Friday January 20th

Harm took a shot and the ball went through the net. He truly enjoyed these nights at the gym with his buddies. Tonight they were playing against the cops, which always meant a lot of fun banter. They ended the game with pizza and beer at the usual place. It was something Harm enjoyed and always made a priority to attend.

"How's it going Harm?"

He turned. "Not bad," Harm said and offered his hand. "And you?"

Detective Rick Potter smiled and shook Harm's hand. "You know, I can honestly say that life is good."

"Yeah? I heard about your divorce," Harm said.

"It's finally over, and now I'm free again. You know Harm, in the end she criticized the way I backed out of the driveway," Rick laughed.

Harm smiled. "Sounds like you're happy it's over."

"Oh yes, eight years of hell. Thank God we never had any kids together," Rick chuckled. "So, how are you doing?"

"Okay, the family is doing good. We got a new addition, a nine-year-old girl. We're very focused on that at the moment, but everyone is doing great. Someone is trying to get your attention I think," Harm pointed in the direction of the entrance where a blonde woman was standing waving her hand at them.

"Ah, yes," Rick waved back. "We met before the divorce was final, so we've been keeping it quiet," he explained. "It's nice with a change, huh?"

"I guess, if it makes you happy. I better warm up," Harm excused himself.

It was a little into the game when Mac walked into the hall and found a seat on the tribune. She hadn't originally planned to come, but Claire had plans to stay home so she suggested that Mac went to see Harm play. Mac had decided that a night out of the house wouldn't be so bad.

During halftime, she walked over to let Harm know that she was there. "Hi honey."

He turned and smiled. "Mac?"

"I thought I'd surprise you," she kissed him softly.

"That's great. Do you have time for pizza after also?" he wondered.

"Sure, that sounds fun," she smiled and kissed him again. "You look good out there by the way."

"Yeah?" he got a wicked gleam in his eyes. "You know, those jeans are working for you."

She winked at him, then walked away.

Harm's team won by a few points, the men went to the showers and Mac waited by the exit for her husband. It was nice being out, just the two of them. It had been busy before Christmas, and especially after, so this was wonderful. Having time alone as a couple was a constant struggle, especially since they led busy lives and the kids deserved most of their time. Now with Rose coming into their lives, the kids were more important than ever, making sure that she found her place, and that Claire and Matthew didn't feel like Rose was taking up all their time.

"Hi, Mac."

Mac turned and smiled. "Hi Audrey."

"I didn't see you in there, but I didn't make it until after halftime," Audrey said.

"How are you guys, I haven't seen you in such a long time," Mac said. Audrey was married to one of Harm's teammates and one of his most trusted senior officers when he was the JAG.

"We're doing okay. It's been a struggle since Owen decided to stay in the service. We had a deal that he'd retire, and get a civilian job, but he was offered that position at the Pentagon so he wouldn't retire after all," Audrey shrugged. "The struggles of being a Navy wife."

"He's on a great career path, Audrey, and you didn't have to relocate at least," Mac reminded her.

Audrey smiled. "I know. And Owen looks so much up to Harm, and when Harm told him that he had a chance at becoming JAG one day, well, let's just say that Owen believed him."

"He's definitely JAG material," Mac assured her.

"There you are," Harm walked over. "Hi Audrey."

"Hi Harm," Audrey smiled. "Did my husband finish in the shower."

"He was right behind me," Harm put his hand on Mac's back. "Ready to go?"

"Are you guys coming?" Mac asked Audrey.

"We'll see you guys there," Audrey said.

"Great," Mac smiled and followed her husband. "It's nice being out just us."

"Very," he stopped as they reached their car. "How did you get here?"

"Mattie gave me a lift. She was at the house doing laundry. Her washing machine went a little nuts and she's waiting on a new one," Mac leaned in and kissed him softly. "I'm glad I decided to come."

"Me too," he kissed her again. "I love you."

"I love you too," she smiled. "More each day."

"I must be doing something right," he teased as he opened the car door for her.

"Must be," she laughed and got in.

It was past 2300 when they entered their house. Harm locked the door behind them and followed his wife into the living room. Claire was on the couch watching a movie and she looked up and smiled when she saw them.

"Hi, did you guys have a nice night?" she asked.

"We did," Mac said. "How did it go here?"

"Matthew went to sleep after about a hundred 'Can I stay up a little bit more?' And of course using his charming smile and pleading eyes. You should have been more careful creating him with that smile and those eyes, there's just no way to say no to him," she complained.

Harm chuckled. "And Rose?"

"She's an angel," Claire assured.

"Just wait until she's getting more comfortable here, we'll see a different side of her once she feels safe," Mac warned as she bent down and kissed her daughter's head. "Good night precious."

"Good night, Mom," Claire said and smiled.

"Thanks for taking care of the kids," Harm hugged her. "Good night."

He followed Mac upstairs and they looked in on the sleeping kids. Harm took Mac's hand and led her to their bedroom.

"I'm beat," he complained.

She smiled and let go of his hand. "Are you saying that you're getting too old for basketball?" she teased.

He started removing his clothes. "Not at all, in fact, take those clothes off and I'll show you how young I can be."

Mac laughed softly. "Oh, I don't doubt your ability for a second."

He moved in and swept her off her feet, landing her on the bed, making her squeal in delight. "You are so beautiful."

"And you are amazing," she kissed him softly.

The weekend went by in a hurry. With everyone's plans there wasn't much time as a family. On Sunday night Mac found the time to talk to Rose about her interests and what she would like to do as afternoon activities. She had noticed that the girl seemed very fascinated at Claire's piano recital on Saturday afternoon and she wondered if Rose maybe would like to learn to play an instrument.

"I can do that?" Rose's eyes widened. "I have never played piano before."

"We have an instructor coming over twice a week to train with Claire, I can ask him if he can fit you in too, at least one of the days," Mac suggested.

"I think I would like that," Rose smiled.

"What about other interests? Sports maybe?" Mac wondered.

"I like my books," Rose hesitated. "I like dogs and horses."

"Claire used to ride up until a few years ago. I can talk to her old instructor if we can set up something at her stable, maybe once a week. Did you ever ride before?" Mac wondered.

"Once, grandma took me. I think I would like to learn how to ride," she was eager now. "Can I really?"

"Sure, I'll make the call tomorrow," Mac promised.

Harm entered the kitchen. "Dinner is served," he put the take-away bags on the counter.

"Great," Mac stood. "Rose, you better put away your pencils and drawings."

"Okay," Rose stood too. "Harm, I'm going to take riding lessons."

Harm smiled. "Really?"

"Rose likes horses, and dogs," Mac looked clever. "Didn't we talk about getting a dog?"

"We did, but you said no because we were too busy," he reminded her.

"But we're both retired from the Military now, and our schedules aren't that busy, and Matthew is growing up and can take on more responsibility. And Rose will too," Mac looked over to Rose.

"I can walk it," Rose said eagerly.

Harm hesitated. "Okay, I'm sure a dog would be okay."

"I'll talk to Gina tomorrow, she mentioned that they get in dogs who needs homes all the time," Mac said. Gina was their neighbor and a veterinarian.

"A stray dog?" Harm didn't look convinced.

"Not just strays, but dogs that need new homes for different reasons," Mac clarified.

"Because they are crazy and dangerous," Harm suggested.

Mac laughed. "Because their owners can't take care of them anymore. I'm not getting a dangerous dog."

Harm chuckled. "Good to know. Rose, will you let Claire and Matthew know that dinner is here."

"I can do that," Rose gathered her things and left the kitchen.

Mac studied her husband with amusement. "Crazy and dangerous?"

"I was thinking we'd have a puppy," he suggested.

"We'll see," she kissed his cheek. "What did you bring?" she opened a bag and started taking out the content.