Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
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Beginnings
Chapter Eight: One Exciting Evening
By Ann Parker
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Lisa stayed in St. Louis for about two months. She exchanged emails with Gunny everyday and the two got to know each other better than before. After his encouragement, Lisa made time to call Paul and tell him about Dan. He wasn't happy, but he knew she wouldn't do it again and he needed her in the company. He agreed to inform Dan that he would have a new physical therapist if needed because Lisa was taking on too many new clients.
Everyone at the office noticed a slight change in Gunny after that day in May. They knew of his dinner plans with Lisa that evening and could only guess that something happened between them. Whenever they asked Gunny, he would only smile.
Meanwhile, Harriet was about ready to pop. The Admiral ordered her to start her maternity leave before the birth, trying to avoid another birth in his office and to give the Lieutenant some rest. Everyone close to Bud and Harriet had slight jitters for the couple, praying for a healthy baby. The Roberts, however, were extremely optimistic.
The wedding plans had been finished. All the dresses were ready, and Harriet's only needed a slight altercation after the birth. Chloe was on summer break and flew in a few weeks ahead of time to spend more time with Mac. Trish and Frank were coming early also and Sergei was coming a week before the wedding. The office was buzzing with anticipation.
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25 July 2003
1400 EST
Dulles International Airport
Lisa wheeled her luggage behind her while looking for her ride. Gunny was supposed to pick her up and take her to her place. She needed to unpack and get ready for the party tonight. Harm and Mac decided to forgo the traditional Bachelor/Bachelorette parties and just have one big party. So tonight everyone was heading to McMurphy's to celebrate.
She weaved her way through the crowds when she spotted two military officers and headed over to them. "Okay, you both didn't need to come get me," she greeted.
"Cute," replied Harm, standing next to Gunny. "I didn't even know this was when your flight landed. I'm here for my parents." Harm watched as Gunny took her luggage and smiled. Yep, Lisa was definitely what changed Gunny.
"Trish and Frank are coming? It will be so good to see them," stated Lisa.
Harm mock pouted, "What about me? You haven't seen me in two months, don't I get a hug?"
Lisa rolled her eyes. "You're a dork," she said as she hugged him.
"Harm, honey," greeted Trish right when Lisa and Harm separated. Frank and she walked over to the three and Harm immediately hugged his mom.
"It's good to see you mom," he said.
"Lisa, what's with the bags?" asked Frank, hugging her. He had become almost a second father to her.
"I just got back from an assignment," she replied. "It's good to see you two."
Gunny silently watched as Lisa hugged Trish, and Frank and Harm shook hands. He suddenly felt really out of place. Lisa looked over at him and noticed his uneasiness. "Well, I'll let Harm get you settled. I need to unpack. See you three tonight," she said. They waved as she led Gunny away. They noticed as Gunny placed a hand on the small of her back.
"Well, it looks like Lisa's found someone new," stated Trish.
Harm nodded. "I think they both found 'the one,'" he stated and they left.
"Sorry about that," said Lisa as they walked away. She realized she had hardly spoken to him since arriving and felt terrible.
"Don't worry about it," Gunny replied with a smile. "I'm glad you are close with his family, you need a family like that."
Lisa shook her head, "Not about that…well, not about just that. I've hardly said anything to you until now." She stopped walking, making Gunny halt.
"It's fine, Lisa," he stated. "What matters is that you're back."
Lisa smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Just let me greet you properly, okay?" she asked. Gunny nodded and they shared a brief kiss. "Hi," she smiled when they parted.
Gunny grinned, "Welcome back." They kissed once more and then he took her back to her apartment before heading back to work.
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1900 EST
McMurphy's Pub
"Well, Harm, are you ready to take the big plunge?" asked Sturgis. Everyone was gathered around, laughing, and having a good time. Most of the girls were sitting at tables and the guys were standing around them.
"Absolutely, I'd be ready if the wedding was tomorrow," he replied, kissing Mac who was at his side. Everyone cheered.
"I can't wait for the ceremony!" exclaimed Chloe, sitting next to Lisa. Chloe had become attached to the woman that put Harm and Mac together immediately.
"I can't wait to get this child out of me," groaned Harriet, sitting at the other table. Everyone, especially the girls, nodded sympathetically to her. She was due in a week and had been having slight pains all day. The doctor told her she would probably experience false contractions.
Gunny walked away from the guys and over to Lisa. "Care to dance?" he asked. The girls all noticed Lisa's face light up.
"Gladly," she replied and they headed over the dance floor.
"That sounds like a good idea," said AJ and he led Meredith out to the floor. Soon the others joined them, with the exception of Chloe, Harm, Mac, Bud, and Harriet.
Bud whispered something to Harriet who nodded. "Hey Chloe, want to dance?" he asked. Chloe nodded enthusiastically and they headed out onto the floor.
"So, I guess we were all right about what caused the change in Gunny," said Harriet with a smile. She winced slightly, but no one noticed. She mentally cursed false labor.
Harm smiled. "Yes we were. I'm just glad she's found someone else to open up to. I know Dan hurt her dearly," he replied. "Don't you agree Mac?" She didn't answer. "Mac?" Harm and Harriet followed Mac's line of vision.
"Speak of the devil," whispered Mac as the three stared at the man entering the bar. It appeared to be a very drunk Dan. Harm stood up and headed over to him.
"Harm! Ol' buddy, ol' pal! Have you seen my girlfriend around here?" he slurred. Harm could smell the alcohol a few feet away from him.
"Dan, I suggest you go call a cab and get some sleep. Then head straight back to Chicago. Lisa's moved on, you need to also," he suggested, trying to be a nice as possible.
"No way man! I know she still loves me and I've come to take her back, now move!" he pushed Harm out of the way and staggered around until he spotted her. She was in the arms of another man, laughing and dancing. "Lisa!" he exclaimed.
Lisa froze when she heard the voice and Gunny spun around to face the speaker. Even he could tell who it was from his messages. He started to head over to Dan when Lisa placed a hand on his arm. "Gunny, don't. Let me handle this." She walked over to Dan, standing tall.
"What do you want, Dan?" she asked coolly, showing no emotion. He tried to swing his arm around her but she moved out of the way and he nearly fell.
"I want you back baby," he spit out. He spun around to face her again and caught her eyes. He placed a hand on her cheek and caressed it. "I love you."
She glared at him and swatted his hand away. "Oh you do, do you? And this was your grand plan to win me back? Show up at Harm and Mac's party drunk, tell me you love me, and expect me to swoon over you and leap into your arms? This after the damn taunting phone calls too! God, Dan, what the hell were you thinking?" she exclaimed. The entire bar had quieted down to listen.
Dan turned spiteful as he realized he wasn't getting her back. "Maybe you should rethink that, Lisa. What would Paul think when he learns of our relationship? Isn't that against your company's policy?" he questioned.
She rolled her eyes. "Why do you think you have a new physical therapist? Paul knows and decided to accept my mistake, and I mean big mistake," she countered. Dan stood there, trying to come up with something to fight back with. He didn't have time.
"Now, if you would be so kind as to leave," she stated, grabbing him by the arm. She pulled him through the bar and to the door. "And if you so much try to call or see me again, I will get a restraining order, got it? There are five lawyers behind me that I'm sure would be willing to help." She shoved him through the door and he landed on the sidewalk. "Good riddance!"
The door shut and she turned back to the rest of the bar. Everyone erupted into cheers and she smiled. It felt great to stick it to him. She headed back to her party when Gunny wrapped his arms around her.
"I guess you really didn't need my help, did you?" he asked. She smiled and ran her fingers though his hair.
"Nope, but it was nice of you to offer," she replied. She pulled him into a kiss and the JAG group cheered once more.
"I knew you two hooked up!" exclaimed Tiner, patting Gunny on the arm. Gunny laughed as Lisa blushed.
"So did ---OW!" exclaimed Harriet. Everyone quieted down and Bud rushed to her side.
"Honey, are you okay?" he asked.
She weakly nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. All this excitement just made little Lisa want to come out and join the party," she replied.
"Did you're water just break?" asked Mac, still sitting next to her. Harriet nodded.
AJ laughed, "You can never do this the easy way, can you Lieutenant?" he asked.
Harriet smiled, "Apparently not, Sir."
"Well, what are you people doing? Let's get my namesake to the hospital!" ordered Lisa. All nodded and Bud rushed Harriet to the hospital. Everyone else paid their bills and quickly followed. Harm and Mac ran and got little AJ from the baby sitter and met them at the hospital.
~~~
"Ooooooooow! Oh my God, Bud, I swear you're never touching me again!" exclaimed Harriet as they rushed her into a delivery room. Shortly after her water broke, the contractions started heavily and she was in a great deal of pain. It was too late into the delivery for an Epidorial.
The nurses set her up and the doctor checked to see how dilated she was. "Hello! Harriet, you're ready to have this baby," he said.
"What?" she exclaimed, grabbing Bud's hand.
"You're completely dilated. I need you to push on the next contraction," he replied.
"How the hell did that happen?" she yelled.
"Well, apparently your false contractions weren't false. You've been in labor all day," he stated. Harriet groaned in annoyance.
"Don't you know anything?" she snapped as Bud tried to get her to focus on the breathing.
"Come on, Honey, you can do this," he said.
"Okay, now push!" exclaimed the doctor.
In the hallway, everyone heard Harriet scream. "She is really something else," AJ sighed as they waited. He had his namesake sleeping in his lap.
"I'd have to agree," said Gunny. "I knew she was a special woman the first day I met her." He smiled and many nodded, remembering the first time they each met Harriet and Bud.
It wasn't long before Bud came rushing out of the room, grinning ear to ear. "She's beautiful and healthy. Ten fingers, ten toes, two gorgeous eyes…" All smiled and congratulated him.
"Can we see them?" asked Lisa.
"In a few minutes," Bud replied before heading back into the room.
"Well, this certainly has been an exciting evening," stated Lisa as they waited. Many nodded and a few chuckled.
"What can we say? This JAG family can never do anything ordinary," Harm smirked. Everyone laughed as Bud came and got the group.
Everyone entered the room and saw a beaming Harriet holding a beautiful little girl.
"She's breathtaking," whispered Lisa. The rest of the group allowed her to see the baby first.
Harriet smiled and let Lisa hold her. "Lisa Marshall, meet Lisa Roberts."
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