Never Say Never

by jpstar57

From when they met in the White House Rose Garden, Mac and Harm were more than colleagues as they understood their attraction to each other. As a result, certain events didn't happen. Mac did not say "Never" in Paraguay. She said something else. AJ is not happy with their choices. They pretty much defy his order of, "Don't get comfortable." Co-Authored with csijagfan & dnieder.

13. Chapter 13

Never Say Never

Chapter 13

Tuesday, September 11, 2001

2030 Local Time

Rabb Residence

Potomac Avenue

Potomac Heights, DC-NW

Mac had been watching the news all day. She had been horrified at seeing the four planes crash into the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA. Now she was pacing her living room floor holding Tricia. Tricia was asleep in her mother's arms. It was Mac who needed the comfort.

Harm called earlier telling her that he was all right. After United Flight 93, the airliner that was suspected to be heading for the White House crashed in Pennsylvania, the Secret Service declared that it was safe for the staff to return to the White House. It was at that time that Harm and his staff returned to the Situation Room to begin coordinating the mitigation to

the disaster.

As for President Bartlett, after the emergency takeoff from Florida, and dealing with a possible aerial pursuit, Air Force One flew to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Upon landing, President Bartlett addressed the nation. After it was determined there were no more aerial threats as the FAA ordered the grounding of all flights, Air Force One flew home. Now she watched on TV as President Bartlett debarked from Air Force One at Andrews. Harm still wasn't home.

Mac wasn't worried as she knew her husband was safe in the White House Situation room. Still, demanding attention, it was late in the evening.

Mac was mulling all this over when she heard a car pull into the driveway. She waited in the living room for Harm to come in through the back door. When he turned into the living room and saw Mac standing in the middle holding their baby, he rushed over to engulf them in his arms.

Mac melted into his embrace, careful to keep Tricia from being squished between her and Harm. Harm let up to bend and kiss his daughter's downy head. When he picked his head up, Mac was waiting for him. He put his hands on each side of her face and lowered his lips to hers. Their kiss lasted a while. They only came up for air when they heard Tricia demanding their attention.

Mac and Harm looked down at her smiling.

"So, you woke up to see Daddy," Mac said to her daughter. She handed her over to Harm.

"Good evening, Patricia," Harm said as he took her from Mac. He settled her into the crook of his arm.

Tricia settled in against her father. She looked up at him with a smile.

"After what happened today, that's just the thing I needed to see."

"You okay Harm?"

"Now I am. Now that I'm holding you and our daughter, I feel like I can go back to work tomorrow to deal with what happened today."

"Good to hear. Now let's have dinner. I want to leave the real world outside just for tonight as I lay with my husband."

"Sound good to me Ninja Girl."

Saturday, September 15, 2001

0630 Local time

Rock Creek Park

Washington, DC, NW

AJ Chegwidden had just completed his usual five-mile run around the trails of Rock Creek Park. As he was walking into the parking lot where he left his Escalade, he cursed inwardly and slowed his walk to his Escalade as he saw Webb leaning against its front fender.

"What do you want Webb?"

"To tell you that in light of the attacks on Tuesday, the CIA is reorganizing their assets to go after the planners of the attack. O'Hara has to be put on the back burner. I also found out that the Secret Service was checking on the car that was following him. He told his niece's husband that he was being followed. So, Rabb told the AIC of his Secret Service detail. My guy got word that they were coming, and he ditched the car. It was a burner car from one of our junkers anyway. Right now, it's been crushed."

"It's just as well Webb. You can't go after a US citizen anyway. I told you that. Let me find something to use against him."

"Well, you better. If he connects you to my father in Nam, both our asses are in a sling."

"We'll see. In the meantime, stay away from Falls Church. Mackenzie is scheduled to come back from maternity leave on Monday, October 1. Until then O'Hara will be spending time with her while she's home with her baby. There's nothing I can do to touch her. Her record is above reproach. Also, the president has told the SECNAV to stop pulling Rabb from his post in the Situation Room. So, getting to O'Hara through Rabb is out."

"We have to think of another way to keep the truth about the CIA in Vietnam from coming out."

"Fine, the best way to do that is to keep away from O'Hara and the Rabbs. Do you hear me, Webb?"

"Loud and clear Admiral. I still remember when you broke my nose in Russia."

"Good. I hope I don't see you too soon."

At that, Chegwidden turned his back to Webb, walked around to get into his car, and drove away.

AN: In this story, Harriet did not lose little Sarah in childbirth. Sarah Elizabeth Roberts was born on November 14, 2000. Dr. Commander Eve Baldwin was her obstetrician as she was on the ball when Harriet went into labor. She was able to save Sarah and Harriet when she discovered the prolapsed umbilical cord during Harriet's labor.

Sunday, September 16, 2001

Our Lady of Fatima RC Church

Rabb Farm

Belleville, PA

It was the occasion of Tricia's baptism. The Rabbs and their family were there. Loren was Tricia's godmother and Sergei was the godfather. The Roberts, Marshalls, Brumbys, and Carolyn Imes with her new beau Marine Major Pete Maguire. Maguire was XO of the Military Police Squad at Quantico. They met a year ago when Carolyn had to prosecute a case of material theft and embezzlement at the Marine Base. Pete was the officer who discovered the chicanery and arrested the perpetrator. After the case and trial were completed, they agreed to go out for a celebratory dinner. The rest was history are they agreed to call and regularly see each other.

Loren stood holding a peaceful Tricia at the Baptism Basin. Sergei was beside her. Harm on Loren's side with Mac on Sergei's side. Tricia squirmed and whimpered as Father Nick Sevillo anointed her forehead with the chrism oil and then poured the water over the top of her head. She calmed down when Mac dried her head and Loren cooed to her. After the baptism shroud was placed on her, Mac took her in her arms and the foursome turned and posed for John Marchall to take their photos with Fr. Sevillo.

After the church service was completed, the family went back to the farm to celebrate with a buffet meal. Sarah was sitting on the couch with Tricia in the combination stroller/carrier. Beside her. Renee Brumby came over to sit with her on the couch. Renee picked up her sixteen-month-old daughter, Ann Marie, to sit on her lap. Renee was lucky that Ann Marie was born on May 7, only a week after her April 30, 2000, due date.

"So how ya doing mom?" Renee asked her friend.

"I'm fine Renee. Tricia is a good baby. It took only a week for her to get into the day-night routine. Now she sleeps through the night. She's thriving. The pediatrician says she's gaining the weight she should be gaining. We have the daycare set up at the Fall Church Daycare across the JAG Headquarters parking lot."

"How convenient. Any plans to have any more?"

"Harm and I want to have more than one or two. He was an only child, and I grew up with my sister Diane. We'll see how it goes. I mean we are not going to use any contraception. We'll welcome them whenever they come along."

As they were speaking, Harriet came over with her two children, AJ, and Little Sarah. She was very pronounced with her third child as she plopped onto the couch next to Renee. As Harriet held ten-month-old Sarah on her lap, AJ went over to look at Tricia in the carrier. Ann Marie squirmed off Renee's lap to join them and look down at a smiling Tricia in the carrier. The three mothers kept a watchful eye on them to keep them from reaching into the carrier.

Mac asked Harriet, "When are you due with your third?"

"Two more weeks. The doctor did an ultrasound and found that I was having a boy. Bud is so happy. He wants to keep his name a secret."

"Nice," said Harm coming over to check on Tricia and the other ladies. Mic was beside him. He bent to pick up Ann Marie.

"How're you doing young lady?" Mic asked his daughter.

"I'm looking at the pretty baby Daddy."

"Yes, she is pretty," Mic replied.

"Michael, I think Ann Marie needs to be changed," Renee said wrinkling her nose.

"I thought so sweetie. She had that expression on her face. I'll take care of it."

"Mic, we have a changing table upstairs," Harm offered as he also picked up Tricia. "And you little miss also need a change.

As the men walked away, Mac asked Renee, "So how are you and Mic doing at Ryan Price & Seely?"

"They are talking about making him a partner. He's won a few high-profile cases. He never regrets not renewing his commission in the RAN and coming back to DC. Also, we're adding to the family."

Mac looked at Renee as she unconsciously laid her hand on her belly. As Renee returned the embrace, Mac asked, "When are you due?"

In about eight months. Michael is incredibly happy."

"I love how you call him Michael. It's so romantic."

"Well while he's Mic to other people, he's Michael to me. His mother and his sister call him Mic. I wanted to have a part of him all my own. He loves it."

Mac leaned in and whispered, "I know the feeling. Harm calls me Sarah at home. Sometimes he calls me Imzadi. I call him Azizam, which is Farsi for my dear."

"He calls me boo or my boo."

"That's so adorable."

"What say we go check on our men."

"After you Sarah."

The two mothers went upstairs to check on their families.

The festivities went on into the early evening. It ended when the bigger kids started to get cranky and tired. The mothers gathered their broods up and said good night. After they helped in the party clean-up, Loren and Sergei were the last to say their goodnights.

"We have to be back in DC tomorrow. I have to report for duty at NI and Sergei has his citizenship last hearing with the Immigration Court. His caseworker thinks that they're going to announce at the hearing that they'll grant it."

That's good to hear. Let us know what the decision is tomorrow evening," Harm said as he shook Sergei's hand.

As he watched Loren and her beau walk to their car, he closed the door draped his arm across Mac's shoulder, and said, "Let's check on Tricia and hit the sack, Mrs. Rabb."

"Right behind you Mr. Rabb."

After they ensured their daughter was safely asleep, the Rabbs put their pajamas on and fell into bed. As they snuggled under the covers, 'Mac asked, "When would you like to start trying for our second child?"

"I'd say after Veterans Day. You'll be cleared at the end of this month, so I'd' say you could be pregnant by Thanksgiving."

Mac chuckled and said, "Mighty confident in your swimmers' abilities there, squid."

"Hey, one made it on time as THE honeymoon baby. I figure we'll have something to be thankful for on the holiday. Also, we'll be getting more baby-themed gifts for Christmas."

Mac had a good laugh at that. "That's what I like about you sailor, always thinking." She sealed her declaration with a kiss before they fell asleep.

Friday, September 21, 2001

1830 Local Time

Sergei's Loft

North of Union Station

After she left her Pentagon office Loren stopped at her apartment only long enough to change out of her uniform. She stripped down to take a shower. She came out of the shower, dried her hair to let it fall with a wave down her back passed her shoulders down to the middle of her back, and dressed in a particular sexy set of lingerie under a pair if skinny jeans and one of her older long-sleeved white uniform blouses. She slipped into a black pair of shoes with four inches" stiletto heels and stood in front of the full-length mirror on the back of her bedroom door. She rolled up the sleeves a couple of times up her forearms to just under her elbows. She buttoned the second and third buttons just to cover her breasts and the surprise covering them and double-tied the ends under her breasts. She fluffed her hair one last time saying, "Damn girl! You look fab-u-louse!" She left the room to get her purse and keys and walked out the door.

30 minutes later

Sergei's Loft

North of Union Station

Loren came off the elevator, walked up, and knocked on the loft door. Sergei answered almost immediately. He bent to give Loren a welcome kiss and stood aside to let her see what he had set up in the dimly lit living area. Loren gasped as she saw a candlelit dinner sitting on the dining table. There was a centerpiece with two small American flags sticking out of it. Sergei led her in to stand at one end of the dining table. She saw a yellow letter-sized envelope.

"Is this what I think it is?" Loren asked.

"Well open it and find out."

Loren picked the envelope up, tore it open, unfolded it, and read the document. She read through to the relevant part. Sergei stood and waited patiently until she looked up with the biggest smile.

"You're a citizen!" Loren exclaimed. She threw her arms around him in celebration. She bent her head off his shoulder to capture his lips.

When they came up for air, Loren asked. "Will dinner spoil if we have dessert first?"

"The marinara sauce is already cooked in the pot. I was waiting for you to come before I made the pasta."

"Then come with me."

Loren took Sergei's hand and led him into the bedroom. They stopped at the edge of the bed, embraced, and kissed. Loren had him sit on the bed, stepped back from him, and said, "Just enjoy the show."

She reached to untie her shirt, unbuttoned it, and brought it slowly down to reveal a lacey red bra with rose embeds that did little to hide her pink areolas and her erect nipples. She slipped her shoes off and started to unzip her jeans. She shimmied them down to reveal a black silk garter belt holding up matching black stockings under lacy red panties.

Loren stepped back into her shoes and slinked over to stand at the bed between Sergei's parted thighs and said, "I guess you like what you see."

"I always like looking at you."

He reached to pull down her panties to reveal her bushy and well-trimmed blond curls at the junction of her thighs. Loren let him slide down so that she could step out of them. As Sergei started at her navel, Loren wrapped her arms around his head. She giggled a bit as he used his tongue to tickle her. He started kissing down her belly until he reached her curls. At that point, Loren gasped and threw her head back as Sergei began to tease her most intimate spot. She allowed Sergei to manipulate and turn her so that the bed was behind her. She went along until she was lying on the bed. She shimmied so that she was fully on the bed, pulling him along with her. He went back to give her the oral pleasure she so loved. She draped her legs over his shoulders pumped her hips up and pumped her sex onto his face. He went on licking her up and down, diving his tongue in and out of her. After enduring his attentions Loren begged, "Muy lyubimaya I want you!"

Sergei stood up and quickly stripped his shirt and jeans. He stood before Loren with his erection poking out from him. Loren held her arms out, beckoning him to come to her. He got up to kneel on the bed between her spread legs. He crawled up until he straddled her body, kneeling over her head. Loren looked up admiring as his manhood hung over her face. She reached for him, brought her head up, and put him in her mouth. Sergei threw his head back as he enjoyed it as she wrapped her tongue around his shaft. After a bit, she withdrew him from her mouth with a pop. She pushed him down urging him with, "Now I want you inside me."

Sergei obliged Loren as he moved to cover her body with his. As he positioned his tip at her entrance, Loren pumped her hips up so that the tip was in her. Sergei pumped down so that he slid into her the rest of the way to his hilt. Then there were no words as they gave each other their all. Loren wrapped her legs and interlocked her ankles behind his ass. Sergei propped him on his arms to look down on Loren. He loved the passionate look of pain on her face as she held her head back, giving her whole self to their act of love.

"You are so beautiful Lorenshka."

Loren looked up at him, smiled, reached, and pulled him down to mash her lips to his. Sergei wrapped his arms around her to hold her back from the bed.

'Oh God, I love when he does this.' Loren thought as she nestled her head on his shoulder. They sped up their lovemaking, making the bed shake and her breasts bounce with each thrust.

Loren wailed as she approached her orgasm, she felt him start to swell and grow inside her. "Oh, Sergei! That's it. Hit it there again. I'm so close, so cloooose! Oh ow, now. This is it! This is iiiit!" At that exclamation, her walls clamped down on his rod and she pumped up to hold him in her.

As he felt her clamp her walls around him, Sergei felt his climax hit. He pressed down and nailed her butt to the bed and started pumping his seed into her womb. They both pumped their bodies as they went through their climax. Eventually, they reached their limit. As he came down from his sexual high, Sergei gathered Loren more into his embrace and started kissing around her face. Loren reciprocated by clasping his head to return kisses around his face.

"Oh, my God Sergei that was wonderful."

"We get better and better with practice Lorenshka," Sergei said as he reached to remove her bra, sliding the straps off her shoulders.

Loren helped him by undoing the snap in front. As they discarded the garment, they retightened their embrace. Loren's little gasps escaped her as she felt Sergei move inside her. He bent down to kiss each breast. As they lay on the bed, they interlocked their legs.

As they lay there enjoying their connection, Loren said, "Lyubimaya, I'm going to have my IUD removed."

"Are you sure you want to do that?"

"Yes, I am. Now that you're certified as a citizen, I want us to come out as a couple. I know my cousins and the people at my office know about us, and that's fine. I want everyone to know of us and how happy you make me."

"You make me happy as well, Lorenshka."

"With the IUD out, I'm going to be more likely to get pregnant. I can see us getting married and starting a family."

Sergei smiled indulgently as he replied, "I see that too. But first please let me find a job. I want to help support my wife and our family."

"That's fine Sergei. I have to ask that after the IUD is out, we refrain from making love. That is until we are a family. Do you agree?"

"I do Lorenshka. In the meantime, why don't we eat? Then we get back to this. After all the IUD isn't out yet."

Loren smiled at that as Sergei got up. She sighed as they lost their intimate connection. Sergei went in and used the toilet. He came out with his and Loren's kimonos, his was black and Loren's was white. Both had beautiful Japanese designs printed on them. They left the bedroom for the living area. As they prepared the pasta and marinara sauce, they intimately touched and rubbed against each other as they walked around. There was one time while Loren stood and cut the tomatoes for their salad, Sergei came up behind her and reached under her kimono to rub her breasts and silky folds. Loren had to put the knife down to remove his hands with the half-hearted chastisement of, "Settle down muy lyubimaya. We'll get back to bed after dinner."

"Yes Lorenshka,"

The lovers almost wolfed their dinner down and cleaned up after their dinner in a rush so that they could get back to their lovers' bed. They enjoyed having their way with each other the rest of the night into the dawn. They barely left the bed the whole weekend.

Monday, October 1, 2001

0730 Hours

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA

Mac stood at attention in front of Chegwidden's desk waiting as he signed the documents verifying her return to duty.

He finished signing, placed the papers in their folder, and handed them back over the desk saying, "Everything is in order colonel. You may resume your duties. I'll see you at the 0800 staff call. Dismissed."

Mac took the folder, tucked it under her arm, and replied, "Aye, aye sir."

Mac did a parade ground turn and left the office. She arrived at her office. She arranged her desk as she liked it after being out on her maternity leave. She picked up the phone and called, "Harm. ~ Yes, it went as expected. He signed the "return-to-duty form and dismissed me. No drama. How is your day beginning? ~ Oh, very nice. Did the president like the new photos of Tricia in your frames? ~ Oh good. Listen, I'm going into the morning staff call. I'm sure he'll hand me some scut case or bury me in paperwork for the first week. ~ Yes, I'll keep my chin up. I love you. I'll give you a call when I see Tricia at the daycare for my lunch hour. Goodbye."

She hung up, gathered her note portfolio, and went into the staff call. As she went along the way, she saw many officers she was friendly with on their way in. She accepted their "welcome back" compliments. She had photos of Tricia ready for their viewing. She passed them around on their way into the conference room. As they assembled around the table, she let them pass the photos around the table until they got back to her place at the table. They all settled down at Tiner's call of "Attention on deck!" when Chegwidden came in. A tall thin African American Commander followed him.

When he reached his seat at the head of the table he said, "As you were be seated." He pointed to the empty chair to his left next to Mac. He said, "I'd like you all to meet Cmdr. Sturgis Turner. This is his first day from his last JAG billet at COMSUBPAC. Lt. Col. Rabb, he will be your new partner.