The First NoelAuthor: Rorie Classification: Harm/Mac shipper (duh!) I don't own the song. I'm not that talented. "Blue Christmas" was written by Jay Johnson and Bill Hayes. There are many versions, but I'm thinking of the Céline Dion version on These Are Special Times. Author's notes: This is set in an alternate timeline. Harm never returned from flying. Mac's at JAG, Harm's on the Patrick Henry. LTC SARAH
MACKENZIE'S APARTMENT Lt. Col. Sarah MacKenzie stumbled through the door, kicked off her shoes, and dropped onto the sofa. She was exhausted. She had originally thought it was a good idea for her to work late on Christmas Eve so everyone with families could go home and get ready for the holiday. She was all by herself, so she really wasn't going to prepare. Chloe was in Vermont with her father and grandparents, she was going to come down for a couple of days after Christmas, but not for the holiday. Mac had no idea where her mother was, and she really didn't care. Uncle Matt was in Leavenworth, she'd call him tomorrow. She had put up a small Christmas tree in the corner of her living room. There were presents under it, but she wasn't in a holiday mood... she was alone. Mac headed for the bedroom and changed out of her uniform into sweats and a t-shirt that read "US Naval Academy," that she'd deny under oath owning. She had snitched it from Harm before he left for the Patrick Henry. Heading into the kitchen she put a kettle on to make some tea and popped a frozen dinner in the microwave. She had been invited to Bud and Harriet's for a Christmas Eve open house, a tradition that Harriet got from her mother, and had decided to implement that year, but Mac declined the invitation. Flipping on the stereo and pushing play on the CD player, she sat back down on the sofa to wait for dinner. She didn't hear the first couple of songs on the CD, but finally one did catch her ear. Cheesy, though it was, it was saying what she was feeling right then: "I'll have a blue Christmas
without you Mac laughed harshly, "Sing it, Sister." she said sarcastically. The microwave beeped so she headed for the kitchen and pulled the food out, set it on the countertop and stared at it. It was anything but appetizing at that moment. Especially when she thought of the food that she could've had at Harriet's party. Bud had spent the entire morning talking about what Harriet had been cooking. The kettle whistled so she poured her tea and headed back into the living room. "Decorations of red on a green
Christmas tree "Well, Harm, at least you won't be getting a white Christmas." Mac said to the air. She took a sip of her tea and stared at the gold band that circled her left ring finger. They got married when Mac flew to the Patrick Henry to prosecute Lt. Buxton. The Captain was thrilled to be able to exercise that right that belonged to ship captains. Even losing the case to her new husband hadn't dampened Mac's spirits. Unfortunately, though, their time together was too short. Harm hadn't been able to get any leave since then. He promised her a real honeymoon, though, not just a few short nights in her stateroom aboard a ship with over 5,000 other sailors, and one really upset Australian. She laughed as she remember Brumby's reaction. To say that Mic had been upset, was to put it mildly. He had come to think of Sarah as his property during the months between Harm's leaving and the case on the Patrick Henry. It didn't matter that her heart had been given to someone else years earlier, and that she in no way encouraged the Australian's feelings, he still felt that way. When Harm and Mac asked Bud and Skates to be their witnesses, they were thrilled. Skates told Mac that it was about time, she was all Harm ever talked about. Bud just smiled smugly... he had just won the ongoing office pool. He couldn't wait to tell Harriet. When she walked into the office the first day back on shore, she was greeted by the Admiral who looked quite stern. Her heart leapt into her throat. Then, suddenly, he engulfed her in a hug and smiled, "It's about damn time, Colonel. I was wondering if you two would ever get your heads out of your respective sixes." Then, of course, was the call to her Uncle. "Congratulations, Sarah." he had said, "I've seen this coming since Red Rock Mesa." Trish Burnett called that evening, her son had called her after Mac had left the ship. She was thrilled, she had thought that Mac was the one for her son since the first time they had spoken to each other on the telephone. They had never met in person, but that didn't matter. Trish already thought of her as a daughter. Then Grandma Sarah had called. Another Sarah Rabb had joined the family. Mac had been invited to spend Thanksgiving with her new family, she accepted. She was apprehensive during the drive to Belleville and Gran's farm. She was going alone, and she wasn't sure of the reception she'd receive. On the phone, they were all thrilled about the marriage, but in person? She had spoken to Trish and Frank, and Grandma Sarah. But she had no idea who the others were. Harm's uncle, Scott, and his wife, Jennie, would be their with their kids and grandkids. As would Trish's sister, Connie, her husband, Jake, and their kids and grandkids. Evidently, when you married into Grandma Sarah's family, your entire family became hers... related by blood or marriage, your were now a Rabb. When she pulled her corvette into the driveway of the farmhouse, she just stared... it was huge, and beautiful. The type of house she had dreamed of living in as a little girl. Suddenly, the front door burst open and a beautiful woman with white hair streamed out, followed by an equally beautiful blonde woman. As soon as the older woman smiled she knew where Harm had gotten the smile. His grandmother had the same one. She got out of the car and was immediately engulfed in two hugs. "Sarah, welcome home." Gran said softly. Herded into the house, she was set upon by a large crowd of people. "Everyone," Gran began, "Meet my granddaughter, Sarah... or as you know her Harm's Mac." Mac's eyes misted over and threatened to leak down her cheeks. Trish took over the introductions. Mac met Scott and Jennie, their daughter, Alex, her husband, John, and girls, Lydia and Stephanie. Then there was Scott's son, Jason, wife, Trina, son, Paul, and daughter, Kathleen. Trish's sister, Connie, her husband, Jake, their two daughters, Sally and Jane, and their respective husbands, Carl and Roy. Then there were the kids which Mac couldn't keep straight: Sheila, Theresa, Olivia, Richard, Ben, Joey, and Christie. Trish laughed and said it was all right, she'd eventually get it all straight. Then, of course, she met Frank, Harm's stepfather, who pulled her into a hug and welcomed her to the family. The family accepted her right away for who she was. She felt like she finally belonged somewhere. The weekend had gone by too fast. "Why, Sarah? Why did you turn down the invitation to spend Christmas at the farm?" she asked herself. She had no answer. It would have been just her and Gran, the others all had plans. Now, she couldn't change her mind, Gran had already flown out to Scott and Jennie's for the holidays. So now, she sat in the silence of her living room, alone and feeling sorry for herself... and almost hating the United States Navy for not giving her husband leave. 0455 ZULU (2355 EST) Mac was awakened by a sound. She sat up quickly and wished she were in her room where her weapon waited in the top drawer of her bedside table. She flipped on the light and was startled to see her favorite aviator-turned lawyer-turned aviator again struggling to carry his bag in without making a noise. She jumped off of the couch and was in her husband's arms in no time at all. "Harm... I... thought... you... couldn't... get... leave." she gasped out between kisses. "Well... I... guess... the... Captain... got... tired... of... hearing... me... complain." he answered, also between kisses. He led her back to the sofa, "He practically ordered me to take leave. Not that I would have protested any. "Merry Christmas, Sweetheart." Mac said as she pulled him back up off of the sofa and towards her bedroom... LTC SARAH
MACKENZIE'S APARTMENT Mac led her husband into the bedroom. Then she headed into the bathroom. While she was in there brushing her teeth, Harm got ready for bed. He changed into a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt. Mac came back out and climbed into bed, Harm joined her. He kissed her on the forehead and she snuggled into his chest. It felt so good to be back in his arms. She felt so safe, so loved... she fell asleep almost instantly. Harm laid awake and watched Sarah sleep. She looked so young and fragile. He just wanted to keep her close and safe from the outside world. Finally, he, too, succumbed to the lure of the sandman and fell asleep. 1202 ZULU (0702 EST) Mac leaned over and lightly kissed Harm on the lips. "Come on, wake up, Flyboy! It's Christmas!" Harm cracked open his eyes and chuckled, she sounded just like a little girl. He pulled her back down to him and kissed her properly, leaving them both breathless. She pulled away and practically bounced out of bed, dragging him with her. "Harm, come on!" He stood up and laughed. He could picture their children acting exactly the same way. Between Mac and them, he'd never get to sleep in on Christmas morning. "Sarah, haven't you ever heard of sleeping in? It's Saturday, it's a holiday... we don't have to be any where..." he protested, as he let her lead him into the living room. "Oh, don't be such a Scrooge, Sailor. It's our first Christmas, and we're together!" He couldn't argue with that so he decided to get into the spirit of things. "Why don't you pick out some music and I'll start some coffee. After presents, what do you say we go somewhere for breakfast?" "Sounds great..." Mac answered, browsing through her CD collection for something to listen to. Harm came back into the room after setting up the coffee maker. "Okay, let's get this show on the road, Marine." Mac rolled her eyes and sat on the floor next to the tree. She picked up a package and read the label. "Remind me when we go out for breakfast that I need to drop this over at Bud and Harriet's. It's for AJ, I forgot to take it to the office yesterday." Harm nodded. She pulled out another package. It was from Trish and Frank for Mac. "Harm, this isn't fair. You don't have any here. No one thought you'd get leave so we shipped them all to you." Harm stood up, "Not to worry." he said, dragging his bag into the room. He opened it and pulled out all of his gifts. "You brought all of your presents all the way from the Patrick Henry?" Mac asked incredulously. "I didn't want you to have all the fun this morning." he replied with a trademark Flyboy grin. Half an hour later, the living room floor looked like a hurricane had hit it: there was Christmas paper and bows everywhere. Harm couldn't imagine what the living room would like when they had children if it was this bad with just the two of them. "I'll clean up this mess while you get dressed." Harm volunteered. Mac agreed and headed towards the bedroom, grateful to have gotten out of KP. "Harm, where are you taking me? I want to know what to wear." she called over her shoulder. "Uh-uh, Ninja-girl, I'm not telling." Harm answered. A couple of minutes later, he joined Mac in the bedroom, carrying his bag with him. Mac was standing in front of her open closet wearing only her bra and underwear. "Just a hint, Flyboy?" she begged. "Not even a hint." he said coming up behind her and putting his arms around her waist. She leaned into his embrace and sighed as he dropped a feather-light kiss in the hollow of her neck. "If you keep doing that, Flyboy, I'll never get dressed." she said in a low, seductive voice. "And that would be a bad thing, why?" Harm murmured. "Because I'm hungry, Harm." Mac said, turning around to face him. "Tell me something new, Marine." Harm said with a chuckle before placing a kiss on her forehead. "Hey, I'm a growing Marine. I require protein." she said in her best Chloe Madison imitation. Harm smiled and leaned down to kiss her properly. Mac leaned into her husband's kiss before pushing him away. "Harm, I need to get dressed if we're ever gonna get out of her for breakfast... then we've got to take the presents over to Harriet's." She turned back to her closet and stared. "I suddenly decided that I'm not hungry... for food, that is!" Harm growled into her ear. "Harm!" she exclaimed as she playfully swatted his arm. "Get your mind out of the gutter." "Well, where else should my mind be after 3 months at sea separated from the woman I love?" he asked with a smirk. "Harm, you are so bad!" she laughed. "Well, that's not what you said that last night on the Patrick Henry." Mac's jaw hit the ground, then she leaned forward and kissed her husband. "I guess breakfast can wait...." Harm disappeared into the living room for a moment, and when he came back music followed. Mac smiled as she took his hand and pulled him close. Harm lowered his head to his wife's mouth, his tongue demanding entrance to the dark recesses of her mouth. She opened her mouth for him, his tongue thrusting and tangling with hers, simulating the actions that their bodies would soon be taking. "Someone's just a little over dressed." Mac whispered when they separated. She reached for the waist of his t-shirt and pulled it up and over his head and dropped it in a heap on the floor. She caressed the hard planes of his chest while staring appreciatively. "Nope, still too many clothes, Flyboy." she teased. She tugged on the waistband of Harm's sweats and he helped her pull them down and out of the way. Now, he stood before her clad only in his boxers. "Better, Marine?" he asked. "Much, now I don't feel so exposed." 2110 ZULU (1610 EST) Mac propped herself up on one arm so that she could watch Harm as he slept next to her. She trailed her other hand over his bare chest. He stirred and opened his eyes. She leaned down and kissed him quickly. "Harm," she said in a seductive voice, "Are we gonna get up now? I'm starved, and you made me miss breakfast... and lunch. I think you owe me dinner." "I don't know, I think I paid off my debt nicely, don't you?" She smiled, "Yes, you did, Harm, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm hungry. Now, I'm gonna take a shower, then you're taking me somewhere nice for dinner." Harm raised his hand in a mock salute, "Yes, Ma'am." Mac got out of bed and walked, naked, across to the bathroom, not caring what effect she was having on her husband as he watched her progress. "And don't let me forget AJ's present when we leave." she called out of the bathroom. Epilogue: JAG
HEADQUARTERS Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. looked up from the paperwork in front of him at the commotion he heard in the bullpen. He had returned in April. Officially assigned to the Pentagon office, he spent most of his time in Falls Church. He stood up and stretched then peeked out of his office to see what the fuss was. Seeing nothing, he returned to his desk and the Baxter file. A few moments later Harm was again startled out of his paperwork. This time by a sharp cry. He vaulted out of his seat and out into the bullpen. There, holding on to a desk for dear life, was his wife. Harriet stood next to her, rubbing her back in slow strokes. "Breathe, Ma'am." the Lieutenant ordered. "It'll pass..." "Harriet?" Harm asked sharply as he joined the pair. She held up a hand to indicate that she'd get to him in a moment and returned her attention to Mac. "Done?" Mac took a deep breath and nodded. Harriet turned to Harm, "Sir, if you don't want a repeat of AJ's birth I'd suggest that you get the Colonel to a hospital." she said calmly. "You mean...?" Harriet nodded and Mac interrupted, "Harm, I don't want our child to be born in the Admiral's office. Get me out of here, NOW!" "Aye-aye, Ma'am!" Harm answered sincerely. She might not outrank him anymore, but when his Jarhead used that tone, no one dared disobey. "I'll let the Admiral know where you are, Sir." "Thanks, Harriet. Come on, Mac... carefully." "Harm, I'm in labor... I'm not gonna break." Mac snapped. Sometimes his hovering just got to her. LABOR AND
DELIVERY "Okay, Sarah, one last push." the doctor ordered the exhausted Marine. Mac gave one last push and was rewarded by a shrill cry echoing through the room. She smiled. "It's a boy!" the doctor announced, handing him off to the waiting nurse. Harm bent down and kissed Mac's forehead. "You did it, Marine." "No, we did it, Flyboy." she whispered. The nurse brought their son over and handed him to his mother. Sarah smiled down at the tiny boy who blinked in the bright lights of the room. Harm leaned over and stroked his son's head. "He's beautiful, Harm..." "Yes, he is... he's perfect." The nurse reappeared, "I hate to interrupt, Sir, Ma'am, but there's a large group out in the waiting room. I think they all want to know about this little guy." she smiled. Mac chuckled, "Harm, go tell them what they need to know." "Yes, Ma'am." he said before kissing both members of his family and leaving the room. Harm entered the waiting room to find almost the entire JAG office there. The Admiral stood up. "Well?" "A boy, Sir." Harm answered. "Joseph Harmon, after his grandfathers." "Congratulations, Sir." Bud said. Harriet hugged Harm quickly, while the Admiral pretended not to notice two officers engaged in public display of affection. "So, when do we get to see him?" Carolyn asked. "Give them a few moments with him, Commander." the Admiral said with a twinkle in his eyes. Carolyn pretended to look duly chastened at that. "Mac and Joey will be up for visitors tomorrow. In fact, they'll probably be home tomorrow." Harm said with a smile. "Now for the important stuff... we couldn't narrow down our choices for Joey's godparents, so we stopped trying. We decided that we want both Harriet and Carolyn to be his godmothers, and Bud and you, Sir, to be the godfathers." There were several gasps of surprise, then the Admiral answered for them all, "We'd be honored, Commander. Now get back in there with your wife and son." Harm snapped to attention, "Aye-aye, Sir." Then he left to return to Mac. Mac smiled as her husband entered the room. Their son was now asleep contentedly in her arms. "So?" "Well, I asked Bud and Harriet, Carolyn, and the Admiral... they accepted." Mac smiled again. Joey stirred and Mac passed him to Harm, who looked at the baby in awe. He was so small. "Merry Christmas, Daddy." Mac whispered. Harm looked at her strangely, she quirked an eyebrow in response, and he grinned as he finally realized what she meant. The end. |
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