AN: You know what? I'm justgonna do it. I'm gonna bebrave and make a lot of you happy. Today, I'll post not just this one, but two chapters! How would you like that?
Disclaimer: I solemnly swear I do not have DJE stashed away somewhere in my closet...nor any other JAG cast or characters. Unfortunately my closet wouldn't be big enough.
Enough of that, on with the story...
If Bud was surprised by her presence, he didn't let on. Harriet just threatened him with some serious bodily harm if he told a certain Naval Commander anything about their unexpected guest.
Being the amazing friend he was, Bud just shrugged and quipped with a smile:
"Shall I get your car out of sight then?"
Realizing her precious Corvette would immediately catch Harm's attention if he ever came up with the idea of looking for her here, Mac tossed the keys to Bud with a grateful look.
The evening stretched out with the warmth only a tight family could provide. AJ was thrilled to hear his godmother was staying with them a couple of days and immediately began looking for his newest games to play with her. It brought a smile to her tired face, as Harriet silently pointed out to her husband. As a bonus for her and Bud, they didn't have to keep him busy, nor bring him to bed when, hyped up by sugar and the unexpected playmate, he finally got tired enough to go to sleep.
Mac was still smiling when she came downstairs and set down with her friends again. Stifling a yawn she stretched her limbs before making herself comfortable.
"You look tired, Mac. Maybe you should go to bed too."
Her smile evaporated, leaving just the lines of fatigue etched in her face.
"I don't think I can sleep."
Her words came out a soft whisper. As a surprise to her, it was Bud instead of his wife, who insisted.
"Colonel…, I'm sorry, I mean Mac, it's no use mulling over this. And really, if you think about it, it might not be such a big deal after all."
"Oh, you think Bud?"
Mac had always had trouble being mad at her friend, but now she really couldn't help herself.
"Not such a big deal? Having all you personal feelings broadcast over your entire office? How can I ever face them again? How can I face Harm again?"
Bud cleared his throat, ignoring the warning glances his wife tried to shoot in his direction.
"Mac, we're you coworkers too and yet, here you are. You know you can trust us, and you can trust Jen and the General too. Nobody is holding anything against you and Sturgis will think twice the next time he dares to open his mouth about anything. As for the Commander…"
"What, Bud? What did you want to say about him?"
"I personally think this whole…situation might be good for him, providing that it's true of course."
"Would it be plausible if I denied it?"
Mac sounded defeated, knowing the answer before it was given.
"Honestly? No, Mac. I don't think it would be. But like I said, if it's true, than this might turn out for the best."
"How, Bud, how can this possibly turn out to be anything else than it is: a total disaster?"
"It might make him open his eyes, see what's right in front of him. Take some action."
"Bud, Harm's not interested in me like that. Or not any more anyway. I managed to kill that notion all by myself. We're not even good friends at this point. Even if that's all he's ever wanted us to be."
This time, Harriet chipped in, shaking her head in fierce denial at the latest comment of their tormented friend. "I don't think so, Mac."
Turning her head to face her, Mac looked at her incredulously. "Harriet, do you know something I don't know?"
For a moment the former lieutenant faltered, than plowed in head on, since there was no retreat possible.
"It's a feeling more than a fact, Mac, but if you want my honest opinion, than I don't believe for a minute that Harm is not head over heels in love with you too. He might be stubborn, he might be scared, hell, he might even be totally oblivious, but that man is in love. I'd even bet the life of my family on it."
That last statement convinced Mac her friend was serious. For Harriet to swear anything on the lives of her children meant she talked business. Still, she failed to see how this could be a change. Voicing her last thoughts out loud, Harriet couldn't help but giving an exasperated sigh.
"This is just…the two of you give me more gray hairs than both my kids and Bud thrown together."
Ignoring her husband's attempt at objection at being included, she struggled to get to her feet. Wobbling severely for a moment, she managed to regain her balance and stepped over to Mac's chair, taking her friend's hands in her own.
"Now listen to me and listen carefully. You love him. Right?"
At Mac's nod, she charged on.
"And he loves you, and there's no way you can deny that. No argument is gonna convince me otherwise. So it's simple."
"What's simple?"
Another sigh, this time being combined with a severe head shaking. Talking as if she was addressing a very reluctant little AJ, she pronounced:
"GO-TALK-TO-HIM"
"That's not the least bit simple, Harriet, as our history has proven so far. In fact, every time I try talking to him, we end up in some kind of screaming match, further away from where we want to be than when we started."
She heaved a sigh, desperately trying to keep the tears from flowing. She felt like someone had punched her in her stomach, leaving her breathless. Sniffing, she added:
"I'm so tired, Harriet. So damn tired of this roller coaster I seem to be on."
Her friend seemed to be in full mother-mode now as she gently stroked Mac's dark hair to sooth her. Speaking softly, she continued with her attempt to push some sense into her Marine friend's reluctant mind.
"Then get off it, Mac. You're the only one who can. You're not gonna fall you know. We're here, and Harm will be here too, if you're ready to let him."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I just am. Trust me, please?"
Mac stood up and hugged the other woman as good as possible with her huge belly in the way.
"Thanks Harriet. If you don't mind, I'm gonna try and get some sleep and think about this all. Maybe I'll know what to do in the morning."
Turning to face Bud, she gave him a smile.
"Thank you too Bud, for everything. And please, don't tell him I'm here just yet. Give me some time."
Bud smiled back, zipping his mouth shut.
"He won't hear a thing from me, Mac. Just take all the time you need. We're in no rush to get you out."
Wishing them both a good night, Mac went to the guestroom, undressed, brushed her teeth and stretched out on the comfortable bed. She hoped she could actually catch some sleep, with the turmoil of thoughts swishing through her head. This might be a long sleepless night.
She was wrong. Sooner than anticipated, pure exhaustion got to her and made her fall into a healing, dreamless sleep.
Here's where I normally ask for reviews, but I'm posting another chapter right after this one, so just hold your breath and read on!