CELEBRATION

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THE SHERATON HOTEL

With the wedding two weeks away, Mac and Harm were unnaturally calm.  They had opted against the traditional bachelor and bridal parties, and this disappointed everyone.  Instead they were thrown a Jack and Jill party, which is similar to a shower but for men and women. Bud and Harriet were hosting the celebration.

"Harriet this is so sweet of you." Mac said. "Too bad the kids aren't here."

"We had to do something." Harriet smiled. "The kids are at home, where they should be."

"So who's invited?" Harm asked walking over.

"A bunch of people you don't know." Harriet teased.

"The new baby has made you quite the joker." Harm laughed.

"Just the usual suspects," Harriet said.

"Hello, are we ready to celebrate?" Bobbie said walking in with Sturgis.

"How is everyone?" Sturgis asked.

They all went into the banquet room and looked around. 

"Harriet, we don't need to have a reception after this." Mac laughed.

"Well, you've done so much for us, it's the least we could do." Bud replied.

"It's wonderful." Harm said.

The six chatted and waited for the others to arrive.  Shortly AJ and Meredith arrived.  Meredith was carrying a rather large mask, which garnered looks from everyone.

"Ms. Cavanaugh what is that?" Bud asked.

"Please call me Meredith," Meredith replied. "It's a tribal fertility mask."

"Don't look at me." AJ laughed, "I wanted to get you towels."

"Thank you." Mac said. "I'm sure I'll find the perfect place for it."

"In the back of the closet," Harm mumbled. "Thank you Meredith, it's interesting."

The next to arrive were Gunny, Ashlyn, Tiner and Coates.

"Where's Sam?" Mac asked.

"She's coming later." Ashlyn said. "She had to run a deadline or something."

"Where's Webb?" Harm laughed.

"Right here Rabb." Webb replied walking over, "Why?"

"No reason," Harm said quickly. "Good to see you. When did you get back?"

"Classified," Webb said with a smile.

"This is so beautiful," Ashlyn said to Gunny.

"Maybe we should do something like this for our reception." Gunny suggested.

"You don't like the country club?" Ashlyn asked worried.

"It was just a suggestion." Gunny laughed. "The club is perfect. Stop worrying."

"I only plan on doing this once." Ashlyn said.

"Doc, I don't plan on doing it more than once either." Gunny smiled and kissed her.

"Can I bring you something to drink?" Tiner asked Coates as he got up.

"A beer," Coates asked. "We can drink right?"

"Yes, you can." AJ said walking over.  "You're over 21."

"Hello Sir, I wasn't sure what the protocol was." Coates said honestly.

"To have a good time," AJ smiled.

"Thank you Sir." Coates smiled and quickly went to find Tiner.

The rest of the guests arrived and the music started.  Harm and Mac started dancing and soon everyone joined in. Conversations were flying all over.  Mac and Ashlyn traded stories while Harm and Gunny commiserated about the little details.  Webb spent time talking to AJ while Meredith bent Harriet's ear in several different directions.

Finally, Sam arrived and went right to Mac.  "I'm so sorry I'm late."

"It's ok, we're just glad you made it." Mac smiled.

"Hey Sam, it's about time." Harm said.

"I'm really sorry," Sam said. "I had a deadline."

"You know Webb's here." Harm smiled.

"Thanks for the warning." Sam said.

"Harm, leave her alone." Mac admonished.

"I'm leaving." Harm laughed and walked away.

"I should go say hello to the hosts." Sam said. "Mac, don't worry about Harm, he means well."

Before Sam could find Harriet or Bud, Ashlyn and Gunny approached her.  "What took you so long?"

"I had to get in the mood." Sam said, and revealed the patch on her arm.

"Oh, you did it." Ashlyn said. "I gave you that prescription over a month ago."

"Well, it's not easy." Sam groaned.

"It will be fine." Ashlyn laughed.

"Sam, it's about time." Tiner said joining them.

"Yeah, yeah yeah." Sam said.

"What's wrong with her?" Tiner asked.

"She's on the patch." Gunny stated.

"Sam, can I get you a drink?" Tiner asked.

"Make it a double," Sam said.

"On the way," Tiner smiled.

"Gunny, promise me that after you marry her, you'll get her to leave me alone." Sam whined.

"I'm not getting in between you guys." Gunny laughed.

"Sam, I read your column on Friday," Coates said. "I never knew Coyote Ugly was a real bar."

"Yep, in the East Village," Sam laughed.

"I haven't read your column yet, what was it on?" Ashlyn asked.

"I did a piece on bars in New York," Sam said.

"When did you go to New York?" Ashlyn asked. "I never know where you are anymore."

"About two weeks ago, before I went to Georgia but after I went to California." Sam stated. "I went with a friend."

"What friend?" Ashlyn asked.

"I went with Pete." Sam replied and went to get her drink from Tiner.

"A new boyfriend?" Gunny asked.

"No, Pete is her editor's son.  She's scared which is why she's running all over the place." Ashlyn laughed.

"I don't even want to know." Gunny replied.

Everyone was chatting and having a wonderful time.  Little by little they went out to the dance floor.  Sam was picking at the patch under her shirt and watching Webb.  Webb was standing on the opposite side of the dance floor watching her.

"Gunny, go ask Sam to dance." Ashlyn said.

Gunny walked over to Sam and asked her.

"Thanks," Sam smiled.

Pretty soon everyone was trading partners. 

"So, what's next for you?" Harm asked Sam.

"I have something going with the Webbington Post, but it's a secret." Sam said.

"The what?" Harm asked.

"The Washington Post, you know that big newspaper down here." Sam replied, looking at Harm like he was an idiot for not knowing what the Post was.

"Sounds exciting," Harm said.

"Yeah, it is." Sam smiled.

"May I cut in?" Harriet asked.

"Sure, but wouldn't you rather dance with Harm?" Sam laughed and went to get a drink.

"So, are you getting nervous?" Harriet asked.

"Not yet," Harm smiled. "Should I be?"

"I don't think so, this was meant to be." Harriet said.

"You think?" Harm smiled.

"Yes, this is more destined than me and Bud." Harriet smiled.

Across the dance floor, Mac was dancing with AJ.

"I can't thank you enough." Mac said.

"How could I say no?" AJ replied. "It will be an honor to give you away."

"I can't believe that in 14 days I'm getting married." Mac said looking over at Harm.

"Believe it," AJ smiled. "It's been a long time coming."

Meanwhile, Meredith was dancing with Webb.

"So, Clay what have you been up to?" Meredith asked.

"The Sam as always," Webb said.

"Excuse me?" Meredith asked.

"The same as always," Webb repeated. 

"Oh, I thought you said something else." Meredith mused.

"Would you excuse me please?" Webb asked and went to the bar.  He walked over to the bar and ordered a drink.

"Scotch, please." Webb told the bartender, "Single malt."

"What no water?" Sam asked.

"Someone told me it ruins it." Webb replied.

"How've you been?" Sam asked, picking at the patch.

"Good," Webb replied. "What are you doing?"

"Wearing a patch and it's driving me crazy." Sam said.

"You're quitting?" Webb smiled.

"Trying to, at least for this week," Sam said.

"Good for you." Webb said, Talk to her.

"Well, I promised this dance to Tiner." Sam said nervously and went to Tiner. "Dance with me."

"Ok," Tiner said. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Sam said.

"Did Webb say something to you?" Tiner asked.

"No," Sam laughed. "Stop being such a worry wart."

"Sam what's going on?" Tiner asked.

"Nothing," Sam said.

"Tell me what's going on." Tiner said with a brotherly tone.

"It will all be fine soon." Sam said.

"You took the job?" Tiner asked sadly.

"Yeah I did." Sam smiled.

"You're running away." Tiner said.

"I'm getting on with my life." Sam replied.

The song ended and the DJ cued up another song.  It was the Eagles' 'Desperado' Tiner and Sam continued to dance.

Desperado, Why don't you come to your senses?
You been out ridin' fences for so long now,
Oh, you're a hard one
I know that you got your reasons,
These things that are pleasin' you can hurt you somehow

"These are good words." Tiner stated.

"It's a good song." Sam said.

"I think you have the wrong partner." Tiner said.

"Jason, don't." Sam warned.

"Are you sure?" Tiner asked.

"No," Sam replied.

Before she knew it, Tiner motioned to Webb and placed her hand in his.

"I liked the column on London you did a few weeks ago." Webb said.

"Thanks," Sam smiled. I wrote it for you.

"When did you go back?" Webb asked.

"I haven't been back." Sam replied.

"Neither have I." Webb said. I won't go without you.

 You better let somebody love you,
Let somebody love you
You better let somebody love you,
Before it's too late

"Thank you for the dance," Sam said as the song ended.

"It was my pleasure." Webb replied.

"We never danced before." Sam stated, "Without arguing."

"Now we have." Webb replied, "Danaher?"

"What is it Webb?" Sam said.

"Nothing," Webb said. Tell her you love her!

"Hey, Webb," Sam said.

"What is it now Danaher?" Webb asked with a small smile.

"Forget it," Sam replied shaking her head. Tell him you love him!

They walked away from each other, the chance had passed.  It really was too late.

Sam walked back to the bar ordered a shot and downed it.  She then ripped off the patch, bummed a cigarette from the bartender and went home.

As the party thinned out and Harm, Mac, Bobbie, Sturgis, Harriet and Bud remained.

"This was so wonderful." Mac said.

"This was a lot of fun." Harm added. "Thank you."

"It was a treat for all of us." Harriet said.

"Who would have thought that Harmon Rabb didn't want a bachelor party?" Sturgis laughed.

"Why don't we have brunch tomorrow?" Bobbie suggested.

They all agreed to meet.  The wedding was two weeks away and they were all excited.