Tuesday

Dr. Vera McCool's office

Mac sat down on the couch and looked around. The pictures on the desk had changed. Dr. McCool's daughter was turning into a grown woman. It was strange to think about how long McCool had been part of her life, especially since Mac's original thought had been to get out of there as soon as possible and never come back. Get the all-clear stamp and go back to normal. But nothing was normal again after Sadiq or after her endometriosis diagnosis.

"What brings you here, Sarah?"

Mac hesitated. "There was a situation. A hostage situation actually."

"It was the reason we met," McCool looked confused.

"No this is a new situation," Mac clarified. "On Saturday. It's been in the papers."

McCool nodded. I'm not totally up to speed. I've been out of the country until yesterday. Why don't you fill me in?" she suggested.

"I can do that," Mac agreed.

Fifteen minutes later

"Do you feel restless?" McCool wondered.

"No, not really. I just figured I'd take my husband's advice and talk it out," she smiled sheepishly. "With someone who isn't personally involved."

"Your husband is too involved?" McCool assumed.

"He was pretty upset, yeah. And I get that, I really do. I've been on the other side with him as a hostage, and there's no way not to let it get to you. This time with the kids involved, I think we've been a little crazy both of us. And then there's all the work with the wedding," she added with a shrug.

"The wedding?" McCool questioned.

"Our son, Nathan, is getting married this Saturday. And graduating," she added proudly. "He's so together. More than I was at his age. Harm too, I guess. Nathan has it all figured out."

"It's a big day for all of you," McCool smiled.

"It really is. We're so proud of him," Mac smiled lovingly.

"And he's taking on fatherly responsibilities too. With Sophia," McCool added.

"He's already a great father. It's so amazing to watch the three of them together," Mac leaned back on the couch. She knew she was wearing a silly smile on her face.

"It's okay to be proud. You've accomplished so much," McCool reminded her. "And still taking on more responsibility. With Kelly."

"Yeah, and we owe you a lot for the help you've given her," Mac acknowledged.

"I was happy to help, but most of the work you and your husband did," McCool reminded her. "Tell me how you felt, in that store."

Mac hesitated. "Scared of course."

"Were you?" McCool wondered.

"Of course, but I guess my training helps me stay calm," Mac reasoned. "My priority was to get the kids safely out of there."

"And you created a bond with the man holding the gun," McCool reminded her.

"I did, but it wasn't that hard. I think he was looking for someone to solve his problems for him. He is a messed up kid who never really had a chance in this society," Mac was upset now. "He never intended for anyone to be hurt. I could see it in his eyes. He wasn't evil."

"Desperate, you said earlier," McCool hesitated. "You feel sorry for him despite pointing a gun at you?"

"I do," Mac admitted. "And Harm doesn't really understand."

"Because he wasn't there. All he experienced was the thought of his family being hurt or killed."

"Yeah," Mac smiled sheepishly. "It's a terrible feeling."

So how has the mood been in your house since the hostage situation?" McCool wondered.

Mac thought about it. "Happy."

"To be alive?" McCool asked.

"To be together," Mac smiled. "We usually are, but there's a lot of hugging and laughter. Kelly especially. She's not the touchy-feely type at all, but these last few days we've had so many talks. Like I used to have with Claire at that age. It's nice."

"It must be," McCool agreed. "What about you and Harm."

Mac hesitated with an amused smile on her face. "Very affectionate. But that's normal. He has changed so much since we got together. He's actually talking about his feelings, which is nice. He's been great in all this. If anything I've been pushing him away. At first, I did at least."

"How does he feel about that?" McCool wondered.

"He gets frustrated but he lets me have my time. He says that pushing me is like poking the dragon," she laughed softly. "But we've had good talks."

"That's good," McCool leaned back in her chair. "You're not showing any signs of PTSD, Sarah. I'm not worried. You seem happy."

"A lot better than the mess I was the first time I came to see you, right?" Mac joked.

"You just needed to figure out how you were feeling," McCool smiled.

"Yeah," Mac agreed. "Thanks for seeing me."

"Any time," McCool smiled. "So tell me, will the wedding be big?"

Later that day

Mac stepped out of the elevator and headed for their offices. They had moved to a different building three months ago because the firm kept expanding. They were on the second floor, more centrally located and with a lot more space.

"I didn't think you'd come today?" Nina, their office manager smiled warmly. She was past her retirement age and Mac dreaded the day when she'd decide to leave.

"I'm not, I'm just here to see Harm," Mac reassured.

"You must be busy with the wedding?" Nina questioned.

"Eve's mother is in charge so I mostly follow orders," Mac chuckled. "Everything is pretty much ready for the big day."

"Wonderful," Nina motioned for Harm's office. "He's free."

"Thanks," Mac made a motion to leave. "By the way, did he eat lunch today?"

"He skipped it so I got him a sandwich," Nina said.

"Again," Mac shook her head with amusement as she headed for her husband's office.

"Hi, there!" he smiled when he noticed her in his doorway.

"Hi," she closed the door behind her. "How is your day coming? I hear you're skipping lunch again?"

Harm chuckled. "I'm taking the rest of the week off, so I need to get things done."

"I was hoping that you'd be done now," Mac rounded his desk and bent down and kissed him.

"Yeah? You have other plans?" he pulled her down on his lap. "Because I have a lock on that door."

She laughed softly. "Tempting, but I was thinking that we'd drive out to Blacksburg, take Sarah up…"

"Really?" he was amused. "That's what you want to do?"

"You haven't taken the time, and I'd like to spend some time with you," she kissed him softly. "I packed a basket."

"Did I ever tell you that you are an awesome wife?" he kissed her again. "Give me five minutes to return this email."

"Done," she got off his lap. "And no, you don't tell me that often enough."

He flashed her a sexy smile. "You are."

Later

They lay in the shadow under Sarah's wing on a blanket Mac had brought. They had landed on the same clearing they'd used so many times. Mac had filled him in on her session with McCool and they'd had a small bickering match over her psychic abilities, that she still didn't think existed.

"This was a great idea. Did I tell you that?" he moved over her and kissed her softly.

"You did," she ran a hand through his hair.

He moved his hands more strategically on her body and kissed her deeply. He loved this woman and she loved him. Together they had created a life that neither of them thought was possible to have. He pulled her even closer and kissed the top of her head.

"Come Saturday we are in laws," Mac said quietly.

"Yeah, how about that," Harm chuckled.

"I don't feel old enough for that," Mac admitted with laughter.

"Yeah, me neither," he let out a sigh and sat up. "But I think they are ready for this. They've thought it through."

"They have," she agreed.

"And in August it's Mattie's turn," he reminded her.

She nodded. "Maybe we'll have grandkids soon."

"Can you imagine someone calling me grandpa?" Harm thought about it.

"Sure I can," she chuckled. "You'll be a great grandpa."

Harm smiled. "More to be grateful for."

Mac rubbed her nose to his. "I love you."

"I love you too," he kissed her softly. "We have an anniversary coming up."

"Yeah, which reminds me that it's Matthew's birthday soon too." Matthew wanted a flight in Sarah for his birthday, nothing else.

"I guess we do need to plan a party even though a flight is all he wants," Harm said with a chuckle.

"He's going to be a teenager," Mac suddenly realized.

"Yup," Harm hesitated. "Are you ready for that?"

"Not at all," Mac admitted. "Rose will be twelve in a few weeks."

"Time flies," he smiled. "Any wishes for our anniversary?"

"Nope, just to spend time with you," she kissed him softly. "Like this."

"It's on a Tuesday, but I'm sure we could find time for a fancy dinner," he kissed her again.