Title: The Long Road Home
Author: Heather Nabers
Summary: Mac's past comes back to haunt her.
Disclaimer: Don't own them, never will, although I would LOVE to borrow DJE for just a little while.

6 months after the funeral


Bud, Harriet, and the Admiral paced in the hospital corridor. It had been several hours and still, no news. Finally, Dr. Eve Lambert Baldwin stepped outside, a huge smile on hr face. "Its a girl."

In the delivery room, the baby was getting cleaned up, ready for her mother to take her first look at her when Eve walked back in. "How ya doing Mac?"

She groaned. "I feel like I've been hit by a car." She looked over at the nurses and then back at Eve. "Is my baby okay?"

She nodded. "She's perfect. 10 fingers, 10 toes." She saw Mac’s expression and smiled softly. "And her fathers beautiful blue eyes." A nurse handed the baby to Eve. Her face lit up as she looked at her niece. "Hey there princess. I'm your aunt Eve. You want to meet your mommy?” She looked up and placed the child in Mac's arms. "She's beautiful, Mac."

"Maddie is pretty cute herself." Mac said, referring to Eve's youngest child, as she held her baby close to her.

"Yeah, she is. But she's almost a year old. I miss her being this small."

"Well, you are going to be her godmother. I still need to think of a name..." Mac was interrupted by 3 breathless figures charging into her room. Trish, Sarah and Frank stopped when they saw the baby.

"Ugh. We're to late. I wanted to be here for my grandchild’s birth." Trish said.

Mac smiled. "Well, I didn't have much of a choice. Trish, Frank, Sarah, I'd like you to meet my daughter. Who is still nameless for now." Sarah moved closer to the bed and gazed at the perfect baby wrapped in a pink blanket.

"Oh, Mac. She's beautiful." Sarah whispered.

The door opened again, and 4 more people walked in. The admiral, his wife, Bud and Harriet.

"Is it okay for us to be here?" Harriet asked, timidly.

Mac and Eve both nodded.

"What should I name my daughter?" She said, and grinned as Harriet absolutely lit up.

"How about Grace?" Frank said suddenly.

Mac turned to look at him. "I like it. Grace Mackenzie Rabb."

Sarah's eyes got wet. "Rabb?"

She nodded. "Yes ma'am, if that’s okay. MacKenzie will be her middle name, but I want her to have her fathers last name."

Mac unlocked the door to her apartment. She went inside, followed by Trish, Frank, Sarah & Eve.

"I'm gonna go put Grace down." Mac said. She took the baby into the nursery. "Here ya go, angel." She laid her in the beautiful white crib Trish had bought, and just stared at her. "I can't believe you're finally here." She opened her blue eyes for a moment, before nodding off to sleep. Mac sighed and went back into the living room.

"When is the christening?" Frank asked.

"Nest Tuesday. You all will still be here won't you..."? She was interrupted by the phone ringing. "Excuse me a second. Hello?"

"Mac..." A raspy voice said.

"This is Sarah MacKenzie. Who is this?"

"Mac..."

"Yes, we've already covered that. Who is this?"

Silence.

"I'm hanging up, I'm not in the mood for games." She sot ready to put the phone back on the receiver when the caller said something else.

"Ninja Girl."

Mac froze. "What did you just say? Hello! Hello! Answer me!" Then she heard a click, then a dial tone. Dropping the phone, she turned to face her family in shock.

"Mac, darling, who was it?" Trish said, visibly concerned.

"Probably a wrong number. The pain of childbirth must be finally affecting me.

They all exchanged looks. "Mac, who do you think it was?" Eve asked.

Closing her eyes momentarily, and then opening them, she sighed. "I think it was Harm."

"What?" Trish asked.

Mac trembled. "He called me 'Ninja Girl.' Only Harm called me that. He is the only person who would even know about that."

Eve walked up to her sister and took her by the shoulders. "Mac, Harm is dead. I know how hard this was for you to accept, but he's dead. You have to move on. You have Grace to think about now."

She pulled away. "I'm not crazy. These aren't the ravings of a hysterical woman. I know what I heard. He called me 'Ninja Girl.' You don't get it. That was a private name that only he used and knew about."

She looked at all of them, looking at her like she was crazy. Sighing, she picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number. One ring, two rings Finally, he answered.

"Webb here."

Mac sighed. "Webb. It's Mac. Can you come over right now? Please?"

"What's wrong? Is it the baby?"

She sighed again. "No, Grace is perfect. It's about Harm. And his death. Please come."

"I'll be right there, Mac." They both hung up, Webb grabbed his coat and headed for his friends Georgetown apartment.

Mac hung up the phone. "I don't care what you all say. I'm NOT crazy. I heard him, and if there is any chance, even one out of 100 that Harm is alive, I'm going to find him. Grace deserves to have her father. You deserve to have your son. Your grandson, and I want the love of my life back in my life."

A few minutes later, Clayton Webb knocked at the door. Mac opened it and pulled him inside. "What's this all about?" He asked.

"Harm's alive."

"Really."

Mac was taken aback. "Clay why aren't you surprised about this?"

He sighed and looked at the carpet. "There have been rumors about him being alive going around for about a month now."

Mac's eyes widened and she leaned forward and grabbed him by the lapels of his trench coat.

"You (AN: The author doesn't use the language Mac wants to say, and my mom would have a heart attack if she ever saw it, so use your imagination.) How could you do this? Harm was your friend. You've known he was alive and didn't tell us! You saw the way we all grieved. How much we all missed him. What about that little girl in that room? His daughter! You know how much he wanted to be a good father, wanted to be there for every aspect of his child's life. He would of wanted to be there when she was born, and because you didn't let anyone know there is a possibility he was alive, he missed it. Why didn't you tell me!"

Webb released herself from her grasp. "Mac, I should have told you. But I found out one month ago. You were a few week's away from giving birth. And I knew nothing would have stopped you from going with me. Do you have any clue what Harm would have done if and I say IF he is alive and I caused his girlfriend and daughter to die?"

Mac softened and nodded. "I understand. I don't like it, but I understand."

Trish let go of Frank's hand. "Mr. Webb, are you telling me my son could still be alive? After all these months, my little boy could still be alive?"

"Yes Ma'am. That's exactly what I'm telling you."

"Webb, I understand why you didn't tell me before, but we have to find him." Mac was happier then she had been since she found out she was pregnant. A part of her died when Harm did and now she might get that part of her life back.

AJ sighed. He was angry. Sure, Mac couldn't have gone looking for him, but he could have. And Keeter. And maybe even Bud. Heck, a lot of people would have helped. "Webb, what are you doing to rescue him?" He asked.

"Oh no, AJ. You are not getting involved in another rescue mission with me. Last time we were searching for Harm you broke my nose." Clay saw AJ approaching him and started backing up.

The older man stepped right up to him and got in his face. They were nose to nose. "Webb," He growled, I'm gonna tell you this once; so you better listen the first time. We are going to get my officer back. And you are going to help us. Anyone who wants to go and is able to go can come. This is not your op, or your six on the line. This is about Harm. We're gonna bring him back. And if you have any problems with my methods, your nose won't be the only thing I break."

Mac watched the two of them and sighed. "We can get out the measuring sticks later boys. Right now my only concern is rescuing Harm. Not your adolescent bickering." She turned to look at the rest of the people in the room. "I need one of you watch Grace. And the rest of us need to work out a plan to get Harm back where he belongs. With us."

"No way, Mac." Webb said.

Mac turned on her heels, surprised to say the least. "Excuse me?"

He sighed. A seal was bad enough, now a beautiful marine. "Mac, you had a baby less then a week ago. You are in no shape to go on this wild goose chase."

Her eyes widened. "Let me get this straight. You held off on this rescue mission because I was pregnant. News flash. I'm not pregnant anymore. And I'm going. Nothing is going to stop me."

Trish gently touched Mac on the shoulder.

"Don't say it, Trish. I'm going."

She smiled. "I wasn't. I know you have to go. I was just saying that I could watch Grace during the day, if you can get someone to keep her at night."

"I'll do it." Eve said. "I'd love to have some time with my niece. Go on, Mac. Bring Harm home."

Mac was in her apartment, throwing things in a bag, getting ready for the flight tomorrow morning, when the doorbell rang. Sighing, she threw the red shirt she had been folding on the bed and went to answer it.

Opening the door, she smiled brightly as she saw Jack Keeter on the other side. He pulled her to him and hugged his best friends girlfriend tightly.

"I've missed you Mac. Still as beautiful as ever."

She ushered him inside. Once she shut the door she smiled again and sighed. "And you're still as charming as ever. I'm glad to see you again. And at least this visit the circumstances are more pleasant."

"Yeah. I can't believe he's alive after all these months. And I definitely can't believe Webb knew about it. I would like to " Keeter's voice was drowned out by a babies cry. He shut up and looked at Mac. "Do I hear a baby crying?"

Mac laughed and nodded. "Come on." She pulled him into the nursery and she picked up Grace. Holding the baby close to her, she turned and faced Jack. "Keeter, I'd like you to meet my daughter. Grace MacKenzie Rabb."

"Harm's daughter? How?" He was confused.

"The two days before he left. We were, uh you know." The day he was supposed to come home I found out I was three months pregnant. I had no clue. But I was happy. And six months later, I have a beautiful little girl." She sighed as she ran her hand down her daughters little back. "Even if Harm being alive was just speculation and rumors, I'll always have a part of him. Our little girl." Her eyes got misty as she pondered the possibility he really was dead.

"Can I hold her?" Keeter asked.

"Sure." She put Grace in Jack's arms and sighed.

"Stay positive, Mac. Harm could be alive. You and him may be able to get married, raise your daughter and live happily ever after. But you gotta keep the faith." He looked at the kid in his arms, now asleep and whispered, "Do it for her." Mac brushed her fingers against the little girls forehead. Keeter grinned as something occurred to him. "Mac how is it possible to be three months pregnant and not have a clue? I thought marines were smarter then that.

She frowned as he laughed. "It's not THAT funny, Keeter."

"Yes it is. You have the most innate sense of timing, yet it took you three months to figure out you were pregnant." He put Grace back in her crib and they left the room, him laughing, Mac pouting.

"Ok. I get it. It doesn't happen to a lot of people, but it does happen occasionally. So, you going to be ready to leave tomorrow?"

He nodded. "Yeah. In fact, once I get back at my moms, I'm not even gonna unpack. Then tomorrow morning, when the rest of the Calvary shows up, we can take off."

"Do you really think we'll find him?"

He sighed. "What do you think?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't think he's dead, Keeter. It never felt real to me. It always felt like a really bad dream."

He nodded. "Lets just hope it was.

Mac woke up and felt a warm arm around her waist. She moaned slightly before pulling herself out of his arms. She stood up, tying her robe around her and went to pick up her crying daughter.

Grace wailed loudly, wanting her mother. She quieted down when Mac ran into the room. She picked the baby up and held her against her chest. "It's okay, princess. Mama's here." She said. "Mama's here." Grace's sobs decreased to whimpers and then there was silence. Mac moved to the rocking chair and rocked gently, keeping Grace quiet and trying to soothe her rattled nerves.

She smiled as she heard a noise at the door. "Come on in, Flyboy."

Harm smiled and hurried into the room. "I can't believe I'm a father."

Mac's smile dimmed by a few watts. "You are happy about her, aren't you Harm?"

He got on his knees and stroked his daughter's forehead. "Mac, I'm thrilled about her. I love Grace more then I ever thought it was possible to love anyone. Well, her and her equally beautiful mother."

Her smile lit up again and she leaned forward to gently kiss him. "Good answer." The baby woke up at the gentle movements and started crying again. "Oh."

"Can I take her?" Harm asked.

Mac nodded. "Yeah. Sure." She stood up and put her in Harm's arms. Watch her head."

"I got her." Harm started walking around the beautiful, sunlight nursery. "Hey, beautiful. You're my little princess, ya know. And I love you so much." Forgetting Mac was in the room, he continued to talk to his daughter. "I can't believe I have a daughter. When I left I thought I was the luckiest man in the world, because I had your mommy. Now I know I am because I have you and her. You are going to have a great life. Your mommy and me are going to get married, eventually give you a little brother or sister and we're all going to live happily ever after. You just wait and see."

Mac smiled at this precious exchange and walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around him. "Have I been dumped for a younger woman?" She joked.

"Thank you, Mac."

She was confused. "Excuse me? What are you thanking me for?"

He sighed. "For loving me. For giving me this beautiful little girl. For waiting on me."

Mac leaned in to kiss him. "I'd wait forever for you."

The kiss deepened but an annoying beep pulled them apart. She turned, looking for the source of the noise

Mac shot up. The alarm was going off beside her bed. She scanned the room and was devastated when there was no sign of Harm. She looked out the window. It was a beautiful day. Just like the one in her dream.

It was 6:30am. In a few hours they would all be on a plane searching for Harm. "Please let us find him." She whispered. "Let my dream become my reality."

By 8:00am, Mac was up and dressed. The baby was in her arms. She was trying to savor as much time with her daughter as humanly possible.

"Oh, my sweet little girl. I love you so much." She sighed. "That's why I'm doing this. You deserve to have your daddy here with you. Watching you grow up. Being there to protect you." Just then the doorbell rang. She sighed and stood up. She shifted Grace and opened the door. Trish and Eve were on the other side.

"Where is Frank?" She asked.

Trish looked heartbroken. "Frank is going with you guys."

Mac smiled. "He is? He's gonna do that for me and Harm?"

She nodded. "Mac, darling, Frank thinks of Harm as his son. He's the only son he ever had. And he has always loved him. And would do anything for him."

"I love you guys." Mac said. She hugged Trish and pulled back when Grace started to whimper.

"Give me my granddaughter." Trish ordered. Mac smiled and relinquished the baby.

An hour later, Mac, Clay, AJ, Bud, Keeter, Frank and Scott were all on a plane to Brazil.

Scott was allowing them use of his personal jet. Frank was bank rolling the trip.

Mac sat in one corner of the plane, curled up on the couch, asleep.

"I hope we find him, Sir." Bud said. "We have to. How could Mac go on without him? I know I could never go on without Harriet."

Scott nodded. "I know. I could never live without Eve."

All of a sudden, Mac jumped awake. She looked around, not recognizing her surroundings. Then she realized where she was and where she was going. AJ came over and sat down beside her.

"Bad dream?"

Mac nodded. "Yeah. I keep remembering the night that I found out he died. That day started off so great. I found out I was pregnant. And then Webb told me Harm was coming home today. I was SO happy. But then, when we got to the airport and the plane was unloading. Harm wasn't on it. Webb got out his phone and made some calls. I'll never forget the expression on his face when he heard Harm was dead. I was devastated. I lost the love of my life and my child lost her father."

AJ sighed and wrapped his arm around her. "Maybe you didn't, Mac. There is a shot he could still be alive. You've got to have faith. You and Harm have been through so much to be so young. I don't think God would do something this cruel."

She smiled and nodded. "I hope your right."

Scott came out of the cockpit, and walked over to Mac and AJ. "I just talked to the pilot. We're about to land." He looked at Mac and brushed a tear off of her cheek. "If Harm is on this is land anywhere, we aren't going to rest until we find him. That's a promise."

Scott, Mac, Bud, AJ, Webb, Keeter and Frank stepped off the plane, put their things in the car and drove to the hotel.

"Too bad we're here trying to find Harm." Scott said. "Eve and Serena would love this."

Mac sighed. He was right. The island they were on was beautiful. The water was crystal blue and the beach was sandy, warm and white and the sun heated the whole place. Palm trees swayed gently as a gentle breeze hit them. It was perfect. She could imagine coming some place like this for her honeymoon.

Somehow, AJ sensed what she was feeling. "Come on, Mac. Lets get to the hotel and settle in. She nodded and the seven of them headed to the gorgeous hotel.

"You people have one hour to nap, shower whatever. We leave this hotel in 59 minutes and 38 seconds. If we're gonna fins Harm, I want it to be sooner; not later." And with that, she grabbed her bag and went up to her room.

Once inside, Mac sighed and dropped her bag on the bed. She walked over to the balcony and stared at the picture perfect view. Sighing, she thought of how wonderful it would be to be here with him. To spend the day on the deserted beach, playing in the water, or on the sand with Grace. Then coming up to this beautiful room and spending the night in his warm embrace.

She shivered at that thought and went back into the room. Mac pulled out a pair of jeans and a simple pale pink tank top out of her bag and went to the bathroom to shower. After all, she only had 57 minutes and 14 seconds.

Eve and Trish sat in Mac's apartment, playing with Maddie, Eve's own daughter. Grace was in the playpen in the corner of the room, asleep.

"Do you really think they'll find him?" Trish asked.

Eve sighed. "For Mac's sake, I hope so. She had almost gotten through some of the pain when she found out he could be alive. If this is just a cruel joke, though, I don't know how she'll get through it."

"She can do it." Trish looked at the babies on the floor. Moving to the playpen, Trish picked her granddaughter up. "She has to do it. Grace needs her."

Mac, showered and less irritable sat in the lobby of the hotel. Her eyes were glued to the elevator. First Frank came down, Scott following him. Then AJ, then Bud & Keeter. Last but not least, Webb stepped off the elevator. Mac had to smile. "Your 22 seconds late Webb."

Scott and Frank looked at her. Webb groaned. AJ, Bud and Keeter grinned. Mac tried to suppress a smile. She loved doing that to them. It drove Harm crazy. "What? It's a marine thing."

Scott put his arm around his sister in law's shoulders. "Come on. Lets go find your "

Mac cut him off. "Lets go find my flyboy."

"Keeter, you go with Mac." AJ said. "Bud, you, Scott and Frank go and I'll go with Webb." Webb visibly winced at the thought of being alone with the former SEAL. The island wasn't big, but it was big enough that it would require a long time and a lot of patience to scour.

Mac took two of the flashlights and their group split up.

"AJ, can I ask you something?" Webb said, as they walked through the jungle, "Do you think Harm is really alive?"

The older man sighed. "The truth?" Webb nodded. "I have no clue. I wish I could have Mac and Bud's faith, but I've been in the military too long to believe completely in miracles."

Frank, Bud and Scott wandered down the beach. Shining their flashlights in every cave or cabin.

"Frank, I know how hard this is for you." Scott said.

The older man looked up. "What would you know about your only child being missing? Possibly dead?"

Scott walked in silence for a minute. "I know more then you think. About two years ago, my little girl, Serena, was kidnapped. She was missing for about a month. I had no clue if she was alive or dead. So I do know how this feels."

"I'm sorry, Scott. I had no idea."

Bud nodded. "I don't even want to imagine what I would do in your situation. If anything ever happened to AJ, my son, not the SEAL, I'd die. It's amazing what fatherhood can do to ya, isn't it."

The two other men nodded. "It sure can." They said in unison.

Keeter and Mac walked through a small, unkempt village. No one was home, the doors were unlocked, the small run down houses were ransacked.

"What do you think happened here?" Keeter asked.

Mac shook her head. "I haven't the slightest idea."

"Thinking about him?"

She smiled softly. A ghost of her amazing smile. "All the time. Every second of every day. Every time I look at my daughter, every time I see Brumby in his office. Every time I see my blue evening gown hanging in my closet. Every time I see the framed pictures of us all over my home. For the longest time, he was my life. My soul. My heart. Now, my life, my soul & my heart revolve around him. And if we don't find him, if he's dead, my entire life will remind me of him. I'll think about him every day." Once she shut up, and saw Keeter smiling at her, she realized she was rambling. "I know, I know. I'm rambling. But I love him so much."

"I know you do," Keeter said. "Lord, it took ya almost four years to realize it. I'm glad you finally did." He sighed as they walked. "I think about him a lot too. He was my best friend. We've always been there for each other. Him when Chloe died, I was there when Diane died. I've done some stupid things, but he has always been there for me and helped get me out of any mess I've ever been in."

"Who's Chloe?"

Keeter sighed. "She was my wife. She was killed by Iraqi terrorists when I was stationed over there. Meg someone was his partner then. They were taking a trip together and with a few of their other friends, but he blew them off to come be with me. He was there when I needed him most and I'm here to help him out this time."

"Oh my God. Keeter "

He turned and saw what Mac was looking at. "Oh god "

Mac ran over to the body and kneeled over him. "Oh my god. Keeter, it's Harm!" She put her fingers to his ashen neck. She started to cry.

"Mac?" Keeter asked.

She looked up, tears were steaming down her face. "He's alive. I feel a pulse." Mac turned back to Harm. "Harm, baby. It's Mac. Can you hear me?"

"Mac."

She smiled and started sobbing. "Oh my god, thank you god. Thank you." She leaned over and gently kissed his forehead. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"Mmm." Harm muttered. "You don't have to thank me."

"I'm not thanking you, I'm thanking God." Harm tried to get up, to look at her, but she gently pushed him back down. "No. Lay down." She looked up at Keeter. "Go find the others, please." Looking back down at Harm, she stroked his forehead and cried softly.

"Mac. How'd you know where to find me?"

She smiled. "You called me, Flyboy. You called me 'Ninja Girl.' Only you called me that. So I knew it was you. After that call, I called Webb. He told me there had been rumors that you had been alive. SO, we put together a search expedition and came down here."

"Who's we?"

"Me, and Frank, and Bud, Webb, Keeter, Scott and the Admiral."

Just then the rest of their group came running up. Frank kneeled at Harm's side.

"Son, are you all right? Mac, what's wrong with him?"

She shook her head. "I don't know."

"There have been hurricanes here, the past few weeks. I'm guessing the people that had been taking care of him ran, and since he's half dead, they left him here."

"What are we waiting for, another hurricane, can we get out of here please?"

Scott grinned. "Yeah, hurricanes have a tendency to ruin my life."

AJ and Keeter picked him up, draped his arms around their shoulders and they went back to their cars.

Once they were at a local hospital, and Harm was being admitted, Mac felt ten times later.

"I can't believe he's alive." She kept repeating.

Frank came up and sat beside her. "I can't get through to Eve & Trish yet. I'm going to keep trying."

Mac sighed. "Frank, this is a lot to ask. But, could you, uh, could you not let them come down here? If they come, they'll bring Grace and I don't want him to meet his daughter in a hospital room. Please."

He nodded. "Sure. And I really don't want her to see him like this." Just then the doctor came out.

Mac jumped up. "Can I see him?"

"Are you family?"

Mac opened her mouth and closed it. Frank put his hand over hers. "Yeah, this is his wife."

The doctor nodded and held the door open. Harm was lying in the bed, his eyes closed. Considering he had been out of civilization for six months, he looked pretty good. The nurse () had shaven and bathed him and his biggest problem was malnutrition and dehydration. He wasn't covered in tubes, but he was pale. She slipped in and took her place by his side, the way she had been for years. The next morning he was being flown back to DC and was to spend two days in their hospital. The people who he stayed with had took good care of him. No infections from his wounds, etc. Mac just sat there, watching him as he slept. She loved him more then anything.

One Week Later
Mac's apartment


She unlocked the door and led him in. He lit up when he saw all of his friends and family there. He and his mother shared a long hug.

He still didn't know about Grace.

For the next hour, they ate and talked and enjoyed being together.

"Everyone, I have an announcement to make." Harm said. He stood up. Grabbed Mac's hand and pulled her up with him. Turning to face her once he had everyone's attention, he said, "Mac, baby, I know this is six months late, but can we finally put that ring on your finger?"

She lit up. "Yes." And flung herself into his arms. She unfastened the necklace and slid the ring off. He put it on her finger and sealed the proposal with a kiss.

Just then, someone knocked on the door. It was time.

"Harm, if you marry me, you're not just getting me." Eve went to open the door. An elderly woman with a baby in her arms came inside. Mac took the little girl from her and looked at Harm. "I'd like you to meet my daughter. Grace MacKenzie Rabb. Our daughter."

His jaw dropped. "Our... uh... what?"

Mac held the baby closer to her. "Harm, this is our daughter. Grace."

"I don't understand? How did this happen?" Saying he was in shock would have been an understatement.

She sighed. "The first time we were together." Sitting on the sofa, she said, "The day your were supposedly coming home, I went to the doctor. Eve. She told me I was three months pregnant and the date of conception was our first night together." All of a sudden a wave of regret washed over her and she stood up, backing away. "You're not happy about this, are you?"

Harm got up and walked over to her. With a shaking hand, he touched his daughter’s forehead. "Happy isn't the word for it." He smiled as she looked at him with stunning blue eyes. "I'd say elated is more the term I'd use. I can't believe it. I'm a father." He looked at Mac. "Can I hold her?"

"Of course." Mac was filled with relief as she handed Grace to Harm.

"She's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen." Harm was so captivated with his daughter he didn't notice the friends and family leaving. "Mac... I'm so sorry I wasn't here for you through out your pregnancy. I've wanted a baby with you for so long and I miss the entire pregnancy, the birth, everything."

"Baby, it's okay. I wasn't alone. Trish and Frank were great. Eve, Scott, Bud and Harriet were there every step of the way. The admiral and Webb were even there. And your grandmother... she was my rock through out this whole thing. In fact, I spent a lot of the pregnancy at her farm. She talked about you, showed me pictures, told me stories. I felt like I was with you and our baby was getting to know you."

"I'm scared, Mac."

She was startled. "Of what?"

"What if I fail her as a father. I didn't have a role model growing up."

She stood up. "Lets put her down, then we can talk." He nodded and they went to the nursery. He looked unsure how to put her in the crib. "Just let your instincts take over. It will come naturally." Harm nodded and gently lowered her into the crib. He smiled as she went immediately to sleep. Mac took his hand and pulled him into her bedroom and they sat down on the bed.

"What do you mean you didn't have a role model? You adored your father."

He sighed. "Yeah, my dad was great. But he 'died' when I was so young. And Frank probably would've been a great dad but I never gave him a chance to be one. What if I mess up with Grace?" He leaned against the headboard and sighed. She leaned against him.

"Harm, what about me? I was gypped in the parent department too. And I am terrified I will mess up. But I'm going to try my best. And that’s all that can be asked of us. That we try our best and love our kids as much as possible."

He nodded. "Yeah. You're right. But I'm still scared. At least I had six months to get used to the idea."

Sitting up, he laughed. "You were three months pregnant and didn't know it? Isn't that impossible?"

She scowled. "No. It's not."

Harm wrapped his arms around her waist. "I love you, Mac. You and Grace and me. We're a family now and forever."

"Forever."

Mac sighed as she rolled over in bed. The spot beside her was cool, indicating no one had been there for a while. She bolted up, scared it was all an unbelievable dream. Then she saw his clothes on the floor by the bed and heard quiet talking coming from Grace's room.

"You are so beautiful." Harm said to the baby. "You look like your mommy, ya know. And she's the most beautiful woman in the world, so you're in luck." He sighed and sat down in the new rocking chair and sighed. "I know you're only a week old, but I feel like I missed so much. But I promise. From now on, you, your mom, and me are a family. We'll always be here. I promise." He lifted her tiny hand and gently kissed it. His heart melted just by looking at her.

Mac smiled, watching all this from the doorway. "Morning flyboy."

He looked up from his daughter and smiled. "Morning."

She sighed and kneeled down next to them. "When I woke up and you weren't there; I thought this was an unbelievable dream. But this is the dream. I dreamed about this moment the morning we left to find you. And now it has come true."

"I've been dreaming of this moment since the day I met you. I love you so much, Mac."

"I love you, too."

Later, that afternoon, they were at the park, enjoying the warm September day when Scott and Eve finally showed up.

"It's about time." Mac said with a smile. "Have you seen anyone else yet?" Bud, Harriet, AJ and Laurel aren't here yet."

"Nope. Since this was Harriet's idea, they should be here soon though." Eve said. She sat down beside her sister, Maddie in her lap.

Harm looked at Maddie, then at Eve and Scott.

"Oh yeah. Did I mention Eve had a baby." Mac said, laughing.

"No. you left that little part out."

The four friends were laughing and talking when the others showed up. After lunch, when Harriet and laurel took the kids down to see the ducks, AJ sighed. "Harm, I know this isn't the best time to bring this up, but what are your plans now?"

He sighed and sat up. "Well. I can't return to JAG. Now that Mac and I are engaged and have a baby, that would be breaking the chain of command regs. So, I was thinking about maybe taking a job in a private firm." Harm looked at Scott. "That is you offer still stands."

Scott smiled. "I think we can work that out. The Baldwin building can always use another partner. Karen and Eve have their lab, Kevin has his private practice, Lucy has her lab, now we can have our law firm."

Mac looked up at Harm. "No more tomcats?"

He smiled. "No more tomcats. They took me away from you and Grace once. It's never going to happen again."

Once they were home, Grace was asleep and they decided to start planning the wedding. The date was set for October 16. The anniversary of his grandmother’s marriage to his grandfather. Which means they had a little more then five weeks to plan their wedding.

"It's 11:04." Mac stated. "I'm going to bed. You coming?"

Harm nodded. "I'll be there in a minute." He watched her walk in the bedroom and sighed. Life was perfect.

By time he got to bed, only ten minutes after she had, she was already fast asleep. Today had been fun; but exhausting. Sighing, he started to get in bed beside her when he noticed how beautiful and angelic she looked. the window was open and the moonlight bounced off her face. And gentle sound of rain hitting the pavement was soothing. No wonder she had fallen asleep so quickly. He saw his guitar in the corner of the room and got an idea for one of her wedding gifts.

Taking a notebook and a pen out of the drawer of the nightstand, he sat in the armchair and began writing.

Lying here with you
Listening to the rain
Smiling just to see the smile upon your face
These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive

The next five weeks went by in a blur and October 16 was rapidly approaching. Soon, it was only a few days away.

"Ugh. This isn't right." Harm crumpled up the sheet of paper and tossed it in the garbage. His gift wasn't working as well as he had hoped it would. "Why can't I do this?" He moaned.

He heard the door open and shoved the notebook under the bed. Walking into the living room, he lit up as he saw Mac and Eve. They put the bags and boxes down and Mac gently kissed Harm.

"What have you been doing all day?" She asked.

He looked towards the bedroom. His guitar was still on the bed. "Oh, uh, nothing. Just working on some songs. Watching TV. Working on my vows. The usual."

Eve looked at the two of them and smiled. Harm had told her about his plan. "I'm gonna leave you two almost newly weds alone and go home to my husband. I'll see you tomorrow, Mac."

She smiled and nodded. "Bye Eve."

Mac kissed him one more time. When she pulled back, she scanned the apartment. "Where's my baby?"

"Our baby," He said, "Is at her grandparents. Mom wanted to spend more time with her and since we're so busy with the wedding,. she's gonna sleepover with them tonight."

"Oh. I guess that’s okay. I'm going to miss her though."

He nodded. "I know. I do too. I always miss her." Sitting down on the couch and pulling his fiancé in his lap, he sighed and said, "So. What did you and Eve buy today?"

"We had our FINAL dress fittings. Shoes. Make up. Stuff that makes us gorgeous. But it's painful."

Harm looked at her. "What do you mean 'painful'?"

She grinned. "Lets just say, I have a good man, great career, but the shoes I'm getting married in aren't exactly comfortable."



2 days later...


Mac was freaking out. It was her wedding day. She knew she loved Harm more then life itself but was terrified.

Eve walked in as she was having her break down. "Hey. Hey. What’s wrong?"

"I'm terrified. What if I'm making a mistake? Like the one I made Chris." She put her hand on her chest. "Oh my god. I can't breathe."

She groaned. "Mac, sit down. What’s wrong?"

Mac, still hyperventilating sat down on the couch. Eve handed her a glass of water. "What is going on. You've wanted to marry Harm for almost 10 months now. Wait. Make that almost four years. And you choose 20 minutes before the ceremony to get cold feet."

She sipped the water. "19 minutes and 32 seconds." Hearing her sister sigh, she looked up. "Eve, you don't understand. I've made some awful mistakes and choices in my life. And I could never live with myself if I hurt the only man I ever really loved."

Eve sat down next to her. "And you don't think leaving him at the altar will hut him? Mac, you and Grace are his life. You back out of this, it'll kill him." She looked at Eve. "I might kill him."

She bolted up. What are you talking about!"

"Every man I've ever been with has been killed. Except John whose career was ruined. If Harm dies or his career is ruined, I will never forgive my self."

"I can't take this." Eve said. "I'll be back in a minute."

Mac paced the room till she heard a knock at the door.

"Can I come in, Mac?" Harm said.

She froze. "No. You're not supposed to see me before the wedding."

"Too bad." He smiled as he saw her. She was still in her pale pink satin robe, the only thing on her done was her hair and make up. But she was still the most beautiful sight he ever saw.

She turned and he was standing in her room. Her breath caught in his throat. There he was. All 6'4" of him, in his dress whites. The gold wings were glowing brightly against his broad chest.

"Wow." She whispered.

He smiled. "You look amazing your self. I can't wait to see your dress."

She started to smile. "Oh my god, Harm Its bad luck for you to see me before the wedding."

"Screw luck." He took her hand and pulled her to the couch and sat beside her. "Eve told me you were having second thoughts. Why? I thought you were sure about us. And loved me as much as I love you."

"Harm, I do." Her voice started to shake. "I love you more then life itself. But what if I hurt you?"

He took her hands in his. "Honey, you are my heart and my soul. You're my better half, my reason for being. You're the reason I wake up in the mornings and I go to bed at night, happy, knowing I'll see your beautiful face first ting in the morning. I want to spend forever waking up next to you and falling asleep with you in my arms. I want to raise our daughter together and someday give her a brother or a sister. I want to grow old with you by my side. In short, Sarah MacKenzie, you are my life. Without you, I'm empty, Hollow. I'm nothing. So. Will you marry me?"

She smiled. "Yes. Now get out. I only have 14 minutes and 57 seconds to get dressed."

Harm smiled that gorgeous flyboy smile of his and leaned over and gently kissed her. "I love you."

"Love you too."

Harm stood at the altar of the chapel, nervously awaiting Sarah.

"You okay, Harm?" Scott asked. He felt out of place. The only person here in a traditional tux. Bud, the other best man was in dress whites, and so was practically every other person in the room.

"I'm nervous. I love her so much and now, she's finally going to be my wife. I have dreamed of this day for about four years." Harm sighed as he stared at the huge oak doors. Then, finally, the music cued up. He took a deep breath and stood at full attention.

Harriet made her way down the aisle first, smiling radiantly. Then Eve. They were both stunning in the pale pink dresses. Harm smiled at each of them, and his eyes darted back to the door, waiting on Mac. Then, the bridal march started up.

She looked beautiful. The bodice of her dress was simple white satin an the skirt was full with layers of tulle under the same satin. A single spaghetti strap on each bronzed shoulder held it in place. The veil was simple. A diamond and pearl comb fastened into the back of her dark hair. She took his breath away.

Finally, her and Matt reached the altar. He took his niece's hand out of his and placed it Harm's.

"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" The minister asked.

Matt stood at attention and sighed. "I do on behalf of her family and friends. After kissing her on the cheek, he went to the front pew and sat down.

The Minister smiled and looked at the audience. "Sarah and Harm would like to recite their own vows. Sarah, you first."

She smiled and turned to face him. "Harm, for 4 years, you have been my best friend. You were the one I came to when I was in trouble, or the rare occurrence I needed a shoulder to cry on. And I loved you from the day I met you. I don't know what it was. Your eyes, that 'Flyboy' smile. Your good heart. Your soul. Anything and everything I learned about you made me love you more. Harm, I vow to spend the rest of my life loving you and basking in being loved by you. You are my heart. My soul. My friend. My lover. And in a while, you'll be my husband. And I could not ask for more." Her hand trembled as she slid the ring on his hand. She clasped it in hers momentarily.

Harm took a deep breath. "I've told you most of this about, oh, 14 minutes and 57 seconds ago, but I'm going to say it again. I love you, Sarah MacKenzie. I have loved you from the moment I saw you. Now, I will admit at first it was the Diane thing, but as time went on, and you depended on me and let me depend on you I fell in love with a certain beautiful marine. Mac, you said I'm your heart and your soul, but I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. If you hadn't shown up that night on the docks. If you hadn't come after me when the rest of the world thought I was dead, heck. If you hadn't pulled me in that helicopter the first time we met. You're my life, Sarah. And I will love you for the rest of my life." He pulled off her glove and slid the delicate band of gold on her finger

The minister took their hands and held them both in his. "The exchanging of rings is a very symbolic thing. Not only is it a visual sign of your love and commitment to each other, but also it shows your love is never ending. The ring is a solid band of gold. With no breaks or seams. And that is how your love shall be. Now that Sarah and Harm have exchanged vows and rings, I now pronounce you man and wife. Those who God has joined together, let no one pull asunder. You may kiss your bride."

"Ooh. My favorite part." Harm smiled and gently kissed his beautiful new wife. "I love you." He whispered.

"Love you back."

Bud lined up the other member’s of the NAVY outside the church, all of them at full attention, waiting for the new couple. At they approached, Bud pronounced them. "For the first time in public, Lieutenant Commander and Mrs. Harmon Rabb Jr."

They smiled as they walked through the arched swords. Photographers capturing the priceless moment on film. As they reached the end of the tunnel, Mac slightly grimaced as she knew what was coming. Bud's saber smacked her across her butt.

"Go NAVY."

The reception was just as perfect as the ceremony. Then Harm decided it was time for his gift top his new wife. He excused himself from the table the bridal party was seated at and went to the bandstand.

"What's he doing?" Mac asked.

Eve just smiled.

The orchestra got ready to start as Harm stepped up to the microphone. "I wrote this a few weeks ago. I was about to get in bed and I just watched her. And I was inspired. Sarah, I love you and this is for you."

She blushed as he picked up his guitar and motioned for the orchestra to start up.

Once her was finished, he sat the guitar down and stood up. The crowd was silent for a minute when suddenly, a thunderous applause rang out. He stepped off the stage, into her open arms.

"I love you, Sarah. And I could not ask for more."

He leaned in to kiss her as the sun set in the background and the band played on.

The End