1620
ZULU
OFFICERS' CLUB
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
ANNAPOLIS,
MARYLAND
"Just a few more then we'll do some with the families and then the wedding party," the photographer announced as Mac groaned.
"You don't think I can sit for some of these pictures, do you?" Mac mused.
"Why don't you take your shoes off again?" Harm suggested. "Your feet are hidden under your dress."
"I already did," she said, lifting her skirt to show him. "Now I just need to sit down."
"How much longer do you think this will take?" Harm asked the photographer.
"If all your family members and the wedding party are ready," the photographer pondered, "I'd say ten to fifteen minutes max."
Mac and Harm looked over at the group waiting along the wall while the pictures of the bride and groom were taken. "Uncle Matt," Mac called out, "would you please find my mother? I don't see her. Also, Bud, I want you to go get the rest of the JAG staff. Since all of you have done so much to help plan this wedding, I'd like to get a picture of all of us from JAG together."
As Matt took off to find Deanne and Bud went to gather Gunny, Tiner, Lauren and Alfred, Mac turned back to the photographer. "Let's get these done, okay? What do you want next?"
"Why don't we get some candid shots of you two?" he suggested. "And you can use a chair for this one if you'd like."
A photographer's assistant brought over a chair, which Harm sat down in, pulling Mac into his lap as the assistant relieved her of her bouquet. As he wrapped his arms around her waist, the camera clicked away.
For the first time, Harm took a very good look at the dress his wife was wearing. Ivory in color, it looked like something out of the Regency era with short puffy sleeves and a high waist, perfect for accommodating her expanding waistline. The skirt was finished off by a five foot train. Harm looked down at the hem and it looked to him like roses were beaded along the edge. He looked back up at Mac and was about to comment on the dress when he noticed similar beadwork along the low neckline, but with a very noteworthy addition.
Tracing the beaded design at the center of her neckline with his finger, he commented, "Interesting design for a wedding dress."
Mac blushed as she met his eyes. "I thought you'd like it," she said softly. "I know they're not gold, but I thought it would be a nice tribute to my aviator husband if I had a pair of wings beaded on my dress."
"Your husband is very touched," he said with a grin as the photographer continued to click away. He was about to say something else when he noticed an odd look on her face and a hand pressed to her abdomen. "What is it?" he asked, concerned.
"I'm not sure," she said slowly, "I thought ... wait, there it is again. Harm, I think I just felt one of the babies move for the first time." Her voice rose in a rush of emotion as she grabbed one of his hands and pressed it against the side of her stomach where her hand had just been.
Unaware of all the eyes on them and the camera still clicking away, Harm pressed his hand against her, concentrating on trying to feel any hint of movement. After a few moments when he didn't feel anything, he was about to ask if she was sure when he felt it – a little fluttering movement against the palm of his hand. He looked up at her, his eyes full of awe and wonder.
Pressing her hands against either side of his face, Mac leaned forward and kissed him, then rested her forehead against his as she covered his hand on her stomach with hers, overwhelmed at the rush of emotion she was feeling.
After another moment, the photographer cleared his throat. Harm and Mac both looked over at him, a little embarrassed. In the excitement, they had all but forgotten that they had an audience. Looking over at the family and friends, Mac was sure she saw more than one person with tears in their eyes. "Sorry," Mac began, but the photographer waved her off.
"Forget about it," he said. "These are going to turn out to be some very good pictures. And you can show your child a picture of what happened the first time you felt him or her move."
"Now if we could only figure out which child that was," Mac joked, everyone laughing.
"Okay, why don't we get the families over here?" the photographer suggested. He began talking them into position and an assistant pulled the chair out of the way after Harm and Mac stood and handed Mac back her bouquet. "Commander, Colonel, why don't you turn slightly towards each other. Okay, let's get the mothers next to each of their children, facing towards the center. Mrs. Burnett, can you come forward a little bit? We don't want you hidden behind your son. Mr. Burnett, next to your wife and Colonel O'Hara, next to your sister. Good, now Chloe, let's put you in front of Colonel O'Hara and Mrs. Mackenzie. Not quite balanced, but it will work."
He snapped a few pictures, then said, "Okay, let's get each family separately. Why don't we bring the chair back? Commander, sit down and let's get your parents behind you on either side. Okay, that looks good." A few more pictures were snapped.
"Let's get the Colonel and her family now," he continued as he changed the film in his camera. "Colonel, please sit. Let's get your uncle standing directly behind you and your mother and sister on either side of him."
After those pictures were taken, the wedding party was motioned over. "Let's everyone line up exactly as you were at the altar," he said. "Starting on my left with Chloe, then the three bridesmaids, the matron of honor, the bride and groom, best man, the groomsmen, then Josh." He looked everyone over once they were in position and frowned. "Do we have the ring pillow and flower basket around here somewhere?" Chloe and Josh nodded and broke the line to retrieve the items. Once they were back in position, the photographer nodded, satisfied. "Much better."
After those pictures were taken, Sydney, Jackie, Josh and Chloe moved off and the rest of the JAG staff stepped forward. The photographer looked over them for a moment, trying to figure out how best to assemble them. "Bride and groom center turned towards each other," he announced. "Admiral, why don't you stand next to Commander Rabb and then let's get Commander Mattoni next to him. Gunnery Sergeant, let's put you next to Colonel Rabb. That's good; now why don't we put the Petty Officer next to you?" He pondered for another moment, then added, "Let's have Lieutenant Sims standing in front of the Colonel and Gunny and Lieutenant Roberts in front of the Commander and Admiral. Lieutenant Roberts, scoot to your right just a hair so that you're not blocking the Commander. Good. Let's put Commander Imes next to Lieutenant Roberts and then our other Lieutenants next to Sims." He motioned to Alfred. "Sir, why don't you stand next to Lieutenant Sims and Ma'am," he motioned to Loren, "you go on the other side of him. That's good, everyone."
"Let's everyone turn slightly towards center," he continued, "and everyone, hands in front as if you're at parade rest, except for Colonel Rabb, who's still holding her bouquet. Commander Rabb, why don't you put your arm around your wife and your other arm at your side? There we go."
After some more pictures were taken, he finally announced, "We're finished." With a grateful sigh from everyone, the group broke apart and Mac slipped back on her shoes.
"Okay, everyone can go on into the party," Mac announced, "but before you all do, Harm and I just wanted to tell you, in case we don't get a chance to later, how much we appreciate everything all of you have done for us both today and in the weeks leading up to it. It's meant a lot to us and we would never have been able to put this all together this quickly without help from all of you. So thank you from both of us."
As everyone filed into the reception room, Mac linked her arm around Harm's and said, "Okay, we mingle with the guests a little bit without doing the receiving line, sit down to eat, some dancing, cutting the cake, some more dancing, the bouquet and garter toss, then I change and we can get out of here. Just tell me this – will I get a chance to catch some sleep on our way to wherever we are going?"
"You'll have plenty of time to get some sleep," he replied as they moved to the door, waiting for Bud to announce them. "Tired already?"
"Not yet," she said. "I'm still on an emotional high. But give me a few hours and I think I'll definitely be ready to crash."
Inside the reception hall, the wedding party took their places at the long head table and Bud picked up a microphone. Expectantly, the crowd quieted and he announced as Harm and Mac stepped into the room, "Presenting Commander and Mrs. Harmon David Rabb, Jr."
-----
1718 ZULU
"Can I please have everyone's attention?" Bud announced into the microphone. Around the room, people turned in their chairs and looked towards the head table expectantly. He looked over the crowd, making sure he had everyone's attention. After a moment, he continued, "In a few minutes, the bride and groom will take to the floor for the first dance. But first, a few people have a few words to say."
Bud paused a moment, then added, "We will try to keep the embarrassment to a minimum."
Harm leaned over and whispered against Mac's ear, "Right. They've done nothing but embarrass us the last three days. Why should today be any different?"
Mac shivered slightly at the feeling of his hot breath against her ear. The things this man could do to her without even touching her. But they still had at least an hour and forty-two minutes before they could make their escape. But still ...
"One hour, forty-two minutes and we can get out of here," she said softly, her fingers brushing the inside of his thigh. "Think you can hold out?"
Harm forced himself not to react. He couldn't, not here in front of all their friends and family. "If you stop doing that," he answered, biting back a groan.
"Can't take it, Sailor?"
"We have an audience," he reminded her. Reluctantly, she pulled her hand away and he resisted the strong urge to ask her to put it back.
"Later," she promised.
They managed to turn their attention back to Bud only to find that they had missed part of his toast. Harriet leaned towards Harm and whispered, "You didn't miss much. He was just talking about how the two of you were his mentors."
Harm turned and gave Harriet an embarrassed smile before turning his full attention back to Bud.
" ... and once," Bud continued, "a wise man told me that marriage is the greatest institution on the earth." He paused a moment, then grinned. "It's nice to see, Sir, that you're finally taking part in that 'greatest institution'. I guess you were more envious than not stupid."
Everyone laughed and Bud let the laughter run it's course before continuing. "Of course in Harm and Mac's case, it was a matter of getting to the point where both of them at the same time were unattached and ready to pursue a relationship with each other. It's been a wild and crazy ride for them the last four years and all of us our so glad that you two finally got it right. At least we don't have to resort to locking you two in a room together until you admit your feelings."
More laughter, then Bud lifted his glass up and said, "After all that you have been through together and apart to get to this, I know that the two of you can face any obstacle that crosses your path with the same determination with which you have faced everything else. If anyone can build a long, happy and fulfilling life together with lots of love, laughter and children, it is the two of you. In closing, I want to quote a short verse which I believe is perfect for you two. I apologize that I couldn't find the name of the author.
"'That is the true season of love when we believe that we alone can love, that no one could have ever loved so before us and that no one will ever love in the same way after us.' To Harm and Mac - may your true season of love last for eternity."
"To Harm and Mac," everyone echoed as they lifted their own glasses in tribute. Their glasses of sparkling cider in hand, Harm having decided to forego the champagne in deference to his wife, Harm and Mac linked arms and sipped from their glasses, following up with a tender kiss to the delight of the assembly. As Bud sat down, AJ stood, his own glass in hand.
"Before Harm and Mac have their first dance as man and wife," AJ announced, "I asked if I would be permitted to say a few words, also. They agreed as long as I also promised to keep the embarrassment down to a minimum since we had enough of that Thursday night."
As everyone laughed, especially those who had been present at the party, AJ continued, "For those of you not lucky enough to be around on Thursday, just ask anyone who was. I'm sure they would be more than happy to fill you in on what you missed."
On Harm and Mac's dirty looks, he got serious and added, "Seriously, it has been my privilege to have Harm and Mac serve under my command for four years together. I've watched them grow into two of the finest officers I've ever had the privilege of commanding and two very good friends of mine. I've also watched them become better people because of each other. Mac has shown Harm that he isn't always right or the best, even if he still can't always admit it to anyone except maybe her. And Harm gotten Mac to open up and trust others. My greatest hope for them is that they will continue to challenge each other and grow as people and that their children learn from their example and become as fine a people as their parents are. To Harm and Mac."
"To Harm and Mac."
Harm and Mac linked arms again and took a small sip before setting their glasses down. Harm pushed his chair back and stood, then pulled Mac's chair back and took her hand as she stood. As they made their way out to the dance floor, Mac carefully fastened the train of her dress at her waist so that she wouldn't trip. Meanwhile, AJ continued, "Now, Harm and Mac will share their first dance as man and wife. For those of you who are familiar with their relationship and all its ups and downs, you will find this song very appropriate."
As the music began, the lights over the dance floor dimmed and Harm pulled Mac into his arms. She looked up at him and smiled as she recognized the song as REO Speedwagon's 'Can't Fight This Feeling. "He's right," she whispered. "This is very appropriate."
"Oh my, God," Mac exclaimed softly, her eyes filling with tears. "You're doing the singing!"
Harm nodded confirmation. "I went to one of those places where you can record yourself singing with full musical accompaniment. I wanted to do something special for our first dance. I thought this song was so perfect for us and I thought it would be even more perfect if I could sing it to you."
"It is perfect," she told him as they moved together across the floor. "I love you for this."
Harm began singing the words softly in her ear as the song continued.
As the song ended, Harm and Mac danced on for a few more seconds, lost in each other. As they both realized that the music had ended, they stopped in the center of the dance floor and kissed. After a moment, Trish and Matt joined them on the dance floor and they reluctantly broke apart. Matt bowed and took Mac's hand as Harm bowed also and took his mother's hand as Bette Midler's 'Wind Beneath My Wings' began playing.
"That was very beautiful," Trish told Harm, having recognized his voice, "singing that song for Mac. You love her so much."
Harm shrugged. "It just seemed to say everything I've been feeling and I thought it would say it better if I sang it."
"I'm just happy that you've finally found someone to share your life with," Trish said. "All I've ever wanted is for you to be happy and I think that you finally are."
"I don't think I've ever since you this happy," Matt commented, brushing a tear from her cheek.
"I haven't been," Mac confirmed. "Harm has done so much for me, brought so much into my life. I never thought that I would find this kind of peace and happiness."
"You finally have all that I've ever wanted for you," he said.
"Thank you for always been there for me and supporting me," she said. "I don't think I would have made it this far without you."
As the song ended, Frank took Matt's place as Mac's partner and Deanne replaced Trish as Harm's. After their dance finished, the rest of the wedding party joined them out on the dance floor and Mac found herself back in Harm's embrace for 'That's What Friends Are For'.
"We've got some very good friends," Harm said, watching them dance.
"And everyone's so happy," Mac added, smiling misty-eyed. "Bud and Harriet have each other as do Alan and Jackie. The Admiral has found Sydney and Carolyn and Keeter have really hit it off. After seeing those two this week, I wouldn't be surprised if we eventually hear wedding bells there, too."
"What's this?" he teased her. "You're happy so you want to see everyone else happy?"
"Something like that," she admitted, "or maybe it's just that I think turnabout's fair play. Carolyn was part of Harriet's matchmaking scheme a few months ago, so I think it's only fair that I return the favor. It was just pure luck that they managed to meet on their own before I had a chance to introduce them."
Harm laughed as they turned on the floor, "You're bad, you know that?"
As the song ended, other guests joined the couples on the dance floor as the DJ launched into 'The Search Is Over'. Mac led Harm back towards the tables. "Do you mind if I sit this one out?" she asked. "Four dances and my feet are getting tired again."
"I don't have a problem," he replied, "since I don't want you overdoing it." They ran into Teresa Coulter on their way back to their table.
"Harm, Mac, congratulations," she said, offering them both hugs. "That was a very beautiful ceremony."
"Thank you, Teresa," Mac replied. "We're glad you could be here. Harm, why don't you take Teresa out for a spin on the dance floor?"
"Okay," he agreed, giving Mac a kiss. "Where will you be?"
She looked around and spotted Matt sitting by himself. "I'll go keep my uncle company," she replied. As Harm took Teresa's hand and let her out onto the floor, Mac sat down next to Matt.
"Where did Mom go?" she asked hesitantly.
"She'll be back in a few minutes," he assured her. "She just went to freshen up. She's been crying a lot today." He paused, then added, "I'm glad you let her stay, Sarah. I think this is good for both of you."
"I hope so," she replied, fiddling with a napkin laying on the table. "I'd call myself reserved and very cautiously optimistic at this point. So why aren't you out there with some pretty lady?"
Matt shrugged. "I just didn't feel like dancing after the dance with you then the one I had with Deanne."
"Uncle Matt," she said, considering how best to put what she was about to say, "are you still a little concerned about wearing your dress uniform after being in Leavenworth?"
"Maybe a little," he admitted. "I have noticed a few people, including the SecNav, staring every now and then."
"Uncle Matt, for all you know, those people could have been staring at that Medal of Honor around your neck," she pointed out. "How many people can say they've been to a wedding - or anywhere - where they ran into a Medal of Honor recipient? And we've got two of you here. As for the SecNav, who I'm sure knows exactly who you are and what you've done, I would think after hearing most of my stories that you would have figured out that most of the time Harm and I don't really care what he thinks. He supposedly even calls Harm 'Harmful Rabb'."
Matt laughed a little at her last statement. "Okay, maybe you've got a point," he conceded. "I'll try not to be so self-conscious."
Mac spotted a familiar face nearby and waved him over. "Uncle Matt, I'd like you to meet someone," she said. "This is Lieutenant Curtis Rivers. Lieutenant, this is my uncle, Colonel Matthew O'Hara."
"It's an honor to meet you, Sir," Curtis said as the men shook hands. Curtis took a seat next to them.
"You, too, Lieutenant," Matt returned the greeting. "I heard about how you rescued that Undersecretary. Good job."
"Thank you, Sir," Curtis replied, more graciously than usual. He nodded to the medal around Matt's neck. "'Nam?"
As Matt nodded, Mac said, "You two have a lot in common, aside from your medals." As Matt looked at her questioningly, she added, "Let's put it this way. If we were civilians, the Lieutenant would be keeping Harm on retainer to represent him every time he gets into trouble. I have some people I want to see, so I'll leave you two. And please, if you must have any arguments about whether SEALs or Recon Marines are better, keep your voices down."
As she moved off, Mac was happy to see her uncle and Curtis slip easily into conversation. Making her way through the crowd, she ran into Skates.
"Congratulations, Colonel," Skates said. "It was a beautiful service and it's about time you got Hammer to settle down."
"Thank you, Skates," she said. "How is life aboard the Patrick Henry?"
"It was rough for a time after my court-martial," Skates replied, "but it's getting better. At least Captain Ingles doesn't look like he'd like to hang me from the nearest yardarm every time he sees me anymore."
"That's good to hear," Mac said. "I'm glad everything has worked out. What about Boomer and Tuna? I haven't had a chance to say hello yet."
"Well, you know those flyboys, Ma'am," she replied with a laugh. "They think the world would stop spinning if there weren't there to protect it."
Mac laughed. "I definitely know those flyboys," she said with a grin. "I'll see you later. I see someone over with my mother-in-law that I need to say hi to."
She walked over to the edge of the dance floor where Trish was talking to Admiral Tom Boone. "Darling, why aren't you out there with your husband?" Trish asked as Mac joined them.
"Just taking a little break and saying hello to some people," she replied. "Admiral Boone, it's good to see you again."
"It's good to see you, too ... Colonel, isn't it?" Tom replied. "Congratulations. I'm just sorry that Hammer couldn't be here today, but that was a very nice touch with the candles."
"I thought so, too," Mac replied. "Harm's father is very important to him – to both of us – and it was nice to be able to make him a part of this day."
"Do you mind if I borrow my wife, Mom, Admiral Boone?" Harm asked as he joined them. "It's about time to cut the cake."
"Excuse us, please," Mac said, turning to follow Harm towards the table where the cake was set up. Lying on the table next to the cake was Harm's sword. Mac picked it up carefully as everyone gathered around as Shania Twain's 'From This Moment On' began playing over the speakers.
"Okay, just how do we go about cutting the cake with this?" Mac mused.
"Very carefully," Harm said with a grin as his hand closed over hers on the handle of the sword. Stepping back just a bit from the cake, they lowered the tip of the sword through the bottom layer of the cake, carefully cutting two thin slices.
Carefully, the two slices were each transferred to a plate and Mac picked one plate up. Tearing off a piece with frosting, she lifted it to Harm's lips.
Harm opened his mouth, letting Mac shove the small piece into his mouth. As she went to move her hand away, Harm grabbed it and took her fingers, one at a time, into his mouth, slowly sucking the butter cream frosting off her fingers. Mac had to remind herself to breath as his tongue swirled around each of her fingers in turn.
"Did that taste good?" she whispered huskily as he picked up his own cake slice.
"Delicious," he replied as he shoveled a small piece of cake between her waiting lips.
Mac returned the favor, sucking on each of his fingers in turn. As she released his hand, he leaned over her and whispered, "You've got frosting on the corner of your mouth." He kissed the corner of her mouth, his tongue licking the frosting off her lips to cheers and catcalls from their watching friends.
As the caterers took away the cake to finish cutting it for the guests, Harm and Mac took their plates back to their seats and continued feeding each other bits of cake between kisses while the music continued in the background and couples danced while waiting for the cake to be brought back out.
Eventually, the music stopped and Bud called for quiet. "Okay, it's almost time to toss the bouquet and the garter," he announced, "and then the bride and groom will be taking off for their honeymoon in a top secret location. But before all that, we'd like to ask Harm and Mac out here for one more dance."
As Harm and Mac made their way back out to the dance floor, Bud continued, "Several of their friends got together and asked that we be allowed to chose the song that they dance to and they agreed once we assured them that the song would be very appropriate to their relationship and not embarrassing or anything like that.
"The song we chose is very important for two reasons. First, it brings to mind Harm and Mac's first meeting four years ago. Second, this particular song kind of marks the beginning of their romantic relationship," he concluded as the music began and the lights dimmed on the dance floor.
"Okay, I guess everyone had a good idea," Mac admitted as Harm took her into his embrace, recognizing the beginning strains of Bette Midler's 'The Rose'. "At least this time we don't have to worry about other people we're involved with seeing how tormented we are."
Harm got a far away look in his eyes as he remembered the first time they had danced to this song. "You have no idea how much I just wanted to sweep you into my arms and carry you away that night," he admitted.
"Probably as much as I wanted you to," she countered softly.
"That night was the start of a new beginning for us," Harm pointed out with a grin, "and at least we got it right this time."
As the song ended, Harm and Mac stopped in the middle of the dance floor and treated everyone to a show as they engaged into a dazzling, passionate kiss. As they broke apart, Bud made another announcement. "Can we please have all the single ladies out in the middle of the dance floor for the tossing of the bouquet?"
As the single females gathered, Harriet handed Mac the second bouquet purchased just for the toss. Mac climbed onto a small platform set up at the edge of the dance floor and looked back over her shoulder to make sure no one was missing. Satisfied that all the single women – and girl, in Chloe's case – were out there, she tossed the bouquet in a high arc over her head, the flowers landing squarely in Carolyn's waiting hands.
As a chair was brought for Mac to sit in, she leaned over and whispered to Harm, joking, "You throw that garter anywhere but directly at Keeter and you'll spend our wedding night out of our bed."
"Are you threatening me, Marine?" he teased with a grin as she sat down. Someone brought forward a small mat and set it in front of Mac so that Harm could kneel without dirtying his dress whites as Eric Carmen's 'Hungry Eyes' began playing.
As the single guys gathered, Harm knelt on one knee in front of Mac and slide his hands under her skirt. Lifting her right leg slightly, he let his hands slowly travel up her leg, his fingers teasing and massaging through her stockings. They were barely aware of the hoots and hollers behind them.
Mac inhaled sharply as his fingers brushed a particularly sensitive area behind her knee. Her breathing unsteady, she managed to whisper, "I'd be careful, Sailor. I just may have to drag you out of here in front of all the people and have my way with you."
Harm grinned at her, the look in his eyes letting her know he had no intention of stopping. His fingers found the garter sitting mid-thigh, but his hands traveled up even further, teasing her for a moment before he hooked two fingers under the garter and slowly pulled it down her leg.
Pulling it over her foot, Harm pulled his hands out from under her skirt and lifted one arm high above his head, holding the blue garter. As the men whistled, joking and teasing about how long it had taken to remove the garter, Harm climbed onto the platform and search the crowd of men for his old roommate. He saw Jack standing at one side of the knot of men, making it a little easier for Harm to aim the garter in his direction.
Turning his back to the group, he imagined where everyone was in his mind and let the garter fly over his head. Looking down at Mac still seated in the chair, the satisfied smile on her face informed him that his aim had been good. He offered his hand to her, pulling her up as the DJ announced a dance for Carolyn and Jack.
"Nice work," she complimented him as they headed back for the main table, stopping to smile broadly at Jack and Carolyn, who nodded their thanks.
"You wouldn't happen to have planned that, would you?" Harriet teased as Harm and Mac sat down at their table, referring to Jack and Carolyn.
Mac smiled sweetly, a look of complete innocence on her face. "You mean like you did two and a half years ago?" she countered.
Harriet shrugged as she pointed out, "It may have taken two and a half years, but yours was the next wedding."
Mac thought about it for a moment, then started laughing. "I guess you're right about that," she admitted as Harm started laughing too, having just realized the same thing.
"Well, Marine, are you about ready to get out of here?" Harm asked, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"Give me a few minutes to get changed and I'm ready to go," she promised, brushing his lips with hers. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Deanne. "Mom, would you like to come upstairs with me and help me change?"
Deanne looked startled and asked nervously, "Are you sure you don't want someone else to help you?"
Mac didn't hesitate before shaking her head. She replied, "No, Mom, I'm sure that I'd like you to come with me."
Tears in her eyes, Deanne rose from the table with Harm and Mac. "Bud, could you check outside and make sure the limo driver is ready for us and then get everyone to start moving outside?" he asked.
"Yes, Sir," Bud replied, rushing off to do as requested while Harm, Mac and Deanne slipped out of the hall through a side door.
Upstairs, Mac easily found the room that the club management said she could use to change in, her traveling outfit and a garment bag for her dress already laid out for her inside. "I'll wait out in the hall for you," Harm said, squeezing Mac's hand comfortingly. He leaned in to kiss her and whispered, "Good luck with your mother."
Mac smiled at him as she and Deanne entered the room, closing the door behind them. Mac went to stand in front of the mirror hanging on one wall and removed her veil, careful not to mess the curls in her hair too much. Deanne took the veil from her and carefully folded it and laid it in the box it had come out of that morning.
"Can you help me with these buttons?" Mac asked. Deanne stepped behind her and swiftly unfastened the buttons running down the back of the dress, then helped Mac lift the dress over her head. Deanne hung the dress neatly back on its hanger while Mac pulled on the tan knee-length skirt she was going to wear.
"Sarah, I want to thank you for letting me be a part of today," Deanne said as she pulled the garment bag over the wedding dress and closing it. "I know I don't deserve ..."
Pulling on her cream silk blouse, Mac turned to her mother and interrupted, "Mom, I'd like to say something. For very valid reasons, I've been very angry for the way you walked out, leaving me with Joe Mackenzie, and for the way we left things in Fresno when he died. But recently I've started to realize some things."
She sat down, kicking off her wedding shoes in favor of a pair of flats the same color as her skirt. Slipping her shoes on, she continued, "I've never been in your shoes, so I can't say that I understand why you did what you did and I can't say that if I hadn't been in your position, that I wouldn't have done the same thing. Another thing is that I could just as easily still become an alcoholic, married Chris – or someone like him - and made so many of the other mistakes that I made even if you had taken me with you. I can't say with any certainty that my life would have been better if you had taken me with you and I can actually think of some ways in which my life might have been worse."
"Sarah, I ..." Deanne began, tears falling from her eyes as she came over to stand beside Mac's chair.
"Please let me finish," Mac pleaded, her own tears falling. She took a deep breath, then continued, "I have a very good life right now – a wonderful husband whom I adore and who feels the same for me, two babies on the way, a great career. Yes, I've been through some pretty rough times to get to this place and some of that did stem from what happened when you left. But if my life had gone differently in the past, I probably wouldn't we where I am right now. Because of that, I can't blame you for ruining my life when I've managed to overcome my problems and build a very good life for myself.
"I can't say 'I love you' right now and it will probably be a long time before I can, but if you are really serious about trying to build a new relationship, then I'd like to try to." Crying freely as she finished, Mac felt herself being pulled into her mother's arms. She wrapped her arms around her mother's waist and held on, happy to be held for a few moments.
Finally, Mac pulled away and started wiping her eyes. "Hold on a minute," Deanne suggested, pulling some tissue from a box. "You'll smear your makeup doing that." She wiped Mac's face, careful not to ruin her makeup. Satisfied, she dabbed her own eyes with the bunched up tissue.
"I'll take your dress downstairs and make sure it gets back to your house," Deanne said, picking up the garment bag and the box with the veil.
"Mom, how long were you planning on staying in DC?" Mac asked as she picked up her wedding shoes and handed them to Deanne.
"I hadn't really thought about it," she replied. "I don't have a job to get back to, but I didn't want to make any firm plans in case things didn't work out with you."
"Well, Uncle Matt has to go back to Leavenworth on Monday," Mac explained, "and Harm's family will also be going home, so there won't be anyone at our house. Sydney and the Admiral were going to stop by, since they live across the street, to pick up the mail, newspapers and to take care of Jingo, our dog. If you'd like to stick around until we get back from our honeymoon, you're welcome to stay at our house. You'd be doing us a favor."
Deanne was stunned into silence, surprised that Mac would make such an offer. Finally, she replied, "If you don't mind, I'd love to."
Mac smiled and patted her arm. "Good," she said. "I'll talk to Sydney and the Admiral before we leave and I'm sure if you need anything you can call on them. Uncle Matt has the spare key to the house right now, so he can just give it to you before he goes back to Leavenworth instead of giving it to Sydney. I had written out Jingo's care instructions for Sydney and posted them on the refrigerator door. I don't know where we're going, but Harm will have his beeper in case of an emergency."
"Sarah, I'm sure I'll be fine," Deanne assure her as she pulled open the door and they stepped out into the hall. "Trish introduced me to Sydney and the Admiral yesterday morning and they seem like nice enough people. I'm sure they'll be willing to help if I need it."
"Good," Mac said, sighing with relief. As they started back downstairs, she told Harm, "Mom's going to stay at our place until we get back."
Harm smiled at her and pulled her against his side. "I'm glad," he said softly, kissing the top of her head.
As the reached the downstairs hallway, Deanne stopped and turned to them. "Thank you again for letting me be a part of today," she said, smiling.
"We're glad that you could be here, too," Harm told her. Releasing Mac, he hugged Deanne.
"Welcome to our family, Harm," Deanne said. "I know you'll take good care of my daughter."
"Well, she knows how to kick my six if I don't," Harm joked as he watched Mac hug her mother again.
"Don't worry," Mac said, "Harm has always been really good at taking care of me, even when I haven't needed him to."
"Have a good time on your honeymoon," Deanne said as she headed outside to join the rest of the guests, "and I'll see you when you get back."
"Looks like everyone's ready out there," Mac said quietly, looking out the door. "Are you ready to take me to paradise, Sailor?"
Harm laughed at the irony of Mac's terminology. When she shot him a puzzled glance, he calmed and said, "Definitely ready."
Holding hands, Harm and Mac stepped out the door into the sunlight and started walking swiftly towards the waiting limousine under a shower of rose pedals and to calls of 'Goodbye' and 'Good luck' from the crowd. They climbed into the back of the limousine, kissing as the driver closed the door behind them. The driver walked around and got behind the wheel, driving the newlyweds off to start their new life together.
-----
To be continued…