Disclaimer: See Chapter One about JAG. I also don't own the song used in this chapter. "Forever and For Always" is Shania Twain and R.J. Lange's.
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Beginnings
Chapter Ten: Celebration of Love
By Ann Parker
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1245 EST
16 August 2003
Oakland Plantations
Leesburg, VA
Lisa paced in front men's bathroom, waiting for her new guest to finish getting ready. She knew she needed to head out to get pictures taken soon, but first she had to take care of his bag and hide him away. She was so focused on the task at hand that she ran into Gunny when he walked over.
"Gunny!" she exclaimed, surprised.
"What are you doing in front of the men's bathroom?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow. Just then a door opened.
"Okay, sweet thing, I'm ready," the man announced. Lisa winced. This could get ugly.
"What did you just call her?" Gunny demanded.
"Gunny, relax, he was just kidding. He flirts with anything that walks," Lisa interjected.
"Wait one minute. Lisa, are you dating a Jarhead?" the man asked.
Lisa groaned. "You know, you really aren't helping your cause. Now be quiet," she ordered her companion and turned back to her boyfriend. "Victor, please just go back to the rest. I will be there shortly after I deal with him. You have nothing to worry about, trust me."
Gunny sighed and agreed. "If you're sure," he replied and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll see you out there." Gunny left after glaring at the man once more.
Lisa immediately turned around and smacked the man's arm. "Cracker Jack, what were you thinking?" she asked.
"Sorry, I guess always pictured you with a Navy man," he shrugged with a sly smile.
Lisa rolled her eyes. "You never stop. Okay, I'll take care of your stuff, you just hide out until all the guests arrive and then find a seat that hides you in the middle," she directed. He nodded and both headed separate directions.
Once she finished putting his stuff away, Lisa headed out to the garden for pictures. All around her were blooming rose bushes and many other flowers like tulips and lilies. Trees framed the four acre walled garden, providing occasional shade. The string quartet was tuning up in the garden teahouse. She headed up the path to join the rest and everyone had their photos taken while guests began to show up. Around 1345, they headed back to the mansion and prepared to begin.
"Well, this moment is finally here," commented AJ to Mac as they waited. "Are you nervous?"
Mac shook her head, "Not too much. I think I got over that when I wore a path into the floor yesterday," she replied. Both slightly chuckled. "I just can't believe this is actually happening. I've dreamt of it for so long."
AJ smiled, "Well, it's here Mac. You and Harm and perfect for each other. Besides, if he ever hurts you, he'll have one angry Seal to deal with."
Mac laughed. "Thank you."
At 1400 all the guests were seated. Pacabel's 'Canon in D' began to play as Harm led his mother and Frank to their seats before taking his place by Reverend Turner. Next, Chloe and Bud headed up the isle. Chloe, as did all the girls, carried pink roses to match her dress. After they took their places, Lisa and Sturgis made their way to the front. Lisa scanned for her guest and smiled when Sturgis didn't even flinch when walking past the row. Next, the Maid of Honor, Harriet, and the Best Man, Sergei, joined the rest. Little AJ then carefully walked up the aisle, just like his dad had taught him, carrying the rings.
The music changed and everyone rose from their seats. Mac and AJ came forward. Harm silently gasped as he saw his bride walk towards him. She wore a white strapless, embroidered satin A-line dress with a split front overskirt and she looked like an angel. She carried red roses as her bouquet and wore the biggest smile he had ever seen. When they reached the front he mouthed that she looked gorgeous to her and she whispered thank you in return. They exchanged smiles; both knew they were finally starting their dreams.
~~~~~
As the ceremony concluded, the guests headed to the mansion for the reception while Harm and Mac posed for more pictures with the wedding party. All but one guest, that is.
"We finally did it," smiled Harm as the photographer reloaded his film.
"Yes we did," replied Mac and kissed him. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Harm said and kissed her again.
"And I love me too," a voice joked, walking over to the newlyweds. Both of their heads snapped to the direction of the voice, recognizing it immediately.
"Keeter!" exclaimed Harm, hugging his good friend. "What are you doing here? I thought you couldn't make it," he inquired.
"That's what we led you to believe," Jack replied and turned to Mac. "Permission to kiss the bride?"
Mac smiled, "Permission granted, get over here Jack." Jack gave Mac a quick kiss and hug.
"We?" questioned Harm. "Who is your partner in crime?" The three heard someone giggle behind them and Harm immediately knew who it was. He turned to face her. "Lisa…"
Lisa simply smiled, "Yes Top Gun?" she asked innocently.
"Why did you keep Keeter a surprise?" he questioned, walking over to his sister.
"Because it's fun to surprise you," she replied.
Harm simply shook his head. "Well, thank you," he stated and hugged her. When he let go, she kissed his cheek.
"I'm glad you liked it because I nearly lost him when he called me 'sweet thing' in front of Gunny," she stated and glared at Jack. Everyone laughed.
"Smooth move," teased Mac. "I thought I taught you to never mess with a Marine."
"Ahem," interrupted the photographer, "can I continue?"
"Sorry, yes you can," replied Keeter. "I'll get out of the way." The photographer finished the pictures and everyone but the bride and groom left to join the guests. Harm and Mac stood at the end of the path and waited for the announcement.
"Men, draw swords," directed Sturgis, standing at the end of one of the two rows of military personal and across from Gunny. The sailors and marines all did so. "Form arc." The arc for steel was created. "Blades to the wind." All turned the sword blades away and Harm and Mac began their way through arc. "Presenting for the first time in public, Commander and Mrs. Harmon Rabb Jr." Cheers erupted from everyone. The newlyweds exchanged glances when they reached the end, expecting something to happen to the other.
"Go Navy," said Sturgis and hit Mac with his sword.
"Semper Fi," said Gunny and hit Harm. Everyone laughed.
"I should have known," Harm and Mac said at the same time and kissed.
Everyone headed into beautiful dining hall of the Oakland mansion.
~~~~~
Sergei stood up from his place next to Harm and tapped his glass. Everyone hushed to listen to the Best Man's speech.
"I went through most of my life not knowing my family, aside from my mother, but I have always known love. I have only known Harm for a few years now, yet I've grown to love him. He is not just a brother by title, but also by bond. Now I have a sister in Mac. When I first met her, I could sense there was a connection between her and my brother, as I'm sure everyone else that knows these two has. It is my honor to toast the new couple. To finding love and your family," he said and raised his glass. Everyone followed suit and champagne and apple cider was tasted.
Harriet then rose from her seat. "That was beautiful, Sergei, and now I guess it's my turn," she commented before turning to the bride and groom, her best friends. "I first met the Commander and Colonel – I mean, Harm and Mac," a few chuckled at her correction. "I met them when they came to do an investigation aboard the Patrick Henry, where I was stationed. I knew I would be seeing them again somehow, and that wasn't just because they also introduced me to my husband, Bud." She smiled and Bud and her children.
"No, I knew I was meeting two very special people, people I'm honored to call friends. Harm and Mac are two wonderful people that have been through many hardships and yet have always come out stronger. As I silently watched, I could tell that it was the connection they had with each other that allowed them to make it through these rough spots. They always had each other's unconditional support, comfort, and although they wouldn't admit it, love. No one could change that," she smiled.
"Which is why it annoyed me to high heaven that they couldn't see the relationship they had and finally hook up!" Everyone, including Harm and Mac, laughed. "I personally think we should be toasting Lisa over here, she's the one that finally set them on the right path."
Lisa laughed, "I was just as annoyed as you, Harriet, that's the reason why I did something."
"Hey, isn't this supposed to be a toast to point out the good things about the married couple?" asked Harm and everyone laughed.
"Right," said Harriet. "Anyway, after everything these two have been through, it brings me great joy to see them finally together. They both deserve such happiness and I know they will be together forever. To Harm and Mac," she raised her glass. "And to the bond nothing could ever break."
~~~~~
"Well, I think it's that time," whispered Harm into Mac's ear as she talked to a few guests.
She turned around and smiled, "Yes it is, our first dance."
Harm took her hand and led her out to the dance floor as the DJ announced their first dance. They could see their friends and family form a circle around them to watch. Harm wrapped his arms around her and she did the same as they swayed to the music.
In your arms I can still feel the way you
Want me when you hold me
I can still hear the words you whispered
When you told me
I can stay right here forever in your arms
And there ain't no way –
I'm lettin' you go now
And there ain't no way –
And there ain't no how
I'll never see that day…
'Cause I'm keeping you
Forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every
Morning to your sweet face – always
"This song is beautiful," said Lisa as she watched them dance. Gunny had her in his arms and kissed her neck.
"Not as beautiful as you," he replied.
Lisa simply blushed and shook her head. "You are too good to me," she said and kissed him.
Mmmm, baby
In your heart – I can still hear
A beat for every time you kiss me
And when we're apart,
I know how much you miss me
I can feel your love for me in your heart
And there ain't no way –
I'm lettin' you go now
And there ain't no way –
And there ain't no how
I'll never see that day…
'Cause I'm keeping you
Forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every
Morning to your sweet face – always
"I love you," Harm said and Mac lifted her head to meet his gaze. "Forever and for always."
Mac smiled, "We will be together all of our days."
In your eyes – I can still see
The look of the one who really loves me
The one who wouldn't put anything
Else in the world above me
I can still see love for me in your eyes
And there ain't no way –
I'm lettin' you go now
And there ain't no way –
And there ain't no how
I'll never see that day…
'Cause I'm keeping you
Forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every
Morning to your sweet face – always
'Cause I'm keeping you
Forever and for always
We will be together all of our days
Wanna wake up every
Morning to your sweet face – always
I'm keeping you forever and for always
I'm in your arms
~~~~~
"Okay, everyone, it's the time you've all been waiting for. Time to toss the garter and bouquet," announced the DJ, "If all the single men would please make their way out on to the dance floor." All the guys, including Gunny, Tiner, AJ, and Keeter, headed out to the middle of the floor.
"Hey, Subway, aren't you supposed to be out there too?" asked Lisa.
"I didn't think engaged men were considered single," he replied with a smile and kissed Bobbie on the cheek.
"What?" questioned Mac. Bobbie lifted her hand that had been entangled in Sturgis' most of the night. All the girls rushed over to see the sparkling diamond on her hand.
"When did this happen and why didn't you tell me?" asked Harm.
"Last week and we didn't want to steal any attention from you two," replied Bobbie.
"Congrats Sturgis, but are we going to see Mac's legs any time soon?" asked Keeter from the floor.
Harm and Mac both rolled their eyes and went to the dance floor. After tastefully removing Mac's pale blue garter, Harm was spun around and tossed it behind him. Even though he didn't really try, it landed right into Gunny's hands.
"Nice catch," said Harm with a smile. Mac had purposely spun him so his toss could reach Gunny.
"Thanks," replied Gunny and headed back to the side as the girls made their way out for the bouquet toss.
As Harm spun Mac, he winked at Chloe and the others girls, which just made Lisa roll her eyes. She had no idea it was a signal to the rest.
"All right Marine, fire," said Harm and Mac tossed the bouquet. Lisa caught it with ease and then immediately looked her boyfriend.
"I think we've been set up," she stated and Gunny nodded in agreement.
"So do I," he replied and they turned to look at Harm and Mac.
"We don't know what you are talking about," said Harm, trying his best to look innocent.
"Right," replied Lisa as Gunny led her out on the floor for their customary dance.
"You really think this one is going to last?" asked Mac as they watched Lisa and Gunny dance.
"Absolutely," replied Harm. "They are meant to be, just like us," he said and kissed her.
"Hmm, well, I hope they don't take as long as we did to get this far then," Mac stated and kissed her husband once again.
"Lisa," said Gunny as they danced. He didn't mind the set up, he got to have Lisa in his arms. Besides, he hoped that one day they would be heading down the isle. Lisa lifted her head off his shoulder and looked up at him.
"Yes Victor?" she asked. Gunny's gaze shifted for a second and Lisa sensed his odd behavior. "Is something wrong?" She wondered if the wedding jokes had scared him. She really hoped not, she really wanted that in their future.
Gunny shook his head and met her green eyes. "No, actually everything is perfect," he smiled. "I just wanted to tell you something, that's all."
"Okay," replied Lisa, slightly confused. Gunny lifted his hand and caressed her cheek.
"I love you," he whispered, saying the three little words yet to be exchanged between them. They had only been dating for three months, but he knew he had fallen for her from day one. He just hoped she felt the same way.
Lisa smiled, "I love you too." Gunny grinned and released the breath he had been holding. They kissed with more passion then ever before.
"I knew you would change my life when we shook hands back in March," Lisa stated when they parted.
"And this is just the beginning," he replied and sealed the deal with a kiss.
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The End