Title: Gold Wings and Dress Whites
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author's note: I keep saying the end is near and it is. I've really enjoyed writing his story and have been getting some really nice reviews. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and is still reviewing to let me know what he or she thinks of each new chapter.
Justafan3: Thanks for you nice words of encouragement, and I glade you've liked what you've read so far.
Winjan: Thank you for you continuing reviews and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Gold Wings and Dress WhitesChapter Eleven: The Wedding
Rabb Residence
MacLean, Virginia
24th December 2000
(The morning of the Wedding)
Chloe answered the ring phone. "Rabb's residence,"
"Chloe its Admiral Chegwidden, is Sera there?"
"No sir, she went out jogging about an hour ago, said she needed to clear her head,"
"Damn! So did Harm," he swore.
"I'm sure they wouldn't meet up sir," Chloe said innocently.
"I wouldn't be. Thanks Chloe,"
"No problem sir," she hung up chuckling.
Corey came into the kitchen. "Who was on the phone?"
"Admiral Chegwidden, it seems your dad went jogging this morning too," she smirked and saw him grin, which made her knees week. He was his father's son when it came to that flyboy grin.
"They had to clear their heads right," he mused, knowing full well what his smile did to her.
"Yeah, I think the Admiral is going to blow a fuse,"
Grandma Sarah came into the kitchen. "And why is Admiral Chegwidden going to blow a fuse?"
"Mum went out for a jog this morning and it seems so has Dad," Corey told her.
"I wouldn't worry," his great grandmother said calmly.
Chloe was going to comment when they heard the door open and laugher.
Sera and her sister came into the kitchen. "Morning,"
"Hi Mum," Corey kissed her cheek.
"Hi sweetheart," she greeted. "Morning Grams, did you sleep well?"
"Like a baby, honey. How was your run?" Grandma Sarah inquired.
"Long," Samantha answered for her sister. "I still don't know why anyone would want to get up early to run in the snow,"
Sera grinned. "You should try running on the deck of an aircraft carrier," she suggested cheerfully. "It's just as much fun."
Her sister snorted very un-lady like. "Sure,"
Grandma Sarah made herself a cup of tea. "So did you happen to meet up with Harm?"
"No," Sera shook her head, suddenly concerned. "He was out running?"
"Admiral Chegwidden called this morning and said he'd gone jogging," Chloe revealed. "I'm sure he's back by now."
Sera grabbed the phone and dialed the Admiral's number, he answered quickly. "It's Sera, sir. Is Harm back?"
"Just walked through the door, Sera," he told her. "He assures me he didn't meet up with you,"
"No sir he didn't. It was just Sam and I,"
"Well I'm trusting you, only because Mac was with him. Now Lieutenant Commander, relax your getting married in a few hours,"
"Yes sir,"
"Good, we'll see you at the church,"
"Yes sir," she said, and then hung up. "I think I'll take a shower,"
"What about breakfast?" Grandma Sarah asked.
"I'm not hungry," she said happily and then wondered out.
"Nerves," Samantha noted.
"So did she meet up with Harm?" Chloe asked excitedly.
"No, we jogged, that's it,"
"Bummer,"
Corey laughed. "As if dad would try and see her or even sneak back here,"
"Well enough speculating," Grandma Sarah told them. "Lets get breakfast, Trish and Frank will be here soon, as will Ryan and Rebecca,"
In the main bedroom, Sera slipped in and had a shower; she came out in her bathrobe, stopping sharply. Her husband-to-be was sprawled on the bed. She grinned. "How did you get over here?"
"I jogged," Harm mused and pulled her down onto the bed, kissing her before she could comment.
She sighed. "How long do you think we have?"
"I'd give Mac 30 minutes to realize I'm not in the shower," he answered.
Sera pushed him back against the bed and straddled his hips. "I'll take it,"
"I thought you would," he drew her down and kissed her, throwing all his passion into it and they made love as quietly as they could which wasn't easy for the two of them.
"You should be getting out of here," she said lazily, drawing circles on his chest with her finger.
"I know, but I'm comfortable,"
"I know the feeling, but," she placed a kiss where she'd been stroking. "We are getting married this afternoon,"
He smiled. "We are aren't we?"
"Uh huh,"
"Well then," he got up and got dressed, turning back when he had. "I'll just get my six out of here,"
Sera drew the sheet around her body as she knelt on the bed. "It's a good thing this isn't a two story house,"
"Damn good thing considering I climbed through the window," he smirked, then lent on the bed and kissed her. "See you later,"
"You bet, don't be late,"
"Never," he kissed her again. "I love you,"
"I love you too,"
She watched as he eased his 6'4 frame out the window and jogged off in the direction of the Admiral's house.
After taking another quick shower, Sera got herself dressed and went out to the kitchen.
Trish was there with Frank and her parents. "Tea, honey?"
"Yes, thank you," she sat beside her Dad.
"Are you alright honey, you look a little peaky?" he asked her.
"I'm fine Dad," she assured, smiling happily.
Samantha came in, standing behind her sister, she whispered in her ear. "I know what you've been up too," she then chuckled as Sera blushed. "My secret."
Rebecca swatted her daughter. "Leave your sister alone Sam."
"Yes Mum," she said, then pocked her tongue at her sister, who did the same to her.
Grandma Sarah sighed and then chuckled; it was nice to hear family laughing.
The Wedding.
24 December 2000
Sarah 'Mac' Mackenzie had been at her partner side through the best of times and the worse of times. You could say they'd been to hell and back and survived, making them closer friends then ever.
Now she had the honor of standing at his side as he got married. Something she swore she'd never though she'd do, not fancy free Harm. Yet she'd also quickly discovered she hadn't known her best friend as well as she thought she did. He'd had a secret life and a secret love. His love for Sera made her think of the poem that was in Angel's End, the last novel of the Angel series. It was a poem that could have been written for Harm and in a way it had been, considering who the author was. These were Sera's thoughts, even though she was using them for the character in the novel.
'I never realized how helpless he could feel until I saw him sitting there,
The tears in his eyes, the relief on his face so handsome and strong
When I was falling apart he held me together.
When I was willing to give up he wouldn't let me.
And I cannot give up on him; I will not give up on him.
Through thick and thin we will remain together, side by side.
Two old souls who have found their way to each other,
Who will remain beside each other until the end?
I never realized how helpless he could feel until I saw him sitting there,
The tears in his eyes, so lost and alone even though he was with me
We've faced death before, looked it straight in the eye and laughed it away.
We've stood side-by-side through bad and good.
He is mine and I am his, eternal friends.
Two old souls destined to be with each other.
I never realized how helpless he could feel until I saw him sitting there,
The tears in his eyes, the love in his heart
Never alone and always together, my promise to him I swear.
For I never again wont to see him helpless, see the man I love so lost.
Never again and never more my love shall I see you this way.
Two old souls, two strong hearts, and one love we'll share.
I never realized how helpless he could feel until I saw him sitting there.'
Now standing there waiting for the bride to arrive, Mac considered herself lucky to have been a part of Harm's life and have such a close friendship with him and Sera especially now at this moment.
"Are you all right?" she asked him.
Harm nodded, but didn't say anything glancing around in wide-eyed awe. Admiral Chegwidden and Admiral Mitchell had said they had a surprise for them, Harm had never expected this. Never.
"He's nervous Colonel," Bud whispered in Mac's ear.
"I'd say so, Bud," she agreed.
"Dad,"
Harm came out of his daze, finding his son standing in front of him. "Yes?"
"She's here Dad," Corey informed. "Good luck," He smiled, and then returned to his seat next to Grandma Sarah.
Harm managed an uneasy smile, teasing Mac about something he'd noted earlier. "By the way your sister is sweet on my son,"
Mac groaned. "Don't even think about it flyboy,"
He chuckled but didn't comment. This was it. He was marrying Sera, his Sera and of all places - the deck of the Patrick Henry. This was a secret everyone had known about except for himself and Sera.
A red carpet divided the rows of chairs, which were all decorated with white covers and flowers. An archway stood at the top, decorated with white ribbons and silk flowers. The minister stood before it, a Navy Chaplin.
Behind him was Admiral Mitchell's surprise, A F-14 Tomcat, Sera's Tomcat to be correct, from the Liberty Bell. It had been flown over by the Liberty Bell's Gag, who was attending the wedding a long with Lieutenant David Smith, who had the honor of becoming Sera Rabb's RIO.
Looking over the guest, Harm noticed a sea of military dress uniforms with only a sprinkle of civilian attire. These were their family and friends.
The wedding march began and he saw them, little Emily in her pretty cream dress came first, then, Chloe, who also wore a cream dress. Samantha was next, her cream dress a little more daring then Chloe's. Sole attention though was on the Bride.
Sera wore a figure-hugging gown, the straight skirt was a cream color, and the bodice was black velvet and gold lace, as were the long sleeves. Small silk flowers were delicately woven into her hair; she looked a vision, an Angel. His Angel.
Her father guided her to her future husband, kissing her check before joining his wife.
The Chaplin began the service. "We're gathered her today to witness the wedding of Harm and Sera. From the moment they met they knew their lives were destined to be together, through their love of the Navy, their love of the law, of flying and family. Tragedy and triumphs have tested their loyalty and friendship, showing them an eternal love for each other. It is fitting that this union takes place here on the deck of the Patrick Henry; it was here that Harm and Sera took to the air in defense of their country. It is here today that they become man and wife."
Harm and Sera faced each other on prompting from the Chaplin, Samantha taking Sera's bouquet so she could join hands with Harm.
"Harm and Sera the vows you take today are those which you have decided on. Harm,"
He smiled at his lovely bride. "I, Harmon David, take you Sera Elisabeth to be my wife and partner in this life and the next. You are my Angel, I cherish your love and devotion to all you set your mind too. I feel honored to be your husband and the father of our son,"
Sera smiled as tears misted her eyes. "I, Sera Elisabeth, take you Harmon David to be my husband and partner in this life and the next. You're my soul mate, my strength in times of need; you have encouraged me to achieve all that I have. I'm honored to be your wife and mother of our son."
The Chaplin gestured little AJ forward, taking the smaller of the two rings from the cushion he carried, he handed it to Harm.
Harm gentle slipped the ring on Sera's finger. "I give this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you as your husband."
The Chaplin then took the last ring and gave it to Sera; she slipped it on Harm's finger. "I give this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you as your wife,"
"It is my pleasure before God, family and friends to pronounce you husband and wife," the Chaplin proclaimed. "Harm you may kiss your wife,"
"Yes sir," he said happily, cupping Sera's face in his hands he did just that.
Mac turned and signaled the guard of honor to form up, which they did quickly and quietly.
Harm broke the kiss and took Sera's hand as they turned. Mac and little AJ had moved to the head of the honor guard, which his father was a part of; they had drawn their swords.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Mac announced. "I present for the first time, Commander and Mrs. Harmon Rabb, Jr."
All stood and clapped as the bride and groom walked beneath the drawn swords. As they passed Elisabeth Hawks and Jack Keeter, Harm and Sera were swatted on the six's with their swords, Hawks and Keeter saying "Go Navy!"
Harm and Sera laughed, continuing as the guard of honor was dismissed.
Matt congratulated his sister and brother-in-law, then went over to Mac, who was making sure little AJ got back to his parents. "Nice touch there at the end,"
"I thought so and both Keeter and Skates were happy to assist," she mused.
He drew her away from the crowd. "There's something I want to ask you,"
"You can ask me anything," she told him happily.
"All right," he took a deep breath, letting it out he asked her. "Sarah Mackenzie, will you marry me?"
She stared at him in shock, until it hit her was he was asking. She grinned silly. "Yes,"
He produced a small velvet box from his pocket and removed a ring from it, slipping it on her finger. "I love you Sarah,"
"I love you Matt," she said, and then kissed him.
Sergei saw them as he was congratulating his new sister-in-law. "I suggest you throw Mac the bouquet,"
"I think I should," Sera smirked. With Sergei in his dress blues, both Rabb brothers were now apart of the US Navy. She put her hand on his shoulder. "Just remember to take it easy at Pensacola, Lieutenant Rabb,"
"I shall Lieutenant Commander Rabb,"
"There are way too many Rabb's in one spot," Admiral Chegwidden announced. He kissed Sera on the cheek. "Congratulations, Sera,"
"Thank you sir,"
He then shook Harm's hand. "Remember Commander, I don't take lightly to brooding husbands in my office,"
"I'll restrict my brooding to home sir,"
"Good, carry on,"
"Aye, aye sir,"
Sera slipped her arm around her husband as one by one each guest came and wished them well before they were then ushered away by the photographer to have the wedding photos taken, some with the Tomcat in the background.
The sun was setting behind them as the last of the photos were taken; the guests had been shown into the marquee that had been set up for the reception.
Harm drew his wife into his arms, his mouth claming hers in a lingering kiss.
The photographer captured the moment without their knowledge, then left the newly weds alone.
They were about to join the reception when they noticed a man standing not far from them, a wrapped box in his hands.
Harm knew who it was. "Webb,"
Clayton Webb came closer. "Harm. Congratulations," he shook his hand, then handed him the gift. "The President wanted me to give you this,"
"The President?"
"Well your wife did give him a ride in a Tomcat," he glanced at Sera. "You made a friend."
"Thank you," she said sincerely.
He shrugged. "Well, I've got to go,"
"Wait, Clay," Harm stopped him. "Stay, have a drink with us,"
Webb hesitated for a moment. "All right, if you insist,"
"We insist," Sera said happily.
Nodding he went with them into the marquee. At the bridal table, Sera opened the gift Webb had brought from the President. Inside the cautiously packed box were two crystal Tomcats the size of a man's hand. Looking carefully, the first had 'Angel' etched under the canopy, the second had 'Hammer'. Harm and Sera glanced at each other, then Webb.
"Well you are both Aviators, he thought it appropriate as did the First Lady,"
"I'll make sure we send him a thank you note," Sera insisted, and then replaced them both carefully. Then kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Clay,"
"You're welcome," he said embarrassed.
"So how did the President know we were getting married today, Clay?" Harm inquired.
"Your father-in-law," he answered, then wondered off to get a drink.
Sera smiled. "Well he does have the Presidents ear," she said casually.
"True," he agreed, then drew her into his arms. "I love you Mrs. Rabb,"
"I love you Mr. Rabb," she said, then rose on his toes and kissed him.
To be continued.
Extra Author's Note: I know the poem is probable really bad, so forgive me for that I wrote it after watching 'Critical Condition'. Still I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the wedding on the Patrick Henry. Many of you guessed that one was going to happen. A.S