Chapter 10 The Split

The days ahead were busy ones, both for Sherri and Harm. Wedding plans continued to be made. As time went on, Sherri got to know Col. McKenzie more and she also got to meet special agent Clayton Webb for the first time. Sherri wasn't to impressed with either Webb or the Col. She was smart enough to know that the Col. was Harm's friend and Sherri didn't want to make waves.

The night before the wedding dinner, Sherri spent the evening with Harm at his apartment and made final plans for the ceremony. Sherri thou that that it was good to have some time alone with Harm.

Finally, it was time for the wedding party dinner. It was held at the chapel on Andrews AFB where the ceremony would take place the next day.
Everything looked wonderful. The dinner was going to be served soon. Harm's JAG friends were there including Col. McKenzie. Sherri's Air Force friends, including Major Craig were also there.
"Everything looks fine." Barbara said to her daughter.
"Thanks mom. Have you seen Harm?"
"Not recently." Barbara answered.
Sherri wondered through the chapel building looking for Harm.
Unexpectedly, around the corner she heard, "Harm Mic gave up his country and his naval career to prove that he loved me. What would you give up? Would you leave Sherri on the eve of your wedding?" the Col. asked Harm.
Sherri stood dumbfounded as she waited for Harm to answer.
"Yes, Mac, I would give up Sherri." Harm answered.
Sherri couldn't believe her ears. She approached Harm and the Col. "Well, now he doesn't have to give me up. Everything is off. Things will be canceled by noon tomorrow." Sherri said with tears in her eyes as she removed the ring and put it in Harm's hand. "Here, maybe you should wear this, ma'am." Sherri left to inform their guests that the wedding would not be taking place.
"Attention, please. I have an announcement. The wedding between Cmdr. Rabb and myself will not take place tomorrow or any other day. You may pick up your gifts on the table as you leave." Sherri was in tears.
Major Craig tried to comfort Sherri, but it didn't work.
"Tom, I just want to be alone now, please."
"OK, but if you want to talk I am here."
By that time the chapel was empty. Everyone had gone home.

Days past. At work, Sherri was notified that she had orders to be deployed to Afghanistan in three days.

"Sherri, Harm keeps calling for you, he wants to talk" Barbara told her daughter.
"Mother, I don't care if he does want to talk to me. I have nothing to say to him. He hurt me. I'm focusing on preparing to be deployed and spending some time with Chris."
"Whatever you think. Just think about calling him." Sherri's mother said.
"I will mother." Sherri walked off knowing that her mother was right. Just because Harm acted poorly was no reason for her to act crudely.

After work the next day, Sherri stopped by Harm's apartment north of Union station in DC. She always felt comfortable there. She hoped that Harm would be there. She knocked on the door.
Harm answered the door, he looked shocked to see her. "Hi Sherri. I've been trying to call you."
"I know. I'm sorry. I was just exasperated with what happened at the chapel."
"Forgive me?" Harm held out his arms toward her.
""It's not a matter of forgiveness, Harm. It's a matter of trust. I wasn't aware of just how good of friends you and Col. McKenzie really were. I trusted that you loved only me when you asked me to marry you."
"I do love you, Sherri."
"That's not why I'm here. I'm here to tell you that I've received orders. I'm being deployed to Afghanistan in three days. I felt like I owed it to you to tell you in person. Good bye, Harm."
"Sherri, please stay." Harm begged as Sherri left. Tears were in his eyes.

"Damn you, Harm. Don't you know that I will always love you? Sherri uttered to herself as she drove home on a quiet Washington night.