A/N #1: Whoa, what an enthusiastic response... Thank you for all of the wonderful, inspiring reviews! (You should have seen the reactions I was getting from my coworkers yesterday when they caught me cackling giddily at my computer, LOL.) You guys are terrific!

A/N #2: I'd also like to give a humungous THANK YOU to my intrepid beta reader for her unfailing encouragement. She deserves a tremendous amount of applause. :-)

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Monday; 2322 Zulu; Harm and Mac's Home; Falls Church, Virginia

Spinning on his heels at the sound of Mac's voice, Harm gaped at her in shock and disbelief. The protective layer he'd kept firmly over his heart all these years had just been unceremoniously ripped away, rendering him totally and completely exposed. Had she really just heard him say that? Despite the way in which her gaze locked on his, he couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so vulnerable.

"That's my cue." Beaming happily, Mattie slid off the stool and sauntered past, patting Harm on the shoulder as she went. "See you guys in the morning."

The sound of her footsteps faded down the hallway, leaving Harm and Mac standing in the kitchen staring at one another.

"Mac..."

Taking an uncertain step forward, Harm looked at her helplessly. Of all the ways he'd envisioned telling Mac that he loved her, none had ever involved her overhearing him blurt the words out to someone else.

Her mind racing, Mac couldn't help the burst of hopeful joy that warmed her soul. Harmon Rabb, Jr., her longtime colleague, father of her unborn child, the one person in the world who knew her inside and out, had just admitted that he loved her. Overcome with sudden boldness she closed the gap between them. Keeping her eyes steady on his, she lifted her hands to his chest, letting her palms linger there before sliding them up around his neck in a lovers' embrace. Harm's arms reflexively encircled her waist, her burgeoning middle pressed between them.

"It's okay, Flyboy," she whispered. Rising on her tiptoes, she closed her eyes and tenderly pressed her lips to his in a feathery kiss. In the span of a heartbeat, Harm was kissing her back despite an irrational fear that she'd push away from him yet again. Deep in the recesses of his mind, however, he realized that hers was not merely the reaction of a platonic friend. What had she meant when she'd said 'it might work'? There was only one way to find out. Breaking away, his hands trailed restlessly up and down Mac's back as his gaze captured hers.

"I love you, Sarah."

Her breath hitched as she rested her forehead lightly on his. She smiled softly, their eyes inches apart. "I love you too, Harm."

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

They stood there in each other's arms for a long moment. Neither spoke, but soon Harm's arms tightened, pulling Mac even closer. Her eyes squeezed shut as she dropped her cheek to his shoulder, lashes dampened by irrepressible tears of joy.

"We're quite the pair, aren't we?" she smiled. A burst of laughter rumbled in Harm's chest, but she didn't open her eyes.

"Would you have it any other way?" Turning his head slightly, he kissed the back of her hair.

"Nope." She lifted her head and gave him an intimate grin, a single tear trailing down her face as she kissed him again. "Life wouldn't be nearly as interesting." Her gaze drifted over into the adjacent family room.

Reaching up to caress her cheek with his thumb, Harm knew the instant she realized what was different about the space.

"Like it?"

"My God, Harm!"

Mac pulled away from him in astonishment. Flowers of all varieties and an assortment of tropical plants filled the room: on the tables, on the floor, on the bookshelves in the corners. No space remained untouched by their presence. White, pink, and purple petals were everywhere mixed gracefully with glossy green leaves, turning the normally comfortable area into a lush, relaxing retreat. It was a wonder she hadn't seen the changes when she'd first walked in, but the lights had been turned off and she'd been so focused on hearing Harm and Mattie's conversation... Shaking her head numbly, she turned back to Harm.

"You've been busy," she murmured.

"It was supposed to be a surprise," he admitted ruefully. "I wasn't expecting you to be home quite this early."

"I would have been home sooner, but Harriet needed me for something." When Harm didn't immediately respond, Mac's eye's narrowed. An instant later she punched him playfully on the arm. "You set me up!"

"It worked, didn't it?"

"Remind me to have a talk with Lieutenant Sims tomorrow," Mac grumbled. Not really angry at all, her expression softened a moment later as she glanced back towards the transformed family room. "Harm, I can't believe you did all this just for me."

"Don't thank me yet. The evening's still young." Pivoting on one heel, he extended a gentlemanly arm for her to take. "Would you care to join me for dinner?"

Without hesitation, Mac slid her hand into the crook of his elbow and smiled. "I thought you'd never ask. Lead the way, Sailor." Together they crossed the threshold into the dining room.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Harm had pulled out all the stops in making this a meal to remember. Knowing that Mac still had an aversion to meat as a result of her pregnancy, he'd chosen simple dishes that all featured some kind of seafood. Lobster bisque and spinach salad sprinkled with soft-shelled crabmeat were followed by a main course of artichoke-stuffed salmon and fresh green asparagus. Afterwards, just when Mac thought she couldn't eat any more, he'd brought out the piece-de-resistance: homemade caramel crème brulee.

When she finally pushed her plate away with a contented sigh, Harm suggested she go upstairs and change into some PJs while he cleaned up. Less than ten minutes later, wearing loose fitting pajamas and her well- worn pink bathrobe, she carefully eased herself back down the staircase and padded towards the family room. To her amazement, the scene had changed yet again.

In addition to the flowers and plants, there were now countless numbers of lit candles scattered throughout the room, bathing everything in warm, golden light. The subtle sound of flute music played from somewhere in the background, and the scent of jasmine filled the air. Harm was nowhere to be seen.

"Where did you go?" she called softly, beckoning him to return from wherever he had disappeared. A moment passed before he emerged from the dining room. "Harm—"

"Shhhh..."

He silenced her words with a smile and a tender finger to her lips. Mac gazed at him lovingly, the wonder and appreciation in her eyes evident. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he turned her around and guided her over to the sofa.

"I knew you wouldn't feel comfortable going to a spa right now," he explained quietly, "so I'm bringing the spa to you. Now sit back and relax."

With his help, she did as she was told and lowered herself into one corner of the couch. Then, surprising her again, Harm picked up her feet and gently turned her so that her legs stretched out along the cushions. When he saw she was comfortable, he settled himself down by her feet and reached for a small jar of ointment sitting nearby.

"But I—"

"No 'buts', Mac." Twisting open the lid, he scooped out some clear salve and began rubbing it between his hands. "This is something I want to do for you. Let me, please?"

He didn't wait for an answer and instead lifted one foot, slowly beginning to massage the balm into her sensitive flesh. Acquiescing, Mac closed her eyes and leaned back, inhaling deeply as the eucalyptus worked its magic. Harm watched her as he continued his ministrations, contentedly losing track of time as the tension in her face gradually faded into peace.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

To be continued...

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---