author's notes: There is no money being made off of this. No infringement is intended. I only wanted to play in the playground that was created for us all by Bellisario and Company. All recognizable characters belong to them anyway. I also mention Star Trek (owned by Paramount). Quantum Leap is also mentioned, it too is owned by Bellisario and Company.
Thanks to everyone for the reviews, they really make this all worth while. I appreciate them whether they are good or bad, but the flames really hurt. Luckily since I started writing JAG fics there haven't been any flames. I guess that means JAG fans tend to be a nicer bunch of people. I again must thank Browneyeez. Without her, I REALLY would have had some AWFUL mistakes in this final chapter. That's right, I did say final chapter. Don't fret though, I do have the epilogue all ready to go. This is how it goes, give me feedback and I will give you the epilogue. I want to top 150 reviews, but I don't know if that is possible. But please help me, you guys are who inspire these stories.
As always, please enjoy this as much as I have, and don't forget to read and review.
Always,
CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur
five weeks later
2130 Zulu (4:30 pm local)
February 6, 2004
The Admiral's House
Maclean, Virginia
"I can't believe that Mac is actually letting us give you a bachelor party. Especially after what happened at Bud's." Admiral AJ Chegwidden said.
"Well, sir, AJ..." I faltered remembering that he had told all of us to call him by name rather than rank tonight. "I had to agree that the ladies would be allowed to throw Mac a bachelorette party as well." I kind of half smiled.
"So that is why all the ladies were so secretive and giggly at the office today, and why there was no work done either." He smiled at me.
"Just wait until the next few days at work if you think nothing got done today." I laughed.
"Actually, I did think of that. That's why you and Sarah have the next week as well as your honeymoon off, and its also why I gave Harriet and Jennifer Wednesday through Friday off too." He continued, "Are you ever going to tell us where you decided to take Sarah on your honeymoon?"
"Can you keep a secret?" I asked him. When he nodded yes, I continued. "So can I." I flashed my best flyboy grin at him. "But seriously, we are going to Paris. You know how obsessed she became after Moulin Rouge came out. I felt she would enjoy that more than taking a tour of either NASA or the Air & Space Museum."
"True, too true." AJ agreed. "Are you ready to meet the rest of the guys at Sturgis'?"
"Yes. Let's get moving." I answered. We walked outside and climbed into the Admiral's car.
same time elsewhere
2130 Zulu
February 6, 2004
Bud & Harriet's house
Rosslyn, Virginia
"Harriet are you ever going to tell me how you got Harm to agree to let you girls throw me a bachelorette party?" Sarah Mackenzie asked.
"Actually, ma'am, Jennifer and I told him we would tell you they were throwing him a wild orgy bachelor party. He knew you wouldn't believe that, but he didn't want to take a chance because turnabout is fair play. If he said no to your party he knew you would say he couldn't have one." Harriet sort of half giggled.
"Oh, I see. So that is where the Admiral is taking him tonight." Sarah said. She then turned to Meredith. "So are you going to tell me where you all are taking me tonight?"
"Nope! I don't even know exactly. When Jennifer gets here, she is going to tell us all. She is the only one who knows exactly where. Although, I suspect that Harriet knows." Meredith said.
2140 Zulu
February 6, 2004
Harriet's minivan
somewhere in Washington DC
"Okay, stop asking for a few minutes, and maybe I will tell you where we are going." Jennifer Coates pleaded.
The girls were quiet for a few minutes, when Harriet broke the silence. "Did you get the ok for this?"
"Harriet! You knew?" Sarah exclaimed.
"Yes, but I told Jennifer that I wouldn't say anything until she got it arranged." Harriet stated.
"Harriet's cousin, Michael Sims, actually helped me plan the entertainment for the evening. I know your liking of contact sports, so we planned the evening around that." Jennifer stated a little mysteriously.
"Jennifer, why are we at the MCI Center? Don't the Capitals play tonight?" Meredith asked.
"Yep!" Jennifer answered. "They are playing the Hurricanes."
"Isn't Michael a defenseman for the Canes?" Sarah asked Harriet.
"How do you think we were able to arrange this?" Jennifer asked rhetorically. "After the game, we planned on all of us going out to party with several of the players from both teams."
"How did you manage to get both teams?" Meredith asked.
"Michael's best friend growing up is now on the Caps." Harriet stated. "And when they all heard about the chance to party with a bachelorette party they wanted to jump at it."
"Sounds like a lot of fun. Pay the parking attendant, and let's go!" Meredith reminded Jennifer who had apparently forgotten she was driving and that it was her turn to pay.
0040 Zulu (7:40 pm local)
February 7, 2004 (February 6 local)
MCI Center
Washington DC
"Remind me again Sturgis, why are we at a hockey game rather than having a 'normal' bachelor party?" I asked.
"Because, Sarah will scalp us all if we end up in jail like after Bud's party." Sturgis stated.
I looked at Bud and asked, "I am surprised that you didn't suggest a Star Trek or Quantum Leap convention then." I laughed when I said this.
Bud sort of blushed and smiled sheepishly. "Actually, I did suggest it. But the closest one to us was a Star Trek convention in Chicago and a Quantum Leap convention in St. Louis. I really didn't think that Sarah would appreciate us dragging you on a plane the weekend before your wedding considering what happened the last time you got into an airplane before a wedding of hers."
"True, too true. At least I wouldn't have been the pilot this time. That has to account for something though?" I joked.
"Sturgis, just how original is this idea of yours?" AJ asked.
"I don't know. I have been to sporting events before where they announce parties up on the jumbotron." Sturgis said. "So its not terribly original, but it is a lot different than the other bachelor parties I have attended."
"Oh, okay." AJ said. Then he continued, "I need a beer, anyone else thirsty?"
When all of us said we were thirsty, Sturgis stood up. "I'll go with you sir. You will have too many drinks to carry by yourself."
"Thanks, Sturgis, and remember tonight there are no ranks, only names." AJ stated.
"Yes sir." Sturgis said. "I mean, yes AJ." The Admiral just smiled at him as they walked out to the concourse to get the drinks.
"Excuse me sir, I mean Bud, but isn't Harriet's cousin a defenseman for the away team?" Tiner asked.
"Yes, her cousin, Michael, is a defenseman with the Carolina Hurricanes. Why do you ask?" Bud replied.
"I was just thinking that it would be really cool to meet some of the players. I would really like to meet that awesome goalie Kevin Weekes." Tiner said excitedly.
"It has already been arranged my young friend." Bud smiled.
"Cool!" Tiner exclaimed.
"Bud, are you sure this night is for me and not Tiner?" I jokingly asked.
"Of course, I am sure. What could be more fun than spending an evening with some of your closest friends watching what promises to be a brutal bloodbath?" Bud asked somewhat sarcastically.
"I could think of a few things." I mumbled so no one could hear me. While I was smiling I was thinking that it would be a whole lot more fun watching this with Sarah. I love the way she gets so excited to see the fights when they happen. That is when I felt like someone was staring at me. I looked over my shoulder, and not two sections over was Sarah and the other ladies. I decided then and there that I was going to sit with her. I looked at all the guys enjoying themselves and said, "Guys I will be back in a few minutes. I need to go buy a few things." Before anyone could object I was out of my seat and gone.
On the way out of the section I literally ran into a certain spook. "Good evening Webb. What brings you to this game?" I looked over to see Sarah not two feet away.
"I was invited to you bachelor party, but I am guessing that you saw Mac behind me, and you two are going to sneak off to snog yourselves silly?" Webb asked.
"You are spending way too much time with those MI5 friends of yours if you are calling it snogging now. And yes, we are going to try and find a couple of empty seat together." I said reaching for Sarah's hand.
"Please don't tell anyone where we are at?" Sarah asked Webb.
"Don't worry, I won't. Here, take these tickets. Compliments of the Agency." Webb said handing us two tickets for a box across the ice from where we were.
0145 Zulu (8:45 pm local)
February 7, 2004 (February 6 local)
Caps/Canes game, MCI Center
Washington DC
"Mac, don't look now, but we are on the 'kiss-cam' on the jumbotron." I stated.
"Well, then, we can't disappoint the public, can we?" Mac said as she leaned in and proceeded to devour my mouth and tongue in the most amazing kiss that I have ever experienced.
Same time, across the ice...
"Oh my god!" Jennifer yelled.
"What's wrong?" Meredith asked.
"Jumbotron...'kiss-cam'...now!" Was all Jennifer was able to get out.
"YES!!!" All the ladies yelled.
Same time, two sections over...
"Look! Harm and Mac are on the jumbotron!" Bud yelled.
"Hey! It's the 'kiss-cam'!" Tiner said.
"It's about time we found him." AJ muttered.
"I guess great minds think alike, eh Bud?" Sturgis asked which caused Bud to smile.
Same time, on the visiting Hurricanes bench...
"Man, isn't that a great kiss?" Michael Sims asked his defense partner Bret.
"It certainly is the longest kiss on a 'kiss-cam' I have seen." Bret said. "Are we still going out with your cousin and her friends?"
"Yes, but I don't think the bride will be there." Michael said.
"Why not?" Another Canes player piped in.
"Because that was the bride and groom on the jumbotron. I met them a few years ago at Harriet's wedding." Michael finished. "We're up Bret." He said as they went over the boards to join the continuing play.
0445 Zulu (11:45 pm local)
February 7, 2004 (February 6 local)
Harm's apartment, just north of Union Station
Georgetown, Washington DC
"I am so glad that we both had our parties at the game tonight." I said to Sarah as I snuggled in to her in bed.
"Me too. I love this ending better than the ending to Bud's bachelor party." Mac smiled. "At least this time I didn't have to bail you guys out of jail."
I smiled at Sarah and said "True, but I do think that it is time we went to sleep." I tilted my head and kissed her softly on the lips. "Goodnight, sweetheart."
"Goodnight, my love." Sarah mumbled seconds before falling into a deep sleep. Just a few minutes later and I was off in Dreamland myself.
1000 Zulu (5 am local)
February 14, 2004
Sarah Mackenzie's townhouse
Georgetown, Washington DC
"Can't sleep either, ma'am?" Jennifer asked.
"No, I am way too nervous to sleep. I am so glad that you and Harriet made me go to bed so early. At least I got some sleep." Sarah smiled as Jennifer handed her a cup of coffee. "Thank you. You didn't make breakfast did you?"
No she didn't, and neither will you. I am making everyone breakfast." Trish said coming in from the kitchen.
"Trish, shouldn't you be at Harm's helping him get ready?" Sarah asked.
"Sarah, you already are the closest thing I have to a daughter. I figured that Harm has enough help with Frank and Harmon both there. And I was kind of hoping that you would let me help you." Trish said getting a little teary eyed.
"Thank you! You can't know how much it means to me to have you here as a mother." Sarah said. "Can I call you mom?"
Her answer was Trish grabbing her into a giant bear hug. After that Trish made everyone breakfast, and the all got ready for that evening's magical event. At 5 pm, the ladies climbed into a limo and went off toward the White House and the Rose Garden, which the President had offered them for the event. He had even erected a big tent with heaters in it for them.
2255 Zulu (5:55 pm local)
February 14, 2004
White House Rose Garden
Washington DC
"Let's get this show on the road gentlemen." Chaplain Turner announced. "It's not everyday that one can say they have performed a wedding at the White House."
"That's true, Dad. C'mon Harm!" Sturgis said dragging me away from the mirror. "All of your medals are on straight. Keeter, I could use some help here motivating the groom."
"He does seem a bit nervous, doesn't he?" Keeter said. Turning to me he continued, "Harm if you don't get your six moving, I am going to take your place and marry that gorgeous Marine of yours."
"Over my dead body!" I exclaimed. "Let's get moving!"
Same time, inside the ladies dressing room
"It's time to get going ladies. It's not everyday that they let you out of Leavenworth to walk your niece down the aisle at the White House." Matt O'Hara said.
"Uncle Matt!" Sarah cried. "I didn't know you were going to be here. How did you get out?"
"It was all courtesy of Harm and the Admiral. It's their present to you. I do, however, have to go right back after the reception." He continued, "but enough about me. There is a very nervous groom you need to put out of his misery out there."
Five minutes later...
The music had just started playing when I looked up and saw Chloe walking towards us. She looks so grown up in that dress. Kids really shouldn't grow up this fast. Next came Jennifer walking with Tiner. By the look he just gave her, I think the Admiral may have to pull another 'Privilege' out of his cover. Then it was Sturgis walking toward us with Bobbie Latham on his arm. I realized a long time ago that they are more like Sarah and me than they would care to admit. They really should get back together. I hope today brings home that fact to them. I then noticed that Bud and Harriet were walking towards us. I hope our marriage is even half as good as their.
The music suddenly changed. I then saw Sarah for the first time that day. I must have started to hold my breath because I heard someone whisper "breath sailor!" I think I was in tears by this point because Sarah was finally by my side, and I could see that she was crying as well.
The ceremony continued for a while. We exchanged rings, and by then it was time to say our wedding vows. We wanted to say our own.
"Sarah Catherine Mackenzie, from the moment that I met you, I knew that I loved you. I shied away only because I never wanted to cause you any pain if I were to be shot down. As time has moved on, I have come to the realization that you mean more to me than anything else. I love you more than life itself. You are my hopes and dreams, my love and my life, and my past, present, and future all rolled into one. I pledge the rest of my life to you. I love you." I told her, hoping that she did know just how much I love her.
"Harmon David Rabb Jr, How dare you make me cry even more on my Wedding Day." Sarah smiled through her tears. "I realized the second our eyes met right here in this Rose Garden that I would never willingly let you out of my life. It wasn't until a few months later, though, that I admitted to myself how much I really loved you and that I had loved you the whole time. You have been through the hardest moments of my life with me. You have been my 'knight in shining armour' countless times, and each time you rescued me I loved you even more. I have followed you across this planet, and I will continue to do so. You are my heart and soul and the reason that I am still here. I have always and will always love you."
I looked at her, and wanted to kiss her right then and there. I had to wait until I was cleared to do so, otherwise Sturgis' Dad would kick my six from here to Hiroshima. Commander, oops I mean, Captain Coulter was there and she sang One Love by Trisha Yearwood while Mom and Chloe lit two candles, and then we lit our unity candle. We walked back to stand in front of Chaplain Turner.
"If anyone here has just cause why these two should not be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace." Chaplain Turner said. "What God has joined together, let no man pull asunder. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride." He smiled.
It was here. The moment I had waited a lifetime for. I leaned down to Sarah's waiting lips and placed a long, slow, sensual kiss on her.
When we finally broke apart, Chaplain Turner continued as he turned us to face the crowd of friends and family. "May I be the first to present to you Captain and Mrs. Harmon David Rabb Jr." He smiled as everyone cheered. He followed us to the back of the tent where we waited to greet our guests.
After everyone had left the tent we walked out to see that they had put together an arch made of their swords. As we walked under it, I knew what was going to happen. As we passed the last sword bearer, Bud, he brought his sword down and whacked Sarah on the six, officially welcoming her to our Navy family.