A/N: I was reading one of my favorite stories again the other day and I was going to reply to an author's note on a chapter only to find that they had combined some chapters to make it more reader friendly, but the author notes I had in my saved copy were gone from the site. I was so bummed! I love it when authors reach out to their readers or provide credit for inspiration or an idea. I try to send PM's to my readers every so often and am thrilled when someone sends me something they would like to see (even if it occasionally gives me pause sometimes). And honestly, sometimes I find author's notes every bit at pleasant as the story as they share parts of themselves with you that way. Let me know what you think as I'm curious if I am in the minority or majority on this one. Do you skip over the ramblings or do you like a note every once in a while?


It didn't take Mac very long to drop the kids off and place a call to the Peterman's. They were fully willing to help and came over rather quickly. Mac quickly ran upstairs to change into some drier clothes after she put water on to boil for some pasta for dinner. Mrs. Peterman brought Louie over and hung out with the kids in the kitchen getting dinner together while Mr. Peterman talked to Mac away from the kids and offered not only Louie's leash, but his crate, a couple of his favorite treats, the name of their veterinarian, and some advice as well for trying to coax the dog to come with them. He advised for Mac to give him a call when they were on their way back so that he could take Louie back to their house.

The Peterman's were in complete agreement with Mac and Harm that they shouldn't have Animal Control come pick the dogs up unless they had been reported missing by their owners. If Animal Control picked them up, they would likely be taken to a shelter that could possibly euthanize them within a given period of time if no one came to claim them. The Peterman's were able to provide several options for rescues and "no kill" shelters if the dogs didn't belong to someone already and the Rabb's didn't intend to keep the pups. Their vet would be able to check at least the momma dog for a microchip, it was unlikely based on Mac's description that the puppies would have one.


Mac returns to the scene with her arms full, and finds Harm standing a few feet away from the momma dog. The rain has subsided to a mere drizzle so she opts to leave her umbrella in the SUV. As she nears closer, she almost drops the entire load when she hears the low growl emanating from the momma pup. Taking soft steps toward them, trying not to anger the dog further, she stops when she is standing directly next to her husband asking out of the corner of her mouth, "Harm, what did you do?"

He answers back, a little louder than he should given the circumstances, "Me? I didn't do anything. I'm trying to get close enough to keep her and the puppies dry, but she won't let me near them."

Mac nudges him with her hip in an attempt to get him to lower his voice as she jests, "I guess there is a female on the planet that is immune to your smile, after all."

Harm takes two steps backwards, and quietly remarks, "You mean other than you?"

Mac follows his lead, trying to give the pup a little space, "Hmm. I'm sure it has nothing to do with your charm. She's just protecting her young. Didn't anyone teach you not to get between a mother and her babies?"

Harm rolls his eyes, "For wild animals yes, but I didn't think that applied to dogs. They are supposed to be somewhat domesticated. I'm not going to hurt them; I'm merely trying to help them."

Mac smiles softly, "Well, she doesn't know that."

Harm thinks about it for a moment, "Maybe it's my uniform?"

Mac laughs outright, "Your uniform? I don't think the dog cares what you are wearing."

Harm ignores her tease, "Yes. When I defended Elizabeth Lane, the one accused of murder of the Turkish diplomat, I couldn't go into her apartment when I was first investigating her case. Her dog wouldn't let me in the door. He was a DEA reject and didn't like men in uniform. Almost bit the crap out of me."

Mac nods, "I remember that case. No one could talk you out of the fact that you thought she was innocent, not even the Admiral. If you aren't careful, his one might bite you too. No offense to the other dog, but I love men in uniform, especially you."

The momma dog has retreated back to the box and is licking her puppies again, no longer feelings threatened by the interlopers. Harm chuckles, "Oh, so you married me for my uniform?"

Mac smiles, "Nah, it was just an added bonus. I still prefer you out of it."

Harm wraps his arm around her shoulders and whispers in her ear, "If we can manage to find any time to ourselves tonight with all these pups in residence, I will take you up on that offer, Marine."

Even in the dark, he can see the glimmer of desire in her deep brown orbs at his insinuation.

Mac chuckles, knowing they need to get back to the matter at hand of getting these dogs warm and safe. "We'll see, Flyboy." Glancing back towards the dogs, she remarks, "Try approaching her from the side instead; don't make direct eye contact. In fact, let me do it. I appear less threatening than you."

Harm raises his eyebrows, "Really? That would be a first."

She shoots him a look warning him that isn't the safest remark he has made tonight.

Paying her no mind he laughs, "What? Most people are more intimidated by you than by me. I'm calmer."

She gives his comment its due. He's right. She tends to fly off the handle quicker than he does in most situations. However, she is also keenly aware that she is about the only one who can talk any sense into him when he is gung-ho about doing something. She flatly states, "Harm, in this case I think it would be better for me to try to get near her. First of all, she has already growled at you. Secondly, I know from Jingo that dogs can often sense multiple things about a person without them saying a word. She might very well know that I am in the same situation that she is, protecting my young, even if mine are still in the womb. I also have food."

Harm notes that she may have a valid point. He relents, "Okay, you try. But if she growls at you too, all bets are off. I'm not risking your safety too."