Joy Cometh in the Morning

by doc100

This is my idea for the finale of JAG. This final “episode” would have allowed us to see into the future life of the Rabb family with all of its ups and downs and in betweens. The 10th season is preserved through 'The Four Percent Solution.'

11. Chapter 10

AN: I know Harm was never given a middle name on the show; at least, not one we were privy too, so I'm giving him a middle name.

I hope everyone found BOTH part of the last chapter (9a and 9b). For disclaimers see chapter 1. Thanks for reading.

Part 10

16:00

Saturday, May 20th, 2006

Bethesda Naval Hospital

Surgical ICU

Harm stood outside Mac's room watching her sleep. He'd been able to make a few additional plans for their anniversary evening. After leaving the NICU, he had talked with Mac's nurse and learned that Mac was to be moved back to the antepartum unit as soon as a bed was available. The nurse expected that to occur before change of shift at 19:00. He had then hurried downstairs, and as luck would have it, found Sally Martin working the dayshift. He had discussed his plans with her and both agreed that the antepartum unit was more appropriate since they would have more privacy. Finally he had talked with Harriet to find out when she and Bud would be visiting. He had informed Harriet of his final necessity and she had agreed to secure the item and deliver it when they came to visit. He entered Mac's room with a grin firmly in place; he would make their first anniversary memorable even if they did spend it in a hospital.

Mac stirred as he approached the bed, "Hey, how's Sophie?" came her sleepy greeting.

"She making progress," he noted as he moved to sit in the bedside chair.

"Na-huh," she shook her head and patted the bed. "Up here Sailor."

"Mac, I don't think they like that as much up here in the ICU, as they did downstairs," he peeked his head around the corner looking for the nurse.

"Harm, I miss you and I don't sleep as well when you're not close," she whined. "Besides I hear they didn't mind you being here last night."

"Mac, I slept in a chair last night."

"According to the nurse, only the bottom half of you was in the chair…the top half was snuggled on the bed," she grinned.

"Well, I guess someone is feeling better," he grabbed her hand and she tugged him onto the bed. He pulled her into his arms, "OK but if I get in trouble and thrown out, it's you fault."

She snuggled in close, "Tell me more about Sophie."

"Hey now, that wasn't the agreement. You said if I came up here then you would go back to sleep. It wasn't that long ago that they gave you that Demerol shot."

She looked up at him, "But Harm…"

He placed a finger to her lips and then replaced it with his, "Close your eyes and I'll tell you about Sophie." She was already drifting off one minute into his story. He laid his head against the top of hers and closed his eyes. The minimal amount of sleep that he'd gotten in the last 36 hours was finally starting to catch-up with him as well. He thought if he just rested his eyes; he could recharge for the rest of the day's events. He was asleep and dreaming before he could even finish the thought.

xxxxx

It was Christmas time 2007 and Sophie was now 19 months old. The holiday season had been hectic. Harm and Mac's professional lives were flourishing and their personal lives were equally busy. After Sophie's first birthday, Harm had begun to suggest they try in earnest for another baby. They never stopped trying actually, but natural means had proven to be elusive. They had met again with Dr. Chen to discuss their options. Harm hadn't understood the need to return to Dr. Chen since they had been so happy with Dr. Abrahms care. Mac explained that Dr. Abrahms dealt with the management of high-risk pregnancies and deliveries, while Dr. Chen dealt most often with the endocrine issues and infertility. Dr. Chen suggested trying Clomid again before progressing to the Pergonal injections. Harm had been skeptical, but Mac wasn't ready to start such an intensive treatment course while Sophie was still so small. They had both agreed to continue with Clomid until after the holidays.

With Sophie being a year older, the holidays took on a whole new level of joy and excitement. She loved the Christmas tree and on several occasions only escaped toppling it onto its side due to her Daddy's quick reflexes. They had finally resorted to placing the tree into the playpen for safekeeping. Turned out this was a good solution for Sophie since she'd always hated the contraption. She had screamed through pictures with Santa and ate handfuls of snow on her first excursion into the white stuff.

Christmas Eve proved to be a late night as Harm was busy putting together toys including a tricycle, dollhouse and Little Tykes Preschool Jungle Gym. Mac had argued to no avail that Sophie was too young for these purchases, while Harm insisted his little girl was a genius and needed the stimulation. Mac for her part settled for purchasing a Raggedy Ann doll, books and blocks. Harm had collapsed into bed at 02:00 exhausted but anxious to see Sophie's reaction. Of course he hadn't counted on her reaction starting at 05:00. Mac reasoned that she'd picked up on her Daddy's excitement. An hour later, the room was littered with boxes and gift wrap. The 'put together' toys were delegated to the outskirts of the room, while Sophie climbed through the boxes and tore up the paper. They had just retired to the kitchen to start breakfast with one very cranky toddler in tow.

"Sophie…no, no, no," Mac quickly grabbed Harm's coffee cup from her reach.

Sophie shrieked in response, "No Mama…Sowie's offee!" She again reached for the cup.

Mac blew her bangs out of her eyes and firmly planted the little one's backside back in her high chair, which of course only resulted in Sophie's intensified screams. "Harm, can you hurry with her pancakes. She's a real crank since she got up so early," she yelled over the noise. "And I'm a crab since I can't have coffee…I need caffeine to deal with this much anarchy…this early in the morning," was muttered under her breath.

"What did you say Mac? I couldn't hear you over Sophie's screaming," was yelled back. "And since when did she develop a taste for coffee?"

"I said I need my tea…and I think the coffee fetish started in the NICU when they put her on caffeine for the apnea," she started to yell again but then stopped when Sophie suddenly became quiet. She turned anxiously toward Sophie, "What did you do now, BooBoo?"

Sophie grinned back, "Goggy!"

Harm wondered back toward the table with a plate of pancakes laden with maple syrup and placed them on Sophie's tray. He then turned toward Mac, "Ah Mac, why are you suddenly drinking herbal tea instead of coffee?"

The words were barely out of his mouth before Sophie again shrieked, "Goggy!" at the top of her lungs. This was followed in quick order by several "yips" heard from the general vicinity of the hall bathroom.

Harm's eyes widened, "Oh my gosh, I forgot Sophie's other present."

As he started toward the front hall he was stopped in his tracks by a marine drill sergeant voice, "Harmon David Rabb, Jr. tell me you did not buy her a dog…because I distinctly remember a conversation in which I stated that I wanted her to be a couple of years older before we took on the responsibility of a dog!"

He turned back, "But Mac, it's not a dog…it's a puppy. And I think Sophie should grow up with one." He flashed his best flyboy grin with tongue peeking out.

Mac stood up with arms akimbo, "Don't even go there…we talked about this…and you can wipe that smile right off your face, Mister; it's not gonna work!"

The sound of several more "yips" could be heard from the bathroom. Sophie squealed and dumped the high chair tray along with the pancakes and syrup onto the floor, climbed down and took off at top speed for the bathroom. "Goggy, Goggy, Goggy!"

"HARM…"

"On it Mac," he took off after Sophie. The pair returned several minutes later with Harm helping Sophie carry the puppy into the kitchen. "Look Mac…she loves it."

Mac collapsed back into chair exhausted. Head in hands, "I can't believe you bought her a dog after I expressly said no. How big, Harm?"

Sophie approached Mac, dragging the puppy behind. "Mama…Sowie habe goggy." She giggled and pointed, "Goggy…Maijjy."

Mac turned back to find Harm slinking away, "How BIG, Harm?"

"Well Mac, I read up on the best dogs for kids and…"

Mac stood and pointed toward the 15 pound ball of fur, "HOW BIG HARM!"

"Ah well, she's a golden retriever, Mac. She should get to be about…" he slinked back further, "…ah, 80-90 pounds," he mumbled into his hand.

"Did you just say 80-90 pounds?"

At that moment the puppy escaped Sophie's grasp and made a beeline straight for the pancake mess on the floor. With Sophie in quick pursuit the duo slid right into and through the syrupy mess with squeals and yips, "Goggy…Maijjy!"

Harm watched in horror with mouth agape as Mac sat down hard onto the floor and began to cry. He approached cautiously, "Mac, don't cry…I'll clean it up…I'll take care of the dog, you won't have to…Mac, please don't cry."

Sophie toddled over and placed maple syrup sticky hands in Mac's hair, "Mama sad…Mama cwyin…" and turned to her Daddy with index finger extended, "…bad Daddee…make mama cwy."

Mac continued to mumble incoherently between sobs, "I…can't…handle…two ba…bies…and…a…pup…py."

"What…Mac, I can't understand you…please stop crying." Sophie joined her Mommy in tears at the same time that the puppy deciding to join the fruckus by biting and tugging at Harm's pant leg. Harm picked up Sophie, "It's OK princess, Mama's fine." He knelt down on the floor next to Mac and pulled her into an embrace, "Look sweetheart, you're gonna have to help me out here…you're scaring Sophie. Look if you want I'll take the dog back…"

Sophie wiggled out of his arms, "NO, NO Daddee…Maijjy mine!" She shook her finger at her father.

Harm ignored his daughter and pulled Mac into his lap gently rocking her, "Sarah, you're scaring me. I've never seen you get this upset before. You need to help me understand…what's going on, Marine?"

Mac mumbled between tears and then withdrew a white stick from the pocket of her robe and thrust it into Harm's face. "Pre..gn…ant," was uttered through shuttering breaths.

Harm took the piece of plastic, "Mac, what is…" his eyes grew wide, "…is this what I think it is?" Mac nodded her head. "Are you…are we…pregnant." Mac nodded again with hiccupping sighs. "We're going to have another baby?" he exclaimed.

Sophie jumped up and down clapping her hands, "Babeee…Babeee…Goggy…Maijjy!" She and the puppy then threw themselves at the huddled mass of her parents, sending the gaggle of four backwards onto the floor.

Harm peered nervously toward his now giggling wife, "It's OK Harm, I guess everyone can stay…but Mister…the dog is your responsibility!"

Sophie giggled back and pointed at her new furry friend, "Maijjy stay!"

"Mac, is she calling the dog 'Maggie'?"

Mac rolled over on top of her husband and peered down with one eyebrow raised, "I don't know, Harm…sounds good to me." She leaned over, gave him a quick peck on the lips and patted his chest, "By the way Flyboy, the mess is all yours…I'm going back to bed." And with a chuckle thrown over her shoulder she sauntered away to the 'peace and quiet' of the master suite.

Harm looked wide-eyed at the syrupy mess on the floor, baby and puppy and gaped, "OH MY GOSH…WHAT HAVE I DONE?"

Sophie giggled in return, "Funneee Daddee!" Which was echoed in the barks of the newest Rabb family member, Maggie the wonder pooch.

Harm spent the next 2 hours cleaning up the mess. The first hour was spent bathing both the baby and the puppy. Throughout the second hour, colorful curses were heard interspersed with "Damn maple syrup…who knew this stuff could stick to so many surfaces…should just call it super glue…." After dumping the bucket for the fourth time to get clean soapy water, the floor and high chair were finally clean. He slowly slinked up the stairs and fell into bed exhausted.

As he pulled Mac into his arms, he heard her sleepy sigh, "Haarmm…where…Sophie?"

"Bathed and in bed…go back to sleep," he nuzzled into the back of her neck.

"Haarmm…"

"What Mac?" he sighed, while rubbing his thumb back and forth over her stomach.

"Where…pu…py?"

"Bathroom…naptime," came his tired reply.

"…kay," was the last uttered sound for the next 3 hours.

xxxxx

The Rabb clan was up and dressed by noon, heading to the Roberts' family home for a late Christmas lunch. With a total of 6 kids between the 2 families, they all thought that a dinner on Christmas afternoon would go over better than Christmas Eve. Bud opened the door only to be greeted by a frustrated Harm, who was trying to control a wiggly screaming toddler.

"NO Daddee…go home…Goggy…Maijjy…NOW!" she shrieked in top voice.

"Sophie stop…we'll see Maggie when we get home," he tried to grab hold of a kicking foot before it could do damage to some of his more valuable assets.

"No Daddee…NOOOW!" she pointed a little finger back toward the car.

"Princess, don't you want to play with Nicki and Hailey?" he reasoned to the out of control child.

"NO!…Pweeeze go home…I wan Mama!" she cried having now climbed halfway over his shoulder.

"Mac, could you help me here?" he begged, while desperately trying not to drop his bundle.

Mac walked past the tangling duo, "I don't think so, Harm. My hands are already full with the gifts and food…besides you created this little dilemma, Flyboy, remember," she poked a finger into his chest and smiled as she headed back towards the Roberts' kitchen.

Harriet appeared at that moment, "What's going on in here…it sounds like World War III?"

Harm sighed, "We had to leave the new d-o-g at home."

Harriet's eyes widened, "You got her a dog…but I thought Mac said 'no'?" She tried vainly to help subdue the fighting toddler.

"Goggy, Goggy, Goggy," Sophie again screamed at the mention of the word 'dog.'

"Don't rub it in," he grumped. "I'm never going to hear the end of that statement…or my new 'responsibilities'," he mocked. "Sophie…Please stop!" he held the kicking child away from his body to prevent further insult.

Harriet held up a finger, "Hang on a minute…I have an idea," she chuckled as she left the room. She returned a few seconds later with a heavily iced and decorated sugar cookie and dangled it in front of Sophie's face. "Sophie, look what Aunt Harriet has."

Sophie took one look at the cookie and went dead weight silent in her father's arms. With eyes mesmerized by the offering, she reached out her little hand toward the sweet treat while uttering only hiccupped gasps.

Harm interjected, "But Harriet, she hasn't even eaten lunch yet…and I don't like her to have all that sugar." Harriet's only response was to roll her eyes in a 'duh' exclamation and point to the now quiet child. "Never mind," Harm sighed back. "Here Sophie…go see your Aunt Harriet…" he handed the baby off and turned toward the living room. "Where are the MEN!" he pouted.

He wondered into the living room to find Bud and AJ watching football. As he surveyed the room, he found 6 little people playing on the floor. Little AJ, now age 8, was playing Navy with his brother Jimmy, now 4. There was another dark-haired little boy, who appeared to be about 3, joining in. Across the room, the twins Nicki and Tyler now 2-1/2 were busy building with blocks. Harm found baby Hailey, now 15 months, curled up asleep in Bud's lap. Harm walked over to the couch and dropped into its padded comfort with a heavy sigh. AJ looked over from the other end and smirked, "Busy day?"

"You have no idea," he rested his head back against the cushion and closed his eyes. "Bud, how do you survive with all these kids…I only have one and she's about to do me in," he laid an arm over his face. "Of course there won't be only one for very much longer," he muttered.

"Mac's pregnant?" asked AJ. At Harm's nod, AJ slapped his shoulder, "Congratulations, that's great…Sophie's going to have a little brother or sister."

"Heaven help me," Harm mumbled again.

"Well, it could be twins," Bud chimed, adding to his friend's distress.

Harm quickly glanced up in horror, "Don't even suggest such a thing!"

AJ laughed, "Harm, you're usually more pulled together than this…something happen this morning?"

Harm rested his head back against the cushion again, "You could say that…Sophie and the new puppy…"

"You got Sophie a dog after Mac said 'NO'…" Bud gaped, "…have you lost your mind!"

"Apparently," grumbled Harm. "And if one more person makes a comment about Mac saying 'NO'…" he huffed. AJ and Bud shared a look that said 'husband in the dog house.'

At that moment Mac entered the room with Sophie following close behind. She placed the now quiet toddler on the floor with the twins and walked over toward the guys. "Can someone make room?" she asked while eyeing her subdued husband. He cracked open one eye and grabbed her hand, tugging her into his lap. She settled back against him as he began to rub her stomach. She smiled as she intertwined their fingers and raised his hand to her lips; kissing his palm, she replaced their joined hands back over their growing baby.

Harriet carried in a tray of appetizers and was followed by a tall man carrying glasses of soft drinks. Bud cleared his throat, "Ah Harm, I don't think you've met Cmdr Bradley Michaelson and his son, Charlie. Bradley's gonna be working out of JAG HQ starting the first of the year.

Bradley walked toward Harm and extended a hand, "Don't get up, Sir. It's nice to meet you. I look forward to working with you and your wife."

Harm's face brightened, "Nice to meet you, Bradley…and it's Harm and Mac. So, are you a lawyer?"

"Ah yes…I've been at Pearl, but Charlie and I are settling into D.C. to be closer to my folks," Bradley replied back.

"What about your wife?" queried Harm.

Bradley looked down, "Ah…my wife Joan and our daughter were killed in an automobile accident about 3 months ago. That's why I requested transfer back to D.C. My parents live about 90 miles from here…they can help with Charlie if I get sent away on TADs."

Harm looked back shocked, "I'm so sorry. Look, Mac and I will be glad to help out if you get in a bind. Charlie looks to be close to Sophie's age."

"He just turned 3…and is having a hard time dealing with the loss. Having some playmates around would probably be a good thing. Harriet offered to provide daycare, since she's reserved her status. I understand she also watches Sophie?"

"Yeah, Sophie loves being around all the kids," Mac added. "Seriously, if you ever get sent away without notice, we'll be glad to keep Charlie…and if you need anything else don't hesitate to ask."

"Thanks, I appreciate the offer; I'll keep it in mind. Listen I better go grab the rest of the drinks," he said as he turned back toward the kitchen.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening were fairly uneventful. There was only an occasional skirmish between the kids over favorite toys and Harm and Mac managed to make it back home by 20:00. Harm gated Maggie into the kitchen and settled Sophie onto the floor with her new toys. He started a cozy fire in the fireplace and then approached Mac who was reclining on the couch. Tapping her shoulder he motioned, "Move forward a little." Once he'd settled behind and had her ensconced between his legs, he sighed in contentment, "Boy I'm exhausted…talk about a long day."

"Well Sailor, most of it you created yourself," she smiled back.

"I know…" he began to rub her stomach again, "…when do you think the baby will be due?" He placed his chin on her shoulder and kissed her neck.

She sighed and leaned back further into his embrace. When she didn't answer he gave her a gentle squeeze. She blinked her eyes, "Oh sorry, that feels good…I won't know exactly until I see Dr. Abrahms, but I'm guessing in July or August." She turned to kiss his cheek.

He pulled his hand away and then presented a small package, "I have one more Christmas gift for you." He smiled into her ear.

She took the gift and studied it, "Harm you already gave me enough this morning."

"I know…just open it," he encouraged.

She opened the delicate box and stared at the gold charm inside. He'd been giving her charms on birthdays or anniversaries to commemorate special events in their lives. He'd already given her the shoe for Sophie; a golden rose with a diamond in the center of the delicate bud for their first meeting; a golden replica of his stearman for their first flight together, and now this. She stroked over the surface of the gold charm with tears in her eyes.

"Sarah, I wanted to change your memories of that occasion to something good…something special. I had the charm made especially for you, so that it now represents the potential for our life together…our family's future." She carefully studied the miniature bridge which had 'ETERNITY' spelled out in small diamond chips across the front rail. He kissed her cheek, "I'm sorry I didn't answer that way then, but I'm not sure we would cherish our lives together as much now, if we hadn't gone through all that turmoil to get to now…and Sarah, I love the NOW."

She turned her face toward him and whispered, "Thank you, I love the now too…and I love you." She kissed him tenderly on the lips, before settling back against his chest with a contented sigh. She was just nodding off when she noticed how quiet the house was. "Sweetheart, where's Sophie?"

Harm looked around the family room and replied, "Ah…she was here a minute ago."

Mac sat up straight, "Where's the dog?"

"I gated her in the kitchen, why?" he continued to glance around the room looking for Sophie.

"You mean the gate that Sophie can climb," she questioned. Both of their eyes widened as just then they heard a crash followed by giggling. They both bolted for the kitchen where they found Sophie and Maggie sitting in the middle of a pile of doggy kibble with the empty 40-pound bag thrown to the side. Sophie was happily devouring Mac's box of Godiva Christmas Truffles and was smeared in chocolate from head to toe. Maggie in typical exuberant puppy fashion was licking Sophie's hands and face while she squealed in delight.

Mac grabbed the camera off the counter and clicked several pictures, before turning toward him with a smile, "Ah Harm…."

He looked back with resignation, "Oh no…but Mac."

"Harm, I believe the correct expression is 'clean up on aisle 5'." She leaned over and kissed his cheek, "I'm going to bed Flyboy…happy cleaning!" she laughed all the way upstairs.

Harm turned back toward the filthy duo who were giggling and yipping, "SOPHIE!"

"Daddee…" she laughed and pointed a chocolate covered finger, "Sowie hungee…Maijjy hungee."

Harm spent the next hour bathing, both the baby and the dog, while muttering, "What was I thinking…should have listened to my wife…" Once the kitchen was restored to order he settled into the rocking chair in the nursery with Sophie to read a bedtime story. He picked up Sophie's favorite book, 'The Velveteen Rabbit.' She pushed the book away.

"NO, NO…Mama weed book…" and then pointed to herself, "…Sowie Mama's BooBoo Bunny."

Harm smiled at his daughter, "Yes, you're Mama's BooBoo Bunny, but Mama's sleeping. So we need to pick a book for Daddy to read."

Sophie scurried off his lap and returned with a different book. Climbing back up on her daddy, she exclaimed, "Weed Maijjy Mouse!"

Harm nodded in understanding, "You've been calling the doggy 'Maisy'."

Sophie rapidly nodded and grinned, 'Yez, Goggy iz Maijjy."

"Well…" Harm laughed as he kissed the top of her curly dark head, "…she's Maggie now." Sophie was asleep before they finished the book. He laid her in her crib and slipped out the door. He crossed to the master suite and climbed into bed with a sigh.

Mac turned over and smiled, "Is she out yet?"

"Yeah," was his exhausted reply.

She frowned, "Where's the dog?"

"Downstairs bathroom," he yawned.

"Harm, why didn't you get her a cage?" she pulled him down and settled his head on her chest."

"Because I…" yawn, "…thought that was cruel."

"But they're den animals, they feel safe in close quarters."

"…kay," came the final response as he rubbed his cheek into her neck.

She smiled and caressed his other cheek, "My poor Flyboy…you've had quite a day." She kissed his forehead and turned out the light.

The following morning, Harm found Maggie lying in the pile of toilet paper that she'd masterfully unwound from the entire roll. He sighed and yelled toward the kitchen, "You're right Mac, I'll pickup a cage on the way home…" then muttered to himself, "…when am I going to learn to listen to my wife?"

xxxxx

AN: Sophie's books mentioned in this chapter are The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams and William Nicholson and Where Is Maisy? by Lucy Cousins.