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.
Last Chapter:
The snow suddenly came down around them as they walked happily together back to their car. A pair of evil eyes watched as they did so from the shadows of the bushes. "You won't be happy for long. My plan will come soon and you won't even know what hit you," the man said as he began walking away from them in the cold snowy night.
Chapter 13: The Court Case From Hell... Or Maybe Not
It's almost been three years since that Christmas at the wall. Mac and Harm had kept their relationship at bay when in the office, but at home, they seemed to be like a married couple. On this particular day, they were both in the office working on a mutual case. Bella, who is now three years old, was at a daycare center near JAG. Mac and Harm were in her office working on their case when a knock came that was going to turn their world upside down. "Come in," Mac said not looking up from her paperwork. "Are you Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Raab," a man in a suit asked? "Yes we are, what can we help you with?" Harm asked the rather peculiar business like man. "These are for you. I'll see you in court," He said and with that was out of the office. "Hey, wait a minute," Harm said trying to catch the man. Meanwhile Mac opened the envelope and pulled out the paper. "Oh my god," she said reading over them. Suddenly trying to stand to follow Harm she fainted dead across the floor. Harm walked back in the office and saw Mac on the floor. "Mac! Come on Sarah wake up," he said. "Commander, what are you doing on the floor," Admiral Chegwidden asked? "Sir, it's the Colonel, she just fainted," said Harm. "Alright, get her in my office," AJ said quickly. Harm picked up Mac and the letter she had dropped. Harm sat down with Mac still in his arms. Harriet followed AJ into the office, handing Harm a cold cloth. Harm placed it on her forehead and patted it all over her face until finally he saw her eyes open. "What happened," she asked touching her head. "You fainted Mac. But why," Harm asked. "Because of this," Mac said holding up the paper. Harm quickly read over it. "This can't be, he's dead. Kara said he was. Well, we won't let him take her. I promise Sarah, he won't get her," Harm said hugging Mac to him.
Suddenly it occurred to both of them, that they were in the company of their CO. "Sorry Sir," Mac said getting off of Harm's lap and sitting in the chair beside him. Harriet and AJ were smiling brightly. "What is it that's got you both looking like you just lost your best friend," AJ asked trying to change the subject. "More like we could lose our daughter," said Mac as Harm handed him the paper. "You are to appear in front of Judge Wilson on Thursday. You are being sued by Mr. Jack Carlson, Bella's biological father," AJ said reading off from the paper. He set it down and looked at the two of them. "Ma'am Sir, if I may. Their is a stature of limitation on this. He has no rights after six months and it has been that," Harriet said. "That is true Harriet, but he could be granted visitation," Mac said sighing deeply. "Alright, I am going to take this case myself, and represent the two of you. Harriet get Sturgis in here please, he'll take my place while we're gone as acting JAG," AJ said sternly. "Sir, we couldn't ask you to do this," Mac said. "Your not asking, I'm offering, now go get your daughter and go home for the day. We have a big day tomorrow," AJ commanded. "Yes Sir," they both said. They stood at attention and then walked out of the room. Harm immediately noticed the tears that were coming down Mac's face, as he placed a comforting Harm around her.
"Sir, is something wrong with the Colonel? I just saw her and Commander Raab, she was crying," Sturgis said confused. "You'll be acting JAG while we're away. I'm going to represent Harm and Mac, in a case tomorrow. Apparently Bella's father is alive and wants guardianship," AJ said solemnly. "So that's why the Colonel was upset. I'll do my best while your gone Sir," Sturgis said honestly.
Mac and Harm arrived at the daycare center as Mac hurriedly went inside to get Bella. "Mommy," Bella called out to her, running quickly. "Oh my sweetie. Did you have a good time today," Mac asked the little girl, still hugging her tightly. "Miss J has been teaching me about reading and numbers. She has this really neat machine that says the words, like the one we have at home," Bella said her tiny voice happy. "I'm glad sweetie," Mac said fighting back tears. Harm came in a moment later, picking Bella up in a hug as Miss J came over to them. "She's doing very well with her numbers. You're a little early today aren't you," Miss J asked? "We are and Bella won't be in tomorrow. We have a little problem with a court case and Bella will have to come with us," Mac said. Miss J seemed to understand by the solemn look on Mac's face that it was serious. "Well, that's alright. We'll miss her, but I'm sure she'll be back soon," Miss J said reassuringly. The three of them walked out the door, with Miss J watching them her eyes sad.
When they got home, Mac and Harm immediately went to change their clothes while Bella sat down in her Elmo chair and turned on the TV. They came back down a few minutes later in jeans and a T-shirt. "Mac, I'll cook dinner tonight. That way you can talk to Bella about what could happen tomorrow," Harm said. "Maybe we should both tell her, we'll just order a pizza," Mac said. "Okay," said Harm placing his hand on the small of her back, leading her into the living room. "Bella can you turn the TV off for a few minutes, we need to talk to you," Harm said as he and Mac sat down on the couch. Bella did as she was told and was soon sitting beside them. "Sweetie, do you remember when we told you that your other mommy was very sick and she gave you to us so that we could take care of you," Mac said. "Yes and then you became my new mommy and daddy," Bella said. "Well, tomorrow, uncle AJ, and the three of us have to go to court. Your other daddy is alive and he wants to take you away from us," Harm said trying to pick and choose his words. "But I don't want to go with him, I want to stay with you. Your my parents," Bella said her eyes becoming teary. "Oh, Bella, we're not going to let him take you away from us. We promise, you'll always be our little girl," Mac said hugging her. "Guess what we're having for dinner, Bella? Pizza," Harm said hoping to lighten the mood. "Yay! Half meat lovers, half veggies, right," Bella said who was taking after Mac for loving meat. "That's right," Harm said smiling at Mac and his little girl.
That night, Mac and Harm tucked Bella into her bed and then went into their own. As they crawled into bed, Harm noticed the tears that had developed in Mac's beautiful brown eyes again. "Mac, it's okay. I promise you, nothing is going to happen to Bella," Harm said hugging her tightly. "Harm, I know that we have all our cards going for us, but what if this guy really is her father, I mean what happens if he gets visitation rights or worse, if he gets custody. I can't lose our little girl. She just starting her dance classes and she's got her daycare center," Mac said. "I know Mac. And no judge would ever take her away from all that," Harm said comforting. As they settled under the covers, Harm continued to hug Mac, rubbing her back gently.
The next day, Harm, Mac, Bella, and AJ walked into the public court room. Harm and AJ were both dressed in civilian suits, while Mac had a skirt and jacket outfit. They had chosen a lavendar jumper for Bella. A few moments later Trish and Frank came in. They hugged Harm and Mac. "It'll be okay. No judge would take this little girl away from you," Trish said to Mac. "Grandma," Bella said excitedly as Trish picked her up and they sat in the seat directly behind Mac and Harm. Five minutes later, the lawyer who had walked into Mac's office came in, with a rather tall man with light brown hair. He looked over at Harm and Mac. Then back at Bella. The lawyer was talking to him and pointed at Bella.
"All rise for the honorary judge Wilson is now presiding," the man said. ( I have no clue what they actually they say) They all stood up as the judge walked in. "Okay now what is this all about," he said aloud as he opened the file. "Ah, Mr. Carlson, you are filing a suit against Mr. Raab and Ms.Mackenzie for custody of your child, is that correct," the judge asked? "It is your honor," he answered. "Your honor if I may," AJ started standing up. The judge nodded. "Mr. Raab and Ms. Mackenzie signed legal adoption papers for their daughter when she was just a week old. Her biological mother died of cancer, she was in the navy, and had read about my clients. She wanted them to adopt Bella. Here is a letter she left with Bella and the adoption papers," AJ said handing the baliff the papers. The Judge read them over carefully and then handed them back to the bailiff. "Well, Mr. Carlson, I don't see why we're even here. They legally adopted her and according to this record your legally dead," the Judge said. "Your honor, we would like the chance to prove that my client can give Bella a much better life than these two people can," Mr. Samson said. "Well until I see a DNA test and a blood sample, he is not getting my child," Mac said fiercely standing up.
"Order, please sit down Ms. Mackenzie. Now, I will allow both sides to bring up witnesses to prove your case in front of me only and then my decision will be final," the judge said. "Your honor we'd also like to ask that the child be taken into the custody of the court until this matter is decided," Mr. Samson said. "No, you can't take her away from us," Mac said standing up once again. Harm squeezed her hand and she sat down. "Sorry, your honor," Mac said quietly. "Unfortunately Ms. Mackenzie and I hate to do this, but I am going to have to take the child into the custody of the court. We're adjourned until 9:00 am tomorrow morning." Bella looked confused at what had just happened. "Wait, what does that mean mommy," Bella asked confused. "Sweetie, you just have to go with this man for a little while. Just until we get this case taken care of. It'll be like a little vacation," Mac said trying to put a smile on her face. "But I don't want to go. I want to stay with you and daddy," Bella said tears coming to her eyes. "I know baby, but you have to go. We'll see you real soon, I promise. When we do, we're all going on vacation okay. We'll go to Disney World, how does that sound," Mac said. Bella thought about it for a moment. "Deal," she said hugging Mac and Harm. "I love you Mommy, I love you Daddy," Bella said following the baliff out of the court room. "We love you too," Harm called out. The minute Bella was out of the court room, Mac broke down in sobs. Harm carefully helped her out of the court room with his parents and AJ close behind them.
The next morning all were in court again. As the judge entered the room, he noticed that Mac was visibly shaken and obviously had not slept well by the way Harm was holding onto her. "Alright, first things first. Mr. Carlson, please go with Officer Jackson and get that DNA and blood sample. We have set up a station in the back. As soon as that is taken care of, we will begin," the judge stated. Jack Carlson got up and walked with the officer to the back chambers.
About fifteen minutes later he came back and it was time to begin. "Alright Admiral, you may call your first witness," the judge said. "I'd like to call Harriet Roberts to the stand," Admiral Chegwidden said. Harriet came in, in her navy uniform. After being sworn in the AJ began asking questions. "Mrs. Roberts how do you know Mr. Raab and Ms. Mackenzie?"
H: "I work with them at JAG and they are also my son's god parents."
AJ: "And how long have you known them?"
H: "About six years."
AJ: Were you surprised when they adopted Bella?"
H: "Yes and no. I knew they both wanted to have children someday. I was actually very happy for them, it brought them closer and I knew they would be excellent parents." Harriet finished with a smile on her face.
After AJ sat down Mr. Samson stood up. "Mrs. Roberts, about how many cases are Mr. Raab and Ms. Mackenzie gone away on?"
H: Oh, I don't know, it depends on what's going on in our country, such as last year they were gone to Afghanistan for several weeks."
Samson: "So their schedules change often? Wouldn't you say this would effect Bella's life by shaking her up and making her move with them?"
H: "It doesn't shake Bella up, she would stay with one of us. We are her family and we love her deeply."
Samson: "But Mrs. Roberts wouldn't you say that someone who stays in one place and doesn't travel alot would make a better parent?"
H: "Then you are saying that my husband and I are bad parents or anyone else in the military are bad parents. Yes we go on assignments frequently, but we make friends, good friends at our work who become our family and are willing to take care of our children when we can't. Bella's mother was in the navy and obviously so was her now alive father, it's in her blood. Mac and Harm have had her for almost three years and haven't encountered any problems at all."
"Thank you Mrs. Roberts. No further questions."
Harriet stepped down and took her seat in the court room again.
"I'd like to call Trish Burnett to the stand."
AJ: "Mrs. Burnett what is your relationship with my clients?"
T: "Harm is my son and Mac is the mother of my first grandchild and hopefully not my last." Trish smiled down at Harm and Mac who looked rather embarassed. Even the judge was smiling on that one.
AJ: "Were you surprised when Harm called you and told you that he had adopted a child?"
T: "I was, because I didn't know that he was even planning it. But when he told me about that poor young woman, I knew that he and Mac were doing the right thing. They have done such a wonderful job raising Bella."
Mr. Samson then stood up. "Mrs. Burnett, would you say that being in the military is a threat on ones life?"
T: "Any job today is a threat Mr. Samson."
Mr. Samson: " Yes it is, but isn't it true that your husband Lt. Commander Harmon Raab Sr. was declared MIA in the Vietnam War."
AJ: "Objection what does her husband have anything to do with this?"
Mr. Samson: "I'm just trying to prove that it is very dangerous being in the military."
Judge: "I'll allow it for now, but don't get any wise ideas Mr. Samson."
T: Yes it is. But my son and Mac already found out what really happened and I've settled with that. I know that my son and Mac take every precaution with their job, they are trained and know what they are doing."
Mr. Samson sat down and Trish left the stand.
"I'd like to call Commander Harmon Raab Jr. to the stand."
AJ: "How long have you known the Colonel?"
H: "Seven years."
AJ: "And would you say the two of you are close?"
H: "Yes Sir. We've been very good friends for quite some time. We have some rough patches we get through them. It's safe to say that Bella has brought us closer."
AJ: "Was it difficult dealing with Bella and your jobs?"
H: "At first it was a little difficult, but you Sir, made it easier by allowing us to bring Bella with us to work, until we found a suitable daycare center."
AJ: "After you adopted Bella, what were some of the immediate changes you made in you living style?"
H: "Well, Mac and I both had corvettes. We decided to trade one in for something a little bigger so we could accomodate all of Bella's toys and car seat. We were both single and lived in apartments, which we then went and bought a large house with a big back yard for Bella to play in. We had to go by new clothes for her, a crib, toys, formula, diapers. all the things a baby needs."
AJ: " Just one more question, Do you love your daughter?"
H: "Very much."
Mr. Samson stood up. "It must have been a financial burden on both you and Ms. Mackenzie, to afford all these things."
H: "We would have boughten these things eventually, it just came a little sooner."
Mr. Samson: "Isn't it true that you were given money to take care of Bella?"
H: "We were offered money, but we refused. We wanted to do this on our own and pretend that Bella was never adopted."
Mr. Samson: "As a single guy this must have ruined your dating life?"
H: "Not really, I haven't wanted to date any other women right now. I'm happy with the women in my life right now."
Mr. Samson: "Are you saying that you have a girl friend while your living with Ms. Mackenzie and Bella? That can't be good for Bella to see her father with another woman."
H: "Not another woman, I meant Mac. Mac and I have been sorting through things in our lives and we care about each other very much. There is no other girl friend. The women I was referring to are Mac and Bella. They are the only women in my life other than my mother and my grandmother."
Mr. Samson: "Are you saying that you and Ms. Mackenzie are in love? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that against regulations?" Harm saw the fear in Mac's eyes.
AJ: "Objection, your honor, Commander Raab and Colonel Mackenzie have worked together for seven years, they have never acted on any feelings that may be there. This line of questioning isn't right, there is a separate court if anything ever comes of these feelings."
Judge: "I agree Mr. Chegwidden. Sustained."
Mr. Samson sat down obviously defeated on that note.
Judge: "We will recess until tomorrow morning at nine am.
That night Harm and Mac sat quietly on the sofa in the living room watching the fire in the fire place. Harm got up and put it out. "It's so quiet without her here," Mac said softly. "We'll get her back, I promise," Harm said. Mac sat up straight on the sofa. "Harm, about that question today, about how if we admitted those feelings for each other it would be against regulations," Mac said. "Mac don't worry about it. Admiral got that line of questioning thrown out," Harm said. "Harm, I don't want to ignore it anymore. The fact that we might lose Bella has made me realize that I don't want to ever lose anyone else that I love. And I love you Harm. I always have, and I always will," Mac said with tears in her eyes.
Harm looked down at the beautiful woman in front of him. "I love you too Sarah. And I am so sorry for not admitting that today. I just thought that with the court case, we didn't need anything else like that right now," said Harm coming down to sit beside her. "Harm, I need you so much right now. I want you to make love to me," Mac said her voice almost hushed to a whisper. Harm looked shocked. "Are you sure?" Harm asked. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life," Mac answered honestly. Harm picked her up from the sofa, kissing her softly as he started upstairs toward their bedroom. As he entered the room, he layed her down on the bed and that night Harm and Mac finally got it right.
Next Chapter:
A surprising twist in Bella's case.
Someone goes down.
Last Chapter:
The snow suddenly came down around them as they walked happily together back to their car. A pair of evil eyes watched as they did so from the shadows of the bushes. "You won't be happy for long. My plan will come soon and you won't even know what hit you," the man said as he began walking away from them in the cold snowy night.
Chapter 13: The Court Case From Hell... Or Maybe Not
It's almost been three years since that Christmas at the wall. Mac and Harm had kept their relationship at bay when in the office, but at home, they seemed to be like a married couple. On this particular day, they were both in the office working on a mutual case. Bella, who is now three years old, was at a daycare center near JAG. Mac and Harm were in her office working on their case when a knock came that was going to turn their world upside down. "Come in," Mac said not looking up from her paperwork. "Are you Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Raab," a man in a suit asked? "Yes we are, what can we help you with?" Harm asked the rather peculiar business like man. "These are for you. I'll see you in court," He said and with that was out of the office. "Hey, wait a minute," Harm said trying to catch the man. Meanwhile Mac opened the envelope and pulled out the paper. "Oh my god," she said reading over them. Suddenly trying to stand to follow Harm she fainted dead across the floor. Harm walked back in the office and saw Mac on the floor. "Mac! Come on Sarah wake up," he said. "Commander, what are you doing on the floor," Admiral Chegwidden asked? "Sir, it's the Colonel, she just fainted," said Harm. "Alright, get her in my office," AJ said quickly. Harm picked up Mac and the letter she had dropped. Harm sat down with Mac still in his arms. Harriet followed AJ into the office, handing Harm a cold cloth. Harm placed it on her forehead and patted it all over her face until finally he saw her eyes open. "What happened," she asked touching her head. "You fainted Mac. But why," Harm asked. "Because of this," Mac said holding up the paper. Harm quickly read over it. "This can't be, he's dead. Kara said he was. Well, we won't let him take her. I promise Sarah, he won't get her," Harm said hugging Mac to him.
Suddenly it occurred to both of them, that they were in the company of their CO. "Sorry Sir," Mac said getting off of Harm's lap and sitting in the chair beside him. Harriet and AJ were smiling brightly. "What is it that's got you both looking like you just lost your best friend," AJ asked trying to change the subject. "More like we could lose our daughter," said Mac as Harm handed him the paper. "You are to appear in front of Judge Wilson on Thursday. You are being sued by Mr. Jack Carlson, Bella's biological father," AJ said reading off from the paper. He set it down and looked at the two of them. "Ma'am Sir, if I may. Their is a stature of limitation on this. He has no rights after six months and it has been that," Harriet said. "That is true Harriet, but he could be granted visitation," Mac said sighing deeply. "Alright, I am going to take this case myself, and represent the two of you. Harriet get Sturgis in here please, he'll take my place while we're gone as acting JAG," AJ said sternly. "Sir, we couldn't ask you to do this," Mac said. "Your not asking, I'm offering, now go get your daughter and go home for the day. We have a big day tomorrow," AJ commanded. "Yes Sir," they both said. They stood at attention and then walked out of the room. Harm immediately noticed the tears that were coming down Mac's face, as he placed a comforting Harm around her.
"Sir, is something wrong with the Colonel? I just saw her and Commander Raab, she was crying," Sturgis said confused. "You'll be acting JAG while we're away. I'm going to represent Harm and Mac, in a case tomorrow. Apparently Bella's father is alive and wants guardianship," AJ said solemnly. "So that's why the Colonel was upset. I'll do my best while your gone Sir," Sturgis said honestly.
Mac and Harm arrived at the daycare center as Mac hurriedly went inside to get Bella. "Mommy," Bella called out to her, running quickly. "Oh my sweetie. Did you have a good time today," Mac asked the little girl, still hugging her tightly. "Miss J has been teaching me about reading and numbers. She has this really neat machine that says the words, like the one we have at home," Bella said her tiny voice happy. "I'm glad sweetie," Mac said fighting back tears. Harm came in a moment later, picking Bella up in a hug as Miss J came over to them. "She's doing very well with her numbers. You're a little early today aren't you," Miss J asked? "We are and Bella won't be in tomorrow. We have a little problem with a court case and Bella will have to come with us," Mac said. Miss J seemed to understand by the solemn look on Mac's face that it was serious. "Well, that's alright. We'll miss her, but I'm sure she'll be back soon," Miss J said reassuringly. The three of them walked out the door, with Miss J watching them her eyes sad.
When they got home, Mac and Harm immediately went to change their clothes while Bella sat down in her Elmo chair and turned on the TV. They came back down a few minutes later in jeans and a T-shirt. "Mac, I'll cook dinner tonight. That way you can talk to Bella about what could happen tomorrow," Harm said. "Maybe we should both tell her, we'll just order a pizza," Mac said. "Okay," said Harm placing his hand on the small of her back, leading her into the living room. "Bella can you turn the TV off for a few minutes, we need to talk to you," Harm said as he and Mac sat down on the couch. Bella did as she was told and was soon sitting beside them. "Sweetie, do you remember when we told you that your other mommy was very sick and she gave you to us so that we could take care of you," Mac said. "Yes and then you became my new mommy and daddy," Bella said. "Well, tomorrow, uncle AJ, and the three of us have to go to court. Your other daddy is alive and he wants to take you away from us," Harm said trying to pick and choose his words. "But I don't want to go with him, I want to stay with you. Your my parents," Bella said her eyes becoming teary. "Oh, Bella, we're not going to let him take you away from us. We promise, you'll always be our little girl," Mac said hugging her. "Guess what we're having for dinner, Bella? Pizza," Harm said hoping to lighten the mood. "Yay! Half meat lovers, half veggies, right," Bella said who was taking after Mac for loving meat. "That's right," Harm said smiling at Mac and his little girl.
That night, Mac and Harm tucked Bella into her bed and then went into their own. As they crawled into bed, Harm noticed the tears that had developed in Mac's beautiful brown eyes again. "Mac, it's okay. I promise you, nothing is going to happen to Bella," Harm said hugging her tightly. "Harm, I know that we have all our cards going for us, but what if this guy really is her father, I mean what happens if he gets visitation rights or worse, if he gets custody. I can't lose our little girl. She just starting her dance classes and she's got her daycare center," Mac said. "I know Mac. And no judge would ever take her away from all that," Harm said comforting. As they settled under the covers, Harm continued to hug Mac, rubbing her back gently.
The next day, Harm, Mac, Bella, and AJ walked into the public court room. Harm and AJ were both dressed in civilian suits, while Mac had a skirt and jacket outfit. They had chosen a lavendar jumper for Bella. A few moments later Trish and Frank came in. They hugged Harm and Mac. "It'll be okay. No judge would take this little girl away from you," Trish said to Mac. "Grandma," Bella said excitedly as Trish picked her up and they sat in the seat directly behind Mac and Harm. Five minutes later, the lawyer who had walked into Mac's office came in, with a rather tall man with light brown hair. He looked over at Harm and Mac. Then back at Bella. The lawyer was talking to him and pointed at Bella.
"All rise for the honorary judge Wilson is now presiding," the man said. ( I have no clue what they actually they say) They all stood up as the judge walked in. "Okay now what is this all about," he said aloud as he opened the file. "Ah, Mr. Carlson, you are filing a suit against Mr. Raab and Ms.Mackenzie for custody of your child, is that correct," the judge asked? "It is your honor," he answered. "Your honor if I may," AJ started standing up. The judge nodded. "Mr. Raab and Ms. Mackenzie signed legal adoption papers for their daughter when she was just a week old. Her biological mother died of cancer, she was in the navy, and had read about my clients. She wanted them to adopt Bella. Here is a letter she left with Bella and the adoption papers," AJ said handing the baliff the papers. The Judge read them over carefully and then handed them back to the bailiff. "Well, Mr. Carlson, I don't see why we're even here. They legally adopted her and according to this record your legally dead," the Judge said. "Your honor, we would like the chance to prove that my client can give Bella a much better life than these two people can," Mr. Samson said. "Well until I see a DNA test and a blood sample, he is not getting my child," Mac said fiercely standing up.
"Order, please sit down Ms. Mackenzie. Now, I will allow both sides to bring up witnesses to prove your case in front of me only and then my decision will be final," the judge said. "Your honor we'd also like to ask that the child be taken into the custody of the court until this matter is decided," Mr. Samson said. "No, you can't take her away from us," Mac said standing up once again. Harm squeezed her hand and she sat down. "Sorry, your honor," Mac said quietly. "Unfortunately Ms. Mackenzie and I hate to do this, but I am going to have to take the child into the custody of the court. We're adjourned until 9:00 am tomorrow morning." Bella looked confused at what had just happened. "Wait, what does that mean mommy," Bella asked confused. "Sweetie, you just have to go with this man for a little while. Just until we get this case taken care of. It'll be like a little vacation," Mac said trying to put a smile on her face. "But I don't want to go. I want to stay with you and daddy," Bella said tears coming to her eyes. "I know baby, but you have to go. We'll see you real soon, I promise. When we do, we're all going on vacation okay. We'll go to Disney World, how does that sound," Mac said. Bella thought about it for a moment. "Deal," she said hugging Mac and Harm. "I love you Mommy, I love you Daddy," Bella said following the baliff out of the court room. "We love you too," Harm called out. The minute Bella was out of the court room, Mac broke down in sobs. Harm carefully helped her out of the court room with his parents and AJ close behind them.
The next morning all were in court again. As the judge entered the room, he noticed that Mac was visibly shaken and obviously had not slept well by the way Harm was holding onto her. "Alright, first things first. Mr. Carlson, please go with Officer Jackson and get that DNA and blood sample. We have set up a station in the back. As soon as that is taken care of, we will begin," the judge stated. Jack Carlson got up and walked with the officer to the back chambers.
About fifteen minutes later he came back and it was time to begin. "Alright Admiral, you may call your first witness," the judge said. "I'd like to call Harriet Roberts to the stand," Admiral Chegwidden said. Harriet came in, in her navy uniform. After being sworn in the AJ began asking questions. "Mrs. Roberts how do you know Mr. Raab and Ms. Mackenzie?"
H: "I work with them at JAG and they are also my son's god parents."
AJ: "And how long have you known them?"
H: "About six years."
AJ: Were you surprised when they adopted Bella?"
H: "Yes and no. I knew they both wanted to have children someday. I was actually very happy for them, it brought them closer and I knew they would be excellent parents." Harriet finished with a smile on her face.
After AJ sat down Mr. Samson stood up. "Mrs. Roberts, about how many cases are Mr. Raab and Ms. Mackenzie gone away on?"
H: Oh, I don't know, it depends on what's going on in our country, such as last year they were gone to Afghanistan for several weeks."
Samson: "So their schedules change often? Wouldn't you say this would effect Bella's life by shaking her up and making her move with them?"
H: "It doesn't shake Bella up, she would stay with one of us. We are her family and we love her deeply."
Samson: "But Mrs. Roberts wouldn't you say that someone who stays in one place and doesn't travel alot would make a better parent?"
H: "Then you are saying that my husband and I are bad parents or anyone else in the military are bad parents. Yes we go on assignments frequently, but we make friends, good friends at our work who become our family and are willing to take care of our children when we can't. Bella's mother was in the navy and obviously so was her now alive father, it's in her blood. Mac and Harm have had her for almost three years and haven't encountered any problems at all."
"Thank you Mrs. Roberts. No further questions."
Harriet stepped down and took her seat in the court room again.
"I'd like to call Trish Burnett to the stand."
AJ: "Mrs. Burnett what is your relationship with my clients?"
T: "Harm is my son and Mac is the mother of my first grandchild and hopefully not my last." Trish smiled down at Harm and Mac who looked rather embarassed. Even the judge was smiling on that one.
AJ: "Were you surprised when Harm called you and told you that he had adopted a child?"
T: "I was, because I didn't know that he was even planning it. But when he told me about that poor young woman, I knew that he and Mac were doing the right thing. They have done such a wonderful job raising Bella."
Mr. Samson then stood up. "Mrs. Burnett, would you say that being in the military is a threat on ones life?"
T: "Any job today is a threat Mr. Samson."
Mr. Samson: " Yes it is, but isn't it true that your husband Lt. Commander Harmon Raab Sr. was declared MIA in the Vietnam War."
AJ: "Objection what does her husband have anything to do with this?"
Mr. Samson: "I'm just trying to prove that it is very dangerous being in the military."
Judge: "I'll allow it for now, but don't get any wise ideas Mr. Samson."
T: Yes it is. But my son and Mac already found out what really happened and I've settled with that. I know that my son and Mac take every precaution with their job, they are trained and know what they are doing."
Mr. Samson sat down and Trish left the stand.
"I'd like to call Commander Harmon Raab Jr. to the stand."
AJ: "How long have you known the Colonel?"
H: "Seven years."
AJ: "And would you say the two of you are close?"
H: "Yes Sir. We've been very good friends for quite some time. We have some rough patches we get through them. It's safe to say that Bella has brought us closer."
AJ: "Was it difficult dealing with Bella and your jobs?"
H: "At first it was a little difficult, but you Sir, made it easier by allowing us to bring Bella with us to work, until we found a suitable daycare center."
AJ: "After you adopted Bella, what were some of the immediate changes you made in you living style?"
H: "Well, Mac and I both had corvettes. We decided to trade one in for something a little bigger so we could accomodate all of Bella's toys and car seat. We were both single and lived in apartments, which we then went and bought a large house with a big back yard for Bella to play in. We had to go by new clothes for her, a crib, toys, formula, diapers. all the things a baby needs."
AJ: " Just one more question, Do you love your daughter?"
H: "Very much."
Mr. Samson stood up. "It must have been a financial burden on both you and Ms. Mackenzie, to afford all these things."
H: "We would have boughten these things eventually, it just came a little sooner."
Mr. Samson: "Isn't it true that you were given money to take care of Bella?"
H: "We were offered money, but we refused. We wanted to do this on our own and pretend that Bella was never adopted."
Mr. Samson: "As a single guy this must have ruined your dating life?"
H: "Not really, I haven't wanted to date any other women right now. I'm happy with the women in my life right now."
Mr. Samson: "Are you saying that you have a girl friend while your living with Ms. Mackenzie and Bella? That can't be good for Bella to see her father with another woman."
H: "Not another woman, I meant Mac. Mac and I have been sorting through things in our lives and we care about each other very much. There is no other girl friend. The women I was referring to are Mac and Bella. They are the only women in my life other than my mother and my grandmother."
Mr. Samson: "Are you saying that you and Ms. Mackenzie are in love? Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that against regulations?" Harm saw the fear in Mac's eyes.
AJ: "Objection, your honor, Commander Raab and Colonel Mackenzie have worked together for seven years, they have never acted on any feelings that may be there. This line of questioning isn't right, there is a separate court if anything ever comes of these feelings."
Judge: "I agree Mr. Chegwidden. Sustained."
Mr. Samson sat down obviously defeated on that note.
Judge: "We will recess until tomorrow morning at nine am.
That night Harm and Mac sat quietly on the sofa in the living room watching the fire in the fire place. Harm got up and put it out. "It's so quiet without her here," Mac said softly. "We'll get her back, I promise," Harm said. Mac sat up straight on the sofa. "Harm, about that question today, about how if we admitted those feelings for each other it would be against regulations," Mac said. "Mac don't worry about it. Admiral got that line of questioning thrown out," Harm said. "Harm, I don't want to ignore it anymore. The fact that we might lose Bella has made me realize that I don't want to ever lose anyone else that I love. And I love you Harm. I always have, and I always will," Mac said with tears in her eyes.
Harm looked down at the beautiful woman in front of him. "I love you too Sarah. And I am so sorry for not admitting that today. I just thought that with the court case, we didn't need anything else like that right now," said Harm coming down to sit beside her. "Harm, I need you so much right now. I want you to make love to me," Mac said her voice almost hushed to a whisper. Harm looked shocked. "Are you sure?" Harm asked. "I have never been more sure of anything in my life," Mac answered honestly. Harm picked her up from the sofa, kissing her softly as he started upstairs toward their bedroom. As he entered the room, he layed her down on the bed and that night Harm and Mac finally got it right.
Next Chapter:
A surprising twist in Bella's case.
Someone goes down.