Chapter 11
Home is where your best friend is
A/N: FINALLY! A new chapter!!! I apologise profusely for not posting another chapter sooner, but I've been snowed in with schoolwork… although technically it doesn't actually snow over here, but that's besides the point. Anyway, here's a chapter for you all and its nice and long to make up for the fact that I took so long to post. I also regret to say that its likely that its going to take me just as long to get another chapter up, cos I really don't have much spare time, but I promise you that I will do my best and that I HAVE NOT forgotten about my poor little fic.
And with no further ado, on with the story.
Tuesday February 11
1830 local
Mac's apartment
Sarah Mackenzie sat at her kitchen table watching in amusement as her daughter ate her dinner rather messily. She got up to get herself a drink of water. When she turned back around she was dismayed to see that Ali had managed to tip her entire plate of spaghetti all over herself and the table. Mac sighed.
"Aaargh, what have you done, you messy thing?" she asked her daughter who was sitting in her chair smiling angelically up at Mac.
"Come on munchkin, lets get you cleaned up why don't we?" she scooped Ali up with one arm and picked up the now empty bowl with the other, shaking her head at the pile of spaghetti and sauce that now adorned the tabletop. Unfortunately for her, she failed to notice the large glob of her dinner that Ali had in her hand as Mac picked up. With one singular motion, the spaghetti bolognaise went from Ali's chubby little fist to down the front of Mac's shirt.
"Eek! Ali!" she admonished sternly. "That was not nice. Now what do you say?"
"Thowwy mamma." She apologised, looking genuinely repentant. Mac kissed the top of her head, unable to be mad at her adorable daughter.
Mac scooped as much of the spaghetti back into the bowl as she could and took it over to the kitchen sink. She plonked Ali down on the counter and washed her hands before moving to Ali's grubby hands. Before long, however, she realised that washing Ali's hands would accomplish very little because Ali was completely covered with the spaghetti. The only way to get her even reasonably clean was to give her a bath. Mac picked her up again and took her into the bathroom, wondering vaguely why she even bothered to wash her hands. She stripped off Ali's clothes and sat her down on the floor on the bathroom before starting the warm water running.
"Now stay here while mummy goes to change her shirt and when I get back you can get in, okay sweetie?" Mac received no answer from Ali, who was already busy playing with a large green rubber frog.
"Ali, are you listening to me?" Mac asked, getting her daughters attention. "Now you know the rule, don't you? No getting into the bath until mummy's here." Ali nodded and Mac made sure that she intended to obey the rule. She was always very careful about leaving Ali alone with water in the bath, because she had heard horrific stories about children who had drowned in their own bathtubs after being left alone for just a few minutes and there was no way she was going to let that happen to Ali.
Mac removed her shirt before leaving the bathroom, deciding that it was best not to get any more spaghetti in the rest of the house. She wiped the spaghetti sauce off from the front of her chest and bra with a damp washcloth. She walked out of the bathroom towards her bedroom, unfortunately not having heard her door being opened because of the noise of the running water, and stopped dead in her tracks when she came face to face with none other than Harmon Rabb.
"Ah, hi..." she said, fighting the urge to cross her arms over the front of her chest. After all, it was nothing he hadn't seen before. Of course, last time she had been wearing a bikini top, not her bra.
"Um, hi Mac" Harm fidgeted uncomfortably, causing Mac to suppress a grin. She could see how much effort it was taking him to keep his eyes from leaving her face and she decided to tease him a bit.
"What are you doing here so early?" she asked him, acting as though nothing out of the ordinary was going on. "You weren't meant to be here for another half hour, which means I didn't expect you for another hour at least."
Harm glared at her.
"Very funny, marine. Where's Ali?" He asked, glancing around the apartment.
"In the bathroom waiting for her bath. She managed to spill spaghetti all over both of us, not to mention the kitchen table and the floor. Hence my....unusual.....attire."
"What, you mean you don't greet all your boyfriends topless?" he joked, still not at ease with the situation and still doing his best not to let his eyes wander.
"No, only the ones I really like." she teased him, taking a few steps closer. "Although my boyfriends usually greet me with a kiss."
"Does this mean I get to kiss you?" he asked, flashing his flyboy grin at her.
"Hmmm." she pretended to think for a moment. "Well, I suppose so....." she flirted, trailing off seductively.
"Good. 'Cos I was going to any way. I just thought it was more polite to at least pretend to ask permission first." he replied, pulling her close and bringing his lips down on hers in a searing kiss that threatened to make her knees give way.
When they pulled apart 30 seconds later, Harm looked down at her face. That was his undoing, because he not only looked down at her face, but inadvertently looked down at her chest too. He stared down at her, unable to tear his gaze away.
Oh my.... note to self, Rabb. Pick jaw up off floor.
Mac stood on her tiptoes and whispered into his ear. "See something you like, sailor?"
"Hell yeah." came the distracted reply from Harm who continued to gape. Mac laughed at his comment, which of course only made Harm more interested in what he was staring at. Mac shook her head.
"Harm......hey, Harm!" she snapped her fingers in front of his face to get his attention and he looked up at her.
"Yeah?"
"Go and check on Ali will you? She's waiting to be allowed to get into the bath. You can put her in if you like."
"Sure. What are you doing?" he asked, looking slightly disappointed that the show was over.
Mac gave him an exasperated look. "What do you think I'm doing, flyboy. I'm going to go and put a clean top on."
"Ah, right. Don't feel like you have to put a top on just because of me. It doesn't bother me at all. Really, it doesn't." Mac shook her head and went into her bedroom to change, closing the door behind her.
Tuesday February 11
2000 local
Mac's apartment
Harm and Mac sat in the kitchen eating their dinner, talking of everything and nothing and enjoying the peace and quiet, with Ali now asleep in her room. As they ate Mac suddenly remembered something she had meant to ask Harm a while back.
"Hey Harm, do you remember the conversation we had with the Admiral when he requested I return to active duty at JAG?"
"Yeah…." Harm wondered suspiciously where the conversation was going, although he was sure that it would end with him in some sort of trouble or other. Mind you, he was always in trouble, so what difference did it really make?
"And do you remember that I needed a uniform for work?" she watched as his face went red as he realised what she was referring to. "And do you remember just where I got that uniform from?" she asked.
"I already told you about that, Mac. You left it here and I kept on meaning to send it over to you, except I never quite got round to it."
"Right, Harm. The admiral may have bought that excuse - although I don't think he did - and I my have let you use it for a while, but I know you better than that. Besides, I distinctly remember wondering out loud and over the phone many times as to the whereabouts of my lost uniform. I also remember you claiming that you had no idea where it was, but that you would try and find it for me."
"Er...." Mac smirked, looking quite please with herself.
"Come on, Flyboy. I'm waiting."
Harm cast his mind around for something to say, for some way to avoid answering the question. However the more ideas and comebacks that ran through his mind, the more he realised that it would be better to tell Mac the truth, he owed it to her.
Mac watched intently as she witnessed Harm's internal struggle, sensing that something big was going on inside his head. She prayed silently that he was letting himself be guided by his emotions, rather than his usual put-up-a-brick-wall-and-don't-let-anyone-in routine. She watched hopefully as his expression softened, his eyes gaining a submissive look.
"I missed you." he said quietly not looking her in the eye. "I don't think I could count the number of times I sat staring at your uniform while talking to you. It made it just that much easier - it was almost like you were right there and I was talking to your in person."
"Come on, Harm. You can't have missed me that much." she teased, trying to lighten his mood a little. Harm looked at her sombrely.
"You have no idea Sarah. It hurt me so much, to watch as I slowly lost the woman I..."
Mac could feel her heart pounding, silently screaming at him to finish what he had started to say."
"Lost what, Harm?"
"As I slowly lost the woman I loved to another man."
Mac stared at Harm, his eyes downcast, dumbfounded. She knew that he loved her now - he had said as much - but she had no idea that he had actually loved her all those years ago. No, that was not true. She had hoped, but never dared believe it.
"I'm so sorry Sarah." he choked out, his voice thick with emotion. "I never meant for it to be like this."
"Hey, Harm. Look at me." He continued to stare at his hands, so she got up from her seat and moved to kneel in front of him, bringing his head up so he could look at her.
"We may not have gotten past all our obstacles in the past, but we're going pretty well right now, wouldn't you say? Now is not the time for regret over what we did or didn't do last time. Now is the time to have a go at the second chance we've been given and not look back. You got that?"
Harm smiled, feeling as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He pulled Mac onto his lap, hugging her to him tightly, silently thanking God for the second chance he had with this wonderful woman.
"Say, ninja girl. How would you like to go out to dinner with a sailor this Friday?" he asked, kissing her temple, her cheek, her lips. Mac smiled.
"I'd love to, just as long as you promise there will be dead cow available." Harm laughed and rolled his eyes.
"Of course. Nothing but the best quality dead cow available for this Marine. Now why don't we go and find somewhere more comfortable to sit. Not that I'm complaining about having the most beautiful woman I know sitting in my lap, but you know..."
Mac laughed and hopped off his lap, leading him over to the sofa where they sat back down and promptly snuggled up to one another. Mac sighed inwardly with contentment. Ahh, life was beautiful.
Friday February 14
Valentines day
1147 local
JAG headquarters
Mac flopped down in her chair behind her desk, sighing. She had been so sure that she would win her case hands down, however Sturgis had started an unusual line of questioning that had revealed some rather compelling facts for his side of the case, making Mac's job that much harder.
She switched on her computer, logged onto her e-mail program, and finding nothing, was about to start work on a brief when she decided to check her personal mailbox. She and Harm had both created their own private e-mail addresses shortly after she had married so that they could keep in contact with each other and they had both chosen the others' e-mail address. She was delighted to find she had two new messages in her inbox.
She clicked open the fist one and grinned when she saw what he had sent her.
TO: deadcowninjagirl@freemail.com
FROM: rabb-itfoodflyboy@freemail.com
SUBJECT: Fancy some dinner with a sailor?
Sarah,
I'll pick you up from your place at 1730 *exactly* tonight. I've arranged for Mrs Phelps to take care of Ali until tomorrow morning, so all you have to do is drop her there once I've arrived (I'd like to say hi to her first). Wear something fancy and be prepared to be treated to a wonderful night of dinner and dancing - you deserve to enjoy yourself.
Love you (it feels so great to be able to say that!)
Harm
Mac smiled softly at the thought of her flyboy - and yes, he was hers now. She saved the message then clicked open the second message, the cryptic subject line giving her not a clue as to what it was about.
TO: deadcowninjagirl@freemail.com
FROM: rabb-itfoodflyboy@freemail.com
SUBJECT: Go to...
....Tiner's desk
Mac stared quizzically at the strange e-mail, shrugged her shoulders and, after shutting down her mail program, went to visit Tiner's desk. Tiner saw her approaching and stood immediately at attention.
"Ma'am, there was a delivery for you while you were in court. I took the liberty of signing for it.... I hope that's okay?" he asked nervously, fidgeting slightly.
"Of course it is, Tiner. What was it they delivered?"
"These ma'am. They arrived at around 0900 while your were in court." Tiner disappeared under the desk for a moment and appeared a moment later holding a huge bouquet of roses of all different colours. Mac's eyes almost popped out of her head when she saw them. Before she even had a chance to say anything, Tiner disappeared beneath the desk once more and emerged this time with a box containing a dozen long stemmed red roses. Inside the box, along with all the red roses, was a single white rose, its stem entwined with one of the red ones.
"These ones were delivered only about 10 minutes ago but I didn't want to disturb you because you were in a client meeting."
"Oh my goodness." was about all she could say. "Er, thankyou Petty Officer."
With that, she grabbed her many roses and hurried back into her office, shutting the door behind her. Placing the flowers on her desk, she grabbed the envelope that was taped to the top of the rose box and ripped it open eagerly, as a child would a birthday present. Inside were two cards, one small and one large. She opened the small card first and was disappointed to see that her roses were from a "secret admirer". Her spirits rose, however, when she opened the second card to find that it was from Harm. She wondered vaguely why he had sent her two cards, but overlooked that fact as she read his card.
To my Sarah,
You mean the world to me and I want to prove it to you. For each colour of rose there is a corresponding meaning.
The white roses represent innocence and purity - how I see you. To me you are like a beautiful angel straight form heaven.
The yellow is for friendship - you are and will always be my best friend. You've stuck by me no matter what and I am thankful for our friendship.
Peach is modesty - something you, my darling, have plenty of and I could do with some more of
Light pink is Joy - what I feel every time I am around you
Dark pink is for thankfulness - Sarah, I am so thankful that I have you in my life, you have no idea how much you mean to me
Orange represents fascination - and boy, do you fascinate me
The coral ones are for desire - just one look at you...
Lavender is Enchantment - and most enchanting you are
I love you Sarah Mackenzie, don't you ever forget it.
Harm
PS. People are sure to wonder about your flowers, especially a certain blonde matchmaker, so you can just show them the other card. Aren't I clever? *see me grin, marine*
Mac couldn't believe it. Surely Harm had never done anything like this for Renee or Jordan. What made her so special? Not that she was complaining, of course. Still wondering at he flyboy, she picked up the card attached to the box of red roses and opened it up.
Hey there again, Beautiful
You may have noticed that there were not red roses in the last lot I send you, so I decided to send them separately. As with all the other roses, these red ones have a meaning too. Red roses represent love and I'm sending them to you to show you how much I love you.
Last of all, the Red one entwined with the White one represents unity, something that, although we already have to an extent, I hope can be more some day.
Love you forever Sarah,
Yours always,
Harm
Mac read through his letter, overwhelmed with emotion. Never could she remember feeling so loved and special - no one had ever done anything so sweet and romantic for her in her life.
"Well hello, sweetheart."
Mac looked up to see her best friend, now boyfriend, standing in her doorway.
"Hey there stranger." She smiled fondly at him. "Come in and shut the blinds."
Harm complied and the second the blinds were shut she grabbed him and pulled him down to her, kissing him passionately.
"Thankyou.....thankyou.....thankyou...." she murmured in between kisses. She could feel him smiling against her mouth and pulled him closer, heat rushing through her. Harm was a little surprised that she was kissing him, especially seeing as they had agreed to keep their relationship quiet and out of the office for the time being. Still, he wasn't about to complain about being kissed by Sarah Mackenzie, and he returned the favour with equal enthusiasm.
"I take it you liked the roses?" he inquired smugly, looking rather pleased with himself. Instead of giving him a quick witty comeback like he had expected, he got a heartfelt smile in return.
"Yes I did. Thankyou so much Harm. This has to be the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. These are probably more roses than I've ever received in my entire life.
"Really?" Harm looked genuinely surprised at this fact, not able to work out why so few had sent roses to the beautiful woman standing in front of him.
"What about Rob? Surely he gave you roses?" Harm blurted out before he realised what he was saying. The moment the words were out of his mouth he wished he could take them back, especially when he saw the look of pain that flashed across Mac's face.
Stupid, stupid, STUPID, Rabb! he mentally kicked himself, wondering why he always had to say just the wrong thing. Open mouth, insert foot
"Oh Sarah, I'm so sorry." he exclaimed, feeling awful. Mac shook her head, dismissing his apology.
"Don't be. You only said what we were both thinking." Harm took her into his arms.
"Maybe, but I'm still sorry I brought it up. I guess its still kind of hard sometimes."
Mac shrugged. "To be honest, it really doesn't bother me that much any more, especially since I have you around. If Rob had been a great husband who had died, then it would probably be difficult, but Rob, no way has it been hard. Relief yes, freedom yes, reprieve yes, hard - no. Besides, I have a sexy new boyfriend who's taking wonderful care of me."
Harm grinned impishly and was about to kiss her again when a knock at the door startled them both. Mac hurriedly wiped the lipstick smudges off Harm's lips before shouting "enter" and grabbing a file off her desk, making it look as though she was busy. She also made sure to check that she knew what the file contained, remembering an embarrassing situation in which she had no idea about what was in the file she had been pretending to read.
"Ma'am, I was just wondering -" Harriet came bustling in and stopped short as she caught sight of the many roses adorning Mac's desk. She looked from Mac to the roses, to Harm, back to the roses and back to Mac again. Both Harm and Mac suppressed grins as they could practically see the wheels turning in Harriet's hopelessly romantic mind.
"Wow." she said, her eyes wide "lovely roses, ma'am. Who are they from? That is, if you don't mind my asking." Harriet continued to look suspiciously at Harm, neither him nor Mac missing the look of hope that appeared on Harriet's cheery face.
"Actually, there's a card with it. Its from a 'secret admirer'. Do you want to have a look?" she held out the card that Harm had sent along with the flowers, written specifically for the purpose of keeping people who always read too much into their relationship, namely Harriet, from finding out that they were an item.
"To Sarah." Harriet read out loud. "You are a very special person and I think you're very beautiful. Happy Valentines day, and enjoy your flowers. With Love, a secret Admirer."
Harriet looked up from the card, excitement shining in her eyes. "Ooh, a secret admirer, ma'am? Do you have any idea who it might be?"
Mac shook her head. "I can't think of anyone who might have sent me all those flowers." although I can think of someone who I know sent the flowers to me. she added silently. Harriet just smiled and gave a dismissive shrug, looking the slightest bit disappointed.
"Oh well, I'm sure you'll find out eventually."
"I'm sure I will. Now what was it you wanted, Lieutenant?"
"Oh, I just wanted to know if you had the files from the Hudson case."
"Sure thing." Mac rummaged around on her desk for the file then handed it to Harriet, dismissing her.
"You, it was pretty risky you sending me flowers at work, especially so many of them." Mac told Harm after Harriet had left, reopening the blinds so as not to raise any suspicions.
"I know that, but I wanted to do something extra nice for you, to let you know how much you're loved and appreciated."
Mac grinned at his statement, a warm feeling settling over her. It felt so good, and so right, to be loved by Harmon Rabb.
"So are we on for tonight?" Harm asked her.
"Well actually, I uh....kind of already had plans for tonight." she found it difficult to stop herself from laughing as his face fell. Honestly and truly, for someone so intelligent, Harm could be incredibly thick sometimes.
"You...you do?" he sounded so upset and defeated that Mac decided against teasing him any further.
"Yeah. You see, this sexy Navy Lawyer asked me out on a date and I as hard as I tried, I just couldn't refuse his offer."
Harm, finally catching on to the fact that she had been pulling his leg, breathed a sigh of relief and teased her back.
"Really? You mean he finally asked you out?"
"Uh huh. Sent me roses and everything. Don't know why it took him so long, though. He waited - literally - for years before telling me how he felt."
"I'm sure he regrets that it took him so long, though." Harm told her, looking imploringly into her eyes. Mac smiled understandingly at him.
"I do have to say, though," Harm added, his demeanour turning from serious to joking again. "I never thought he'd actually say it. Who would have thought Sturgis had it in him?" Harm quirked his eyebrows at Mac as he said this and she burst out laughing, drawing a few glances from various people around the bullpen.
"You don't take anything seriously, do you?" she demanded, her hands going to her hips.
"Nope." He replied. Mac shook her head.
"Get out of here." she laughed, giving him a shove out the door and into the bullpen.
"Aye aye, Ma'am." he said before whispering to her: "pick you up at 1730." and walking off.
Harriet, who had gone back to her desk, watched their interactions carefully. So far, they appeared to be acting normally, but Harriet was sure that the Commander had something to do with the Colonel's roses and she was determined to find out what. Besides that, the Colonel had looked delighted at the roses, not puzzled as most people would. Not to mention that she was usually a lot more suspicious over things like this, and after her stalking a few years ago, who could blame her? No, something was definitely going on. The questions was, what?
1725 local
Mac's apartment
Mac rushed frantically about her apartment getting ready for her date with Harm. She grumbled in frustration as she almost tripped over Ali, who was doing absolutely nothing but getting in the way. Mac was just putting on her shoes when she heard a knock at the door. Consulting her internal clock, she realised that he was actually a few minutes early.
"I see you're early again." she commented as she opened the door, revealing one very handsome looking flyboy waiting on the other side, wearing a stylishly cut suit and an irresistible smile.
"Wow." said Mac, glad that she was finally glad to express her opinion out loud, even if it was only to him. "You look good enough to eat, not to mention incredible sexy."
Harm said nothing but just gaped at the woman before him. Mac was wearing a deep burgundy dress that fell to just below her knees and clung spectacularly to the curves of her body. It had thin spaghetti straps to hold it in place and the rich colour complemented her olive skin beautifully. He noted with joy that she was wearing the necklace he had given her for Christmas, noticing as well how low the neckline of her dress was cut. Her shoes were black strappy heels which completed her outfit. Once he was done ogling at her outfit, Harm moved his eyes to her face. She had arranged her hair with some clips so that the majority was pulled back out off her face, with a few wispy strands left hanging out, artistically framing her face. Her makeup was light and simple, not plastering her face the way some women did, with a deep red colour applied to her lips.
"Um, hello? Earth to Harm." Mac snapped her fingers in front of Harm's face, bringing his thoughts back from wherever they had just been.
"Wha - ?" Harm jumped at Mac's sudden hand movement, looking automatically around himself. Mac simply stood there, laughing at her Flyboy's expense.
"Hey, what's so funny, Jarhead?" he demanded.
"You are." she giggled. "You're just so- mmph" What Harm was so, he never found out, because after his lips touched hers, Mac seemed to forget about what she was saying. Harm broke their kiss after a minute and placed a quick affectionate kiss on the tip of her nose before pulling her back into her apartment.
"Unca Harm!" A joyous shout was heard from the corner of the room the moment Harm entered the apartment. Grinning, Harm held out his arms and into them ploughed an enthusiastic two year old.
"Hiya Ali." Harm picked her up and swung her around, making her squeal with delight. "How's my favourite little girl going?" he asked her, setting her back on her feet.
"Not little." she protested. "I big. I nearly thwee!" to emphasise her point, she held up four chubby little fingers to Harm. The two adults laughed at Ali's counting abilities, or rather, lack thereof.
"Alright then, how's my favourite big girl, and is she ready to go to Mrs Phelps?"
"Cookies?"
"Yes, you can have cookies."
"Yay." Ali put her barbie backpack on her back then grabbed Mac's hand and began pulling her towards the door. "I want cookies!"
Mac took Ali across the hallway and knocked on the door of Mrs Phelps' apartment. The door swung open the two women exchanged a few words before Mac handed Ali over. Harm watched them from the door of Mac's apartment, completely unaware of what the two women were saying.
"You've got yourself a nice looking man there, Mac."
Mac grinned "Yeah, I know. He's not just good looking though. He has to be the nicest man I've ever met, my ex-husband included."
"Wow, he must be wonderful. I still remember how you were gushing about your fiance when you moved out last time. It's just a shame it couldn't last."
Mac shrugged. "I could agree with you, but I'm actually pretty happy with the way things turned out. True, I had to go through a year of marriage problems and I have a divorce still waiting to be processed, but I also have a beautiful little girl and to tell the truth, now that I'm dating Harm, although we can't tell anyone else yet, I'm happier than I've been in years."
"Well good for you Mac. Now go and have fun on your date, and I'm not sure if Harm has told you but he arranged for me to keep Ali until tomorrow. And before you say anything, no, he wasn't being presumptuous, he just didn't want to have to wake Ali up if you two came home late."
"Ah, that sounds like Harm. Always thoughtful of everyone else."
"Go on now, Mac. Go and enjoy yourself with that thoughtful sailor of yours."
"Don't worry, I will. Thankyou again for doing this."
"Really, its not a problem. Now shoo." Mac gave Ali a quick kiss goodnight and Mrs Phelps closed the door behind her.
2030 local
Chantinelli's restaurant
Mac leaned back in her chair and sighed in contentment, feeling happy and at peace with the world. The food had been great, the setting was wonderfully romantic and there was no one but her and Harm. Her smile widened as she looked at the man opposite her finishing the last few bites of his desert. He had done all of this for her and had even gone to the trouble to have a bottle of Maison - a non-alcoholic wine - waiting on the table for them.
"Hey Mac, what would you say to some dancing?" Harm asked her as the waiter cleared away their dishes.
"Where?" Mac asked. She didn't know of any place nearby where they could go to dance. Harm pointed to a set of double doors across the room.
"Right here. If you eat here you get to go dancing afterwards." He shrugged. "I just thought you might enjoy it."
Mac grinned at him. "Of course I'll go dancing with you. I'd love to."
"Great." He paid the bill for their food then the waiter lead them over to the double doors. The doors opened to reveal a gorgeous looking ballroom full of couples dancing away. Mac gazed at it in wonder.
"It's incredible."
"That it is. Now let's join in the fun." Harm bowed low and offered Mac his arm. "Madame, may I have this dance?"
Mac giggled. "But of course, Monsieur."
Harm placed one hand on her shoulder, the other on her hip, and off they went, dancing away, twirling about to a lively waltz. They danced for hours, enjoying each others' company and the opportunity to be able to finally get out on their own without having to worry about picking up Ali, or being at client meetings the next day or who might notice the fact that they were both tired and put two and two together. Tonight it was just Harm and Mac, dancing and enjoying Valentines day, a celebration of love.
Finally, at around 2am, they decided to call it a night and have one last dance before heading home. The music came on and they swayed slowly to the rhythm, content to be held by each other. Mac wrapped her arms around Harm's waist and laid her head on his chest, Harm held her close, laying his head gently on hers. The song finished and Harm kissed Mac gently and lead her out to the car.
Mac was so tired by the time they reached her apartment that Harm actually carried her up her stairs to save her the effort, despite her sleepy protests. He set her down, took her key from her purse, and opened the door for her.
"Do you want to come in for some coffee, Harm?" Mac suggested, not wanting the night to end.
"As much as I'd love to, Sarah, I know that if I came in for coffee then I'd be tempted not leave at all." Harm declined her offer ruefully. Mac nodded in agreement, knowing that what he was saying was all too true. If Harm came in for coffee then they would no doubt end up doing a lot more than drinking coffee.
"Good night and sweet dreams, Sarah."
Mac smiled at him. "Thanks for a wonderful night, Harm. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much."
"It was my pleasure. Now go to bed before I have to carry you there too."
Mac poked her tongue out at him, making Harm chuckle quietly.
"I'll see you tomorrow, okay ninjagirl?"
"Sure thing."
Harm bent down and placed what was intended to be a soft goodbye kiss on her lips. Within seconds, however, it had grown out of control and had turned into a kiss of full passion, with the two of them pulling each other closer with their hands and lips. Pretty soon Mac was backed up against the wall and it took her all the control she had (and some she didn't), to break the kiss. She and Harm stood staring at each other, their breathing heavy, their gazes now moving from each others' eyes, both longing to go further but both knowing the timing wasn't right.
By an unspoken agreement, they wanted to wait, take it slow, get it right this time. Besides which, Mac was still technically married. Still, despite all the obstacles, they were doing well and both were happier than they had been in a long time.
Harm gave Mac one last quick kiss before leaving and smiled softly at her.
"Goodnight Sarah. I love you."
"I love you too."
Harm waited until he heard the deadbolt on her door click before heading downstairs and out to his car. He sat for a moment contemplating the turn his life had taken since Mac's return. True, it had been harder in some ways, having her around again, but ever since finally admitting to her how much he loved her, his life had taken a turn for the better. He was finally living the life he had dreamed of for the last eight years. A life with Sarah.
A/N: Whoa, that was a loooooooong chapter…. so you'd all better write looooooong reviews to go with it *grins*.