Disclaimer: See Chapter one.
~~~~~
"The Gift"
Chapter Four: Rose Confessions
By Ann Parker
~~~~~~~~~~
0900 Zulu
10 December 2002
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
A beautiful brunette walked through the wooden doorways of the Navy law offices. Her black leather boots clicked on the white tile floor and her caramel skirt swayed with her curves as she walked. Almost every man in the office looked at her in her red sweater with googily eyes. She smiled to herself as she took a sip of her mocha and headed to the Admiral's office. She couldn't help but love the attention she got. When she was younger no man ever looked at her; they all found her to be too much of a tomboy. That was why Harm and Sturgis both held special places in her heart. Both treated her with respect and could see passed the boyish exterior. Harm in particular. Sighing, she focused on her task at hand.
"Tiner, is the Admiral in?" asked Lisa. Tiner nodded.
"Yes ma'am, would you like to see him?" he replied as he tried not to stare like the rest of the men in surrounding area. Lisa nodded. Tiner buzzed the Admiral. "Sir, Miss Marshall would like to see you."
"Send her in," responded AJ through the intercom. Tiner nodded to Lisa who nodded in thanks as she pushed open the large oak doors. The Admiral looked up from his paperwork and smiled at the young woman before him. "Have a seat." Lisa smiled as she took another sip. No one could deny her her caffeine fix.
"Thank you sir," she started. AJ held up her hand to correct her.
"The rest may have to call me sir or Admiral but you can just call me AJ, you don't work for me," he said with a smile. Lisa laughed and nodded. "Now, what can I do for you?"
"Well, si-AJ, I know some of the basics of military code so correct me if I'm wrong here. Colonel MacKenzie and Commander Rabb can't be in a…more intimate relationship…because of their ranks, correct?" The Admiral nodded.
"The Colonel is actually a higher rank than the Commander so if they were, charges could be brought against them, particularly since they work under the same command," replied the man behind the desk with a sigh. Lisa sighed and shook her head.
"Is there anything that can be done to change that? I've known for years that Harm is madly in love with Mac, and in only the short time I've known her, I know she cares from him too. I can't stand seeing them like this, AJ. They love each other so much but are too afraid to act on it because of their careers. Can't you help them?" she asked. AJ leaned slightly back in his chair and sighed.
"I know what you are talking about. I've noticed that they had feelings for each other a few years back," he started and them paused to think. Lisa studied the man before her. She could see that he cared for those under his command and would try what he could. "I think I might have a way, but I'll will need to talk it over with the SecNav first." Lisa smiled upon hearing this. "Tell you what, if you can get them to act on their feelings to prove what we believe, I'll see if I can't figure out how to get their careers out of the way."
"Really? Thank you, AJ. You can count at me," she replied. AJ smiled as she stood up.
"I'm sure I can. Dismissed," he said, slipping back into Admiral mode unintentionally. Lisa blinked for a second and then smiled.
"Aye aye, sir," she replied and saluted before turning on her heels out the door. AJ chuckled slightly as she left. He could tell that she was definitely a special person and was glad to have her here.
~~~~~
1230 Zulu
Harm sat in his brown leather chair working on the mountain of paperwork on his desk. Last week he had apologized to Mac for his behavior and she seemed to accept it, yet he felt he had to do better. Deciding that he needed give a better apology and finally have the talk with her, he had busied himself with all his work while he tried to come up with an idea of how to approach it. What could he do to show Mac that he was sorry, and tell her how he felt? A knock at his door ripped him away from his thoughts. "Enter." His door opened to reveal Lisa with a concerned look on her face. She quietly shut the door behind her and took a seat across from him.
"Hey, Harm," she started. When she had come to get Bud for their mini session she had noticed his shut door. Bud had informed her that he had been in his office all day and only came out when the Admiral had called him into his office to go over a case. They had returned and she had Harm's lunch in hand, and Harm's door was still closed. "I brought you lunch," she said and handed him a bag. He smiled.
"Thanks," he replied and pulled out a salad tray from the bag. "You know me too well," he said with a laugh. Lisa smiled slightly.
"Yeah, I do. What's wrong Top Gun? Bud told me you've locked yourself in your office all day," she asked, concern all too clear in her voice. Harm sighed.
"I know that I apologized to Mac about behavior after she questioned you, but I still feel like I need to do something better than a simple 'I'm sorry.' That and I've decided we really need to talk about…stuff. I've been in my office all day trying to come up with an idea and haven't gotten anywhere," he replied. Lisa smiled and nodded. Now this was a problem she could handle. She thought for a second.
"Didn't you meet at the White House Rose Garden?" she asked.
~~~~~
0830 Zulu
11 December 2002
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
A pair of blue eyes sparkled with delight as their owner walked into his or her place of employment. The eyes reflected the plan running through the head of this naval pilot turned lawyer. Last night one of his close friends had helped him devise a plan to win the heart of the woman he loves. Under his left arm he carried a box about 8 inches tall and 3 inches around on the top. It was beautifully wrapped in gold paper that reflected the fluorescent lighting of the office. One could hardly see the top of it because it was covered with many pieces of curly red ribbon. Harm smiled as he entered a certain Marine Colonel's office and placed the box on her desk. He could hardly wait to see her reaction when she came to work. Confidently, he strolled into his office as he waited.
0900 Zulu
The sound of black heels clicking on the tile floor could be heard as a woman in Marine green walked into Headquarters. Little did she know that a certain friend of hers was watching her every move. Mac quickly entered her office and set her coat and cover on a chair, while she avoided looking at the huge pile of paper work on her desk. She turned on her heels and head to the Mess hall of her coffee. Caffeine, she needed her caffeine. In his office, Harm sighed and smiled, he should have known. Nothing comes between a Marine and their morning sludge. He stood up and followed her to the room. She had her back to him when he arrived, stirring a few spoonfuls of sugar into her black coffee.
"Mmmm," she mumbled to herself, enjoying the feel of the hot liquid running down her throat. She could feel her energy rising already. Harm smiled as he watched.
"Morning Jarhead," he said, causing Mac to spin around and smile. She took another sip of her caffeine before answering.
"Morning Flyboy," she replied. He flashed his trademark grin and she leaned against the counter to regain her balance. Boy what that smile could do to her. "Did you have fun training last night?" she continued, making conversation.
"Yep. Bud is going to be ready for that test in no time," he stated. Mac nodded in agreement. "Afterwards, Lisa and I went shopping." Mac raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. Harm willingly went shopping? Harm chuckled at her expression, telling exactly what she was thinking. "I actually had fun."
"Did you get me anything?" she asked playfully, heading out the door to her office. Harm smiled, although she didn't see it.
"Well…" he started, waiting for her to enter her office. She looked back at him over her shoulder before entering and flicking on the light. When she turned and looked on her desk she gasped. "Actually, I did." She looked at the gift and then at him.
"Oh Harm," she said in a whisper, walking over to the box. She sat down and took it in her lap. Harm took a seat next to her. She smiled at him again before untying the ribbon. "The wrapping job is beautiful." Harm laughed slightly.
"Lisa did it. She wouldn't let me touch the box. She said I'd mess it up," he commented. Mac laughed as she removed the paper. Carefully she opened the lid and pulled out a Slovakian crystal vase. The cuts in the glass formed small roses around the piece. Mac traced over one of the designs with her fingers.
"It's gorgeous Harm," she managed to say. Harm placed a hand on her face and traced her features.
"Not as gorgeous as you. Listen, I know my behavior last week was unforgivable and a simple apology isn't enough. I want to make it up to you…and talk. Will you come to dinner at my place tonight?" he asked, holding his breath. Mac smiled.
"Of course I will," she replied causing a huge grin to appear on Harm's face.
"Great. Come around 1900 and bring the vase with you, okay?" he requested. Mac eyed him suspiciously but nodded. Harm smiled and without a word left her office and left her alone with thoughts of the night ahead of her. She had no idea what Harm, with a little help from Lisa, had up his sleeve.
~~~~~~
1855 Zulu
Commander Rabb's Apartment
North of Union Station
Harm looked at his watch. He had five minutes to make sure everything was perfect. If she wasn't early. He opened the oven; he had the dinner sitting in there to stay warm. The scent of shrimp and alfredo sauce filled the air and he smiled, shutting the door. He glanced at his table and smiled. Lisa, determined to make sure he didn't mess things up this time, had come over to help get the place ready. She set the table as if the President was coming over. A beautiful rose-colored tablecloth was draped over his dining table. The clear dishes were set perfectly. The rose-shaped linen napkin sat on top of the salad plate that was directly on top of the dinner plate. Left of the plates were the silver forks and to the right the spoon and knife. Directly above the knives were the crystal goblets. To top it off Lisa placed three different tiered white candles. Harm smiled at the rose theme of the evening as he lit the candles.
Walking into the living room there were many more candles to be lit. Harm sighed; Lisa had gone a little candle crazy. He lit just a few of them, trying to avoid burning down his apartment. After that he walked over to the stereo and turned on the CD player. Lisa had given him a few CDs with as she put it "full of romantic music." Lastly, he checked under his end table, which for the occasion had a rose-colored cloth over it too, and smiled. This night was going to be perfect. As if on que, there was a knock at the door.
"Coming," he called. Quickly he checked over his outfit. He had on dress khakis and a black button down shirt. Within seconds, he was at the door and opened it to reveal a stunning woman on the other side. Harm gasped at the sight of her. She was wearing a lilac dress that accentuated her curves. Mac smiled as she watched his eyes go up and down her body, while she did the same. Finally their eyes met. "Come on in," he said, managing to regain his voice.
"Thanks," Mac replied with a smile. When she entered she silently gasped. The place looked spectacular. "The place is gorgeous," she said silently. Harm flashed his flyboy grin at her as he took the vase from her hands.
"Thanks, Lisa helped. She's determined to make sure everything goes smoothly tonight," he answered as he set the vase on his coffee table. Mac laughed softly.
"She certainly has a vested interest in our relationship," she commented. Harm laughed and nodded. Walking over to her, he placed a hand on her cheek.
"She just wants us to be happy." The two stared at each other for a second. "Come on, let's eat." Mac nodded as Harm took her hand and led her to her chair. He pulled it out for her to sit.
"Thanks." Harm simply smiled back and headed to the fridge. He pulled out a bowl and a bottle of non-alcoholic wine. He set the two items on the counter and then grabbed one smaller bowl. "What's for dinner?" Mac asked as she watched. Harm was pouring some of the liquid from the small bowl into the larger one.
"I thought we'd start with a small salad and then it's shrimp alfredo," he replied as he tossed the salad, which was in the larger bowl, with salad tongs. He took the large bowl and bottle to the table. In silence he uncorked the bottle and poured each of them a glass. Then he served the salad. "Eat up, marine." Mac smiled at him as they began it eat.
"Mmm, this dressing is really good. How come I've never tasted this before?" she questioned. Harm smiled.
"Actually enjoying the rabbit food? Well, you can thank Lisa. It's her secret dressing, even I don't know the recipe," he replied with a chuckle. Mac smiled and nodded as she continued to eat. After the salad, Harm dished out the pasta and the two chit-chatted mostly about work-related items. Once they were done, he quickly took the dishes and set them in the sink before Mac could say a word. Then, in a second he had her hand and was leading her to the couch.
"Harm, what's going on? And what is with the rose theme?" Mac questioned as he motioned for her to sit down.
"Well, I'm glad you noticed the theme. It will all become clear in a minute," he answered. Mac nodded for him to continue. "I'm sure you are probably wondering why I gave you a vase without any flowers in it. I plan on fixing that." He reached under his end table and pulled out a watering can. Quickly he filled Mac's crystal vase with water. Then Mac noticed him grab something else and move it to where only he could see it. "As I said in your office, a simple apology wouldn't do."
"But, Harm, that is perfectly fine. I don't need-" Harm cut Mac off.
"Please, let me do this. This is more than just an apology for last week. It's also for Sydney, the night on Admiral's porch, when Mic left, everything. So, please, just let me do this," he pleaded. Mac had never heard that kind of tone of voice from him. She nodded from him to continue. "When we met, it wasn't just anywhere. The Rose Garden, I'll never for get it. To this day, roses hold a special meaning to me. And it's with their different colors that I want to share what I feel."
Harm pulled out a yellow rose. "This yellow rose stands for apology. I'm so sorry for all the pain I've caused you. I know that I pushed you to Mic's arms, that I caused you pain when I left to fly. I only hope that there is a chance of forgiveness." Mac felt tears already welling up, but knew she had a long way to go.
Harm placed the yellow rose in her vase and pulled out a cream rose. "This pale cream stands for friendship. This, above all else, is what I never want to lose. Your friendship means the world to me and I will give everything up to keep it." He set that rose in the vase and pulled out a light pink rose. "This light pink stands for grace. The grace and dignity with which you carry yourself. They are just one of the many things I love about you." Next came a deeper pink. "This pink means appreciation. I constantly thank my lucky stars to have you in my life. You brighten my day with your smile." A few tears slid down Mac's cheeks and Harm quickly wiped them away with his hand before continuing.
Deep burgundy was next. "This stands for unconscious beauty. You don't realize the heads you turn when you walk by. You are the most beautiful woman in the world and you don't even know it." He set that in with the growing bouquet and pulled out a white rose. "This white rose means humility. You bring me down to earth. From the day I met you, I've been thrown from my white horse and I love it." When the white joined the rest Mac noticed she had a half dozen roses.
Harm pulled out the next. "This coral rose is desire. For years now I've desired your every touch, to have more than a friendship. I've just been to afraid to act." Next was a peach rose. "Peach is thinking of you everyday. You invade my every thought, at every moment, of every day. I can't escape you, not that I want to." A moss rosebud was next. "This rosebud stands for confessions of love. Here, tonight, I'm finally confessing my love for you. Sarah, I've loved you since the moment I saw you. You complete me, you fill the empty spot in my heart." A red rose was next. "This simply reinforces my love. It stands for 'I love you,' and I do." Harm ran the rose petals down Mac's nose before continuing with the next one. "This is sweetheart yellow. It means undying love, the love I have for you. I have loved you for so long, and will never stop." He set it with the rest.
"Two left," he said as he pulled out the last of them. It was a red rose entwined with a white one, both with many leaves on them. "Now, a red and white rose bound together stands for unity. The leaves stand for hope. In this last of my rose confessions, I simply hope that we can finally be united." With that he set the roses in the vase and waited for Mac's response.
Tears were now flowing in a stream. They ran into the creases of her smile. Harm took that as a good sign and reached forward to help wipe her tears away once more. "Take your time," he whispered. Her smile grew wider, although she knew she couldn't regain her voice yet. Instead she took his hand in hers and pulled him to her, quickly kissing him on the lips. The kiss was short and sweet and when it was done, Harm rested his forehead against hers.
"I love you," she whispered. "That was the most romantic thing I've ever seen. I love you so much." Harm flashed a flyboy grin. "And I love that grin of yours," she said with a giggle.
"And I love that laugh," he countered. "I love you," he said once more, before kissing her once more.
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~
"The Gift"
Chapter Four: Rose Confessions
By Ann Parker
~~~~~~~~~~
0900 Zulu
10 December 2002
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
A beautiful brunette walked through the wooden doorways of the Navy law offices. Her black leather boots clicked on the white tile floor and her caramel skirt swayed with her curves as she walked. Almost every man in the office looked at her in her red sweater with googily eyes. She smiled to herself as she took a sip of her mocha and headed to the Admiral's office. She couldn't help but love the attention she got. When she was younger no man ever looked at her; they all found her to be too much of a tomboy. That was why Harm and Sturgis both held special places in her heart. Both treated her with respect and could see passed the boyish exterior. Harm in particular. Sighing, she focused on her task at hand.
"Tiner, is the Admiral in?" asked Lisa. Tiner nodded.
"Yes ma'am, would you like to see him?" he replied as he tried not to stare like the rest of the men in surrounding area. Lisa nodded. Tiner buzzed the Admiral. "Sir, Miss Marshall would like to see you."
"Send her in," responded AJ through the intercom. Tiner nodded to Lisa who nodded in thanks as she pushed open the large oak doors. The Admiral looked up from his paperwork and smiled at the young woman before him. "Have a seat." Lisa smiled as she took another sip. No one could deny her her caffeine fix.
"Thank you sir," she started. AJ held up her hand to correct her.
"The rest may have to call me sir or Admiral but you can just call me AJ, you don't work for me," he said with a smile. Lisa laughed and nodded. "Now, what can I do for you?"
"Well, si-AJ, I know some of the basics of military code so correct me if I'm wrong here. Colonel MacKenzie and Commander Rabb can't be in a…more intimate relationship…because of their ranks, correct?" The Admiral nodded.
"The Colonel is actually a higher rank than the Commander so if they were, charges could be brought against them, particularly since they work under the same command," replied the man behind the desk with a sigh. Lisa sighed and shook her head.
"Is there anything that can be done to change that? I've known for years that Harm is madly in love with Mac, and in only the short time I've known her, I know she cares from him too. I can't stand seeing them like this, AJ. They love each other so much but are too afraid to act on it because of their careers. Can't you help them?" she asked. AJ leaned slightly back in his chair and sighed.
"I know what you are talking about. I've noticed that they had feelings for each other a few years back," he started and them paused to think. Lisa studied the man before her. She could see that he cared for those under his command and would try what he could. "I think I might have a way, but I'll will need to talk it over with the SecNav first." Lisa smiled upon hearing this. "Tell you what, if you can get them to act on their feelings to prove what we believe, I'll see if I can't figure out how to get their careers out of the way."
"Really? Thank you, AJ. You can count at me," she replied. AJ smiled as she stood up.
"I'm sure I can. Dismissed," he said, slipping back into Admiral mode unintentionally. Lisa blinked for a second and then smiled.
"Aye aye, sir," she replied and saluted before turning on her heels out the door. AJ chuckled slightly as she left. He could tell that she was definitely a special person and was glad to have her here.
~~~~~
1230 Zulu
Harm sat in his brown leather chair working on the mountain of paperwork on his desk. Last week he had apologized to Mac for his behavior and she seemed to accept it, yet he felt he had to do better. Deciding that he needed give a better apology and finally have the talk with her, he had busied himself with all his work while he tried to come up with an idea of how to approach it. What could he do to show Mac that he was sorry, and tell her how he felt? A knock at his door ripped him away from his thoughts. "Enter." His door opened to reveal Lisa with a concerned look on her face. She quietly shut the door behind her and took a seat across from him.
"Hey, Harm," she started. When she had come to get Bud for their mini session she had noticed his shut door. Bud had informed her that he had been in his office all day and only came out when the Admiral had called him into his office to go over a case. They had returned and she had Harm's lunch in hand, and Harm's door was still closed. "I brought you lunch," she said and handed him a bag. He smiled.
"Thanks," he replied and pulled out a salad tray from the bag. "You know me too well," he said with a laugh. Lisa smiled slightly.
"Yeah, I do. What's wrong Top Gun? Bud told me you've locked yourself in your office all day," she asked, concern all too clear in her voice. Harm sighed.
"I know that I apologized to Mac about behavior after she questioned you, but I still feel like I need to do something better than a simple 'I'm sorry.' That and I've decided we really need to talk about…stuff. I've been in my office all day trying to come up with an idea and haven't gotten anywhere," he replied. Lisa smiled and nodded. Now this was a problem she could handle. She thought for a second.
"Didn't you meet at the White House Rose Garden?" she asked.
~~~~~
0830 Zulu
11 December 2002
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
A pair of blue eyes sparkled with delight as their owner walked into his or her place of employment. The eyes reflected the plan running through the head of this naval pilot turned lawyer. Last night one of his close friends had helped him devise a plan to win the heart of the woman he loves. Under his left arm he carried a box about 8 inches tall and 3 inches around on the top. It was beautifully wrapped in gold paper that reflected the fluorescent lighting of the office. One could hardly see the top of it because it was covered with many pieces of curly red ribbon. Harm smiled as he entered a certain Marine Colonel's office and placed the box on her desk. He could hardly wait to see her reaction when she came to work. Confidently, he strolled into his office as he waited.
0900 Zulu
The sound of black heels clicking on the tile floor could be heard as a woman in Marine green walked into Headquarters. Little did she know that a certain friend of hers was watching her every move. Mac quickly entered her office and set her coat and cover on a chair, while she avoided looking at the huge pile of paper work on her desk. She turned on her heels and head to the Mess hall of her coffee. Caffeine, she needed her caffeine. In his office, Harm sighed and smiled, he should have known. Nothing comes between a Marine and their morning sludge. He stood up and followed her to the room. She had her back to him when he arrived, stirring a few spoonfuls of sugar into her black coffee.
"Mmmm," she mumbled to herself, enjoying the feel of the hot liquid running down her throat. She could feel her energy rising already. Harm smiled as he watched.
"Morning Jarhead," he said, causing Mac to spin around and smile. She took another sip of her caffeine before answering.
"Morning Flyboy," she replied. He flashed his trademark grin and she leaned against the counter to regain her balance. Boy what that smile could do to her. "Did you have fun training last night?" she continued, making conversation.
"Yep. Bud is going to be ready for that test in no time," he stated. Mac nodded in agreement. "Afterwards, Lisa and I went shopping." Mac raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. Harm willingly went shopping? Harm chuckled at her expression, telling exactly what she was thinking. "I actually had fun."
"Did you get me anything?" she asked playfully, heading out the door to her office. Harm smiled, although she didn't see it.
"Well…" he started, waiting for her to enter her office. She looked back at him over her shoulder before entering and flicking on the light. When she turned and looked on her desk she gasped. "Actually, I did." She looked at the gift and then at him.
"Oh Harm," she said in a whisper, walking over to the box. She sat down and took it in her lap. Harm took a seat next to her. She smiled at him again before untying the ribbon. "The wrapping job is beautiful." Harm laughed slightly.
"Lisa did it. She wouldn't let me touch the box. She said I'd mess it up," he commented. Mac laughed as she removed the paper. Carefully she opened the lid and pulled out a Slovakian crystal vase. The cuts in the glass formed small roses around the piece. Mac traced over one of the designs with her fingers.
"It's gorgeous Harm," she managed to say. Harm placed a hand on her face and traced her features.
"Not as gorgeous as you. Listen, I know my behavior last week was unforgivable and a simple apology isn't enough. I want to make it up to you…and talk. Will you come to dinner at my place tonight?" he asked, holding his breath. Mac smiled.
"Of course I will," she replied causing a huge grin to appear on Harm's face.
"Great. Come around 1900 and bring the vase with you, okay?" he requested. Mac eyed him suspiciously but nodded. Harm smiled and without a word left her office and left her alone with thoughts of the night ahead of her. She had no idea what Harm, with a little help from Lisa, had up his sleeve.
~~~~~~
1855 Zulu
Commander Rabb's Apartment
North of Union Station
Harm looked at his watch. He had five minutes to make sure everything was perfect. If she wasn't early. He opened the oven; he had the dinner sitting in there to stay warm. The scent of shrimp and alfredo sauce filled the air and he smiled, shutting the door. He glanced at his table and smiled. Lisa, determined to make sure he didn't mess things up this time, had come over to help get the place ready. She set the table as if the President was coming over. A beautiful rose-colored tablecloth was draped over his dining table. The clear dishes were set perfectly. The rose-shaped linen napkin sat on top of the salad plate that was directly on top of the dinner plate. Left of the plates were the silver forks and to the right the spoon and knife. Directly above the knives were the crystal goblets. To top it off Lisa placed three different tiered white candles. Harm smiled at the rose theme of the evening as he lit the candles.
Walking into the living room there were many more candles to be lit. Harm sighed; Lisa had gone a little candle crazy. He lit just a few of them, trying to avoid burning down his apartment. After that he walked over to the stereo and turned on the CD player. Lisa had given him a few CDs with as she put it "full of romantic music." Lastly, he checked under his end table, which for the occasion had a rose-colored cloth over it too, and smiled. This night was going to be perfect. As if on que, there was a knock at the door.
"Coming," he called. Quickly he checked over his outfit. He had on dress khakis and a black button down shirt. Within seconds, he was at the door and opened it to reveal a stunning woman on the other side. Harm gasped at the sight of her. She was wearing a lilac dress that accentuated her curves. Mac smiled as she watched his eyes go up and down her body, while she did the same. Finally their eyes met. "Come on in," he said, managing to regain his voice.
"Thanks," Mac replied with a smile. When she entered she silently gasped. The place looked spectacular. "The place is gorgeous," she said silently. Harm flashed his flyboy grin at her as he took the vase from her hands.
"Thanks, Lisa helped. She's determined to make sure everything goes smoothly tonight," he answered as he set the vase on his coffee table. Mac laughed softly.
"She certainly has a vested interest in our relationship," she commented. Harm laughed and nodded. Walking over to her, he placed a hand on her cheek.
"She just wants us to be happy." The two stared at each other for a second. "Come on, let's eat." Mac nodded as Harm took her hand and led her to her chair. He pulled it out for her to sit.
"Thanks." Harm simply smiled back and headed to the fridge. He pulled out a bowl and a bottle of non-alcoholic wine. He set the two items on the counter and then grabbed one smaller bowl. "What's for dinner?" Mac asked as she watched. Harm was pouring some of the liquid from the small bowl into the larger one.
"I thought we'd start with a small salad and then it's shrimp alfredo," he replied as he tossed the salad, which was in the larger bowl, with salad tongs. He took the large bowl and bottle to the table. In silence he uncorked the bottle and poured each of them a glass. Then he served the salad. "Eat up, marine." Mac smiled at him as they began it eat.
"Mmm, this dressing is really good. How come I've never tasted this before?" she questioned. Harm smiled.
"Actually enjoying the rabbit food? Well, you can thank Lisa. It's her secret dressing, even I don't know the recipe," he replied with a chuckle. Mac smiled and nodded as she continued to eat. After the salad, Harm dished out the pasta and the two chit-chatted mostly about work-related items. Once they were done, he quickly took the dishes and set them in the sink before Mac could say a word. Then, in a second he had her hand and was leading her to the couch.
"Harm, what's going on? And what is with the rose theme?" Mac questioned as he motioned for her to sit down.
"Well, I'm glad you noticed the theme. It will all become clear in a minute," he answered. Mac nodded for him to continue. "I'm sure you are probably wondering why I gave you a vase without any flowers in it. I plan on fixing that." He reached under his end table and pulled out a watering can. Quickly he filled Mac's crystal vase with water. Then Mac noticed him grab something else and move it to where only he could see it. "As I said in your office, a simple apology wouldn't do."
"But, Harm, that is perfectly fine. I don't need-" Harm cut Mac off.
"Please, let me do this. This is more than just an apology for last week. It's also for Sydney, the night on Admiral's porch, when Mic left, everything. So, please, just let me do this," he pleaded. Mac had never heard that kind of tone of voice from him. She nodded from him to continue. "When we met, it wasn't just anywhere. The Rose Garden, I'll never for get it. To this day, roses hold a special meaning to me. And it's with their different colors that I want to share what I feel."
Harm pulled out a yellow rose. "This yellow rose stands for apology. I'm so sorry for all the pain I've caused you. I know that I pushed you to Mic's arms, that I caused you pain when I left to fly. I only hope that there is a chance of forgiveness." Mac felt tears already welling up, but knew she had a long way to go.
Harm placed the yellow rose in her vase and pulled out a cream rose. "This pale cream stands for friendship. This, above all else, is what I never want to lose. Your friendship means the world to me and I will give everything up to keep it." He set that rose in the vase and pulled out a light pink rose. "This light pink stands for grace. The grace and dignity with which you carry yourself. They are just one of the many things I love about you." Next came a deeper pink. "This pink means appreciation. I constantly thank my lucky stars to have you in my life. You brighten my day with your smile." A few tears slid down Mac's cheeks and Harm quickly wiped them away with his hand before continuing.
Deep burgundy was next. "This stands for unconscious beauty. You don't realize the heads you turn when you walk by. You are the most beautiful woman in the world and you don't even know it." He set that in with the growing bouquet and pulled out a white rose. "This white rose means humility. You bring me down to earth. From the day I met you, I've been thrown from my white horse and I love it." When the white joined the rest Mac noticed she had a half dozen roses.
Harm pulled out the next. "This coral rose is desire. For years now I've desired your every touch, to have more than a friendship. I've just been to afraid to act." Next was a peach rose. "Peach is thinking of you everyday. You invade my every thought, at every moment, of every day. I can't escape you, not that I want to." A moss rosebud was next. "This rosebud stands for confessions of love. Here, tonight, I'm finally confessing my love for you. Sarah, I've loved you since the moment I saw you. You complete me, you fill the empty spot in my heart." A red rose was next. "This simply reinforces my love. It stands for 'I love you,' and I do." Harm ran the rose petals down Mac's nose before continuing with the next one. "This is sweetheart yellow. It means undying love, the love I have for you. I have loved you for so long, and will never stop." He set it with the rest.
"Two left," he said as he pulled out the last of them. It was a red rose entwined with a white one, both with many leaves on them. "Now, a red and white rose bound together stands for unity. The leaves stand for hope. In this last of my rose confessions, I simply hope that we can finally be united." With that he set the roses in the vase and waited for Mac's response.
Tears were now flowing in a stream. They ran into the creases of her smile. Harm took that as a good sign and reached forward to help wipe her tears away once more. "Take your time," he whispered. Her smile grew wider, although she knew she couldn't regain her voice yet. Instead she took his hand in hers and pulled him to her, quickly kissing him on the lips. The kiss was short and sweet and when it was done, Harm rested his forehead against hers.
"I love you," she whispered. "That was the most romantic thing I've ever seen. I love you so much." Harm flashed a flyboy grin. "And I love that grin of yours," she said with a giggle.
"And I love that laugh," he countered. "I love you," he said once more, before kissing her once more.
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