Disclaimer is in the first chapter which basically states that I don't own any of the characters, I'm just using them in my crazy stories.
I know it seems like Bella is the perfect baby right now, but believe me, she won't stay that way for long. Please bear with me, I haven't been feeling that well, but the story will have a few interesting turns coming up.
Last Chapter:
"Leave it to my marine to always be hungry. I told her to get your favorite," Harm said. "Aaah! Your the best fly boy," Mac said running over and hugging him tightly. The others in the room smiled brightly. Mac and Harriet picked up paint brushes and began painting while the conversation between them continued to reel through Harm's head.
Chapter 7: Two to Tango
They had just finished painting the kitchen and laying down the new tile when Trish came back with the food. "Food's here," she called from the living room. Mac rushed out into the living room, before anyone else even had time to react. "Mac, you'd think you hadn't eaten in weeks," Harm said laughing as the others followed him through the door. "What can I say all that painting made me hungry," she said pulling out her hamburger and fry. Harm looked at her disgusted. "Mac I still don't know how you eat that stuff," he said taking a bite from his salad. The others watched the cute bantering between them. "It's not my fault you can't handle real food Stick Boy, compared to that rabbit food," Mac said smiling back at him. "Stick Boy, well there's a new one," AJ said surprised. "Mac came up with that one when we were stuck in the Appalachian Mountains," Harm said. "Hey you started making fun of my weight, I had to have something to defend myself with," she said shoving into him playfully.
Just as Mac finished eating, Bella began crying from her play pen. "Looks like someone knew it was dinner time," Mac said rising from her place on the floor. She walked over to the playpen and picked Bella up. She immediately ceased her crying. "There, you just wanted to be with everyone didn't you," Mac said smiling at the bright little girl. "Mac, I'll get her bottle for you," said Harm throwing his food away as he went into the kitchen. He came back a few minutes later, with the bottle. Mac sat down with Bella and placed the bottle to her mouth, which she instantly clung to. "Your so good with her dear," Trish said appreciatively. "Thanks. I can't take all the credit though. She's been pretty good so far, and I've got Harm. He's been great, together we've been, I think, the best parents we can be," Mac said smiling at Harm. After Bella finished, Mac sat her up to burp her. "While we're waiting for the stuff to get here, why don't we open my gifts for the baby," Grandma Sarah said. "Okay, Harm can you," Mac gestured towards the gifts. "No problem," he said going to get them.
He came back and sat down beside Mac and Bella. He began pulling the paper off of the first box. He opened the box and stared down into it. "What is it Harm," Mac asked trying to see into the box. "It's a christening gown. It's beautiful Grandma," Harm said. Grandma Sarah looked at Trish, then back at Harm and Mac. "Your father bought that gown before he went to Vietnam, in case he didn't come back. He wanted to leave something for you, for when you had a child, that way his grandchild would never forget him," Sarah said her eyes tearing. Mac was also beginning to cry. Harm was also choked up, not believing what his father had done. "There's a letter too dear," Sarah said looking at Trish who was now being comforted by Frank. The JAG team was both surprised and emotional as well, remembering Harm and Mac's trip to Russia. "Bella will always know her Grandpa Raab and she'll know that when he died he died a hero," Mac said rising to her feet with Bella, to hug Sarah, Trish, and Frank.
Mac picked up the christening gown, while Harm read the letter quietly to himself. "What do you think Bella? Your Grandpa Raab left this for you, yes he did, and your going to look so beautiful in it," Mac said holding it up for the small child to see. Bella smiled and made cooing noises at the dress. "Well I think she likes it," Mac said. "It's great Grandma thank you for keeping it all this time," Harm said hugging his grandmother tightly. "It wasn't hard dear, but I'll tell you, I wasn't sure I'd ever get the chance to see my great grandchild wear this gown," Sarah said laughing. Harm looked down at the letter in his hands and handed it to Mac. "Would you read it aloud Mac, please," Harm said his eyes seemed to say it all. Mac took the letter from him, holding it with her free hand.
She began to read, "Dear Harm,
If you're reading this letter now, I know that I've died and that your mother probably moved on with her life as well. That was what I wanted Harm, and I'm hoping you didn't give him too hard of a time growing up. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you, but I know he did the best he could, and for that I am thankful. I asked your grandma to hold onto this gown until you had a child, so that my grand child would always know me in some way. Congratulations son. I offer my congratulations to the woman who tamed my son, I know that it couldn't have been easy considering how rowdy I was growing up, right Mom! Anyway I know you've amounted to a young man that I am proud of and that I know will make an excellent father and husband. My love always to you, your wife, and my grand child, I am always watching and loving you.
Love, Harm Sr."
Mac finished up the letter wiping tears from her eyes. "It's a beautiful letter," Mac said. "Well why don't you open up another gift darling," Trish said trying to recompose herself. Harm took another box. He pulled the rapping paper off and found another white box. "This box isn't going to turn on the water works again, is it Grandma," Mac said laughing. "Oh no this one should actually get a few laughs," Sarah said smiling. Harm opened the box and immediately began laughing. He pulled out a little sailor dress, with a matching hat and shoes with little anchors on them. "That is the cutest thing," Harriet said. Mac also looked at the little dress. "It is adorable, but this little one isn't going to be all navy, are you Bella girl," Mac said smiling at the little girl. "Oh don't worry dear, I took care of your side too. There's another outfit in there Harm," Sarah said. Harm placed the outfit down and moved around some of the tissue paper. "You can appreciate this can't you Mac," he said holding up another outfit. The outfit was a red onesie with a bull dog on the front, that says "My mommy's a marine." On the back were the words "Semper Fi". There was also a little hat and slippers with bull dogs on them. "It's adorable Grandma thank you," Mac said holding up the out fit smiling brightly. The final box was rather large. Harm opened it quickly and sat in total shock. "It's perfect for her room," he said. He held up the model of the yellow steerman which had Sarah written on it. He then noticed something else. He pulled it out. A marine core bull dog with the outfit to match. "I wanted Bella to have something for her room of both her parents," Sarah said. "There wonderful Grandma," Harm said. He, Mac, and Bella went over to Sarah and hugged her affectionately.
A knock on the door interrupted the moment as they quickly went to the door to let the moving people in. The first thing they brought in was a beautiful table to be placed in the kitchen by the sliding glass doors. Harm and the other men went quickly to help them move everything in. Harriet and Mac went upstairs to put the border on Bella's room. Soon they had all the furniture put in place in the living room and the kitchen. The final stuff was to go upstairs in the bedroom, Bella's room, and the guest bedroom. "Let's start moving this bed upstairs we'll set it up, then move the dressers up," one of the moving men said. They carried the large bed up and began setting it up. Harriet and Mac came in watching them hard at work. Soon they had the large four poster bed set up. Then the king size mattress in place. Mac and Harriet went to work making the bed with navy blue sheets and large matching comforter. Finally the dressers and night tables were in place in Harm and Mac's bedroom, as they then continued on into Bella's room.
Mac and Harriet started putting the crib together, while Harm and AJ brought the changing table up. Frank, Bud, Sturgis, and the moving guys carried up her white dresser and the boxes of clothes, curtains, and bedding for her crib. Mac and Harriet finally had the crib set up and they began to put her Winnie the Pooh bedding in and her Winnie the Pooh mobile above it. After everything was in place, they set to unpacking all the boxes. "This is so cute Mac," Harriet said holding up the Winnie the Pooh diaper bag. They unpacked all her outfits they had picked out and put them away inside her dresser. They set up her little bouncer, her other toys, playmats, and the books for her bookshelves. Mac took the Winnie the Pooh lamp and set it up on the stand beside her crib, while Harm took the model steerman of Sarah and placed it on top of Bella's dresser. Mac put the stuffed bull dog into her crib along with a few other stuffed animals. "Now the only thing missing are some pictures," Mac said smiling. "We'll take care of that soon, I promise. Grandma bring her up," Harm called down the stairs. He gestured to Sturgis and AJ to go down stairs and get his surprise for Mac as well.
Grandma Sarah came up the stairs carrying a wide awake Bella into her new room. "What do you think sweetie," Mac said taking Bella and holding her. The little girl let out a giggle and a smile, as if she seemed to understand. "I think she likes it," Harm said wrapping his arm around Mac's shoulders. Mac walked with Bella over to the dresser and pointed to the steerman. "That's your daddy's plane Bella and someday he'll take you flying in it, isn't that right daddy," Mac asked turning to Harm. "That's right. My girl's going to enjoy flying, I can see it in those bright blue eyes," he said taking her from Mac. "Well, it's getting late we'd better be going. The baby sitter is only staying til eight," said Bud. "Yeah, we've got to be going too," Trish said. Sturgis and AJ also nodded in agreement. Mac, Harm, and Bella walked their guests down to the door. "Thanks for all your help today, we really appreciate it," Mac said. "We'll see you later dear," Sarah said going to kiss them on the cheek. "We'll see you on Monday, Harm, Mac," AJ said. He reached over and kissed Bella.
After their company had finally left, Harm and Mac turned around and looked around the room. "I can't believe it. Our home," Mac said. Harm turned flashing her his fly boy grin. He laughed slightly as he noticed Bella yawning. "Looks like someone's tired. Time for bed Bella," Harm said. He and Mac walked silently up to her room. Harm took Bella changing her diaper while Mac picked out a onesie for her to wear to sleep. Mac put the out fit on while Harm turned down the bed. "We make a good team even as parents," Harm said. Mac smiled and kissed Bella's head. "Goodnight my sweet Bella girl," Mac said. Harm took her next and did the same. "Sweet dreams Bella," he said laying her down into the crib and covering her with a light blanket. He started up the mobile, while Mac turned on the baby monitor. The whimsical Winne the Pooh theme song floated through the room. Together they proceeded out of the room and into their own bedroom. Taking a deep breath they looked nervously at each other. "I'll go change in the bath room," Mac said. She walked over to the dresser and pulled something out, then hurried into the bathroom. Harm changed into a pair of pajama bottoms, opting not for a shirt.
Harm went over to the cd player and turned it on. A song was playing, but Harm was staring out into the night sky thinking about Mac, Bella, his father's letter, and the conversation they had in the kitchen earlier. He was so out of it, he didn't notice Mac come out of the bath room in a silk light blue gown. She came up behind him and he turned around. His breath did a sharp intake as he saw beautiful figure standing there. "Your beautiful," he said honestly. "Thank you Harm," Mac said. Faith Hill's a A Room in My Heart came onto the stereo. "Would you care to dance Ninja Girl," Harm asked smiling. "With you, always," Mac said returning the smile. Harm took Mac's hand and led her to a open space in front of the bed.
My heart was once just like a home With many rooms and open doors And I always let love in It would change the rooms around and then Leave them empty He pulled away from her a moment looking into her eyes and then spinning her around and bringing her back to him. He held her close as the words continued.
'Til one by one I locked each door And soon forgot what love was for But I never gave up hopin' So I left just one door open In case you found me They held each other swaying to the music, each listening to the words. "This song is so much like what I did," Harm said almost in a whisper. Mac wasn't sure if she had heard him as they continued dancing. "But did you a leave a door open or did you close off your heart completely," Mac asked softly. He looked into her eyes searching for something.
So there's a room in my heart for you If your trust has been stolen too If you walk softly on this worn out wooden floor And leave behind you the hurt you've had before There's a room in my heart for you Mac slid her arms around his neck, staring into his eyes. "Can you leave behind the past and the hurt," Harm asked. Mac stared back suddenly realizing this was the talk she had waited for, for almost seven years.
We'll paint the walls from blue to white And set the mood by candlelight Together we'll keep out the cold And I'll still be there when we're old If you'll let me "I've always been willing, but I've gotten so used to waiting and keeping it all in. I've always just been waiting for you," Mac said her voice serious. It was Harm's turn to stare and think about what this conversation was bringing.
So there's a room in my heart for you If your trust has been stolen too If you walk softly on this worn out wooden floor And leave behind you the hurt you've had before There's a room in my heart for you
As the song ended Harm spun Mac away from him then pulled her close, staring into her brown depths. He layed her back into a dip, their faces just inches apart, as their faces moved closer and closer...
Feedback is always appreciated!!!
The song is A Room in My Heart, by Faith Hill.
I know it seems like Bella is the perfect baby right now, but believe me, she won't stay that way for long. Please bear with me, I haven't been feeling that well, but the story will have a few interesting turns coming up.
Last Chapter:
"Leave it to my marine to always be hungry. I told her to get your favorite," Harm said. "Aaah! Your the best fly boy," Mac said running over and hugging him tightly. The others in the room smiled brightly. Mac and Harriet picked up paint brushes and began painting while the conversation between them continued to reel through Harm's head.
Chapter 7: Two to Tango
They had just finished painting the kitchen and laying down the new tile when Trish came back with the food. "Food's here," she called from the living room. Mac rushed out into the living room, before anyone else even had time to react. "Mac, you'd think you hadn't eaten in weeks," Harm said laughing as the others followed him through the door. "What can I say all that painting made me hungry," she said pulling out her hamburger and fry. Harm looked at her disgusted. "Mac I still don't know how you eat that stuff," he said taking a bite from his salad. The others watched the cute bantering between them. "It's not my fault you can't handle real food Stick Boy, compared to that rabbit food," Mac said smiling back at him. "Stick Boy, well there's a new one," AJ said surprised. "Mac came up with that one when we were stuck in the Appalachian Mountains," Harm said. "Hey you started making fun of my weight, I had to have something to defend myself with," she said shoving into him playfully.
Just as Mac finished eating, Bella began crying from her play pen. "Looks like someone knew it was dinner time," Mac said rising from her place on the floor. She walked over to the playpen and picked Bella up. She immediately ceased her crying. "There, you just wanted to be with everyone didn't you," Mac said smiling at the bright little girl. "Mac, I'll get her bottle for you," said Harm throwing his food away as he went into the kitchen. He came back a few minutes later, with the bottle. Mac sat down with Bella and placed the bottle to her mouth, which she instantly clung to. "Your so good with her dear," Trish said appreciatively. "Thanks. I can't take all the credit though. She's been pretty good so far, and I've got Harm. He's been great, together we've been, I think, the best parents we can be," Mac said smiling at Harm. After Bella finished, Mac sat her up to burp her. "While we're waiting for the stuff to get here, why don't we open my gifts for the baby," Grandma Sarah said. "Okay, Harm can you," Mac gestured towards the gifts. "No problem," he said going to get them.
He came back and sat down beside Mac and Bella. He began pulling the paper off of the first box. He opened the box and stared down into it. "What is it Harm," Mac asked trying to see into the box. "It's a christening gown. It's beautiful Grandma," Harm said. Grandma Sarah looked at Trish, then back at Harm and Mac. "Your father bought that gown before he went to Vietnam, in case he didn't come back. He wanted to leave something for you, for when you had a child, that way his grandchild would never forget him," Sarah said her eyes tearing. Mac was also beginning to cry. Harm was also choked up, not believing what his father had done. "There's a letter too dear," Sarah said looking at Trish who was now being comforted by Frank. The JAG team was both surprised and emotional as well, remembering Harm and Mac's trip to Russia. "Bella will always know her Grandpa Raab and she'll know that when he died he died a hero," Mac said rising to her feet with Bella, to hug Sarah, Trish, and Frank.
Mac picked up the christening gown, while Harm read the letter quietly to himself. "What do you think Bella? Your Grandpa Raab left this for you, yes he did, and your going to look so beautiful in it," Mac said holding it up for the small child to see. Bella smiled and made cooing noises at the dress. "Well I think she likes it," Mac said. "It's great Grandma thank you for keeping it all this time," Harm said hugging his grandmother tightly. "It wasn't hard dear, but I'll tell you, I wasn't sure I'd ever get the chance to see my great grandchild wear this gown," Sarah said laughing. Harm looked down at the letter in his hands and handed it to Mac. "Would you read it aloud Mac, please," Harm said his eyes seemed to say it all. Mac took the letter from him, holding it with her free hand.
She began to read, "Dear Harm,
If you're reading this letter now, I know that I've died and that your mother probably moved on with her life as well. That was what I wanted Harm, and I'm hoping you didn't give him too hard of a time growing up. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you, but I know he did the best he could, and for that I am thankful. I asked your grandma to hold onto this gown until you had a child, so that my grand child would always know me in some way. Congratulations son. I offer my congratulations to the woman who tamed my son, I know that it couldn't have been easy considering how rowdy I was growing up, right Mom! Anyway I know you've amounted to a young man that I am proud of and that I know will make an excellent father and husband. My love always to you, your wife, and my grand child, I am always watching and loving you.
Love, Harm Sr."
Mac finished up the letter wiping tears from her eyes. "It's a beautiful letter," Mac said. "Well why don't you open up another gift darling," Trish said trying to recompose herself. Harm took another box. He pulled the rapping paper off and found another white box. "This box isn't going to turn on the water works again, is it Grandma," Mac said laughing. "Oh no this one should actually get a few laughs," Sarah said smiling. Harm opened the box and immediately began laughing. He pulled out a little sailor dress, with a matching hat and shoes with little anchors on them. "That is the cutest thing," Harriet said. Mac also looked at the little dress. "It is adorable, but this little one isn't going to be all navy, are you Bella girl," Mac said smiling at the little girl. "Oh don't worry dear, I took care of your side too. There's another outfit in there Harm," Sarah said. Harm placed the outfit down and moved around some of the tissue paper. "You can appreciate this can't you Mac," he said holding up another outfit. The outfit was a red onesie with a bull dog on the front, that says "My mommy's a marine." On the back were the words "Semper Fi". There was also a little hat and slippers with bull dogs on them. "It's adorable Grandma thank you," Mac said holding up the out fit smiling brightly. The final box was rather large. Harm opened it quickly and sat in total shock. "It's perfect for her room," he said. He held up the model of the yellow steerman which had Sarah written on it. He then noticed something else. He pulled it out. A marine core bull dog with the outfit to match. "I wanted Bella to have something for her room of both her parents," Sarah said. "There wonderful Grandma," Harm said. He, Mac, and Bella went over to Sarah and hugged her affectionately.
A knock on the door interrupted the moment as they quickly went to the door to let the moving people in. The first thing they brought in was a beautiful table to be placed in the kitchen by the sliding glass doors. Harm and the other men went quickly to help them move everything in. Harriet and Mac went upstairs to put the border on Bella's room. Soon they had all the furniture put in place in the living room and the kitchen. The final stuff was to go upstairs in the bedroom, Bella's room, and the guest bedroom. "Let's start moving this bed upstairs we'll set it up, then move the dressers up," one of the moving men said. They carried the large bed up and began setting it up. Harriet and Mac came in watching them hard at work. Soon they had the large four poster bed set up. Then the king size mattress in place. Mac and Harriet went to work making the bed with navy blue sheets and large matching comforter. Finally the dressers and night tables were in place in Harm and Mac's bedroom, as they then continued on into Bella's room.
Mac and Harriet started putting the crib together, while Harm and AJ brought the changing table up. Frank, Bud, Sturgis, and the moving guys carried up her white dresser and the boxes of clothes, curtains, and bedding for her crib. Mac and Harriet finally had the crib set up and they began to put her Winnie the Pooh bedding in and her Winnie the Pooh mobile above it. After everything was in place, they set to unpacking all the boxes. "This is so cute Mac," Harriet said holding up the Winnie the Pooh diaper bag. They unpacked all her outfits they had picked out and put them away inside her dresser. They set up her little bouncer, her other toys, playmats, and the books for her bookshelves. Mac took the Winnie the Pooh lamp and set it up on the stand beside her crib, while Harm took the model steerman of Sarah and placed it on top of Bella's dresser. Mac put the stuffed bull dog into her crib along with a few other stuffed animals. "Now the only thing missing are some pictures," Mac said smiling. "We'll take care of that soon, I promise. Grandma bring her up," Harm called down the stairs. He gestured to Sturgis and AJ to go down stairs and get his surprise for Mac as well.
Grandma Sarah came up the stairs carrying a wide awake Bella into her new room. "What do you think sweetie," Mac said taking Bella and holding her. The little girl let out a giggle and a smile, as if she seemed to understand. "I think she likes it," Harm said wrapping his arm around Mac's shoulders. Mac walked with Bella over to the dresser and pointed to the steerman. "That's your daddy's plane Bella and someday he'll take you flying in it, isn't that right daddy," Mac asked turning to Harm. "That's right. My girl's going to enjoy flying, I can see it in those bright blue eyes," he said taking her from Mac. "Well, it's getting late we'd better be going. The baby sitter is only staying til eight," said Bud. "Yeah, we've got to be going too," Trish said. Sturgis and AJ also nodded in agreement. Mac, Harm, and Bella walked their guests down to the door. "Thanks for all your help today, we really appreciate it," Mac said. "We'll see you later dear," Sarah said going to kiss them on the cheek. "We'll see you on Monday, Harm, Mac," AJ said. He reached over and kissed Bella.
After their company had finally left, Harm and Mac turned around and looked around the room. "I can't believe it. Our home," Mac said. Harm turned flashing her his fly boy grin. He laughed slightly as he noticed Bella yawning. "Looks like someone's tired. Time for bed Bella," Harm said. He and Mac walked silently up to her room. Harm took Bella changing her diaper while Mac picked out a onesie for her to wear to sleep. Mac put the out fit on while Harm turned down the bed. "We make a good team even as parents," Harm said. Mac smiled and kissed Bella's head. "Goodnight my sweet Bella girl," Mac said. Harm took her next and did the same. "Sweet dreams Bella," he said laying her down into the crib and covering her with a light blanket. He started up the mobile, while Mac turned on the baby monitor. The whimsical Winne the Pooh theme song floated through the room. Together they proceeded out of the room and into their own bedroom. Taking a deep breath they looked nervously at each other. "I'll go change in the bath room," Mac said. She walked over to the dresser and pulled something out, then hurried into the bathroom. Harm changed into a pair of pajama bottoms, opting not for a shirt.
Harm went over to the cd player and turned it on. A song was playing, but Harm was staring out into the night sky thinking about Mac, Bella, his father's letter, and the conversation they had in the kitchen earlier. He was so out of it, he didn't notice Mac come out of the bath room in a silk light blue gown. She came up behind him and he turned around. His breath did a sharp intake as he saw beautiful figure standing there. "Your beautiful," he said honestly. "Thank you Harm," Mac said. Faith Hill's a A Room in My Heart came onto the stereo. "Would you care to dance Ninja Girl," Harm asked smiling. "With you, always," Mac said returning the smile. Harm took Mac's hand and led her to a open space in front of the bed.
My heart was once just like a home With many rooms and open doors And I always let love in It would change the rooms around and then Leave them empty He pulled away from her a moment looking into her eyes and then spinning her around and bringing her back to him. He held her close as the words continued.
'Til one by one I locked each door And soon forgot what love was for But I never gave up hopin' So I left just one door open In case you found me They held each other swaying to the music, each listening to the words. "This song is so much like what I did," Harm said almost in a whisper. Mac wasn't sure if she had heard him as they continued dancing. "But did you a leave a door open or did you close off your heart completely," Mac asked softly. He looked into her eyes searching for something.
So there's a room in my heart for you If your trust has been stolen too If you walk softly on this worn out wooden floor And leave behind you the hurt you've had before There's a room in my heart for you Mac slid her arms around his neck, staring into his eyes. "Can you leave behind the past and the hurt," Harm asked. Mac stared back suddenly realizing this was the talk she had waited for, for almost seven years.
We'll paint the walls from blue to white And set the mood by candlelight Together we'll keep out the cold And I'll still be there when we're old If you'll let me "I've always been willing, but I've gotten so used to waiting and keeping it all in. I've always just been waiting for you," Mac said her voice serious. It was Harm's turn to stare and think about what this conversation was bringing.
So there's a room in my heart for you If your trust has been stolen too If you walk softly on this worn out wooden floor And leave behind you the hurt you've had before There's a room in my heart for you
As the song ended Harm spun Mac away from him then pulled her close, staring into her brown depths. He layed her back into a dip, their faces just inches apart, as their faces moved closer and closer...
Feedback is always appreciated!!!
The song is A Room in My Heart, by Faith Hill.