A/N: When I began this sequel to "Seventeen," I considered continuing the story into an AU eleventh season. But it's time to bring it to a close. I may write a post JAG story with our fav couple sometime in the future. Right now, I'm toying with another idea unrelated to this series. I also need to get back to "Saving Mac."

But for now, the conclusion of Beyond Seventeen.

Runaway

McMurphy's Tavern
June 10, 2005
2000 Hours

Mac turned to her soon-to-be husband as he parked his 'Vette outside McMurphy's. "Are you ready for this?"

Harm smiled. "I guess so. Even though I know we did the right thing, it still feels a little strange."

"Yeah, it does. No second thoughts?"

"None. And you?"

"Not a single one."

Harm looked toward the entrance. "We've had a few good memories here. Wet downs. Celebrations."

"And some not so good." Mac hadn't thought of Dalton Lowne's murder in years. That part of her life wasn't something she liked to dwell on. She'd made a mistake leaving JAG. Allowing Dalton to seduce her by the promise of a lucrative career in private practice.

Now she was leaving again. For good. But this time, she would be with the man she loved.

She reflected on everything that had happened in the last few weeks. After Harm proposed, and a night of intense lovemaking, they spent the rest of the weekend talking about their future. Both agreed they wanted to be married as soon as possible. They wanted a small wedding with only a few close friends and family in attendance. Nothing fancy.

What they couldn't initially agree on was who would resign. Harm reasoned he had his twenty years and could retire.

Mac brought up the subject of their baby deal. "I know we're a year behind schedule, but I want to have your child, Harm. It would be better if I were the one to resign."

"Mac, I can't honestly see you staying at home all the time. You're an excellent attorney and a fine marine. Yes, I want you to have my child. My children. But plenty of women work and still raise a family."

In the end, they reached a compromise that suited them but shocked the general and everyone else.

"Ready to go in, marine?" Harm's words brought her back to the present.

"Guess you can't call me that anymore. But yeah, we'd better get inside. After all, it is our going away party."

The entire JAG gang had gathered for the event. The General, Coates, Bud and Harriet, several of the junior officers and staff. Even Sturgis put in an appearance, although he kept to himself most of the evening.

Harriet cornered Mac the minute she and Harm walked through the door. Now that Harriet was a full-time mother, she didn't get out much. "Your ring is beautiful."

"Thank you, Harriet."

"Very tasteful. Not gaudy like—" Her face grew red.

"It's okay. Not gaudy like the ring Mic gave me. Thank God."

"Have you set a date for the wedding?"

"June 25 in La Jolla. I sure wish you and Bud could make the trip."

"Me too, but having four small children makes it hard to travel. Still, I wouldn't change my life for anything in this world."

"So, you don't have any regrets about giving up the Navy?"

"Not a single one. Kids grow up so fast. I missed much of little AJ's first years simply because I was in the office. Just wait until you have one of your own."

"Well, we plan to start working on that soon." Mac smiled.

The group grew quiet as a tall, familiar man entered the building accompanied by a striking woman of Italian descent.

"You didn't think I'd miss your going away party, did you?" AJ Chegwidden greeted Harm and Mac before introducing Marcella to the rest of the gang.

Cresswell shook hands with Chegwidden. "When you told me these two were trouble, I had no idea how much." His tone was jovial.

"I wasn't aware the two of you knew one another," Harm said.

AJ nodded. "We had a long talk before he assumed his role as JAG." Turning to Cresswell, he said, These two put me in a lot of predicaments, but I have to say nothing like what they did to you."

"I'll say. I never expected both of them to resign. Had to scramble to find suitable candidates to fill both those positions."

Mac couldn't help but notice Sturgis turned away. The only time she or Harm talked to him was if they needed to discuss JAG matters, but scuttlebutt said he'd wanted the FJA position in London."

"What can I say? Mac and I have always been a little unconventional," Harm said.

"I hear the two of you are going to run away so to speak."

"We leave on a cross country trip to La Jolla first thing Monday. We'll stay with my parents for a few weeks. Putting our things in storage, including the two 'Vettes, until we decide where we're going to live."

"Or what you're going to do for a living." AJ said.

Unbeknownst to their friends, after Frank married Trish, he set up a trust fund. Harm had been reluctant to use any of the money, but he and Mac decided this was the time. They didn't plan to live on it forever but were still tossing around ideas about what they would do in the civilian world.

"We have a few things in mind. But first, we want to enjoy being together," Mac said.

The rest of the evening passed quickly, and before long, it was time to say goodbye to their friends. The women shed more than a few tears. Lots of handshakes were exchanged among the men.

Even Sturgis offered his best wishes. "Good luck, Buddy," he said to Harm.

Harm nodded. "I almost believe you mean that."

La Jolla, California
June 25, 2005
Sunset

Mac stood in front of the full-length mirror while Trish made a few final adjustments to the dress. She had chosen an ivory colored tea-length with a sage green ribbon around the waist. Instead of a veil, she had baby's breath entwined in her hair. A single red rose adorned with more baby's breath made up the bridal bouquet.

"You are the most beautiful bride. My son will be speechless when he sees you," Trish said.

"You think so? I hope he doesn't get too tongue-tied and not be able to say his vows."

"I doubt that. He's waited too long for this moment. His fault for not getting his head out of his six years ago. I knew he was in love with you before you went to Russa."

Mac's eyes widened. "You did?"

"You're all he talked about."

"We wasted a lot of time. Some of it his fault. Some of it mine."

"Don't worry about that now, darling. Focus on what's ahead. Now, it's time to see your groom."

The sun had started to set over the Pacific as Harm and AJ stepped up the makeshift altar. Getting married at sunset on his parent's terrace was the perfect time and place. It was small and intimate, just what he and Mac wanted.

A year earlier, he would have never dreamed AJ would be serving as his best man. But they'd become close friends since the incident with Webb at Manderley. Likewise, Mac and Marcella had become almost like sisters. Soft music began to play as the older woman walked down the aisle.

Marcella smiled and took her place near the altar. The volume of the music increased, then Mac began walking toward Harm. Memories of the past nine years flashed through his mind.

You two know each other?

You're gonna be okay, Mac. I'm gonna get you through this.

You've come with me farther than anyone I know. I'll never forget that, Mac.

Five years from this moment…

Mac, you have someone who will always love you.

And you have somebody that loves you.

Mac reached the altar and joined hands with Harm. It was time to begin a new life.

Together.

A/N: Runaway by Jefferson Starship