A LITTLE OUT OF THE DARKNESS

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RABB RESIDENCE

"Harm, I was thinking of inviting some people over this weekend. What do you think?" Mac asked.

"Sounds like a fun idea, what's the occasion?" Harm replied.

"Our first anniversary," Mac laughed. "Or did you forget?"

"I didn't forget," Harm said. "I just figured you would want to spend it alone."

"Well, I do." Mac replied. "But I also figured we could invite Clay."

"You could, but do you think he will go out at night and leave Tatiana home?" Harm asked.

"There's only one way to find out." Mac said. "He took a big step when he put her in day care."

"You make the calls, I make a shopping list." Harm suggested.

SATURDAY NIGHT

"Happy Anniversary," Harriet said walking in.

"Thank you," Mac replied. "Where's Bud?"

"He'll be in, in a moment." Harriet stated. "He's talking to Clay."

"Clay is here?" Harm asked. "He told me he wasn't sure if he would be able to make it."

"Honestly, it did take some convincing," Harriet said.

"How did you do that?" Harm asked.

"I told him about a conversation Zoya and I once had." Harriet replied.

"Harriet, does he talk to you about her?" Mac asked.

"Not often and usually only when I bring it up." Harriet answered. "He normally tries to change the subject.  I told him she was my friend and I needed to talk about her.  I never got to say good bye."

"You know, in all this time we have been so worried about Clay and Tatiana, we forgot that you and Zoya became so close." Mac said.

"Clay and Tatiana are the ones we need to be concerned with," Harriet smiled.  "I'm fine – honestly."

"Welcome to our home," Harm said quickly as Bud and Webb walked in.

"Happy Anniversary, I can't believe it's been a year." Bud said.

"I can't believe we have Mrs. Nelson to thank for it," Mac laughed.

"All because of the bachelor," Harm began and stopped short.

"It's okay, because of the bachelor auction." Webb finished. "It was a great night for all of us."

"How is Tatiana?" Mac asked.

"She's fine, she's home with Geoffrey and Mother." Webb stated.

"What happened to the babysitter I recommended?" Bud asked. "She spoke Russian and everything."

"Mother said she would like to spend the evening with her granddaughter." Webb sighed.

"Well, it's her right." Mac laughed.

"Happy Anniversary," Gunny said walking in.

"Welcome," Harm said. "Where are Tiner and Coates?"

"They're coming," Gunny laughed. "Apparently, Jen didn't like what Tiner was wearing and made him change."

"I can't believe they are still together," Harriet stated. "What about you Gunny? Is there anyone special?"

"I saw Commander Turner and Ms. Latham pulling up." Gunny said changing the subject.

"Then the group is here," Mac said. "I'll go check on dinner."

"So Clay, what are you doing to keep busy?" Bud asked.

"I've decided to breed horses," Webb replied. "It's something I've been interested in for years and never had the time to indulge the passion."

"What does it involve?" Gunny asked.

"I'm going to Kentucky next week to see about a stud." Webb explained. "If all goes well, I will bring him back and hopefully within the year I will have some yearlings."

"Any chance you could get a horse in the Kentucky Derby?" Harriet asked.

"I am talking about show jumpers, not race horses." Webb laughed. "But who knows."

"It all sounds very exciting," Harriet said.

"We'll see," Webb replied.

"As soon as Jen and Tiner get here," Mac said walking back into the room. "We can eat."

"I say we don't wait for them," Gunny laughed.

"Just wait until you find someone," Bud said. "You'll be late too."

"Tell me about it," Harm agreed.

"Oh and being married to me has made you late?" Mac asked.

"Harm, if I recall you always ran late," Sturgis said. "Even at the academy.  None of us ever had to worry about being late for class because we all knew that Harm would still be the last one there."

"You know, I honestly want to hear more about these academy days." Bobbie interjected. "I feel a bit left out."

"We're the only non military in the group." Webb said. "Actually, I am now the only one not getting a government paycheck."

"That was your decision," Harm said. "Something I think Wellington is still regretting."

"Don't you miss it?" Bud asked.

"Not at all," Webb said. "Well, sometimes.  I hear about something on the news and wonder who is involved.  But by the time I hear about it, it's usually over."

"It stinks not being in the loop." Harm said.

"The only loop I am concerned with now is the one that leads me to the day care center." Webb smiled.

"I never thought I would see the day," Bobbie laughed. "Clayton Webb, private citizen."

"Sorry we're late," Coates said walking in.

"You look very nice Tiner," Harm laughed. "That shirt really goes with your eyes."

"I don't want to talk about it Sir," Tiner said with a groan.

"Now that we're all here, let's eat." Mac said.

"Where are the Admiral and Meredith?" Bud asked. "Didn't you invite them?"

"We did, but they had other plans." Harm replied. "They're going to miss out."

"Everyone, take a seat," Mac stated. "Go ahead Harm."

"Thank you all for joining us tonight." Harm began. "This is a very special occasion.  It marks our first anniversary minus one day.  Our actual anniversary is tomorrow."

"Do we get to come back for leftovers?" Gunny joked.

"No," Harm laughed. "We wanted to share this day with our friends and let you know that in seven months there will be another member of the group."

"You're having a baby?" Harriet squealed and jumped up to hug Mac. "This is incredible."

"Not really," Mac laughed. "It happens everyday."

"But not to you guys," Harriet replied.

"Congratulations," Bud said shaking Harm's hand.

"I'm very happy for you both," Webb said. "It couldn't happen to a nicer couple."

"Congrats Buddy," Sturgis said. "Mac you're going to be a beautiful mommy."

"This is so exciting," Bobbie stated. "I can't wait to go shopping."

"Are you going to find out if it's a boy or a girl?" Coates asked.

"More important have you decided if it's going to be a sailor or a marine?" Gunny asked.

"Tiner, you're awfully quiet," Mac noticed.

"Ma'am, you don't plan on having this baby in the Admiral's office do you?" Tiner asked.

"No Tiner," Mac laughed. "I think we have plenty of time to worry about that."

"I don't think I could handle that again," Tiner said.

"What passing out, Tiner?" Gunny laughed.

"Ok, let's eat." Mac said. "I'm hungry."

"You will notice, pregnancy has not changed her appetite." Harm teased.

"Harm, take it from me." Webb said. "Never tease a pregnant woman."

"What was Zoya like pregnant?" Tiner asked and the room froze.

"Jason," Coates quietly scolded.

"It's okay, Jen." Webb said. "She had a temper.  She locked me out of the bedroom once. I mentioned that her place was at home, not tracking down terrorists. I wish she had listened to…" Webb said shaking his head as he got up from the table.

"I'm sorry for bringing it up." Tiner said. "It didn't even occur to me.  Zoya was just so crazy. I figured it would be a funny story."

"He knows Jason," Harriet said and got up. "Don't worry, if you'll excuse me."

LIVING ROOM

"Clay, are you okay?" Harriet asked joining him on the couch.

"She should be here," Webb said, "Sharing in the good news."

"She is here," Harriet replied. "She's all around us."

"You know what I mean," Webb stated. "I should not be doing this alone."

"You have no choice," Harriet said. "If the tables were reversed, Zoya would go on. You know that."

"I am going on," Webb said.

"Are you?" Harriet said. "It's going to take a long time. But you can't just fall apart every time someone mentions her name. We all loved Zoya, we all miss her.  We need to talk about her. We need to remember her and laugh."

"I know," Webb sighed.

"Good, then get up and come back inside and share in Mac and Harm's good fortune." Harriet ordered as she stood up and extended her hand to Webb.

"Yes, ma'am," Webb smiled and took her hand.

DINING ROOM

"Mr. Webb, I'm sorry. That was very insensitive of me." Tiner said as they returned.

"It's okay Jason. You can call me Clay." Webb said. "Did I ever tell any of you the time Zoya booby trapped her apartment and I got covered in flour?"

"No," Harm laughed.

The rest of the evening was spent with the group telling Zoya stories and laughing.  When it was time to go home, Webb actually felt better.  It was good to talk about Zoya.  Harriet mentioned that she and Bud had made plans to go to Moscow, which made Webb smile although he did decline the invitation to join them.

"I've already said my good-byes." Webb stated.

The evening came to an end and everyone left.

"So Mrs. Rabb, have I mentioned how happy I am." Harm asked putting his arms around Mac.

"Once or twice," Mac laughed. "I'm glad we finally told everyone, keeping it a secret was killing me."

"Do you want to find out what the sex is?" Harm asked.

"We can once I have the amniocentesis." Mac stated.

"It would be nice to know," Harm said.

"Then we'll find out." Mac smiled. "Let's leave the dishes."

"That's a brilliant idea," Harm replied and they went to bed.