JAG Christmas Party

The Roberts' residence

Friday, December 23, 2005

1805 Hours

It had been a few weeks since Harm's surprise return and even though things were shaky between him and Mac, they were on the right track. Harm felt like they were getting their groove back. Christmas was approaching fast and Harm had a big surprise in store for Mac. He was however quite nervous as to how she would take it.

Tonight was the annual Christmas party at Bud and Harriet's. Harm pulled into the driveway a few minutes late, parked the car and got out, closing the door as he approached the house, taking in the view: Snow had fallen that day and had covered the ground in a thick, fluffy layer. Everything was white. The air was crisp and Harm could see his breath as he exhaled.

He ascended the few stairs that led onto the porch and knocked on the door. A few seconds later the door opened and he was greeted by a grinning Bud.

"Merry Christmas, Sir. Come on in."

"Thanks, Bud. And it's Harm."

"Yes, Sir." Bud and Harm both grinned and Harm extended a glove-clad hand, which Bud shook. Harm shrugged off his coat and took off his gloves and looked around the living room.

"Harriet!" Harm exclaimed when she came walking over. "The place looks great!" He enveloped her in a warm hug and when they parted his eyes scanned the room yet again. The walls were neatly decorated with Christmas ornaments and off to the right was a big Christmas tree beautifully decorated and lit. A fire was crackling in the fireplace, bathing the room in a warm golden glow. Next to the fireplace Sturgis was having an animated conversation with General Creswell, Mrs. Creswell and a beautiful woman who could only be Varese. Harm had yet to meet her, but Sturgis had mentioned her. They looked good together and Sturgis looked genuinely happy.

Coates and Vucovic were standing by the food table, talking, and next to Vucovic was Mac. She was laughing at something he had said. Harm thought she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, bathed in the warm glow from the fire and wearing a gorgeous black and red dress. She looked over as if she knew he had arrived. She looked him right in the eyes and smiled a warm smile. Harm smiled back, his heart beating a thousand beats a minute.

Harm realized Bud had been speaking this whole time and turned back towards him. Bud was laughing and Harm assumed he had said something funny and joined in the laughter. He then excused himself to go say hello to everyone.

He walked over to Mac first and she turned just as he approached and enveloped him in a warm hug. When they pulled apart he gave her a kiss on the cheek and full watt smile. He shook hands with Vucovic and exchanged hugs with Coates before moving on to greet the next group.

"Commander!" Harm turned when he heard his commanding officer call him. He walked over and shook hands with Creswell and his wife and greeted Sturgis and Varese.

Moments later Harm was engaged in conversation with Creswell and his wife when he noticed Mac slip quietly out of the porch doors. He excused himself, went to get his coat and followed her out on the porch. He thought he saw Creswell glance at him and wink, but decided it must have been his imagination.

His breath caught when he saw her leaning against the railing. The air was cold and he walked up behind her and put his coat around her shoulders. She turned slightly and smiled at him.

"Hey."

"Hey yourself." Harm rubbed his hands together and blew warm air into them. Mac laughed slightly and took his hands in her warm ones, heating them up. Harm smiled shyly. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was something in the air tonight. A strange, but not unwelcome feeling, like a warm blanket over everything. Harm gently pulled his hands back and he swore he saw something like regret in her eyes, but it was masked as quickly as it appeared and she turned back around to lean over the railing once more.

"I didn't see Andrews in there." Harm wanted to kick himself.

"No, he left this afternoon for the Patrick Henry for a mishap investigation, a sailor went overboard. Harm nodded, but was confused. Why would Creswell send Cole, when he could've sent Harm who had no attachments? Surely he knew that Mac and Cole would be spending Christmas together. And Harm knew that he was just as capable of handling a mishap investigation. He quickly put that thought out of his mind and turned his attention back to Mac.

"It was supposed to be our first Christmas together."

"I'm sorry, Mac." He really was. Silence hung in the still air until Harm broke it.

"You know, Mac, if you want, I mean I don't have any plans either, so I you want, maybe we could spend Christmas together? If you want." Mac laughed softly at Harm's bumbling. Harm thought it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. Then she straightened up and turned towards him.

"I'd like that, Harm. I'd like that very much." Harm broke into a huge smile, but Mac continued. "Maybe we could even, I mean if you would like you could come over tomorrow night maybe and help me decorate the tree?"

Now it was Harm's turn to laugh a little, but he sobered up when he looked into her deep brown eyes. "I'd love to help decorate your tree."

They locked eyes and stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, before Harm leaned in ever so slowly and gently touched his lips to hers. When he pulled back, Mac searched his blue orbs.

"Mistletoe?" She laughed nervously.

Harm looked at her with such love and affection and he was deeply serious when he answered "No."

Mac laughed a little nervously again and Harm noticed she was shivering.

"It's getting cold, Mac, let's go back inside." At that Mac smiled sadly and there was a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"I don't know, Harm, I quite like spending time with you on various porches." With that she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek before handing him his coat and walking back inside, leaving Harm on the porch with a smile on his face. He stood there smiling for a few seconds before he followed her inside.