Title: Life's Consequences
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email:
Rating: PG -13
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author's Note: I've enjoyed writing this story, taking a different spin on 'Gold Wings and Dress Whites', however it is time to finish it. Thank you to everyone who had been reading and reviewing and those who just read. The title 'Lean to fly' comes from the song of the same name by Shannon Noll. It's a beautiful song that says so much and fits with this story. I hope you enjoy this chapter and future stories.
Winjan (Sorry for being a little vague about Operation Desert Hawk, it's now mentioned in chapter 4. I also corrected my little blooper concerning who was getting the Navy Cross. It now says six instead of five, so yes Harm did get it. Sorry about that. As for Harm's tattoo – all is revealed), marineJAG: (Matt and Mac are going to get close, real close), Jbird7986: (Thanks for spotting that typo I fixed it up), Sarai (Thanks)
Life's Consequences
Chapter Seven: Lean to fly
Mitchell/Rabb Residence: Base Housing - Pensacola NAS, FloridaMoonlight shone into the master bedroom, a gentle breeze blew at the curtains. Sera woke finding herself alone in the large bed; she sat up seeing her fiancé seated at the window seat. "Harm?"
Harmon Rabb looked over. "I'm fine, Sera, go back to sleep."
She slipped out of the bed, padding bare foot over to him. She wore an old Naval Academy shirt of his he'd given her and green sleeping pants. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing sweetheart," he gave her a thin smile.
Not believing him, she sat on the window seat, settling between his thighs as his arms snaked around her waist, pulling her against him. "If nothing is wrong then why are you up?"
"I couldn't sleep?" He admitted, he took her hand in his, comparing the size difference.
"Nightmares?"
"No," he reassured with a light smile. "What about you, you haven't been sleeping to well since we got back from the Henry?"
"No nightmares," she said and chuckled softly. "Though I believe Dr. Leon is probable having them since I've been having sessions with him."
When the Arch Angels had been assigned to Pensacola they'd been assigned their own psychologist. They'd already gone through two – Dr. Leon was the latest. Captain Church had ordered Sera to see the shrink over Operation Desert Hawk and what occurred on the Patrick Henry.
Harm chuckled too; he pushed the hair from the side of her neck and kissed the soft skin. "I had a conversation on the phone with Mac yesterday afternoon before I left work."
"Oh?" She'd tilted her head and closed her eyes, letting him continue what he was doing.
"She asked about my tattoo again."
"She questioned Skates too."
"Really?" He found that amusing. Opening her eyes, she turned and straddled him. He took advantage of the situation, caressing the warm skin under her shirt. "She's never told me where her tattoo is, seems poetic that I don't tell her about mine."
"Very," Sera agreed, she felt his reaction to her being on his lap. To her slight rocking motion. "But lets discuss this later."
"Damn good idea," he mused and then kissed her. Turning he held her against him as he did it, and with his hands on her backside he stood and she wrapped her legs around his waist; her arms already snaked around his neck. He carried her to the bed; laying her down on it he crawled on beside her. Thrown either to the end of the bed or on to the floor in a heap, clothing became an inconvenience that was quickly discarded and forgotten. In the moonlight as they made love, as they expressed their love for each other, Sera caressed Harm's tattoo. Like her, like all the Arch Angels, on his lower back, were gold wings over white angle wings. The tattoo was somewhat of a tradition, all the Arch Angels had them, all on their lower back and no one saw them unless needed or shown. Stated in the aftermath they fell asleep enclosed in each other's arms, content and relaxed.
The next morning they showered and dress, then headed downstairs for breakfast. Their son was already up, chewing happily on toast, he groaned when he saw the silly grins on their faces, he knew what that meant. He might have been eleven but he wasn't dumb.
"Morning dad, mom."
"Morning Corey," Sera dropped a kiss on the top of her son's head as she walked past him into the fridge. Getting the orange juice out.
Harm messed his son's hair as he pasted him. "Morning squirt."
"Dad," he grumbled playfully and straightened his hair.
Chuckling Harm got two glasses out and held them while Sera filled both with juice, she then returned to carton to the fridge and he gave her one of the glasses and a quick kiss.
Their son groaned again. "Can't you two get a room?"
"We did, last night after you went to bed," his mother smirked with her 'flyboy' grin.
"Ha, ha, I really needed to know that Mom," he muttered.
She chuckled and took a drink of juice. "Sorry squirt."
"That's okay," he grinned. "So when is Mattie getting up?"
Late yesterday afternoon, Mattie Grace, Harm's former ward had arrived to spend the weekend.
"When she gets up, squirt," his dad said with a grin.
"So I can't go up and bang on her door?" Corey asked with a mischievous grin.
"Well I didn't say that," Harm said, pinching a piece of toast off his plate, chewing on it.
"Cool," the pre-teen smirked and took off out of the kitchen.
Sera chuckled. "If he's excited about her staying the weekend, what's he going to be like when she stays over the summer break?"
"Well he's young," Harm, said amused as he drew her into his arms. "Give him a few years and he'll be gushing over her instead."
"Really?"
"Mmm, just like I gush over you."
She circled her arms round his neck. "I love it when you gush?"
"I know you do," he said and kissed her.
"Yum, toast kisses," she mused. "I like."
"So do I," he kissed her again, pushing her up against the counter.
They heard a shout from up stairs – Mattie's voice yelling: "Corey Harmon Rabb, just you wait until I get my hands on you!"
Their son's laughter echoed and they heard footsteps running down the stairs, following by a second set. Corey ran into the kitchen, water pistol in hand, Mattie after him. Her hair damp, as was her pajama top, the bottoms having escaped being wet.
Harm released Sera and plucked the water pistol from his son's hands. "I said you could bang on her door, not drench her, young man."
"Oh come on dad, it was funny," his son remarked grinning.
"No, this is funny," Harm smirked and squirted his son with the water pistol.
Mattie laughed until he ducked behind her to get out of the way of the stream of water and she got we too. "Hey!"
"Sorry Mattie," he apologized.
"That's okay, I'll get you both back before I leave," she promised. "I think I'll go get dressed through."
"Good idea." Sera announced. "You too, Corey."
"Yes Ma'am."
Both teenagers left the kitchen; Harm put the water pistol on the counter and drew his fiancée back into his arms. "It's nice hearing their laughter in the house."
"You miss her, don't you?"
"A lot," he kissed her forehead. "So sweetheart, are you ready for today?"
"More then ready," she said confidently. "Are you sure about this?"
"Very. I just want today to be what you want."
Sera rose up on her toes and kissed him, sucking seductively at his bottom lip. "Just having you there will make it everything I want," she said sexily. "I love you."
"I love you too," he said, and then kissed her with just as much seductiveness. Feeling her hands on his back. He pulled away breathing hard. "As much as I'd love to continue this, we've got to stop."
"I know," she said breathless. "Later."
"I promise."
She stepped back. "I'll be waiting," she declared.
Mattie and Corey returned and they all sat down to finish breakfast, talking about what the day was going to bring. The teenagers insisting on cleaning up, leaving Harm and Sera to relax in the lounge, which also gave the two teenager's time to talk.
"Did you tell Mac or anyone what was happening?" Corey asked.
"No. Why do you think they want to do it this way?"
"Less fuss I suppose," he guessed. "Mom's already had the big affair, I guess she just wants something intimate this time."
"Well they're getting that." Mattie stated, finishing they went into the lounge. "All done, so are we going to get this show on the road or what?"
Sera smiled at that. "You have such a nice way of cutting through the bull, Mattie."
"It's a talent," the girl smirked.
"Well let's do it then." Harm said, suddenly feeling like a hundred butterflies had been let lose in his stomach. He got up and helped Sera to her feet. "Shall we?"
"We shall," she agreed.
Getting what they required, they left the house, driving to the base chapel. Inside the building they were met by Chaplain Thomas Hart.
"Welcome Captain Rabb, Commander Mitchell, Corey," he said cheerfully, and then addressed Mattie. "You must be Miss Grace, Harm has told me so much about you."
"It's all true," she admitted grinning.
He did also. "I'm sure it is young lady," he said with a chuckle. "Let's get things started shell we. Ladies you go to your right and gentlemen to your left."
"Thank you Padre." Harm said and hushed his son to the left. Mattie and Sera went to the right.
A few minutes later they stood together at the front of the chapel, Sera and Harm stood holding hands. Harm in his dress white, Sera in a body hugging cream dress with shoes to match, flowers in her hair, which was pulled up. Mattie stood beside her, also in a cream dress. Corey stood beside his father in a white long sleeve shirt and dark brown dress pants.
Chaplain Hart began. "We gather her today to witness the wedding of Harm and Sera. The gift of friendship and love has brought these two together; from the moment they meant they knew they were destined to be together. Their love of the Navy and flying has created distance and absence that has tested their devotion to each other. Their love for each other and their son has seen them through tragedy and triumphs. It has tested their loyalty and friendship, and shown them an eternal love for each other," he said cheerfully. "The vows you take today, you do so to declare you love for each other. Harm."
Harm smiled at his lovely bride. "I, Harmon David, take you Sera Elisabeth to be my wife and partner in this life and the next. You are my Angel, I cherish your love and devotion to all you set your mind. I feel honored to be your husband and father to our son."
Sera smiled as tears misted her eyes. "I, Sera Elisabeth, take you Harmon David to be my husband and partner in this life and the next. You are my soul mate, my strength in times of need; you have encouraged me to achieve all that I have. You stood by me when most would not have. I am honored to be your wife and mother of our son."
The Chaplain looked to Corey. "Young man, do you have a ring for your father to give to your mother?"
"Yes sir," Corey took the ring from his pocket and gave it to the Chaplain, who blessed it, then passed it to Harm.
Harm gentle slipped the ring on Sera's finger. "I give this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you as your husband."
Chaplain Hart looked to Mattie. "Young lady, do you have a ring for Sera to give to Harm?"
"Yes sir," she slipped the ring from her thumb and handed it to him, and he blessed it and handed it to Sera.
She slipped it on Harm's finger. "I give this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you as your wife."
"It is my pleasure before God, family and friends to pronounce you husband and wife," the Chaplain proclaimed. "Harm you may kiss your wife."
"Yes sir," he said happily, cupping Sera's face in his hands he did just that, wiping her tears away when they parted. "I love you Mrs. Rabb."
"I love you, Mr. Rabb," she said happily.
They heard a throat being cleared and saw at the end of the aisle stood Mac in her dress uniform, outside was an honor guard of Arch Angels, all in dress uniform, all standing ready. Behind them ready to receive the newly married couple were their family and friends.
"Didn't think you were going to get away with it, did you flyboy?" Mac asked grinning.
Harm laughed as Corey and Mattie hurried outside. "For a while we thought so."
"Not a chance," she mussed.
Taking Sera's hand, Harm lead her down the aisle, Mac had taken her position at the entrance to the church. The honor guard drew their swords and formed an arch.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Mac announced in a loud clear voice. "I present for the first time, Captain and Mrs. Harmon Rabb, Jr."
Outside their family and friends clapped as the bride and groom walked out of the church and beneath the drawn swords. As they past by the last two, Lt. Commander Elizabeth Hawks and Lieutenant David Smith, Harm and Sera were swatted on their six's with their swords, Hawks and Smith saying: "Go Navy!"
Harm and Sera laughed, continuing as the guard of honor was dismissed, their family and friends congratulating them.
Matt congratulated his sister and brother-in-law, and then went over to Mac, who now stood with his daughter Emily, the young girl held the Marine's hand. "Nice touch there at the end."
Mac grinned. "Skates and Zapper were happy to help out," she mused.
Emily tugged at Mac's hand. "Mac, can you marry daddy now?" She asked innocently. "Just like Aunt Sera and Uncle Harm?"
Mac smiled; even though her heart was pounding and she went her mouth go dry. "Well sweetie, your daddy has to ask first." She answered, looking at Matt when she said it.
He smiled too, despite feeling the same way. Reaching out his hand he took Mac's. "So Sarah Mackenzie, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Mac felt her jaw drop, he was serious, and she could see that clearly. "We barely know each other," she uttered.
"I know I love you, Sarah," he said truthfully.
Tears stung her eyes as she released the little girls hand and hugged him. "I love you too, Matt."
"So you'll marry me?" He asked again.
"Yes," she answered ecstatically. "Yes."
He kissed her then, not caring where they were or who was with them, not that anyone would have denied him this.
Trish lent close to her new daughter-in-law. "I have a feeling we'll be attending another wedding in the near future."
Sera smiled. "I believe so," she agreed. She glanced over her mother-in-law's shoulder and saw Jennifer Coasts being drawn into a loving embrace by Major Tom Harrison – Matrix, the only Marine officer in the Arch Angels. "I have a feeling it won't be the last," she said and both Harm and his mom looked, smiling with her.
The Wedding party moved to the warmth of the officers club, where the Arch Angels, on assistance from Admiral Mitchell had arranged a small reception.
Sera finally got a moment to speak with her father, mother and stepmother. "How did you all find out?"
"You told your CO you wanted two weeks leave, at the same time Harm puts in the same request. Then you arrange to fly Mattie here for a weekend," her father explained. "Captain Church did a little more digging and found out what was going on. He then called me, together we made arrangements to get everyone together."
Harm embraced his wife, standing behind her. "We didn't think anyone knew what we were doing, other then Corey and Mattie."
"Son, never underestimate the will of a CO who has been waiting for the two of you to get hitched," the Admiral commented.
"Nor the power of your wife's father, who happens to be an Admiral, who has been waiting for you two to get married for a long time as well," Rebecca remarked. "Not that he'd tell you that."
"Nor will he let you ever forget you were content to sneak off and get married without telling anyone," Tiffany added.
Sera laughed softly, relaxed in her husbands arms. "You'd think I'd lean by now."
"Yes darling, you'd think you would," her mother jeered and they all laughed.
"You still have Matt and Mac to work on." Harm suggested, grinning.
"Excellent point," she mused. "Thank you Harm."
"You're welcome."
Sera's older sister Shawn and her husband, Navy doctor, David Cameron, drew Sera and Harm away to talk privately, Samantha and her husband Michael with them.
Mac watched them talking together. "What's going on?" She asked her now fiancé.
Matt smiled and kissed the top of her head, his arm around her waist. "I believe Shawn is offering to be a surrogate mother for them."
"Really?"
"Mmm," he drew her into his arms. "Sam and Michael were having trouble conceiving so they used IVF, she's going to donate the eggs they didn't use. Harm will donate sperm and the eggs will be fertilized and impregnated into Shawn. Since Sera and Sam are identical twins, it would be like Sera donating the eggs. And will luck, Shawn will fall pregnant and we'll have a new niece or nephew in the near future."
"Matt that's the greatest gift anyone could give them," Mac stated, a little stunned and a little envious.
"Sarah," he tilted her chin up so she looked eye to eye with him. "We will have a child of our own, I promise you that. If that means adopting, then so be it. He or she will still be our child."
Tears stung at her eyes. "What did I do to bring you into my life Matthew Mitchell?"
"You sweetheart; did nothing. My sister however had a Hornet fall on her, we should thank her for bring us together."
"Yes we should," she agreed and rose up on her toes and kissed him. "I love you Lt. Colonel Mitchell."
"And I love you, Colonel Mackenzie." He said and kissed her back, a long passionate kiss.
Not far from them, Emily wrinkled her nose. "Are they going to do that a lot?"
Mattie nodded. "They are."
The little girl sighed. "I guess I'll get use to it."
The teenager chuckled. "Yeah you will, Em. Corey's gotten use to his parents carrying on like love sick puppies."
"Ha, ha," Corey grumbled. "Thanks sis."
"You're welcome bro," she teased, she felt close enough to him to think of him as a brother and she knew Corey felt the same way about her. They were family, not matter how you looked at it.
A week and a half later: Rabb residence: Base Housing - Pensacola NAS, FloridaHaving agreed to remain and help Commander Austin-Smith at the NLSO, Matt also agreed to stay with his nephew. Mac returned to Washington with Emily, she was going to stay with soon to be stepdaughter. Things were quiet; Corey was behaving himself and refusing to tell anyone where his parents went on their honeymoon.
He was just about to leave the office for the afternoon when the phone rang, he saw Lt. Coast answer it at the yeoman's desk and gesture him over.
"Sir, it's Colonel Mackenzie. She said it was important." Jennifer reported.
He took the receiver from her. "What can I do for you Colonel?"
"Matt, I need to contact Harm and Sera right away," she announced, the urgency was clear in her voice. "Mattie's father was killed in a car accident yesterday afternoon."
"Oh God. Was she in the car too?" He gestured for Jennifer to remain. "Hang on Mac, I'm putting you on speaker, Jen's still here." He did so quickly, replacing the receiver. He addressed the Lieutenant. "Colonel Mackenzie just told me Mattie's father was killed in car accident yesterday afternoon."
She paled. "Ma'am, was Mattie with him?"
"Yes, but she was lucky, she only got a bump on the head. When they couldn't contact Harm, they rang me. I need to contact him and Sera immediately."
"I'll do it Ma'am, I have the number where they're staying," Jen announced.
"Thanks Jen, Mattie wants Harm and Sera here. The funeral is all organized, but his will needs to be read."
"I'll do it right away, Ma'am."
There was a pause. "Jen, Mattie wants you to come to, if you can."
"I'll be there Ma'am."
"Thank you Jen."
Matt took the call off speaker and picked up the receiver. "Jen, get onto the Captain now, I'll make arrangements for you and I to fly to Washington, Captain Church will help with that and looking after Corey, as much as he's going to hate it, he needs to stay here for school."
"Aye sir." She hurried to her office.
"How are you holding up, Sarah?" He asked his fiancée.
"Not to bad, I'm being strong for Mattie. I know what she's going through."
"I know sweetheart. We'll be there soon, don't worry," he assured. "I love you."
"I love you too, see you soon."
"Bye darlin," he bided and hung up. He then rang and explained the situation to Captain Church, who told him to pack what he needed and get to the tarmac. Hanging up he rushed out, grabbing his cover and briefcase. "Lets go Jen."
She was right beside him. "Hammer and Angel are on their way to Washington," she reported. "I rang Commander Austin-Smith and explained the situation, she said not to worry about anything. Just to go."
"We're going, head home and pack what you need, I'll pick you up in twenty."
"I'll be ready sir."
They parted outside; Matt drove quickly to the Rabb house and packed his bag. By the time he was ready to leave Marie Church was there with Corey. Matt told him what happened.
"I need you to stay with Aunt Marie, okay kiddo?"
"Yes sir," he agreed. "Is Mattie all right?"
"She will be kiddo."
He nodded. "Do mom and dad know?"
"Jen rang them, where ever they're staying."
"They went to see Great Grandma Sarah," he revealed.
"Okay kiddo. I have to go, be good."
"I will, tell Mattie I'm thinking of her."
"I will," he messed his hair, and left. He picked Jen up on his way and they continued to the Arch Angel's squadron building. Leaving the car there they continued on foot.
Captain Church was waiting on the tarmac near a Leahjet that was fueled and ready to go. "You're all set," he handed Matt the flight checklist. "Preflight is done, you cleared for immediate takeoff, runway two and land at Andrews Air Force Base."
"Thank you sir."
"No problem, Miss Grace is a good kid," he announced. "Watch the weather front and tell Harm and Sera not to worry about rushing back, we'll handle things here."
"I will sir, thank you."
"No problem," he assured and nodded to Coasts. "Take care off Hammer and Angel, Sticks."
"I will sir."
"Get going."
Both nodded and boarded the Leahjet, securing the door and their bags, they went up to the cockpit and prepared for takeoff.
"Flown one of these before, Jen?" Matt asked seeing she knew what she was doing.
"Captain Rabb has had me qualify on a number of aircraft," she revealed. "As Captain Church tells everyone, the Arch Angel's are multi talented."
Matt chuckled and they took off, on course for Andrews. "So what else do your talents run to, Lieutenant?"
She smiled. "Many things sir," she smirked.
"And like the rest of the Arch Angels your not going to tell me," he guessed.
"That's right sir."
"So do you have a tattoo, as well?"
"Yes sir. Just like the rest of the squadron," she saw where this was going. "I take it you haven't told the Colonel where Captain Rabb's tattoo is?"
"Nope," he grinned. "And I haven't told Harm where her's is. It's kind of poetic really."
Jen chuckled. "I believe so, sir."
"Jen, stop calling me sir. Matt will do."
"Force of habit, besides it wouldn't be right, sir," she noted.
"You call Harm by his first name, I've heard you."
"That's different sir, he's my driver, and we've developed a bond, a closeness that drivers and RIO's have. You should understand that sir, you're an aviator."
Matt nodded. "I do, before I left flying full time, I had a good RIO, he knew what I wanted before I did at times."
"I'm getting like that with Hammer, we work well together," Jen stated. "Just like Zapper and Angel do."
"They are good together," he agreed.
The rest of the trip went uneventfully, they landed at Andrews Air Force Base and were picked up by newly promoted First Sergeant Victor Galendez. He drove them to Matt's, explaining Mattie had been released from the hospital and Colonel Mackenzie had taken her home. He also told them Harm and Sera had arrived and were there. Dropping them off, he told them he'd be back in the morning.
Mattie was happy to see Jen, hugging the young officer.
Jen rubbed her back gently. "I'm so sorry, Mattie."
"He never regained consciousness, he just died." She sobbed.
Harm came over and took the sobbing girl back into his arms. "He didn't suffer Mattie," he said comforting. "It was just his time."
"What's going to happen to me though?" She asked.
"That depends on what's in the will, but I'm sure your dad knew what was best for you."
They went and sat down, the teenager between Harm and Jen, Sera was on the phone, on finishing the call she joined them.
"That was Mr. Williams, Tom's attorney, he'll come over as soon as the funeral is over and read the will."
"When is the funeral?" Matt asked.
"Tomorrow morning, nine hundred." She answered, sitting down.
Mac took Matt's hand in hers. "Is anyone hungry, we could send out for something?" They all shock theirs heads. "Then why don't we try and get some sleep. Jen, you and Mattie can use Emily's room, she's staying with her grandparents. Sera, you and Harm can use the guest room."
They nodded their thanks and headed off to bed.
Matt drew Mac into his arms. "You look tired sweetheart."
"I am," she snuggled close. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you too, darlin," he kissed the top of her head. "Are you staying?"
"You're not getting rid of me," she promised.
"Never sweetheart." They locked up, turned off the lights and went up to the main bedroom. "I need a long hot shower."
"Can I join you?" She asked.
"I was hopping you would," he said and lead her into the adjoining bathroom. Under the water he held her close, gently rubbing a washer over her body. He missed this, the closeness they had, the intimacy they'd found.
She lent back against him, sighing. "I've missed this."
"So have I," he kissed her neck. "I want you."
"I'm here," she insisted. "I'll always be here."
He turned her and pushed her gentle against the shower wall, lifting her they made love there in the shower. Then once more after they'd dried off and got into bed, lying curled up in each other's arms in the aftermath.
"I didn't expect this to happen," she whispered.
"Neither did I, sweetheart," he ran his hand over her hip, near where his fingers came to rest on her buttock was a red rose tattoo, the mysteries one. His wasn't so mysteries; it was a small cobra on his shoulder blade. He'd gotten it during a layover on his first cruise. He and a few friends had too much to drink and he woke the next morning with a tattoo, so did a few of his friends. He moved his hand around to her stomach, caressing lightly.
Mac liked the way he did that. "When was Shawn going to have the procedure done?"
"I'm not sure, it depends on her cycle I think," he answered. "Why?"
"Just curious."
He didn't believe that. "You've been thinking about it again, haven't you?" He saw her nod. "Oh Sarah," he kissed her. "I know you wanted a baby."
She put her hand over his. "I've always speculated what it would be like to have a child growing inside me and lately I've wondered what it would be like to have your child."
"What exactly did they say, Sarah, when they told you?"
"They had to remove both ovaries to stop the cancer from spreading."
"Were there eggs in the ovaries?"
She nodded. "They were going to remove them, and freeze what were still healthy. Why?"
"Honey, I'm no doctor, but if you still have your womb, then I can't see why you can't undergo the same procedure as Shawn is. With healthy eggs, they can by fertilized by my sperm, then impregnated into your womb," he explained. Having a sister and brother-in-law for doctors came in handy at times. "I think we should see David, he can tell us if it will work with you. I don't understand why your doctor didn't suggest it?"
"Perhaps we can find that out too?"
"Sarah," he cupped her face in his hands. "Don't get your hopes up sweetheart, as I said, I'm no doctor."
Tears stung her eyes. "Hope is all I have left, Matt."
"I know," he kissed her. "Lets get some sleep, I'll give David a ring in the morning before the funeral and make an appointment for us to see him."
She nodded. "I love you."
"I love you too sweetheart."
Mitchell Residence: Falls Church, Virginia, Washington, DC.
The funeral hadn't been easy for Mattie, but she'd made it through, they returned to Matt's house for the reading of the will. Mr. Williams had arrived promptly and began, revealing the house and its contents would have to be soled to pay the bank off. What was left of the money would go to Mattie for her education. Mattie's private belongs could be removed, but most would have to be sold to pay off the bills. Mattie wasn't too surprised. What did surprise her was the next announcement.
Mr. Williams removed paper work from his briefcase. "Mr. Johnson states in his will, if his passing happens before Mattie's eighteenth birthday, then she is too be adopted by Captain Rabb and his fiancé or wife, if that is the case," he handed the papers to Harm. "I drew up the adoption papers yesterday after my conversation with your wife. You both only need to sign them and they'll be processed by the court this afternoon."
Harm looked them over, as did Sera. She then handed them to Mac to look them over. Harm looked to Mattie. "Is this what you want sweetheart? You should have a say in it?"
She nodded. "It's what dad wanted," she said and hugged him. "You were like a dad to me when he couldn't be, he knew how hard it was for you to let me go."
Mac handed Sera back the papers. "It's fine."
Mr. Williams handed her a pen. Sera took it and signed them, then handed them to Harm. He released Mattie and signed them too before giving them back to the attorney. He put them away and brought out another set. "Your father also had me draw this up," he told Mattie. "It's the documents to change your surname to Rabb."
She took the papers with shaky hands. "He wanted this?"
"He said you should be the Rabb's daughter in every way possible."
"You don't have to, Mattie," Harm told her gently.
"No, it's what he wanted," she signed it where she was told and gave them back. Then hugged Harm.
He held her, rubbing her back. "Everything's going to be all right, kiddo."
She nodded; looking up she wiped her tears away. "I know; I have you and mom now."
Harm smiled, he like her calling him dad. They'd had a bond from the moment they'd met. "And a bratty brother, remember."
"Yeah," she managed a small smile.
Mr. Williams informed them he'd send copies of the adoption papers to them once they were processed and bided them goodbye.
The next few days were taken up dealing with getting the house ready to be sold and Mattie packing what she wanted to take to Pensacola with her, as well as organizing her transfer to her new school. Sera's mother, Rebecca agreed to handle the selling of the house and dealing with the bank and any other debts that needed to be dealt with. As well as organizing for what money was over to be placed into an account for Mattie. AJ insisted on taking care of Rabb Aviation for them; saying he'd either find someone to manage it or do it himself, he had plenty of time now he was retired. Harm and Sera was happy with that, since everyone who had their planes there agreed to keep them there and help out. Mattie was also happy about the arrangement.
While all this was going on, Matt and Mac had their appointment with David, receiving good news. That they kept to themselves for the time being, until they knew it would work.
At the end of the week, Coasts and the Rabb's were ready to return to Pensacola. The Leahjet was ready to go, Mattie's belongs inside and Jen was doing pre-flight after saying goodbye to Mac and Matt.
Mattie hugged her new Aunt. "Thank you for everything you've done for me."
"You're family, Mattie," Mac told her. "Family look after family."
She nodded. "Thank you," she smiled. "Aunt Mac."
The Marine laughed. "You're welcome kiddo."
Matt smiled. "So do I get a hug too?"
She gave him one. "Thank you, Uncle Matt."
"Any time kiddo."
Harm put his hand on her shoulder. "Time to go, Mattie."
"Okay, dad," she said and went aboard the Leahjet to Jen.
"Look after her, Harm." Mac said gently.
"I will," he gave her a hug. "You look after yourself too and let me know if I'm going to be an Uncle."
She was stunned. "How did you know?"
"Wasn't hard to work out, you went to see David and came home with a big smile on your face."
Sera slipped her hand into her husband's. "David did my surgery after Corey was born, that's how he and Shawn met. If he says it's possible, then there's a good chance it is."
"Well we'll just have to wait and see," Matt told them.
"You'll be fine," his sister assured. "See you at Christmas."
They hugged them both and boarded the Leahjet, they moved back as the aircraft started to roll and head for the runway.
Matt put his arm around Mac's shoulders. "They're going to be fine, Sarah."
"I know and so are we," she agreed. "So, Colonel, want to run off to Vegas and get married?"
"Sounds a plan, Colonel," he said grinning. "My parents will probably kill me, but lets do it."
She giggled. "Lets go then, we'll collect Em and head for Vegas."
He took her in his arms. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes. I don't want a fancy wedding, Matt, I just want to be your wife."
"Then lets go, after all, it would be nice for our baby to be born after we're married, not before." He declared confidently.
"Yes it would be," she said grinning.
Christmas Eve 2004Sera stood back with Mattie and Corey, letting her husband approach the Vietnam Memorial Wall on his own. She knew how important his visits to the wall were, which is why they were there for support, but knew he had to do it alone also.
Harm touched his father's name. "Merry Christmas, dad," he whispered. "So much has happened this year. Sera and I finally got married, but it took her nearly getting killed to make us realize our feelings for each other. We also have an extra member to the family, you have a granddaughter now – Mattie. I've told you about her before. Her dad passed away and Sera and I adopted her." He paused smiling. "Not that Corey and Mattie are your only grandchildren, dad. The procedure worked, Shawn is carrying twins. We don't know whether it's boys or girls or one of each yet." He glanced back to his family, seeing his wife and children smile. Looking back. "I wouldn't trade this for the world dad, being a husband and father had given me a new prospective on life." He tucked his hands into his coat pockets. "I'll be back after the twins are born, I want to introduce your new grandchildren to you. I miss you dad." He said, then turned and walked towards his family. As he did he felt a gentle breeze caress his check and he smiled.
Sera reached out her gloved hand and let him take it. "Is everything all right?"
"Everything is fine. Lets go."
They drive to the Mitchell Estate, where their family was gathering. Trish and Frank had flown to join them, making this Christmas special for them all. The Admiral and Tiffany had even forgiven Matt and Mac for running off to get married in Vegas, as had Rebecca, Samantha, Michael, Shawn and David.
Christmas morning had Emily, Corey, Mattie and Shawn's twin son's Rick and Mac, up early, getting their parents and grandparents out of bed to open Christmas presents.
When all the presents except one were given out, Emily took the small package from the tree and took it over to her father. "This one is for you, daddy."
"Is it sweetheart," he took it and she sat beside him on the floor, noticing the room had become quiet. He undid the wrapping to find a small box. Opening it, he lifted a silver key ring from it that had engraving on one side. He read it out loud. "Merry Christmas daddy, from your unborn son or daughter…" He barely got the last words out, looking to his wife. "You're pregnant?"
She nodded, grinning despite her tears. He drew her into his arms and held her tight as his family smiled, they'd all known before hand. Keeping it a secret. Matt was overwhelmed. "Thank you babe," he whispered.
"I had a lot of help, remember," she mused and kissed him, hearing Emily groan.
"Mom, dad," the youngster rolled her eyes.
They parted laughing along with everyone else.
That night, Harm found his wife outside. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close. "It's cold out here sweetheart."
"I'm okay," she turned in his arms and snuggled close to him.
"Are you sure your all right?"
"Mmm," she looked up seeing the concern in his blue eyes. "I was just thinking how lucky we are."
"We are lucky, sweetheart. We have to great kids and two more on the way."
She smiled. "It's a good thing we've got a big house."
He chuckled. "Yes it is." They stood for a moment in the peace and quiet. "Lets go inside sweetheart, it's cold out here."
Sera nodded, going with him, hand in hand. If someone had told her at the beginning of the year, that by the end of it she would be married, have adopted a teenage girl and be expecting twins, she would have laughed in their faces. Life was just full of surprises and life's consequences were like a flowing river that had more paths then one could ever imagine.
The End.