Midnight Musings V

October 20, 2003

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters.

Author Notes: I'd like to thank my faithful beta-reader who insists on remaining anonymous. Without her, there would be no stories by me. Also, thanks to all the faithful readers. Hope you all enjoyed the ride. I'm pretty sure that this is the last in this series. It was never intended to go past the first two parts as it is. ;)

This is probably rated PG-13 because of a bit of romantic interaction. And vague spoilers for the last five episodes of Season 8.

Feedback welcome at aerm1@aol.com.

Part 1

18 months later
01:00 local
Naples, Italy
Base Housing

Captain Harmon Rabb, Jr. stood in the doorway of their bedroom and watched his wife sleep. Bathed in the moonlight that filtered in through the window blinds, she was breathtakingly beautiful to him. He grinned wryly at the sight of her, her arms curled around his pillow as if she were hugging it. Who would have ever thought that his prickly partner would turn out to be the all-time cuddling champion? If he were in the bed with her, she would have at least one arm draped across his torso and her head firmly planted on his shoulder. But whenever he got out of bed at night, he always returned to find her embracing his pillow -- and leaving him very little room to sleep in. And ever since the birth of their first child, he'd found himself trying to squeeze back into the bed on a fairly regular basis. He thanked all the powers above that Matthew had finally settled down and was sleeping all night. Harm wasn't sure what had awakened him at two o'clock in the morning. He'd thought he heard the baby, but when he'd gone into his room, the child had been sleeping peacefully on his back, a tiny thumb stuck in his mouth. Maybe it was just getting back into the routine of home after the past week's trip to Rota for a conference with all the TSO section chiefs and the Admiral.

God, he'd missed Mac and Matthew while he'd been gone. It had been the first long time away from them since they'd moved to Naples, and it had been harder than he'd imagined it would be. It had convinced him, more than ever, that he and Mac had made the right career decisions when they got married. Had he chosen the return to sea duty, he'd have never survived it. There was no way that he would have been able to go away for six months at a time, leaving them behind on shore. As it was, a week was difficult enough.

Harm pushed himself away from the door jamb and quietly walked back to bed. He tried to slide under the covers on his side without waking Mac, but she had moved so close to the edge that it was impossible not to move her. At his touch, she murmured sleepily, "Hey, Flyboy, is everything all right?"

"Yeah, other than having no space in the bed." He gently kissed her forehead.

"Sorry 'bout that." She moved a fraction of an inch toward the other side. "I got in the habit of sleeping on your side while you were gone."

"I can see that." He smiled tenderly in the darkness. "Any particular reason?"

"Mm hmm. Your pillow smells like you." Draping an arm across his torso, she went on, "Did I tell you that I missed you?"

"Yeah, showed me too." He nuzzled her neck. "We better get some sleep. The human alarm clock will be buzzing before we know it."

"Very true. Love you."

"I love you too, Mac." Harm closed his eyes and settled down to sleep.

She burrowed her head into his shoulder and was asleep within seconds.

06:25 local time

Mac gently pried Harm's arm off her waist and slid out of bed. Padding silently to the bathroom, she decided to let him sleep a little longer. In exactly five minutes, Matthew would be awake and demanding attention. She'd take care of him before he woke up his father. Mac brushed her teeth and splashed some water on her face. She entered the nursery just as her son opened his eyes and decided he was hungry.

"Waaa!" he wailed.

"Shh, Matt. Let's let Daddy sleep a little longer. He was really tired last night when he got home." Mac expertly held the wriggling baby with one hand as she pulled out a diaper and the baby wipes. Laying him on the changing table, she grinned at his startled expression. "What? You think you're the only one in the family with perfect timing?" she teased. "Let me tell you, sweetie. You got that trait from me. It's your daddy who doesn't know what time it is. You better hope that he's the one waiting up for you if you're ever late coming in at night when you're a teenager."

Matt just waved his little arms and smiled at her. As he noticed that she was just about finished with his new diaper, he opened his mouth once more.

"Don't even think it, Matthew Harmon Rabb. You wake up your daddy and you'll be sorry. You can have your breakfast in just a second." She picked him back up and cradled him next to her body. As he began to root around, she chuckled. "Give me a minute to sit down, Tiger." She moved to the rocking chair and took a seat. Opening her nightgown, she began to slowly rock as he snuggled in to nurse. Mac smiled contentedly and closed her eyes as they began their morning ritual.

Half an hour later, she looked up to see Harm leaning on the door frame. "Hey, good lookin'. You should have gotten me up." He smiled tenderly at the picture of his wife and child. "I'd have changed his diaper for you."

She shook her head. "You were exhausted when you got home last night. You needed the sleep more than I needed the diapering." Her breath caught at the sight of him in jeans and nothing else.

"Maybe. But I like to do it." He pushed off the doorjamb and walked toward them. "At least let me burp him."

"Be my guest. I made the mistake yesterday of burping him without a diaper while I was in uniform."

"So a trip to the cleaners is on today's agenda?" He patted his baby's back in a circular motion, listening for the tell-tale sound signaling that there would be no spitting up this morning.

"I dropped it off yesterday. Laundry, however, is on the schedule." She rose from the chair and motioned toward the door. "I need to get dressed."

"I'll go start breakfast. Do you want dead animal today?" He grinned wickedly at her.

"Yep. I need protein."

"You could eat tofu." His eyes sparkled with mischief.

"And you could have diaper duty all by yourself for the next two years." "That's the best threat you can come up with? Sheesh, Mac, I think you're losing your touch. In case you haven't noticed, I don't *mind* diaper duty." He hoisted Matt up on his shoulder. "C'mon, son. Let's go fry Mommy some dead pig." Harm headed to the kitchen with Matt chortling all the way.

Twenty minutes later, Mac strolled into the kitchen to find Harm sliding a spatula beneath the edges of an omelet while Matt sat happily in his bouncer seat. Father and son were obviously enjoying their conversation as Harm carefully explained all the intricacies of cooking omelets to the baby. "See, Matt, if you divide the eggs and beat the whites separately, you get a fluffier omelet."

"Eh eh eh," was the articulate baby reply.

Mac was struck for the hundredth time by how good a father Harm was. For someone who barely remembered his own father, Harm had terrific instincts when it came to dealing with Matt. Coming up behind her husband, she slipped her arms around his waist and kissed his shoulder. "You really shouldn't be frying bacon with no shirt on," she murmured. "What if the grease spattered and burned you?"

He turned in her arms and leered dramatically. "I guess you'd have to kiss it all better, wouldn't you?"

Rolling her eyes, she let go and wandered over to the coffee maker. Pouring herself a cup, she asked, "Do you need to go into the office this morning?"

"Unfortunately, yes. I at least need to check my mail before Monday. And depending on whether or not the fleet is in port, I could be busy lining up defense attorneys."

"Oh, ye of little faith. Are you saying that today's sailors can't be trusted to handle a little liberty in a foreign port?" she teased.

"I didn't say that." He grinned as he deftly divided the omelet and slid it onto their plates. "Pour me a cup, will you please?"

"Already did." She plunked a mug down on the table. "Aren't you going to ask?"

"Ask what?"

"If the fleet is in."

"I was hoping to remain in blissful ignorance until after breakfast, if you must know."

She dug into her food. "Ah. Okay." Turning to their son, she said, "You know, sweetie, your daddy is cute. But he thinks he's funny. So let's not disabuse him of that idea. It keeps him happy."

Matthew replied as only a three month old can. He blew bubbles at his mother's nonsense.

"You know, Mac, I'm not sure that you should be telling him things like that. What if he believes you?" Harm's tone was indignant.

"Harm, he already *knows* it. He's a very smart baby. He understands lots of things."

He choked on his coffee. "I'm doomed. I can see it now. As soon as he's walking and talking, you'll have him in miniature Marine BDUs making jokes about squids."

"Of course. You didn't really expect anything else, did you?"

"I guess not." He waggled his eyebrows. "Just as long as you make it worth my while."

"I think that can be arranged." She took a long swallow of coffee. "Speaking of arranging things..."

"Yeah?"

"Why don't you go on into the office as soon as you get ready, and I'll get the laundry started. Matt and I can come pick you up for lunch."

"Sounds good. With any luck, I should be finished by then." He rose from the table, dishes in hand.

"I'll get those," she offered. "You better get dressed. Now that you've eaten, I can tell you. A carrier group docked yesterday afternoon."

"Oh, lord," he groaned.

"Yeah. Looks like you're going to be busy this morning."

09:30 local
JAG TSO Ops
Naples, Italy

Harm had managed to get through about half his piled-up mail when his telephone rang.

"Rabb....Admiral Chegwidden! What can I do for you, Sir?....Mac and the baby did just fine....Yes, Sir....Yes, Mac told me that the Teddy Roosevelt carrier group docked here yesterday afternoon. I imagine it'll take the rest of the morning to deal with the drunk and disorderlies from last night....Aye, aye, Sir. I will think some more about it. I really haven't made a decision yet. It's just something I've been thinking about since Matt was born....Aye, Sir. I'll be there. Good-bye, Admiral."

He frowned as he replaced the receiver. He could have sworn that life was supposed to have gotten a little less complicated when he moved into a more administrative position. But in the three months since he'd been chief of the Trial Services Office in Naples, his life had been as hectic as it ever had. And that was just at work. Harm sighed and returned to the stack of papers in front of him.

12:00 local
Harm's office

"Colonel Mackenzie reporting as ordered, Sir." Mac snapped a salute as she juggled Matt and the diaper bag with her left arm.

"At ease, Colonel." Harm looked up at his wife and child and laughed. "Why do you keep doing that?" He rose from his chair and came forward, reaching for his son.

"I seem to recall you doing it a lot when I outranked you," she reminded him with a grin.

"Yeah, but *you* kept pulling rank on me." He cradled Matt in his arms. "So, how's my baby squid, hmm? Have you been good for Mommy?" He gently tickled the baby's chin and was rewarded with a smile.

"I did not pull rank on you."

"Yes, you did. But I'm sure you thought it was necessary." He returned his attention to his son. "Your mommy has very definite ideas about the relative hierarchy of the United States Armed Forces, Son. Just want to warn you." He dropped a tender kiss on Matt's forehead. "So, Mac, where do you want to go for lunch? And are we actually going to manage to order and eat before Junior here decides it's his turn?"

"Let's try that little place around the corner. And he should be good to go for a while. I fed him right before we left." She grabbed his cover. "Shall we?"

"Yeah. I've got a few things I need to discuss with you."

12:30 local
Cafe Benedetto

Mac idly rolled Matt's stroller back and forth with her foot while watching Harm. He had talked of inconsequential things until the waiter had brought their food. "All right, Harm. What's on your mind?"

"The Admiral called about 9:30."

"Chegwidden?"

"Yes." He twirled his fork between his fingers.

"Didn't you just spend the last five days meeting with him?"

"Yes. Apparently, he changed his mind about the logistics of getting the information to all the fleet JAGs in the area about the changes to the rules of engagement we were hashing out in Rota."

"And...?"

"And I've got orders to meet with all of them on the Seahawk on Monday to go over the changes." He frowned. "In the Persian Gulf."

"Aren't you a little senior to be assigned that duty?"

"Normally, yes. But I think there is more to the assignment than just getting the word out."

She arched a brow and waited for him to continue.

"I think the Admiral wants me on a carrier." He picked at his salad.

"Harm, what's going on?" Her eyes were full of concern.

He took a deep breath. "The Admiral brought me my orders for my quals. They're scheduled for mid-May."

Mac shrugged. "So, in a couple of months. Is it a weekend? Matt and I will be fine, Harm."

He shook his head. "I know that. No, that's not the issue. I mentioned to the Admiral that I was thinking of not doing them. I think he wants me to hear the catapult and smell the jet fuel before I make a final decision."

Her fork clattered onto the plate. "You're what?!"

"I'm thinking of letting my flight status drop." Harm pushed lettuce around his plate.

"Why on earth would you do that? Are you having trouble with your eyes?" She reached out and placed her hand on his.

"No, I'm fine. My eyes are fine. It's just that ever since we got married, and even more since Matt was born, I've been realizing that there are some things that are a lot more important than flying fighter planes."

"Really?" She smiled at him.

"Yeah. My M&Ms." He gave her his "flyboy" grin.

"M&Ms?"

"Mac and Matt."

"Cute, Squid. I kinda like that." Her eyes twinkled.

"Seriously, Mac. I do not want to be like my father. No way do I want to leave you and Matt alone. I don't want Matt to miss out on his childhood like I did."

She considered her response carefully. "Harm, what makes you think you might?"

"Combat flying is the most dangerous job in the Navy, Mac. You know that. You've seen the results of SAMs and sidewinders. I can't risk it anymore."

"Harm, you're the chief of the TSO here. What are the chances that anyone is going to order you to fly a combat mission?"

"What does that have to do with it?"

"Everything. What makes flying for the Navy dangerous is flying in combat, right?"

He nodded. "Most of the time."

"Are you also planning to quit flying Sarah when we get back to the States?"

"No, of course not. What does that have to do with not flying for the Navy?"

"If you're still going to fly a plane, the risks of mechanical failure will still be there, right?"

"Yeah. Of course, flying is still safer than driving."

"Then what's the problem? No one is going to order you into combat unless we're in a war so vast that you wouldn't have a choice. I just don't see the problem, honey." She squeezed his hand. "I do think it's sweet that you thought of us. Besides, even if the unthinkable did happen, Matt would miss his daddy, but he wouldn't miss his childhood."

He stared at her. "Why not?"

"Because I wouldn't let him. I know first hand what it did to you. Remember? There is no way I would let anyone tell him to 'be the man of the house.' So don't worry about that." She gazed at him with love. "Harm, it's your decision. I told you that before we ever got married. Flying is part of you. If you want to quit, I'll support you. If you want to continue, I'll support you. But please don't quit for me and Matt." She traced gentle circles on the back of his hand. "Dress whites and gold wings, you know."

"Aren't you the one who told me they're over-rated?" His smile was back. "Okay. I'll think about it some more."

"Good." She picked her fork up again. "So, what else was waiting for you to brighten your day?"

"Hmm. Let's see. I had to get someone to bail out twenty sailors for enjoying their liberty too much last night. And we're getting a new attorney on Wednesday."

"Anyone I know?"

"I don't think you've ever met. It's my old partner, Meg Austin. She's a commander now."

"That's nice. I'll enjoy meeting her. Perhaps she can shed some light on the enigma that is you."

Harm bristled. "There is nothing to tell. She was like a little sister to me."

"Really."

"Yes, really. She was a good five years younger than me."

"So am I, Harm."

"Well, she seemed younger. She was very...um...cheerful." He thought back. "And she always called me 'Sir.'"

"Ah, no wonder she seemed young to you." Mac's eyes danced with mischief. "I can call you 'Sir.' I suppose I should, since you outrank me and all."

"Maybe tonight, after Matt is asleep. You can show me just how much you respect me."

"Yellow light, Captain."

"Can you say that if we're married?" Harm's wounded expression made her laugh.

"I just did, Flyboy." Mac giggled. "Like I told Matt--you're cute."

"I wasn't being cute. I was being funny."

Part 2

Monday
21:00 local
USS Seahawk
Persian Gulf

"I knew I'd find you here."

The voice from the distant past startled Harm as he stood on the weather deck, his arms braced on the railing, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Mace." His tone was wary as he greeted the other man. "What can I do for you?"

Commander Jack Mace leaned on the railing beside his former squadron member. "I heard you were aboard. There's something I need to say to you."

Harm closed his eyes as if in pain. "Oh?" His voice was neutral, but his stomach had begun to churn.

"Yeah. I owe you an apology." Mace continued to stare out to sea.

More surprised than ever, Harm looked over at his companion. "For what? If anyone owes an apology, it's me."

"No, Harm. I owe you one for the way I treated you the last time I saw you. I'm sorry. I should've kept my mouth shut about things. You obviously didn't want that partner of yours to know about the past. I should have respected that."

Harm shook his head. "Jack, when you pinned your wings on my uniform -- that was more than enough." He swallowed the queasy feeling that was rising in his throat. "I should be telling you I'm sorry. Not a day goes by that I don't relive the accident. And wonder what the hell I could have done differently." Taking a deep breath, he went on. "I never come up with a satisfactory answer. For a long time, I really wished it had been me."

"Harm..."

"I was the one that couldn't see the damn deck."

"And my brother was the one who panicked instead of helping you land that bird." Mace paused a minute. "If he hadn't ejected you both, who knows what would have happened? You managed to land the plane with the CAG." He shrugged. "There's no point in second-guessing yourself. It wasn't your fault. I understand that now."

"He was my RIO and my friend." Harm ran a hand over his face. He breathed deeply. "But thanks, Jack."

The other man grinned. "Forget it. Anyway, I figured that it might be a good idea for us to clear the air. Seeing as how we'll probably be running into each other more frequently than every ten years."

"We will?"

"Probably. When this deployment is over, I'm being reassigned to Italy."

"Promotion due?"

"Hopefully. But mostly because I just got married, and my wife is in the Navy. She's starting a new assignment on Wednesday in Naples. She's a JAG lawyer too."

"Oh yeah? Do I know her?" Harm stared at his companion. "Wait a second. You're married to Meg?"

Mace laughed at Harm's expression. "Yeah. Three weeks and two days now."

"Well, I'll be damned." Harm whistled in amazement. "I haven't seen Meg in years. I just got the message Saturday that she was being assigned to the office. But I didn't notice anything about her being married. And it said 'Meg Austin.'"

"Yeah. Well, for obvious reasons, she decided not to change her last name. Can't say I blame her."

"Congratulations, Jack. I always did like Meg. She was a good partner."

"Thanks, Harm. I hear you not only got married but have a kid. So tell me about the family."

Harm's face brightened. "My wife is a Marine colonel."

"Jeez, Harm. You married into the Corps?" Mace groaned.

"Yeah. But when you meet her, don't make cracks about jarheads. She could take either one of us barehanded. The first time I took her out, she killed a man."

Mace's eyes widened. "You're kidding, right?"

"Not at all. I took her flying in my Stearman. The fuel line split, and I had to set her down in a field out in the middle of nowhere. We ran into some psychotic poachers. The readers' digest version is they chased us, trying to kill us. Mac got shot in the leg, so I left her hidden and went to divert the psychos. While I was gone, one of them found her and tried to assault her. She stabbed him with his own hunting knife."

"And you married her? Doesn't it worry you if she gets mad?" Mace chuckled. "Sounds like one tough lady."

"She is, but she doesn't look like it."

"And the kid?"

"Matt's three months old. He's amazing."

"Your wife got him in cammo diapers?"

"Pretty much, yeah." Harm laughed. "It's OK. All she can do is kick-box and out-shoot most men I know. I can fly airplanes. He'll figure it out."

The two men looked out to sea in companionable silence for several long minutes. Mace finally broke it by asking, "So what are you doing on the ship? I can't think of anything that has happened lately to need a senior JAG officer on board."

"New rules of engagement. Admiral Chegwidden wants me to explain them to all the shipboard JAGs in the region tomorrow morning. If all goes well, I'll be on the afternoon COD back to Naples."

"Aren't you a little senior for that assignment?"

"Ordinarily, yes. I think the Admiral wanted me to smell the jet fuel and listen to the catapult."

"Oh? And why would he do that?"

"I mentioned to him that I was thinking of giving up my flight status."

Mace stared at him, stunned. "You, Harmon 'all I've ever wanted to do was fly airplanes for the Navy' Rabb, are thinking of making your last trap?"

"Yes, I am." He turned to face his companion. "I haven't decided. But it's been on my mind since I got married. And once Matt was born, I've really been thinking about it. I don't want to leave them like my dad left me."

"I hear you. I must admit, the thought crossed my mind on my honeymoon. Meg keeps telling me not to even think it though."

"So does Mac. But your situation is different than mine. You're the squadron CO. In a few years, you'll probably be the CAG somewhere. Your whole career has been as an aviator. I'm a lawyer. I fly because I want to."

"True. But by that same logic, I'm the one who is more likely to not come home from a mission. When was the last time you flew in combat?"

"2002. And I damned near got killed."

"You do seem to attract trouble, don't you?" Mace laughed.

"Yeah. And that's what worries me."

"I can't tell you what to do, Harm. All I can say is that you have to do what feels right for you. But from where I'm standing, I think the risks are minimal. You're not going to be in combat again unless you want to be. You can simply choose not to be."

"You're right. And I am going to give it more thought. I've got a couple of months till my quals." Harm trained his eyes back on the sea.

"Want me to get you a ride in the morning?" Mace offered.

"Thanks, but not this trip. I've got that meeting, remember?"

"Oh yeah."

"And then I've got to get back to Naples so I can welcome Meg to the office."

Mace smiled as he nodded. "Let's go get some coffee."

Harm agreed, and the two men walked down to the officers' wardroom, in charity with each other for the first time in a dozen years.

19:30 local
Harm and Mac's apartment
Naples, Italy

Mac smiled as she laid her son down in his crib. His thumb went immediately into his mouth as he stared into her face. "Goodnight, sweetie. Daddy will be here in the morning. I love you." She bent down and kissed his downy head. "Go to sleep now." She flicked on the baby monitor and quietly left the room, gently pulling the door closed behind her.

She had at least an hour before Harm should get home. Perhaps she could get some work done before his arrival. But first, it was time to get comfortable. Mac smiled as she went into their bedroom and started rummaging through her closet. Finally, she found what she was looking for--a long, slinky gown and matching robe in a deep, dusty rose. She donned the gown and dabbed a little perfume behind her ears. Mac shrugged on the robe and padded back to the living room. Curling up in the corner of the sofa, she opened up the brief she'd been reading earlier. If she was lucky, she'd get it finished before Harm got home.

20:45 local

The sound of a key rattling in the lock broke her concentration. Mac put the brief down on the coffee table and uncurled her legs. She had just risen to her feet when the door opened and her husband appeared. Mac moved quickly across the room to meet him, arms open wide. Harm dumped his sea bag on the floor and gathered her to him.

"Oh, god, Mac. It's good to be home." He nuzzled her hair, drinking in the scent of her perfume. "Miss me?"

She pulled him closer. "You bet. Every second of every minute."

He leaned his head back to look at her. "Really?" He flashed a smile. "Even when you were sleeping?"

"Especially then, Flyboy." She cocked her head. "Did they feed you on the plane or are you hungry?"

"Yes, and yes." A deep chuckle rumbled in his chest. "Although looking at what you're wearing, I'm not too sure exactly what I'm hungry for now."

Mac swatted his chest with her hand. "You..."

"Yes? Are you speechless? This is a first."

She gave a sigh of mock long-suffering. "Why don't you go get more comfortable, and I'll find you something to eat."

"Okay. Leftovers will be fine." He let his arms drop and bent to pick up his bag. "I'll be right back."

"All right." She smiled happily as she made her way to the kitchen. Harm was home, and all was right with the world. She heard the sound of water running as she pulled the bowl of salad from the refrigerator. A couple of bottles of juice and a loaf of bread joined the salad on the table.

By the time she finished getting his meal put together, Harm was standing in the doorway, his hair damp and with drops of water snaking their way down his chest toward the waistband of his shorts. Mac's eyes widened as she followed their route. She gulped and shook her head to clear it of the image that sight engendered.

"Looks good," he commented, coming into the dining area.

"Yes, you do," she replied with a grin.

"Food first, Marine. The night is young." He pulled out her chair then sat down himself.

Mac sipped on her juice and watched him eat. There was something undefinably different about him tonight. Something had happened while he was on the Seahawk, but she couldn't imagine what. But there wasn't a lot of point in asking him till he had finished his supper. That was one thing she had finally learned about Harm: if she wanted an answer from him on something personal, she had to avoid blindsiding him with the question. And then she had to be willing to wait for his answer. Not for the first time, Mac wondered how things would be different if she'd known that back in Sydney. While he ate, Mac filled him in on all that Matt had done in the past two days along with a little Navy scuttlebutt.

Finally putting down his fork, Harm sighed in contentment. "That was perfect. Thanks, Mac." He rose from the table and began to clear the dishes. He made short work of their few dishes and returned to find her still sitting at the table, her chin resting on one hand. She was staring at him, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "What?"

"I was just thinking about how gorgeous you are. Especially with no shirt on." Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Remembering that photo of you in the strip club."

"Ma...ac. You know that wasn't me." He reached for her hand.

"So you say, sailor. So you say." Laughing, she rose from the table.

"I can prove it wasn't me." He started to lead her down the hall toward their bedroom.

"You can? You gonna strip for me?"

"If you like." He grinned from ear to ear. Of course, first I'd have to find my dress whites and put them on."

"Never mind. You can show me some other time. God only knows where they are right now." She wrapped an arm around his waist. "Is there a reason that we're going in this direction?"

He stared at her. "Oh, I don't know. It's almost nine o'clock. In approximately two hours we are going to hear a demand for food and a dry diaper. And I haven't seen my wife, who is dressed in satin and lace, for two days." He smiled seductively. "I thought maybe we could get a nap."

"Ah. Just a nap?"

"Well, maybe some other things as well." He pulled her into the bedroom and down onto the bed. Enfolding her in his arms, he kissed her deeply. "I missed you," he whispered before his mouth became occupied with more interesting things than talking.

21:45

"Hmm, I could stay like this forever," Mac murmured drowsily into Harm's chest. As always, their lovemaking had left her languid and sated. She lay snuggled up to his side, one arm draped over his torso. His arms were wrapped around her, sheltering her.

"Me too." He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "I had the weirdest experience out on the Seahawk."

All her instincts went on instant alert, but Mac willed her muscles to stay relaxed. "Oh?"

"Yeah. Last night, I saw Jack Mace."

"Wasn't your RIO's name Mace?"

"This is his brother. We were at the Academy together, flight school, served in the same squadron at one point." Harm pulled Mac closer. "And he was on the Seahawk the first time I went out there for an investigation."

"I see." Mac chewed on her bottom lip. "I guess that might have been somewhat awkward. Was that the first time..."

"That I'd been on a carrier or seen Mace since the ramp strike?"

"Either. Both."

"Yes, to both. Anyway, I hadn't worn my wings in five years. So most people at JAG didn't even know that I had been a pilot."

"And Mace told Kate?"

He stared at the ceiling. "Yeah. And everyone else on the boat who didn't already know. And..." He paused, unable to continue with the lump in his throat.

"He told them that..."

"I'd screwed the pooch." His tone was full of regret. "It was frustrating to say the least. I couldn't really blame him. But I had tried so hard to put that part of my life behind me and forget it enough to function as a lawyer."

"So then what?"

"So after I landed the plane when the CAG got hit, Mace pinned his wings on my uniform." He pressed his lips together. "I didn't know if he knew just how much that meant to me. But I was really grateful."

Gently stroking his chest, Mac waited in silence for him to continue.

"Well, like I said, I saw him last night. And he apologized." He shook his head. "I'm not sure the last time I was so surprised. And then we talked about it."

"And it helped?" Mac smiled in the dusk. This was what was different about Harm. Another wall had come down. She silently thanked Jack Mace.

"Yeah. And then he told me that he just got married."

"That's nice. I highly recommend it."

"Good. Me too. Anyway, he married Meg Austin." He kissed her again. "So we'll probably be seeing him around sometime."

"Then I'm really glad you two had that talk." Shifting her position slightly, she began to rain kisses on his chest. "Now, we have another thirty or forty minutes before we get rudely interrupted. Did you have anything in mind?

"Oh yeah." He ran his hands up and down her sides. Capturing her cheeks, he brought her mouth back up to his. "I love you."

"I love you, too." And she proceeded to show him just how much.