Author: Lace
Subject: HBX Challenge March 2008 The years to come

HBX Challenge March 20008

The characters are not mine, I'll just use them in this story.

Set in “Fair Winds and Following seas”, and as the years progress. Enjoy.


The years to come

FRIENDSHIP

“Harm!”

He turned around when he heard his name being called. He saw Sturgis walking towards where he stood.

“I never got the chance to congratulate you with the promotion.” Sturgis offered his hand.

“After all that's happened I never thought I would hear a sincere congratulation from you Sturgis.” Harm shook Sturgis hand.

“I know this changes things Captain. You'll be moving away, and we most likely wont see each other much. Doesn't mean that one day we can't mend fences. I just thought I'd take the first step.”

“I'm glad you did.” Harm gave Sturgis another hand shake, and turned to leave.

“If you don't mind me making an observation Harm?” Sturgis waited for Harm to turn back towards him and nod his head before he continued.

“You don't seem all that happy for someone who just got promoted and given a dream command.”

Harm took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I just got a lot on my mind...with Mattie and...”

Sturgis decided to take a chance and finish the sentence. “And Mac?”

“Yes...” Harm did not offer any more on the subject, he turned around and opened the car door.

“I think she feels the same way Harm.” Sturgis said, before he walked away.


FATE

After the coin toss
Mac's apartment


“I can't believe you had your retirement papers ready to hand over to the General.” Mac was cuddled in Harm's arms in her bed.

“I just like to be prepared.” He ran his hand down her arm, took her hand in his and kissed it.

“Are you okay with all this?” Mac turned around, so that she was facing him.

“Sure.” He smiled at her.

“You'll be retired...not in the NAVY any more...not a pilot...you'll never wear your uniform...” Mac rambled.

“Okay.” He kept on smiling.

“So you'll be fine? No regrets? We'll be in San Diego, I'll be in the Military, you wont. We might never have children of our own...and you'll be a civilian...” Mac kept on rambling.

“Okay.” He kept on smiling.

“Hmm.” Mac mumbled and lay her head on his shoulder.

After a few minutes of silence.” What about Mattie? What will she say?” Mac looked at his face again.

“She'll be fine Mac. I'll arrange for a transfer to a hospital in San Diego. I'm sure my mother will help wit the arrangements, and to take care of her until my retirement is final. I'll be in London for a few months probably, and after that I'll join you and Mattie.” Harm said, and leaned in to kiss her.

“I know the arrangements will be fine Harm, I was talking about what Mattie will say to all of this?” She pointed her finger between them. “I'm sure she'll have some thoughts.”

“She'll think I finally did something sensible. She's been voting for us since she met you.” He kissed her again. “Don't worry so much Mac, everything will work out great.”


BONDING

San Diego
Three months later

“This pizza is great!” Mattie said with her mouth full.

“I agree. John's Pizza House sure knows how to make them.” Mac took another bite.

“And I'm actually using my own hands. I'm lifting the pizza with my hands.” Mattie exaggerated her move, and took another bite. “This is great!”

Mac laughed. “You're doing great Mattie.”

Mattie turned serious. “Thanks for everything you've done these last months Mac. I know I've been hard to be with, and I'm sorry about that.”

“That's okay Mattie. I'm just glad you're able to use your hands now.” Mac smiled at her. She didn't want Mattie to know about all her long conversations with Harm the last few months. There had been times when Mattie's mood had almost made Mac want to cry. Mac had held everything inside until she got on the phone with Harm, and all the emotions came flowing.

“I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything. It's been good to have a woman around. I love Harm, but you just get things. I love you Mac.” Mattie looked unsure as she said the words.

Mac gave her a hug. “I love you too Mattie.


FINALLY TOGETHER

A month later
Mac's place


“This is the best day I've ever had.” Mac snuggled deeper in to Harm's arms.

“I'm a pretty big fan too.” Harm laughed.

“So you're really here now? Retired?” She pinched his arm.

“OW! What the hell Mac.” Harm jumped up and rubbed is arm.”

“Sorry, I just needed to know that you are really here.” She laughed, and snuggled back in to his arms.

“You're supposed to pinch your own arm, not mine.” He wrapped his arms around her, but continued to rub the place she pinched.

“We should go see Mattie. She'll be happy too.” Mac kissed his cheek, and got out of bed.

“Are you going to pinch her too?” Harm kept rubbing his arm as he got out of bed.

“No, I'll try to retain myself.” Mac yelled from the shower. “Come shower with me.”

“As long as you'll promise not to pinch me?” Harm walked in to the bath room.

Mac laughed. “I promise.” She grabbed his arm and dragged him in to the shower.

Harm wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her with all he had. “This is going to be great Mac. You and me, we'll be great.”

“I know.” They kissed again. “Does this mean that we'll be married soon?”

“Yes it does. As soon as we find a priest.” He kissed her again, and as his lips met hers he knew the coin had landed right. Fate had decided.


LOVE

San Diego
A month later


“This is great Harm.” Mac said, and looked up at the sky.

“What can be better than to make love to my wife on a boat in the middle of the ocean?” He pulled her closer and kissed her. “Happy wedding day.” He smiled at her.

“Happy wedding day to you too.” She kissed him again. “This was a great idea.”

“I do have some great ideas Mac, no need to sound surprised.” He put his forehead against hers.

“Yeah, but most of the time your ideas get me in to trouble. This is a nice change.” She rolled on top of him, and kissed him.

“What makes you so sure you wont get in to trouble on this trip?” He let his eyes fall down her body as he spoke.

“I think I'll like the trouble I'll be in.” She laughed and lost herself in his touch.

“I love you Mac.”

“I love you too Harm.”


A FAMILY IN THE MAKING


Washington D.C
A year later

“You look great Mac. Pregnancy suits you.” Sturgis gave Mac a kiss on the cheek, before he shook Harms hand. “Thank you for coming to my wedding despite your condition. It means a lot to me.”

“I would hate to miss it Sturgis.” Mac took Harm's hand as they walked out of the airport.

“Thanks for picking us up at the airport Sturgis. I'm surprised you have the time to play taxi driver, after all it is your wedding tomorrow.” Harm said.

“That's no problem Harm, everything is on schedule. All I have to do is show up.” Sturgis opened the trunk to his car and loaded the luggage inside. “He handed Harm a small box from his pocket. “Don't loose them.”

“I'll do my best.” Harm took the box from Sturgis.

“How is Varese doing? Is she nervous?” Mac asked as she entered the car.

“I haven't seen her today, so I don't know. She has spent the day with her sisters and mother, and tonight they are going to Harriet's house for a girls night. Harriet made sure that I delivered you there as soon as you landed.” Sturgis said.

“Are you up to it Mac, or you want to lay down first?” Harm knew that Mac tired easily now that she was pregnant.

“No I want to go to Harriet's, I haven't seen her in months. And I'm sure you guys are going out tonight, right?”
“Just a couple of beers, and some talk. Keeter, Bud and the Admiral are meeting us at McMurphy's around seven. I'll drive you to Harriet's and we'll check in the luggage at the hotel before we hit the bar.” Sturgis said.


Later that night
Mac and Harm's hotel room

“Are you tired?” Harm smiled when Mac dropped her body on the bed as soon as she entered the room.

“Oh, this bed is comfortable. I almost doesn't miss our bed at home.” Mac stretched her body, and looked at Harm. “Did you have fun with the boys?”

“It was great to see them all again. The Admiral looked happy, seems like retirement agrees with him.” Harm joined Mac on the bed, and put his hands on her enlarged stomach. “How was your night?”

“It was good. Harriet didn't stop touching my belly all night.” Mac laughed.

“That sounds like Harriet.” Harm hugged her closer. “It's good to be back here.”

“Yes, it is.” Mac yawned and snuggled in to Harm's arms. “I love you.”


FAMILY UNIT

Three years later
San Diego


“Mommy, can I have a plane?” Little Sarah walked up to where her mother was folding clothes. At two and a half year the little girl had the vocabulary of a five year old. People said that it was because she was the child of two lawyers.

“A plane?” Mac looked confused. “You have like a hundred planes sweetie.”

“But I want a real plane, like daddy has.” The little girl smiled.

“No way, you are not old enough to have a plane.” Mac put the clothes down and sat on the sofa.

“When can I have a plane then?” Sarah lifted her hands up, so her mother could take her in to her lap.

“When you can buy it yourself.” Mac kissed the head of her little miracle.

“That's a long time till isn't it mommy?” Sarah looked at her mother. “I hate being small.”

“You should enjoy it baby. Being a grown up isn't always so fun.” Mac put her daughter down, and started folding laundry again. Sometimes she wondered how something so small as her daughter could be so smart. She was progressing so much faster than other kids her age.

“Hey.” Harm entered the room. “Dinner is ready.”

Sarah jumped in to her father's arms. “Daddy, I'm going to buy a plane when I get old enough.”

“Really? Can I fly it?”

“No daddy, you have your own plane. But Mommy can fly it.” Sarah smiled.

“Lucky mommy.” Harm went over to where Mac stood and kissed her. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She hugged him close.

“Are you guys ready to eat? Food's getting cold.” Mattie came rolling in to the room.

“Mattie, you can fly my plane too.” Sarah said.

“No way, I want my own.” Mattie laughed at her little sister. “Come on people, I'm starving.” She turned her wheelchair around.

Harm put Sarah down and the girl ran after her sister.

“You know I'm feeling kind of alone in this house when it comes to planes. I just don't get the enthusiasm.” Mac smiled at her husband, and kissed him.

“Don't worry, by the time she's ten she's taken over the world. She wont have time for planes.” Harm took Mac's hand and walked towards the kitchen.