New Beginnings

January 6, 2004

Disclaimer: The characters of JAG are the property of Donald Bellisario and Bellisarius Production, Inc. Used without permission. No copyright infringement intended. May be reproduce if unchanged, author given full credit, and no financial transaction is involved.

Author Notes: Feedback is greatly appreciated and welcomed.

Spring 1997
Harm’s apartment

It was a rainy night. In fact it had been raining all week. Harm was sitting in a chair in his living room. He had been looking through some old letters that he had written to Diane. It was almost two years to the day that she was murdered. Agent Turkey had returned the letters to him after the investigation into her death was completed Harm wasn’t completely satisfied with the results of the investigation He didn’t think the real killer had been caught. He knew that in order for him to move on with his life, so that he could love someone else, he had to find out who the real killer was. He had fallen in love with Mac, but didn’t feel he could express that love until he close the final chapter of his relationship with Diane.

While he was reading one of the letters he found one letter that he hadn’t written It was a draft to Commander Hobart about his lack of action to the unwanted sexual advances she had to deal with. It all of a sudden came clear to him who the killer was. As he was getting ready to leave he heard a knock on the door. He put the gun in his belt. He opened the door. It was Mac. She was looking very beautiful and sexy as usual. She was wearing a soft brown sweater with a leather jacket. Her hair was soft and frizzy from being out in the rain. She took off her jacket and went over to the couch to sit down.

“Hi Mac, uh... what are you doing here?” asked a distracted Harm. He didn’t have time for a visit with her. He needed to get going. “I’m here for that dinner you promise me. We’re suppose to look over this file and work on the Munson case tonight.” smiled Mac seductively while wondering what was wrong with him tonight. “I’m sorry Mac, I completely forgot. Can I have a rain check? I have to go out tonight and meet an old friend. His ship is docking tonight and he is leaving in a few days.” pleaded Harm. “You have to be kidding Harm. I came all the way over here in the pouring rain to work on this case with you. We’re not even close to being ready for it. Besides which I’m hungry. You promised me you would cook me dinner.” replied Mac.

Harm got up and went over to the closet to get his jacket. Mac saw the gun behind his back in his belt. She was shocked. Where in the world was he going that he need his gun. She got up and grabbed the gun from Harm before he realized what she was doing. “Harm, what are you doing here with your gun?” asked a puzzled Mac. “Nothing for you to worry about Mac.” replied Harm He didn’t want to get in with her about what he was planning to do. “Harm, let’s sit down and talk about it.” begged Mac. She needed to know what was going on. She didn’t want to see Harm get hurt or killed “I can’t Mac. I need to get going. His ship is due in tonight I want to see him before he leaves the ship.” whine Harm wishing she would leave it alone and respect his wishes. “Who’s ship Harm, please talk to me. Tell me what’s wrong.” pleaded Mac.

Finally Harm relented knowing Mac was like a dog with a bone. Once she was on to something she wasn’t going to let it go until had what she wanted. “OK, I will tell you, but then you will have to leave.” Mac gave Harm back his gun. She knew he probably had another gun either in his apartment or out in his car. They both sat down on the couch and Harm proceeded to tell her about the investigation of Diane’s death. About how he and Diane were going to go away that weekend to discuss their future together. He told her how he was unable to have a normal relationship with anyone because he had unresolved emotional feelings for Diane that weren’t going to go away until he knew who really killed her. He had finally figured out who had killed her when Mac had walked in the door. He was leaving to confront him.

“Harm, you have to let the SP’s take care of him. You can’t confront him all by yourself.” pleaded Mac. She feared that Harm might kill Diane’s killer and ruin his career, his life. “I can’t let the SP’s take care of it. The evidence I have to confront him with wouldn’t stand up in court. I have to get him to confess.” replied Harm. “Please Harm, if you have to do this, let’s go and talk to the Admiral first. You owe it to him to talk to him first.” wailed Mac. “OK Mac, you’re right let’s go.” conceded Harm.

Harm and Mac went out to his car and began to get in. Harm didn’t want to see the Admiral. He knew the Admiral would try delay him and try to talk him out of going. He also wanted to protect Mac from what was going to happen. Then Harm realized that he needed the letter that was back in his apartment. “Darn, I forgot the letter back in my apartment, could you please go back up to my apartment and get it for me Mac? I’ll warm the car up for you.” asked Harm sincerely. “Sure Harm as long as you promise not to leave without me.” replied Mac. “OK Mac.” responded Harm.

Mac got out of the car and went up to the building. As she was reaching for the front door she heard Harm’s car speeding away out of the parking lot. “Sorry Mac, but I have to do this myself. I can’t have you involved.” Harm said to himself as he pulled away. “Damm you Harm. I love you. You’re going to get yourself in trouble. Maybe you’ll end up in jail or out of the service. You’ll be out of my life before we can begin to have a real life together.” wailed Mac.

She got into her jeep and manage to get it started. She had left her keys and jacket in Harm’s apartment and it was lock. She had gotten soaked in the rain while she tried to start the jeep. She headed back to JAG headquarters. She was hoping to find out some more information about the murder and where Harm had gone. She was soaking wet by the time she got to JAG and went into the building. She found Bud still there. He helped her fill in the missing pieces about Diane. She came across a picture of Diane in the file. She began to understand now why Harm stared at her when they first met. They could have been twins.

“What was she like Bud?” asked Mac. “All you have to do is look in a mirror Ma’am. She looked exactly like you. But you both have completely different personalities. She was softer, more amusing a more relaxed personality. Where as you have a more military bearing, more serious and hard nose, kick ass marine.” replied a hesitant Bud. He didn’t want to get her mad at him. “Ma’am, Harriet has an extra uniform in her locker you can change into.” offered Bud. She changed into one of Harriet’s uniforms that Bud had offered her. While Mac was changing Bud came up with two possibilities. But only one was due to arrive in Norfolk tonight. Bud went along with Mac as she drove to Norfolk.

Meanwhile Harm had arrived in Norfolk and was waiting for Commander Hobart to leave the ship When Harm saw the Commander walking towards him he stopped him and he confronted him. “What are you doing here Commander?” asked Hobart. “I needed to talk to you about something.” replied Harm. Harm showed him the letter which stated how unresponsive Hobart had been to Diane’s complaints of sexual harassment. That she was going to report him when they got back to port. Hobart denied everything. As Harm drew his gun out from behind his back, Harm and Hobart heard footsteps coming from behind Harm. They heard Mac call out Harm’s name. “Harm!” When Hobart saw Mac he thought he was seeing the ghost of Diane. He took a couple of steps backwards and fell off the pier, he was crushed between the dock and the ship.

“Harm! Are you all right?” asked a worried Mac. “Yeah Mac, I’m ok. What are you doing here. I thought I left you back at my place.” responded Harm as he hugged her. “Trying to save your sorry six flyboy.” replied a happy Mac. “You didn’t need to do that Mac. I had everything under control. By the way you look like Diane in that navy uniform. You must have spooked Hobart. You look very nice in navy white Are you thinking about becoming a Squid? Why are you wearing a lieutenant’s uniform anyway?” asked Harm. “My clothes were soaking wet thanks to you. Bud offered me one of Harriet’s uniforms to change into I didn’t want you to kill Commander Hobart.” replied Mac. “And No! I am not transferring to the Navy.”

“You don’t know if I would have killed him. I didn’t even know what I was going to do. I was looking for the truth. Now I will never know what I would have done. But thank you anyway Sarah. I still think you do look good in navy white Sarah. Are you sure you’re not considering transferring to the navy? smiled Harm as he tease his little ninja girl. “Ha, ha, ha you’re very funny fly boy.” replied an annoyed Mac. Why in the world would she become a squid. She just shook her head. “Who Me?” grinned Harm.

Harm looked deeply into her eyes. He leaned towards her and started to kiss her. Mac had been waiting for this moment since the day they met. She responded to the kiss by deepening it. She didn’t want to let him go. When they finished kissing Mac tried to pass the kiss off. “I know you weren’t really kissing me, you were saying goodbye to Diane.” wailed Mac. “Why would you think that Sarah? Diane has been dead and gone from my life for two years. What makes you think that I wasn’t kissing you to say thank you for saving my sorry six. For stopping me from doing something really stupid that could have sent me to Leavenworth.” replied Harm. Why was she trying to complicate things. He had really enjoyed kissing Mac. The way she kissed back, Harm was sure she enjoyed it too.

“What do you mean Harm?” asked a confused Mac. “I mean I love you Sarah MacKenzie. Coming here tonight to see Hobart was about closing the last chapter of my life with Diane. So I could move on.” smiled Harm as he continued to hold her in his arms. He could see the confuse look on her face. “Move on to what Harm?” asked Mac hoping he meant having a relationship with her. “To loving you Sarah.” replied Harm as Mac’s knees buckled. Mac was blushing now. She was beginning to realize what was happening Harm was calling her Sarah, her given name. Her heart began to beat faster. Her knees were beginning to buckle. She was swooning. Harm loved her.

She had slowly fallen in love with him ever since the first time she saw him in the rose garden. He had been so supportive of her. He had help her deal with her demons that she had carried with her every day. She was glowing. And now he was telling her that he loved her. The man of her dreams was in love with her, Sarah MacKenzie “You love me Harm?” asked Mac with a look of wonder on her face “Yes Sarah, I love you very much.” replied Harm with a smile “I love you too flyboy. But about that dinner that you owe me?” asked Mac with a chuckle. “Dinner! How can you think about food at a time like this? I tell you I love you and you want to eat.” replied Harm as he shook his head. “That’s because I’m starving. Someone didn’t feed me tonight like they had promise.” smiled Mac. “Ok, ok, I’ll take you to dinner. Would you like to change first?” asked Harm with a smile.

“No, I’m ok for now. Let’s go before the SP’s come back. I don’t want to deal with them tonight. We can talk to them tomorrow” replied Mac as her stomach growl. “Ok, let me call Bud on his cell phone to let him know about our plans so he won’t worry.” replied Harm. “We will have to talk to the Admiral tomorrow about what happened here tonight.” continued Mac. “Just about what happened to Hobart tonight. Let’s not tell him how we feel about each other. I’m not ready to share my feelings about you with anybody but you.” responded Harm as he kissed her forehead. “Same here flyboy.” replied Mac On the way back to DC they stopped off for something to eat. They talked about how they felt about each other. Afterwards they went back to Harm’s place and made wild and passionate love.

Over the next few months Harm and Mac explored their feelings for one another. They spent as much of their free time together as possible. They did the couple thing, dining out, going to the movies, taking long walks, and making hot and passionate love Harm would take Mac flying in his bi-plane to see the country side. Then one autumn day after spending several hours viewing the many different colors of the fall foliage Harm landed the bi-plane in a field for a picnic.

“Are you enjoying yourself today Sarah?” asked Harm. “Yes Harm, today has been wonderful. I can’t believe how happy I am. This has been the best summer of my life.” replied a very happy Mac. “I have to agree with you ninja girl. This summer has been very special. Being together with you has been wonderful. The fact that we have kept it from everyone else has made it even better.” smiled Harm. “I love you flyboy.” crooned Mac. “I love you too ninja girl.” replied Harm. “Do you think we should tell anyone?” asked Mac hesitantly. “No. We would have to answer too many questions. We would be expected to socialized with other couples all the time. But more important we wouldn’t be able to work together. Working with you is too special for me to give up at this time” replied Harm hoping she understood.

“That’s so true. I really enjoy working with you. I have learned so much. I am a much better lawyer now then before I arrived here.” agreed Mac. “Also one of us might have to leave Jag. I don’t want that to happen right now.” “Thank you Sarah. I can say the same about working with you. I’ve had to get better to stay one step ahead of you I can’t slack off and let my charms win cases anymore. I’m not ready to give up working with you just yet.” replied Harm as he took her into his arms.

They finished their lunch and were packing up the picnic item as they got ready to leave Before they left Harm reach over and took one of Mac’s hands. “Wait Sarah, before we go back to DC. I have something I need to ask you.” smiled Harm. “Ok Harm, what do you want to ask me?” asked Mac coyly. She was smiling. Harm was calling her Sarah, her given name, all the time now when they were alone with each other. She felt so good when he did. She saw him getting down onto one knee. Her heart began to beat faster. Tears began to form in her eyes as she began to realize what Harm was going to ask her.

“Sarah MacKenzie, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife. The time we have spent together this summer has been so wonderful that I can’t imagine you not being a part of my life. I love you Sarah MacKenzie. I want to spend the rest of my life together with you making you happy.” asked Harm. “The time we’ve spent together this summer has been very special. I never thought I could ever be this happy. You are my life, my soul mate. Yes, I’ll marry you. ” cried Mac happily. They kissed and walked back to the plane. They flew back to DC.

Later in the week they got together to make plans about getting married a couple days after Christmas. They call his family and her uncle to arrange for them to spend Christmas together at his grandmother’s farm. All he told his mother was he had someone special he wanted them to meet. They didn’t tell anyone about the wedding. They wanted to keep it a surprise. Now the tricky part was to get the Admiral to allow them to take two weeks leave at the same time without raising the Admiral’s suspicion or the suspicion of the rank and file.

1 Oct 1997
JAG Headquarters

Early that morning Mac went in to see the Admiral in his office. She was nervous. She had come up with an idea that would allow her to take leave. “Sir, I would like to request leave from 22 Dec to 4 Jan.” requested Mac. “That’s a long time to be away Major. I don’t know if I can afford to spare you for two weeks. What may I ask do you need that much time for?” asked the Admiral curiously. “I have accumulated over seventy days of leave Sir. I receive a notice that I have to use it or lose it. Sir, I would prefer to use it.” replied Mac hopefully. “Very well Major. Permission granted. Where are you going if I may ask?” asked the Admiral. He enjoyed putting his people on the spot. “I don’t know for sure yet Sir I’m still in the planning stages. I was thinking about going skiing.” replied Mac. “Well let me know when you do Major. Dismiss.” commanded the Admiral.

10 Oct 1997
JAG Headquarters

In order to avoid suspicion that they were going away together Harm went in to see the Admiral a week later about taking leave. He had talked it over with Mac before coming up with a plan. “What is it Rabb?” Bellowed the Admiral. “Request permission to take two weeks leave Sir.” asked Harm. “When would you like to take it?” asked the Admiral suspiciously. “From 23 Dec to 5 Jan, Sir.” replied Harm. “I don’t know if I can spare you for two weeks Commander.” replied the Admiral “Why’s that Sir? JAG is usually pretty quiet during that time of the year.” responded Harm. “The Major is going away then. I would like one of you two here.” replied the Admiral as he tried to make Harm sweat. He hope to get some intel about what his two best people were up to

“Sir, I haven’t spent Christmas with my family in a few years. They have planned something very special this year. I would like to be with them. I am also in the use it or lose it category.” pleaded Harm. “Very well Commander, it sounds kind of fishy. Are you sure you and the Major aren’t going away together and getting married?” smiled the Admiral as he looked for a reaction from Harm but saw none. “What? No Sir. I’m going to my grandmother’s farm for Christmas. The last thing I heard was that Mac was going somewhere nice and warm.” smiled Harm. “OK Rabb, dismiss.” bellowed the Admiral.

Later Harm and Mac got together in his office to discuss what they were going to do before the end of the year. Did you have any trouble getting leave flyboy?” asked Mac. “A little bit. The Admiral didn’t like the idea of us both being away for that length of time at the same time.” replied Harm as he shook his head. “I know what you mean. I was fortunate that I had excess leave I had to use. He had to let me take it.” commented Mac. “I think he may be a little suspicious of us taking time off at the same time. He was kidding me about you and I going away to get married.” chuckled Harm “Well we better be prepared to deal with some good natured kidding from the rest of the staff. If the Admiral is aware of the possibility, then the rest of them will be soon.” replied Mac seriously. “I hadn’t thought about that. We should come up with a plan tonight over dinner.” continued Harm.

“Well that’s what you have me for.” giggled Mac. “To cook me dinner.” teased Harm. “What? No silly.” replied Mac as she shook her head in disbelief. “To make me feel like a real man” as Harm continued to tease. “Only in your dreams flyboy.” replied Mac as she enjoyed their little game. “Then what ninja girl?” responded Harm not wanting to give the satisfaction. “Someone to think about all the possibilities. We can plan on what to say to them. If one of us is approached about it, we can make a general announcement to everyone at one time. That should lessen the ribbing we get from them.” smiled Mac satisfactory. “Sounds like a plan to me ninja girl.” smiled Harm

They discussed their plans over dinner that night. The next morning when they arrived at the office there was a buzz going through out the bullpen. The Harriet rumor mill was working over time. Tiner had just posted the leave requests for the next two months. The Commander and Major were taking two weeks of leave at the same time. It could mean only one thing, they were going away together for a romantic getaway or they were going away to get married and go on their honeymoon. Harriet saw them walking in together. She walked over to Mac’s office and knocked on the door. She wanted to pump her for information about their vacation plans.

“Enter.” commanded Mac. “Good morning Ma’am, How are you today?” asked Harriet hoping to avoid suspicion. “I’m just fine Harriet. Why are you so chipper today?” asked Mac. “Tiner posted the leave schedule for the rest of the year.” replied Harriet coyly. “So where are you and Bud going Harriet?” asked Mac sincerely. “Huh? No Ma’am, Bud and I aren’t going anywhere. My folks are coming from Florida to be with us for the holidays.” replied a confused Harriet. “Then why are you so excited with the leave schedule?” asked Mac. She loved teasing Harriet. She could be quite ditzy at times.

“We’re all so happy to see that you and the Commander are going away together for the holidays.” smiled Harriet. “Who’s we Harriet?” teased Mac. “All your friends here at JAG.” replied a chipper Harriet. “Now why would everyone be happy to see us go away together Harriet?” asked Mac as she shook her head in disbelief “We all know how much you both love each other.” replied Harriet sincerely. “Where did you come up with that idea Harriet?” asked Mac in a state of wonderment. The things Harriet spent her time thinking about. “We see how the two of you look at each other and how you listen when the other is speaking.” continued Harriet not to be denied.

“Where in the world do you come up with these fantasies Harriet? Harm and I are just good friends who happen to enjoy each other’s company from time to time. We could never live together. We fight about everything Harriet. We have been helping each other deal with problems from our past, for which I’m grateful. But to fight with Harm every day would be too much for me to deal with We would end up killing each other.” replied Mac trying to squash the idea that Harriet had about how she and Harm felt. “But you love each other, you both are taking leave together Ma’am.” whined Harriet “No Harriet, we are not! We are only taking leave at the same time not together. He’s going home to spend time with his family and I am going skiing up north.” stated Mac adamantly. “I’m sorry that I came to the wrong conclusion Ma’am.” wailed Harriet. “That’s ok Harriet.” comforted Mac.

Mac went out into the bullpen area. “May I have everyone’s attention please” bellowed Mac. “AT EASE.” yelled Gunny. “Thank you Gunny. As you all are well aware of the Commander and I have put in for leave for the same time off. This doesn’t mean that we are going away together for a romantic getaway. All it really means is since we work together a lot our caseloads free up at the same time. Therefore we have free time to take leave at the same time. Since neither of us has taken a Christmas vacation in a few years we both decided to go away this year. We are not going away together. Harm is spending Christmas with his family and I’m going away skiing. Again I say we are not off for a romantic getaway or getting married. Thank you for time and patience Have a nice day.” finished Mac.

There was a hush and then a buzz started as they all talked about what had just happen “What’s the matter honey?” asked the befuddled Bud. “I thought for sure that they were going away together.” wailed Harriet. “I’ve told you a hundred times before Harriet, don’t get emotionally involve in their relationship. They are good friends who enjoy working together.” reprimanded Bud with love. “I know that Bud But if only they could see what everyone else sees.” replied Harriet as she continued to wailed. “May be they do love each other but aren’t ready for that kind of relationship at this time Harriet. May be in another universe they could be married and work together, but not here and not now while they are in the service.” responded Bud as he tried to console Harriet

Carolyn overheard parts of Bud and Harriet’s conversation. She went over to talk with Harriet after Bud left. She attempted to ease her grief. “Don’t worry Harriet. I think Sarah is just throwing up a smoke screen.” smiled Carolyn. “What do you mean Ma’am?” asked a sullen Harriet. “You know Sarah as well as I do. She tends too protest to much when the rumors about her are true. She tends to ignore rumors when they aren’t true. But she is the first one to head off the source when the rumor is true Didn’t you see where she went after she made the announcement.” smiled Carolyn. “No Ma’am, I was too upset.” wailed Harriet. “She went into Harm’s office. Probably to report mission accomplished. Didn’t you have a conversation with her before she made her announcement.” asked Carolyn.

“Yes, I mentioned that they were in love with each other and were going away together.” replied Harriet sullenly. “And what did she say?” asked Carolyn. “That they were just good friends. That they fight a lot.” replied Harriet not sure where this line of questioning was going “But did she deny that she loved him?” asked Carolyn. “No, I don’t think so.” replied Harriet now totally confused “Which means what?” asked Carolyn trying to get Harriet to think for a change. She could be so ditzy at times. “So you think that they are really going away together?” asked Harriet. “Yes, and they are getting married.” grinned Carolyn. “How can you tell Ma’am?” asked a very confused Harriet.

“Sarah has been very happy lately. Which usually has something to do with Harm They must have finally gotten together. She has the look of a woman in love.” smiled Carolyn coyly. “I think you are right Ma’am. She has been very happy lately. But are you sure they are going away together. She says all they do is fight a lot when they’re together for any length of time” whined Harriet. “All couples fight Harriet. You and Bud disagree all the time but you still love each other.” replied Carolyn. “Yes Ma’am. What are we going to do?” asked Harriet. “Nothing for now. Let them enjoy being together without worrying about whether anyone knows. We can plan something for them when they returned from leave.” replied Carolyn. “Ok Ma’am.” replied a happier Harriet Harriet was happy again.

Meanwhile in Harm’s office. “Do you think they believed you Sarah?” asked Harm. “I’m sure of it. You should have seen the look on Harriet’s face. She was so disappointed.” smiled Mac. “I know she’s disappointed but it’s the best way to put a lid on it. I’m sure she’ll get over it.” replied Harm. “That’s not very nice Harm, but you’re right. You have to stop the rumor at its source. You want to come over to my place for dinner tonight?” asked Mac hopefully. “Ok ninja girl.” replied Harm.

24 Nov 1997
Grandma Sarah’s farm

They were having a mild Autumn on the east coast this year. The weather was beautiful The forecast for the long weekend was sunny and high’s in the seventies Harm and Mac decided to fly up to Grandma Sarah’s farm in Harm’s bi-plane for Thanksgiving. Harm wanted his grandmother to meet his marine, Sarah They also wanted to store Mac’s wedding gown and Harm’s dress whites at the farm for the wedding. They had a wonderful long weekend together as the two Sarah’s got to know one another better.

“Harm was right about you Sarah.” started Grandma Sarah. “How’s that Sarah?” asked Mac. “Well you know Harm. He usually likes to embellish when he talks about things he loves.” continued Grandma Sarah. “And?” wondered Mac curiously. “Everything he has told me about you is true.” smiled Grandma Sarah. “What did he say?” asked a curious Mac. “That you are the most wonderful woman that he has ever met. You’re beautiful, intelligent, supportive, loyal, and an excellent lawyer.” smiled Grandma Sarah. “Thank you Sarah, Harm is pretty wonderful himself. I never knew what real happiness was all about until I met Harm. I thought I could survive all by myself not needing anyone.” replied a happy Mac.

“Everyone needs someone Sarah.” replied Grandma Sarah. “Before I met Harm I didn’t think so, but now I do. I was a tough ass kicking marine and proud of it. But Harm showed me you weren’t weak if you showed your weakness. If you share your fears and regrets with someone, then you can overcome them and become happier with yourself. Before I met Harm I didn’t believe I deserved to be love by someone as decent and wonderful like Harm. Harm showed me I was wrong. With a lot of love and patience I began to believe that I was deserving of being loved by a good man like everyone else. For that I’m very grateful to him.” continued a proud Mac. “Well you deserve it Sarah. You’re a very special young lady.” responded Grandma Sarah. “Thank you Sarah. I’m so happy to have finally met you. It’s been very generous of you to accept me here at this time of year and again next month. I can understand why Harm loves you so much.” smiled Mac. “It was my pleasure dear. I have always felt good when Harm has wanted to share his friends with me. And holidays are the best time to open your doors to others” stated Grandma Sarah.

23 Dec 1997
JAG Headquarters

A couple of days before Christmas Harriet and Carolyn met in the coffee room to discuss Mac and the welcome back party for the newly weds. Harriet was so excited. She had been so depressed when Mac told her that she and the Commander weren’t going away with each other. But Carolyn had convinced her otherwise. She was so psych. “I think you were right about what’s going to happen next week with the Commander and Major.” started an excited Harriet. “Why is that Harriet?” asked an amused Carolyn. “I found out that the Commander took the Major to his grandmother’s farm for Thanksgiving Also it seems like the Major is even happier now then she was before. She can’t be going away on leave by herself.” continued Harriet. “I see you have a keen eye and you are developing good investigating skills like your husband. Mac has been walking around the office like she was on cloud nine.” laughed Carolyn. “Thank you Ma’am. So what are we going to do for them?” asked Harriet.

“We’re going to throw them a welcome back party the Friday they return to work.” smiled Carolyn. “I don’t think we should invite the Admiral though.” replied Harriet thinking out loud. “You’re right about that. He could cause them some grief. But if we pretend and make the party a gag wedding reception. Then we could invite him. We can have everyone give them gag gifts like we were pretending they got married. It would be a lot of fun.” chuckled Carolyn. “That’s sound like a great idea Ma’am!” replied a very excited Harriet. “Sounds like a plan. I’ll arrange for a place, food, and entertainment. You can talk to everyone tomorrow after Harm and Sarah leave.” ordered Carolyn “Will do Ma’am.” smiled Harriet.

24 Dec 1997
Grandma Sarah’s farm

Harm and Mac were driving up to the farm. The traffic was light once they got away from the city limits. They stopped about half way to take a break and to get something to eat. Mac was hungry as usual. “So how are you doing Sarah?” asked Harm. “I’m pretty nervous. Meeting your mother and Frank for the first time is pretty scary. Plus getting married to the most wonderful man in the world has me flying so high emotionally. I don’t think I will ever come down.” replied a nervous Mac. “Thank you Sarah, but you should relax. I’ve told my mom all about you and she’s just crazy about meeting you. She is meeting the woman who has tame her wild son.” chuckled Harm. He loved looking at Mac. She was so beautiful. And seeing her nervous like this was a new experience. “That sweet of you to say Harm, but I’m still going to be very nervous until I pass mustard.” smiled a nervous Mac. “I’m sure my mom is just as nervous to be meeting you finally.” smiled Harm.

Several hours later they pulled into the driveway to the farm. It had begun to snow lightly As they were walking up the stairs of the porch the door opened. Standing in the doorway were Trish, Grandma Sarah, Frank and Uncle Matt. Harm and Mac greeted each one of them. “Good afternoon Harm, how was your trip?” asked Trish as she gave him a hug. “It was good mom. Mom, I would like you to meet Sarah Mackenzie. Sarah, this is my mother and this is Frank, her husband.” introduced Harm. “Hello Sarah, it’s so good to finally meet you. Harm has told us so much about you.” exclaimed Trish as she hugged Mac. “Hello Mrs. Burnett, Mr. Burnett, Sarah.” greeted Mac nervously “Please call us Trish and Frank.” corrected Trish. “Ok Trish. It’s a pleasure to meet both of you.” replied Mac as she looked over to Harm. “Harm was right, you are very beautiful Sarah” Frank commented to Mac. “Thank you Frank.” replied Mac.

They all went in to the house and gathered around the fire. Harm and Mac talked about the events of the past year. How their love for each other grew. Finally they sat down for Christmas Eve dinner. “Mom, Frank, I hope you don’t have any plans for the twenty-seventh?” began Harm. “No honey, Why?” asked Trish. “Sarah and I are getting married.” replied Harm happily. “That’s wonderful Harm! I’m so happy for you and Sarah. We were planning to stay for a few extra days anyways. We love it here after it snows. Christmas is going to very special this year.” cried Trish happily. “Thank you mom. It’s so nice that you’re going to be here.” replied Harm. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else dear. Your grandmother did hint around that we should plan to stay around a few extra days.” chuckled Trish.