Romance- Chapter 2
By: Kathryn Rabb
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Someone is getting married, who is it?
Disclaimer: I do not own the JAG characters. The names I chose for the bride and bridal party were randomly chosen. The songs do not belong to me, I don't know who owns them. No infringement necessary!
August 30, 2002
0006 Zulu (7:06 PM EST)
Juliette's Restaurant
Washington, DC
The week had passed and Harm and Mac were still very cordial with each other. Every time Harm wanted to apologize and explain, he'd chicken out. Mac on the other hand wanted very much to forget the whole moment. It was the rehearsal dinner and both were miserable under their happy facade.
As guests were arriving Ellie took Jack aside, "Jack! What happened? Harm and Mac look miserable!"
"I'm not sure I should tell you..." Jack said slowly.
"Why not- did you have a hand in this? Jack Francis Keeter! You tell me this instant!" Jack knew he couldn't lie when she used his full name.
"Well do you remember last Saturday night Harm threw me a bachelor party?" Ellie nodded. "Well we got a little drunk..." Ellie glared at him and crossed her arms. "Okay, we got really drunk, anyhow Harm and I got to talking about him and Mac. I inadvertently... told him Mac loved him and he said he loved her too so I told him to call her and tell her." Jack was ready for the "men-are-so-stupid" tirade but Ellie did not say a word.
"Jack, our guests have arrived but you and I are not done," she warned and walked back to the table. Jack took a deep breath and followed suit.
Ellie and Jack made their way back to the table to greet their guests. Ellie's heart was breaking as she looked at Mac and Harm. At any other time if someone walked into a bar and saw the four of them sitting together, they would swear that Mac and Harm were the couple-to-be not Jack and Ellie.
Jack's big mouth got in the way. She loved him so much but sometimes she wished she could sew his mouth shut. Obviously Jack did not know how to take care of the situation, she was going to have to do something, and soon. Ellie walked over to Mac and whispered, "Mac can you do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"In the backseat of my car, there is a white box. Can you get it for me? I would do it myself but the waiter had a problem with the orders and-"
"Of course Ellie. It's no problem," Mac said with a smile and took the keys.
"Thanks," Ellie grinned. 'Now where's Harm?' she thought. 'There he is.' And Ellie made a beeline to Harm. "Harm?"
"Yes?"
"I was wondering, could you go to my car and get something for me? It's quite heavy and I don't think I can carry it. I'd ask Jack but I can't seem to find him."
"Sure Ellie. It's no problem," Harm said, same as Mac.
"Thank you so much, the car's unlocked so you should get it just fine." Harm nodded and left. On his way out Harm made a scan of the restaurant. 'Mac's not here, did she leave?' Harm thought alarmed. As Harm walked out of the restaurant to the car he thought he could see someone next to it. Coming closer he could see it was a woman. "Mac?" he asked.
Mac jumped and got in a defensive position but relaxed when she saw it was Harm. "Harm? What are you doing out here?"
"Ellie asked me to get something for her, what are you doing out here?"
"She asked me to get something too." It didn't take more then a second when they realized that they had been set up. "I think we've been set up," Mac said.
"I agree," Harm said. He was unsure of what to say next.
"Look Harm-" "Mac-" They both began.
"Harm, tomorrow Jack and Ellie are getting married and tonight is their rehearsal dinner. I think we can agree to be civil," Mac proposed.
"Sure Mac, look I want to explain something-"
"No Harm, I don't think so. It's Jack and Ellie's time. Not time for... whatever it is we have. Or don't have." With that Mac closed the car door and went back into the restaurant.
Harm stood there for quite some time. "What am I going to do?" Harm asked to no one in particular before following in Mac's footsteps.
August 31, 2002
1516 Zulu (10:16 AM EST)
Room 8112
Ritz-Carlton
Washington, DC
The day had started promptly at six that morning. The bride was staying on the eighth floor while the sixth floor contained the groom. 'Oh my God! I am getting married today,' Ellie thought as she ran around the room checking details. "Mac! Where's Mac?!"
"Right here Ellie," Mac said as she walked into the room.
"Oh good you're here. Are the dresses here? Is my dress here? Does Jack have his whites? Do Harm and Stu?" Ellie let out in a rush.
"Ellie? BREATHE! The dresses are in the other room and Jack and all the guys have their whites!"
"Okay. Are the-" Ellie started again.
"Ellie! Everything is perfect," Mac said with a smile. "Now we have 3 hours and 44 minutes till the ceremony begins let's go get a massage."
"Okay but are you sure-"
"Ellie!"
"All right let's go," Ellie said and the ladies left the room.
Room 6009
Ritz-Carlton
Washington, DC
Jack, Harm, Stu, and the rest of his groomsmen- consisting of men Jack knew from flight school- sat around a table and drinking coffee.
"Guys, I'm getting married in less than four hours," Jack deadpanned.
"Yeah... you are," Harm replied.
"I am so happy," Jack says.
"And we're happy for you. Nervous?"
"Let me put it this way, remember when I had to land the Stealth in Iran? That wasn't as scary as this," Jack said and the men nodded along.
1826 Zulu (1:26 PM EST)
Room 8112
The dress Ellie had chosen was simply gorgeous. The ivory satin a-line gown with a natural waist and hand embroidered detail was exquisite. The delicate spaghetti straps only added to its beauty. The embroidered design began at the top of the scoop neck and continued down adding texture and elegance to the classic gown. The headpiece was a traditional tiara with a chapel length veil.
"You look beautiful," Mac said happily as Ellie stood in front of the full length mirror. Ellie sighed her content.
"Oh my God! Mac, where are-" Ellie started to say before Mac held up the shoes in her hand. "...My shoes," Ellie finished and both women laughed. Ellie had gotten another look at Mac. "Mac you look great too! We're going to knock our men dead!" Ellie said mischievously. Mac only gave a slight smile.
Suddenly Ellie's mother and bridesmaids walked into the room. Lynne, one of the bridesmaids said, "This is something new that I saw while shopping." And it was a jeweled butterfly hairpin.
Ellie's mother then spoke, "Ellie, darling, this belonged to your grandmother. It was passed down to me and now I am passing it onto you. It's your something old." And that was an embroidered handkerchief.
"And this was given to me by my Persian grandmother," Mac said while handing Ellie a gold bangle.
"Oh Mac this is beautiful, everyone thank you! I am so touched," Ellie started to sniffle.
"Oh Ellie don't start you might ruin your makeup! What's your 'something blue'?" Mac asked to keep her calm.
"Oh right, I found this last week." Ellie pulled out a navy blue garter that was covered with fighter planes. When the ladies saw this they started laughing.
"It's perfect!" Mac said.
"Well, half an hour and counting," Ellie said as she slipped on the garter and her low satin pumps.
Room 6009
Meanwhile, the men were getting dress. "Can you believe it? In less than 30 minutes you're going to get married," Harm said as he put on his shoes.
Jack chuckled, "I can't believe this day has come!"
"She loves you Jack, believe it," Sturgis said all ready to go. Suddenly there was a knock at the door.
"Wonder who that is?" Sturgis asked as he went to open it. "Wow!" he said to the person on the outside of the door.
A feminine chuckle came from the stranger, "Thanks Sturgis, can you give this to Jack?"
"Sure, would you like to come in?"
"Oh no, I think I should go back to our room before Ellie starts freaking out over the details again. See you at the alter," the woman joked and left.
"Was that Mac?" Harm asked hopefully.
"Yeah, she dropped this off for Jack," Sturgis replied as he handed the cream envelope to Jack. As Jack read it Stu said, "You wouldn't believe how gorgeous Mac looked."
Harm hid his jealousy as he said, "I can't wait. What's it say Jack?"
Jack laughed, "That she loves me very much and that she is very happy that she was able to lasso me."
1854 Zulu (1:54 PM EST)
Plaza Ballroom
Ritz-Carlton
Washington, DC
The banquet room with its cathedral ceilings was elegant. The silk wall coverings of pale gold enhanced the chandeliers and wall sconces. Nervously Jack took inspection of the room. He was pleased with everything. He then saw his mother watching him with tears in her eyes. Immediately he gave her his patented grin, letting her know that all was perfect.
The pink roses were the perfect choice, they were set off by the light of the chandeliers. 'Well five minutes before I become a married man. This is it for me, no more picking up women in bars. What am I saying? I love Ellie. I wonder what married life is going to be like. Does Harm still have the rings?!'
"Harm! Do you have the rings?" Jack whispered to his best man.
"Yeah- wait. I don't think I have them. I think I left them in the room!" Harm said.
"What?!" Jack hissed.
"Kidding buddy, relax," Harm laughed. Jack shook his head as he chuckled. The guests were seated and the music started. First came the ring bearer, the little boy was about five years old and Jack's nephew. Jack loved the little boy and he couldn't think of anyone better for the job. Next were the bridesmaids, all were Ellie's friends. The women had given him a hard time when they heard he was marrying Ellie but eventually he won them over. Finally came Mac, Jack could hear Harm's jaw fall to the floor.
'Whoa! She looks absolutely beautiful!' Harm thought as his eyes followed Mac up the aisle to the alter. 'I see Ellie was right about the dress,' Mac mused. As Mac took her place the flower girl walked down the aisle dropping pink rose petals.
The 'Wedding March' started and all turned towards the door to watch. Ellie and her father appeared at the door and she looked completely stunning and Jack felt so happy to see her. Ellie and her father made their way to alter, her father gave her a kiss on the cheek and whispered, "I love you honey."
Ellie smiled as she starting getting tears in her eyes, "I love you too daddy." And Ellie took her place next to Jack. Jack leaned over and whispered, "You look beautiful Ellie." Ellie smiled her reply.
The minister asked who gave the bride away and her father replied. The ceremony began and went off without a hitch. The minister pronounced they were man and wife and to kiss the bride. Jack took Ellie into his arms and laid one right on her. The guests left the ballroom and assembled in the prefunction.
Inside the ballroom were the bride and groom. "We're married," Jack said happily to his new bride.
"Yes we are, did you get my letter?" Ellie smiled.
Jack chuckled, "Yeah so you finally lassoed me huh?"
Ellie laughed, "Yes I did." And kissed him again.
Harm stuck his head in and said, "It's time guys." Ellie took Jack's arm and they left.
The men in dress whites were ready with the arch of steel and Harm once again took command. "Presenting- for the first time in public, Commander and Mrs. Jack Francis Keeter." As Jack and Ellie came to the end Jack jokingly warned, "Watch it Harm."
Harm grinned and tapped Ellie on the six, "Go Navy!"
After the traditional walk and swat through the arches Jack and Ellie along with the bridal party proceeding to the prefunction area outside the ballroom. They started to enjoy some hors d'oeurves when the photographer came over and reminded them that pictures needed to be taken. Off the bridal party went. As they were posing the guests were asked to take their seats in the ballroom.
Once the pictures were done the banquet maitre'd lined up the bridal party for their grand entrance. Once everyone was seated the bandleader made the introductions.
"First lets have a round of applause for our ushers, Grady Wright and Chase Tomlinson." They entered.
"The first bridesmaid: Ms. Lynne Paparini escorted by Commander Sturgis Turner."
"Our next bridesmaid: Ms. Allison Brady escorted by Lieutenant Commander Shawn McDonald. Our ring bearer Tommy Keeter and flower girl Jessica Ryan."
"Ladies and gentleman please give a round of applause to the Maid of Honor Sarah Mackenzie and the Best Man Commander Harmon Rabb Junior."
"Now for the moment we have all been waiting for. Please stand and welcome Commander and Mrs. Jack Keeter!" The band played and everyone rose. Jack and Ellie entered the room with huge smiles. The bridal party took their seats and everyone sat down.
Harm got up to make a toast. "Sophocles said, 'One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.' Jack and Ellie I can tell by looking at you both that you have found love. May your lives be forever free of pain. As you start your lives together, I wish you more joy than sorrow, more sunshine than rain, more compassion than indifference but most of all I wish you love to make the hard times easier and the good times better. Congratulations." Everyone raised their glasses and drank to the new couple. Mac thought of Harm's speech and it touched her. The first course was served and cleared.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for Jack and Ellie to share their first dance," announced the bandleader.
Jack got up and bowed to his wife and held out his hand. Ellie accepted and both walked out onto the dance floor. The sounds of Etta James' "At Last" filled the room.
Midway through the song, the bridal party got up and joined the bride and groom. Sturgis started with Mac and Harm with Allison then Shawn with Lynne. Ellie saw the group dancing and she grinned, her plan was working. Pretty soon Shawn changed partners with Sturgis and Harm then changed with Sturgis. Finally Allison and Shawn left the dance floor and Harm and Mac were left standing there. They looked at each other and felt an undeniable pull towards one another.
Once in each other's arms Harm whispered, "Mac you look absolutely amazing in this dress."
"Thank you Harm. You don't look so bad yourself," Mac joked nervously.
"I think it's time you listened to what I have to say."
Mac held her breathe and looked into his eyes. "Go on," she encouraged.
"The morning you came to my apartment and I said I wanted to explain, I didn't mean I want to take it back. I wanted to tell you that although I might have been drunk I was telling the truth. I am in love with you." Harm looked into her eyes looking for any sign of reciprocation.
Mac let out the breathe she was holding, "Do you know how long I've been waiting to hear that?" Harm laughed along with Mac but soon the laughing turned into kissing.
Across the dance floor, Ellie exclaimed, "Jack! Look at that!"
Jack turned to gaze at what Ellie was referring to, what he saw made him smile. "Looks like they did it right after all."
Ellie sighed, "And all they needed was a little push."
Jack looked at his wife and smiled, "I'm not going to ask." The two danced with each other and other friends and family till it was time to cut the cake.
The two were about to feed each other when Ellie teasingly warned, "If you push that into my face you will be getting to know the couch very well tonight."
Jack smiled, "Oh wouldn't want to do that!" The crowd watching laughed. As the cake came closer to Jack's mouth Ellie smashed it into his face. "Hey! I thought you weren't going to do that!" Jack protested.
Ellie laughed, "You never told me not too!" Jack laughed and pulled her into a kiss. The two cleaned up and it was time to throw the bouquet and garter.
The ladies lined up and Ellie made sure she knew where Mac was. "Now who is going to catch the bouquet?" Ellie teased as she looked at Mac. It was thrown and sure enough Mac caught it.
Now was the garter. A chair was brought for Ellie to be seated. A napkin was spread out to keep Jack from dirtying his whites and before he went to retrieve it he said, "If I don't come back in fifteen minutes don't call search and rescue!" Everyone laughed at that and Jack lifted the dress slightly and stuck his head underneath. He caught the garter with his teeth and pulled it down. The men were giving cat calls and yelling "hurry up".
Finally Jack had gotten it and laughed. "Fighters, nice choice Ellie." He'd remember where Harm was and flung it towards him but unfortunately Jack missed and it landed in the hands of.... little Tommy Keeter! The men started laughing and the women let out a collective "aww". Jack walked over to Tommy and said mischievously, "Sorry little buddy. You are a bit young for this yet. Let's give it to Harm here."
The little boy idolized his uncle and replied, "Okay unca Jack. Here you go Mr. Harm." He handed the garter to Harm and Harm took it and laughed.
0412 Zulu (11:12 PM EST)
It was nearing the end of the night and Jack and Ellie had a flight to catch. They were going to Tahiti for their honeymoon.
"So I see you two got it right," Jack said to Mac.
"Yeah, we did," Mac said happily.
"Congratulations! Will I be expecting a wedding invitation soon?" Jack asked playfully.
"One day at a time Jack, one day at a time," Mac laughed. Harm and Ellie joined the two.
"Congratulations Harm and Mac!" Ellie said.
"Thanks," Harm and Mac replied in unison.
"I think we should get going," Jack said to Ellie.
"Okay, goodbye and I hope to see you soon Mac," Ellie winked at Mac. Jack and Ellie said their goodbyes and left. Shania Twain's "From This Moment On" started playing and Harm extended his hand to Mac. She gladly took it and they started dancing.
From this moment life has begun
From this moment you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on
From this moment I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love I'd give my last breath
From this moment on
I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on
"Mac I promise you I will love you from this moment on and for the rest of my life," Harm said.
"And I will love you in return also," Mac replied and they gave each other a kiss to seal the deal.
Author Note 2: I've taken some creative license in this story. Since we have not seen Jack since season 3 I have assumed he would have been promoted at least once to full Commander. Also I was not sure of the proper protocol for the Arch of Steel indoors.
The End.