Title: All I want for Christmas...
Author: Holly

Prompt: For Trooper, who said, "I would like to read a story where Harm's mom is nagging him about not being involved with anyone, so he blurts out that he and Mac are together (even though they're not). He ends up having to bring Mac home with him for Christmas and begs her to go along with it. I would love to see Harm explain what happened to Mac and their interactions while "pretending" to be together. This, of course, should lead to them REALLY getting together. Thanks! "

Setting: Alternate Universe placed any point after season six.

Rating: Mature


***********


August
Burnett Residence
LaJolla, California


Harm took a deep breath trying to brace himself for another visit with his mother. He loved her dearly, but ever since he had made the mistake of telling his mother about his partner, Sarah ‘Mac’ Mackenzie, she hadn’t given him a minutes peace and quiet. In the early days he had been able to laugh it off, but as his feelings for Mac had grown and deepened he had found it more and more difficult to listen to her hints about him having a girlfriend, getting married and having children.

It hadn’t mattered that he had been in a long term relationship with Renee while Mac was preparing to marry Mic. No, Trish Burnett had just turned up the heat telling him he needed someone that was as strong and as quick minded as he was - like Mac. She would see a dark haired, dark eyed child and point out that if he and Mac had children together, they might look the same way. She would point out wedding rings and wedding dresses and remark that Mac could carry a particular style off beautifully. She would also suggest he should be shopping for a ring or at least finding out her preferences.

He gritted his teeth and tried to psych himself into going ahead with this visit with his mother. She wasn’t as overbearing when Frank, his step-father, was around and on this visit he wasn’t going to be there. However, he had promised her he would stop in next time JAG business brought him close to home and this assignment had done just that. He might have slipped in and out of town and claimed an emergency called him home, but she had called him at his office just before he left and over heard Tiner telling him that his flight for San Diego would be commercial. He’d had no choice but to promise to stop in...and he always kept promises. With that, he took another deep breath and rang the bell.

“Harmon! You’re here....come in...I’ve been waiting for you. Did Mac come with you?”

“No, Mac wasn’t on this assignment. How are you Mom?”

“I’m well thank you. Better now that my son has stopped by. I wish I could see you more often. Come on in and tell me what’s happening in your life.”

Trish didn’t see him roll his eyes knowing that he wouldn’t escape another round of her nagging about who he was seeing, whether she measured up to Mac, and if there was a wedding in the near future.

“So tell me how things are going for my handsome son.”

“I’m working long hours, traveling to a variety of locations, and supervising a few junior attorneys. Not a lot of time for much of a social life.”

“Harm I’m worried about you...it’s not natural that a man as good looking, with your intelligence and humor that is also kind wouldn’t have lots of women to choose from. Is there something I should know, Harm? I mean, if you just aren’t interested in women, tell me...I’ll back off...and I promise I won’t love you any less if you’re...you know...not interested in women.”

“You think I’m...No....I promise you I’ve been dating and I hope to get married and have children one day...we’re just not ready yet,” Harm reassured his mother as he thought about the deal he and Mac had. Now that Mic was out of the picture and they were working to reestablish their friendship, he hoped they would be able to move ahead.

“You know who you want to marry?” Trish’s eyes lit up as her son’s words registered. “Who is it? Is it Mac? It is, isn’t it? You’re going to ask Mac to marry you?”

“Whoa, slow down...I didn’t say that...exactly.”

“But you are thinking about marrying Mac, aren’t you?”

“Yes. We’ve talked about having a family together some day.”

“Oh Harm, this is wonderful news. I insist that you include her with our family festivities this year. You are still planning to have us join you on Christmas day right?”

“Yes, Mom. I promised you last year that I would keep Christmas Day open so I could spend it with you and Frank while you were in the area..”

“I can’t wait. Maybe we’ll plan to go to the wall with you Christmas Eve if you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Harm assured her, figuring he could always make a second visit alone if they were too intrusive. Of course it was over four months away.


November
Monday after Thanksgiving
JAG Headquarters


“Harm?”

“Hey Mac...when did you get back from Norfolk?”

“Last night. I had an interesting message on my answering machine...you busy later?”

“After taps?” At her nod he continued, “Sure you want me to stop by?”

“Yes. I want you to hear something and see what you think about it.”

“Okay...hey, I’ve got to run. I pulled Admiral Morris for the hearing today.”

“Talk to you later.” Mac watched Harm head for the courtroom. She smiled as she let her thoughts wander a bit. They often teased Harm for being late, but the truth was, the rest of them tended to waste time by leaving extra early. Harm, worked right to the last second, and then appeared at where he needed to be at the last second. His split second timing as a fighter pilot seemed to work for him in the courtroom after all.


1840 Local
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown


“So what’s up?” Harm asked as Mac opened the door to let him in.

“I don’t know...you tell me.” Mac fixed her gaze on him, watching and waiting for an explanation. As she studied his face she realized that he really had no clue what she was talking about. “Listen to this.” Mac reached over and pressed the button to play back the message on her answering machine.

(Mac, this is Trish Burnett... Harm’s mother.)

Harm froze as he heard his mother’s voice chatting to Mac on the answering machine.

(I was so pleased when he finally admitted to me that you two have talked about marriage and having a family. I insist that you join us for Christmas, so put in for leave now or whatever it is that you need to do to be sure you have time off to spend with us. Frank and I had planned to be in Washington D.C. this year from December twenty-third until December twenty-sixth, but our plans have had to change and Harm promised he’d come here for a day or two instead. We insisted he bring you with him. I won’t take no for an answer, so tell the admiral you both need to be here this year Dear. Talk to you soon and we can talk about the wedding plans.)

Harm forced himself to look at Mac even though he knew his face was probably bright red and Mac was deciding which method to use to strangle him. Before he could say a word, Mac let him know what she wanted.

“You owe me an explanation Sailor. How on earth did your mother come up with this idea?”

“I can explain Mac....”

She sat on the sofa, drew her knees up to her chest, cocked her head and said, “I’m waiting.”

“Maaaccc...”

“Just get to the point Harm.”

“My mother somehow got it in her head that I might be gay because my social life had been lacking and because I haven’t brought anyone home to meet the family or even mentioned marriage.”

“You mother thought you might be gay?” Mac asked surprised at that tidbit. And here she was thinking he couldn’t turn down or walk away from any woman...but especially blondes.

“I told her I wasn’t and that I have dated a number of women, but she kept at me until I had told her about our deal...sort of...I just said we’ve discussed having a family someday. My mother jumped to conclusions so I let her think what she wanted so I could get her off my back. I thought she’d think it nice and then let it go because I didn’t bring it up again. This caught me by surprise,” he admitted motioning to the answering machine.

“You? I don’t think I’ve recovered yet. So what are you going to tell her?” Mac asked him.

“I don’t know.”

“You’re going to lie to your mother? Harm that doesn’t sound like you...and I quote, ‘the truth is everything.’ Isn’t that what you’re always saying?”

“I know...and I didn’t actually lie to her Mac....we did talk about having kids together.”

“I know...but in general terms. She thinks we’re getting married - soon, by the sound of her message.”

“What if you did go with me?”

“Spend Christmas with you and your family?”

“Yeah...it could be fun. We have fun together anyway, don’t we?”

“Well yeah...sometimes.”

“And we can tell her that we’re not in a hurry to get married...”

“Maybe it will work.”

“Please?”

“Why should I bail you out?”

“Because we’re friends....because we do have fun together...it’s a free vacation?” Harm waited to see what Mac would do next.

Finally he saw her nod her head.

“So you’ll do it...go with me...pretend for my mother that we are dating and just not ready to plan a wedding yet?”

“I suppose...I’ll do it for you - to help you get your mother off your back.”

“Thanks Mac. I’ll owe you.”

“And I’ll collect, Sailor...count on it.”


2050 Pacific Time
December 23
Burnett Residence
LaJolla, California


“Frank, they’re here!” Trish called out seeing the headlights flash in the window where she had been waiting for over an hour.

“Relax, Trish. This is a big step for them and Harm said they do not want to discuss wedding plans yet. You promised not to push him.”

“I know...and I won’t. Oh! Here they are. Harm! Mac! Come in...” Trish welcomed them both with opened arms.

Mac found herself wrapped in a mother’s arms and for a split second she missed her own mother. Tears came to her eyes and she tried to blink them away. Not fast enough. Harm noticed and put his hand on her back in a gentle reassuring touch. It was something he often did when he thought she was distressed over something, and she didn’t even think he knew he did it.

“Mac, you’ve met my mother Trish. This is my step-father, Frank Burnett.”

“It’s nice to meet you. Would you prefer we call you Mac or Sarah?” Frank asked.

“Mac’s fine...”

“Oh dear, I didn’t even stop to think about the fact we’ve never officially met. Harm’s talked about you so much, I just felt I knew you already.”

“Oh really?” Mac smiled giving Harm a raised eyebrow and smiling at the tall naval officer blushing.

“Let me show you to your room. Harm, I forgot to tell you that Uncle Paul and his wife will be joining us tomorrow as well. Paul is my brother,” Trish explained to Mac.

As they started down the hall to the wing with the bedrooms, it dawned on him that his mother had said room...not rooms and he knew for a fact that there were three bedrooms in this house. That meant his mother was putting them in a room together and the room had a queen-size bed. He hoped he would survive Mac’s reaction.

Harm insisted on carrying their bags, even though Mac was in the habit of carrying her own. He had prepared her on the flight that his mother would expect it. They had also agreed that holding hands once in awhile or a hug now and again would satisfy his mother. Neither of them had thought they would be expected to share a room or a bed.

Once the door closed behind them, Mac turned to Harm with raised eyebrows. “Tell me you had no idea this was the plan.”

“I didn’t know. I knew she had two extra bedrooms and I didn’t know Uncle Paul would be coming.”

“Alright...I won’t make a scene. I mean, we’ve shared a room - and a bed before. We can do it again.”

“Thanks Mac.”

“Don’t worry about it. I know you wouldn’t be stuck with me like this in normal circumstances.”

“What do you mean by that Mac?” Harm fired at her. He hated it when she made it sound like he didn’t think she was good enough for him.

“I mean, I know that you prefer gorgeous blondes. Besides I’m your pal and a fall back companion.” Mac admitted to him, pleased her voice didn’t quaver from the emotions rocketing through her.

“That’s not true.” Harm lifted her chin making her look him in the eye.

“Tell me what is true Harm.”

“It’s true that we’ve talked about going halves on a kid...or two...someday. It’s true that I care about you and that I don’t want to ever loose you.”

“I don’t want to lose you either Harm.”

“Didn’t we have this conversation on the admiral’s porch once?”

“Yes we did...and we ended up deciding we needed to go back to the beginning just a few months later.”

“I guess I should tell you that I want a chance to make it work this time,” Harm admitted.

“Why do you think it will be different this time, Harm?”

“Because I’m closer to being ready now than I was before. Aren’t you?”

“Yes...but I don’t mean just my biological clock either...I’ve realized that...”

“What Mac? What have you realized?”

“Just that it was a good thing I didn’t marry Mic....What, no comment?” Mac asked him.

“No...it had to be your decision.” Harm knew he could use his vocal skills and charm to sway a jury and he never wanted to use it on friends and family. It was one reason he almost seemed inept in his personal life.

“But it wasn’t...and now I’ll never know,” Mac mumbled.

“Know what?” Harm asked somewhat puzzled.

“If I would have changed my mind at the last minute...if you would have stopped the wedding...”

“I kind of did, didn’t I?”

“No Harm...” Mac suddenly realized that she had played a larger role in the cancellation of her wedding then she had realized. “I did because I couldn’t face marrying Mic feeling as I do about you.”

“Are you saying what I think you are?”

“Maybe...right now I want to change and enjoy the meal your mother has promised.”

“Okay...I’ll leave you with some privacy. See you in a few minutes.”

“Count on it Sailor.”


Two Hours Later


“You two must be exhausted,” Trish suggested after they had finished dinner and were relaxing over drinks in the living room.

“It has been a long day,” Mac admitted, suddenly nervous about sharing a room with Harm in his parents’ home.

“Why don’t you go on ahead. I’ll be along in a bit,” Harm offered.

“Alright. Thank you for the lovely welcome Trish. Dinner was wonderful.”

“It was nothing dear. I’m glad we’ve finally had a chance to meet and get acquainted.”

“Me too. Good night.”

As soon as Mac was out of sight, Trish turned to her son, “She’s every bit as lovely as you’ve said, Harm. She’s the perfect match for you.”

“Thank you for not harping on the wedding Mom.”

“Now Harm...I don’t harp...now what did you get her for Christmas?”

“A picture of us framed...it was taken while we were on an assignment...”

“A picture? Harm where is your romantic soul?”

“I don’t think I have one of those,” Harm admitted.

“What else did you get her?”

“Perfume.”

“That’s a little better...why not the engagement ring?”

“It’s too soon for that.”

“She could wear it on her right hand until she’s ready,” suggested Trish not expecting the explosion from her son.

“No! When I put a ring on her hand it will go on the left hand and there will be no doubt for either of us what our plans or intentions are.”

“What about a necklace?”

“Mom, Mac can’t wear much jewelry at work.”

“But she can wear it at home, can’t she?”

“Well yes.”

“I have something to show you tomorrow...it might be perfect. Now go on with you.”

“Mom...”

“What is it Harm?”

“It’s just a little awkward sharing a room...a bed with her in your home.”

“I’m sorry...I just assumed...I mean that time Renee met you out here, she insisted on sharing your room.”

“I know...it’s just Mac and I haven’t....”

“You aren’t sleeping together?”

“We’re okay with it....just...never mind.” Harm kissed her cheek and headed for the bedroom. It could be a long ‘vacation’ with no sleep for him.

Trish grinned and looked at Frank. “My son is so in love. He’s worse than his father was.”

“He’s a good man. I’m glad he inherited that chivalrous streak from his father and didn’t use his anger at us to ignore those ideals...at least with this woman.”

Harm lightly tapped on the bedroom door before opening it. “Mac?”

“Come on in.”

Harm entered to find Mac sitting up in bed with a book reading. The covers were pulled up to her waist with only her lean, tan arms and kissable shoulders uncovered. The lace bodice on her red nightgown brought memories of a white nightgown she had worn in Russia. It was definitely going to be a long night. Harm could feel his body reacting and prayed Mac hadn’t noticed before he could turn away from her and head for the bathroom.

He had brought a pair of pajamas and a robe with him for Christmas morning, but he decided he should probably put them on now.

Mac chuckled when she looked up and saw Harm in a pair of Navy Blue silk pajamas. She had seen him in boxers and tanks so often, she was almost disappointed. “Harm, if you’ll be more comfortable sleeping in your boxers, its fine with me.”

“You sure?” Harm was relieved at her nod, and quickly slipped off the silky material and climbed into bed wearing his boxers after all.

Mac put her book away, turned off the light and slid down in the bed next to him. “I really like your folks Harm.”

“They mean well.”

“I agree. Your Mom said she was going to finish some last minute shopping tomorrow. I should go finish my list as well.”

“Okay. Frank wanted me to play golf with him tomorrow. I’ll see you afterwards...and don’t let my mother bully you.”

“I’m a Marine, Harm. I think I can handle your mother.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.”


CHRISTMAS EVE
Burnett Residence
La Jolla, California


Paul Adams and his latest wife, Carla, were a surprise to Harm. Carla turned out to be an average woman, of average height and weight until she smiled at her husband. She beamed with happiness. Although a good twenty years younger then her husband, making her almost Harm’s age, she was attentive and loving with her husband. She had a sense of humor making it easy for Mac to connect with her quickly.

Christmas Eve dinner included a half dozen other couples from Frank’s work or Trish’s gallery. Mac’s shopping that day had included a new dress for the formal dinner that evening. She also selected a tie for Frank, a scarf for Trish and a table book for both of them she had heard them mention.

Mac thought about Harm’s expression when she had appeared for dinner in her new emerald green dress. It was simple in cut and made from a stretchy velour material that fit and draped Mac’s body to perfection. Mac normally chose a tea length skirt for elegance, but this dress had a short skirt and Mac decided to go with it. The shoes she wore with it had a high heel, but were surprisingly comfortable. It was fun to wear them and not tower over her date. At five foot nine, she could wear a three inch heel easily with Harm.

Harm had fought to keep his eyes and hands off her long legs all night. She took his breath away. He had held out his arm to her to escort her as he had been taught. He never let her far from his side the rest of the evening. He noticed one of the guys from the art gallery watching her closely, to the chagrin of his own date. Harm held her hand every chance he got. The patio had been turned into a dance floor for the evening and he enjoyed the excuse to hold her close to him.

“How did your mother get this place transformed so quickly?” Mac asked as they danced.

“She’s worked with this catering group for years. They know what she wants and just do it. Did I tell you how stunning you are this evening?”

“Thank you. I love that charcoal pinstripe suit on you with your burgundy shirt and matching tie.”

“Thanks...uh-oh...”

“What?” Mac asked becoming as aware as Harm of the calls that were going up around them. Chants of ‘kiss her now’ and ‘mistletoe’ rang out.

Holding each other close on the dance floor, they were stopped under the mistletoe. Raising a brow, Harm smiled and lowered his head to kiss her. After all, they were supposedly an item. This kiss needed to be convincing if they were going to pull this off, they told themselves as Harm’s lips brushed Mac’s. The kiss took on a life of its own once they started it. Harm held her closer, and deepened the kiss by tracing her lips with his tongue, and then covering her mouth even more with his own, his hands moved to hold her face.

Voices slowly penetrated his conscience.

“That’s the first time I’ve seen them kiss...” Trish whispered in awe. “I was beginning to wonder, but now...there’s not a doubt in my mind.”

Harm opened his eyes as he ended the kiss and watched Mac for her reaction. He tried to prepare himself for what ever she threw at him, but he hadn’t counted on the look in her eyes as she slowly opened them, nor the tremble in her fingers as she touched her own now swollen lips, or the smile that slowly covered her face as she regained her bearings.

“Wow Sailor...you must have gotten into a little more Christmas spirit then I had realized,” Mac teased.

Harm tried to relax again and let a smile hover on his face as the rest of his mother’s guests resumed dancing and talking. With an arm around Mac, he led her off the dance floor with the intention of sneaking away so they could talk.

“Harm, we need to stay here. If we don’t everyone will think we’re...you know...going somewhere to finish what we just started. You understand?” Mac whispered to him, making him rethink his plans to escape so they could talk about what just transpired.

Trish immediately headed their way, beaming at them. Harm decided to try and head her off. His wits were so scattered at the moment he didn’t think he could handle another one of her enthusiastic attempts to influence the wedding plans. About now, he was ready to say “I do” to Mac on the spot.

Mac on the other hand was still reeling from the unexpected kiss. She had been prepared for a kiss like others they had exchanged over the years - quick, light, soft, closed mouthed. This one had been much different. When he first deepened the kiss she thought it would be more like the one on the admiral’s porch when he had held her and deepened the kiss. This one, however, made that one look rather tame...and Mac had loved it! She hoped that Santa Claus wasn’t the only one coming tonight.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur. Guests left and everyone said good-night as they headed for their rooms, to dream about Christmas. Once inside their room, Harm turned to Mac.

“I’m sorry if I embarrassed you out there tonight. I’m not sure what came over me.”

“Me either Harm...but I enjoyed it. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t object to another try at that kiss...now...while we’re in private.” Mac slowly moved toward him, her voice sultry.

“Are you sure?”

“Oh yeah...”


Christmas Morning
Burnett Residence
La Jolla, California


Harm slipped back into the bedroom with a cup of Marine grade coffee for Mac just as she opened her eyes. “Merry Christmas, Mac.”

“Yes it is. Coffee?” she asked spotting the cup Harm carried.

“Sleep okay?” Harm asked as he handed her the cup.

“Oh yeah...are we going to ignore the rest of the night?”

“Do you want to?”

“No...I want a repeat tonight...more or less.”

Harm grinned as he leaned over and kissed her, “Good morning, Miss Mackenzie...”

“Merry Christmas Harm.”

“Mac, I’ve been thinking...”

“Could be dangerous.”

“You tell me...how would you feel about making our pretend relationship real?”Harm held his breath as he waited for her reaction.

“You mean make this more then just a holiday affair?”

“Yes. I love you Mac...let’s plan a wedding for real...start our family like we planned.”

Mac studied his face. His gaze never wavered as he watched her and waited for her decision.

“Isn’t it customary to put that in the form of a question counselor?” Mac teased.

“Will you marry me?”

“Yes.”

“Good...will you wear this on your left hand...right now?” Harm asked reaching into the pocket of his silk robe and taking out the engagement ring he had finally asked his mother for half an hour ago. Not only had she been pleased, but prepared for it as well. She had reached into her own robe pocket taken it out and pressed it into his hand.


[Flash Back]


“I wasn’t sure you remembered that I had told you I was saving this for you. I was going to give it to you just in case.”

“Thanks Mom. Mac will understand why this means so much to me...to us.”

“I know she likes her coffee strong, so I made a pot special for her. Go on...”


[End Flashback]


“Harm, its beautiful...it’s the one your dad gave your mom, isn’t it?”

“Yes...if you don’t like it...” Harm had started only to have Mac put her fingers against his lips to stop him.

“I love it. I know how much this means to you and how much love you remember between your parents, Harm...I’m honored that you feel that much love for me and that your mother would trust me to have her keepsake.”

“Taste your coffee...you’ll really know she loves you already.” Harm grinned as he watched Mac sip her coffee and smile.

“Marine grade! Thanks...”

“Ready to have Christmas morning with the family?”

Mac looked at the ring now sparking on her left hand as she slipped into the robe Harm held out for her. Hand in hand they headed to join the family around the Christmas tree. Paul, Carla, Frank and Trish were already there when Harm and Mac joined them. As they entered, Harm held up Mac’s hand and announced, “She said yes.”