Title : Tell Him
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you.
Rating : G to PG-13
Spoilers : None as such, after the Dining-Out though!
Summary : Another songfic – heard the song, couldn't resist!
Thank you to MacHarm4ever, HM foreva, jtbwriter, froggy0319, JAGJenni, hothing40, snugglebug, MaritzaCarmichael and maidenpride21, bluejay742, starryeyes10, EyeCandy, Becki, Abigaile, Dessler, joanoa, SarahRabb705 and Gramrabb for such wonderful reviews, and so here is the epilog. I hope it meets expectations!
To Snugglebug – a big THANK YOU!. I'm terrible for getting my right and left mixed up; ask all my driving instructors! Of course, Harm put the ring on Mac's left hand, third finger! You all knew what I meant, didn't you?
Epilog
Sunday Morning – Mac's Apartment
It was true! It had really happened! Harm had asked her to marry him, and here they were, together, in her apartment. In her bed! That it was her bed, or his, was of no consequence – just the fact that they were now lovers. Not just lovers. Engaged lovers!
Mac held up her left hand and stared, misty-eyed, at the ring that adorned her third finger.
When another arm slid up along hers and a hand closed around her fingers, bringing her hand down to kiss the skin around the ring, Mac turned her head and her eyes settled on Harm's face.
"Good morning, beautiful," he murmured, and Mac leaned in to receive his kiss.
"Good morning." Mac's response was husky, sleep and tears affecting her voice.
"Hey, why're you crying?"
"Happy tears, Harm. I can't believe we're together at last."
"Believe it. I want you to know something else as well."
"What?"
"As long as there is breath in my body, I'm never letting you go."
Mac's eyes widened at Harm's declaration and her tears came harder as she buried her face in the crook of his neck. Harm held her close, and tight, and waited out the wave of tears. His hand rubbed gently up and down her back, and then as the tears slowed and she snuffled he handed her a tissue from the side table. His hand returned to rubbing her back, and when Mac threw the used tissue into the nearby trash can his hand began to wander a little further south. Mac wriggled against him, and then she giggled huskily, lifting her head to look at him.
"What're you doing, mister?" she asked, knowing full well what he was doing.
"Rubbing your back," returned Harm, giving her his best innocent look.
"Last time I looked, my back was somewhere north of where you're rubbing…" Mac began, but then Harm touched a particularly sensitive spot, and Mac forgot what she was saying, her attention taken instead by Harm's hands, his eyes, and his mouth. It was much later before she could even recall her name, let alone the conversation she had been having!
When they woke for the second time that morning, Harm grinned at her.
"So, what else are we doing today?" he asked, waggling his eyebrows suggestively, and Mac burst into laughter.
"I guess this is something I didn't expect," she murmured, and Harm played serious for a moment.
"What?" he asked, waiting for her answer, his eyes searching hers.
"That you'd be so insatiable…"
"Only for you," he answered, and his response had been so quick that Mac could not doubt his honesty. There was nothing else she could do but nod her head in agreement.
"I feel the same way about you," she told him, and without further words they clung to each other.
Mac's stomach chose that moment to rumble ominously, and Harm laughed, leaning back to look at her.
"I guess not so insatiable, huh? I can't believe I have competition from a rumbling stomach."
"You know the drill, squid. You don't feed me and you'll have one mean Marine on your hands…" Mac threatened, but her expression was spoilt by the howl of laughter she gave as Harm tickled her before rolling over and getting out of his side of the bed.
"C'mon then, my Marine. Time to feed you, and to make some calls."
"Calls?" Mac sat up on the bed, and the sheet fell away from her body. There was no false modesty on her part, and Harm smiled as he realized just how comfortable Mac was around him. He answered her question, watching as she stepped off the bed and walked up to him.
"Well, for one, I'd like to let my mom and Frank know that we're engaged, and then I guess it would be nice to let Chloe know,"
"And Mattie?"
"Of course." Harm nodded, and Mac smiled up at him.
"Does your mom have a camera on her computer?"
"I'm not sure. I think Frank does, in his study."
"Come with me then, sailor. Maybe we can give them both a nice surprise, and actually let them see you!"
Mac pulled Harm by the hand, leading him out of her bedroom and into the lounge, where her computer was set up near the door. Clicking on the internet connection, she typed in the address Harm reeled off for Frank Burnett, and waited for a connection. When she got through to the IM service, she typed in a message from Harm.
Hi, Mom. Harm here. Do you have a camera linked to your computer?
Hello, darling! Yes, we do!
Well, switch it on. I've got a surprise for you!
Okay, give me a minute! By the way, whose computer are you using?
Why would you ask that?
Because you've never done this before, maybe?
Trish's answer over the IM screen was as clear is if she were stood in the room talking to him! Harm grinned, and Mac typed an answer.
I guess I've been dragged into the twenty first century by Mattie, Jen, and Mac…
About time! replied Trish, and even Mac smiled at that response. Okay, we're ready.
How come you know so much about video conferencing, anyway? Harm was curious as to how his mother knew so much about the technology involved.
This is how I communicate with the artists who use the gallery, dear. Makes life so much easier! You should get Mac to teach you a little more!
Harm looked down at Mac, wrapped in a kimono style dressing gown, and shrugged his shoulders, smiling at the knowledge that his mother, ageneration older than he himself, knew more about computers than he did.
Here goes! Harm pressed the key to start the camera on Mac's computer, and in California Trish Burnett squealed in excitement, causing her husband to come running, wondering what had happened to her.
"Honey, what is it?" Frank Burnett looked at his wife, whose face was wreathed in smiles, and then at the picture on the computer screen. Except that it wasn't exactly a picture – it was real! A hand, held in front of a camera, showing off what appeared to be an antique style engagement ring, which looked familiar. "Who is that?" he asked, and Harm's disjointed voice came over the speakers.
Hi, Frank. We thought we'd like to surprise you and Mom. I asked Mac to marry me last night, and she said 'yes'!
She did? Congratulations to you both!
Harm laughed as his parents cheered and applauded, and Mac joined in the laughter, still giddy from the whole experience, and a little self-conscious that Trish and Frank Burnett would welcome her so readily. At the expression in her eyes Harm leaned down and kissed her, which was transmitted to California too!
Is this something we should be turning our camera off for? joked Trish, happy to see her son so happy, and so pleased that it was Mac to whom he had finally given her first engagement ring to.
Harm pulled back from Mac's lips, and smiled into the camera, shaking his head.
When do we get to see you both in person? asked Frank, peering over his wife's shoulder at the screen, coming into focus on the camera. Harm looked at Mac and grinned, and then spoke up.
We can be with you next weekend. I'll check out the flights. This comment was met with a squeal from Trish, and both Harm and Mac smiled at each other before their attention was caught by Frank's voice.
I'll go one better. Let me know when you can travel, and I'll arrange a flight for you. Frank's offer was met with thanks, and he then left Harm speechless with his next words. As well as your mother, Harm, I've been waiting a long time for this too.
I don't know what to say, Frank.
You don't need to say anything, son. You've shown me over the years, in ways you probably don't realize, but the news you have given us today is by far the best so far. I'm very proud of you, and so very happy to welcome Mac into our family. Next week can't come soon enough, especially for your mother. She's bouncing in the chair already!
Both Mac and Harm grinned at the screen, and could see for themselves how excited Trish Burnett was. It was Trish who went on to end the call, albeit unwillingly.
Time to go, darlings. I'm sure you have…other plans…for today. We'll get started on arrangements for the weekend, and when you let us know about flight plans, we can schedule the plane. We're both looking forward to seeing you and Mac. Harm, your father would be so proud of you, too.
I know, Mom.
Okay, go now. Take care of yourselves, and we'll see you next weekend.
Trish closed the connection, and both Harm and Mac were left looking at a blank screen. Mac looked up at Harm and smiled, to which he responded with a brief kiss as he stepped back and pulled Mac to her feet and into his arms.
"I remember asking you earlier what else we were doing today, and food was mentioned," Harm recalled. Mac nodded and on cue her stomach rumbled again.
"I guess you had better feed me, then we have the other calls to make, and later we have an invitation to Bud and Harriet's, but in between…" Mac paused, and her face was lit with a knowing smile, to which Harm responded.
"In between?" he prompted.
"I'm going to need some exercise to work off what you're going to feed me, so I'll be ready for what Harriet has prepared too."
"Exercise, huh?"
"Yup. Any ideas?"
"Well, there's the run we used to do," Harm offered, but the shake of Mac's head negated that idea. "We could work out in a gym." Again a shake of her dark head. Harm stopped, and Mac raised an eyebrow, inquisitive. With a wide smile he looked at her. "I've got the perfect exercise."
"Tell me!"
"No. We'll eat breakfast, then I'll show you…" Harm answered, and Mac grinned, knowing full well what form their exercise would take.
Sunday Afternoon – Bud and Harriet's House
"They're here!" Harriet squealed, letting the others in the house know, as well as Mac and Harm walking up to the front door of the sprawling house. With a knowing smile they waited, arms around each other, as Harriet opened the front door.
"Hello! Come on in!"
"Are we late?" asked Mac, aware that she and Harm took a little longer than planned getting ready. They had discovered, and were still discovering, many things about each other, and amongst those discoveries was the insatiable hunger they had for each other, and the delight in showering together.
Harriet gave them a welcome smile as she stood back from the door, giving them room to enter. Shaking her head, she took hold of Mac's hand as she walked through.
"Of course you're not late. Mike is still expected, and Jennifer."
"Oh, good. We didn't want to be the last."
"Don't worry, and it wouldn't matter if you were. You're entitled. My house, my rules." Harriet's tone brooked no argument, and she got none as her two friends entered the house to be greeted by the others already gathered. And one extra guest.
"Admiral!" Both Mac and Harm walked forward to greet their former commanding officer, and he opened his arms to greet both Harm and Mac with a hug.
"I'm retired, remember? It's AJ," AJ spoke in a mock-gruff tone, and both Mac and Harm nodded, answering him in kind.
"AJ."
"Well, having heard the news, all I can say is, about damn time!" At that, all the people gathered laughed, and Mac glanced up at Harm, noticing the sheen of tears in his eyes also. When she returned her glance to AJ Chegwidden, he smiled at her.
"You look…beautiful, Mac."
"Thank you. I do have something to ask you, si…AJ…" Mac corrected herself, and both Harm and AJ smiled at her. Mac continued. "I once asked you to do me the honor of giving me away."
"I remember." AJ acknowledged Mac's previous engagement, although he didn't mention Brumby's name out loud.
"I'd like to ask you if you would do me the honor once more…" Mac hesitated, and AJ reached out to take her hand.
"I would be honored now, as I was then. I consider your request the most meaningful I have yet accepted, and even though I accepted the request once before, I hoped against hope that you would realize who it was you truly loved. It's possible to find love more than once in a lifetime, Mac, but it's only once that you find your soulmate."
"AJ…" Mac faltered, tears brimming, running down her cheeks. Leaning forward, AJ pressed a gentle kiss to Mac's cheek, and then drew back to look at Harm.
"You hurt her, son, and you'll have me to answer to."
"I know," answered Harm softly, and both men shook hands, sealing a bond of affection that had weathered many storms. As the three of them stood together both Bud and Harriet walked across to them.
"Everyone's here now, and we'd like to make an announcement ourselves," said Bud, coming to stand beside Harm, grinning up at his senior officer. Harriet stood beside Mac, and AJ stood in the middle of the group. When all in the room had fallen silent, Bud spoke again.
"I've known Commander…Harm…a long time now, and I've known Mac almost as long. If it wasn't for the two of them, Harriet and I might have taken as long to get together. I have no doubt that we would have met – we, too, are soulmates." Harriet wiped away a tear at Bud's words, and blew him a kiss, to which he gave her a loving smile, and continued speaking. He told of how Harm had guided his career, as well as his character, and for which he was a better man. He told of how Mac had also taught him much about strength of character, especially to overcome adversity, as she had. At that, he got a squeeze of his shoulder from Harm in silent appreciation of his words for Mac. Harriet had a word or two herself about how she had always hoped to see the day when her dearest friends realized their love for each other, and went on to say that it wasn't just love that brought a couple together. Friendship was the strongest basis for a relationship to develop, and a little divine intervention didn't hurt either! This brought more laughter from the others in the room, and both Harm and Mac were choked up at the genuine love and admiration that was a palpable entity in the room. Bud ended the speeches with a kiss for Mac and a hug for Harm, and Harriet followed suit. When that was done, Harriet raised her hand for one more word, or two…
"For anyone who is interested, the tally for the betting pool is in."
"Betting pool?" Harm queried, looking at Mac who shrugged her shoulders in response, knowing nothing about the matter herself. Both of them turned to look at Harriet, who grinned and pointed at the last guest who had entered the room.
General Gordon Cresswell.
"Sir!" Everyone who was required to saluted their commanding officer, and he waved them down.
"Off duty. Stand down." Gordon Cresswell walked across the room toward Harm and Mac, and imitated his predecessor by kissing Mac's cheek, and shaking Harm's hand. "Congratulations to you both."
"Sir, we were going to tell you…this all happened so suddenly…" began Harm, and Cresswell actually snorted as he tried to avoid laughing.
"Suddenly? Commander, this has taken almost ten years, if what I hear is true! I'd hardly call that sudden. However, even though I have come into this matter late in the day, I fully understand why you have taken the step you have, and I wish you both the very best for your future."
"Thank you, sir, but what about the regulations? I mean, I'm prepared to retire…" Harm began, but the wave of Cresswell's hand caused him to tail off, wondering what was going on between his present and previous commanding officers as the two men shook hands.
"AJ, a pleasure to see you again."
"Same here, Gordon. So, shall we tell them?"
"I think so."
"Tell us what?" Mac joined in, curious to know what was going on, just as much as Harm.
"Well, for one thing, I won the bet, and the money." Cresswell's smile was wide, despite a few muffled groans from the group gathered, but his next words had them clapping. "The money was put to good use, and I am happy to present this to you, my dear." Mac was surprised to be handed a gift-wrapped item, triangular in shape, about a foot long. As she opened the paper, Harm looked over, curious also. When the item turned out to be a blank name plaque, Mac looked in confusion at her commanding officer.
"Sir?"
"I wasn't sure what name you would be taking, married to the Commander, so I've left it blank for you to decide. However, the point is that your appointment to the judiciary is in the process. Congratulations, Madame Judge."
"Oh, my God!" Mac's voice was little above a whisper, and Harm was totally silent. Unsure of what would happen next. Cresswell caught his expression.
"Don't worry, Commander. You and the Colonel are still going to be occupying the same offices. By transferring to the judiciary, the chain of command is no longer an issue, and I have used my privileges to ensure that I still retain my chief of staff, along with another. Kind of having my own joint chiefs of staff, like the President!" Polite laughter went around the room at Cresswell's humor, and he continued speaking. "What this means to the two of you is that you remain at JAG, and for the times that Colonel Mackenzie is in court, you will represent the staff, Commander. Unfortunately, you will not be allowed to be in court together, in the interests of fair play, but at least you will be working together in the office."
"Sir, we had no idea!"
"Neither did I," answered Cresswell. "This was actually the Admiral's idea."
"But…we only got engaged last night…how?" Mac and Harm spoke together, and both older men smiled at them, amazed at how much in tune they were.
"I've hoped this day would come, preferably in my tenure, but failing that, I felt it only fair to warn my successor of your situation, and the inevitable outcome. It was only a matter of time, you know?" AJ looked decidedly smug, and Mac grinned at him.
"You did this?" Her question was met with a shake of AJ's head.
"No. I had the idea for the judiciary myself, and I simply passed it on to the General, but the legwork was all his. The idea for your being a chief of staff also was his idea alone." AJ smiled at Harm as he spoke.
"It's brilliant, thank you."
"You're very welcome, and we look forward to you making it work."
"We'll certainly do that," Harm agreed, looking at Mac, and she smiled in return, moving toward him as he came to stand behind her, his hands on her shoulders.
The party continued for a few hours longer, the food was eaten, stories were told and retold of Harm's impromptu, but nonetheless romantic, proposal and then people began to call it a night and return to their homes. As the guests of honor, Harm and Mac stayed to the last, with only Harriet and Bud, and AJ remaining. As he drew on his overcoat, he looked directly at Harm and Mac.
"I expect to hear from you soon about a date for the wedding. I don't think I could survive another ten years of waiting," he muttered, and initially Harm and Mac were cautious in responding, until he smiled at them. "Don't' look so serious. I mean what I said though; don't keep me waiting too long for this wedding."
"We wouldn't dare," replied Mac, and leaned in to kiss AJ's cheek. "Thank you, for everything," she added in a soft murmur.
"You, my dear Sarah, are most welcome. Just do me a favor."
"Which is?"
"Don't be too hard on Harm – you're still his senior."
"I won't be." Mac promised, but a little unsure about exactly what AJ was talking about. As for Harm, he was given another manly hug, and an envelope was thrust into his hand, along with a handshake in farewell.
When their goodbyes to Harriet and Bud had been given also, amongst many tears, Harm and Mac made their way down the path to Harm's Corvette. A sudden shout caused them to stop and turn, and Harriet came down the path, waving the forgotten bouquet from the previous evening. Mac took the flowers, kissed Harriet one last time, and climbed into the car, holding the bouquet to her nose. The scent was still as fresh as the previous evening, and it brought back memories of the song she had sung. As Harm climbed in at the driver's side, he heard Mac softly humming the tune to what was now 'their' song. Before he started the engine he leaned across and kissed her gently.
"I love you, Sarah Mackenzie."
"I love you, Harmon Rabb."
"Ready to go?"
"Wherever you take me…" Mac answered, and returned a kiss of her own before Harm turned the key in the ignition and drove off toward the city, and his apartment. To begin with…
From the window, Harriet and Bud watched them leave. Harriet leaned back against her husband, and put her hands over his, around her protruding stomach.
"We did good, Bud…" Harriet murmured softly, and Bud nodded his head, rocking Harriet against him before he answered as softly.
"Yeah, we did good."
THE END
Okay, maybe a bit more…
The contents of the envelope were details of promotion; Mac to full Colonel, the youngest female to date, and Harm to Captain. As AJ Chegwidden had mentioned, Mac's promotion would come through first, so she was still Harm's senior…not that she would use that fact, much! When Harm finally remembered the envelope in his jacket pocket and brought it back to the bedroom for them both to read, the contents were read and evaluated, and they celebrated some more!
DEFINITELY THE END!
A/N – Thank you for reading, reviewing, and hopefully enjoying! I'm going back to finish my other stories now, and I've made a resolution – that I won't have too many stories on the go after this – my brain can't keep up! Watch out for continuations and conclusions to the other stories, and thanks again!