A/N - Sadly, everything good has sooner or later to come to an end… and this rule goes for an amazing TV show like JAG as well.
Therefore, we both would like to take the opportunity to thank you, the JAG FF readers, for a great time. Without you, the hobby to write JAG FF's wouldn't be half as fun as it is with all of you around. Thanks for all the feedback and the fun in between.
A special thanks goes out to our JAG family and our JAG friends around the world… you guys & gals rock! We love you!
However, most of all we would like to thank Donald P. Bellisario for giving us this amazing TV show and nine fantastic years of Harm & Mac. Job well done, Mr. Bellisario!
Also, another huge thank you goes to Catherine Bell and David James Elliott. You two made us fall in love with Harm & Mac, just like you inspired us to 'play' with your characters. Each year was different, very enjoyable and most of all it was very entertaining. We will miss the 'H&M dance'… Thankfully we still have the re-runs, tapes and hopefully soon the DVD's so we can continue to enjoy it. We will miss Harm & Mac, but in our hearts they will live forever, just like they will live forever in our fanfiction.
Thank you, JAG. We salute you!
Semper Fi,
Carol & Michi
Title – Through The Eye Of A Shipper (The C&M Special) – S10 E23 For Eternity
Authors' Names - Carol and Michi or Michi and Carol
Rating – GS – IM15 (More information go to Michi's site)
Paring – Harm & Mac
Spoilers – Season 10
Disclaimer – JAG belongs to DPB, CBS, and Paramount.
Summary- The final trip and adventure for Harm and Mac is going to lead to the best adventure of their lives. The epilogue to Season 10, as seen through the eye of a shipper….
Author's Notes-
1. Our work is done. We've revisited every episode from season 10. This story is our very own JAG special. A special way of saying 'goodbye' to our favorite couple after nine fantastic years.
2. A huge thanks goes like always to our dear beta-god Vered! However, we can't post a FF without our usual C&M warning. English is not our native language (yup, even Carol wants to use this statement LOL). Take this as a fair warning!
3. Feedback is always welcome.
4. The rest of the series you can either find at Carol'sor at Michi's website
5. A note about our project 'Through The Eye Of A Shipper – The JAG Classics' you can find at the end of this story.
Saturday
09 September 2006
Harm & Mac's house
Blacksburg, Virginia
1:37 AM
Mac suddenly woke up and for a second didn't know what had pulled her out of her perfect dream in the first place. However, the ringing of the phone immediately gave her the answer. With a quick move she grabbed the cordless phone from her nightstand.
"MacKenzie," she groggily answered while rubbing her tired eyes.
"That's the last time I want to hear you saying that," a cheerful and well-known voice said on the other end.
Mac sat up and looked at her alarm clock to make sure that her inner clock was correct. A few red numbers gave her the confirmation that everything was in place.
Mac shook her head and smiled. "Is there a reason why you're calling me at one thirty-seven?" She wanted to know, trying to sound sternly but lousily failing. It just felt too good to hear his voice again.
"I couldn't sleep," came the prompt answer.
"So you had to wake me up?"
"I missed you."
"Harm, we saw each other just three hours ago," she told him with a giggle and laid back again. She missed him terribly.
"That's three hours too long," Harm answered with a whine. "Why is it so damn important anyway to spend the last night before the wedding separated?"
"Don't ask me, Harm. It was your grandmother, mother, and Harriet's idea. Something about tradition, romance, and bad luck or so," Mac replied with a groan, feeling the frustration about this so-called tradition come back with full force.
"It's torture and it sucks," Harm said with a lightly frustrated voice. "What could possibly be more romantic than holding you in my arms?"
Mac held the phone between her shoulder and ear. "My poor baby," she softly said and started to play with her engagement ring.
"Do you know what I really would like to do now, Sarah?" Harm quietly asked.
"No, what?"
"I want to kiss that certain spot beneath your ear. I love the way you react every time I'm doing that, Sarah," he huskily told her. "I want to slowly run my fingertips over your soft, warm skin."
Mac closed her eyes and took a deep breath. 'Is it hot in here?' She thought before speaking out loud, "Harm, you don't want to do what I think you want to do over the phone now. Do you?" She asked with a husky voice of her own.
"Have you ever enjoyed it over the phone, Mac?" Harm wanted to know and asked hoarsely.
"No, can't say I ever have," Mac quietly answered and took another deep breath. "I prefer the face to face, skin to skin act," she continued with a slightly stronger voice.
Harm sighed. "I'm very glad to hear that," he started to say. "Now please open your window and let me in."
"What?" Mac asked bewildered, looked at the closed window and was greeted by the bright light of the moon.
"Open your window and let me in," Harm repeated his words.
With a frown she got out of her bed and walked to the window. The moment she could look out into the night she had to smile.
Directly under the window and in the moonlight stood the man of her dreams, holding his cell phone to his ear.
"Oh Romeo," Mac whispered into the cordless phone she was still holding in her hands before she quickly opened the window. Then she turned off the phone and threw it onto the nearby rocking chair.
Harm turned off his cell phone and put it into his jeans. Then he slowly started to move up the ladder, which was leaning against the side of the house.
Mac took three steps backwards as soon as Harm stood directly in front of the bedroom window, never breaking their eye contact.
Harm grinned and quickly moved into the bedroom. Then he turned around and quietly closed the window before he once more turned around to face the love of his life.
They looked at each other for a few seconds before they quickly closed the space between them and crushed into each other's arms. Without exchanging one word they came together for a passionate and breathtaking kiss.
Mac's hands were running up and down Harm's torso before she quickly started to unbutton his shirt. "God, I've missed you," she breathlessly told him between the kisses they shared. As soon as his shirt was unbuttoned she pulled it off his shoulders and let it drop to the floor and started to cover his chest with hungry kisses.
"Told you so," Harm said and moaned before hooking his fingers under the straps of Mac's nightgown to move them down her arms. It slowly slid to the floor and landed at Mac's feet in a gentle puddle of soft silk and lace.
Slowly they made their way to the bed while Mac's hands started unbuttoning and unzipping Harm's pants. "Does Sturgis know you're here?" she asked, slightly out of breath.
Harm should have been at the hotel in Blacksburg with Sturgis and the other wedding guests. Since the decision for him to spend the night away from Mac was a last minute one, Grandma Sarah, Trish and Harriet couldn't get another room in the booked hotel, so he had to share a room with Sturgis, who was a lone fighter for now. His girlfriend, singer Varise Chesnut, couldn't join before the wedding reception, since she had an engagement on Friday night.
"No, he was sawing off a forest with his snoring," Harm answered with a chuckle, which turned into a moan when Mac's hand pulled his now undone jeans down his hips.
"Good. You'll have to get out here before your Mom wakes up," Mac told him as her legs bumped against the edge of their bed.
"No problem," Harm shortly answered before lowering Mac down to the bed, just to follow her and to cover her with his own body. "Now let us be done with the talking so I can make love with my soon-to-be-bride."
"Very good idea," Mac said, hooked her left leg over his right one and gave him yet another passionate and breathtaking kiss which started their newfound dance.
Saturday
September 09 2006
Harm & Mac's house
Blacksburg, Virginia
7:26 AM
Trish Burnett walked out of the house to get the newspaper out of the mailbox.
She, Frank and Grandma Sarah had spent the last few days and nights at Harm and Mac's house to have some quality time with the children.
Trish was just pulling the newspaper out of the mailbox when something on her right side caught her interest. 'A ladder?' She thought and frowned. 'Why is there a ladder?' Trish shook her head in wonder and wanted to get back inside when another object nearby made her stop dead in her tracks. "Isn't that… Harm's car… this son of mine," she muttered to herself and walked back into the house.
"Harmon Rabb Junior!" Trish hollered as soon as she was inside and brought Frank immediately out of the kitchen.
"What's wrong, Trish?" Frank wanted to know.
"This son of mine used a ladder to sneak into Mac's bedroom last night," Trish explained and Frank couldn't hold back anymore and had to laugh.
Trish glared at him. "You don't seem surprised."
"I heard him set the ladder against the house last night." Frank took a breath to stop his laughing, but failed as he looked at his flustered wife.
"This is not funny, Frank Burnett," Trish told him with a slightly stern voice.
"Sure is, Darling. Sure is," Frank answered, not able to stop laughing. 'That's my son,' he thought and shook his head before trying to calm down his wife.
Meanwhile in the bedroom
"Shit," Harm said and quickly jumped fully naked out of the bed as soon as he heard his mother's holler downstairs. With this action he woke Mac with this action.
Mac looked groggily around. "What's wrong?" she asked bewildered, rubbing her tired eyes and trying to wake up while watching her soon-to-be-husband jumping naked around the room. "What are you searching for?"
"My boxer shorts. Didn't you hear my mom downstairs?" Harm asked, his voice sounded slightly anxious. "Where the heck are my boxer shorts?"
"Under the sheets," Mac calmly answered. "Harm, are you scared of your mom?" She wanted to know and couldn't hold back a giggle.
"Am not! And you think this is funny, don't you?" Harm wanted to know and started to get dressed. A little smile was covering his face. 'Heck, this is funny and it definitely was worth it,' he thought with a glimmer in his eyes.
"Yes, I think it's very funny," Mac told him, unable to hold back her laughter anymore.
"Keep on laughing, Tiger. Just wait and see. Should mom catch me here, I'm a dead man," Harm explained and chuckled. He actually started to enjoy the entire scenario.
"Then you better hurry up, Flyboy. There's a wedding you have to attend in six hours, thirty-one minutes and forty-three seconds, and you better be there and on time," Mac told him and got out of the bed as well, using the sheet as a robe.
"You better believe it," Harm said and put on his shoes. Then he gave Mac a short but passionate kiss before moving to the window.
"Harm, why don't you use the door?" Mac asked and pointed at the door. "We can just tell Trish that you arrived thirty minutes ago to have breakfast with us."
"She wouldn't believe us anyway and the rule says that the groom doesn't get to see the bride before the wedding. Not to forget that I want to do it right. Romeo walked in through the window and will walk out through the window," Harm explained with a smirk and opened the window before starting to climb out. "I love you, my Juliet," Harm whispered and gave Mac a short, sweet kiss.
"I love you too, my Romeo."
Then he started to climb down the ladder only to come back again. "I'll see you soon, Ninja girl," Harm said and kissed Mac once again.
"See you soon, Flyboy," Mac called after him and watched as Harm moved down the ladder and saw that he once more stopped and moved back up. "What now?" She asked with a giggle.
"You know, we should keep this scenario in our 'What to play to have some fun'-book. This acting thing is a turn on," Harm huskily told her with a smirk, giving her yet another passionate kiss before climbing down the ladder.
This time he didn't come back but made all way to the nearby parked car. Mac's eyes followed him for a short time before she quickly but quietly closed the window. Then she made her way back to the bed to await Trish's arrival. Before she lay down, she picked up her nightgown. She held the soft silk and lace to her chest, but decided against putting it back on. Instead she opened the chest of drawers and pulled out a pair of her sleeping shorts and Harm's favorite 'Go Navy'-shirt. She put them on and got back into the bed.
Mac could barely hold back her laughter about this whole situation and felt relieved as soon as it was clear that Trish wouldn't come upstairs. Obviously, something was holding her back. Unknown to Mac this something had a name. Frank.
Mac started to relax and closed her eyes. She had to smile as she thought about the day which lay before her. Today was the day. Today she would say 'yes' to the man of her dreams, her Romeo. Today she and Harm would unite their little family.
Nearly one and a half years ago Harm had proposed to her and it signaled the beginning of their new lives; lives which had brought a lot of changes with them.
They both had given up their military careers and their lives in Washington. Together they had started their own law firm, specializing in aviation, family law, and occasionally they were even non-profit lawyers who fought for children's rights. It had been a rough start, but soon everything worked out and they had found their place in the business.
Very soon it was clear where they would live and grow old together. The moment Mac and Harm had told Mattie about their decisions and the idea to keep Grace Aviation, they knew their choice was right. Mattie had loved both ideas, especially the one about her and Harm perusing the business. Of course she wanted to be the boss, but in the end she was fine with the 'equal partners'-idea.
While they'd talked about the idea, Harm and Mac could sense that Mattie got sad and obviously doubted that she'll ever be able to fly again. Both tried to make her see that one way or the other she would definitely be flying again. They would find a way, and that was a promise.
Mac then surprised Harm, Mattie and most of all herself, as she told them she might take flying lessons herself. Harm wanted to know for how long she'd thought about that, and got a 'oh, for about two seconds'-answer from her.
Because of the decision to keep Grace Aviation it was clear that they would go house-hunting in Blacksburg. It had taken some time, but after a while they'd found the perfect house. It was a simple two story house with a large front and back yard. It had plenty of room. There was a living room, office, dining room, huge kitchen and four bedrooms. Harm also felt that if needed, they could always expand the house. He was playing with the idea of turning the basement into his and Mac's workout room, but Mattie had already claimed it as her workout room slash rec room.
Mattie also had been the answer to the question of when their wedding actually would happen. Harm and Mac had both agreed that Mattie's recovery was the most important thing and they wanted to wait until she was well enough to be a part of the ceremony. They were together and it didn't matter if their engagement would last one month or one year. Very soon they'd found out with all the changes in their lives, and all the stress that was brought with it, it was the right decision to wait for over a year to come to this day.
Mac's thoughts suddenly were interrupted when her bedroom door was pushed open and a whirlwind ran into the room. "Up! Up! It's wedding time," the intruder yelled and jumped on the bed with a giggle. At least that's what Mac thought she could make out of the giggled words.
Mac groaned and threw the sheet over her head with a chuckle. Her laughter grew as she started to become tickled by her friendly intruder. "Alright, alright. Geez, I'm up," she answered and soon found a visitor under her sheet to start a little cuddle party.
Blacksburg's Hilton
Blacksburg, VA
8:23 AM
Harm turned off the engine of his car and sat there for a minute before getting out. He laughed as he thought about the morning, then his thoughts moved to the night before. For some reason whenever he and Mac were together it was perfect. It was something he wished for his whole life, someone to complete him. And Mac did that for him. She made him human and whole.
He slowly got out of the car and grabbed the bag of bagels from the passenger seat. As he moved through the parking lot a sound caught his attention and he looked in the general direction of some SUV's. The sound wasn't anything startling, just different. He slowly moved to the cars and paused as he saw what caused the sound.
There, about seven feet in front of him, were Mike Roberts and Cammie Cresswell. They didn't notice him since they were deeply involved with each other. Harm wanted to chuckle, but part of him also wanted to save his bestman's younger brother. Harm loudly cleared his throat and the couple stopped their intense kiss, jumped apart and looked in the direction of the sound.
Mike and Cammie swiftly snapped to attention. Harm slowly walked over to them and grinned from ear to ear. "You two are lucky I was only a Captain." Harm chuckled, knowing the young couple thought he was Cammie's father, the General.
"Good morning, Sir," Mike said.
Harm carefully inspected Mike and noticed a red mark on his neck. "Cammie, even though your father has decided to let Mike marry you, you might want to let Mike borrow your compact or your father might hurt your fiancé." He then smiled and walked away.
Cammie turned to Mike as he swiftly turned around and attempt to examine his neck in the mirror of the SUV. But before he could find the red mark Mike's and Cammie's attention was moved to the former-Captain who was now laughing. Cammie gave Harm's retreating form a look, then turned to her fiancé and looked at his neck.
She chuckled. "There's no mark, Mike. He was joking with us."
Mike ran his hand over his throat. "Are you sure?"
Cammie got a gleam in her eye and pressed Mike against the car door. "Positive." She ran her arms up his and wrapped them around his neck. "But if you want me to, I can give you one."
Mike smiled, but soon his lips found themselves involved in a much better activity.
Upstairs in the hotel
Harm carefully unlocked the door to the room and walked in. Sturgis turned off the TV and looked at his oldest friend. Harm smiled and held up the bag. "Breakfast."
Harm set the bag down on the table and Sturgis walked over to it. He carefully looked at the bag and pulled out a whole grain bagel and cream cheese. The two then sat down and enjoyed their breakfast. As Harm finished his bagel, Sturgis leaned back in his chair and examined his friend.
"So when did you sneak out and went to your house?" Sturgis asked.
Harm almost choked on his bagel. "You were sound asleep."
"I was, until your mother called this morning and woke me."
Harm chuckled. "She didn't?"
"Oh, she did and she wasn't very happy."
"What did she say?"
"Not much really. She just wanted me to know," Sturgis informed Harm.
Harm threw the empty bagel bag in the trash can. "You're not going to tell your dad, are you?"
Sturgis chuckled. "Nah, I think my dad is just happy that Mac's finally making an honest man out of you."
"I actually think your dad is wondering when you and Varise are going to tie the knot," Harm suggested.
"He might be, but who knows when that will happen."
"Well, all I can say is that asking Mac to marry me was the best thing I've done in a long time." Harm looked at the small black velvet box in the center of the table. He picked it up and opened it. A shinny gold band sparkled in the light. "I'm changing my whole life today and I can't wait for it to start."
Sturgis looked at his friend and could hardly believe this was the same cocky kid who he roomed with at the Academy. "Congratulations, Harm."
Harm gave his friend a sincere smile. "Thanks, Sturgis."
Harm & Mac's house
Blacksburg, Virginia
8:34 AM
"Salsa , please," Chloe said to Mattie who sat across from her.
Mattie crinkled her nose as she handed her friend the jar of salsa. "I don't know how you can eat eggs with salsa."
Chloe smiled. "It's an acquired taste." She looked at Mattie's plate. "I don't know how you can stand hash."
"It's an acquired taste." Mattie grinned back, before the two girls broke up laughing.
Grandma Sarah sat down at the table. "I'm sure you two can think of more intelligent conversation besides who's eating what."
Both girls looked at the older woman and said; "Maybe."
Sarah chuckled at the girls as there was a commotion coming down the stairs. Mac and her visitor from earlier entered the room. "Morning," Mac grinned.
A round of greetings came from the crew in the kitchen. Trish looked at Mac. "Mac."
Mac couldn't resist herself. She knew Trish was upset about Harm being there the night before. So she walked over to her future-mother-in-law and gave her a hug. "Do you still love me?"
Trish laughed at the sad face Mac was giving her. "Of course. It's my son that corrupted you."
Mac gave Trish a knowing look. "That's not all he did." Then she quickly walked away from Trish and gave Frank a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks for keeping Trish at bay. It was you, wasn't it?"
Frank chuckled. "It's okay. I just reminded her of the night before our wedding." Before he could go on Trish shot him a look. "I'm better stop now."
Mac laughed and moved to the table where she gave Grandma Sarah, Mattie and Chloe a kiss as well. She was about to sit down when she heard a familiar call. "Mommy, up." She looked down and there was her tickle-monster from earlier. It was Annabelle, smiling a very cute smile.
Mac leaned over. "Are you ready for pancakes, Sweetie?"
Annabelle nodded her head as Mac placed the two and a half year old in her seat. "Yummy."
Mattie looked at the young girl and remembered the day she met Annabelle. It was while she was still in the hospital recovering. She was sitting out in the courtyard when a ball rolled over to her wheelchair. She picked it up as a little girl with chestnut brown curls moved slowly towards her. The little girl was on crutches and one of her arms was in a bandage wrap. The little girl looked up at Mattie and smiled. They soon became friends.
Mattie asked the nurse about Annabelle, because it never looked like anyone as visiting her. She was informed the Annabelle's mother and father died in a gas station robbery when she was an infant. So when she was three months old her aunt and uncle got custody of her. But two weeks ago there was a car accident and Annabelle's aunt and uncle were killed. Once Annabelle was recovered enough from her injures and had some more counseling sessions she would be going to foster care.
That night Mattie had told Harm and Mac about Annabelle, and the next day Annabelle had joined the three of them for a picnic. As another week passed it was learned that Annabelle would be leaving to her foster home. However, when the social worker showed up Annabelle hobbled away and screamed for Mattie. Mattie wheeled herself down the hall and Annabelle threw herself in the arms of her older friend. Mattie tried to explain to Annabelle about her new home, but all Annabelle would say was, "Mattie home. Mattie home."
At that time Harm and Mac were walking into the hospital to visit Mattie and they saw Annabelle clinging to Mattie. They asked a few questions and found out what happened. They then spoke with the social worker and tried to work out a plan. Within a few hours and a couple of phone calls Mac and Harm had gotten approval to become foster parents for Annabelle. It helped that they had gone through the training for becoming a foster parent and the fact they were getting their lives ready for Mattie coming home.
By the time that Mattie was released from the hospital, Harm and Mac had started the process to adopt Annabelle. The little girl with the chestnut brown curls had found a place in their hearts. She added to their family and was the perfect addition.
"Mattie, OJ," Annabelle said to her sister who had a far off look in her eyes.
Mattie grinned at the girl and poured her a sippy cup of orange juice. "Here ya' go, Princess."
"Thanks." Annabelle said as she took the sippy-cup and drank her juice.
"So, Mac, when will your chauffeur, Mr. Gorgeous, arrive?" Chloe asked, grinning from ear to ear.
"Vic should be here any minute. I invited him for breakfast," Mac answered while getting herself a cup of coffee. She just had to look into Chloe's eyes and knew about whom she was talking.
"Cool. He's sooo hot," Chloe said as a matter-of-fact and got a groan from Mac as answer.
"Yeah, and he really has a cute butt," Mattie added while both girls started to giggle.
"Mathilda Grace!" Trish, Grandma Sarah, and Mac hissed at the same time.
"What?" Mattie asked innocent. "It's true."
"Yeah, it is," Chloe agreed. "He's the living version of Adonis. I mean, have you seen his abs and biceps?"
"I have cute butt," Annabelle interposed with a smile and made the elder around her laugh.
"Yes, sweetie. You have the cutest one," Mac agreed and kissed Annabelle's forehead.
"The man definitely knows how to wear a shirt," Chloe continued dotting.
"Not to forget how to wear pants," Mattie said and sighed. "Who're Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom anyhow?"
"You got that right, sis," Chloe replied before they both high-fived.
"Okay, enough of that," Mac told them with a stern voice, but could barely hold back a chuckle about her girls behavior. "The only woman who has permission to ogle over Vic's body is his wife. Got it?"
"How comes she stayed home and didn't come with him?" Chloe wanted to know while the doorbell rang. "Oh, I bet that's him."
"Because she's eight-months pregnant and believe me, I wouldn't want to go through a wedding while being eight-months pregnant either," Mac explained with a smile and made her way to the front door.
"Milady, your carriage awaits," Vic said as soon as Mac opened the door.
Mac laughed as he took a bow before giving him a hug. "Good morning. Come on in. We're all in the kitchen."
"Thanks, Mac," he said and walked into the house. "Good morning, ladies. Mr. Burnett."
"Hi Vic," Chloe and Mattie greeted him at the same time and slightly blushed.
"Hello Chloe. Mattie."
"Mr. Galindez, would you like to have a cup of coffee?" Trish asked, already getting a mug out of the cabinet.
"That would be great Mrs. Burnett, thanks," Victor answered and kissed Annabelle's head before taking a place at the breakfast table. "So, Mac. Are you ready for the big day?"
"No," she immediately answered and promptly got six pairs of eyes pointed at her. Only Annabelle was more interested in her pancakes, and didn't really care about her mom's answer. "First I need a good breakfast in me, and then I'm ready," Mac continued and smiled as she got a chorus of sighs of relief as answer.
"Let's eat and then we'll get the show on the road," Grandma Sarah commanded and everyone chuckled before following her orders with an 'Aye, aye, Ma'am'.
Assembly of God Church
Blacksburg, VA
1:45 PM
Chloe laughed as she walked into the bride's room. "Harm looks so nervous."
Mattie grinned from her wheelchair. "This I've got to see." She tried to wheel out of the room, but Trish stopped her.
"Oh no, you don't, young lady. You can see him nervous when Jason helps you walk down the aisle. Till then you're staying right here," Trish told her granddaughter.
Mattie tried to look upset, but ended up smiling at her grandmother. "Yes, Ma'am."
Mac smiled as she walked out of the bathroom after checking her make-up. "Now if only Harm could get her to respond that well."
"It takes a grandmother's voice," Trish told her. "I'm sure once Annabelle reaches sixteen you and Harm will have no problem getting her to listen."
Annabelle looked up when her name was mentioned and laughed at her grandmother and mother. Chloe walked over and picked up the young girl. "Are you all ready to walk down the aisle with Jimmy and AJ?"
Annabelle nodded her head and clapped her hands at Chloe. She then wiggled out of Chloe's arms and ran over to her flower basket, but before she could get to the basket Harriet quickly grabbed it. "Not yet, Annabelle, in a few more minutes," Harriet told Annabelle as she placed the basket on the fireplace mantel, out of the toddler's reach.
Annabelle smiled and walked back to her dolls she was earlier playing with on the floor.
Mac gave Harriet a looks of thanks. "I'm glad you got to the flower petals before she did. They were a pain to clean up last night."
"It wasn't too bad," Mattie told her.
Mac looked at Mattie and grinned. "Need I remind you of the time she got a hold of the confetti, which a certain young lady had in her room."
"Oh," Mattie giggled. Remembering the time she went into her room and found Annabel covered from head to toe in sparkly confetti. "I'm still trying to get it out of the carpet."
The girls chuckled at the idea of a covered Annabelle, but their laughs were interrupted as there was a knock at the door.
Trish opened the door and AJ Chegwidden stood there with a smile on his face. "AJ," Trish smiled.
AJ grinned back at her. "Trish, how are you?"
"Good. You look very dashing in your tux," Trish commented as he walked into the room.
Before AJ could get too far into the room Annabelle ran to him and jumped up and down in from of him. "Grandpa! Grandpa!"
AJ laughed and picked up his self-adopted granddaughter. "Hey Annabelle, you look so pretty," he said as he gave her a kiss on the forehead.
The two were a dream-team from the first moment they'd met. Annabelle adored her Grandpa AJ and he often babysat her, giving her parents some time for themselves. Even Mattie enjoyed the time together with AJ and her little sister. It was always a 'special night'. Soon she started to call him Grandpa AJ as well, since Annabelle always corrected her with 'This is Grandpa AJ, not Uncle AJ'-speech.
"So Mommy," Annabelle responded as she pointed at Mac.
AJ settled the little girl on his hip and looked at his former chief-of-staff. His breath was taken away. She didn't look pretty; she looked like a vision in an off-white dress. It looked like it was made for her. The soft material made her look like an angel. He didn't know what to say, so he just walked over to Mac and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Finally the words came to him. "You look perfect."
Mac blushed slightly. "Thank you, AJ."
"Pretty," Annabelle said as she ran her little hand on Mac's dress.
"Very pretty," AJ said before setting Annabelle onto the floor. She quickly ran over to her two big sisters and started playing. AJ took one of Mac's hands into his. "Now, you know once you do this, you will be an aviator's wife."
Mac chuckled at AJ's humor. "I know, but I think it's Harm who might need some counseling. He's going to be married to a former Marine."
The group in the room enjoyed the laugh, until there was another knock at the door. This time it was Chloe who answered the door.
Tiner walked into the room. "Ma'am, according to Chaplain Turner it's time."
Mac took a breath. "I know, Jason." She gave AJ's hand a squeeze and he squeezed it back. "It's past time."
Jason smiled and walked over to Mattie. "I'll meet you halfway down the aisle."
"Thanks, Jason," Mattie smiled before the young lawyer left the room.
"I'll meet you outside," AJ said, giving Mac one more kiss on the cheek. Mac nodded and he left the room.
Harriet carefully looked at her friend and picked up Mac's veil. "Are you ready, Sarah?"
Mac once more nodded her head and Trish and Harriet carefully attached Mac's veil to the piece already in her hair. Once it was in place Trish looked at her future daughter-in-law and a tear fell down her face. "I am so proud of my son for making you my daughter. His father would have loved you." She then gave Mac a kiss on the cheek and left the room, before Mac could say anything else.
Mac turned and faced the women left in the room. She took a deep breath. "Okay ladies, let's get me married."
"I've been waiting for years for this," Chloe said with a laugh.
The ladies then exited the room. They were met in the hall by Jimmy, little AJ, and AJ. Annabelle quickly walked to her escorts. Jimmy took her hand as Chloe handed Annabelle the flower basket.
Little AJ held up the white pillow holding the wedding bands. "See Mommy, I haven't lost the rings."
Harriet smiled at her son. "Good job, AJ. You remember what to do?"
"I give to Chaplain Turner, so Aunt Mac and Uncle Harm can stop living in sin," AJ informed the group with a grin.
Harriet's cheeks burned at her son's choice of words. "I never said that."
Mac laughed. "Yeah, sure, Harriet."
Chaplain Turner walked into the hall and smiled at the bridal party. "Are we ready ladies?"
Mattie smiled and gave him a thumbs up sign. She carefully got out of the wheelchair and held onto Chloe's arm to balance her. Before anyone could ask if she was okay, she told them she was. "I'll be okay. There's a nice chair for me at the alter. After all I'm a Rabb and I'm not going to miss my dad and mom getting married."
"Let Jason help you if you need it," Mac told her in a motherly-tone.
Mattie smiled. "I will."
The soft music started to play. "Okay Jimmy and Annabelle, you two are on," Harriet informed the children.
The two walked to the entrance way of the church. Jimmy straightened his shoulders and led Annabelle out. As they walked down the aisle of the church the wedding guests 'ahhhh-ed' and 'ohhh-ed' at them. Annabelle smiled as she gently dropped her petals on the red carpet. Once they were half-way down Mattie slowly walked out of the hall and down the aisle.
The past year had been tough on the young girl, but once she learned that Harm and Mac were getting married her goal was to walk down the aisle in their wedding. She had made some great progress, but she was a long way from being ready to run a marathon. When she reached the halfway mark Tiner gently took her hand and helped her the rest of the way. When she reached the alter Harm smiled at his daughter and was very proud to see her stand, instead of sit in the white chair provided to her.
Chloe glided down the aisle, followed by Harriet. Once Harriet stood in her place the bridal march played. Mac and AJ stepped out of the hall and to the end of the aisle. All of the wedding guests stood and looked upon the bride and her escort. AJ carefully took Mac's shaking hand. He smiled and whispered, "Left, right, left, right." It was the mantra he used seven months ago as he married the love of his life, Karen, on Valentine's Day.
Mac almost started laughing at him. She just grinned and stopped shaking. They started to walk down the aisle. Mac's eyes met Harm's and all of her worries slipped away. They were about halfway down the aisle when Harm nodded his head to a spot in the front row. Mac looked to where he nodded. Her breath stopped in her throat.
Sitting in a seat in the front row was Clayton Webb. However, he wasn't the reason for her astonishment. No, much more it was the figure right next to him. Tears came to her eyes and slowly, as she got closer, she noticed the tears in her Uncle's eyes as well. Once Mac and AJ reached the alter, Uncle Matt got up and stood on the free side of Mac.
Chaplain Turner looked at the surprised bride and the two men flanking her. "Who gives this woman to this man?"
"We do," AJ and Matt responded in unison.
AJ then lifted Mac's veil and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Hoohra, Marine." Then he stepped back.
Matt kissed Mac's other cheek. "Semper Fi, Sarah." Then he took a step back.
Harm moved to Mac and took her hand. Together they stood in front of Chaplain Turner. AJ and Matt moved to their seats in the front as the wedding guests sat down in the pews.
Chaplin Turner looked at the couple in front of him and took a calming breath, before giving them a warm smile. "I could stand here and give the typical sermon about love and marriage. I could mention that love is a gift, given to all of us by God. I could tell you and this couple that they need to hold themselves and their family together through hard times and bad." He paused. "But I won't. Harm and Sarah don't need to hear that, for they have lived through it. Ten years ago they met and had their share of trails and tribulations. After tears and separations they have found the path. It's a path, which will take them to their final destination of hope and happiness, through life and love." He looked carefully at Harm and Mac, who smiled at him with faith in their eyes. "Today we gather to join this couple in wedded bliss."
The chaplain opened his bible and looked at the vows and notes in front of him. "Before we start with the vows, is there anyone here who can think of a reason as to why this couple should not be married?"
There was no sound in the church, except for the sound of Jack Keeter giving a mild warning under his breath as he sat in the second pew. "If anyone says anything I'll take them on my next flight. I need a weight on the wing."
Skates who sat with her husband Donald, tried to stop herself, but as soon as Jack Keeter said the words she lightly smacked him in the arm. She was just glad that he didn't do what he did last night at the rehearsal. There he had ran up to Harm and begged him to runaway with him and to remain in the brotherhood-of-eternal-bachelors.
Harm and Mac chuckled as they heard his words. As did Chaplain Turner. "No objections, good." He smiled. "Let's begin."
Mac handed her flower to Harriet who smiled as she took them from her friend. Chaplain Turner looked at the couple and then the congregation. "Harm and Sarah have decided to share a few of their words with you before they say their vows." He paused and then looked at Mac. "Sarah."
Mac took a deep breath and Harm held her hands tighter as he felt them shake. "Harm, when you walked into my life I didn't know what to expect. You were standing there as a colleague. I never expected to see you standing here as my husband. The last ten years have been the most trying and unexpected times of my life. The first nine are nothing like the past one. You have given me a life that I never thought I would live. You have given me two daughters and I hope as our life grows we can add to them. You have given me a hope and a place to call home. You are the reason I am who I am. You are my lover, soul mate, confidante, and most importantly my best friend." Mac paused as a tear rolled down her cheek. "You are all that I want in my life. I love you."
Mac's eyes never left Harm's, but she was still surprised to see Harm's eyes tear up. She heard a sniffle behind her and glanced at her brides maids who had tears rolling down their cheeks.
"Harm," Chaplain Turner said, getting Harm's attention.
Harm took a breath and muttered. "You expect me to follow that." Everyone chuckled, but then watched as he spoke. "Mac, you are the one who has caused me to be a better man. You have been my friend for years and now you are my family. You and our children mean the world to me. You stood by me for so many years and have been further with me then anyone before. You are the woman who I will lay next to for the rest of my life and wake up to in the morning. I can't wait for each new day to begin, because I know I will love you more then the day before. You are my friend, my heart, and my soul. I love you with all the air I breathe."
Harm couldn't resist himself as he let go of one of Mac's hands and wiped the tears off of her cheeks. From the corner of his eyes he could see his mother and grandmother dabbing their eyes from the words that were just spoken.
"Thank you, Harm," Chaplain Turner said and moved on to the next part of the service. "Sarah, if you will repeat after me." He read the lines and Mac carefully repeated them with tears in her eyes.
"I, Sarah MacKenzie, take you, Harmon Rabb Jr., to be my partner, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the man you will become, and falling in love a little more every day. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us."
"Harm," Chaplain Turner said, then he directed Harm though the same lines.
Harm repeated them, but he had to pause to catch the emotion in his throat from coming out. "I, Harmon Rabb Jr., take you, Sarah MacKenzie, to be my partner, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the woman you will become, and falling in love a little more every day. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us."
"The rings, please."
AJ Roberts smiled and walked over to Chaplain Turner. He carefully took the rings off of the satin ribbon, holding the rings onto the pillow. Then he handed the pillow back to AJ before the boy moved back to his place standing next to his father.
"This ring will show your love and devotion to one another," the chaplain announced. He handed Harm Mac's ring. "Sarah, do you take this man to be your husband?"
Mac smiled. "I do." Then Harm slid Mac's wedding band onto her hand.
Soon Harm's ring was placed into Mac's hand. "Harm, do you take this woman to be your wife?"
Harm grinned. "I do." Mac placed Harm's wedding band on his hand. Once the ring was in place they both felt as if their lives were officially in place.
"By the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Virginia, I now pronounce you husband and wife. He paused and grinned at the delight showing in Harm and Mac's eyes. He took a breath and looked at Mac then Harm. "You may kiss your husband."
Mac chuckled and then learned up and shared her first married kiss with Harm. Once the kiss was finished Chaplain Turner decided to let Harm have his moment. "And you may kiss your bride."
Harm grinned. "Yes, Sir." He then gave Mac a kiss filled with promise and hope. Once the kiss was broken they both faced Chaplain Turner again. He nodded his head and they turned to face their friends and family sitting in the pews. Harriet handed Mac her flowers.
"I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Rabb Jr., "Chaplain Turner announced. Harm and Mac then took their first steps down the alter with the applause of their family and friends.
As they slowly made their way down the alter they looked at their guests . They had filled the pews. In the front were AJ, his wife Karen, Matt and Clay. While on the other side sat Trish, Frank, and Grandma Sarah. Behind them were Keeter, Skates, and Donald. Some of Harm's flying buddies were scattered around the church. Some of Mattie's friends made it to the wedding along with Chloe's father and grandmother.
General Cresswell and his wife sat next to Cammie and Mike. The younger couple held the wiggle worms, as Nikki and Thomas Roberts were called by their family.
The happy couple smiled at their friends as they passed by them. They were surprised by the turn out, it ended up looking like a mix of family, Navy and Marines, which pleased Harm and Mac to no end. There were also some of their new friends in Blackburgs. Varise and Jen Coates sat near each other in the middle of the church. Varise picked the seats so she would have a good view of her boyfriend. Only Sergei and his wife Galina sadly were unable to attend the wedding, since Sergei got the flu two days earlier. But both promised to visit soon.
Once they reached the end of the alter they turned to the left and walked into the bridal room. Once in there Harm wished he could lock the door and take his bride into his arms, but didn't have times as followed by them were AJ, Uncle Matt, Harriet, Bud, Mattie, Sturgis, Chloe, AJ Roberts, Jimmy, and Annabelle. Hugs and kisses were shared in the room as they started to celebrate the wedding. Annabelle jumped into her father's arms and gave him a huge kiss.
Harm placed his arm around Mac's waist and pulled her to him. They finally felt like a family, all that was left was the paperwork officially making Mattie and Annabelle their children. Harm kissed the top of Mac's head as the door opened and in walked the photographer.
"Everyone has left the alter. We're setting up for the pictures," he told Mac and Harm.
Harm nodded his head. "Thanks Dave." He turned to his wife. "Should we give you ladies a few minutes to check your makeup?"
Mac chuckled, but before she could say anything Sturgis chimed in. "Actually Harm you may want to check yours. That's a lovely shade of burgundy on you."
Harm looked at Mac who chuckled. "Brides always wear lipstick."
Harm chuckled and wiped off the lipstick, then the gathering made its way back into the alter. The pictures were taken and conversations started. Family and a few close friends of the family stayed at the church instead of heading to the hotel like the rest for the reception.
As the groomsmen were getting their photos taken Mac sat down next to her Uncle. Quickly he wrapped her into his arms for a hug. "Surprise," he whispered in her ear.
Mac chuckled as her voice cracked. "Hi."
She lifted her head from Matt's shoulder and looked into his eyes. Matt knew her question. "Mr. Webb pulled a few strings and here I am. You look beautiful, Sarah." A tear fell from her eye and Matt pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed her eye. "None of those now, Sarah. Today is a happy day."
Mac kissed his cheek. "I am happy."
"You know I had to be here."
"I'm glad you're here."
Matt looked up at Harm who was laughing with Sturgis and Bud about something. "He treats you well."
Mac laughed. "Yes he does."
"You're happy?"
"Every day I wake up." Mac looked over at her daughters playing with the Roberts' children and Chloe. "He's given me more then I ever thought I could have."
Matt kissed her temple. "I'm glad Sarah; you are a princess and deserve so much."
"I have so very much, Uncle Matt." Mac said as Mike Roberts walked over.
"Mac, they're ready for the family picture," Mike told her.
Mac stood up and took Uncle Matt's hand. "Come on, Uncle Matt, I need to have you in the picture." Then she addressed Mike. "Thanks, Mike. Oh, and you might want to ask Cammie for her compact. You've got a mark on your neck."
Mike's hand slapped his neck as Mac walked off chuckling. Matt looked at Mike's hand once he removed it. He chuckled. "She's joking Mr. Roberts." Then Matt walked away leaving an embarrassed Mike Roberts standing there blushing.
"We're going to take the picture right here." Dave the photographer instructed. He quickly placed all the family members into their places. In the center were Mac and Harm, while Annabelle stood in front of them. Around them was the bridal party, AJ, Matt, Frank, Trish, Grandma Sarah, and the Robert's twins. "Smile," he said and the family did.
Mike and Cammie, the General and his wife, Jason Tiner and Victor Galindez and a few other friends joined in for the last picture of the day. The photographer just wanted to say 'smile' again when a loud voice interrupted him.
"Midshipman Roberts, is that a mark on your neck?" General Cresswell sternly asked and got a giggle with an 'oops' from his daughter and a bright blush from his soon-to-be-son-in-law as an answer. The rest of the gang couldn't hold back their laugher and it was a scene that would be perpetuated forever on yet another wedding picture.
Sunday
September 10, 2006
The Rabb Farm
Bellesville, PA
1:25AM
Shortly after the wedding reception began, Harm and Mac had left the party for their honeymoon. They took Harm's biplane 'Sarah' and flew to Grandma Sarah's farm, where they would spend a four-days-honeymoon, while Grandma Sarah, Frank and Trish stayed with the children in Blacksburg.
Harm gave his wife a kiss on the top of her head. Mac returned the kiss on his chest, which was under her head. "I love you," Harm told her.
"I love you," Mac responded. She then looked at the ground right next to the bed and smiled at her wedding gift from Harm. It was a snow white silk nightgown; she had worn it for a total of twenty-five seconds before she was naked in front of her husband. "Thanks for my wedding gift."
Harm chuckled. "I'm glad you liked it."
Mac scooted up and moved to her side. Harm rolled on his side and looked at his wife. "I have a gift for you."
He gave her a devilish smile. "Really what?"
Mac took a breath. "I'm pregnant."
Harm's breath stopped in his lungs, just like it had when he saw her walking down the aisle earlier. "Pregnant?"
She nodded her head. "About two months."
Harm quickly moved and gently kissed her still flat belly before he captured her soft lips with a kiss of love and passion. Mac responded in full force.
Their love was one of dreams and hopes. It already led them so far, across countries and oceans. It was the force which drove them. And now it was something that had created life. Their love was one of happiness. It was the type of happiness that only true love can create. Their love will last through all and for all for eternity.
THE END
And now a note about the future of 'Through The Eye Of A Shipper'. We asked for your opinion and we got it. Thanks for all your responses! It was nice to hear that everyone is excited to see this happen.
Well, it looks like the majority of you would like us to start at the beginning and so it will be. Due to some RL problems it might take some time, but it will happen.
In the near future we'll start the 'JAG classics' with the first episode of season two 'We the People'. Please keep your eyes out for it.
Thanks Bunches-
Michi and Carol