THE MOTHER OF ALL DATES
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While the others were in and around DC on their dates, Harm was at the airfield tending to Sarah. He had offered to give his date, whoever it was, a ride in Sarah and a catered picnic was provided. Mac showed up just as Harm was finishing up his preflight check.
"Hey there sailor," Mac said. "Are we ready?"
"Yes we are," Harm smiled. "Did you take care of everything?"
"You better believe it," Mac said showing Harm the bag.
"I logged our flight plan. We should be there in 2 hours." Harm said.
"I can't believe we're doing this," Mac said as she climbed into Sarah.
"Believe it," Harm said. "Are you ready?"
"Let's go," Mac said.
QUAKERTOWN AIRPORT – BUCKS COUNTY PA
Harm effortlessly landed Sarah and taxied to the hanger. When they made their way to the office, the car they had rented was waiting for them. They left the airport and made their way to New Hope and Lahaska.
Following the maps, they made their way to Peddler's Village in Lahaska PA and found their hotel. They checked into the Golden Plough Inn and were shown to their suite. It was an exceptionally large accommodation with king bed, double-sized whirlpool and fireplace.
"This is perfect," Mac said putting her arms around Harm.
"It's almost perfect," Harm smiled and kissed her. "What do you want to do first?"
"Let's just go exploring," Mac suggested.
New Hope and well as Peddler's Village, had more antique shops and things to do, than a person could cover in the short amount of time they were going to be there.
"That sound like a good idea," Harm said and off they went.
"Harm, they have a carousel here," Mac said pointing to the guide book.
They went to see the Grande Carousel. It was truly a work of art. It had over 950 clear bulbs and 46 hand-carved wood figures. There were thirty six scenery panels with oil-paintings of landscapes, children and animals. It was so beautiful and they stood and watched as it went around and around.
"We'll have to bring our kids back here one day," Harm said.
"That sounds so nice," Mac sighed, "Our kids."
"Where to now?" Harm asked.
"I don't know. We have 2 hours and 17 minutes. We could just walk around." Mac suggested.
They spent the next 2 hours and 17 minutes walking around Peddler's Village. When time was up they returned to their suite and hoped that their bags, which had been shipped the day before, had been delivered to the room. Luckily when they arrived, the bags were there.
"Do you want to shower first?" Harm asked.
"Thanks, I'll be right back." Mac said.
She went and took a shower, when she got out Harm had laid her clothes out for her and then he went to shower.
While Harm was showering, Mac got dressed and left Harm a note that she would be waiting for him in the lobby. Thirty minutes later, Harm joined her. Holding hands they walked out of the hotel, turning heads with every step they took.
"Harm, the car is over there," Mac said.
"We aren't taking the car," Harm smiled. "I arranged for transportation."
They walked in the other direction and waiting for them was a horse and carriage.
"You didn't tell me about this," Mac laughed.
"I wanted something to be a surprise," Harm smiled as he helped Mac in.
"Well you have succeeded." Mac said.
They took off and the driver chatted with them. He asked where they were from, what brought them to Pennsylvania, how long they were staying and all the other benign questions a person could ask. They finally arrived at their destination. Harm helped Mac out of the carriage and they walked towards the gazebo.
"This is so beautiful," Mac said with a huge smile.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Harm asked.
"I've never been more sure, how about you?" Mac asked.
"I'm ready," Harm said. "Let's go."
They stepped into the gazebo where the minister was waiting for them.
"Did you bring the papers?" He asked.
"We have everything," Harm said.
"You'll need witnesses," He stated.
"Can we just have one?" Harm asked.
"That will be fine," He replied.
Harm went back to the driver and asked him if he would mind being their witness. The driver smiled and agreed.
"If we're all ready," The minister said.
"We are," Mac smiled.
"Harmon, repeat after me." The Minister said. "In the name of God, I, Harmon, take you, Sarah, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death -- this is my solemn vow."
Harm said his vows and then the minister asked Mac to say hers.
"In the name of God, I, Sarah, take you, Harmon, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death -- this is my solemn vow."
"I know you both have something you want to say as you exchanged rings." The minister said as he handed Harm the ring.
"Mac, I love you. I am sorry it took so long for me to realize that the only way my life would be complete is to have you as my wife. I give you this ring as a symbol of my never ending love. Like the ring, our love has no beginning and no end. I want your face to be the first I see every morning and the last I see each night. You are my reason for breathing and I love you with all my heart." Harm said and slipped the ring on Mac's finger.
"Harm, I have loved you for so long. Each day my love for you has grown stronger and deeper. You have completed my life and made me feel safe. I give you this ring as a symbol of my never ending love. I began to breathe when I fell in love with you and that love will last long after I take my last breath. I love you with all my heart." Mac stated as she slipped the ring on his finger.
"In the sight of God and this witness, with the exchanging of vows and with the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce you husband and wife." The minister said. "What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."
"Can we kiss?" Harm asked.
"You may kiss the bride," The minister smiled.
"Thank you," Harm smiled as he leaned in and kiss Mac.
They walked back to the carriage and returned to the hotel.
"Well Mrs. Rabb, how does it feel?" Harm asked as approached the suite.
"I think Mrs. Nelson is going to be disappointed." Mac laughed and started to walk into the room.
"Hold on," Harm said and he picked Mac up. "It's tradition."
"I can think of another tradition," Mac said, "The wedding night."
Harm and Mac celebrated their marriage in the most traditional way. They never left the suite until it was time to return to the airport.
They flew back to Washington and went to Harm's to pick up some clothes. They had decided that Harm would move into Mac's place. The problem is going to be keeping it from everyone.
"MacKenzie," Mac said into the phone.
"Sarah, how was your date?" Dottie asked.
"We had a very nice time," Mac said. "Mrs. Nelson can I call you tomorrow?"
"Is Harm still there?" Dottie asked.
"No," Mac sighed. "But it is 10:47, I am a bit tired."
"Very well, I plan on coming by tomorrow." Dottie said. "We can talk then."
"That sounds lovely," Mac said with some sarcasm and hung up.
"What did she want?" Harm asked.
"To hear all about our date," Mac said. "She's coming to the office tomorrow."
"I think we should follow Sturgis's advice." Harm said.
"Which advice would that be?" Mac asked.
"Let her help us," Harm smiled. "Let's tell her we got married."
"Harm, are you crazy? She will tell everyone," Mac protested.
"Not if she knew our careers were at stake." Harm said.
"So how are we going to do this?" Mac asked.
"Tomorrow you take her into our confidence and let her in on the secret." Harm said as he pulled Mac into a hug and drifted off to sleep.
JAG OFFICES
Mr. and Mrs. Rabb arrived at work separately. They liked having this secret from everyone. They realized that eventually the truth would have to come out. The question was when. Hopefully, Mrs. Nelson would prove to be a good ally. They were taking a big risk by bringing her in on this, but either way it would be a risk.
"Good morning, Colonel." Harriet said. "How was your date with the Commander?"
"We had fun," Mac smiled. "Harm took me for a ride in Sarah and we had a picnic."
"I still can't get over Mrs. Nelson bidding on him for you. What was she thinking?" Harriet laughed.
"I wish I knew," Mac sighed. "That plane ride cost me a fortune."
"Good morning Harriet," Harm said coming in.
"Good morning Sir," Harriet smiled.
"Mac, could I speak with you a moment?" Harm asked.
"Of course," Mac smiled and followed Harm to his office.
HARM'S OFFICE
"Good morning Mrs. Rabb," Harm said and gave Mac a hug.
"I like the way that sounds," Mac said.
"Have you decided what you are going to say to Mrs. Nelson?" Harm asked.
"Not yet, I figure it will come to me while we are talking," Mac replied.
"You're not going to script it first?" Harm questioned.
"I don't think that's a good idea." Mac said. "If I do, it might come out wrong."
"Ok, you do what you think is best," Harm smiled. "I guess we better get to the meeting."
They went to their daily meeting and then back to their offices. The morning went by quickly and as if on cue, Mrs. Nelson arrived in time to whisk Mac off to lunch. Harm watched as the two women left the building. He said a silent prayer that everything would go as planned.
JAG COURTYARD
"Sarah, tell me everything." Mrs. Nelson encouraged.
"I have to ask," Mac said. "Why have you taken such an interest in my relationship with Commander Rabb?"
"From the moment I first saw you together, I knew you were meant to be," Mrs. Nelson said.
"Meant to be?" Mac asked.
"I see a future there," Mrs. Nelson smiled. "I want to make sure you see it as well."
"Dottie, can you keep a secret?" Mac asked with a smile.
"Of course, what is it?" Dottie asked.
"You know that Harm and I had our date this weekend," Mac said.
"Yes and I want details," Dottie said excitedly.
"We went to Bucks County," Mac said.
"Oh it's so nice there," Dottie said. "Where did you stay?"
"We stayed at Peddler's Village," Mac said.
"It's lovely there. The daughter of a friend of ours got married there." Dottie said.
"So did Harm and I," Mac said.
"Did you happen to see the carousel?" Dottie asked. "What did you just say?"
"I said Harm and I got married," Mac repeated.
"Oh my goodness!" Dottie yelled.
"Please, no one knows," Mac said quietly.
"This is wonderful. I knew I was right about you two." Dottie said. "What made you decide to get married, when did all this happen?"
"The truth is we have been together for a few months now," Mac said. "We were already dating when you invited us to your party."
"You little sneaks," Dottie laughed. "What can I do to help?"
"Aside from keeping it quiet," Mac laughed. "We aren't sure how tell the Admiral and the SecNav. We've broken several regs."
"Don't you worry about anything," Dottie said. "I will handle those silly regulations. You just enjoy married life."
"We're trying. It's a still very new." Mac said.
"Have you decided where you are going to live?" Dottie asked.
"Harm is moving into my place, but still keeping his for appearances." Mac said.
"That's wise," Dottie nodded. "I have some ideas. You just let me worry about everything."
Mac returned to her office after lunch. Harm eyed her from across the bullpen as she walked in. Mac looked at Harm and gave him a smile and a nod. This would work out. They hoped.
