiful 15-year-old in front of him.
Little AJ reached for Chloe saying, "Pretty." Wes smiled, "I definitely agree." Chloe blushed. Little AJ wriggled free of Chloe's grasp and went over to his mom. Harriet scooped him up and kissed his forehead, "Hi, sweetie." "Momma pretty." He saw Mac and reached for her, "Aunty Mac." Mac smiled and took the little boy into her arms. "Hey, big guy." "Pretty." Mac smiled, "Well, thank you."
Wes approached Mac, "You look beautiful, Mac." "Thank you Wes. You look very handsome," She said kissing his cheek and then gently wiped his cheek of any traces of lipstick. Wes left a minute later. Trish pulled the veil from the box. Together she and Harriet fastened the tiara to Mac's head and straightened the veil. Bobbi entered the room with a large box under her arm. Inside were the flowers. Bobbi handed little AJ the white satin ring pillow and he smiled as he held the pillow. Bobbi and Caroline handed the bridesmaid bouquets out.
The bridesmaid bouquet consisted of periwinkle and white roses sprinkled with baby's breath and a white satin bow tied the flowers together. Bobbi lifted out the bridal bouquet. The bridal bouquet consisted of mostly white roses and five periwinkle roses in the center sprinkled with baby's breath, and a white satin ribbon tying the bouquet together. All the bridesmaids picked up their shawls and Harriet grabbed her purse, which held extra make-up and Harm's wedding band.
The photographer followed the women down the stairs for the pre-wedding photos. For the next 45 minutes, photos were shot in various positions and backgrounds. All pictures were being taken in the gardens at Annapolis Shores. Harm and the groomsmen were in one garden while Mac and the bridesmaids were in another.
Jennifer Hill arrived and went out to where the men were. After the lost shot was taken Jennifer stepped forward. She was dressed in a white sleeveless scoop neck just above the knee length dress. "Okay guys, it's time to go. Limo is out front." The men walked toward the limo and climbed in one after the other.
Five minutes later Jennifer made her way over to the other garden. "Are you ready ladies? The limo's out front." Jennifer and Harriet lifted Mac's train as they walked across the grass. Chloe, Bobbi, Allison, and Caroline climbed into the limo closely followed by Mac and then Harriet. "I'll meet you guys there," and with that she shut the door and the limo was off.
Cathedral of the Navy
Annapolis Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland
ZULU 1430
The second limo pulled up in front of the Cathedral. Sturgis and the Admiral were outside greeting people and showing them inside. The Admiral opened the limo door and Sturgis held his hand out for Chloe. Chloe accepted it and stepped from the car. Sturgis greeted her and then held his hand for the next woman. Harriet was the last out before Mac and she stepped to the side to catch the train on Mac's dress. Mac accepted Sturgis's hand and climbed from the car. Harriet bent and caught Mac's train before it hit the ground. Mac smiled at Sturgis who shook his head slightly. "Mac, you look so beautiful." "Thank you Sturgis," She hugged her friend and gently kissed his cheek. Sturgis walked her up the stairs along with the bridesmaids, and the women continued down to a room down the hall.
Mac sat down in one of the chairs in the room, while Harriet checked her headpiece to make sure it was on straight. Mac stood up and walked to stand in front of the window.
The Admiral walked into the room some time later. "Ok, ladies, it's time. Everyone is seated, we need to get the bridal party lined up." Trish stepped up to Mac, "Its time sweetie." Mac turned and smiled hiding the fact that she hadn't heard the Admiral enter the room. Mac hugged Trish before picking up her bouquet and walking toward the Admiral.
The Admiral smiled as Mac approached him. "Sarah, when Harm sees you coming down the aisle towards him, I think he just might stop breathing." "Thank you, sir. Thank you for everything. This means so much to Harm and me. Julie is a lucky woman." "And Harm is a lucky man." The Admiral drew Mac into his embrace, much like a father would do with a daughter. When they pulled apart the Admiral offered his arm and said, "Let's get you to your sailor."
Cathedral of the Navy
Annapolis Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland
ZULU 1430
The first limo arrived and the men were ushered inside as the second limo turned onto the street. They turned down a hallway to a room at the very end of the hall. Harm laid his cover on the table and began to pace. Bud sat down on a chair and watched Harm pace, "Umm, sir, you're wearing a hole in the carpet." "Huh, oh sorry," Harm stopped pacing and sat in a chair.
Sturgis entered the room about 10 minutes later, Harm jumped up. "Sturgis." "They just arrived." "And…" "And what Harm, she's going to be your wife in one hour. She looks amazing." Harm nodded and went back to pacing. Sometime later, Chaplain Kettler entered the room, "Everyone is seated. It's time." The men filed out of the room and entered the room from a side door. They walked toward the altar, Harm on the platform, Bud standing behind him, immediately followed by Sergei, Sturgis, Keeter, and Wes descending on the steps leading up to the platform.
ZULU 1455
Everyone assembled behind the doors leading into the sanctuary. Little AJ was in the front the two wedding bands glittering from the white satin pillow in his little hands. Chloe was next in line, followed by Caroline, Bobbi, Allison, and Harriet stood in front of Mac and the Admiral.
Harm's family and closest friends along with Mac's made their way down the aisle five minutes later. The ends of the pews were decorated with a rose and ribbon arrangement. Everyone turned in their seats as the doors opened and little AJ made his way down the aisle, proudly carrying the ring pillow. All the women gushed over the little boy in dress whites. As he reached the altar, Mikey Roberts stood up and motioned to little AJ who toddled over to his uncle after giving his Uncle Harm and his father a big smile.
Chloe began her walk down the aisle and assembled on the bottom step across from Wes. Caroline followed and assembled on the step in front of Chloe, Bobbi followed and then Allison. The doors opened once again and Harriet made her way down the aisle and assembled on the platform across from Bud. She winked at her husband and Harm before everyone stood and turned expectantly toward the doors once again. Chaplain Kettler stood with the bible folded in front of him as the doors opened. Everyone stood up and turned as the wedding march began and the Admiral and Mac stepped into the room.
Mac's eyes were immediately drawn to Harm's and for that moment everyone disappeared. It was just Harm and Mac. Harm's eyes widened and his heart skipped a beat. He couldn't believe on how beautiful she looked in her dress. The bodice of the dress fit her perfectly and the skirt flowed from her hips. He noticed that the lace on her dress was in the shape of roses. He smiled as she and the Admiral slowly continued their walk down the aisle. Mac's heart skipped a beat. Harm looked gorgeous standing tall in his dress whites his gold wings glinting proudly from his chest, his hands folded in front of him. She would always be a sucker for dress whites especially on Harm.
The Admiral and Mac walked up the steps until they reached the platform. Harm stepped forward as the Admiral took his arm from Mac's. He bent his head and placed a kiss on her cheek. He put her hand into Harm's. Chaplain Kettler spoke, "Before we begin, Admiral Chegwidden would like to say a few words. Admiral."
The Admiral did not turn around; he continued to look at Harm and Mac as he spoke, "You now begin a new chapter in life. Faith, hope, and love can get you through anything you come to. But the greatest is love. Love will get you through anything, from the beginning to the end, no matter how high or big an obstacle is you will be able to overcome it, from the love that you two share. Your love for each other began the first time you laid eyes on each other, a spark ignited and every time you see each other or worked through an obstacle that spark grew. And continues to grow to this very day and will continue to fan higher and greater. Today that flame will fan a bit higher. That flame is what brought you together, that flame burns in your very soul and is known as the eternal flame. The eternal flame of your love." The Admiral finished and spoke one last time, "Take care of her Harm." Harm stood tall, "Yes sir." Mac's eyes welled up with tears as the Admiral finished. The Admiral then turned and took his seat next to Julie.
Chaplain Kettler spoke again, "Now the mother of the groom would like to say a few words as well." Trish stood and walked up the steps until she stood in front of her son and to-be daughter in law. "Today you begin your new life as husband and wife one of the greatest titles to bestow on a man and a woman. Many people believe that when you are wed you are ending a book and beginning a new. You are not ending a book you are simply starting a new chapter. This chapter is blank and waiting for the memories to be recorded. Granted some memories will be dark but most of the memories will consist of the joys you have found in marriage. And will focus on these joys and not all of the sorrows. These new chapters that you will begin will be sealed for eternity known only to those who are your friends and family and not your foes.
No one can really understand what love is until they meet the one. The one they call home, the one they turn too when the world around them seems to much, the one who will be there to pick up the pieces and put it back together. The one who fits against you like a puzzle piece, the one who knows your every fear and secret, your every whim and will, your every joy and sorrow, the one who knows you inside out and who knows you better than you do yourself. This is your soul mate the one who holds your heart and you theirs in return. The one who completes you in every way possible, the one who will love you unconditionally no matter what happens or what is said. In my lifetime after my late husband Harmon Rabb Sr. who went MIA in Vietnam, I thought that I would never find anyone whom I could love and they me in return. Until I met Frank. I am one of the few people who were lucky enough to have had two soul mates. Not everyone is like that. Some people have one soul mate, the one and only. And this is true to my son and new daughter, who were destined to be together from the beginning. And no one will ever be able to replace one or the other. Your love will last till the end of time!" Several tears slipped down Mac's cheeks and Harm's face was full of emotion as his mom concluded her speech.
Harm and Mac squeezed Trish's hand as she reached up and placed a kiss on her son's cheek and then turned and placed a kiss on Mac's cheek. Trish gave the couple a teary smile before she turned and walked down the steps. She took her seat next to Frank who reached for his wife's hand and gently squeezed it.
Chaplain Kettler stepped so that he stood in the middle slightly behind Harm and Mac. He opened his bible and began:
"Sarah, please face Harmon, and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life. These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams. These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you."
Tears slowly began to trickle down Mac's cheeks. She sniffled softly and Chaplain Kettler continued once again:
"These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time. These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief wrack your mind. These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes; eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you."
Mac's eyes were glued to Harm's. He released one of her hands and raised his hand to her face and gently wiped her tears off her cheeks. Chaplain Kettler spoke again:
"Harmon, please hold, Sarah's hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young, and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life. These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go. These are the hands that will massage tension from your neck and back in the evenings after you've both had a long hard day."
A single tear swept down Harm's cheek. They never broke eye contact as the Chaplain continued with the vows.
"These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child that together you have created a new life. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.
God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May Harmon and Sarah see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide. We ask this in your name, Amen."
"Amen," Harm and Mac added. "Amen," murmured the congregation as one. "Harmon and Sarah would like to bestow their written vows to each other now," Chaplain Kettler turned to look at Harm, "Harmon." Harm took a breath and continued to look deep into Mac's eyes. His thumb caressed her palm and wrist in slow sure circles.
"Sarah, from the moment we met in the Washington Rose Garden, 6 years ago, you became something very special to me, something I knew I couldn't live without. As our friendship grew and grew, I felt myself falling for you hard and fast. Everything we've been through, and all that we will go through, I know that we will always have each other. As partners at JAG, best friends, and partners in love and in life. You hold my heart Sarah MacKenzie, from day one you held my heart." His voice cracked with emotion as he concluded.
Tears spilled over Mac's cheeks, "Oh, Harm," she breathed. Harm brought her hand up to his lips and brushed his lips across her knuckles. He then gently wiped her tears. Chaplain Kettler turned to Mac, "Sarah." Mac sniffled softly and wiped at a few more of her tears. She took a breath to steady her voice and began.
"Harm, I built the walls tall around my heart, and I didn't trust many people. When we met 6 years ago in the Washington Rose Garden something just clicked. As we became closer, and our friendship grew stronger, I not only trusted you, I was falling for you hard and fast. You broke down the walls and got to my heart. You took hold of my heart, and held on to it tight, and never let go. You hold my heart for eternity Harmon Rabb."
"Sarah," Harm breathed. And just as Harm, had done Mac lifted his hand and brushed her lips across his knuckles. And she wiped the tear from his cheek. Not an eye was dry in the congregation and Chaplain Kettler began the next set of vows.
"The wedding ring is the outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows Harmon and Sarah have made to one another. Bless O God these rings that Sarah and Harmon, who give them, and who wear them, may ever abide in thy peace. Living together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their lives."
Mikey set little AJ on the floor and the little boy toddled up the stairs to stand on the step in front of Harm and Mac. He held the pillow out to his daddy who picked up Mac's wedding band. Harm turned to his right and took the ring from Bud's hand. He turned back to Mac. He continued to hold her left hand in his left as he recited, "Sarah, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, with this ring, I thee wed." Harm's voice cracked with emotion during the last sentence.
He slid the antique gold band with the seven small diamonds onto her left hand ring finger with her engagement ring. He caressed her finger before bringing her hand to his lips and kissed her hand. Tears swept down Mac's cheeks.
Little AJ turned to his mommy who picked up Harm's wedding band. Mac turned to her right and took the ring from Harriet's hand. She turned back to Harm. She continued to hold his left hand in her left as she recited, "Harmon, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, with this ring, I thee wed." Tears slipped down her cheeks when she had spoken and her voice was soft and you could hear her tears, tears of joy.
She slid the antique gold band onto his left hand ring finger. She brought his hand up to her lips and brushed her lips across the spot where the ring lay. A few tears slipped down Harm's cheeks. Little AJ toddled back down the steps stumbling once and Mikey was waiting for him at the bottom and he picked him up and sat him on his lap in the pew.
Harm and Mac turned to their right and accepted a deep red rose from Bud and Harriet. They turned to face each other, two hands still tightly clasped together the other two each holding a rose.
Chaplain Kettler began again, "Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings – which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows or love and respect; and a public showing of your commitment to each other. You now have what remains the most honorable title, which may exist between a man and a woman – the title of "husband" and "wife." For your first gift as husband and wife, that gift will be a single rose. In the past, the rose considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing – it meant the words "I love you." So it is appropriate that for your first gift – as husband and wife – that gift would be a single rose. Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife."
Harm offered Mac his rose, while Mac offered hers. Their fingers brushed as they exchanged roses. 'I love you,' Harm mouthed to her. 'I love you,' she mouthed back.
"In some ways it seems like you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose – and now you are holding one small rose. In some ways, a marriage ceremony is like this. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life – one I hope you always remember – the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage.
Harmon and Sarah, I would ask that where ever you make your home in the future – whether it be a large and elegant home – or a small and graceful one – that you both pick one very special location for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion you both may take a rose to that spot both as a recommitment to your marriage – and a recommitment that THIS will be a marriage based upon love.
In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words. It is easiest to hurt who we most love. It is easiest to be most hurt by who we most love. It might be difficult some time to words to say "I am sorry" or "I forgive you"; "I need you" or "I am hurting". If this should happen, if you simply can not find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected – for that rose than says what matters most of all and should overpower all other things and all other words. That rose says the words: "I still love you." The other should accept this rose for the words, which cannot be, found, and remember the love and hope that you both share today.
Harmon and Sarah, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is that it was love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and it is by love which your marriage shall endure."
"In as much as you have each pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion. I now pronounce you husband and wife, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Those who God has joined together let no one put asunder. Harmon, you may kiss your bride!"
One boy, one girl, two hearts beating wildly
To put it mildly it was love at first sight
He smiled, she smiled, and they knew right away
This was the day they'd waited for all their lives
And for a moment the whole world revolved
Around one boy and one girl
Harm stepped forward and gently cupped her cheeks in his large hands. Mac's body tingled, the warmth of his hand and the cool metal of the wedding band against her cheek sent chills down her spin. He stroked her cheeks with his thumbs his eyes shining. "I love you," he whispered as he bent his dark head to hers. "I love you too," Mac breathed before his lips met hers. A jolt of electricity shot through the both of them. Mac gripped his wrists as his lips moved slowly over hers. They were pressed so tightly together no one knew where one ended and the other began. Applause and catcalls rang through the congregation. Several 'OohRahs' were heard being led by the Admiral.
Harm slowly pulled back and gazed into Mac's eyes, a smile on his face that was meant for her and her alone. Mac's lips turned upward in a golden smile. They turned to face the congregation. Harm offered Mac his arm, and she slipped her arm into his. They slowly descended the steps and down the aisle. Harriet and Bud linked arms and descended down the steps following Harm and Mac a few seconds later. Sergei and Allison, followed by, Keeter and Caroline, Sturgis and Bobbi, and finally Chloe and Wes.
Harm and Mac reached the room the women had occupied before the ceremony. They turned to face each other. Mac's eyes met his, "We did it!" Harm smiled, "We did it!" Mac threw her arms around his neck and he wrapped his arms around her waist lifting her off the ground. Mac pulled her head away from his shoulder as he slowly began to set her on her feet. She brought her lips to his and kissed him soundly. A slight cough broke them apart. They turned to find the rest of the wedding party standing at the door. Mac blushed and she rested her head on Harm's chest, her hands on his arms, which still rested on her waist.
"The men need to get their covers and swords for the arch. Most of the wedding guests have gathered outside." The men snapped on their swords and donned their covers. Everyone not part of the arch, except Harm and Mac went to join the guests outside. The men formed two lines and marched down the steps of the cathedral. Harm offered Mac his arm, "Ready to meet the public Mrs. Rabb?" Mac sighed, "I love hearing you call me that." Harm gave her a quick but passionate and loving kiss.
Bud led Sturgis, Keeter, the Admiral, and Admiral Boone down the steps on the left, while the Gunny led four marines down the steps on the right. A second later Harm and Mac joined them, taking their place at the top of the steps behind the men. Bud, as best man called the officers to attention in a firm voice. With a snap all officers faced the center and stood still. Bud called out, "Officers draw swords." As one, the officers drew their swords from their scabbards at their waist, raising the swords up before bringing them back down to their sides. "Arch swords." As one the swords were raised to form the arch. "Blades to the wind." With a snap of their wrists, the blades were turned.
Harm and Mac stepped forward and Bud continued, "Presenting for the first time in public, Commander and Mrs. Harmon David Rabb Junior." Slowly Harm and Mac made their way down the steps and under the arch. When the fell even with the Gunny and Bud, Bud brought his sword down and gently swatted Mac's rear, "Go Navy." Mac giggled. Gunny surprised everyone, especially Harm when he brought his sword down and swatted Harm on the rear with his sword, "Welcome to the Corps." Harm's eyes bulged and his mouth dropped open. Mac's jaw dropped in sheer surprise and couldn't help the stream of giggles the came from her mouth. Bud ordered the officers to return their swords and then, "Officers dismissed." The men snapped to, did an about face and marched in opposite directions.
Mac was still giggling softly and Harm turned his head and gave her a slight glare. Mac smiled and wrapped a hand around his neck and brought him close for a kiss. He wrapped his arms around gently tipping her backward slightly, to the catcalls and whistles that were heard.
The assembly line was formed. The wedding party, Harm's parents and Harm and Mac smack dab in the middle. Commander Teresa Coulder came to Harm and Mac. She smiled and hugged Mac before turning to Harm. "Congratulations." "Thank you, Teresa." She kissed his cheek before walking away. Skates was up next, "You are one lucky woman." Mac laughed and hugged the woman. Skates pulled back and turned to Harm, "And you Harmon Rabb are a lucky man." Harm grinned, "Yes, I am." He gave her a tight hug and she kissed his cheek.
Harm and Mac were the only two left in the receiving line, the bridal party had formed a line, to greet the newlyweds. Trish and Frank were first. Trish hugged Mac tight and kissed her cheek, she then turned to her son and hugged him tightly. Harm hugged his mother and kissed her. Frank hugged Mac and Harm surprised Frank by shaking his hand and then pulling him into a quick hug. Caroline and Keeter were next. Caroline and Mac hugged and Caroline whispered, "Congratulations." Caroline turned to Harm, "I have always wanted to do this." Caroline kissed Harm and then pulled back, smiling congratulations to Harm. Keeter placed his hands on Mac's shoulders, "And have always wanted to do this." Keeter kissed Mac and finally pulled back and gave Harm a quick hug and a slap on the back. Bobbi and Caroline were next, followed by Harriet, Bud, little AJ, Sergei, Allison, Chloe and Wes.
Pictures were then taken for the next hour, with various people, backgrounds, positions, etc. The photographer set the entire wedding party up and then snapped several pictures. "And one more, and we're done." The photographer packed up her materials and she and her assistant climbed into their car and drove back to Annapolis Shores hotel. Harriet and Chloe lifted the train on Mac's dress as they walked across the grass. The door was open for the limos and the group split up. Harm, Mac, Trish, Frank, Harriet, Bud, and little AJ into the first limo and Bobbi, Sturgis, Sergei, Allison, Caroline, Keeter, Chloe, and Wes into the second limo…
One Boy, One Girl by Colin Raye
Sorry for the long wait! School has been absolute hell! There is one more chapter after this and then I need to know if you all want a sequel, so let me know! Review, review, review please!! Thanks! Oh and special thanks to Katie for beta-reading for me!!