Following evening

Margaret's home

Outside DC Area

Harm anxiously knocked on the door. After a full day of waiting, he would finally meet Alyssa. Maria had called him again and arranged a blood test for the next day. Tonight, he would be speaking with Margaret about what the future would hold.

He quickly double-checked his appearance while he heard someone nearing the door.

"You must be Commander Rabb. I'm Margaret Ritcher. Come on in." Maggie wasn't surprised to see such a handsome man at her door. She had fully looked into the Commander's background when she discovered he was the father. Articles and picture galore were available on the internet and Navy times. Besides, Alyssa's looks had to come from some one.

"It's a pleasure to meet you ma'am. Please call me Harm."

"Please call me Margaret or Maggie. Can I get you anything to drink?" Maggie ushered Harm into the living room.

"No thank you. I'm fine."

"Sit down, please. I can't imagine what you're thinking about now. I'm sure up till yesterday you're life was nice and calm." Maggie chuckled remembering how Maria had described Harm's shocked reaction to Alyssa.

"Well, I can safely say it was a shock. I've always wanted children, but I figured I would know their mother first."

"When I first became sick, the doctor's fear it could be a genetic condition. Since I couldn't be sure I passed it on to Alyssa I went to social services and asked for help finding the donor. When the clinic admitted their mistake, I wasn't sure what to do. I didn't know if you were happily married with your own children. Maria helped me get some information and get in touch with you. She's been a god sent. Actually, she took Alyssa out for ice cream before you came. They'll be back later."

"I'm still not sure what you're looking for or how we go about this."

"It's simple and complicated and I have no idea. All I can do is be extremely honest and blunt with you. When the doctor's only gave me a few months, Maria helped me look into your background. I know it's probably not fair, but I know all about you. From what I've heard, you're an honest, well-respected, compassionate man. You are also biologically Alyssa's father and her only relative. She'll have no one else. I grew up in foster homes and I won't do the same to her. I know you can provide a good life for her."

"I don't know what to say. I'm sorry hardly seems appropriate. I'm not sure how, but I'll be there for her. I know what it's like to loose a parent when you're young. When I lost my father, I was probably only a year older than she was. Is there any hope you can beat this? Is there a doctor or a treatment some where you could try?" Harm was not unhappy to learn about his daughter, he was just regretted the news was prompted by Maggie's illness.

"No, I've tried just about everything. The only thing keeping me going is Aly. I wanted to make sure there is someone to care for her and give her some time to get to know them. I'm hoping that someone would be you." Maggie knew it might be unfair to ask him such a thing, but life just wasn't fair. If it was, she would be alive to see all the important milestones in her daughter's life.

Harm reached forward and held Maggie's hand. "I wouldn't have it any other way. I know I haven't met her yet, but I think I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her picture."

"Don't let that innocent look fool you. She can be a holy terror. She's probably getting a little spoiled too. I just can't seem to say no to her anymore." It happened more and more lately. Aly would look at her with those puppy eyes asking for something. She just didn't have the heart to refuse her or see a look of disappointment in her eyes.

"It's understandable. So, what did you have in mind?"

"I was hoping the three of us could spend some time together and get to know each other first. Later, when Aly's more comfortable with you, I was hoping you could spend time together and get her adjusted to your life style. I would like to keep custody of her as long as possible. I just don't want to miss too many days with her." It was hard to keep the tears under control. She knew her days with Aly were few, but voicing it made it all the more real. She wasn't scared to die, but she was afraid to leave Aly alone.

"You have this all planned out."

"She's my life. Soon she'll be yours."

Harm and Maggie continued to talk. They spoke of their own childhood and family. Maggie told stored about Aly and showed Harm a few of the many photo albums she had. As time passed, Maggie grew more and more confident she had made the right decision. She could see the Commander's sincere interest and joy when speaking of Alyssa. Along with his gentle nature, Maggie relaxed knowing the last major task was being taken care of. In time, she could die peacefully knowing Harm would care and protect her baby.

"Mommy, Mommy!" Maria accompanied the whirlwind that came flying through the door. "Ms. Maria take me for ice cream."

"That's great honey. Come over and sit with mommy." She pulled the child next to her. She knew it could wait, but why put off the inevitable. "Remember when we talked about me being sick. And how I told you about how you were born?" After receiving a nod from the dark-haired bundle of energy, she continued. "Well, Maria and I found the man who helped give me you. He's going to take care of you when I can't be here anymore." She watched her daughter for a reaction.

Aly understood what her mother was trying to say. Ever since she had gotten sick, her mommy had tons of talks about how she was born and what would happen when her mommy went to heaven. She saw the tall man sitting cross from her. He was so tall and big, but the smile on his face reassured her. She took one last look at her mother before climbing off the sofa. Standing in front of the man, she asked him a question. "Are you my daddy?"

"Yes, I am." Harm could hardly keep the tears from his eyes as the little girl launched herself into his arms.

JAG HQ

A few weeks later

Harm spent the next few weeks spending every spare moment with Maggie and Alyssa. His daughter was the most amazing little girl. They went to the park together, watched movies, and played games. Harm had taken them both up to see his plane and even taken them for a ride. Everyday he fell in love with her again. There were only two dark spots in his life. One was watching Maggie deteriorate. She seemed to get weaker each day. The other was JAG. Things had been tense between him and the others. The Admiral seemed to be constantly disappointed in his work. He couldn't remember what Mac was mad at him for this time and Sturgis was being short with everyone. Due to the unusual circumstances behind finding Alyssa, he had kept his daughter and the recent changes to his life from the staff. Once he was on everyone's good side again, he would introduce them to Alyssa and Maggie.

He was supposed to be finishing up an opening statement for court on Monday when a cry through the bullpen diverted his attention. He knew that cry. Although he had only heard it once, it had broken his heart. Springing from his chair, he entered the bullpen to find Maria trying to comfort his crying daughter.

Maria sighed in relief when she spotted the Commander. "Commander, I'm so sorry. I couldn't calm her down enough. She insisted on seeing you."

Harm immediately pulled the little girl into his arms. "Oh baby, what's wrong? Don't cry. I'm right here." He listened as her cries started to abate as exhaustion took over. "Maria, what happened?"

"It's Maggie. She collapsed. They rushed her to the hospital. The staff there knows me and called. When I got there, Aly was inconsolable. She kept crying for you." She took a deep breath before delivering the final bad news. "Harm, I spoke with the doctor briefly. Maggie slipped into a coma. They are pretty sure this is it." She tried to wipe away the tears as the fell down her face.

Harm couldn't believe it. They were supposed to have more time. He wasn't ready yet. Alyssa and he both needed Maggie still. "Oh baby. I'm so sorry. I've got you baby. I've got you." As he regained control of his emotions, he noticed Alyssa had cried herself to sleep. He could feel the tears seep through his uniform and against his skin. "I'll take care of you baby. I promise." He continued to rub her back in a soothing motion and kissed her head.

The sound of someone clearing their throat alerted Harm to his surroundings. He had momentarily forgotten they were standing in the middle of the bullpen. All the other personnel stood motionless, watching the spectacle displayed before them. Silently he cursed himself for forgetting proper protocol. However, his daughter was more important. If the Admiral had a problem, who cared. Turning around, he noticed the Admiral standing in the doorway, his eyebrows raised in interest.

Speaking softly, careful not to disturb Aly, he addressed his commanding officer. "Sir, if you give me a moment to get Ms. Lucen and Alyssa into my office, I can explain everything."

"My office. Five minutes Commander!"

Harm turned back to Maria and directed her toward his office. "Maria, can you stay with her for a few moments? I have some explaining to do."

"Sure."

Harm carefully placed Aly into one of the extra chairs in his office. After ensuring she would sleep for a few more minutes, he excused himself and prepared to face the music. Harm approached the Admiral's office and avoided all the curious looks from his coworkers. Now how was he supposed to explain this? As he neared the office, Tiner waved him in. He knocked and waited for a response.

"Enter."

From the gruff tone in the Admiral's voice, Harm knew this wouldn't be easy. "Sir, first I'd like to apologize for the break in protocol. It won't happen again."

"Take a seat Commander." The Admiral gathered his thoughts before proceeding. "Is this child your latest obsession?"

Harm's blood began to boil. He knew the Admiral was only looking for a reaction, but the comment still stung. "No sir. She is my daughter."

"Explain now."

"I only found out a few weeks ago. Alyssa is my daughter. I have submitted the proper paperwork to add her to my dependents." Harm tried to remain as professional as possible. He didn't want to give the Admiral more ammunition.

"I don't give a dam about paperwork. You've known about her for weeks and you haven't said anything!" The Admiral was out of his chair and opened the door to his office. "Tiner, I want to see the Colonel now!"

This was going downhill fast. Harm didn't have the time to deal with this. He needed to focus his energy on Alyssa and Maggie. "Sir, with all due respect, what does the Colonel have to do with this?"

Mac stood at attention in front of the Admiral's door. She sent a cold glare at Harm before shifting her attention back to their commanding officer. "Sir, you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, did you know about this?"

"About what Sir?"

"Commander Rabb's daughter."

The door to the Admiral's office was still open. Harm watched as those close by froze upon hearing the Admiral's statement. At least now he wouldn't need to find a way to break the news to the staff. His eyes rested on Mac finally. The confusion and anger were obvious from her expression. He just didn't understand what she had the right to be mad about. They had stopped being friends and sharing their lives weeks ago.

"No sir. I didn't." Mac was shocked. Of all the things she expected to hear, this wasn't one of them.

"Sir, the Colonel had no knowledge of my daughter, neither did anyone else." Harm needed to finish up and head to the hospital. "Admiral, I would like to request emergency family leave."

"For what reasons?"

Harm knew he didn't provide a complete explanation, but he didn't believe they deserved to know so many details of his personal life anymore. "Sir, Alyssa's mother was just taken to the hospital. They don't believe she's going to survive. I'd like to take Alyssa to say good-bye. I'll also need some time to take care of the arrangements and finalize day care for Aly for when I return to work."

"Oh Harm." Mac's expression softened as she watched Harm fight for control during his explanation.

Even the admiral softened. Leaning back against his chair, he placed his glasses on the desk. "Harm, you know if you need time, you have it. Why didn't you tell us earlier about your daughter?"

Harm allowed himself to drop his guard momentarily. "Sir, Maggie has terminal cancer. She's been getting progressively worse. She collapsed today. The woman who brought Aly is a friend. Apparently, Maggie has slipped into a coma. I'm not sure how long I'll need. I do need at least a few days to make arrangements for Alyssa while I'm at work."

Admiral Chedwiggen knew a stone wall when he saw one. Rabb wasn't about to give out any further details. Knowing he'd have to wait for some answers, he agreed to Harm's request. "Leave granted. You have 2 weeks. If you need more, just let me know." He watched the officer before him return to attention. AJ wondered when their relationship became so strained. "Harm, I'm very sorry. If you need anything, give us a call. Also, if you have a minute, can you pass any open cases to Colonel Mackenzie."

"Thank you Sir. I'll keep you informed."

"My sympathies Commander. Please let us know if there is to be a service. Dismissed."

Harm practically sprinted out of the Admiral's office and into his own. As he walked in the door, he froze in his tacks. Harriet Sims had Alyssa on her lap and was trying to comfort her. When Harriet noticed the Commander, she attempted to stand. Feeling the disturbance, Alyssa looked up. Seeing her daddy, she climbed down and launched herself into his arms.

"Commander, Ms. Lucen had to make a phone call. I volunteered to stand with Alyssa until she returned." As Harriet watched the father and daughter together, it struck her as the most natural thing in the world. Alyssa resembled the Commander in so many ways. She had his dark hair, eyes, and from what little she had seen, his personality. Harriet knew Harm was wonderful with little AJ and had always thought he'd be a wonderful father. Watching the little girl take comfort in his strong arms, she knew she was right.

"Thank you Lieutenant. Alyssa, I just need a few minutes then we can go see the doctor about mommy. Okay?"

"Mommy's going to heaven soon."

It broke Harm's heart to see Aly so sad and to know she would never speak to her mother again. "Yeah baby. Mommy will be going to heaven soon, but remember what she told you. She'll be up there looking over you every day and you can always talk with her. Okay?" A small head moved against his neck and he felt the arms around his neck tighten.

"Sir, if you need any help, just let Bud or I know. We'll help any way we can." Harriet felt tears in her eyes watching the little girl cry into the Commander's shoulder.

"Actually Harriet, I need to leave for the hospital, but my cases need to be organized first. Would you mind helping Alyssa wash her face and maybe get her a drink of water. I just need a minute to get these things organized and to Colonel Mackenzie."

"Of course Sir."

"Aly, Lieutenant Sims will take you for a few minutes okay. Will you go with her and be a good girl?" Harm watched as she nodded and latched onto Harriet's out stretched hand. As the door closed, he realized the enormity of Maria's announcement. He would be a single father. For the second time since discovering Aly's existence, he felt the weight of the responsibility.

Harm shook himself from his thoughts and focused on getting through the day. First, he needed to clean off his desk. Quickly glancing through his files, he tried to determine what needed to be handled and what could wait. He hadn't received too many new cases lately, so the majority of the folders were paperwork. Maybe after Aly went to sleep he could finish some. He grabbed what he could and shoved it into his briefcase. He delivered the remaining folders to Coates to pass off to the Admiral or Mac.

"Jen, can you see that the Admiral gets these. Let him know I'm taking the remaining files with me. I'll have my phone on if anyone needs me, but try to avoid calling. When I get this paper work done, I'll drop it off."

Jen accepted the files and made a note to herself. She had heard most of what occurred while the Commander and Colonel were with the Admiral. "Sir, no one will call unless it's an emergency."

With a small smile, Harm grabbed his briefcase and cover. It was time to find his daughter and head to the hospital. He just prayed it wasn't too late to say good-bye. A quick glace told him Harriet was still gone.

"Commander," Jen called softly. "Sir, I heard and know it may seem inappropriate, but congratulations. She's a beautiful little girl. I'm sorry about her mother. If you need anything or someone to baby sit, I'd be honored if you called me." Jen could remember when she lost her own mother as a young girl. She wouldn't wish that fate on anyone. However, this little girl would be luckier than she was. With the Commander as her father, she would still have a wonderful childhood. Jen was positive of that if nothing else. Harmon Rabb went to great lengths to help her when she was a stranger. She knew he would move heaven and earth for his own daughter.

Watching the emotions and sincerity Jen displayed reminded him he didn't have to do this alone. "Thank you Jen. She's the best thing that has happened to me. I just wish things could have been different for her."

"She will always have you Sir. She'll be okay."

"Thanks again Jen. I may just take you up on your offer."

"Daddy."

Harm turned to spot Aly and Harriet walking towards him. He noticed her little face wasn't as red as before and her eyes looked clearer. "Hey sweetie. All ready to go?" He picked her up and held her tightly, feeling her little arms grip around his neck.

"Sir, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call me and Bud. She's a wonderful girl. Congratulations." Harriet said good-bye to Aly who refused to remove her head from where it was buried in her father's shoulder.

"Thank you Harriet. Alyssa, I want you to meet Jennifer Coates. Jen, this is my daughter Aly." In case he did call Jen to baby sit, he wanted her to be some what familiar with Aly. Noticing her head was still buried, he carefully raised her chin. "You okay sweetie?"

Her lower lip began to quiver again. "Are we going to see mommy?"

Letting out a deep breath, he placed his cover on and reached for his briefcase again. "Yeah baby. Let's go. Bye Jen."

"Good luck Commander."

Harm met Maria outside. She was just finishing up her phone call and needed to return to work. After another good-bye, Harm secured Aly in the back seat and headed for the hospital.