Harm managed to do exactly what he promised. They flew into DC around lunch and she was set to fly back out around nine that night. It left her just enough time to process out of the Marines and get back to her son. However, Harm had a little surprise for her before she headed out.

He parked the car in front of McMurphy's.

"For old time's sake?" he asked, arching an eyebrow at her.

Mac did the math in her head. She still had a couple hours before she needed to be at the airport. "Sure," she smiled.

Harm set a hand on the small of her back, leading her toward the door. He held it open for her and shuffled in after.

"SURPRISE!" a rambunctious group at the bar shouted. There sat Bud, Harriet, Coates, Sturgis, General Cresswell, and even Harm's mother. Mac's eyes danced over the familiar faces before looking back at her husband. It was obvious he was in on it. She playfully swatted at his chest before making her way to hug their friends.

Harm noticed someone was noticeably absent. He tugged his co-conspirator, Harriet, aside.

"She's on her way, Captain, just running late," the woman answered before Harm could ask.

"Good, I just really wanted Mac to have a chance to see her before we left again."

"I pulled every string I could to get her here," Harriet nodded.

"And I greatly appreciate it," Harm replied, kissing the woman's cheek.

Harriet turned her attention back to Mac, "We wanted to throw you a small shower before you left," she announced. "With that new baby, we weren't sure when you'd make it back stateside."

Harm and Mac had sent out an announcement to all their friends and family when their plans changed from San Diego to London and let them know exactly what, or who, rather changed their plans.

"You didn't have to do that," Mac replied, wiping at her eyes. "This is so wonderful."

"It wasn't our idea, it was your husband's," Coates pointed out. Mac glanced at Harm again. He just shrugged.

"We brought gifts, but only things you can take back in a suitcase. We didn't want you to have trouble getting it home. But if there are big things you need, let us know and we are happy to order it," Trish added. Mac opened her mouth to reply but was distracted by a commotion at the door.

"I know I'm underage, but I am not here to drink. I'm here for the baby shower!" A familiar voice shouted.

"Chloe?" Mac's ears perked up.

"Mac! Don't you guys have enough brass over there to get this bouncer to leave me alone?" the girl pleaded, her eyes catching on the two commanders, a captain, a general, and a retired lieutenant colonel. All of them turned towards the bartender. It was the same woman that had been there the night Harm and Mac announced their engagement.

"She's fine, let her through," Joanna allowed. Chloe shot out of the man's grasp and straight in Mac's arms.

"My flight was delayed, I thought I was going to miss it," Chloe panted.

"We just got here, and we've got plenty of time," Mac assured her.

"Good, I brought a gift," the girl giggled, holding up a bedraggled gift bag. Mac chuckled and pulled the girl in for another hug.

"So tell us about this son of yours. Do you have any pictures?" General Cresswell asked.

"Oh!" Mac dug around in her purse for the envelope of pictures she had developed for Harm to give to their friends during his stay in the US. She wasn't expecting to see all of them herself. The group made over the photos, some taking copies for themselves.

"It's Morgan correct?" Sturgis asked.

"Morgan Mackenzie Rabb," Harm supplied.

"He's gorgeous, sir," Harriet mused.

"Do you know when he'll be out of the hospital?" Bud wondered, looking at the picture over his wife's shoulder.

"Soon, hopefully. He's been hitting his milestones," the Captain announced proudly. "Then we can focus on finalizing his adoption."

"I have a friend in family law if you need some assistance," Sturgis offered.

"I appreciate the offer. I think it's all just red tape at the moment. He hasn't been released from the state yet. There is some confusion about his citizenship, but so far his advocate has been especially helpful," Harm responded with a tight smile.

"Well, when you guys are ready for a babysitter, let me know. I'm happy to help," Coates chimed in. Harm offered her the position of his legalman earlier in the day. He knew she had her heart set on going to California with Mac, but he figured London came in at a close second.

"I don't know when I'll be able to pry Mac away from him. This trip is made on borrowed time as is, but I'll keep it in mind," he teased, earning an eye roll from his wife.


Harm continued to chat with the larger group while Mac stole a couple more minutes with Chloe. She wasn't sure the next time she'd cross paths with her little sister and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity.

"I cannot wait until this sweet boy is home so I can come spoil him," Chloe gushed, studying the picture of Morgan.

"I hope you do. Every little boy needs an aunt that's willing to spoil him rotten," Mac laughed. "I'm so happy you could make it tonight."

"It was all Harm's idea. He's not as terrible as I thought," the girl teased. Mac gently elbowed her. "Ok, ok, so I've always liked Harm. He just got lost for awhile there," Chloe amended.

"We both did," Mac shrugged, her eyes catching on her husband across the bar. He sent her a warm smile. "But I couldn't imagine life without him now."

"Gross," Chloe snorted.


The group spent the next hour catching up. All of the parents offered advice as well as parenting horror stories. Harm and Mac eventually opened their gifts. They were now inundated with clothing and plush toys, all ready for their son's impending release for the hospital.

For as happy as she was to be surrounded by her friends, celebrating their new addition, Mac felt every single mile stretching out between her and her baby boy. Her heart ached to get back home to him. She hadn't expected it to be so hard. It had been less than twenty-four hours.

"You miss him don't you?" Trish asked, noticing her daughter-in-law's fallen expression as she folded her gifts and tucked them into one bag.

"More than I thought possible. I don't like the idea of him being alone in the hospital. He had enough of that before we got there," the former Marine sighed. "You know, one of his nurses told us he didn't really start to thrive until we named him. She said it was like he knew he was no longer alone," Mac admitted, tears filling her eyes. Trish reached out and set a hand on her knee.

"You're going to be a fantastic mom, Mac. You're already on your way there. Morgan is so lucky to have you," she said.

"Thank you. I hope you'll come visit soon. Meet your grandson," Mac offered.

"Whenever you guys are ready to have me, I will be there. Get settled in your new house first," Trish obliged.

"You ready?" Harm interrupted, setting a hand on Mac's shoulder. "I need to get you and Chloe back to the airport,"

"Chloe?" Mac asked, looking around for her little sister. She was off chatting with Coates.

"Yeah, it was a quick turn around for her. Apparently she has school tomorrow," he shrugged.

"And she came all this way?" her brow furrowed.

"You'd do the same for her," he pointed out. "Clo', we gotta head out," he called. The girl nodded and said her goodbyes. Mac followed suit.


Chloe started towards security, giving Harm and Mac a moment alone. She would give her big sister a send off at the gate before heading to catch her own flight.

"Try to get some rest before you go back to the hospital," Harm requested, slinging his arms around her.

"There's a bed in his room, Harm," Mac countered. Harm pulled a face. He should have known she was going to say that. "I just want to see him, then I'll rest," she promised, tucking herself under his chin.

"You remember how to get to the house?" Harm checked.

"Yes, and I promise to make it a home before you get back," she replied.

"Don't worry about that. Our things should arrive in a couple days. We can put the house together when I get back," he insisted.

"Either way, I'll be anxiously awaiting your return…er…we will," she corrected with a wide grin.

"Give my boy a kiss for me?" he asked.

"Will do, Captain," Mac nodded.

"I love you, fly safe," Harm ducked his head to kiss her.

"Love you too," she spoke against his lips. "Hurry home," she tossed over her shoulder as she walked off to the security line.