Disclaimer in chapter one.

Thank you to KatyDid13, Froggy0319, MaidenPride21, JtbWriter, BlueAngel, Karen (Go Louisville!), Ruli, The LovelyOne, HarmsGirl-03, Laveda 27, Jessy, StarryEyes10, NG59678, and Kaitlin for reviewing.

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Harm's Apartment
Union Station, Outside of DC
Friday, August 20, 2004
1840 EST
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Harm opened the door and let Mac walk in before him. Each had a paper grocery bag full of supplies for their dinner.

"So what exactly are you cooking me with all this stuff?" Mac asked.

"Chicken Spaghetti."

"Sound's great. Can I help?"

"I've got it."

"Then how about I go get us some movies to watch later?"

"No chick flicks. And be careful."

"Harm…"

"Yes, I know. You're a Marine who can handle yourself in almost any situation. But remember you're also the person I care about most, and I don't want to lose you. So be careful."

"Yes father…" She rolled her eyes.

"Just go get the movies."

"I'll be back in awhile."

She returned 25 minutes later with 3 movies.

"What did you get?" Harm asked.

"Alex and Emma, City Of Angels, and for you, Top Gun."

He grinned at her.
"You know me too well."

"Well I got 2 chick flicks, so I had to get something for you."

"Chick flicks aren't that bad. They usually give me an excuse to hold you."

"You don't need an excuse to hold me."

After a month of dating, he still asked permission to do things such as holding her hand while they were walking, giving her a hug goodnight, or a kiss on the cheek when he dropped her off at her apartment. In some ways it was cute, but other times it frustrated her so much. She was still awaiting the moment he gave her a real kiss. He'd kissed her before, just not since they'd started dating. She could see the longing in his eyes everytime he kissed her cheek when he dropped her off. She knew he was dying to kiss her as much as she was dying to be kissed.

"Hello? Tower to Mackenzie, come in Mackenzie."

"Sorry, I was just thinking."

"About what?" He smiled.

"You, me, us."

He grinned at her. "The chicken spaghetti is ready."

"Good, I'm starving."

They sat down at the table

"What movie do you want to watch first?" Harm asked her.

"Alex and Emma, then one of the other two."

"What's Alex and Emma about?"

"A writer, who owes money to some bookies, and needs a stenographer to type up his latest book. The movie goes back and forth between the story in the book and real life. They fall in love in the end."

"Sound's chicky…"

"It is. But it's funny, so I'm sure you'll like it."

"It sounds fine. And if it isn't, I'll feign sleepiness."

She smiled at him.
"So when do you and Mattie move into the house?"

"Early next month hopefully."

"I bet Mattie's excited to get out of her cramped apartment."

"Yeah, she's looking forward to having some room."

"Has Jen found some a new place yet?"

"No. I've forbid her some staying here. This isn't exactly the ideal place for a young woman to be staying alone."

"Very true."

"If she doesn't find anywhere by the time we move, she can stay at the house for awhile. We'll have more than enough room for her for as long as she needs." "Will that look good? I mean an enlisted female staying with a male officer?"

"It will have to do. I'm not leaving her here."

"She can stay with me."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I have an extra bedroom anyway."

"I guess that would look better to anyone who didn't know the situation."

"I know it would."

"I'll talk to her when she and Mattie get home."

"Are they out on a girls night?"

"No, Mattie is out with Joshua, because he leaves on Monday to return to Carson Long, and Jen is out with a Sgt. from JAG. One of the guards at the front gate apparently."

"Oh, so we have a night all to ourselves?"

"It appears so Colonel." He smiled.

After they finished their meal and cleaned up, they went to the couch and Harm put in the movie.

"Thank you for getting an actual TV. I'm not sure I could have stood that 13" screen much longer." Mac said.

Harm had finally given in and gotten a 27" television.
"I've found this one is better for watching the news anyway."

They settled down for the movie, Harm with his arm around Mac's shoulders, and she resting her head on his chest.

2 hours later
2145 EST--

Alex and Emma ended, and Mac picked her head up off Harm's chest.

"Do you want to watch one of the others?" He asked.

"If you want to. I'm just going to fall asleep though."

"Do you want to go home?"

"I'm afraid I'll fall asleep while driving. Just let me take a nap, then I'll go."

"I'll put in City Of Angels." He stood up after extracting himself from Mac. She had laid her head back down.

"Hey, come back here with that chest. I was using it." She mumbled.

"I'll be back in a minute.
He put the other movie in and returned to his place on the couch.

Mac then laid down and put her head in his lap.

He stroked her hair until she was asleep, then just looked at her.
'She is so beautiful. What did I do to deserve her?' He thought.

About an hour later he heard the door slowly open.

"Oh, hey Harm" Mattie whispered. "I was just coming to say goodnight. How long has she been out?"

"About an hour."

She walked over and gave him a hug and kiss, and he hugged her back as best he could.

"Night Harm."

"Goodnight. Hey, is Jen home yet?"

"I don't know. I haven't been down there yet."

"Well is she is, send her down here, please."

"Will do."

"Thank you, Mattie."

"You're welcome. I love you."

"I love you too."

Mattie slipped out the door, leaving it ajar.

A moment later Jen came quietly through.
"Mattie said you needed me."

"Yeah, I need a favor. Mac is too tired to drive home, even when she does wake up. So I'd like you to drive her 'Vette to her place, if you don't mind I mean."

"Miss a chance to drive a Corvette? Never!" She smiled.

"Okay, just go let Mattie know where we're going and meet me outside."

"Okay." She turned to go tell Mattie.

Harm gently stood up, careful not to move Mac around much.
'Crap, my keys are on the rack.'

He toed the door open and waited for Jen to walk out of her apartment.

"Having trouble, Sir?" She asked when she came out.

"My keys are on the rack. Mac's purse is also by the door."

Jen grabbed the keys to Harm's Lexus, and Mac's purse, then closed the door behind him.

When they got downstairs she unlocked and opened the door to the Lexus for Harm.

"Thanks Jen. The keys to her car are probably in her purse."

"I feel badly about looking through the purse of an officer, Sir."

"I'll do it then." He rolled his eyes, then smiled. He quickly located the keys and handed them to Jen. "Do you know the way?"

"Yes Sir."

"Good. Now try to contain your happiness at driving the 'Vette, and don't stray off course too much." He grinned.

"Yes Sir. I'll try."

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Saturday, August 21, 2004
Mac's Apartment Georgetown, DC
0815
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Mac awoke the next morning and rolled over.
'Wait, why didn't I fall off the couch?' She thought to herself. She opened her eyes and realized she was in her own bed.
On her nightstand was a note from Harm.

'Mac- You were out like a light last night, so I brought you home. Don't worry, your 'Vette is here too. Jen drove it over here last night. Kill me later for letting someone else drive it. J Anyway, I'll be at your place at 0900 with coffee and various pastries. –Harm'

'Good, I can rest somemore.' She rolled over and closed her eyes.

The next thing she knew there was something or someone kissing her forehead. She opened one eye slowly.

Harm smiled down at her.
"Morning sleepyhead."

"Hey."

"Did you read my note at any point during the night?"

"Yeah. I woke up about 40 minutes ago. Which means you're early."

"I couldn't wait to see my favorite Marine." He smiled.

"Thanks. So what's the plan for today?"

"What do you want to do?"

"I don't know. I'm open to anything."

"How about one of the Smithsonians?"

"American History?"

"If that's where you want to go. But first eat your breakfast."

"Yes Sir…" She mock saluted, then smiled while getting out of bed. "Harm, how come I'm not in the clothes I was last night?"

"I'm pleading the fifth…"

"Tell me! I have a right to know whether or not my boyfriend undressed me without my knowledge."

"I didn't…..well Jen helped. The girl refused to look in your purse for the keys to your 'Vette, but she had no reservations about helping me undress you and change your clothes."

"Did you enjoy the view?"

"Too much so, I think. If Jen hadn't been here, I'm not sure I would have left. I mean, obviously I wouldn't have taken advantage of you, but I might have stayed just to hold you and watch you sleep."

"You're the one who wants to take it slowly. I was ready to jump your bones a month ago."

"Patience, Marine. I'm trying to do this right."

"By whose standards?"

"My grandmother's. I keep her in mind whenever I think about moving forward."

"So Grams is keeping you from kissing me?"

"Sort of… It's hard to explain." He sighed. "But I promise it won't be long before I kiss you, at which point I won't be able to stop. Don't say you haven't been forewarned…"

"I won't. Now where's the food you brought me?"

"In the kitchen."

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Smithsonian Institute- Museum of American History
Downtown Washington, DC
1300 EST—
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"Have you ever brought Mattie to any of the museums?" Mac asked.

They were walking through the American History Museum hand in hand, having a great time.

"We went to the Air and Space about a month ago. She loved it."

"You should bring her back here, take a weekend and go see them all. The one's that are open at least."

"She'd like that. Speaking of weekends, how would you like to visit sunny California without having to visit 29 Palms or Miramar? Mattie and I are going to go out there next month."

"I don't want to impose on time with your family." She reasoned.

"Mac, you are family. Besides, Mom has wanted to meet you for years now. Ever since I started talking about you."

"You talk about me?"

"Yeah, not in a bad way. I tend to talk about you a lot though." He smiled sheepishly.

"As long as you're not spreading any vicious rumors about me."

"Never." He grinned. "Are you hungry?"

"You bet I am."

"What do you want? Pizza, Chinese, Mexican?"

"Beltway Burger?" She smiled at him.

"You know, if you weren't so beautiful, it would be a lot easier to say no to you…" Harm said, realizing at that moment that this woman had him wrapped completely around her little finger, and she didn't even know it.

"In all actuality, you don't want to say no to me."

"The point is that I can't say no to you."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Pretty sure."

"So you would do anything I asked?"

"This is going to get me in trouble, I just know it. But yes, I most likely would."

"Than kiss me…"

"No." he answered, then closed his eyes and waited to be hit.

"Then buy me something in the gift shop."

He opened his eyes.
"That I can do."

In the end Mac came out with $75.00 worth of stuff."

"I thought you said 'buy me something,' not $75 of stuff."

"Call it restitution Commander. Now feed me."

"Yes Ma'am." He grinned then put his arm around her shoulders.

"Did you talk to Jen about everything?"

"Yeah. She said she hopes she'll find a place to live before Mattie and I move. And after some persuasion, I convinced her to live in your extra bedroom until that happens, if not before we move."

"Good. She's not used to having others help her out when she needs it."

"Well, I told her to get used to having us around to help."

"She knows that we're happy to help out a little when she needs it."

"So, you never did answer my question. Would you like to come to California with us? Come on, it's 2 weeks in the sun with your favorite Flyboy and his precocious ward."

"I'm not sure the Admiral will give us both 2 weeks off." She reasoned.

"Already did." They sat down on a bench outside the building. "He cleared it for me, and said you can have it too if you want."

"You really want me to come with you?"

"Yes, I do. I want my mom to meet you, and you to meet her."

"Why would she want to meet me?"

"One, because I've talked about you since about a week after we met. Two, because I told her I was bringing Mattie, and the woman I'm going to eventually marry. If that woman will marry me that is."

"Alright. I guess I could use a vacation."

"Good." He kissed her forehead. "Now lunch for my beautiful Marine."

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Mac's Apartment
Georgetown, DC
1945 EST—
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Laughter erupted from the apartment. Jen, Mattie, Harm and Mac were watching '13 Going On 30' and the scene in which Jennifer Garner's character dances to 'Thiller' was on.

"Oldies! I love oldies!" Mattie exclaimed.

Harm and Mac both stared at her.

"Wrong thing to say Matts…" Jen winced.

"Mattie, you do realize that I was only a little older than you are now when Thiller came out, right? Mac was probably about your age."

"Yeah, I was." She groaned. "Harm are we THAT old?"

"I'm afraid so. After the movie I'll grab my walker, and your cane, so we can go for a walk..."

"Sounds good. I'm all out of prune juice anyway…"

Mattie and Jen both rolled there eyes.

After the movie was over Mac got up.
"How about that walk now old man?"

"Coming grandma." He stood up and took her hand. "We'll be back in awhile girls. Don't get into too much trouble."

"We won't." Mattie smiled.

The couple walked out of Mac's apartment and down the stairs.

"Any particular direction?" He asked when they walked outside.

"There's the park over there." She pointed to the right. "We'll be just in time for the sunset."

They walked at a pleasant pace toward the small park, enjoying each others company.

"So what are tomorrow's plans?" She asked awhile later, when they were relaxing in the grass.

"Mattie and I are going to drive out to Great Falls. She wants to see Joshua again, and I'm going to help Mr. Allexton move some of the larger pieces from the house, into the new one."

"Ah, male bonding time. Sounds fun."

"You can come out there too. I'm sure there are rooms you'd like to re-paint, so maybe you'll get some inspiration."

"It's not my house to re-paint."

"It will be, though. And it's not like I have any decorating sense. I'll need your help."

"I was going to do laundry, but it can wait until Monday night."

"Good. I'll pick you up at 1000."

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Allexton House
Great Falls, VA
1240 EST—
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After eating lunch, the Allexton's, and Harm, Mac, and Mattie got back to work. Or the adults got back to work. Mattie and Joshua were in the swing in the backyard, talking while they had the chance.

"Joshua is really going to miss Mattie." Rose-Anne said to Mac.

"She's going to miss him too." Mac sighed. "Unfortunately, school doesn't start until next month, so she won't have anything to keep her busy. Well we are going out to La Jolla, California in a few weeks, so maybe that will help."

Meanwhile outside Joshua and Mattie were sitting in the swing.

"I'm going to miss you Mattie." Joshua said sadly.

"I'll miss you too. But you'll be back for Thanksgiving."

"Even if I have to walk here…"

"You won't need to do that." Mattie laughed. "If worse comes to worst, I'll ask Harm to come pick you up in his plane."

"I don't think it will get that bad. I'm just worried about getting a ticket back on that weekend."

"You'll get one. You have to."

"Do you want to go for a walk? I want to ask you something."

"Sure."

They walked into the house.

"Hey Mom, Mattie and I are going for a walk. If that's okay with you Ma'am." He said to Mac.

"It's fine."

"Thank you. We'll be back in a little while." He smiled, and they left.

"I think your boy is smitten." Mac smiled at Rose-Anne

"As is your girl." Rose-Anne smiled back.

"Well at least you don't have to listen to yours complain about how much he misses Mattie. Well, not as often. Harm still has another month of that, and I'll be with them for 2 weeks of it."

"Thanksgiving will come soon enough. Then Christmas and New Years."

"Let's hope…"

"So what did you want to ask me?" Mattie broke the silence. They had been walking along, hand in hand through the neighborhood.

"I know you're starting school soon. And I know that there will be other guys interested in you. But I was wanting to know if you would be my girlfriend?" He asked nervously. "I mean, if you don't want to wait for me, I understand. Carson Long is an all boys school, so it's not like I'd have a chance to date anyway."

"Yes, I'll be your girlfriend. And I'll wait for you."

Joshua grinned. "I really like you Mattie. I think I might even be falling in love. I know it's only been a month since we met, but I feel this connection to you. You're all I think about, and you're the only person I want to be with."

"I know how you feel."

"Good." He smiled.

"Think we should head back?"

"Not before I can do this." He gently put his hand on her cheek, and kissed her tenderly on the lips.

Mattie smiled at him and they walked back to the house together.

When they got back, Harm and William Allexton were taking pieces of a large bookshelf out to the movie truck.

"Hey Josh, you need to take care of your drums before the end of the day." William said when they walked past him and Harm.

"Hey Mattie, you want my drums?"

"Sure."

"Okay Dad, they're taken care of." Joshua grinned.

"I didn't hear you ask Mr. Rabb if he wants a huge set of drums in his house…"

"It's alright, I guess. I've heard Mattie play a little, and she's not that bad." Harm answered before Joshua got a chance to ask him.

"Good, then I'll leave them here with you all."

"Well, you still need to pack p the things from your desk, so we can move it out."

"Yes Sir. I'll go do that now."

Joshua went upstairs, and Mattie went to the kitchen to see Mac and Rose-Anne.

"Hey, you guys need any help…?" Mattie laughed when she saw them sitting at the table talking.

"Sure. We can always use another woman." Rose-Anne said.

"We are outnumbered, counting Ike." Mattie said, referring to the dog named Ike.

"That we are. So how are the men doing?" Mac asked.

"Harm and Mr. Allexton are moving the stuff from the study, and Joshua is upstairs packing up the stuff from his desk so they can move it too."

"I expected you to be with Joshua as much as possible." Rose-Anne said.

"Well…I wasn't really sure about how you felt about us being alone in his room. And besides, I need some female interaction."

"We're just sitting around talking about our men." Mac said.

"Ooh, juicy."

"What's juicy?" Harm asked as he and William walked into the kitchen to get a drink.

"You." Mac answered.

"Well, ! know that." He grinned.

"We were just talking about the men in our lives." Mac said.

"Ah, that could be dangerous. Shall we retreat to the back deck?" William asked Harm.

"Lead the way, my good man." Harm followed him out.

4 hours later the big pieces of furniture were all moved out, leaving only the beds, and a few other necessities.

"Will you all be ready to move in next weekend?" William asked Harm.

"Yeah."

"Since you all helped us, it only seems fair that we help you all. Let me know a time to meet you, and we'll do it."

"I think I got the short end of the stick. I have a lot less furniture."

"Yeah, but you have 2 apartments to move."

"True. But part of the stuff in the second is Jen's to take to her new one."

"Then we'll all go out to dinner next week. On me. That should even it out." William smiled.

"Sounds equal to me. Speaking of dinner, I have 2 women who are probably hungry, so we better get going."

"Alright. Call me this week when you decide on a time for next weekend."

"Will do." Harm went in to gather his girls up.
"Who's hungry?" He asked when he reached the kitchen.

"Dumb question Flyboy." Mac laughed.

"Where's Mattie?"

"Upstairs with Joshua I think." Rose-Anne answered.

"I'll go get her." Mac said.

"I'll go start the car and get it cooled down a little."

"We'll be there in a minute."

Mac went upstairs looking for Mattie and found her in Joshua's room. They were laying in opposite directions on his bed, the others feet by either of their heads, holding hands.

"Hey Mattie, we're leaving." Mac said softly.

Joshua sat up.
"Ma'am is it alright if Mattie and myself go out tonight? I'll bring her home by 2200."

Mac smiled at the two trying to get enough 'together-time' before Joshua left.
"I think that's alright. I'll see you later Mattie. And Cadet, make the Corps proud!"

"Yes Ma'am!" He grinned.

Joshua had the choice of Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps JROTC at Carson Long, and chose Marine Corps as soon as he found out it was an option.

Mac went back out to the car and got it.
"She and Joshua are going out one more time. Big surprise."

"Well, pretty lady, what do you want to do tonight?"

"I still have Top Gun at my apartment."

"3 movies nights in a row with my Marine. How did I get to be such a lucky son of a gun?"

"God only knows."

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Mac's Apartment
Georgetown, DC
1930 EST—
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As the credits rolled down the screen, Harm looked down at Mac, asleep on his chest.
'Well at least she's at her own place.' He thought.

He moved out from under her and tried to pick her up to carry her into the bedroom.

"Harm, did I fall asleep again?"

"Yeah. I didn't think my company was that bad." He grinned, then sat down.

"The problem is it's good. You started rubbing my back and I fell asleep."

"Oh, sorry."

"It's okay. It felt good."

He pulled her to him and started rubbing again.

"You have wonderful hands for doing this kind of thing."

"Thank you. It was always my dream growing up to develop the right hands for massaging."

"Noble dream." She murmured.

"Are you fall asleep again?"

"Uh huh…"

"Maybe you should move to your bed so I don't have to wake you again."

"Okay." She slowly got up and went into her bedroom.

"You put on your PJ's and get ready for bed, and when you're done I'll give you a massage."

"That sounds heavenly."

"Oh it will be." He grinned then walked out to let her get ready.