Disclaimer: JAG and its characters are the property of Bellisarius Productions, Donald P. Bellisario, CBS, and Paramount.

"The Long and Winding Road" is the property of John Lennon and Paul MacCartney.
Chapter 7 Mission 3,2,1

2400 ZULU

Admiral Chegwidden's Home McLean, VA

The scene is the Rehearsal Dinner. The rehearsal has taken place with Petty Officer Coates substituting for Mac. Mac and Harm don't need anything that even resembles bad luck. Gathered at the Admiral's house are Trish, Sarah, Mac, Harm, Sergei, Alex, Bud, Harriet, Tiner, Gunny, Jennifer Coates, Meredith, Sturgis, Clayton Webb, Bobbi Lathom, Francesca (Admiral Chegwidden's daughter), AJ Roberts, Sergei's fiancee Galena, Chaplain Turner, Chloe, Webb's date Elizabeth Perkins, and Gunny's date Gloria.

Admiral: I would like to clear up any questions you might have about yesterday. I was informed late this afternoon that I have been cleared of any pending charges. The justice department has verified that the terrorists that took Commander Rabb hostage were linked to a Syrian terrorist group. They had only been in this country for two days and had entered by traveling with the diplomatic corps. The Syrian government is in negotiations with our State Department about future visitors and what clearance precautions must be taken. We also have a good report that Frank is much improved, but still unable to make it to this evening's festivities.

In Frank's absence, Trish has asked me to act as host this evening. I'd like to break tradition by proposing the first toast of the evening to someone other than the bride and groom. To Frank Burnett, may we each possess the fortitude to act with such bravery outside of our comfort zones.

Group: Hear, hear.

Admiral: My second toast is to Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, soon to be Rabb. Many years ago, a visitor to JAG said that we were all just a little bit in love with her, and so we were. My wish is that she will receive all the love she deserves, even from a Naval Aviator.

Group: Oooh Rah.

Admiral: Okay, third toast. To Commander Harmon Rabb, the man has excelled in the air, before the bar, and now in the choice of a wife. May you never crash and burn.

Group: Go Navy!

Admiral: The buffet is set up in the dining room. Chaplain Turner will ask the blessing. After that, please help yourselves to the food. Chaplain?

Chaplain Turner: Dear Lord, we thank you for this occasion, for your hand of protection in delivering this couple here, and for the vows that will be taken tomorrow. Bless the marriage that you have brought together. Give Harm and Sarah a long and fruitful union. May we, as witnesses, always endeavor to strengthen the bonds of this union.

Bless this food to our bodies, and us to Your service.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

The group moves into the dining room.

Alex walks up to Francesca and introduces himself.

Alex: Hello. I am Alex.

Francesca: Hello Alex. I don't think we've ever met. I'm Francesca, Admiral Chegwidden's daughter.

Alex: You are not American.

Francesca: Yes I am an American, but I am also an Italian.

Alex: Italy is the home of the world's most beautiful women. You are no exception.

Francesca: And where is your home?

Alex: I am Russian.

Francesca: How do you know Harm?

Alex: He is my friend. He came to Russia to help us reform our military justice code. I am also an attorney, but I am an Army officer, not a Naval officer.

Francesca: Do you come to America often?

Alex: Whenever I can find a reason. Do you?

Francesca: I live in New York and travel to Europe to cover fashion shows. I am a journalist.

Alex: Will you be at the wedding tomorrow?

Francesca: Of course.

Alex: Will you save me a dance?

Francesca: What did you have in mind?

Alex: I have every dance in mind, but I'll settle for a waltz.

Francesca: Is it true that all Russian officers must take dancing lessons?

Alex: Dance with me and you'll find out.

Francesca: Consider it a deal.

Harm: It looks like Alex has discovered Francesca.

Mac: I never thought of them as a couple, but it works, doesn't it?

Harm: Oh, sure, and meeting the girl's father would be so pleasant!

Mac: You know, sometimes I hope we only have girls.

Harm: What? Why?

Mac: I want to watch you sweat all the nights that they are out with boys just like Harmon Rabb.

Harm: My girls can't date aviators.

Mac: Why, I did.

Harm: Most of them don't have the self-control that I have.

Mac: Oh right!
Sarah Rabb walks over to Trish.

Sarah: Trish, I want you to stay with Harm tonight at his apartment.

Trish: Well, I know that was the plan but I need to be with Frank.

Sarah: I'll stay with Frank at the hospital.

Trish: Sarah, I couldn't ask you to do that.

Sarah: You didn't ask. I volunteered. I want to do it. I want you to have tonight with Harm.

Trish: Thank you, Sarah. That's one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me.

Sarah: Go tell your son.

Webb: Admiral, I'd like you to meet Elizabeth Perkins. She works in my office.

Admiral: Elizabeth, a beautiful name. Are you always called Elizabeth?

Elizabeth: Well, sometimes people call me Betsy.

Admiral (smiling): Really? Does Clayton ever call you that?

Elizabeth: Well, sometimes, but not usually at the office.

Webb: Admiral, don't go down this road.

Admiral: So would you say that Betsy is his pet name for you?

Elizabeth: Well, I guess, yes.

Admiral: Gotcha Webb. Remember two little words from yesterday "Me too"?

Elizabeth blushes.

Webb: I told you that she wished me luck on the mission. Really, Admiral, it was a simple thing. Elizabeth, I want you to meet Harm and Mac and forget this grouch!

Admiral: Elizabeth, I'll look forward to seeing more of you, now that I know just how important you are to Webb.

Harm: If I could have everyone's attention, I'd like to do something that I'll never have the nerve to do tomorrow in front of more people. Sarah, if you'll sit here, on this arm of this chair. Bud, hand me my guitar, please.

Harm sits down in the wing chair. Mac sits on the arm.

Harm: This is for you.

The long and winding road that leads to your door Will never disappear I've seen that road before. It always leads me here. Leads me to your door.

The wild and windy night that the rain washed away Has left a pool of tears Crying for the day Why leave me standing here Let me know the way

Many times, I've been alone Many times, I've cried Anyway, you'll never know The many times I've tried

And still they lead me back to the long and winding road You left me standing here A long, long time ago Don't leave me waiting here Lead me to your door.

Many times, I've been alone And many times I've tried Anyway, you'll never know The many times I've tried

But still they lead me back to the long and winding road You left me standing here A long, long time ago Don't keep me waiting here Lead me to your door.
Harm: Sarah, I'm sorry the road has been long and winding, but I'm not sorry that it has always led me to your door.

Mac: Thank you, Harm.

The group cheers.

Mac: I'm sorry to be a party pooper, but I have a big day tomorrow. Harriet, whenever you and Bud are ready, Chloe and I will be too.

Chloe: Harm, are you saving a dance for me tomorrow?

Harm: You bet. Anything you want.

Chloe: Anything?

Harm: Mac, make sure that she's reasonable. I'm not doing some mosh pit thing.

Chloe: Never a mosh pit, Harm!

Admiral: Harriet, do you promise that this will be a good band?

Harriet: This is going to be the best wedding band you've ever heard, Sir.

Mac: Comfortable shoes, everyone. We're going to dance the night away!

Harm and Mac walk out on the porch together.

Harm: This brings back some memories, doesn't it?

Mac: You told me that you loved me, not directly so that I could understand it, but you wanted to say it, didn't you?

Harm: I had to learn the hard way to be direct. How's this? I love you. I think I started in that Rose Garden. I knew it in Russia, the first time. I have blown it so many times with you that I will forever be grateful that you gave me so many chances. The next time I see you, you will be just a few minutes away from becoming my wife.

Mac: Are you nervous?

Harm: Nothing has ever felt so right.

Mac: Okay. So stay out of planes. Stay away from Webb. Please, I just want this to happen!

Harm: This is the last time I have to say good night without holding you the whole night.

Mac: I'm sure there will be times when we're separated overnight.

Harm: Not if I have anything to say about it.

Mac: Good Night, Harm.

Harm: Good Night, Sarah.

They kiss and Mac skips down the steps and into the van with Bud, Harriet, AJ, and Chloe. Harm watches them drive away.

Webb: Harm, I need to talk to you.

Harm: Mac just told me to stay away from you.

Webb: Why would she say that?

Harm: She thinks you'll get me killed before the wedding.

Webb: Look, that was a freak thing that happened. You know these middle Easterners bounce people in and out of their embassies faster than we can check them out. They all travel on diplomatic passports. Those guys weren't even in our registry. I know Mac's nervous. We're putting a detail outside your hotel room tomorrow.

Harm: No, you're not. Keep your people away. Keep your bugs out. This is our honeymoon. Tomorrow night is sacred, Webb.

Webb: I wouldn't bug your room, Harm. What kind of person do you think I am?

Harm: Stay away from us and keep your operatives away too.

Webb: Look, I couldn't get your date to leave changed. I did arrange for you to have a week in Scotland before going to Iraq though. British intelligence owed us one, so we're collecting. You'll be in a castle on the Scottish coast, very secure, very remote. There aren't any restaurants, so you'll have to cook.

Harm: That sounds nice. You must feel guilty for yesterday.

Webb: I do. I'm going to feel even guiltier for what I'm about to ask you.

Harm: Oh no.

Webb: Harm, this mission didn't start out to be real. You weren't really supposed to fall in love with her, you know.

Harm: Well, I thank you for the kick in the six that got me started.

Webb: What I mean is, things could get sticky if Mac should become

Harm: Pregnant?

Webb: Well, yes.

Harm: No promises, Webb. We want a family.

Webb: But couldn't you postpone?

Harm: That's Mac's decision. I'll talk to her. If she says no, it's no.

Webb: That's fair enough.

Harm: Hey, Clay?

Webb: Yes.

Harm: Who is the girl? She's gorgeous.

Webb: I know. She also speaks five languages fluently and holds a black belt in karate.

Harm: So what are your plans?

Webb: It's complicated. I work with her.

Harm: You've watched me and haven't learned a thing?

Webb: She's young, only 27, and she's very ambitious with her career. I want her to be happy.

Harm: So ask her what she wants.

Webb: You think?

Harm: Go for it, Webb, tomorrow.

Trish walks out of the house.

Trish: Harm, I'm ready. Can we stop by the hotel and get my things?

Harm: Absolutely. Does Grandma need a ride?

Trish: She already packed her bag. Sergei and Galena are taking her to the hospital. I am growing fond of Sergei, Harm. Galena's a doll. Your grandmother is very smitten with both of them.

Harm: It's a good feeling, isn't it, Mom? I feel like life's pieces are falling together for me.

Trish: I'm glad for you. Mac's the perfect mate for you.

Harm and Trish leave together.

Sergei, Galena, Alex, and Sarah Rabb leave behind them.

Sturgis offers to drive Bobbi Lathom home after he takes his father to the hotel. She accepts.

Jennifer and Tiner leave the house together.

Tiner: Jen, why don't I follow you home, just to make sure you're safe?

Jen: I'm sure I'll be okay, Jason.

Tiner: Please?

Jen: Okay. See you later, Victor. Bye Gloria.

Gunny and Gloria leave in Gunny's truck.

Inside the house, AJ and Meredith sit on the couch and stare into the fire.

AJ: I'd like for us to get married, Meredith.

Meredith: Really? I thought you were a confirmed bachelor.

AJ: Do you think I'm too old for you?

Meredith: No.

AJ: I thought you wanted children.

Meredith: Is there an age limit on fatherhood?

AJ: No, but I don't want to be in a nursing home when the kid graduates from high school.

Meredith: I guess we ought to get busy then.

AJ: Really?

Meredith: Really.

AJ: Then will you wear this? He pulls a ring box out of his pocket.

Meredith: So you weren't just hypothesizing?

AJ: I never hypothesize. I stick with the facts, darlin'

Meredith: Really?

AJ: You can take it to the bank.

AJ slides off the couch, gets on one knee.

AJ: Meredith, you would make me the happiest man alive if you would consent to be my wife.

Meredith: Oh yes!

FLASH!

Francesca snaps a picture of her father on one knee with a ring box in his hand.

Francesca: Oh, Papa. You did it. Meredith: I'm so happy.

AJ: Thank you, Francesca.
0300 ZULU

Bethesda Naval Hospital Bethesda, Maryland

Sarah Rabb enters Frank's hospital room

Sarah: Hello, Frank. How are you feeling?

Frank: Mrs. Rabb, I didn't expect to see you here.

Sarah: Well, you're stuck with me for the night.

Frank: Where's Trish?

Sarah: I insisted that she spend the night with Harm. The last night before your son marries is a special time.

Frank: You're right. I'm glad you insisted. You don't have to stay here though.

Sarah: Well, I'm not calling those crazy Russians for another ride. Besides, you and I have some things that need to be said.

Frank: I'm all ears, Mrs. Rabb.

Sarah: First of all, I want you to stop calling me "Mrs. Rabb". You can call me Sarah or Grandma, although I'd prefer Sarah. I'm certainly not old enough to be your grandmother.

Frank: Consider it done, Sarah.

Sarah: Secondly, I want to thank you for all that you've done for Harm. You've been a good stepfather, Frank. My own son couldn't have done any better by Harmon. I want you to stop feeling like you're second string. God took my son. God brought you into Harm's life. Who are we to question God?

Frank: Thank you, Sarah.

Sarah: Thirdly, I want you to have a copy of my will.

Frank: What?

Sarah: Now, I'm an old woman. I may be old but I'm not stupid. I had my attorney draw up two different wills for me and I brought both of them with me. Now that I've met Sergei, I've chosen the will I want to use. I'm destroying the other one. I'll give you the copy of the will I want used. As soon as I get home, I'll call my attorney and tell him which one to destroy. However, if for some reason I don't get home, you'll have to tell him.

Frank: I don't know what you mean.

Sarah: I like Sergei. I'm convinced he's Harm's son. As such, he's my heir as well as Harm. So, the gist of it is that I'm leaving my farm to Sergei. Harm has his own farm now. The money that I have will be split equally between the boys. I brought all of the sentimental items that I thought Harm would want with me. That includes letters that his dad wrote to me, furniture, and things that belonged to my husband. Sergei will need a little money to get started, if he wants to keep the farm. Anyway, I want Sergei to be able to live in America if he wants. I want your promise that you'll see to it that my wishes are carried out.

Frank: Well, I'm sure that won't happen for a long time.

Sarah: We have no guarantees in this life, Frank. After yesterday's events, you should realize that.

Frank: I'm thankful to be alive, Sarah.

Sarah: Have you asked the doctor about the wedding tomorrow?

Frank: Trish won't let me.

Sarah: Frank, I'll be here in the morning when the doctor makes his rounds. Why don't you leave it to me?

Frank: I think this is the beginning of a very interesting friendship, Sarah.
28 MARCH 2003 1100 ZULU

Harm's Apartment North of Union Station

Harm lifts his head off the pillow on the couch. Trish is in the kitchen starting coffee.

Harm: Morning, Mom.

Trish: Hello, darling. Did I wake you by making too much noise?

Harm: No, I think I'm starting to develop Mac's internal clock thing.

Trish: How's your head feel?

Harm: Actually, not too bad. (pulls the bandage back) How's it look?

Trish: It doesn't look too bad. The shaved section in the middle of the back of your head isn't real attractive, but other than that.

Harm: I know. I think I may have a way to fix that. I'll have to wait until at least eight to make the call though.

Trish: Is this something I want to know? Remember that this day will be chronicled in photographs for many years.

Harm: Don't remind me!

Trish: Are any of your academy friends coming, Harm?

Harm: Keeter will be here. Sturgis is already here. Luke's dead.

Trish: And Annie?

Harm: I don't think so, Mom.

Trish: Speaking of former girlfriends-

Harm: Let's see, Kate, no, Jordan, no, Renee, no, but she did send a gift.

Trish: Really, what?

Harm: She sent a picture of Mac and me, taken when Mac was with Mic, and I was dating Renee. She sent it in a Waterford frame. The funny thing is that the picture is almost three years old and I'm looking at Mac like a lovestruck schoolboy.

Trish: From what I hear, you had that look on your face more than once.

Harm: Well, I guess I can have it honestly now.

Trish: Shall I start the pancakes?

Harm: Did you bring strawberries?

Trish: Do I know what my boy likes?

Harm: Thanks, Mom. You've been such a wonderful mother.

Trish: It was easy to be a good mom when I had such a great son.

Harm: Even when I'm difficult?

Trish: You had to get a few of your father's traits.

Harm: Was he difficult?

Trish: He was a man of few words, Harm. For you to be a lawyer and make your living with words is quite out of character for a Rabb man.

Harm: Sometimes I hope that Mac and I have only girls.

Trish: Really, why?

Harm: I don't know. Maybe so I'm not tempted to have a Harmon Rabb, III.

Trish: I don't think you will, honey. If you do, he'll evolve. Look at you.

Harm: Mom, I'm almost forty. I met the woman I love when I was thirty-two. It took me over seven years to get my act together. I could have kids, several kids, by now. Mac's thirty-five! It's killing me that I've wasted so many years. I would hope that a son of mine could recognize a good thing faster than seven years.

Trish: Harm, maybe the key is for his father to be around to show him the way.

Harm: Maybe it is, Mom.

Trish: Are you getting nervous, Harm?

Harm: About the wedding?

Trish: Well, yes, about the wedding.

Harm: Not the ceremony. I want this desperately. I'm a little nervous about the honeymoon.

Trish: I didn't think we'd have to have THAT talk.

Harm: Mom, I understand the biology. I just want it to be, well, good.

Trish: Competing against Brumby's memory, Harm?

Harm: Well.

Trish: How would you feel if you heard Mac expressing the same apprehensions and comparing herself to Renee?

Harm: Mom, there's no comparison. One was, well, physical with some fondness. Mac is, well, I love her.

Trish: Do you really think that doesn't make a difference?

Harm: Turn around so I can't see your face when I ask you this.

Trish: What?

Harm: You're my mother. I can't see your face when you answer this.

Trish (turns around): Ask your question, Harmie.

Harm: Does love make a difference?

Trish: Night and day, Harm.

Harm: Really?

Trish: So does commitment. There's no regret , no guilt, no awkward moments.

Harm: Mom?

Trish: Yes?

Harm: You can turn around now.

Trish: Good, let's eat.

1200 ZULU

Roberts' Home Arlington, VA

Mac is sleeping with Chloe when the door opens and AJ sneaks into the room. He gets within about three inches of Mac's face. His breath on her cheek wakes her.

Mac (smiling): Hey, buddy. What are you doing?

AJ: Hi Aunt Mac. Today is our big day.

Mac: Really? What happens today?

AJ: You get to marry Uncle Harm. I get to carry the pillow with the rings. Then we go to the big party and we both get to dance! My dad says that the food at the party will be great. All our friends will be there, Uncle AJ, Sturgis, Uncle Tiner, and Gunny. I get to stay up late tonight too.

Mac: Where are your parents?

AJ: They are still in bed, snuggling.

Mac: Really?

AJ: I think they like to talk when they are snuggling. They kiss too; I've seen them!

Mac: So do you think you and I should go make breakfast for everybody?

AJ: Well, what will we make?

Mac: What would you like?

AJ: I like scrambled eggs and sausage. If you cut them for me, I can put the bagels in the toaster.

Mac: I can do that. Let's go before we wake Chloe.
Bethesda Naval Hospital

Lt. Commander George Skinner walks into Frank's room.

Skinner: Mr. Burnett, how are you feeling?

Frank: I feel stronger all the time.

Skinner: Your wounds seem to be healing nicely. You'll have to start therapy on that shoulder next week.

Frank: When can I go home?

Skinner: Possibly Monday.

Frank: My stepson is getting married today. Could I possibly attend?

Skinner: I think that's out of the question. You're still weak from the surgery and from the blood loss. You can't walk without assistance.

Sarah: What about if he went in a wheelchair?

Skinner: Well, that would eliminate the need for him to be walking around.

Sarah: What if I told you that he'd be gone for five hours or less?

Skinner: Well -

Sarah: If he just sits in a wheelchair and watches the wedding, goes to the reception and eats some decent food, what's the harm?

Skinner: What time?

Sarah: He'll need to leave at 1:30. I'll have him back by seven.

Skinner: What happened to the five hours or less.

Sarah: I'm winning the argument so I'm pushing for more concessions.

Skinner: What does Mrs. Burnett think?

Frank: Well, she doesn't know. Please, doctor, I want to be with my wife at the wedding of our only child.

Skinner: Oh, I'm a sucker for a wedding story. Okay. I'll write the order.

Sarah: With decisiveness like that, you'll be a Commander soon, Doctor.

Skinner: Know any admirals with pull?

Sarah: Well, the SecNav will be at the wedding.

Skinner: Put in a good word for me.
1500 ZULU

Roberts' House

Harriet answers the ringing doorbell.

Harriet: Jennifer, you're here! Isn't this exciting!

Coates: I'm supposed to help with nails and make-up.

Harriet: Oh, all the ladies are coming here. We're going to have such fun! Bud, it's time for you and AJ to LEAVE. The ladies are arriving.

Bud begins to descend the stairs, carrying a garment bag.

Harriet: Do you have your uniform?

Bud: Yes.

Harriet: AJ's tux?

Bud: Yes.

Harriet: Shoes?

Bud: Both pairs, AJ's and mine.

Harriet: Saber?

Bud: In the car. Are you sure I can't stay and help you get dressed?

Harriet: Bud!

Bud: Where's our suitcase for tonight?

Harriet: It's in the laundry room. Can you get it?

Bud: Are you sure you want AJ to come back here and stay with your parents?

Harriet: Bud, they want us to have a night away. That's why they are staying here instead of at the hotel. Let's just be gracious and say thank you to them.

Bud: So does that mean I get to help you undress?

Harriet (whispers in his ear, then): Isn't the Commander waiting for you?

Bud: I'll see you in a few hours. Don't let the Colonel get cold feet. AJ, let's go buddy. We're off for some male bonding.

Harm's Apartment

Sergei and Alex have arrived. Trish finishes packing her overnight bag.

Trish: It's time for me to take my leave. I want to go over to the hospital and check on Frank. Then I'm going to meet the ladies at Harriet's house. The limos are picking us up there.

Harm: Limos?

Trish: You didn't expect Mac to drive herself in a gown did you?

Harm: Well, somebody could have picked her up or something

Trish: It's such a small thing, I offered to hire a couple limos.

Harm, kisses his mother: I'll see you at the chapel.

As Trish opens the door to leave, Bud and AJ walk in. Sturgis comes down the hall carrying a TV.

Trish: I don't think I want to know.

Sturgis: Mrs. Burnett, we're men. We're Navy men. We can be ready in fifteen minutes, spit and polish. What are we going to do for three and a half hours before it's time to leave?

Trish: So what are you going to do?

Sturgis: There will be something on one of the sports' channels.

Trish: Good-bye, boys. And I do mean boys.

Harm: Sturgis, did you call Gunny?

Sturgis: Yes.

Harm: When is he going to get here?

Sturgis: He'll be here any minute. Are you sure you want to do this, Harm? Mac may hate it.

Harm: That little Marine will be drooling over it.

Bud: What are you doing?

Harm: I'm getting a hair cut.

Bud: What do you mean? You always go to the Navy barber.

Harm: Bud, look at the back of my head. Do you see something that resembles a bald spot roughly the size of a tangerine?

Bud: Well, yes, but those staples are really helping things heal, sir.

Harm: Well, I'm going to attempt to blend that bald spot in with a change in hairstyle.

Bud: Are you going for the Admiral Chegwidden look?

Sturgis begins to laugh.

Harm: No, I thought I'd get a modified Marine cut.

Bud: You're going for the Jarhead look, sir?

Harm: Modified, Bud, modified.

Bud: Sir, I think you might want to reconsider and go for the Admiral look.

There's a knock at the door.

Sergei opens the door to Gunny, Tiner, and Admiral Chegwidden.

Harm: Gunny, is that barber coming?

Gunny: Well, sir, I got his clippers, but he can't come.

Harm: So who's going to cut my hair?

Gunny: Sir, I can do it.

Admiral: What are you doing, Commander?

Harm: Sir, I don't want a big bald spot in the pictures. Gunny was supposed to bring a Marine barber over to shave the back of my head so that I don't have a bald spot surrounded by hair. Now the barber can't come so Gunny thinks he can do it.

Admiral: Gunny, have you cut hair before?

Gunny: No, sir.

Admiral: Give me the clippers.

Harm: Uh, sir, I know that you're a man of many talents, but have you cut hair before, sir?

Admiral: I cut mine every morning.

Bud and Sturgis can't stop laughing.

Harm: Well, uh, sir, no offense, but I'd like you to leave a little more of mine than you do of yours.

AJ: Uncle AJ, is Uncle Harm's head going to be shiny like yours?

By this time, the men are scattering around the apartment because they are laughing so hard.

Admiral: You are all so lucky that this is after hours. Go ahead, have your laugh at my expense. Are you ready, Commander?

Harm: What's the worst that can happen?

Bud: You could look the Admiral!

Admiral: You may be next, Roberts.

The Admiral expertly clips Harm's hair with the clippers. He leaves the top and front unchanged but tapers the back to blend the shaved section where Harm's stitches and staples are.

Alex: Admiral, sir, you did a fine job. Harm, it looks good.

Harm: Gunny, how's it look?

Gunny: Semper Fi, Commander.

Harm: Sergei?

Sergei: You may want to consider adopting this look permanently, Harm.

Admiral: Captain?

Alex: Yes, sir?

Admiral: Did I notice a flirtation between you and my daughter last night?

Alex: Well, sir, I found your daughter to be very interesting, quite intelligent.

Admiral: You didn't think she was pretty?

Alex: Yes, I did, but her mind was so intriguing that it overshadowed her beauty.

Admiral: You Russians can really sling the manure. Just mind your manners. I'm still the Papa.

Alex: I plan to be on my best diplomatic behavior around Francesca tonight.

Harm: What are you negotiating, Alex?

Admiral: Commander! Francesca is not some babe.

Sergei: She sure isn't. She's a major babe, right Alex?

Admiral: Now that I've determined that you adolescents are remaining true to your IQ's, I'm going to leave. I have to pick up my, well pickup Meredith.

Harm: Your what?

Sturgis: Yes, Admiral, what is Meredith to you these days?

Sergei: Is she your major babe, sir?

Admiral: Well, you may as well be among the first to know that Meredith and I became engaged last night.

Sturgis: Ready guys? BOM! BOM! BOM! ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST!

The group begins dancing around the room singing, "Another one bites the dust."

Bud: Admiral, Commander, welcome to my world. You know, guys, statistics have proven repeatedly that married men have more sex than single men do.

Harm and Admiral: REALLY?

Bud smiles.

Admiral: Well, put her there, buddy. (Shakes Harm's hand).

The bachelors stand looking at each other.

Sturgis: Who does these surveys anyway?

Harm: Admiral, can I ask you for a favor?

Admiral: Sure, what do you need?

Harm: Can you stop by Bud and Harriet's and make sure Mac's okay?

Admiral: Why wouldn't she be okay?

Harm: I just don't want her to get cold feet.

Admiral: What about you? Are you getting cold feet?

Harm: After what Bud just said, no way!

Admiral: I have to drop Meredith off there anyway. I'll check on her.
1730 ZULU

Roberts' Home

Bell rings.

Jennifer opens the door to Meredith and the Admiral.

Admiral: Hello, Petty Officer. Are the women decent?

Coates: They are all in robes, sir. That's decent.

Harriet, Mac, Chloe, and Trish all appear in hot rollers and robes.

Mac: Admiral! Is everything okay?

Admiral: Everything is just fine. Your fiancé wanted me to check on you.

Mac: Why?

Admiral: He wanted me to check the temperature of your feet.

Mac: Why, are his cold?

Admiral: Actually, when I left him, they were quite warm thanks to Lt. Roberts.

Mac: What?

Meredith: I'll fill you in when AJ leaves. He told me the story on the way over.

Admiral: Mac, is everything okay?

Trish: AJ, I'll make sure she doesn't leave my baby boy waiting at the altar. Go get yourself ready. You need to be there in an hour. Shoo! The photographer will be here in a half-hour for the pictures of the bride.

Admiral kisses Meredith lightly on the lips: See you later. (leaves)

Harriet: Meredith, tell us the story.

Meredith realizes that she can't tell them the story without revealing that she and the Admiral are engaged.

Meredith: I'll tell you what. Let's all get dressed and if we have time before the limos get here, I'll tell you the story.

The women all head upstairs.

Chloe wears a sapphire blue satin sleeveless dress with a tank bodice. Harriet's dress has the same neckline but has an empire waist with an inverted pleat to camouflage her belly. Trish wears a sage green chiffon dress with matching pumps. Meredith wears a coral colored strapless gown with a chiffon beaded bolero jacket. Jennifer wears a pale pink strapless taffeta dress.

Harriet begins to help Mac get dressed. Mac's gown is ivory silk with a fitted bodice and a v-back with tiny covered buttons fastening the back. Mac pulls it on over a strapless bra that fastens at the waist. She's wearing silk tap pants and hose. The women all move in to help with all the buttons on the back of the dress and on the ¾ length sleeves. The skirt of the dress is full but free of sequins or beads.

Meredith: Francesca would say that your gown is classic elegance. You are a stunning bride, Mac.

Trish: My words exactly.

Mac: Can someone help me with this veil?

Mac wears a small pillbox hat with a fingertip veil.

Mac: Okay, how's my make-up?

Harriet: I think your lipstick should be a little brighter. You don't want to look washed out.

Mac: Good point.

Trish: Okay. Now for our check off:

Something old?

Mac: The sapphire slide on my pearls.

Trish: Something new?

Mac: My pearls

Trish: Something borrowed?

Mac: Harriet, your pearl bracelet.

Harriet: Let me get it.

Trish: Something blue?

Mac: Sapphire slide is doing double duty.

Meredith: And a tuppence for luck in your shoe. (hands Mac a tuppence from England)

Mac: In my shoe? Will it hurt?

Meredith: Of course not. Take it out after the ceremony.

Mac: Earrings! What am I going to wear for earrings?

Trish: Get my jewelry case. I'm not sure if I brought my pearl earrings.

Meredith: Here Mac, wear mine.

Meredith reaches up to her ear to take out her earrings and Harriet begins to smile.

Harriet: Meredith?

Meredith: Yes, Harriet?

Harriet: Have you received any new jewelry lately?

Meredith smiles: Why do you ask, dear?

Mac: Oh my goodness! Meredith, are you? Did the Admiral? AAAAHHHHH!

Chloe: Nobody better ever say that my friends and I are immature. You women are too much.

Harriet: Oh, I'm so happy! Is this why you didn't tell us the story earlier?

Meredith: Oh, yes. Chloe, cover your ears, child.

Mac: Like she doesn't know more than I do!

Meredith: I guess AJ told the men this morning. Sturgis began leading the singing of "Another One Bites the Dust." Then Bud welcomed Harm and AJ to his married men club and told them that he'd had to put up with this nonsense for years. Then he quoted a statistic that married men have more sex than bachelors do and that shut them all up.

Coates: Do they really?

Meredith: Let's ask our married women. Harriet? Trish?

Trish and Harriet just smile.

Meredith: Well?

Harriet: Find out for yourselves.

Mac: Meredith, when's the wedding?

Meredith: I don't know. I was thinking about June. I always wanted to be a June bride.

Harriet: The photographer's here and here comes the florist with the flowers. Ladies, it's show time!

Mac: Where are my shoes? I bought nice comfortable shoes for this day.

Meredith: Put the tuppence in! You need all the luck you can get.

Harriet: Meredith!

Meredith: She's been shot at more times than any woman I know!
1930 ZULU

Naval Observatory Chapel Washington, DC

Brides' Room

Harriet, Chloe, and Mac stare out the window watching the last few guests arrive.

Chloe: Mac, isn't that the spy guy?

Mac: Webb?

Chloe: Yeah. Whoa, who's the babe?

Mac: Harriet, who is that? Was that the girl at the rehearsal dinner last night?

Harriet: It sure is. My, that dress certainly shows off her figure to every advantage!

Mac: Remind me, Harm doesn't dance with her at the reception.

Harriet: Why not?

Mac: With his height? He'll stare right down that neckline!

Harriet: Mac, he only has eyes for you.

Mac: He may be marrying me, but he's not dead!

There's a knock at the door.

Admiral: Are we ready?

Harriet: Chloe and I will be right out.

Harriet: Mac, I love you. I hope you have a long, happy marriage with Harm.

Chloe: My dream is finally coming true.

Mac: It's my dream too.

Harriet and Chloe leave.

Admiral embraces Mac.

Admiral: It's not too late to back out, Mac.

Mac: Do you want me to?

Admiral: No, but I'm afraid I'll kill him if he doesn't make you happy.

Mac: He's come a long way, even in the last month.

Admiral: I've noticed.

Mac: Admiral, it's time.

Admiral: Let's not keep a Marine with perfect timing waiting.

End of Chapter 7

Author's Notes: Chapter 8 is finished, but I have to research a couple of items before posting it. What I really need is a beta reader, I think, preferably a die-hard JAG junkie. So check for Chapter 8 on Saturday night or Sunday.