Title: Starting Over
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: Thank you to everyone who reviewed: Winjan (I think it's five kills overall) Kiwi, Mary Kate113 and laura carr. Also thank you to everyone who has followed along and enjoyed this story. But like most things there has to be an ending and I hope everyone likes this one, I've tried to bring it all together.
Starting OverChapter Eighteen: All endings have beginnings
USS Patrick Henry
Somewhere in the Adriatic Sea
Coming out onto Vultures Row, Harm spotted his wife; he'd been in debriefing when she'd been released from sickbay. He stood beside her. "Am I forgiven?"
Katherine smiled. "Do you promise never to spin me around like that again while I'm pregnant?"
"I promise," he said chuckling.
"Then I forgive you,"
He drew her into his arms, holding her close. "You scared the hell out of me, babe."
"I scared the hell out of myself," she noted, and rested her head against his shoulder.
He rubbed her back gently in slow circles. "I'd never do anything to hurt you or our child."
"I know," she looked up and smiled. "Did the Admiral give you a hard time?"
"He did, but I deserved it."
"He thinks a lot of you, Harm, you're like a son."
"Yeah, the one he never wanted."
She laughed. "Well you're the husband I've always wanted."
"Thanks babe," he kissed her forehead. "The Admiral wants to see us."
Nodding she followed him. "So what else did you do?"
"Oh very funny," he grumbled.
"I thought so."
They came to the conference room and went in, standing at attention. "You wanted to see us sir," Katherine stated.
"Yes Commander, the Cod leaves in twenty minutes, I suggest neither of you are late."
Harm glanced at Kyle Bamford. "We're leaving also."
"We are and I'm going to suggest you remain in Washington until your child is born and for a little while after."
"Thank you sir,"
"Well I'd hate to have the Admiral on my back if your wife went into labor and you weren't there," Kyle decided.
"Smart move sir,"
"I thought so."
Katherine smiled, and then felt a small flatter, her smile becoming larger.
"Something you'd like to share with us, Commander?" The Admiral asked.
"Only if you want to feel the baby moving, sir?" She answered with a question. "I think she reacts to your voice as much as Harm's."
"Really," he pushed his chair back a little and reached out. "May I?"
"Yes sir," she took his hand and placed it on her stomach where she'd felt her baby move, feeling movement again. "I think she just came to attention, sir."
AJ laughed, having felt the kick. "I believe you're right Commander, perhaps I was wrong when I said she doesn't obey orders."
Harm chuckled, he just hopped the doctor was right and the baby was a girl.
The Admiral removed his hand. "Thank you Kat."
"You're welcome sir," she said warmly adding. "When it comes down to it Admiral, you'll be as much a grandfather to our daughter as Harm's dad."
His smile warmed again. "I'd like that Kat. Now we have a Cod to catch. Dismissed."
"Aye, aye sir," both snapped too, turning on their heals they left.
The Admiral and Captain Bamford did also. Meeting at the Cod, their sea bags were taken by a couple of deck crew on board. They went aboard too taking their seats, buckling in.
Just before the Cod left the deck, Harm lent closer to his wife. "No more carrier trips,"
"Until after the baby is born," she added.
"Correct."
Katherine smiled. "Yes dear."
He sat back and laughed as the Cod was catapulted off the deck. They arrived at Andrews Air Force base that afternoon, and then were taken by helio to JAG Headquarters where only the Admiral and both Rabb's got off. Leaving their sea bags in their cars they went inside and up to the office.
"Commander, I want you to delete all files relating to this case from your laptop," the Admiral ordered as they walked in. The call of 'Admiral on deck' was heard. "As you were," he commanded as they kept walking, continuing to talk to his officer. "You can write your report up at home, mark it classified and have it on my desk Monday morning, I don't want to see you in the office until then. Understood."
"Yes sir."
"Very well, carry on."
"Aye sir,"
They parted, she and Harm went into her office after Katherine unlocked it and switched the lights on. "This won't take long."
"No problem," Harm said smiling. No matter how many times he came into his wife's office he recalled the times and conversations he had with Mac in this office. Not that it looked anything like his former partners office any more. Katherine had put photos of a Tomcat and the Ticonderoga on the wall along with her law degree. A squad photo was on the shelf along with a model of a Tomcat. Their wedding photo sat on her desk and her helmet sat on the filing cabinet.
A hand clamped on his shoulder, he looked seeing Josh. "Hey little brother."
"Hey big brother. What are you doing here?"
"Waiting for my wife."
"I must try that duty," he smirked.
"Oh, do tell big brother?" Katherine urged grinning as she finished deleting the last file.
"Well I woke up this morning alone in bed except for a teddy bear wearing a flight suite, who was holding a note that read: Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, requests your hand in marriage," he revealed with a wide grin, glancing at his watch he continued. "About now, Judge Mackenzie is walking into her office to find a teddy bear in Marine uniform holding a ring box and a note that says in big letters YES."
Both laughed and congratulated him, Katherine giving her brother a hug. "Way to go big brother."
"Thanks little sister, now if you'll excuse me. I'm going to my office, I have a feeling I'm going to be summoned to see the Judge."
"Plead the fifth," Harm teased.
"I intend to," he smirked and left.
Katherine finished up and closed down her laptop, packing it up. "All set," she announced standing, taking it and her cover with her.
"Lets go then sweetheart,"
She switched the lights out on her way out, locking the door.
Harriet came over to them. "Afternoon, Ma'am, sir."
"Afternoon, Harriet," both greeted.
"How was the Patrick Henry?"
"It was good," Katherine answered, winking at her husband. "Why don't you, Bud and the boys come to the park with us on Sunday?"
"We'd like that Ma'am,"
"Great, fourteen hundred?"
"We'll be there,"
"See you then, Harriet," Harm said; putting his hand on his wife's back, he guided her out. "Thank you for not tell her about what happened on the flight deck."
"You're welcome," she grinned as they stepped into the elevator. "Besides you're going to make it up to me at home."
"I can do that."
"Oh you will be," she promised. "All weekend."
Two Weeks later:
O'Reilly's Bar
Fall's church, Virginia
Washington Dc.
Family and friends had gathered in the 'Ready Room' at O'Reilly's bar to celebrate then engagement of Sarah Mackenzie and Josh Taylor.
Harm got everyone's attention, having been asked to say a few words. "When Admiral Chegwidden first told me I was being partnered with a Marine, I had visions of a tattooed Jarhead challenging me to arm wrestle in my lunch hour," he paused as everyone laughed. "I found out later Mac does have a tattoo, thought she's never told me where," he saw Josh smirk. "And she's a hell'va arm wrestler," he paused again. "Mac also told me she wanted what every woman wants. A good career, a good man and comfortable shoes, lots of them. So Josh she has two out of three, I'll leave you to decide which needs work. To Josh and Sarah."
"To Josh and Sarah," everyone toasted.
The Admiral took over. "I always knew Mac was destined to marry an aviator turned lawyer, I was just wrong about which aviator turned lawyer it was," he remarked dryly. "Thankfully she got it right," laughter filled the room as Mac blushed. "Of course I also thought when Harm left JAG I wouldn't have to deal with a cocky, stubborn, aviator/lawyer named Rabb any more. Then his wife transferred in and it's just like having him back, except she hasn't fired off a machine gun in the courtroom."
"Yet!" Someone called out.
AJ frowned, then laughed. "Give her time," he smirked. "If Josh doesn't beat her to it, of course," there were chuckles all-round again. "So Josh I have some advice for you, since I've had plenty of practice dealing with the Marine your going to marry," there were sniggers heard, which he ignored. "Always make sure she's first, never argue about the time with her and for god sakes get her some comfortable shoes."
"Yes sir," Josh agreed at their laughter.
AJ raised his glass. "To a happy life."
"A happy life."
With all the speeches over the couple mixed with family and friends.
AJ and Meredith joined Katherine and Harm, sitting with them. "Sir," Harm began. "Katie and I were wondering if you and Meredith would consider being the baby's honorary grandparents, since both Katie's parents have passed."
They were both pleased. "We'd be honored," AJ insisted.
"Thank you Katherine, Harm." Meredith said overwhelmed.
"Then a word of advice for you, Kat from your daughters honorary grandfather," the Admiral stated.
"Yes sir?"
"Take your maternity leave early, I've already delivered two babies in my office."
She grinned. "I'll try and remember that sir."
Meredith chuckled. "AJ would make a great midwife."
Her husband saw the look on Harm's face. "Don't you dare, Captain," he warned.
"I was only going to agree sir, seeing you deliver little AJ was something I'll never forget."
"Neither will I."
Ignoring their bantering, Meredith asked Katherine. "Which room is the baby going into?"
"The room with the mural," she answered. "It seems fitting since she has two Aviators for parents."
"I believe one of those Aviators is still a practicing lawyer, Commander," AJ announced.
"Yes sir," she grinned sheepishly.
"It's withdrawal sir," Harm smirked. "This is the longest Katie's been out of the cockpit."
"Well then take her flying, son," AJ ordered. "I take it she can still fit into 'Sarah'?"
"Yes sir."
"Then that's an order, Harm."
"Aye, aye sir." He agreed and they laughed.
Josh's mother was talking to her daughter-in-law to be, seated at a table not far from the Admiral's. Linda noticed the attention Harm Rabb was giving his wife, she looked away addressing Mac. "I didn't realize you and Harm had such a close relationship."
"Harm is my best friend, we've had our ups and downs, but we've managed to stay friends," Mac told her. "We worked together for eight years, then he left to be Cag aboard the Ticonderoga."
"He does love his wife," Linda admitted.
"Yes he does," Mac agreed smiling. "Harm is a wonderful husband and he'll be a wonderful father."
"You'll be a wonderful mother, Sarah," her future mother-in-law assured.
"I hope so,"
"Don't worry dear, you will be,"
She smiled seeing Josh turn her way, he smiled back and she decided she couldn't wait to experience what Katherine was. She wanted to be a mother as soon as it was possible.
Linda saw the look on Mac's face. "Just try and fit into your wedding gown on the day, Sarah, other then that, David and I don't mind."
Blushing, Mac nodded. "I'll do that."
15 Weeks later:
On route to Bethesda Naval Hospital
From the Pentagon
Admiral Chegwidden glanced at this passenger quickly. "Are you all right Commander?"
"As I'll ever be sir," Katherine remarked, during a meeting with the SecNav at the Pentagon, she began having strong contractions. The Admiral had called a stop to the meeting and insisted on driving her to the hospital. She had rang Harm, interrupting his meeting at the White House, he was meeting them there. She thought it best not to tell either man she'd been having contractions since early hours of the morning.
Out of the corner of his eye, AJ saw her breath though another contraction. "Hang on darlin' we're nearly there."
"Yes sir," she said between breaths.
Luckily she'd also contacted her doctor, so when they arrived he was waiting for them. As was Harm, the Captain had probably broken every speed limit to make it. They left the Admiral in the waiting room; he rang the JAG office from the nurse's station. "Coats, I'm at Bethesda."
"Is everything all right sir?"
"Lt. Commander Rabb is in labor, she and the Captain are with the doctor now. Let everyone know and Coats ring my wife and tell her I won't make lunch."
"Yes sir. Right away sir," she said a little flustered.
"Thank you Coats," chuckling he hung up, thanking the nurse, then found a seat, sitting down. At least he'd gotten out of the meeting, which was a bonus.
"First grandchild?" a voice next to him asked.
He glanced to his left at the gray-headed man. "In a way," he saw the look of curiosity. "One of my officer's and former officer, they're as much my family as my wife and daughter."
The man nodded. "Fourth grandchild, my youngest daughter was visiting me when she went into labor, I drove her here. Her husband is at sea."
"The Commander got me out of a meeting with the SecNav, bless her."
The man chuckled and held out his hand. "Captain Joseph Rains retired."
"Admiral AJ Chegwidden, JAG," he introduced himself, shaking the retired Captain's hand. "So what did you do in the Service Captain?"
"Flew F-4's during Vietnam and then Tomcats," he answered. "After my wife died, I retired, stayed in the reserves for a while but it wasn't the same."
AJ nodded. "Both the Commander and her husband are Naval Aviators, that's how they meet. Now she's a lawyer with wings and he's a Naval Intelligence officer with wings and a law degree."
"Do they still fly?"
"There's no stopping them, though it's Super Hornets now, they use to fly Tomcats," AJ told him, adding. "I'm betting by the time this baby is six weeks old, Kat is going to be biting at the bit to get back in the cockpit."
Joseph Rains chuckled. "Kat, huh, her call sign?"
"No, it's short for Katherine. Her call sign is Phantom."
The retired Captain arched an eyebrow, recalling. "I flew with a Phantom just before I retired. Lieutenant Jason O'Reilly, hell'va aviator. Heard he was killed in ninety-one."
AJ nodded. "Katherine is his daughter."
"Well I'll be, little Katie?"
"Little Katie is twenty-eight years old and about to become a mother."
"It's a small world Admiral."
"That it is," AJ agreed. "Her brother's adopted father flew in Nam with her husband's father."
"There's a story there," Joseph remarked lightly.
"Yes there is. You didn't fly off the Ticonderoga, did you?"
"No sir, the Enterprise," the retired Captain answered, then asked. "Did he come home? Her husband's father?"
AJ shook his head. "Was shot down Christmas Eve nineteen sixty-nine."
"Lost my wingman that year," Joseph recalled solemnly.
Both men sat in silence for lost friends and comrades. The silence was quickly broken though.
"Admiral!" Josh and Mac came over to him. "Any news, sir?"
"No Commander, Colonel. Sit down and wait."
He tightened his grip on the bag. "I'll give this to the nurse, it's Kat's bag from her Vette, she'll be needing it."
"Good idea Mr. Taylor," AJ remarked, he hadn't thought of that. He gestured to the retired Captain as the Commander left. "Captain Joseph Rains retired. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie."
"Sir."
"Young lady, you don't have to call me sir, Joe will do."
Mac smiled, shaking his hand. "Everyone calls me Mac."
"Well it's nice to meet you Mac."
Josh rejoined them and the Admiral introduced the two. "Nice to met you sir."
"Like I told Mac, here it's Joe."
"All right."
Meredith arrived while they were talking, she was quickly introduced and they all sat down and waited. Soon though Joseph was called away to see his new grandson, leaving them still waiting, but not for long.
Harm came down the corridor a few minutes later, his uniform was rumpled and he had a silly grin on his face.
They all stood, aguishly waiting to know.
"She's beautiful, six pounds. Brown hair and blue eyes," he reported. "Katie is fine, a little sore, they're settling her in a room now."
"And the baby is fine, even though she's three weeks early?" Mac asked.
Harm nodded still a little dazed. "Dr. Marcus always expected Katie's dates were a little out, so it's possible the baby is only two weeks early."
"Harm," Josh got his brother-in-law's attention. "Did you decided on a name or are we going to call her baby Rabb?"
"Harmony," he answered grinning. "Harmony Catherine Rabb."
"Captain?" The young nurse who'd taken the bag from Josh, came up to Harm. "Sir, your wife is settled and waiting for you."
"Thank you Lieutenant."
"This way sir," she guided them to the room, letting them all go in.
Katherine was sitting up leaning against her pillows, her daughter in her arms. Harm preached next to her, slipping his arm around her shoulders.
"She's beautiful, Kat," Mac exclaimed quietly.
"She is adorable, Katherine," Meredith agreed.
"Sir, I'm sorry about the meeting," she said to the Admiral.
"Darlin' I'm not, you got me out of a meeting with the SecNav," he dismissed.
"She got me out of a meeting with the President," Harm bragged.
"Oh Harm, I'm sorry,"
"Don't be, how do you think I got here so quickly. As soon as he found out you were in labor, he had me on a helio and at Bethesda before I could even think."
"The main thing is Harmony is fine, Kat," Josh declared. "And so are you."
She nodded and looked to the Admiral. "Would you like to hold your granddaughter sir?"
"That I would darlin'," he said eagerly moving closer.
She laid the newborn in his arms and settled back into her husbands, smiling tiredly as the Admiral stepped back.
Harm kissed her forehead. "Thank you Katie."
"We did it together, Harm," she assured, but knew what he meant.
Six weeks later:
Annapolis Naval Academy Church
"Do you Sarah Catherine Mackenzie, take Joshua Michael Taylor as your husband, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health until death do you part?"
"I do."
"And do you Joshua Michael Taylor take Sarah Catherine Mackenzie as your wife, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health until death do you part?"
"I do,"
"Rings please?" the Chaplain asked and received them from the best man. He gave one to Josh.
Josh slipped it on Mac's finger. "With this ring I thee wed, it is a symbol of my love and commitment to you."
Mac took the other ring from the Chaplain and slipped it on Josh's finger. "With this ring I thee wed, it is a symbol of my love and commitment to you."
"With the vows given and the rings received, I know pronounce you husband and wife. Josh, you may kiss your wife."
He didn't need any more prompting, lifting her veil he kissed Mac savoring every moment.
An honor guard filled out and drew their swords as they left the church and it was announced. "Presenting for the first time. Commander and Mrs. Joshua Taylor." They passed under the swords and Mac was given a ceremonial swat on the backside, chuckling as she heard: "Go Navy."
Family and friends, each, congratulated them wanting to kiss and hug the bride and groom and wish them well.
Josh hugged his sister. "Are you sure about this?" He asked.
"I'm sure," she insisted. "Are you?" She asked as her husband joined them, their daughter sleeping in his arms.
Mac linked arms with her new husband. "We'll be fine, you'd only be gone one night."
"And we need the practice," Josh smirked.
Katherine laughed; only she and Harm knew Mac was pregnant. "And I'm sure Harriet and Bud can help you out if you need it."
"We'll be fine," Mac reassured. "Besides, Harmony is a little angle and I know your dying to get back in the air."
"I've worked hard since her birth to be ready to do this," Katherine admitted. "I might not be flying full time, but I want to say qualified."
"Then it's no problem."
"And when you get back, we're off to Hawaii." Josh added happily.
"Then we'll try and not spoil your honeymoon by being late," Harm teased.
"Now Captain, you two wouldn't dare."
Harm just laughed. Twelve hours later he and Katherine arrived on the USS Ticonderoga, after reporting to the Captain, the first thing Katherine did was phone her brother and sister-in-law. Making sure Harmony was fine; Harm even spoke to Josh, since he was finding it hard to being away from his daughter. Then they were reunited with the Tyco Tigers, spending the day doing their carrier qualifications.
That night they stood together on Vultures Row after completing night traps.
Harm drew her into his arms. "We made it, babe."
"We certainly did," she agreed and turned in his arms. "I love you Harmon Rabb."
"And I love you Katherine Rabb," he said, and then kissed her.
The End.
(I just thought I'd let you know, I sat down late one night and played with the first four chapters of this story and turned it into a Harm/Mac story called 'Moving On'. If you're interested in having a read let me know and I'll post it on the site. A.S)
