Chapter 17
AN1: As promised in the latest
chapter of And Baby Makes Three, here is the update. I'm going to try to keep
updating regularly. I'm not making any promises but I'm going to do my best.
AN2: I've decided that I should have
a beta for this story so if anyone is interested please leave a review with
your email address so I can contact you.
"What do you think sir?" asked Harriet after filling the Admiral in about her idea.
"It's a great idea Lieutenant, I just don't think having it should be at my house. That's where Mac had her engagement party with Mic and I think we need to do this somewhere else," said AJ thoughtfully.
"Oh good thinking sir," said Harriet.
"I think we should book some tables at a restaurant and do it there. That puts it on neutral territory," said AJ.
"That would be good. Where at sir?" asked Harriet.
"I'll leave that up to you Lieutenant. You have a certain knack for planning these things after all," said AJ.
"Yes sir," said Harriet.
"Right then. Let's hope the Commander and the Colonel don't get suspicious," said AJ.
"I hope not sir. I'm sure we can pull it off though," said Harriet.
"I'm sure we can too Lieutenant. Dismissed!" said AJ.
"Yes sir!" said Harriet, standing at attention before leaving the office.
Harriet went to Bud's office and waited while her husband finished his phone call. Bud replaced the receiver and looked up at Harriet expectantly.
"We can do it. We're not having it at the Admiral's house though. It will be at a restaurant," said Harriet.
"Okay. I'm assuming you're planning this," said Bud.
"Of course. There's so much to do!" said Harriet excitedly before bidding him goodbye and rushing back to her desk to begin making plans. Bud shook his head with a smile, his wife always loved being involved in these kinds of plans.
That evening
Harm's apartment
"Okay, what time frame are we looking at?" asked Mac, her calendar in her lap.
"I have no idea. How long does it normally take to plan a wedding?" asked Harm, his calendar also open.
Mac looked at both their schedules for a few moments and finally spoke. "I think a Spring wedding would be nice."
"That gives us a few months then," said Harm.
"I think it will be enough to enjoy being engaged and plan a perfect wedding," said Mac with a smile.
"Oh it will be. I mean it Marine, I want you to have anything you want," said Harm.
"All I really want is to marry you," said Mac, stroking his cheek.
"I'm a very lucky guy then," said Harm kissing her softly.
"I consider myself very lucky too," said Mac.
JAG Headquarters
The following day
Bud, Harriet and Admiral Chegwidden were all congregated in Bud's office talking in low voices when Harm and Mac entered the bullpen.
"I wonder what that's all about," said Harm, indicating in their direction with a slight nod of his head.
"I don't know. Unless…" said Mac, stopping suddenly as an idea formed in her mind.
"Unless what?" probed Harm.
"Unless Harriet is pregnant," finished Mac.
"Why else would she and Bud both be speaking to the Admiral like that," mused Mac.
"You could be right," said Harm, considering the possibility.
"Anyway, they'll tell us when they're ready," said Mac.
"Yeah, I'm sure they will," said Harm.
Exchanging a quick kiss they each went to their offices to begin their work for the day.
Bud's office
"That sounds like a very good plan Lieutenant," said AJ.
"Thank you sir," said Harriet beaming.
"I'll ask the Commander later today sir," said Bud.
"Good. I guess I'll see you both Saturday evening," said AJ.
"Yes sir!" Harriet and Bud said in unison, as AJ smiled and left the office.
Harm's office
Harm put down the phone and rubbed a hand over his face, the case he was working on was not going well. There was a knock on his office door.
"Enter!" he called.
"Sir, are you free for a moment?" asked Bud, as he stepped inside.
"Sure, take a seat Lieutenant," said Harm.
"Thank you sir," replied Bud, sitting in the chair Harm had indicated.
"I have a matter of a personal nature I need to discuss with you sir," said Bud.
"All right. In that case drop the sir's," said Harm.
"Okay, uh, Harriet and I would like to take you and the Colonel out on Saturday night, you know to celebrate your engagement," said Bud.
"That sounds great Bud. I'm sure Mac would love that," said Harm.
"Great, Harriet will get back to you with a time and place sir," said Bud.
"Thanks Bud, we'll see you then," said Harm with a smile.
"Yes sir," said Bud before leaving the office, a smile crossing his face once his back was to Harm.
Harm picked up the phone again, dialling a number he knew like the back of his hand.
Mac's phone rang and she reached a hand out for it, not even taking her eyes off the file she was working on.
"Colonel Mackenzie speaking," replied Mac.
"Why hello Colonel," said Harm with a smile.
"Harm," said Mac, a grin spreading across her face, the case file in front of her forgotten.
"How's my favourite Marine doing?" asked Harm.
"You need to ask, even though you're right next door?" teased Mac.
"Funny Marine," said Harm.
"I'm fine, better now of course. You?" said Mac.
"Good, so am I," said Harm.
"Listen, Bud just asked me whether we want to go out with him and Harriet on Saturday night to celebrate," said Harm.
"That would be great. I hope you accepted," smiled Mac.
"Of course," said Harm.
"Where?" asked Mac.
"Not sure yet, Harriet will get back to us," said Harm.
"Okay, sounds good," said Mac.
"How about we have dinner tonight Mac…Sarah," said Harm, correcting himself.
"I'd love to," replied Mac, having melted the moment he used her given name.
"Good, I'll see you at 19:00?" said Harm.
"I'll be there," said Mac.
"Bye," said Harm.
"Bye," she replied.
"Sarah?" said Harm quickly.
"Yeah?" said Mac.
"I love you," said Harm.
"I love you too," said Mac smiling, as they both hung up.