AN-Thanks to everyone who has reviewed lately. Here is an incredibly long chapter. Also, I promise before chapter 20 we will find out who the mom is. I meant for it to happen sooner, - I haven't written it yet - but I really wanted to develop the relationship between Harm and Mac, (I'm an H/M shipper all the way) it had to be rebuilt after the people in Hollywood almost slaughtered it.

Chapter 13

0030 EST

North of Union Station

Mackenzie woke up the entire apartment with her cries. Harm reached down into the playpen and picked her up and started singing to her. Mackenzie immediately calmed down with her father's soothing lullaby with her name in it.

"Hey baby, why were you so upset?" She wasn't wet, she wasn't hungry. But she did feel a little warm. Mac woke up and was standing in the kitchen. "Mac can you bring me the baby thermometer?"

Mac brought out the baby thermometer and held it to her ear. "Harm she is at 100. She probably hadn't felt well the entire day."

He grabbed the baby Tylenol and put her in cooler pjs. "Okay Mackenzie, this one time you can sleep with Daddy." He sang her the lullaby that he had learned so long ago.

"Harm, where did you learn that lullaby?"

"My dad used to sing it to me. I don't remember him singing it to me, but my mom used to have a tape of him singing it to me, she sent it with all the other tapes. All I did was change some of the words."

"It's beautiful."

Mackenzie fell asleep right before her father fell asleep on the big recliner. Mac threw a blanket over them and fell asleep on the couch. The rest of the night was uneventful.

0900 EST

North of Union Station

Mackenzie woke up to find her grandparents in the kitchen. She started gurgling and woke up her father.

"Mackenzie, give Daddy another hour."

"Harm you were always a pain to wake up in the mornings."

"Hi Mom. Will you take Mackenzie's temperature. She was a little high last night."

"Mac woke up a couple of minutes ago. I sent her to the showers. She was looking so much better." Mackenzie went into her grandmother's arms. Trish stuck the thermometer in, "98.2 Harm."

"What was it last night?"

"100.1"

"She probably didn't feel well all yesterday, and had a 24 hour bug."

"Thanks for the reassurance Mom."

Harm waited for Mac to get out of the shower, and was getting ready to take one himself when he stopped her in the bedroom.

"Mac, I was thinking about us last night. And I know this sounds really weird, but I loved having you here with me, and I know you may not be ready to date since you and Webb just broke up, but I was wondering if I could take you out tomorrow night."

"Harmon Rabb, are you asking me out on a date?"

"Kinda lame huh."

"No, it's really romantic, and yes. But tomorrow, you have to let me spend it at my apartment. I haven't been there in ages."

"After you get your stitches out."

"Okay."

1200 EST

132 Jericho Drive

Rosslyn, VA

They all loaded out of the Escalade. This was the fourth house they had seen that morning. The house was nice, three bedrooms, two baths. The kitchen had older appliances and needed to be re-floored.

The realtor was real pesky too. She keep following them around. "This house is going at a real steal. $200,000."

"Thank you, we will be in touch."

Harm and the crew all left that house, and crossed it off their list.

"Maybe we should take a break and get some lunch."

"Good idea Frank."

"Harm, if you don't mind me asking, how much do you have in your bank account?"

"Well, Mom, about $3,000. Last year when I quit the Navy, I went a couple of months without working. Then I went to work for Mattie. And before that I was in the brig." Mac felt some pangs of guilt.

"Harm, you know it shouldn't be that low. You haven't even touched the trust fund that your Uncle Kyle set up for you." Uncle Kyle was Harm's mother's brother. His Uncle Kyle hated the fact that his little sister married a Navy man, but after Harm Sr. went down and left Harm and his mother alone, he set up a trust for Harm. Harm never wanted to use it because of the deep resentment that his uncle harbored for his father. Harm figured he would only use it in case of emergencies.

"Well, I got Mattie's schooling to think about. That is what his trust will be going for."

"Harm," Frank started, who had been silent, "Mattie and Mackenzie are the light of our lives, as well as yours. Keep your apartment, and lease it to Jen Coates at something she can afford. Your mother and I want to buy you a house of your choosing. I want my grandkids to have the best of everything. And as for college tuition, the day you told us about Mathilda, the company set up a college fund for her, and Mackenzie's is being set up as we speak. I hope this wasn't too presumptuous, but I never had to use company benefits before with you, so I want to use them on the grandkids."

"Frank, I'm speechless."

"Use your trust fund from your Uncle Kyle as retirement money."

"Frank, I can't accept this."

"Harm, please, as one father to another. Do what is best for you children."

"Well, you could always have an extra bedroom in the house for me and Frank," his mother piped up.

"You've got it Mom."

"Why don't we go to the bank, let me transfer money into the account, and then go get lunch."

1720 EST

1395 Kalmia Drive

King George, VA

The driver pulled up to a beautiful manicured lawn. It was being constructed, but Harm wanted to see it nonetheless. The realtor was sitting on the front porch waiting for them.

"Hi I am Olivia Wong. I am actually surprised that anyone would want to see this place."

"I'm Harm," he shook her hand. "This is my family. Mattie, my mother, Trish, my stepfather Frank, my partner, Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, and this is Mackenzie."

"Let me start you with the basics. The owner wants this home sold quickly, but it hasn't budged since it has been on the market, and he didn't even want to finish the construction. It is a newer home, started construction in mid 2001, halted in 2003. For completion, the floors need to be put in, walls painted, the cosmetics. It has the aged brick look, it will have around 3000 heated square feet, not including the furnished room above the garage, it is also heated. There is a triple car garage." She lead them into the home. "The last owner was having this home custom built for his wife. I will stay in the foyer so you guys can look around at your leisure."

Harm took Mackenzie and Mac and went up the stairs. There was a foyer upstairs to where they could look down to the downstairs. There was a master bedroom that had a huge walk in closet and a see through fireplace between the bedroom and smaller room off to the side. The bathroom and a garden tub and a dual head walk in shower. What Harm loved the most was there was a sitting area that was huge that was near a bay window. There was a door that connected to a small office, or could be a small nursery. They walked out the door of the office back to the hallway. The rest of the rooms upstairs would do nicely for Mackenzie's room when she got older or a room for Mattie. There were four bedroom upstairs and two baths.

They ran into Mattie and his parents on the stairs.

"Dad," Mattie whispered, "I love this place!"

"Mattie, we will talk about it later."

Downstairs they found a formal dining room, a living room, a huge kitchen. The kitchen was barely finished. Harm could see the places that would hold the appliances. He imagined stainless steel and hardwood floors. He imagined cherry wood counters and a grey faux marble countertop. There was a door leading to a screened in patio. He walked out there and saw an L-shaped pool with a water slide.

"This place must cost a fortune." The realtor just walked out the door. Mac went to go find Frank and Trish.

"It's actually a sad story why this house was never finished. The previous owner was an architect, and he was building this house for his wife. She worked in the wing of the Pentagon that was attacked. She was killed. His children convinced him to try to finish the house as a tribute, but after his son was killed in a car accident, he gave up on the house. It would have been beautiful house. He put in the L shape pool to for his wife Laura."

"Very touching."

"Your partner's name is Sarah Mackenzie?"

"Yes."

"I just heard her name on the news. She was caught up in the prison uprising wasn't she?"

Harm shuddered, "Yes she was. Very fortunate she was able to make it out of there."

Mrs. Wong, sensing a change in conversation started, "The owner is asking price almost $300,000. With allowances to get the house finished. The price is high due to the acres that come with it, I believe this house sits on almost 5 acres. I will call him tomorrow if you are interested."

"I am interested, but not ready to put down an offer. I have other houses to look at."

"Understandable Commander." Her cell phone rang, "Commander I have to take this, give me a minute please."

"Sure, Mrs. Wong."

His family was inside listening to the conversation. Mattie felt some hope. Mac knew this place was perfect for him, but was almost too big. They walked outside to the Escalade.

"I know you loved the pool Mattie, but let us look at some other places first."

"Okay Dad, but keep an open mind too."

"Okay Mats."

"Commander, Colonel, wait please."

"Mrs. Wong?"

"That was the owner of the house. He said that since the Colonel almost sacrificed her life in the war against terrorism, and that Commander Rabb had saved his youngest son's life once when he was aboard the Seahawk, something about leading a dirty nuke away, that he would sell this to you for $150,000 and the cost of finish construction. It was estimated to be around $50,000, for the electrician, the plumber, the floorers, the kitchen people, and the painters. However, he needs to know now."

Frank looked at Harm and nodded. "Harm, this is the best deal."

"Mrs. Wong, lets go and start the paperwork."

They got back to her office, Trish, Mattie, and Mackenzie went to find a soda shop, and to find a place to eat. Harm, Mac, and Frank stayed to work out the details. They met up with construction company that was going to send out a team of men in the morning. The projected time of finish was just a week.

0700 EST

North of Union Station

Mackenzie woke up and made her presence known. Luckily Harm had set the playpen next to the couch were he bunked.

"Hey there Mackenzie." She looked up at him with big blue eyes. "Lets go get some breakfast."

He started a pot of coffee, started eggs for Mattie, and warmed a bottle up for Mackenzie.

"Do you know how much Daddy loves you? This much!" He opened his arms as wide as he could when he put her in her high chair.

"You are such a sap Harmon Rabb. I was wondering how are they getting along at JAG without us."

"Well, I have been helping Bud with the investigation when he needs it, I have no active investigations at the moment, but I do have to go back on Monday. I have only had about three days off this week."

They heard the sound of Mattie unlocking the door. She came in wearing her camp uniform. "Hi Dad, Mac, Mackenzie."

"Mattie, eggs are on the stove, your glass of O-J in the fridge, and toast coming up."

"When did you become domesticated?" Mac questioned.

"For your information, I have always been domesticated. Remember my meatless meatloaf? Mattie, your grandparents are picking you up in the Escalade. They thought you and Gina would want to ride in style. Just you and Gina, the driver is going to drop you off and come back here."

"Deal Dad. Mac, this is so cool, I get to go to work with a chauffer." Just then Frank and Trish knocked on the door, and Mattie answered it. "You guys are so cool. I'm going to work now. Bye Dad, Love you. Love you too Mac and Mackenzie."

"Harm, what did you feed her?" Frank asked.

"Eggs, toast, but she is has coffee dripping into her at night."

They all went out to breakfast when Mac and Harm were ready. He noticed that Mac was healing nicely. "Hey do those stitches come out today?"

"They do. I made an appointment before I left."

"What time?"

"1100."

His phone rang.

"Rabb speaking."

"This is Admiral Jonas."

"Sir."

"I know I gave you the day off, but I need you here today. I have a meeting with the SecNav at 1300. Another case has come across my desk. Whenever Colonel Mackenzie gets back, I will need her and you one this one."

"Aye, aye sir"

"Mom, Frank, can you guys watch Mackenzie and Mattie until tonight. I am taking Mac out."

"Sure." Trish got this huge smile on her face. They decided that Mackenzie would spend the day with her grandparents. Harm told them not to do anything extravagant with her, but he knew otherwise.

Harm changed into his uniform. Mackenzie reached for her Daddy just as he walked out of the bedroom. "Now you want me, when you can get me really dirty? Come here wiggle worm." He grabbed a burping rag. "Daddy's little girl paints the world with her magic wand," he started to sing.

"Oh Harm, you remembered your daddy's lullaby."

"Yeah."

"You haven't heard that in years."

"Okay, Mom, Frank, I have to get going, get Mac her all de-stitched. Then I am at work until 5:00 tonight. If you need me, call," Harm said.

"Baby, we will be fine. Go, let me spoil my grandbaby."

"Love you guys," He held Mackenzie up, "Love you wiggle worm."

"Da!" she cried.

"She just said dad!"

"Yeah, uh huh. Harm you know better."

"I know Mom, but hey I can dream."

They went down to the Lexus. Harm drove Mac into Bethesda. "So Harm, where are you taking me tonight?"

"The only thing I am going to tell you is to dress comfortably."

"Okay mystery boy."

"I am going to pick you up at 1900."

They walked into Bethesda where she checked in. When the nurse called Mac's name, "Harm, you haven't left my side for days now. Please don't leave it now."

"Mac are you still having nightmares?"

"I had one last night, and I know I am being silly, but the nightmares are so real, and then I wake up and see you, and I know you are there, alive and well."

He looked into her eyes and saw fear. He knew what torture felt like, he had been there himself in China. He held her close.

"Thank you Harm."

The doctors were satisfied with her progress, the welts on her back had gone down, her stitches had healed nicely. They cleared her for limited duty starting the coming Monday.

Harm dropped her off at her apartment. She hadn't been there in the days she had been home.

"Mac, if you need me, need to talk to me, give me a call."

"Harm, they are just nightmares, I'm sure I will be okay."

"Still Mac." He had walked her up the stairs. He was right behind her. He whispered in her ear, "If you need me call."

She turned around and looked at him. He leaned down, and tilted her chin up. He kissed her ever so slightly on the lips. A kiss that showed how much she meant, without pushing her into the depths of passion. His taste still lingered on her when he turned around to leave. She stood there in the hallway "What are you getting yourself into Mac?" she wondered out loud.

1230 EST
JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA

"Commander Rabb reporting as ordered."

"At ease Commander."

Harm stood at parade rest. "Commander, take a seat. How is Colonel Mackenzie."

"She is doing good. She has been cleared for duty stating Monday."

"Good. There are a couple of cases that need attention. I have put it off for a little bit, most of the research has been done. It will be discussed in more detail on Monday. You are acting JAG. Manetti and Matonni are opposing counsel on the conscientious objector case, they will probably come to you to have things wrinkled out. ZNN has been calling to get updates on Colonel Mackenzie. I have been saying no comment other than that she is doing fine. Rabb, I have confidence that you can handle anything that gets thrown your way." With that the Admiral left to go to his meeting with the SecNav.

Just as the Admiral predicted Manetti and Matonni were in the office squabbling out their case. Harm gave some sound advice, but hinted to look over the law a little closer. He called the lab to find out if there was any match on Mackenzie's biological mother, but there was no match yet, they did say that if a match were to be found though, the mother would be contacted first, and the mother would have to get in contact with him due to the confidentiality issues at the clinic where the eggs were stored.

He walked into his office, looking around he decided that it was time a more personal touch was given to his office. He saw a picture of him and Mac, and he gazed at it.

He wished he had Mac's impeccable timing. He would love to know how many hours they had left until their date, so he settled for his watch. He had hoped he wouldn't screw things ups with her.

"1630. Only thirty minutes until I get off."

"Counting the minutes Sir?"

"Yea Coates."

"The Admiral just called. It seems like he is letting everyone go early. His meeting with the SecNav is over, traffic is horrible, and he is heading home. He figures if he goes home, so does his crew if nothing big is happening."

"Go tell the crew Jen."

Harm left the office to go prepare for one of the biggest nights of his life.