(Standard disclaimers apply, please read and review.)
My meeting with the SECNAV was not going quite as planned. I was hoping to get some troops into Liberia, to find Harm and Mac, but he just didn't want to help me.
"AJ you have to understand that we are doing the best we can, to find your officers, but adding extra troops is out of the question. We have every available troop in Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan." He tried to explain calmly, but I could tell his patience was wearing thin, but not nearly as thin as mine.
"Well if your not going to send an extra man in for that search, I have a few of my own that would be glad to do the job," I said meaning me.
"Think about it AJ, your offices have what, four boys? And am I correct to assume that some of your other officers are watching them?"
"Yes," I said, knowing where he was going with this.
"Well then don't you think you should be here with those boys, making sure they are okay. Harm and Mac have gotten out of worse spots then this, but they'll be okay. But can you honestly say the same thing for their boys?"
When I didn't answer, he stood and shook his head sadly. "I know you want to find your officers AJ, and so does every marine at that base. There are doing everything in their power to find them. The most you can do for them is take care of their boys," he said. And without waiting for a response, he left.
A few minutes after he left, I had to admit that he was right. I haven't been doing a very good job of taking care of those boys, but that was all going to change. Starting now.
I called Sturgis, Bud, Harriet, Jen, Tiner and even Singer (A/N: Remember she's not dead in my story) into my office.
"We have a problem," I said once everyone was seated. "And before you ask, it's not about Harm and Mac. As far as I know, they're still missing. No, our problem concerns their four boys. We need a plan to make sure that those boys are getting everything that they need."
"What do you need us to do sir?" Tiner asked.
"I think it would be prudent it we all spent time with th boys. Take them out to the park, the museum, or hell even if it's just to get ice cream."
"That's exactly what I was thinking sir," Sturgis said.
"Of course this isn't an order, no one has to do this, " I said mostly for Lieutenant Singer's benefit, but no one said a word.
"So we are all in on this?"
"Yes sir," everyone said.
"Good. We'll discuss this more later. Dismissed," I said feeling proud of my staff. I knew they would all pull together when it counted the most.
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Meanwhile, in the wilds of Liberia....
"Mac!" I yelled again, but still no answer. I ran my hand through my hair, wondering what to do next, when I hear footsteps coming up behind me. I reach for my gun, only to put it down again at the sound of Mac's voice.
"Don't shoot Harm. I'm unarmed," she said with a not of sarcasm in her voice.
I don't know whether to kill her or take her in my arms.
"Mac, where in the hell were you," I ask, my heart still racing.
"Getting breakfast," she said holding up a bunch of bananas.
"Damn it Mac, you scared the hell out of me."
"Sorry Harm, I didn't think I would be gone that long."
I decided not to chew her out for going off alone, seeing that she had her sidearm on, and just be grateful that she was back in one piece.
We move once again into the shelter and eat our meager breakfast.
"I'm starting to hate the rain," I said finishing off the last of my banana.
"Its monsoon season Harm. I doubt if the rain will let up anytime soon."
"Great," I said putting my arms around her.
"We should start moving again soon," she says linking her finger in mine.
"Yeah I know, but with all of this rain, it'll be like walking through a swamp." I said gesturing to the pouring rain. And just that second, Harm and Mac both watched as a bolt of lightening struck a tree splitting it down the middle.
"Or maybe we should wait awhile."
"Good idea," I said noticing that her breath quickened, and she looked as if though she was going to be sick again.
I didn't want to say anything to Mac, but I was starting to suspect that this was more then some stomach bug. I recognized the symptoms, and figured that it must have happened that last night before we flew out here. And as Mac moved away from me to throw up, I knew it had to be true. Mac was pregnant.
As soon as she was done, I took her into my arms again, and placed a quick kiss on her forehead.
"I know what you're thinking Harm," she said tightening my hold on her.
"And what would that be," I asked not wanted to tell her what I suspected. I really didn't want to have false hope that she was pregnant.
"That I need to see a doctor," she said turning to look at me.
"I do," I said softly, hoping she won't get too mad.
"I'm not sick Harm," she says with determination. "It's just that…"
"That what" I ask hoping it's nothing more serious then what I think it is.
"I think I'm pregnant," she says softly.
"Oh Sarah…" I say pulling her into my arms for a long hug.
"I don't think we can do it Harm. I don't think we can handle five kids, look how much trouble we have with the four we have now."
"What are you saying Sarah," I asking hoping she's not considering what I think she is.
"Don't get me wrong Harm; I want to have this baby, if I am even pregnant. But I guess I'm just scared."
"Scared of what?"
"If we can handle another baby. I mean both financially and emotionally. The three a.m. feedings, the diapers, the crying…"
"Their first steps, their first words, their first day of school…"
"You want to have another baby?"
"I wouldn't mind. But I mean come on Mac, we're not even sure if you are or not."
"But I think it's a petty good bet," she said with conviction
"I love you Sarah," I said kissing her. "Whether you are pregnant or not, I love you."
"I love you too, Harm."
We sat there for a few moments just watching the rain fall. Our joined hands settled on her stomach, as we both contemplated a baby.
"What do you think it is," I finally ask.
"What?"
"The baby, do you think it's a boy or a girl?"
"I don't know Harm," she says turning to face me. "What about you?"
"It doesn't really matter, as long as the baby is healthy and happy," I said rubbing my hands over her already rounding belly.
"Come on Harm, don't tell me after four boys, your wishing for a girl."
"Okay, so maybe a girl would be nice," I finally admit.
"Yeah, me to."
"I know we have a while yet to decide on names, but what do you think Abby for a girl?"
"Abigail Grace?" she says after a pause.
"Abigail Grace Rabb. It's got a ring to it, I'll admit that."
"And what if it's a boy?"
"How about Steven? Steven Davis Rabb."
"I like it," she says. "But I still think it's a girl," she says and we both laugh drowning out the rain.
TBC....
(If you guys can think of any activities that the Jag staff can do with the boys, please let me know. And as always, please review.)