Friday night

By Friday everyone had flown in to take part in the wedding. Everything was ready for the big day by Thursday night. Friday they took part in Nathan's graduation. Then in the afternoon, it was the rehearsal in church followed by the rehearsal dinner. It had been a wonderful day.

"Weddings are really exhausting," Matthew complained as they walked into the house. "And we have to do it again tomorrow."

"Tomorrow is the real thing," Rose smiled as she greeted Max. "Can I take him outside?"

"It's way past your bedtime. I'll let him out in the garden," Mac patted Max's head.

"I'm turning in," Trish put her arm around Rose's shoulder. "Come on, you need your beauty sleep. You too Matthew."

"Good night." Harm followed his wife out on the back porch. He watched as she sat down to watch the dog run around in the garden. He smiled and joined her.

"Long day," she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Tomorrow will be another long day," he kissed the top of her head.

"We better get some sleep." She didn't make any attempt to move her head from his shoulder. "This is nice."

He nodded and put his arms around her. "Getting married tomorrow and reporting to Pensacola in a little over a week." He chuckled.

"What?" Mac was curious about what her husband found so funny.

"He has no idea how hard it will be." Harm let out a sigh. "And he's juggling a family too."

"And that's funny?" she was amused.

He shook his head."No, I was just thinking of me back then. It really was the hardest and best time of my life."

She raised her head and looked at him funny.

"Well, not like that. I'm very happy with my life with you," he reassured. "But I had this dream. A goal. And graduating and finally being able to attend flight school, that feeling... " He let it hang.

"The biggest high?" she assumed.

"Yeah." He hesitated. "Well, holding Matthew for the first time was… The ultimate high. But it's different I guess. At one point in life, you think that flying is the only real high, and then you have a baby and nothing can compare to that. All I'm saying is that Nathan has a lot of moments to look forward to. I just hope he lets himself enjoy them all."

Mac smiled. "You're getting a real softy in your old age, Harm."

"Old?" he looked shocked. "Ouch, that hurt."

She laughed. "Sorry."

Max circled back to them. "We should get some sleep." Harm started to stand. "I know one thing."

"What?" she asked as she stood.

He drew her close. "I'll be the man with the most beautiful date tomorrow. Lucky me."

"I'm the lucky one." She leaned in and kissed him. She really was a lucky girl.

The next morning

They had an early breakfast before they drove to Annapolis. They had arranged for hotel rooms at Annapolis that night so they wouldn't have to drive back home at night. Max was staying with neighbors until the next day.

"Mom I need to borrow waterproof mascara," Claire said as they were getting ready in the hotel room.

"It's right over there," Mac pointed towards the mirror.

"Can you check my tie?" Harm stepped into the bathroom. "It's a little crowded in here don't you think?" he questioned when he saw both Claire and Kelly there along with his wife.

"Come here," Mac turned to him. "The tie looks good."

Mac walked out of the bathroom with her husband. "The girls will be ready soon."

"We should get going. We don't want to be late for church," Harm took one last look in the mirror. "What do you think?"

"You look very handsome." Mac leaned in and kissed him softly.

Matthew walked into the room. "Are we leaving soon?"

"Soon," Harm smiled. "Look at you."

"You look smashing, honey," Mac complimented. "Rabb men really are handsome."

Matthew smiled brightly. "I'm looking forward to the cake."

Mac and Harm shared amused looks.

The church was decorated beautifully. Harm looked around then focused on his son who looked nervous. Harm remembered the feeling from his own wedding.

"You okay?" he wondered.

"Yeah," Nathan took a calming breath. "Nervous."

"It's normal," Harm slapped his son's shoulder. "You ready?"

"I think so," Nathan hesitated. "No, I know so."

"Good." Harm turned when AJ Roberts walked over. He was the best man. The church was filling up with family and friends.

Mac walked in. She had been to look in on the bride. "Is everyone ready?" she wondered as she walked over to them.

"I am," Nathan said.

"Good," Mac hugged him. "Good luck."

"Thanks, Mom." Nathan noticed the chaplain walking up. He took a deep breath. This was it.

Everyone found their seats and Mac reached for her husband's hand as the music started playing. Harm's eyes met hers and they smiled. The wedding was beautiful.

Sunday

Harm noticed kisses to his neck and he stretched lazily, wondering what time it was. Not bothering to open his eyes he mumbled to his wife.

"08.30."

"We can sleep more," he pulled her closer. "No rush."

"I'm hungry and the kids are probably awake"

He felt her move away from him.

"I got a text from Matthew saying that he's awake. Rose too." She moved over him. "Are you regretting having cognac last night? It always makes you grumpy."

"I'm not grumpy," he argued. "Can't a man sleep in after his son's wedding?"

"A man can, but not when his wife is hungry." She smiled when he finally opened his eyes. "We should get the day going. We agreed to meet everyone for breakfast at 0900."

"All right." Harm sat up.

Mac slipped out of bed. "Join me in the shower and I bet I can make you wake up."

"Oh I bet you could," he mumbled as he hurried after her.

After breakfast, Nathan pulled his parents to the side.

"I just wanted to say thank you for everything," Nathan said with a sweet smile.

"Any time," Mac hugged him. "Good luck on your next adventure, honey." She moved back. "Be careful."

Nathan nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"I expect updates." Harm hugged his son. "Often."

"I promise," Nathan smiled. "I better say goodbye to the rest of the Rabb gang. We have a lot of packing to do before the drive tomorrow."

Nathan headed towards his siblings. Mac took her husband's hand. "I still can't believe he's all grown up."

"Believe it," Harm said proudly.

Later that day

Rose removed the leash from Max's collar. The dog happily ran off to check out the area. Every now and then he ran back and circled them as they walked.

"So you'll be okay with me leaving for a few days to help Mattie out?" Mac wondered.

Harm took her hand. "I'm going to have to be okay, aren't I?" He smiled teasingly. "I think I can hold down the fort for a few days. Besides, Claire is home for the summer so..."

"I have a lot of faith in you," she smiled. "And having Claire home might not be that helpful since she's starting work in the morning."

"We'll manage." He stopped her and drew her closer. "The problem is going to be, being without you." He kissed her deeply.

"Wow!" she said as the kiss ended.

"Just making sure you don't forget about me and run off with some Californian surfer." He kissed her again.

"I doubt any Californian surfer has anything on you, honey." She reassured him. He still had the ability to surprise her, even after fourteen years of marriage. And make her go weak in the knees. "I'll miss you too."

"But it'll be good for you and Mattie to have some time together," he smiled and tugged on her hand.

They started walking again.

Later that day

Mac knocked on Kelly's door and the music quieted. The door opened.

"I'll turn it down."

Mac smiled. "That's not why I'm here actually. Since I'm leaving in the morning...

"I'll be on my best behavior while you're away," Kelly promised before Mac could say anything else.

"I know you will. "But also, help out," Mac suggested.

"I will," Kelly promised. "Don't worry, we can manage for a few days."

"I know." Mac let out a sigh and smiled.

Mac walked downstairs. "I'm all packed."

"Come sit," Harm patted the seat beside him.

"Where are Claire, Mattie, and Alex?" Mac sat down beside him.

Harm moved his arm around her. "They are downstairs watching a movie. It's a very quiet night at the Rabb house."

"Matthew is gaming, Rose is reading and Kelly is busy blasting the stereo and probably texting like crazy with her friends about boys or some teenage drama." Mac patted his leg. "It's nice to have some time with my hubby before I leave."

"That's what I was hoping for," Harm was about to lean in and kiss her when Kelly came running down the stairs.

"Where's the fire?" Harm wondered.

"Claire texted me from the basement. The film is starting," Kelly said as she hurried past them.

"They text each other in the same house…" Harm didn't look impressed.

Mac chuckled. "Where were we?"

Harm smiled and leaned in to kiss her again. "Right here I think." His lips landed on hers.

"It's a good place to be," Mac mumbled before meeting his lips again.