Title : When You're Ready…
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 (Just in case!)
To all the readers/reviewers shown – thanks for the support, and please keep reading! It's nice to see from the reviews given that the 'format' for the story is still working out!
cbw; cool cat; froggy0319; Lisa Brown; ryne'smom; anna7; harmsgirl-03; Dana; suz573; Grace; jaggurl; Nikki; Kirsty; kirsten; ss; Arian04; GuitarVixen; iammusic; JennaTripped; JagFan; starryeyes10; Kavi Leighanna; SarahRabb705; BrokenSkye; NavyCB; SailorGirl; moe; katydid13; serendipity112233; Dreamer20715; jtbwriter; joanoa; FoxyWombat; chawkchic; maidenpride21; r; heartandy112; General Mac; jagaddict; ducktapedmoose; lehcar412; laura carr; bluejay742; dansingwolf; Tina Frank
bluejay742 – Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you for your review, and please keep reading! froggy0319 – Thank you for your review, and I hope you like this next chapter! Please keep reading! jtbwriter – Hiya! I just couldn't have Mac in hospital over Christmas, now could I? Hope you like this next chapter. I was a bit miffed over the 'kiss', as I skipped to the end of the clips first (wrong move – I so hate it when I do that!) but I did notice right away that Harm didn't return the kiss, or even raise his arms a little, no reaction – nada! Yay! So, this is my take on the chapter… Thank you as always, and thinking of you. jaggurl – Thank you for your review, and I hope you like this next chapter! Please keep reading! cbw – Thank you for your review, and I hope you like this next chapter! Please keep reading! dansingwolf – Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you for your review. Your comment threw me a little, and then I saw you were talking about an earlier chapter! As for Mac and Harm, no they're not 'oldies', but I guess to Mattie and Jen they would appear much older! Hope you like this next chapter, and please keep reading! Nikki – Thank you for your review. I added the little bit at the end after I thought about the fact that Harm's Christmases have always been 'empty', and now that he has Mac, all is right with his world. Hope you like this next chapter, and please keep reading! Tina Frank – Hello and welcome to the story! Thank you for your review, and your comments. I just can't help liking the General, and after this week's episode, he's gone up a notch or two further! He has those little 'half smiles' that AJ used to use, too! What a guy! As for Harm and Mac, although they weren't together in the episode, they are in my story! Hope you like this next chapter, and please keep reading! chawchic – Thank you for your review. I thought the 'Officer and Gentleman' reference would work – well, it has to doesn't it! I mean, it's Harm, after all… :o) Hope you like this next chapter, and please keep reading! Dreamer20715 – Thank you for your review, and I hope you like this next chapter! Please keep reading!
What could have happened after the end of Automatic For The People…
En route to China Lake NAS
Harm drew out his cell phone as Lt Graves drove away from Megan Ransford. In the rearview mirror the young officer could still see the redhead standing, as if waiting for a wave from Harm, or some other sign of farewell. Maybe she thought Harm would stop and have the car turned around? Harm himself seemed more interested in his cell phone than in the woman who had all but wrapped herself around him moments earlier! The young officer had noticed, however, that Harm made no effort to return the kiss!
"Lieutenant? Eyes on the road, please?"
"Aye, sir."
Harm bit back a grin as he lifted the cell phone to his ear. Moments later, though, he scowled as she looked at the screen. Number not in use. What was going on? It was Mac's number, and he knew it was working as she'd sent him a message earlier in the day.
"Problem, sir?"
"Nothing I can't handle, Lieutenant, thank you." Harm keyed in a short message for Mac, hoping that it was only a glitch with the signal that caused her cell phone not to work. One thought worried him. If she'd had to go back to the hospital for any reason, she would have turned off her cell, as per request, and that would account for the message. However, it didn't ease his mind, as Mac had no appointments due with either the doctor dealing with the accident, nor her Ob/Gyn.
"Are you going back to Washington tonight, sir?"
Harm looked across at the young woman seated beside him, and shook his head.
"No, I have some time as it's the weekend, so I'm flying to San Diego," he responded. Deciding that Graves was just trying to make polite conversation, even if she was getting into personal territory, he picked up a thread of her earlier conversation and followed it. "So, you're interested in JAG, huh?"
"Oh, yes! It would be so good getting in on real investigations and going onboard ship! It must be so exciting! Not forgetting the legal work, too!" Graves remembered to add the last, as the JAG's office was the Legal Department of the Navy and not, contrary to previous opinion, an extension of the CIA!
"Well, your jacket is not much different to that of Commander Roberts', and he became my aide at JAG while going to law school at night."
"Is he married, sir?"
Harm looked surprised, and the young woman blushed furiously. "Oh, I'm so sorry, sir! That was out of line!"
"Yes, it was. The Commander has a wife and family, Lieutenant. In fact, his wife just went on inactive status as she is expecting twins soon."
"And they worked together?"
"They were based at JAG, yes, but there was no impropriety. Lieutenant Sims is assigned to the IG staff, and was seconded to JAG."
"Still, sir, it's pretty close quarters, isn't it?"
Harm sighed and decided to end the conversation he had started. "It's a moot point, now, Lieutenant. As I said, Lieutenant Sims is on inactive reserve."
"Yes, sir." Graves fell silent, feeling chastized, and the remainder of the journey was made in silence. As they neared China Lake, Graves spoke up once more. "Sir, what's in San Diego? I mean, it's quite a way away, and you're based in…"
"Lieutenant Graves, you've been a great asset to this investigation, but my personal life, and that of my friends and colleagues really is none of your business. I'll be sure to keep an eye on your progress. You could apply through the regular channels if there are any openings at JAG, and it would be a pleasure to see you working there."
"Of course, sir. Thank you, for the comment about JAG."
"It's sincere, Lieutenant. It's been a pleasure working with you, and I'll be sure to mention the same in my report to your commanding officer."
"Really? That would be great!" Harm sighed as Graves practically squealed with excitement, and then he laughed as he realized just how much the young woman reminded him of a much-younger Harriet. It would certainly be interesting to see her at JAG if only to shake up the status quo!
"Something funny, sir?"
"Just reminiscing, Lieutenant, that's all." Harm commented, and then pulled out his ID as they approached the security barrier at the Base.
Later that day – Burnett Residence, La Jolla
Harm pushed open the door to the beach house and dropped his sea-bag on the floor before walking through the house to the deck beyond. He could hear his parents' voices.
"Hi, Mom," he murmured as he rounded the corner of the deck, and Trish Burnett jumped to her feet.
"Harm! Darling, what a lovely surprise!"
"Well, I was in the area, so I thought I'd better drop by…" Harm began, before he was engulfed in his mother's embrace. Over her shoulder his stepfather smiled at him.
"Welcome home, son," said Frank Burnett, getting to his feet also and coming forward to hug Harm too.
"Thanks." When Trish released Harm enough to stand back and look up at him she saw the worried look in his eyes, even though he was smiling at her.
"Come and sit down, Harm, and tell me everything!"
"Everything? About what?" Harm groaned inwardly, well aware of his mother's intuitive nature, and that she had seen something in him that had piqued her maternal instincts.
"Trish, he's just got here! Can't we save the Inquisition until he's had a beer at least?" Frank tried to divert his wife's attention, but to no avail. Trish simply waved her hand at her husband.
"You go get the beer, and I'll begin the Inquisition…" she retorted, and Harm grinned at the by-play between the two.
"Thanks for trying, Frank," he added mischievously, and Trish opened her mouth to give another retort, and then closed it again, leaning into Harm for another hug.
"I'm glad you're here, darling."
"So'm I, Mom." Harm obliged by putting his arms around his mother and holding her close and in silence for a few moments, only releasing her when he heard Frank approaching.
Trish sat back and looked closely at her son as Harm took the proffered bottle of beer from Frank.
"So, what does bring you here?" Frank asked Harm, and Trish was content to observe her son silently as he answered her husband's question.
"I've been across at China Lake, conducting an investigation. As it's the weekend, and we wrapped up on schedule, I decided I'd like a bit of home cooking." At this point Harm looked at Trish again, and smiled. He was older, and wiser, Trish noted, but he still looked every bit like his father. In fact, as Harm grew older, Trish realized she would be able to see what her late husband would have looked like as an older man. It was a strange thought to have, after all this time, and happily married to Frank Burnett as she was, but Trish knew in her heart that, had Harm's father returned to his family, they would have still been very much together. If Frank was aware of her thoughts, he said nothing, and she smiled across at her husband, her love for him showing in her expression. Bringing herself back to Harm's conversation she snorted inelegantly at his words.
"Home cooking? I would imagine you're still eating rabbit food. Isn't that what Mac calls it? How is she, by the way?"
Harm reeled at the quick turnabout in his mother's conversation, and laughed nervously as she blithely sipped at her own drink, while watching him closely. "Mac's…doing okay," he began. "Unfortunately she had an accident recently, but she's recovered now, and back at work."
"Oh, what happened?" Trish was genuinely concerned. Mac had met Harm's parents a long time before, after another investigation, and Trish had decided on the spot that the then-Marine Major was the perfect woman for her son. To hear that Mac had been hurt raised her maternal instincts again.
"A car wreck, but like I said, she's fine now. I'm back in her good graces," Harm added, without giving anything away about his relationship with Mac.
"How so?" Trish was relentless.
"Just a small joke – she had a bruise on her face for a few days, from the airbag, and I commented that I'd have to find her a joke red nose to replace the one she currently had due to the bruising."
"Harm!" Trish was genuinely shocked that he could be so insensitive, but then she caught the expression on his face, and settled down to a knowing smile. "I take it Mac was okay with this comment?"
Harm became wary. His mother was looking at him 'that way' again, as though she knew about him and Mac. No way, he thought. Speaking again, he nodded his head. "She brought up the subject of Rudolph herself," he added.
"I see…" murmured Trish, and Harm's eyebrow shot up at the casually deceptive tone of voice.
"Mom…" he said, his own voice questioning, and Trish shrugged her shoulders elegantly.
"Time for something to eat," Trish announced, and got to her feet. As Harm and Frank made a move to rise with her she shooed them both back down. "Sit. I'll only be a minute. Will you have some seafood, Harm? I know you won't have the steaks with us."
"That's fine, Mom, thanks."
"Oh, how long are you going to be able to stay, anyway?"
"I have to leave Sunday, but I can catch the red-eye back into DC. I'll sleep on the flight, and head straight for the office when I land."
"That's nice, darling. We get the whole of Saturday with you, then." Harm glanced across at Frank as Trish disappeared indoors, and both men laughed out loud.
When Frank and Trish were in the kitchen a little later, putting the final touches to the meal Trish had prepared, Harm heard the doorbell chime. Getting to his feet he walked around the deck and called out. "I'll get it!" Going to the outside gate, he pulled open the catch, swung the door back and stopped dead.
"Mac!"
"Hi, sailor! Thought I'd find you here," replied Mac, and smiled up at Harm, a little nervous; after all, she had arrived uninvited, even though she did know Trish and Frank Burnett. It looked like she had certainly surprised Harm!
Three things happened in quick succession then, as Mac found herself in Harm's embrace, with his mouth fixed firmly on hers! The gate was slammed shut, her travel bag was left on the other side of the gate, and Trish Burnett had come to see what all the noise was about.
"Harm, you might want to let Mac get in the door before you molest her, and Mac, dear, welcome to California!"
Both Mac and Harm broke apart at the sound of Trish's laughing voice, and as she disappeared back inside the house Harm dropped his forehead to rest against Mac's.
"Hi," he murmured softly, smiling down at her. Mac returned the greeting, and reached up to touch her lips to his again briefly.
"I didn't mean to intrude, but after I sent you the message about visiting your Mom and Frank I realized I had enough time to catch a flight and get down here to surprise you. I guess I succeeded!"
"It is so good to see you," Harm responded, and Mac smiled back at him.
"I guess your Mom's not to bothered about me turning up unannounced?" she observed, still held tight by Harm.
"Nah, she's ecstatic! Prepare yourself for the remainder of the Inquisition. She started in on me earlier, now you're here, it's your turn!"
Mac groaned, and then laughed. It had been the right decision, she knew, to fly out and surprise Harm. As they stood in silence then, simply holding onto each other, Trish's voice was heard from the deck.
"Dinner's ready! Put Mac down, Harm, and let her eat!"
Grinning, Harm released Mac enough so that they could walk side by side, but still with arms around each other. As they began to walk around the deck Mac suddenly stopped and yelped. "My bag! It's still outside," she exclaimed, and Harm sheepishly turned back to open the gate and retrieve the travel bag. Putting it beside his in the main entrance of the house, he then walked Mac around the deck and over to where Trish and Frank were waiting.
Both of them welcomed Mac warmly, and she felt the sheen of tears come to her eyes at the warmth of their greetings. Making a great effort to stem the flow, she nodded her head in thanks as Harm seated her at the table, and then took his own place next to her. Trish and Frank sat opposite, and as Mac raised her head to look at them both, Harm took her hand in his and squeezed gently.
Trish offered one of the side dishes to Mac as she spoke up.
"So, Mac, how long have you and my son been together?"
Mac couldn't help it, and burst into laughter. Frank joined in, and Harm could do nothing but stare like a fish out of water for a few moments before speaking.
"Mom!" he muttered, but Trish looked benignly around the table and smiled at them all.
Over the course of the meal conversation flowed easily, and both Mac and Harm explained how they had finally 'got together', surviving Trish's Inquisition, and giving enough satisfactory answers so that Trish finally fell silent as they settled down to drink coffee.
"One last question, darling…do you mind sharing your room with Mac? I've turned the spare room into a storage area for items from the gallery." Trish didn't bat an eyelid, and Harm leaned over to kiss her cheek.
"Not a problem, Mom," he answered, dropping back into his seat and putting his arm back around Mac's shoulders. For her part, Mac relaxed back against him and rested her head against his chest. This was how she had once imagined how it would be, to be a part of Harm's life, and to spend time with his parents. Trish Burnett was a generous woman, and her husband equally so, and their easy acceptance of Mac in their son's life meant everything to her. Well, almost everything…there was the small matter of the man himself!
Hiding a yawn as politely as she could, Mac glanced up at Harm, and he got the message in record time. Excusing himself and Mac, amidst wishes for a good night's sleep and a promise for an 'interesting' Saturday courtesy of the older couple, they made their way indoors. Collecting their bags from the hallway, Harm carried them both as he held Mac's hand in his free hand, leading her along the corridor to his bedroom. Once inside the room, lit only by the lights from the beach, Harm dropped the bags on the floor and drew Mac to him. Their mouths met in a gentle greeting first, but passion soon ignited, and took over, and it was a while before they were laid close together on the bed, passion sated – for now, talking softly.
"How did your qualifying go?" Harm asked, twisting a strand of Mac's hair around his finger as he spoke. Mac grinned.
"Expert status maintained, and I beat the General!" she answered. Harm was surprised to hear the General had been on the range also, proud of her achievement, and amused that she had qualified ahead of her commanding officer.
"Was he upset?" Mac shook her head in denial.
"Nope. But I'm going to have a challenge on my hands for the next time! He's determined to beat my score."
"Not a chance," Harm responded, and bent to kiss Mac's shoulder. She shivered at the gesture, and brought her mind back to asking about his investigation. Harm told her everything, even down to the kiss Megan Ransford had given him. There was no reason to hide Megan's action, as it meant nothing to him. He hadn't even reacted to the kiss at the time, and he told Mac the same thing. Mac, in turn, knew she had nothing to worry about, and could even joke about the situation.
"So, the Rabb charm worked yet again, huh?" she murmured, and Harm grinned at her. Mac ran a finger down his chest and purred at him. "Want to try it on me, then?" she invited, and Harm obliged.
To be continued
SEASONS GREETINGS TO YOU ALL!!! Jaggie
