A Happily Ever After
Disclaimer: Not mine...never will be, but I wish I owned DJE. The Doctor at Bethesda is MINE. :)The Song "There You'll Be" belongs to the talented Faith Hill. Good job on knowing what song it was jpstar57!
AN: Follows "The Reason" and "We're Here Now". Special thanks to my friend for giving me the lyrics to the song. Thank You! Sorry for any mistakes.
November 12, 2004
Everything was finally finished and the arrangements had all been taken care of. All was ready and everyone was anxious for the arrival of the big day. Finally! That was the word that everyone had in mind...finally.
Members of the Falls Church JAG staff along with AJ were all invited to the rehearsal dinner. Food was set and champagne had been on ice to enjoy for a later time. Chatter filled the room and the many smiles gave everyone a feeling of contentment. The people were all scattered and seemed to be having a great time. The scene was all very beautiful, but the one thing that caught everybody's eyes was the couple that never parted from each other. Once people stepped into the room they saw how happy the two people were. For minutes people would observe them and would take comfort in seeing how easy it was for the two to show affection. Every now and then they would hold hands, share sweet kisses, and embrace each other. They looked amazing together.
A few hours later everyone was seated at the table and were eating while small talk came from everywhere around them. The food was delicious and the champagne gave off a certain sparkle when the light hit the glass at the right angle.
Once everyone was finished eating, the best man stood up from his chair and took his glass with him.
"This is my second time having to make a speech in your honor, Colonel. But this time I know is the last time." He paused as Harm turned his chair a bit to place himself behind Mac and embrace her. "Commander, Colonel, you two have had your shares of ups and downs. It was not an easy road to get to where you are today. It's evident in how long it actually took you two to get here to this point," Everyone laughed. "But despite all of the bad luck you guys have had, you've been lucky to have gone through all of your bumps together. It takes a lot of love for two people not to give up on each other when others do. It takes love for two people to come back to each other after being hurt so many times. It takes courage for those two people to fall in love despite the odds being against them. Yes, you guys haven't had the best life since you've met, but you guys have had each others hearts since you two shook hands. Your love is stronger than any obstacle you can encounter, that's why I know, as do others, that your love is the most perfect love there is. I wish you guys the best life two people in love can have. Congratulations. Cheers." Everyone agreed and clapped for the happy couple.
Harm placed a soft kiss on Mac's shoulder after noticing that tears were making their way down her cheeks. He whispered in her ear. "I love you." She took one of his hands that were resting on her stomach and spelled out on his palm. I-L-O-V-E-Y-O-U. He smiled.
"Thank you, Bud." Harm told his best man.
A throat being cleared brought everyone back from the happy moment.
"I have a few words to say, with the permission of the bride and groom." AJ looked to Harm and Mac and saw their heads nod in approval. "I have known these two wonderful people for nine years now. And I have also had terrible headaches since I first partnered them up together...probably my mistake." Laughs made their way around the room. "But ever since I told them not to get too familiar with each other, I knew they would eventually hit it off. I had no idea of course, that it would take either of them this long to realize it for themselves. I have never met anybody like these two. They are like two of my very own, and I'm glad that they are finally where they should be...with each other. I know that you guys will be happy, because like Roberts said, your love is the strongest kind of love there is. Congratulations."
The evening was over in what appeared to be a blink of an eye. People gave their congratulations for the evening and headed home waiting for the day of the ceremony. Harm and Mac made their way to the car with their arms around each other. A feeling of much anticipation settling in their stomachs. And so holding hands they made their way home.
City of Angels Chapel
0900 Local Time
It was almost time. He was so nervous and afraid that he would somehow ruin this day for them. He loved Mac more than anything, but he was still afraid and pacing back and forth in his room. He was afraid, but he just wanted to make sure that everything went well...it was the best he could do for her after hurting her for so many years.
"Sir, relax, you're just nervous...it'll pass. Besides, you two have been waiting for this day for a long time."
"You're right, Bud. I have to relax."
He attempted to control himself as he changed into his dress whites. He would calm down, he had to. It was for his Sarah. He would do anything for her. Despite their arguments and past issues, he loved her more than his own life.
Same time
Mac's Room
Mac was so excited, so happy, so...so...nervous. This was the first time that getting married made her this scared. The first time she couldn't really gather her thoughts. All she could feel was the constant buzz that the liquor gave her. The second time, she never went through with it...Harm's plane going down was a horrible thing, but it made her realize her mistake. It kept her from marrying the wrong man. It was setting her up for her destiny. She was so afraid. Was it because she loved him that much? Because she needed him so much that if either should part she would die? Truth was she loved this man with her all, her soul, her mind, body, and heart. She didn't want this to go wrong...it couldn't. They both had waited to long for this. Too long.
"Mac, you look gorgeous. He is going to drop when he sees you."
"I hope so Harriet. Oh, Harriet. I'm so scared. Is this how you felt?"
"You were there, you saw me. It's just the thought of getting married and losing him that gets to you. But you guys are going to be fine." She gave her a reassuring smile.
"Thanks, Harriet."
1030 Local Time
Everyone was seated waiting for the ceremony to begin. Harm was the first one to enter the chapel and stood tall waiting at the altar. Bud, right behind him. Harriet, directly across from both of them, was staring in amazement at her friend as she entered the chapel.
Mac approached the altar with her hand in the crook of the arm of the man who was going to give her away. A man who had been like her father, her guide. As they stood at the steps of the altar, AJ looked to Harm.
"Take care of her son."
"I will, sir."
Mac advanced toward Harm and placed her hands in his, fully ready to commit herself to this man whom she loved dearly.
*" Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Marriage is not intended to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and deliberately and in accordance to the purposes for which it is instituted by God."
After a few minutes he signaled for Harm and Mac to begin their vows. Harm was the first one to say them.
"Sarah Mackenzie, my Sarah. It's hard for me to put all of what I feel for you into words. You of all people know that I'm not very good at expressing my feelings. But somehow, after all of these years, you got through to me. And yet somehow I still can't truly express how much I need you in my life. You helped me open up little by little. You have made me a better person with your constant challenges. You keep me on my toes and you never let me give up on anything, especially not on myself. I know that after all of the pain that you have been through it's hard to picture a happy life. I can't promise you a perfect life, or a life without pain, but I can promise you that I will do my best to be the best husband, friend, and father that I can ever be. I don't think that forever is long enough for us, but I will love you forever." When he had finished he raised her right hand to his lips and planted a soft kiss on it.
After a pause and a sob from Mac, she said hers.
"Harmon Rabb, Jr., it's been a long and hard road for us to get here, but it's only made our love stronger. I'm glad that you have been at my side through thick and thin. You have always been my constant and I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have you in my life. Harm, you are my world, without you I could not survive. You have and always will be my eagle, you make me soar and every time you look at me I feel like spreading my wings. Time after time you have proven to be my anchor, you have given me the strength to carry on when I felt weak. You have seen the best in me when I couldn't even look at myself. The hardest thing for me to believe is that you have always been there despite all of my faults and mistakes. I know that it will not be all sunshine and roses for us, but I am willing to go through that if you're there with me. I can't be perfect, but I can be everything I am to you and our children. I love you so much, Harm." They stood facing each other with tears of joy welling up in their eyes.
The rest of the ceremony flew by as they exchanged the rings and proceeded.
"By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. Harmon Rabb, you may kiss your bride."
It was just then that Harm had Mac in a gentle and loving caressing of lips. They were finally a union of love and commitment to one another. As the couple kissed claps echoed throughout the chapel.
The first ones to go out were the officers that were to lead the traditional arch of sabers followed by the bridesmaids and finally the couple. As the couple neared the doors of the chapel, the officers lined up.
"Officers draw swords. Arch swords. Blades to wind. Presenting for the first time in public, Commander and Mrs. Harmon Rabb, Jr." Bud was sure to announce in his most powerful voice. When they got to the end of the arch, the couple received a surprise.
"Go Navy." Said Bud, as he smacked Mac lightly on her bottom with his sword.
"Semper Fi." Said another officer as he smacked Harm on his butt with his sword. The couple smiled at each other arm in arm.
Reception Hall
Harm and Mac arrived to the hall hand in hand with lively smiles placed on their faces. At that moment everyone turned their heads to see them as they strode in.
The guests were all having a great time. The atmosphere was certainly a happy one with smiles noticeable on everyone's faces.
Soon it was time for the new married couple to dance their first song. Harm walked over to Mac who was talking with Harriet.
"Would you dance with me Mrs. Rabb?" His flyboy grin in place.
"I would love to Mr. Rabb."
They walked to the dance floor with their fingers laced together. Harm swiftly turned Mac and moved her close to him. With his left hand on the small of her back and his right hand holding hers in between their bodies, he placed her palm on his chest and began to move to the music.
When I think back on these times
And the dreams we left behind
I'll be glad `cause I was blessed to get
To have you in my life
When I look back on these days
I'll look and see your face
You were right there for me
They appeared to be sailing in the air as their bodies moved together. "So this is the song that I was trying to get out of you?" Harm asked.
"Yeah. Better luck next time." She replied with a grin in place.
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all life
I'll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
Harm suddenly and smoothly put his head in the crook of Mac's neck and placed a light kiss there. He moved up to her ear where he whispered to her.
"I love you so much Sarah."
She turned to face him and placed both of her hands on his face, bringing him down for a slow and passionate kiss full of love. She brought his forehead down to rest on hers and whispered back to him.
"I love you even more Harm."
Well you showed me how it feels
To feel the sky within my reach
And I always will remember
All the strength you gave to me
Your love made me make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me
They continued to dance while holding onto each other as if clinging to life itself. The truth was that they were each other's lives. They gave each other the strength and the faith to keep going.
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all life
I'll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
Mac laid her head against Harm's chest as he rested his cheek against her hair. The guests took in the sight before them and were all taken back by how beautiful this pair appeared to be. It must have been a match made in heaven despite their problems. They were perfect for each other in everyway. They were each halves that fit together perfectly. They were the complement of each other.
`Cause I always saw in you
My light, my strength
And I want to thank you
Now for all the ways
You were right there for me
You were right there for me
For always
It was the truth. They were always there for each other when they could be. And when they were apart, the other was there in mind and soul.
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There will always be a place
For you for all life
I'll keep a part of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
As the song faded away the couple remained on the dance floor wrapped in each other's arms. If it weren't for the loud applause and cheers from the guests, they would have stayed that way for ever.
"I love you, Mac."
"I love you, too babe."
The remaining of the reception was spent taking pictures, eating cake, dancing, and more celebrating. The whole day was perfect. It was what they both had expected only better. And when Harm thought it couldn't get any better, it did.
Mac pulled Harm aside for a while to a corner where they could have some privacy.
"I have something to tell you. I wasn't going to tell you until after, but I can't wait anymore." She had a huge smile.
"What is it, Mac?" His tone had an obvious hint of worry.
"I'm pregnant, Harm."
"What? So you're going to be a...and I'm going to be a fa-...and we're going to be...?" He asked with eyes wide open.
"Yes to all." She answered with a big smile on her face.
"Yes!" Harm shouted before he picked Mac up form her waist and twirled her around. They both laughed and he kissed her lovingly. "I love you! You have made me the happiest man alive!" Harm shouted over the music that was still blaring in the hall. "I love you!"
"I love you, too."
TBC