Title: Surprise! You're a Father.

Author: Jennifer

Rating: PG to PG-13

Disclaimer: JAG and all its characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. I'm only borrowing them temporarily.

Summary: Harm gets the shock of his life.

Spoilers: Occurs after Harm's return to JAG after Paraguay. Mattie does not exist for this story's purpose. Tiner never left and Coates is still there.

JAG HQ

"Hello, I'm looking for a Commander Rabb. Can you help me?"

Tiner looked up from his desk. Sure all the cute ones look for the Commander. It just wasn't fair. "Yes Ma'am. He is in his office. Do you have an appointment?"

"No, but this is extremely important. Do you think I can speak to him?" She was tentative, but persistent. The young woman, all of 25, knew how critical it was to speak to the Commander. However, she wasn't familiar with Navy protocol. "My name is Maria Lucen. I'm from the Department of Social Services."

Tiner's attitude brightened when he heard she was here on business. Maybe he could ask her out on a date. "Just one moment Ma'am."

Rabb was buried under a mountain of paper work. The latest investigation on the Seahawk had caused hours of follow-ups and delays on his other cases. If he didn't catch up soon, the Admiral would want to know why. "Enter." He didn't bother to raise his head and see who entered his small office.

"Sir, there is a Miss Lucen here to see you from social services. She doesn't have an appointment, but she says it's important. Do you have a moment to speak to her?" Tiner stood at attention and waited for the Commander to respond. Commander Rabb's head was still buried in his work and he had yet to acknowledge Tiner's presence.

In reality, he didn't have time for anyone, but his curiosity was piqued. "Not really, but send her in anyway." Tiner returned to the bullpen and found Ms. Lucen waiting patiently and ushered her into the commander's office.

"Ms. Lucen, come on in. Take a seat." Harm pointed to a chair before making himself comfortable behind his desk. "How can I help you?"

"Well Commander, I don't know how to begin this. A client of mine asked me to track you down. A number of years ago, you were a client at the fertility clinic on Madison Ave., correct?" Maria knew this was a sensitive subject and had to be broken gently to the tall man sitting in front of her. Although she had practiced beforehand and went over it numerous times, she still didn't feel comfortable changing this man's life with a few words. Unfortunately, she had no other choice and time was of the essence.

Harm wasn't exactly sure what was going on. He remembered visiting the clinic. He had taken too many risks that year and had been afraid something might eventually happen that would prevent another generation of Rabb aviators. "Yes, I did, but I don't understand why you're asking. How did you get that information? It's supposed to be kept confidential."

"A few years ago, a woman visited the clinic for assistance getting pregnant. The clinic made a mistake. You're sperm was used in the procedure." Maria waited and carefully watched the Commander for his reaction.

"You have to be kidding me. Tell me this is a joke. Someone in the office put you up to this. Or was it Keeter? Yeah, Keeter put you up to his. Where is that fool? He had to realize I would never fall for this trick." Harm stood up and glanced into the hallway expecting to find his old friend Keeter lurking around.

"Commander, I don't know who this Keeter is. I promise you this isn't a joke and my explanation is going to get even more complicated." She waited a moment as Harm returned to his seat. "The woman was single when the procedure was done and remained single. Recently, she was diagnosed with cancer. She's trying to find out if you have any interest in the child. She realizes that this is a shock to you, but she has no family who can care for the child. She's trying to make arrangements so the child doesn't wind up in the foster care system." Now that the bare facts had been revealed, she sat back and allowed the astonished man to digest her news.

Harm couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was a father, a father to a child who would loose their mother and only parent or family he or she had ever known in just a few months time. Well, that wasn't true. The child had a family, his, they just didn't realize it. Harm finally seemed to pull out of his internal dialog and acknowledge Ms. Lucen again. "I'm a father? Wow. Is the child a boy or girl? Not that it matters, but." Harm wasn't sure what else to say. This woman just walked into his life and changed everything. This was his child and he couldn't have another Rabb child growing up without a father. Maria's next words shook Harm from his reflection.

"She's a girl. Her name is Alyssa. She's almost 5 years old."

"I have a little girl?"

Maria smiled sweetly, watching Mr. Rabb learn of his daughter. His face brightened and he gained a far off look in his eyes. "Yes you do. She's an amazing little girl. I know this is very sudden and shocking. Normally, when I've met someone who wants to be a parent, I tell him or her to take their time and understand what kind of changes a child will bring into their life. However, with my client's failing heath, time has become an issue. Now, you can change your mind later, but I need to know if you're interested in meeting your daughter and maybe obtaining custody." She held her breath as the man sat silently before her. The little girl held a special place in her heart. She would have to see such a wonderful child go to child services if there was a father who could love and support her.

A daughter, a little girl. There was no way he could refuse any child. The shock and happiness wore off as he realized his daughter was watching her mother die and had no one to rely on. With a serious expression on his face, he returned his focus on Ms. Lucen. "I'm very interested. I'll do anything you need me to."

"Are you ready to be a father?"

"No. My life screams bachelor. I have a one-bedroom apartment. I travel with work at a moment notice. I've taken some large risks lately, but I can't imagine anyone is really prepared. I can promise you I'll do everything you deem necessary. I'll make changes to my life; whatever's best for Alyssa." He didn't quite know what it would take, but if it meant getting his daughter, he would do it.

Maria smiled in relief. This man might just be the answer to all their prayers. "Well, before we make you move or any other drastic changes, would you like to meet Alyssa and her mom? You'll also need to have a DNA test done. Although we're positive you're the father, we need to be 100 sure. I hope you understand."

"Of course. Tell me when and where. How soon do you think we can get this done?" Harm was anxious to meet Alyssa.

"Well, I can arrange for the blood tests for a few days from now. As for meeting Alyssa and her mother, would tomorrow evening be soon enough? Margaret, Alyssa's mother, wants to meet you first and discuss some things with you before you meet Alyssa?" She and Maggie had discussed at length how they would introduce Alyssa to her father. First it was agreed that the Commander should be made aware of all things going on with Maggie's health and her wishes for Alyssa.

Harm checked his date book quickly before agreeing to the plans. After arranging a time and a place, Harm escorted Maria out of his office. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow night then?"

"Commander, I know this is all a shock, but I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe it could work out best for everyone. If you have any questions you need answered before tomorrow, give me a call. Margaret and Alyssa are very special to me." She handed him a business card as they passed through the bullpen.

"Thank you. I may just call you when my mind starts functioning again." Harm chuckled. He was certain he was suffering from shock.

"See you tomorrow then?"

"Till tomorrow." As he watched Maria leave, a thought suddenly occurred to him. "Wait Maria. You don't happen to have a picture, do you?"

Maria's smile brightened even further. "Yes I do." For a moment, she dug through her purse and pulled out her wallet. "This is Maggie and Alyssa. It was taken last Christmas. Maggie was going through chemo at the time, but some friends chipped in and helped make it special. I'll see you tomorrow." Maria glanced once more at the dazed Navy man, before leaving to tell Margaret the good news.

Harm stood in the middle of the bullpen staring at the picture. This was his daughter. Alyssa was a beautiful little girl with dark hair and green eyes. Dressed in a red velvet gown, she sat in her mother's lap with the brightest smile on her face. She reminded him of his grandmother. He took a closer look at her mother. Even though she smiled brightly and was dressed impeccably, Harm could see the cancer had already made an impact. She looked incredibly thin and tired. Next to their healthy daughter, she looked frail. Harm immediately knew he would help her. This woman was the mother of his child. Granted, he never met her, or asked for a child, he would do everything in his power to help her.

"Is there a problem Commander?"

The voice of the Admiral stirred Harm out of his thoughts. "No sir, no problem."

"Don't you have reports over due. I suggest you get them done rather than standing here doing nothing."

"Yes sir. Right away sit." Harm quickly headed back to his office. Carefully he placed the picture of Alyssa and Margaret against another on his desk. Then he turned his attention to his paperwork in hope that it would make time pass by faster.