I don't own the characters, never have, never will.

Chapter 8

Later that day, Harm and Mac were seated together on his couch. Mac's back to his chest as they lay their silently. "What a day," Mac said sighing deeply. "Tell me about it. Who knew that this thing would be so huge," Harm said. Mac turned around and looked at Harm. "Isn't that why we waited so long," said Mac smiling slightly. "I thought that was because I had my head so far up my six that I couldn't let go," Harm said smiling his fly boy grin. Mac leaned up and kissed him lightly. "Well that too, but it doesn't matter now. All that matters is getting back at Palmer for what he did. Speaking of I wanted to talk to you about how we're going to play it up for the press. I'm not sure what we can do," Mac said. "Oh, I think I have a few ideas," Harm said his fly boy grin returning. He leaned in and spoke to her.

JAG HQ
The Next Day

TV cameras, crews, and newscasters surrounded the JAG building. Harm and Mac pulled up in his corvette, soon surrounded by people. Harm flashed Mac a quick smile before jumping out of the car. He went around and opened the door for Mac, helping her up and then shutting the door behind her. The two officers immediately became engulfed in reporters. "How long have you two been together? What does this mean for your careers? Do you plan on keeping the baby," the reporters asked? "You will all get your answers, but for the moment the love of my life and I would like to go to work," Harm said keeping his arm tightly around Mac. The reporters continued shouting as Mac and Harm made their way into the building. "Sir, Ma'am, I'd like to offer my congratulations. May I take your bags," Gunny asked smiling? "Thank you Gunny. Any messages," Harm asked his arm still around Mac drawing looks from their co-workers.

"Well the Admiral would like to see both of you and People, Time, Entertainment Weekly, and some parenting magazines all want interviews. Then there's ZNN, CNN, Entertainment Tonight, all want interviews too," Gunny said reading off the list. "Gunny, call them all and please schedule appointments with them. Get People in here today and the others following. Tell them we'll do a photo shoot in the court room, as their are not any cases being heard today," Mac said. Gunny watched as the two officers walked to the Admiral's office. "Good morning Sir," Harm said his voice animated and happy for the first time since the Admiral had known him. "Commander, Colonel, I trust you both handled the press outside, the Admiral said. "Yes Sir. We have People magazine and several others coming in for photo shoots today. Apparently they want pictures before and after I'm pregnant," Mac said. The Admiral laughed slightly, then became stern. "I know the two of you must be concerned with what this trial will mean for your careers. The Secnav and I have always thought that you two would get together, so we've arranged it so both of you will be able to stay here at JAG. However, unless the case calls for it, you will not be sent away together on a case. This trial is basically a way to get Palmer out in the open so that we can finally put that bastard in prison where he belongs," AJ said. "Thank you Sir. The Commander and I spoke of that last night. We were concerned that one of us would have to resign," Mac said squeezing Harm's hand gently. "We wouldn't dream of separating you two, not after how long it took to get you together," the Admiral stated with a hearty laugh. Mac's face suddenly became grim as she rushed out of the office, her hand firmly clamped over her mouth.

The Admiral and Harm watched Mac's retreating figure disappear into the ladies room. "Commander, Harm, I know that as your boss I should be furious at the two of you, but truthfully as AJ, I'm thrilled. We've all known since day one how much you two cared for one another," AJ said smiling brightly. "I think we both knew it too. I just couldn't seem to get my head out of my six, long enough to realize that the one thing I wanted the most in the world was right in front of me," Harm said. Gunny suddenly appeared in the door of AJ's office. "Sir, People magazine is waiting in the court room for you and the Colonel," Gunny said. "Thank you Gunny. We'll be right there. Sir, the Colonel and I are going to be playing this up to it's fullest extent, because believe me Sir, I want Palmer caught before Mac and I bring a child into this world," Harm said as he walked out of the Admiral's office and caught Mac up in a hug as she exited the ladies room. "The press is definitely getting their money's worth on this story," said AJ as he settled back into his chair thinking back at Mac and Harm's partnership.

The Court Room
JAG HQ

"Ready Marine," Harm asked squeezing her hand lightly? "Oh yeah. Let's give these people a show," Mac said smiling brightly. They opened the court room doors and immediately noticed how different the room looked with lights and photographers standing round. "Ah, Colonel Mackenzie, Commander Rabb, I'm Jessica Baker, editor and chief of People magazine. I can't thank you enough for giving us the first interview," the woman said shaking their hands vigorously. "Well Ms. Baker we just want our story told," Harm said. "Oh please call me Jessica," she said smiling. "Then you might as well call us Harm and Mac," Mac stated. "We'd like to do a photo shoot first then do the interview if that's alright," Jessica said pointing the setup camera and american flag back drop. "We're in your hands Jessica," Mac said smiling. "Great. Okay, let's get one shot of the Colonel, one of the Commander and then them together in uniform. Remember people this is the military in love," Jessica yelled to her crews as Mac and Harm were hurried over to the photographer. "This is Mark our photographer, Mark this Mac and Harm," Jessica said introducing them. "Nice to meet you. Mac, if you stand over here in front of the flag, we'll begin," Mark said. Jessica went with Mac and positioned her. "Alright hands down by your sides, look firm and great, now give me a smile," Mark said from behind the camera. Looking over at Harm, Mac flashed a grin. "Beautiful, alright Harm please stand where Mac was," Mark said as Harm and Mac traded places. After the shots of Harm were done it was time for the photo both Harm and Mac had been waiting for, the together shot. "Alright Mac, go join the love of your life," Jessica said as Mac walked over to Harm. "Okay, arms around each other and smile," Mark said.

At just two months pregnant, Mac was beginning to show slightly. ( I know that the timing is off, but I needed to change it to fit with the photo shoots and interviews.) As Harm and Mac turned for another pose her stomach stuck out slightly. They turned sideways, with Mac's back to his chest. His hands gently touching her stomach. "That was great, now we'd like to get some shots of you together in civilian atire. We have wardrobe over there. Mac and Harm came out wearing formal, yet casual clothing. Harm in a pair of dress black pants and a fitting blue shirt. Mac in a sexy, yet sophisticated baby blue dress. "You both look great. Now this time we want happy and flirtacious. Your young and in love," Mark said smiling. Mac slid her arms up around his neck as they stared into each others eyes. Then, surprising everyone, Mac reached up on tiptoes and kissed him gently. The crews began applauding enthusiastically as Mark continued to snap away. Then Harm picked Mac up into his arms holding her tight, both of them laughing at the position. "That was great, you are both such naturals at this," Jessica said. Mac looked up at Harm and caught his fly boy grin with one of her own. This was definitely going to be an interesting pregnancy.

Feedback appreciated!!

I know I said Mac and Harm were in for a surprise at the doctor's visit, I promise that'll be in the next chapter.