Mac stepped off the elevator and automatically squared her shoulders.
She had spent another night brooding and therefore felt the extra need
to appear normal through her tiredness.  She braced herself for the
Admiral's bellow as she pushed through the doors to the bullpen.  Making
her usual beeline for her office, she felt more than heard the Admiral's
door open.

"Major, my office now."

"Aye sir."  Mac said as she turned mid stride to follow him.
 
As she entered the office she was only mildly surprised to see Clayton
Webb rising from his seat to greet her.

"Good morning, Major."

"Webb.  What’s so good about it?" she asked as she snapped to attention
before the Admiral's desk.

"At ease, Major.  I see from your demeanor that Webb's little escapade
may be well timed for once."  The Admiral finished coming to stand
before the still stiff major. "Mac, sit."

"Aye sir."  Mac stated lowering herself into the chair next to Webb's.

AJ positioned himself along his desk's edge and looked with concern at
Mac before turning back to address Webb.

"Webb here," AJ began, "has come to me with an interesting situation
that he requires our help with."

"Our help, sir," she repeated looking with wary apprehension at Webb.

"Well, actually he requires your help and that of your partner."

"Brumby, sir?  Did you want me to go get him or will he be filled in
later?"  Mac asked with confusion evident on her face as she looked from
the Admiral to Webb and back.

"Brumby has nothing to do with this.  I mean your real partner."  AJ
said as he leveled himself up from his desk and walked toward the
window.

"Sir?"  The confusion now very evident in her voice. "Am I being
assigned  a new partner, sir?  I wasn't aware that Bug...I mean Brumby
had made such a request."

"Mac, I'm..."  The Admiral's words were cut short as the intercom on his
desk sounded.  "Yes Tiner."

"Lt. Commander Rabb is here as ordered, sir," Tiner said.

"Send him in, Tiner."

"Harm?" Mac's gasp could be heard as the door opened and he walked in.
"At ease, Commander.  Have a seat and let's get started.  Your partner
is about ready to blow from uncertainty and confusion."

"I can see that, sir," Harm said turning to nod at Webb and then give
Mac one of his dazzling smiles.

"The reunion can wait," Webb said.  "I need to get you two briefed and
this operation under way.

"We're listening," Harm said already back in lawyer mode.
 Mac sat in stunned disbelief trying to make sense of the last four
minutes and forty-eight seconds. 'What was Harm doing here instead of
being in Pensacola where he had been stationed as a fighter pilot the
last four months.  What was Webb getting them into now and why was the
Admiral bellowing her name.'

"Major? Mac? Are you  with us? Mac."
 
The Admiral was right in her face and she started as her focus came
back to the scene going on around her.  "Sorry, sir," Mac stated as she
stiffened in her seat.

"Now that we have everyone's undivided attention, I'll begin," Webb said
fixing Mac with an odd stare. "Last week my sources intercepted a
transmission from our French ambassador's home to a remote location in
Switzerland.  It seems judging from the contents that the ambassador's
daughter met a young man while she was there in boarding school.  She
graduated last month and has now decided that she can not live without
this young man."  Webb paused to let this sink in..

"Excuse me," Mac spoke up. "But I still don't understand what all of
this has to do with us," she said waving her hand back and forth between
herself  and her silent partner.

"I was just about to get to that," Webb said. "The young man is the son
of the Cuban ambassador here in Washington.

"Oh!" Harm and Mac both said in unison followed by a low whistle of
emphasis from Harm.

"So what do you need from my people?"  AJ piped up.

"That's where it gets interesting.  It seems that these two young people
have decided to marry in Paris, France in three days.  The agency wants
a presence without anything official at the joyous event.  That is where
you two come in.  I'm sending you in undercover as newlyweds who will be
guests at the wedding and reception since you will be in France on your
honeymoon anyway."

"What?!" Came a chorus of three voices.

"Well, it would look very suspicious if two Jag lawyers just happened to
show up on the list of dignitaries especially when I'll already be in
attendance."

"Webb, you're talking in circles.  What are you not telling us?"  AJ
said as he faced off against him.

"There have been threats made on the life of the young man's father here
in Washington.  We just want to make sure that nothing goes wrong.  Even
though the wedding is in France this is an American ambassador's
daughter marrying a Cuban ambassador's son.  We don't want trouble.  Now
as for you two, I have you booked as Commander and Major Rabb at the
Paris Marriott.  Your flight leaves at 1800 hours and the wedding
invitation and anything else you might need are in here,"  Webb said
handing a large manila envelope to Mac and a folder to AJ.  The only
thing left to do is marry you two and then you can be off to pack and
head to the airport."

"Sir?"  Again both Harm and Mac spoke in unison.

"I know this is odd," the Admiral said looking from one to the other as
he closed the folder he'd just browsed the contents of.  "But we have to
make sure that everything appears on the up and up.  No doctoring or
planting should anyone decide to check.  You two have been apart for a
few months so no one will find it too strange that Harm suddenly
reappeared to claim his partner whom he has realised he can't live
without.  When you return it will be easy to have the whole thing
annulled as a heat of the moment thing.  Especially, since you will only
be gone until Sunday.  I'm sure that you two can manage to be married
for seven days without too much difficulty.  After all, you are my two
best lawyers."

 Harm and Mac looked dubiously from each other to the Admiral.
"Whatever is necessary sir, the Major and I will handle."

"Tiner,"  AJ said as he stabbed at the intercom.

"Yes, sir?" Tiner's voice could be heard.

"Send in the chaplain."

"Aye, sir."

"I took the liberty of getting a chaplain since I knew how co-operative
you two would be," Webb said smiling in amusement at both of their
stunned faces.

"Shall we begin," asked the chaplain as he stopped before Harm and Mac.
"I guess."

"Yeah sure," were their replies.

"Please face each other and join hands."

They complied, but avoided each others eyes.

"Please repeat after me, Commander.  I, Harmon William Rabb Junior
hereby take you Sarah Leanne Mackenzie to be my lawfully wedded wife."
"I, Harmon William Rabb Junior hereby take you Sarah Leanne Mackenzie to
be my lawfully wedded wife," Harm repeated.

"To have and to hold from this day forward.  In sickness and health, for
richer, for poorer, till death do us part, so help me God."

Harm paused before going on to remove one of his hands from Mac's and
used it to gently lift her chin and bring her eyes level with his own,
then he continued, "To have and to hold from this day forward.  In
sickness and health, for richer, for poorer, till death do us part, so
help me God."

"Now Major, please repeat after me. I, Sarah Leanne Mackenzie hereby
take you Harmon William Rabb Junior to be my lawfully wedded husband."
 Mac repeated the words barely above a whisper as she began to shake
ever so slightly.  She felt Harm's grasp on her hands tighten and
watched as he flashed her that smile she had missed so much.  The
chaplain finished with the next stanza and Mac repeated that as well
with more conviction than she felt.

"Do we have the rings?"

"Right here," Webb said coming forward with two ring sized jewellery
boxes.  He popped both open and handed matching platinum bands to the
chaplain.

 Mac and Harm's fingers touched as they both reached for a ring from the
chaplain's Bible and an involuntary jolt ran through them both.

"Commander repeat after me.  With this ring, I thee wed."

Harm repeated the words and then slipped the ring on Mac's finger as he
brought her hand up and kissed the ring into place.  Mac's knees were
shaking worse than her hands and she wasn't sure that she would be able
to get the ring on Harm's finger.  'Suck it up, marine.' She repeated to
herself as she outwardly said, "With this ring, I thee wed."

“Well then,” the chaplain said. “With the power vested in me by the
state of Virginia, I now pronounce you man and wife.  Commander, you may
kiss the Major.
 
To Mac’s surprise that was exactly what Harm did and it was at that
moment that her knees chose to give completely, leaving her totally
enfolded in Harm’s strong embrace.  The kiss was soft but sure and Mac’s
mind instantly remembered his other kiss on the dock at Norfolk.
Without thinking about it she found herself responding and enjoying.
Slowly she felt her strength returning and broke off the kiss to stare
at her partner.

“Welcome back!” she whispered and turned to address the Admiral who had
the most satisfied look on his face for a fleeting moment before he
realised the Major was watching him.

“Well people,” he said reaching for the folder in front of him. “You
need to sign your license and then be on your way.”

“Aye, aye sir,” they said in unison.

 Moments later as they turned to leave the Admiral’s office he stopped
them with a bellow, “Commander, Major.”

“Yes, sir?”

“You are to relax and enjoy yourselves while you are over there, but
remember to be careful and watch each other’s six.”

“Aye, sir,” Harm answered for both of them placing a hand gently at the
base of Mac’s back.

“And Commander…”

“Yes, sir?”

“Welcome back.  We’ll talk about the other thing on your return.”

“Aye, sir.  Thank you, sir.”

“What other thing?” Mac asked as they left AJ’s office.

“I’ll tell you later.  Right now we only have…”

“Two hours and fifty-one minutes before we need to be at the airport.”

“How do you…?  No, never mind.”

 Webb came up from behind them and addressed them both, “After
witnessing that kiss, I would say the two of you will have no problem
pulling this off.  Just remember that although, this is a vacation of
sorts for you two, there is still work to be done.  I’ll send around a
car in about an hour and a half to collect you, Commander and about
twenty minutes after that for you, Major.  That will be enough time for
you both to pack and change to look like honeymooners.”

“We’ll be ready, Webb,” Mac said firmly as she eyed her partner over his
head.

“Very well then, we’re off.”

 As they boarded the elevator Mac was lost in her thought over the last
hour and thirteen minutes.  Married.  Married to Harm.  She shook her
head and smiled to herself as the elevator came to a stop and the three
passengers headed to their respective cars.
 

1718 Zulu (1218 EST)
Somewhere En Route to France

 Harm and Mac sat in their seats staring out the window as the plane
continued to gain altitude.  Mac watched as Harm’s countenance changed
with the plane’s every movement and knew instinctively that he was
wishing he was at the controls in the cockpit.  She wanted to know what
Webb or the Admiral had said or promised to get him to leave Pensacola.
She took a moment to study his profile.  It had been nearly four months
since he had left Jag and…Don’t go there, Mac.  They had sent emails
back and forth, along with the odd phone call and a dozen champagne
roses had been sent for her birthday, but to have him here beside her.
Her husband.  Hers. Even if it was only temporary and pretend.
Regardless, it was better than her last marriage already and it had to
end better then her holding a smoking gun, as it had with Chris.  She
owed Harm so much for defending her through all of that. If only she had
just…enough major.  That was all in the past.  The Admiral had
eventually forgiven her after his mast and her Article 32 hearing.  She
was on steadier ground with each passing day and she had no intention of
allowing any more scandal to affect her or career.  She mused as she
mentally went over all the problems of the past years beginning with her
father.  It wasn’t until she felt Harm’s fingers brush her cheek did she
even realise she was crying.

“Hey Mac, what’s up?  This is no way to start our honeymoon,” Harm said
as he leaned forward in his seat to wipe the tears from her other eye
also.

“Sorry about that, Harm.  It’s just been a really emotional day and it’s
only 1226 hours,” Mac said as she watched Harm automatically check his
watch out of habit then shake his head. “Why didn’t you tell me you were
coming home?”

“Honestly, I wanted to surprise you when I got here on Friday, but then
all of this came up and Webb had asked me to lay low and report to the
Admiral’s office today and all would be explained, so I did just that.
Didn’t you find it odd that I hadn’t emailed since Wednesday?”

“I figured you were on a mission or training and didn’t have time.  By
the way, what is the ‘other thing’ that you have to discuss with the
Admiral?”

“I’m changing my designator back to Jag,” Harm said looking at Mac to
gauge her reaction.

“Really.  When did you make that decision?” Mac asked flatly.
“About three months ago, but I knew the Admiral would have me for
breakfast if I asked so soon after he went to the SecNav and all for
me.”

“What changed Harm?  You left here all gong-hoo and ready to fly Tomcats
again forever and now you’re telling me you’re coming back.  What
gives?”

“Truthfully, everything.  I got out there and proved I still had it.  I
received the envy from the younger hot shots that I wanted, I had my
status renewed and that was it.  Empty!  I had nothing to aspire to.  No
one to challenge me.  No real good friends to gather with and my best
friend and I could not battle in court, banter in the bullpen, or share
a half veggie, half everything pizza because she was hundreds of miles
and four minutes of sunrise/sunset time away (AN: Going To The Wall
fanfic).”

“I see,” Mac answered noting his reference to their minor time
differentiation with odd pleasure.

“No, I don’t think you do, Sarah.”

Mac’s head shot up from it’s lowered position at Harm’s use of her
given name.  As she searched his eyes she saw the sincerity there and
something else that she chose to ignore as it yanked forcefully at her
heart.  “So what happens now?” she asked averting her eyes again.
“Well, we enjoy France for the next week and then first thing Monday
morning I have a meeting with the Admiral and SecNav regarding my
reassignment to active Jag duty.”

“You’re going to need this break after not before,” Mac said shaking her
head at the thought of Harm facing both of those imposing figures at
once.

“Need I remind you, Mac that Webb is still running this show although,
unofficially.  Anything could happen in the next week.”

“So true. So very true,” Mac said with a stifled groan. “By the way,
where is our illustrious spook anyway?”

“First class, where else,” Harm said taking Mac’s hand and playing with
the ring he had placed there a few hours before. “So, Mrs. Rabb…” he let
the sentence hang unfinished.

“Yes, honey?” Mac said smiling.

“Honey, huh.  Okay sweetheart,” Harm said getting into the role.

“Oh please.  Almost anything except sweetheart.”

“Ah muffin.”

“Harm!” she said trying to look annoyed.

“Okay, okay.  Why don’t we just stick to names we know for now and see
what eventually comes out naturally.”

“That’s perfect flyboy.”

“Glad you approve ninja-girl.” He grinned at her tucking her hand in his
and opening his book to begin reading.
 
Mac lay back in her seat with a smirk, closed her eyes and let her mind
wander to the possibilities of the next few days.  Within reason, of
course.
 

2345 Zulu (2345 Local Time)
Paris Marriott Hotel, Paris, France
Suite of Commander & Major Rabb

“Wow, I want to live here for good!” Mac exclaimed as the bellboy opened
the door to their suite.

“Only the best for you Ma…Sarah,” Harm said as he looked at her
grinning.

 She smiled back and then actually giggled as he bent down and gathered
her up to carry her into the room.  The bellboy looked amused and worked
quickly to bring their bags inside.  Harm was pulling out his wallet
when the young man said, “Non, monsieur. It is covered.” He left then,
quietly closing the door behind him.

“What do you want to do first, Mac?”

“Shower and sleep.  I could sleep for a month I am so exhausted.”

“I don’t get it.  You’ve had much longer days than today and been less
tired, what’s up?”

“Don’t read too much into this but, I haven’t slept real well the last
three months, three weeks, and six days.”

“I see,” Harm responded with raised eyebrows. “How could I not read too
much into that considering it’s exactly the amount of time I’ve been
away from Jag.”

“Just humour me.”

“Done. Go ahead and shower while I set up the couch.”

“Thank you for doing that for me, however, I really think that if we are
really going to keep this charade up we’re going to have to go all the
way with this.  That includes sleeping in the same bed.”

“Red light, major.”

“Oh please flyboy, I said sleep.”

“Did you bring real pajamas this time?  I refuse to sleep with someone
who keeps slipping all over the sheets all night.”

“Don’t worry your modesty is safe with me.  It’s shorts and a tee shirt
for the duration of our cohabitation.”

“Not very sexy for a honeymoon.”

“Red light, commander.”

“Well, it’s not,” he muttered as she turned toward her suitcase.

“Better?” she asked as he looked up and his mouth dropped.  Mac was
holding up a cream lace negligee that made her nightgown in Russia look
like outerwear. “No comment, sailor?”

“You…I mean…Where…Mac, you can’t…”

“I won’t. I just brought along a couple of these to have hanging out of
my suitcase or found on the floor by the maid.  I don’t want there to be
any room or cause for suspicion, that’s all.”

“Makes sense,” Harm admitted after a long pause of consideration.  “Go
have your shower or I’m going.”

“Okay,” she said, tossing the lace carelessly to the floor.
 
Harm waited until he figured she was in the shower before he picked it
up and folded it just small enough to fit under his pillow.  Once he had
it out of sight he went back to his own unpacking, unearthing with some
effort his own shorts for sleeping.
 
Mac returned to the bedroom half an hour later to find him asleep
across the bed.  She stood above him for a few moments before deciding
to give in to mischief.  Bending over him she showered his head with the
water from her wet hair. The cold spray jolted him from his sleep and he
grabbed a hold of the back of Mac’s tee shirt as she turned to escape.
Pulling her onto the bed beside him he began to barrage her with tickles
while requesting an apology.  She held off laughing for as long as she
could, struggling to get the upper hand on her much taller and heavier
partner.  Mac had wrapped her legs around his middle and was attempting
to flip him over when there was a knock on the door.  They froze and
then dissolved into hysterics as they heard a sharper knock and then
Webb’s voice.  Mac was the first off the bed and to the door as she
wrapped the towel over her still damp hair.

“Webb, it’s 0053 hours, what do you want?”

“I just wanted to touch base and see how things were going, but judging
by how long it took you to answer the door, I would guess my concerns
were unwarranted.” Webb concluded taking in Mac’s flushed appearance and
hearing Harm chuckle as he came out of the bedroom running his fingers
through his hair.

“Webb, relax.  We won’t do anything to mess this up for you,” Harm said,
reaching over to tip the towel on Mac’s head.

“All right,” he said turning to leave.  He paused and turned back to say
more, “Tomorrow would be a good day for you both to lay low and catch up
on your sleep, reading, whatever.  I don’t know too many newly-weds who
sight-see the first day of their honeymoon, but I’ll leave it up to you
both to figure out.  The wedding doesn’t begin until four on Wednesday
so you could probably have time to see some sights that morning if you
must.  Major watch yourself with him and Commander..." Webb met Harm’s
eyes over Mac’s head and the silent message was sent.  Harm moved
imperceptibly closer to Mac and Webb broke eye contact, getting the
message clearly. “Well, until Wednesday then.  Goodnight,” he said as he
exited the suite.

“What was that?” Mac said as she turned to face Harm. “I’ve experienced
the tension between you two before, but that was near stifling. Anything
I should know about?”

“No! I’m going to have a shower.  Feel free to go ahead to sleep,” Harm
said briskly and then turned on his heels and went into the bathroom.

“Yeah, sure,” Mac said to the empty entry way as she walked back into
their bedroom.
 

0232 Zulu
Same Place
(Where did you think they would go at that hour)

 Harm stood at the window staring out at the city.  He was tired, but he
couldn’t bring himself to go to sleep.  At least not in the same bed as
his partner.  She lay curled up on her side facing him.  Her face looked
angelic in the soft reflection from the streetlights.  ‘Mac, why
couldn’t I tell you everything on the plane about why I am really coming
back.  That I can’t stand to be anywhere where the sun isn’t rising and
setting for you at the exact same time.’  Harm thought as his mind
wandered to the call from Webb on Thursday afternoon explaining that he
needed his and Mac's help, but that he also needed Harm to not see or
speak to her until Monday morning, another three days. But he had
managed and now here they were, legally man and wife in every sense of
the word except one. He felt a shock go through him as he thought back
to the kiss in the Admiral’s office. She had responded and he was sure
that she knew it was not pretend.  No one could fake that response.  ‘I
wonder if she feels the same?’ Living like this for the next few days
they would very likely find out.  Harm was sure he could be patient.

‘Mac has been through so much.  We both have’  He broke from his musings
as he heard the bed shift behind him and turned to see Mac coming over
to him.

“Harm, what’s the matter?”

“Nothing.  Let’s go to bed.”  He turned her and waited until she had
gotten back in the bed and moved to the other side to climb in also.

“Want to talk about it?” she asked flipping onto her left side to face
him.

“Nothing to talk about, Mac.  Just go back to sleep,” he said dropping a
kiss on her forehead as he brushed the hair from her face.  He looked at
her fighting sleep for a moment then turned over to his left side with
his back to her to wait out the night.
 

1030 Zulu
Same Place

 Harm started awake as his conscious mind registered a warm presence
against his side and over his chest.  He opened his eyes and took a
moment to figure out why everything was unfamiliar.  As he brought his
hand up to move through his hair he noticed the ring on his finger on
his finger and froze.  Looking down he lowered his hand to touch Mac’s
arm that was wrapped around his lower chest.  She was on her stomach
right against his side with her face turned toward him.  The remnants of
what looked like a smile graced her beautiful face.  He marveled at the
fact that she could manage to look so good even asleep.  He rolled on
his side to better watch her sleep and to put some distance between
them.  It would be far too easy for him to fall completely into the
husband role and kiss his wife to wakefulness and hopefully more. ‘Get a
hold of yourself man.  You’re on assignment.  This is your partner.  Yes
and the woman you love and came back for.’  This situation could not be
anymore perfect or impossible at once.

 Mac rolled in her sleep and nestled once more against Harm with a
slight sigh and shudder.  He gave in and wrapped his arm around her
drawing her completely to him than lowered his head to rest on hers.
She slept on undisturbed while he fought to think of his upcoming
meeting with the Admiral and SecNav to help him keep his emotions and
physical reactions in check.  The sound of her rhythmic breathing was
actually calming him back to sleep and he let it.  He was just too tired
to fight with the unseen and unknown forces at work any longer.
 

1110 Zulu
Paris Marriott Hotel
Hallway outside Harm and Mac’s Suite

Webb stood outside the door to their suite with his arm poised to
knock.  He could hear no noises coming from inside, but that was not
surprising considering the thickness of the walls.  He looked down at
the ‘Prier De Ne Pas Deranger’(Do Not Disturb) sign that he himself had
placed there on leaving early this morning and frowned.  Although, this
was the perfect cover for them on this particular assignment he was
apprehensive. Just to look at them when they interacted there was no
question that their partnership could easily be more.  If it wasn’t
already.  That kiss.  The barely noticeable move Harm had made towards
Mac last night.  It all spoke volumes.  They loved each other.  Whether
or not they were aware of it, it was evident to him and he was sure
others.  Even the chaplain had commented that it had warmed his heart to
two officers so obviously in love and committed to each other.  Six days
left.  He wondered how the Admiral would react if they refused an
annulment.  Mind you, after the initial shock of the suggestion wore off
he had actually seemed pleased with the plan and was beaming when they
had kissed like a proud father.  “Oh,” Webb groaned aloud.  Was it
possible that the Admiral wanted this for them.  He shook his head in
disgust then turned from the door and made his way back to the
elevators.  Who was he to disrupt what may or may not be blossoming
behind closed doors.  Just so long as they were alert and ready for
action tomorrow afternoon and got through this assignment without a
hitch. ‘You’ve done worse, Sarah.’  Webb mused as he got on the elevator
and hit the button for the penthouse.
 

1312 Zulu
Inside Harm and Mac’s Suite

Mac woke and tried to stretch before opening her eyes and found she
couldn’t.  She was very warm and cozy so no alarm bells went off, but
there was a weight across her side pinning down her arm.  Her other arm
was tucked under her chin.  She found that there was a weight pressing
lightly on her head as well.  Opening one eye then the other she saw
that she was facing a muscular male chest.  Harm.  A smile spread across
her face as she remembered the events of the last twenty-four hours and
twelve minutes.  Although, restraining she liked waking up like this.

She shifted to reach with her hand from under her chin and trace the
lines of his chest.

“Morning Ninja-girl.”

She heard as his arm moved from her side and was laid across her hand on
his chest.  Mac rolled to lay on her back and look up into his somber
face.  Their eyes locked and just for a moment she thought and yes hoped
that he would follow through with what she read there.  As quickly as
the consideration was there it was gone masked behind his usual smile.

“Morning to you as well, squid, except it’s afternoon.  To be exact it’s
1318 hours and I’m starving.”

“Just like a marine, open their eyes and start making their presence
known.”  Harm teased as he lay back to check the bedside clock knowing
what it would confirm.

“Like you’re not hungry too.  Where’s the room service menu? I’ll order
for us once you know what you want and save you the embarrassment of
trying to do this yourself.  I know that your French sucks as much as
your Russian and Farsi.”  Mac smiled at him as she got up from the bed
and headed for the bathroom.

“What are you having, Mac?”

“The biggest burger they’ve got.  With a large order of french fries and
onion rings. Oh and a chocolate milkshake to wash it all down.”

“For breakfast?!”

“Well, it may be breakfast time at home but, here it’s lunchtime and
that’s what I want,” Mac said as she closed the door to the bathroom.
 
Harm reached into the drawer of the bedside table bringing out the
menu.  He flipped it open and was pleased to see that it was written out
in several languages including English.  He picked up the phone and
quickly placed their order.  The menu  was already out away when Mac
came back into the room.

“What you couldn’t find the menu?” she asked, sitting down on the corner
of the bed.

“Found and our order’s already placed,” Harm said with smug
satisfaction.

“Impressive, flyboy.  There may be hope for you yet.”

 He rewarded her with his stunning smile then headed for the bathroom
himself.  Returning to the bedroom moments later he found it empty.
Following the sound of voices he found Mac tucked in a corner of the
couch watching what looked like a soap opera.

“Soaps?  Oh come on, Mac, not you.”

“What!  The Admiral told me to relax.  How better to do so then watch
other peoples angst.”

“It’s make believe.”

“All the better,” she said, giving him a telling look.

“So…” he was cut off by a knock on their suite door and the
announcement, “Room service,” in a heavy Parisian accent. “Coming.”
Harm went to the door and opened it to a young woman pushing a cart.

She stopped and stared for a split second as she took in his tall
muscular frame in nothing but shorts.  It was as she was struggling to
recover that Mac called out, “En arriere s’il vous plait (Back here,
please),” in flawless French.

“Oui, Madame,” the server responded.  She made quick work of removing
the food from the cart and placing it before the couch on the coffee
table.  Soundlessly she retreated from the suite.  Her only further
acknowledgement of Harm’s presence was to shake her head not to his
offered tip.

 They ate in relative silence except for Mac’s stifled laughter at what
was happening on the television as she devoured her burger and then
began on the fries and onion rings.  Watching her, Harm could only
ponder where she hid all those calories on her trim, toned body.  He ate
his breakfast crepes covered in fresh strawberries and let his
imagination go.

“Harm.  Earth to Harm.  Where are you, sailor?” Mac was waving her hand
in front of his face trying to get his attention.  Whatever he was
thinking about was pleasant because he was grinning from ear to ear.
She sat back and slurped her milkshake figuring he wouldn’t notice
anyway in his present condition.

“Mac, cut that out.”

“You’re back.”

“I didn’t go anywhere.”

“That’s what you think.  I was trying to get your attention for two
minutes and sixteen seconds.  Was it a good trip?”

“Pleasurable,” he said, looking away and going back to eating his
crepes. “So, what do you want to do today?” he continued shortly
thereafter.

“Webb wants us to lay low remember so, I thought I would take a nice
long soak in the tub and then maybe spend the afternoon reading.  What
about you?”

“I’ll skip the soak, but the reading is a possibility or maybe I’ll see
what’s on the tube.  Can I interest you in a walk later?”

“Will you hold my hand?”

“What…?  Oh, yeah. No problem.”

“Sure. It’ll be nice to get some fresh air. Maybe we’ll even be able to
find a park or somewhere to go for our run tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. I’m gonna hit the shower to free the bathroom up for you.”

“Great thanks.” She smiled at him and thought to herself, ‘I could
definitely handle life married to you, Harm.  Most definitely!’
 

2240 Zulu
Same Place

Harm opened the door of their suite and pulled Mac to him and dropped a
light kiss on her lips for the benefit of the bell man passing their
door.  The whole evening while they were out for their walk and dinner
had been like that.  Holding hands, laughing, gentle caresses,
meaningful looks or gestures, he wasn’t sure how much more of this he
could do before she would notice that he wasn’t pretending and aching
for more.  Much more.

Mac felt Harm’s lips feather over her own and considered shifting to
deepen the kiss.  It had been a good day spent together as partners and
best friends, but every time she looked at her left hand or toyed with
the ring that nestled there she wanted more.  She had to admit to
herself she wanted it all.  A lasting marriage to Harm.  A loving
relationship.  She wanted him to be hers completely.  She wanted him.
At so many times throughout the day she would catch herself staring at
him or lost in thoughts of him.  Once or twice she caught him staring
back at her across the room or as they strolled hand in hand down the
street and she wondered what he would say if she told him how she really
felt. Not for the first time, she thought back to the look on the
Admiral’s face as they parted from their kiss.  Was it possible that he
wanted them to be more than partners.  Not possible.  They were under
the same chain of command, his.  The regs, USMJ.  Then again, they are
of equal rank.  And there is Bud and Harriet. Come on major.  Be
realistic.  The Admiral was just pleased to have Harm back.  Like he
said, “…his two best lawyers.”

“I’m going to get ready for bed,”  Mac announced pulling herself away
from Harm’s embrace.

“So early?  I was hoping we could talk about our game plan for
tomorrow.”

“Well, we can do that in bed.”

“Ah sure.  If that’s what you want to do.”

“Yeah, just give me a minute to change.”

 When she came back into the room he was already in his shorts staring
out the window.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

“They’re worth way more than that tonight.”

“Really.  How much?”

“You’re not willing to pay that much,” Harm shot back, headed for the
bathroom.

“You don’t know that for sure,” Mac replied climbing into bed and
stuffing her pillow and his behind her back.  She looked down confused
as she saw her cream negligee caught between the mattress and the
headboard.  She pulled it back out and noticed that it was folded.
Laying it on her lap she waited for her partner to return.

“Do you have some kind of a fetish I should know about, squid?”

“Huh?”

Mac tossed her negligee at him as he came closer to the bed.

“Oh that.  No. I just wanted to keep it out of sight.  Russia’s choice
of sleeping attire was bad enough.”

“But I’m not wearing it, Harm.”

“Doesn’t matter,” he mumbled, tossing it into her suitcase and climbing
in beside her.

 She watched him settle against the headboard with a determined look on
his face and decided to let his answer go for now. “Okay.  What kind of
game plan do we need?”

“Well, do you intend to be packing?”

“No. You?”

“No. I figured we could play this like the Sudanese Embassy and just
pray for considerably less blood shed and a happier ending.”

“Good. I wouldn’t feel right about attending a wedding with a gun
anyway.  I see you brought your dress whites as well as a suit.
Couldn’t decide?”

“No.  I’m wearing my dress whites.  The suit is for our date on Friday
night.”

“What date?”

“Did you not read our schedule as laid out by Webb?”

“Yes, but I just figured everything after tomorrow was optional.”

“So you don’t want to go?”

“I do, but…”

“No buts.  I intend to show my wife a good time for the five days we
have remaining and if that includes following some of Webb’s prearranged
plans then so be it.”

“You’re wife, huh.  In that case your wife is now going to begin her
beauty sleep,” Mac said, as she pulled the pillows out from behind her
back and swatted him with his before laying down.

“Don’t tease, major,” Harm said, leaning over her.  Once more resisting
the urge to kiss her and see where it led them.  He sank down beside
her, drew her back to his chest and wrapped his arms protectively around
her.

 Mac reached up and switched off the light plunging the room into soft
twilight.  “Thank you,” she whispered, as she snuggled into his embrace
and closed her eyes.  Harm lay behind her quietly mouthing, “I love
you,” into the darkness.
 

1535 Zulu
Same Place

“Harm, would you finish pulling up my zipper for me and then I’m ready
to go,” Mac said, coming into their bedroom from the bathroom.  She
stopped just inside the door in appreciation of the impressive sight her
husband made.  No matter how many times she saw him in dress whites he
still managed to make her catch her breath.  Harm was a good looking
man, no question, but in uniform he was…a hunk for lack of a better
word.
 
He turned to look at Mac and could not stop the approval from showing
on his face.  Not that he would want to. She wore an emerald green gown
that hugged every curve.  She had managed to do-up the button behind her
neck, but there was a long zipper that presently was only partially
closed. As he stepped behind her to do as she’d requested his fingers
itched to undo the button instead, gather her in his arms and forget the
wedding.  He must have lingered too long because she reached back to
grasp his hands and guide them to the zipper.  Done, he gave her a
complete once over, noticing the mid-thigh split in the front of the
dress.  She looked phenomenal and he found himself telling her that.
Mac rewarded him with her stunning smile that lit up the room and his
heart.

 Leaving their suite they made a spectacular sight.  Harm took her arm
and tucked it in the crook of his own.  He wanted to make it very
obvious to even the most casual observer that this woman was his.  No
questions. The taxi ride to the cathedral was quick and uneventful.
There was a surprising number of people waiting to enter the sanctuary
when they arrived some moments later.  Webb sought them out while they
waited.

“You look very nice commander.  Major, you are a vision.”

“Webb,” they uttered in unison as a greeting.

“So far everything is going off without a problem, but I still want both
of you to be on guard.  I arranged it so that you are at the table
behind the groom’s parents at the reception.  You’re next to be seated
so I’ll be off.”

“How many more hours until he returns to Washington?” Mac growled under
her breath.

“Too many, unfortunately,” Harm said, ushering them both forward.
 

1730 Zulu
Paris Marriott Hotel
Le Grande Ballroom

 Looking around the ballroom Webb had to wonder how they had managed to
gather so many people together in such a short period of time.  There
had to be close to six hundred people in attendance and of that number
at least two hundred were honoured guests and dignitaries.

As far as Webb and his operatives knew there had been no further
threats on the life of the Cuban ambassador since he had flown to Paris
from Washington on Sunday evening.  A sweep had been done earlier in the
day of the cathedral and this ballroom, but nothing out of the ordinary
had surfaced.  It seemed like the commander, the major, and himself
would be walking away from this as a paid holiday.  He wanted to check
in with them before the reception got underway.  They were standing over
by the hor dourves sharing some flaky thing and a cup of punch.

They were really milking this newlywed thing for all it was worth.  If
he saw one more meaningful look or gentle caress between those two he
would…what?  She had made her choice and even he could not find anything
wrong with this one except…it wasn’t him.  Although, he had hoped that
they might date once Harm left for Pensacola he had felt like a vulture
and held back.  By the time he had built up enough nerve to ask…here
they were with Harm firmly by her side and legally her husband, by his
own doing.  Man, he was an idiot.  Okay Webb, you’ve lost this round,
but there’s still hope after the annulment. ‘Like Rabb will let that
happen,’ his inner voice argued back.

Webb found himself standing before their smiling faces and he forced a
smile to his lips that would never meet his eyes. “Anything unusual?”

“Haven’t noticed anyone acting strange,” Harm spoke up.

“Keep suspicious. It’s been too quiet since Sunday.”

“We’re on the job, Webb stop fretting,” Mac said patting his arm.

“Fine, fine.  By the way, you two are awfully cozy.”

“Really.  We hadn’t noticed. Had we, Sarah?”

“Not at all honey,” Mac said giving Harm a devilish and suggestive
smile.

“Sarah and honey?!  Thank God I go home tomorrow afternoon and don’t
have to witness much more of this,” Webb uttered as he walked away in
dismay followed by their stifled laughter.
 

2048 Zulu
Same Place

“Ladies and gentlemen, before we begin the dancing this evening we know
that there are several married couples here and since my goddaughter and
new godson in-law are so young, we know that they do not have the
experience of communicating their love through merely a kiss.
Therefore, I want all our married couples on the dance floor for a
demonstration.”

Harm and Mac looked at one another and stayed put.  As the Cuban
ambassador got up to escort his wife to the floor he saw them and turned
back.

“Commander, Major you are newlyweds and you don’t want to demonstrate
for my son and his wife?  Come, come, you show them how it is done.”

 Harm rose and extended his hand for Mac’s unsteady one.  He shrugged
and gave her a look that said, ‘We can handle this.’  Once on the dance
floor he wrapped his arms around her slim waist and waited.  She in turn
stared intently at the gold wings on his chest.
“All right, pucker up and kiss!”

 Mac raised her face to meet Harm’s without another thought.  Every pent
up wish, dream, and hope was expressed by them both.  It was only
seconds before they were lost to everything but one another. She moved
her arms to wrap them around his neck and he pulled her even closer to
himself, deepening the intensity of the kiss.  It was a very tentative
touch of her tongue to his slightly parted lips that brought their
tongues to meet.  Both released barely audible sighs as they explored
the contours of each other’s mouth.  It was the sound of the emcee
clearing his throat into the microphone that finally caused them to end
the kiss.  They remained staring at one another trying to acknowledge
everything they were seeing reflected there.  To a chorus of whistles
they returned to their seats. Neither noticed the look of defeat on
Clayton Webb’s face.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we will definitely have to be checking in with
those two in a few years to see if the spark stays lit.  Now for some
dancing.”

 Just as the lights were dimming for the first dance between the bride
and groom pandemonium broke out.  In the far corner of the room where
the cake had been set up for pictures and the cutting ceremony later,
there was a loud bang and the cake exploded.  By the time everyone had
settled enough to realise there were no injuries a waiter had a gun to
the Cuban ambassador’s head and was pulling him towards the dance
floor.  Although, Harm and Mac could see what was happening they had an
hysterical woman and a man clutching his chest in their direct path of
defense.  Webb and several other ‘undercover’ operatives were all
attempting to make their way toward the lone gunman.  He was strangely
calm for a person who was outnumbered at least sixteen to one.

 Mac quickly surveyed the crowd for any possible accomplices.  It was in
her peripheral vision as she scanned the exits that she noticed four
more ‘waiters’ entering the room effectively covering all the exits.  To
avoid calling undue attention to herself she moved beside the man who
was clasping his chest and helped him to the floor.  Harm looked back
with a question in his eyes and followed Mac’s silent instructions.  He
made his way over to the hysterical woman and firmly guided her back
into her chair.  He squatted beside her and murmured calming words to
her as he also took in the blocked exits.

 The ambassador for his part spoke rapidly in Spanish to his would be
ssassin.  Mac could just catch enough of what he was saying to help her
get a better idea of what they were facing.  The ambassador knew why he
was being threatened.  He was trying to convince the man that there were
quieter ways for them to handle this situation…that he held no grudge…if
he wanted to leave he would let him, and so on. After about a minute of
the ambassador’s constant chatter the assailant raised the gun above his
head and fired one shot into the ceiling.  Instantly the crowd silenced
and froze.
 
Webb looked behind him to try and see why neither Harm or Mac were
attempting to help in defusing the situation.  As his eyes met Harm’s he
followed the direction that they pointed in and nearly let out a loud
curse.  Four more bad guys and each with a bigger gun and a meaner
expression. He could already feel the impact of AJ’s fist to his still
slightly crooked nose if anything happened to either of 'his people’.
One broken nose courtesy of the Admiral was enough for a lifetime.  With
his right hand, he made as though to smooth his hair with the palm just
above his ear.  The operatives knew that was the signal to drop back and
reassess.  He knew it would be too obvious for him to walk over and join
Harm and Mac, so he went with his own plan B, praying that he would live
long enough to regret it.

“Excuse me please,” Webb said, as he walked toward the gunman with the
biggest assault weapon.  The man blatantly ignored him and continued to
stare at his leader who held the ambassador.  “I said, excuse me,” Webb
repeated, then waited.  The gunman’s eyes shifted to lock with Webb’s.

“Oh so there is a real person in there,” Webb said, in a joking manner.
“Look guy, I gotta hit the head,”

Silence.

“You wouldn’t want me to soil this expensive suit now would you?”
More eye shifting then a strange eerie leer spread across the
terrorist’s face.

“If you don’t move out of my face, your suit will not be the only thing
ruined,” the man hissed with a Cuban accent.

“My apologies, sir,” Webb uttered and he turned as if to move away from
the man.  His right hand brushed against the thug’s arm and in its wake
left a pen knife dipped in a tranquilizer protruding from it.  The first
sign of how quickly this stuff worked was the gun slipping from the
assailant’s clumsy grasp.  Webb made a quick one eighty and possessed
the gun as the man slid to the floor.
 
Within moments the other three gunmen had met similar fates and the
odds began once more to look favourable for a peaceful resolution.  The
leader watched in a rising panic as his chances for a power play went
down ungraciously.  Mac gauged the man’s reaction and knew instinctively
that the ambassador’s time was running out.  She glanced over at Harm
and nodded toward the head table beyond the scene unfolding before them.

 The bride had come down from the table and was removing her shoes.  The
groom was on the other side of the long banquet table doing the same.
Mac followed suit, removing her own shoes as well.  Simultaneously the
young couple moved hand and hand toward the gunman who remained
oblivious.  The entire room held their collective breath as they waited
to see what would transpire.  As they got right behind the assassin,
they put their arms around each other and began to dancing, purposely
bumping into the man.  In the few seconds that the man’s attention
wavered from his prisoner to the situation going on behind him.  Harm
and Mac made their move.
 
The ambassador instinctively dropped to his knees.  Mac moved to the
left and Harm to the right and disarmed and subdued the perp.  The Cuban
ambassador rose to his feet gushing praises and embracing his son and
daughter in-law.  Webb came to relieve Harm and Mac of their bundle
while the other operatives cleared out the four others and paramedics
arrived for the man with the chest pains.  As soon as the authorities
had custody, Webb made his way back over to the table where Mac sat
putting back on her heels.

“Good work people,” Webb said, extending his hand to first Harm and then
Mac.  “I don’t really foresee any further problems this evening, but
would both of you mind terribly staying until the bride, groom, and
their parents have left.  I want to accompany this group of would be
bandits to the station to make sure that all the t’s are crossed, i’s
are dotted, and accents in place.”

“Sure, Webb, not a problem,” Mac said.

“I’ll drop by later this evening to debrief you both then.”

“Make that late tomorrow morning and you’ve got my full cooperation,”
Harm chimed in.

“I would…Tomorrow morning is fine,” Webb finished, as he looked at
Harm’s face and read his body language clearly.  “Have a good evening,”
he said and left.

“We plan on it,” Harm said, taking Mac’s hand in his and entwining their
fingers.
 
Mac looked at him and gave a faint smile of acknowledgement before
leading them toward the bride and groom.  Although their actions had
assisted in saving the ambassador she wanted to have a chance to gently
chide them for taking such a chance.  The groom saw them coming and
smiled his thanks.

“We were not sure we would live to say thank you, but we had to try.”

“Young man and you too young lady, that is no way to start out a
marriage.  It was a brave thing to do and it shows how much you two
really love and trust one another.  In the future though, no more Batman
and Robin stunts.”

“Yeah,” Harm said, cutting in, “Leave that to us.”

“We will do that,” the bride said, stepping forward to hug both Harm and
Mac. “By the way, how long have you two been married?”

“Three days,” they answered in unison.

“Some honeymoon,” she pointed out, then stepped back to take her
husband’s hand and continued by saying, “I just hope that people can see
how much we love each other like you two.  Good luck in your marriage.”

“Good luck in yours as well,” Mac said as she felt Harm’s arms come
around her waist.  She leaned back into the embrace and raised her head
to kiss his cheek, but met with his lips instead.  The kiss was brief,
but held endless promises.
 

2240 Zulu
Paris Marriott Hotel
Harm and Mac’s Suite

Once the ballroom cleared out Harm took Mac’s hand and led her to the
elevators.  They rode to their floor in silence that still accompanied
them as they entered their suite.  Closing the door behind them, he
refused to release her hand.  He drew her to him and leaned against the
door for support.

“Mac...I...Sarah...I can’t continue this charade.”

“I understand, Harm,” Mac whispered, avoiding his eyes. “I’ll take the
couch tonight and we can switch tomorrow night.  I don’t think...”

“That’s just it Sarah, don’t think, feel!”

“Feel?” she asked, looking into his eyes and letting her heart take
flight at what she could clearly see there.

 Harm closed the remaining distance between them and kissed Mac.  As at
their wedding, earlier that evening, and yes even on the dock at
Norfolk, sparks flew.  She held on to his hands for dear life and did
not let go until she chose to deepen the kiss by wrapping her arms
around his waist to bring their bodies closer together.  It was Harm,
who finally ended the kiss by leaning once more against the door.  His
hands were on her bare shoulders, he moved them slowly up her neck to
cradle her face and gaze deep into her eyes.

“Sarah, I don’t want to pretend anymore.  I don’t want you or I to sleep
on the couch, and I most definitely do *not* want an annulment.  I love
you Mrs. Rabb.”

“Pinch me.”

“What?”

“I said, pinch me.  I want to be sure I’m awake and not just dreaming
what you said.”

“How about I kiss you instead?” Harm queried, as he feathered kisses on
her eyes, nose, and cheeks on his way to her lips.

Mac stopped the kiss this time by pulling back on his head gently where
her fingers were buried in his hair. “You really love me?”

“More than words can express.  Did you not get the message I sent you
when we kissed at the reception?”

“So, I didn’t misinterpret?” she stated, as he shook his head.  “And you
want to stay married to me?”

“In every sense of the word.  I was coming home to tell you how I felt
on Friday night before all this.”

“You know what flyboy?”

“What ninja girl?”

“I love you too and I want to remain Mrs. Rabb.  If it’s okay with you
though, I want to hyphenate for work.”

“Well then, Major Mackenzie-Rabb what are we going to tell the Admiral?”

“I think he knows.  He had the most satisfied look on his face when I
glanced over at him after you kissed me in his office.  He’s probably
already calling in favours for another Admiral’s Privilege.”

“He did?”

“Yeah.  It was almost like a proud papa.”

“In that case, we won’t disappoint him.”

“Harm?”

“Yes, Sarah?”

“Tell me again.”

“I love you Sarah Leanne Mackenzie-Rabb.”

“And I love you Harmon William Rabb Jr.,” she answered back, as she
kissed him once more before pulling away.  She headed for the bedroom
and as she got to the door called back over her shoulder to him, “Cream
or burgundy?”

“Cream or burgundy, what?”

“Just answer.”

“Burgundy.”

“Okay, give me five minutes then come to bed.”

 Harm paced the entry way for a moment or so until he looked at the
front door of the suite and saw the Do Not Disturb sign hanging there.
He went over and opened the door and slipped the sign over the handle
before closing and locking the door.  Going to the bedroom door he
knocked and heard Mac call to come in.  He pushed open the door just
enough to enter and then let it swing shut behind him.  Mac stood before
him in a short burgundy silk nightgown that followed her every curve
that he traced with his eyes hungrily. The colour complimented her olive
complexion beautifully.

“That was only three minutes and fifty-nine seconds squid.”

“Forgive me, Sarah,” Harm said, as he made his way to stand in front or
her.  “Does this mean…?” He began, but let the question hang
unfinished.  With his hands he was caressing her face.  Eventually, he
let his hands follow the path his eyes had moments before.

“That and much more, Harm.  But first of all one of us is wearing far
too much clothing even if it is your dress whites.”

“Then please take care of that, Mrs. Rabb.”

“With pleasure, Mr. Rabb,” she said, bringing her lips to meet his.

She undid the buttons of his jacket and moved around behind him to slip
it off of his shoulders and then tossed it onto the chair in the corner
of the room.  Returning to stand before him, she removed his shirt in
much the same manner and repeated her actions to have it follow the
jacket.  By now he had made several attempts to help her, but had
received a gentle brush of her hands away from the task and a kiss.  She
suspected that it was the positive reinforcement that kept him trying.

Once his chest was bare to her touch she began to trace the lines of
his chest as she had started to do that first morning that she had
awakened in his embrace.  This time, instead of trying to still the
movement of her hands he reveled in the sensations that were coursing
through him.  As her hands drew across the pattern of hair on his
abdomen that disappeared into his trousers he sighed as the realization
that this was really happening washed over him.

She undid the button and zipper and lowered his pants gradually instead
of letting them drop.  He stepped out of them, kicking off his shoes at
the same time.  He watched as her hands went to the waistband of his
boxers, but this time he did still her progress by pulling her arms
around his waist and then drawing her body as close as possible to his
own.  She looked up at him with a question in her eyes that he answered
by kissing her deeply until they both could barely stand.

 His erection pressed against her core blocked only by her gown and his
boxers, but the heat flowing from them both could still be clearly felt.
Sliding his hands along the fabric he reached the hem of her gown and
raised it slowly back up and over her head.  She stood before him nude
and glowing in the radiance of the lights from the city below them.  He
didn’t think that he had ever witnessed a sight more breathtaking.  She
reached out and removed that final barrier between them, noticing as she
did that his socks had somehow been removed.

 Rising she took his hand and together they walked to the bed and stood
to one side of the bed.  Harm bent and gathered Mac into his arms, at
the same time moving onto the bed in a kneeling position.  He laid her
down and then lowered himself to lie at her side. She rolled onto her
side to face him and reached up to touch his face.  Like with his chest,
she traced the contours slowly, memorizing the feel and the changes that
were evident in his eyes and breathing. As her fingers roamed over his
lips he opened them and sucked them into the warm, moist recess of his
mouth.

He licked at each digit and then kissed her palm, her wrist, her
forearm, her elbow, but as he passed the skin above there he shifted and
she felt for the first time his mouth suckling at her breast.  A low
moan escaped her and he smiled against her turgid nipple before resuming
his light pull.  Never had he spent so much time just touching and being
touched during the act of making love, but the way that she was moving
against him ensured in his mind that this would be a regular part of
their intimacy.

While he moved between her breasts she moved her hands down and to
grasp his but, effectively trapping his penis between her legs in all
its engorged glory.  He momentarily stopped his loving assault and gazed
up at her.  She smiled and then pushed gently against him so that he lay
back against the mattress.  Slipping her hands free she sat up over his
penis and rocked slightly back and forth to wet him within her folds.
He watched her move her hands toward where they were touching in nearly
the most intimate way possible and knew what she wanted most.  Replacing
her hand with his own he found her clit and flicked it eliciting a much
louder moan from her. Using just his thumb he rubbed her there and felt
as she grew more wet in preparation for their eminent joining. With his
other hand he reached up and drew her head down to meet his own.  Their
desire for one another suddenly seemed to explode as their lips touched
own more and both of their genitals ached for more, ached for release,
ached to be joined at last.  Taking a hold of her hips he guided her
over him and waited.

They matched the rhythm of their mouths and rocked against each other
in wonder.  She was  tight, but able to adjust quickly to hold him to
the hilt.  The feel of her muscles as they tighten around him only made
him more hard and he drove into her even further than he thought
possible.  Mac began to draw away from the kiss to sit up fully on him,
but he moved with her keeping them connected in every way possible.  She
wrapped her legs around his hips and slammed into him, he matched the
move.  He reached between them and found her clit once more.  He was at
the edge, but there was no way that he was going to go without her.
Three strokes and he felt the first shudder course through her.  She
grasped the back of his head and crushed her lips to his and then they
both went over the edge and were lost to the ecstasy of their mutual
orgasm.

0700 Zulu
Paris Marriott Hotel
Commander & Major Rabb’s Suite

Harm woke to the feel of his wife trailing kisses from his chest up
toward his face.  His trademark grin spread across his face as the top
of Mac’s head entered his vision.

“So you’re finally awake.  I’ve been trying to wake you for the last one
minute and forty-two seconds.”

“Mmm. Really? What method were you using?”

“Same one that finally woke you.  I started with your feet,” she said
and gave him a seductive smile.

“Well I was bound to be tired after making love to my wife well into the
early hours of the morning.”

“Are you complaining?”

“Not by a long shot, marine.  I loved every minute of it and look
forward to getting back at it, but I know you’re likely ravenously
hungry so we’ll eat first.” Harm finished speaking by languishing a
steady stream of loving kisses all over Mac’s face ending with her lips
and leaving no doubt in her mind how he felt about her.

“Oh I’m hungry all right, but not for food,” she admitted.

“Mac, about your tattoo.”

“Yeah?”

“What’s the significance behind the rose the dove is carrying,” he
asked, while gingerly fingering the spot on her hip.

“When I got it the dove of course was for peace and the rose stood for
beauty.  The last three years though, the rose has come to signify
something even more important,” Mac said.

“What?” Harm asked, when she didn’t continue.

“My growing love for you.  We met in a rose garden, remember?”

“That’s not a day I am likely to forget, Sarah.  My life changed for the
better that day,” he said, tightening the hug he was giving her.

“We’ve lost a lot of precious time, Harm and I want to make up for as
much of it as we possibly can.”

“We will. I want to spend everyday for the rest of our lives playing
catch up.  Speaking of which, how do you feel about scrapping our five
year deal and getting started on our own new recruit.”

“I would love nothing more, flyboy,” Mac said, as she kissed her
husband’s lips and began her trip back toward his toes.
 

1130 Zulu
Paris Marriott Hotel
Penthouse (Webb’s Suite)

 Webb took one look at Harm and Mac as they entered his suite and knew
for certain that there would be no annulment.  Although, they were
making a conscious effort to not even hold hands, the temperature rose
to boiling every time their glances locked.  He was thankful that his
flight left in three and a half hours so that he could at least have a
few days back in Washington away from them to prepare himself for
Chegwidden’s reaction and to accept the situation as permanent.  They
were both the closest people he had to real friends and he was happy for
them.  He was just disappointed for himself. Very disappointed
actually.  He made short work of their debriefing and then turned the
discussion toward their plans for their remaining few days.

“Truthfully,” Harm said, finally reaching for Mac’s hand. “We don’t
really have any specific plans.  You did say that it was unusual for
newlyweds to sightsee their first day.”

“Do you want me to tell the Admiral?” Webb asked looking from one to the
other.

 Mac held his gaze and said, “We’d prefer to confirm his suspicions
ourselves, but thanks Clay.”

“No problem.  Just thought I would offer.  Oh…I have a wedding present
for you both,” he responded, as he handed a note to Harm. Harm read the
note then passed it to Mac as he got up and moved to shake his hand. “It
seemed appropriate at the time that I buy some of the toughest, most
precious metal wedding bands for you both and now it seems only right
that you keep them.  Be good to each other.” Webb instructed as he
ushered them out of his suite.
 

0905 Zulu (0405 EST)
Somewhere En Route to Washington, D.C.

“Harm, do you think Webb told the Admiral about us?”

“No, I’m pretty sure that although we are coming back unscathed that he
likes to keep his distance from the Admiral when he can.  Plus, I don’t
think he’s ready to accept our relationship himself yet, far less to
tell someone else, no matter what he said.”

“You noticed that too. Well at least he is lovable unlike Brumby.”
“I am going to enjoy personally informing Bugme myself.”

“Don’t annoy him too much, squid, he is likely going to be my partner
for the foreseeable future.”

“That doesn’t mean I can’t set some ground rules.”

“Why sailor don’t trust me?”

“I trust you implicitly,” Harm said, looking deeply into his wife’s
eyes. “I can not say the same for Dumby.”

“Be nice, Harm,” Mac said, as she leaned over and kissed her husband,
effectively ending their conversation for the next couple of hours.
 

1330 Zulu (0830 EST)
Dulles International Airport
Arrivals

“There they are,” Harriet exclaimed, as she turned to her husband Bud
and then the Admiral expectantly.

“We see them, Harriet. Stop bouncing or you’ll spook AJ.”

Harriet gave her husband an exasperated sigh then looked over at their
baby son tucked into Harm’s mother’s arms.  Behind her stood her husband
Frank, Colonel Matt O’Hara(In my universe he has served his time and
been released), Mac’s uncle, and Grandma Sarah, Harm’s paternal
grandmother, all with huge smiles on their faces.

 Mac was the first to notice the beaming group standing off to the right
of the gate.  She stopped so abruptly that Harm nearly yanked her hand
that he was holding from her wrist.  He followed her stare and stood
gaping in shock at their family.

“Welcome back, Commander and Major Rabb, I assume,” the Admiral said,
giving Mac a quick kiss on the cheek and then extending his hand to give
Harm a firm handshake.

“I…I guess Webb told him after all,” Mac said, looking at Harm.
“No, actually,” AJ said, “I knew as soon as I saw that kiss that this
would be permanent.  I just wondered how long it would take you both to
realise it.”

“So you’re not angry,” Harm asked.

“Officially, I should be, but that’s why they extend me Admiral’s
Privilege.  Personally, I think it’s about damn time,” AJ said, smiling
once more at both his officers very like the proud father instead of
their CO.

Little AJ chose that moment to make his presence known.  Mac reached
for their little godson and he quieted in no time.

“Wow, major,” Harriet said, “You are really getting good at that.”

“Thanks, Harriet.  It’s a skill I may really be needing sometime soon.”

Mac finished as she stepped closer to Harm and leaned into his willing
embrace.

“Okay people, let’s move this celebration out of here,” the Admiral
said, taking charge.

“And where would that be to, sir?” Mac inquired.

“Well, I took the liberty of having Harriet move your clothes to the
Commander’s and Rabb your folks and grandmother are staying at Mac’s
apartment while Colonel O’Hara is bunking with me, so I think that your
apartment should be fine.  And another thing, Commander…I met with
SecNav again on your behalf.  Although, he wasn’t happy he owes both
Webb and I so, he approved it one last time.  Bud is your new partner as
of 0800 Monday morning and Major, you’ll be working with Commander
Imes.”

“Imes, sir?  What happened to Commander Brumby?”

“He resigned and returned to Australia on Tuesday morning as soon as he
had confirmed the scuttle-butt about your marriage.”

Harm and Mac managed not to laugh, but did smile lovingly at each other
then at their family gathered around them.  Their life together
stretched before them and it would be good.