Mac's internal alarm went off at 6:30am the next morning and she opened her eyes, smiling as she rubbed a hand down Harm's arm that was around her waist. She could feel him against her back, sleep breathing softly in sleep. During their time together they'd discovered that although she was an early and he a later riser, she could usually bring him around in the mornings so he wasn't so grumpy. She untangled their legs and shifted so she was lying on her back, wincing slightly as the bright sunlight hit her full in the face. Harm was sleeping with the right side of his face flat against the pillow, pushing his mouth into funny shape. She ran a finger over the pouted lips and laughed when he brushed her hand away with a clumsy swipe from his arm.

"Come on Harm, time to get up."

He managed to crack one eye and semi-glared at her. "I thought this was our vacation, and vacation usually means that you sleep in." He wrapped his arm tighter around her, turned onto his stomach and nuzzled into the place where her neck met her shoulder, kissing her lightly. She trailed fingertips up the broad bicep resting on her stomach. She rested a moment, simply swamped by having him so close that she could feel every breath he took swelling his chest and whispering across her skin. She spoke again just in time to keep him from falling asleep again. "That's true, but I have to meet the General at 09:00 and you're coming into the office with me, remember?"

"Don't wanna." He replied, but she could see he was coming around to her point.

She lifted his head and kissed him quick and hard. "Come on. I'll shower first and when I get out you better be up and at em' Navy.' She started to climb out of bed but he effectively pulled her under him so his body was pressing hers into the mattress. Evidently certain parts of him were more awake than others. "You know," he started as he smoothed her hair away from her eyes, if we share a shower we'll be ready sooner." She started to speak, to remind him that the last time they'd shared a shower, he'd been late for work and they'd almost broken off the shower head, but he lowered his head to hers and she promptly forgot what she was going to say.

About an hour later they walked out of the hotel room, showered and dressed. They stopped quickly at the continental breakfast set out by the hotel staff and Harm laughed when Mac blushed after he had to ask her twice what time it was. They were soon on their way to JAG headquarters and they turned the morning news on the radio. There was the regular update about traffic and sports and activity the night before, but Harm and Mac looked at each other when the weather was reported. Washington was apparently in for a major snowstorm, starting that night and continuing throughout the next two days. Since their flight to San Diego was scheduled to leave on the end of that second day they'd have to keep a watch on the forecast.

They pulled into the parking lot and after showing ID's to the guards found a parking spot and stepped out of the car. Looking up at the building they both remembered the last morning they'd pulled in for work, not knowing they were about to be separated. But their unease flittered away as they strode towards the doors together, controlling the urge to intertwine their hands while they were in uniform, and proceeded upstairs. They were unaware of the whispers and stares behind their backs, but if they had known, they might have wondered what it was about, but it wouldn't have bothered them. Striding into the bullpen was almost like coming home and immediately the call of "Attention on Deck!" was heard.

"At ease." Harm commanded, and soon everyone was back to work. They stopped in at Bud's office first to say good morning and after a few moments Mac headed out for her meeting with the General. She said a quick hello to Petty Officer Coates, telling her they should go for lunch later so they could talk about Mattie. She knocked on the heavy door and after hearing the bellowed "Enter" she proceeded through.

Harm was laughing as Bud related the story of his almost morning mishap with the twins and a bowl of applesauce when a baritone voice spoke from the doorway.

"So the rumors are true, the prodigal son returns." Harm stood and he and Sturgis measured each other for a moment before Harm extended a hand and they shook, falling quickly into a back slapping masculine hug. The two had been friends since the academy and both were mature enough to realize that any disagreement they'd had was in the past now. They settled into the chairs facing Bud's desk.

"How's life treating you Sturgis? I heard through the grapevine that you might be up for a promotion soon."

The other man nodded. "Haven't heard anything yet but I keep hoping I'll catch up to you someday." They grinned good naturedly at each other and Bud spoke up.

"Sturgis also has some important personal news."

Harm titled his head at the black man. "Is that so? Would this have anything to do with a certain Varise Chestnut that's currently subletting Mac's old apartment?"

"She won't be for very much longer. We're getting married next September."

"That's great Sturgis! Congratulations. I'm really happy for you." And he meant it. Now that he and Mac were planning their own wedding their life together, he wanted everyone to be as happy as they were. Sturgis settled back into his chair, relaxing as he accepted the heartfelt congrats from one of his closest friends. He hoped they could talk more in the future, maybe commiserate over flowers, invitations and wedding plans. The topic shifted to current caseloads and political news before Sturgis stood saying he had a meeting to prepare for.

Harm left Bud's office a few moments later and was discussing Mattie's holiday plans when Mac and the General came out of his office. The older man shook Harm's hand and congratulated him on his success so far as the Force Judge Advocate of Naval Forces Europe before heading out to a meeting with the SecNav.

Harm and Mac made arrangements with Jen to meet her at a restaurant for lunch and headed out for their next appointment, telling her to invite Sturgis and Bud if they could make it.

Soon they were on the road again and Harm glanced at Mac as she started out the windows. Her foot was bouncing up and down on the floor, making her whole leg shake and her face was slightly drawn in worry. He tugged on her hand to make her look at him, enfolding her chilled fingers in his warm palm.

"It'll be alright. You'll see."

"I hope so." She said. "I really, really hope so."

They didn't speak again as they rode through the traffic, looking at each other when they pulled into Bethesda's parking garage.