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Date Posted: 17:02:47 09/08/16 Thu
Author: Lace
Subject: Nine years after series part 18 The lucky one

It was one of the warmest days so far that summer. The kids were playing around in the pool, where they had been most of the day. They all suddenly moved away from one spot in the pool and seconds later there was a big splash. Laughter was heard as the person resurfaced. Harm chuckled and shook his head as Jack Keeter started splashing water on everyone around him. That man would never grow up, he thought as he flipped burgers.
“Sometimes I can’t believe that man,” Cathy, Jack’s wife said as she put fresh flowers on the table. “He refuses to grow up.”
Harm laughed softly. “It’s never boring when he’s around.”
Cathy nodded, a warm smile on her face. “The Campbell’s will be here any minute.”
“This vacation was a really good idea,” Harm said and looked around. His Mac vibe was going off.
“What?” Cathy looked at him with curiosity.
“Mac’s here,” He said.
“Didn’t she say that she’d miss dinner?” Cathy looked amused.
At that moment Mac stepped out on the patio. “Hi, guys.”
Cathy only shook her head. “How did you know?”
Harm smiled cleverly. “I always know where Mac is.” He hurried over to his wife. “Hi,” he said and kissed her.
“It’s good to see you Mac,” Cathy said warmly. “How was the flight?”
“It was fine, thank you. I was able to get on an earlier flight,” Mac said. She had been in San Diego, presiding over a Court Martial.
“Good to be home?” Harm asked cleverly.
“Very,” Mac said with a smile, confirming what Harm already had guessed.
“It’s good to see you,” Harm said and kissed her.
“It really is.” Cathy agreed.
“I better get out of this uniform,” Mac said cheerfully as she watched the kids in the pool.
“They are having so much fun,” Cathy said with a warm smile.
“I can see that,” Mac said and took Harm’s hand. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too,” he said sweetly and touched her cheek lightly.
After saying hi to everyone Mac excused herself to go change out of her uniform. She walked into the room Harm and her always used when they visited the Keeter summer house and smiled when she noticed the roses on the table by the window, a card sticking out.
“I really missed you, baby,” Harm said as he walked up behind her.
Mac smiled as she reached for the card. “I hate when you call me that,” she said laughingly.
Harm laughed softly as he reached into the closet for a new shirt. “Major barbeque accident.” He changed his shirt and walked over to her. “Dinner will be ready in a minute. The Campbell’s just arrived. Maybe later I’ll show you just how much I missed you.”
“I think I’d like that,” Mac put the card down.
“Later,” he said and smiled lovingly. “Better save the burgers from burning.”
She watched him go with a smile, then she hurried to change.

During dinner Mac got caught up on all the happenings while she had been away. They hadn’t seen the Campbell’s for a year so there was a lot to get caught up on. Richard Campbell, retired Navy Captain, had been to flight school with Harm and Jack, his wife Anna was the perfect Navy wife, keeping the house nice, raising the children and standing by her husband through thick and thin since they married twenty years ago. Their three children ages twelve, fifteen and eighteen well raised and perfectly behaved.
“What was the case this time ma’am?” Mary Campbell, the Campbell’s oldest child, asked Mac.
Since the youngest children had left the table and were playing out of earshot, Mac answered. “Sexual assault. It was a pretty open and shut case, hard evidence actually. Justice was served. And please call me Mac or Sarah.”
“Good to hear,” Cathy let out a sigh. “That isn’t always the case is it?” she let the question hang.
“Unfortunately not,” Harm chimed in.
“Well if women want to play with the boys, they sure need to learn to toughen up,” Richard said matter of factually.
“Woah, you did not just say that!” Cathy almost yelled. “That is ridiculous. If you knew the number of times I’ve seen the damage from men’s hellish behavior you wouldn’t have said that. Just last week I treated a thirteen-year-old who had been raped by two grown men, and don’t you dear tell me that she should toughen up just because she was naïve enough to meet someone she’d only chatted with online.”
“That’s a little different,” Richard argued.
“No, it’s not,” Cathy barked. “No one should have to live with forced sex.”
“I think what Richard meant was that women must be tough to survive in the military,” Anna said.
“I cannot believe you are defending him,” Cathy snapped.
“Easy honey,” Jack put a hand on Cathy’s arm.
Cathy leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms angrily.
“I agree with Cathy,” Mac said and looked at Richard. “Sexual assault is a problem in the military, because of men thinking like you.”
“Maybe we should change the subject,” Harm suggested. “Have a nice weekend.”
“No, I think Richard needs to hear this,” Mac’s big brown eyes held Richard’s. “I’m tough, I can take a lot, but I would have a really hard time getting over a sexual assault. Just the idea of someone touching my body without my permission is sickening. Just to be put in that situation is sickening. It scares me that there are men with your attitude. That women who experience sexual assault has to meet a commanding officer with your attitude. Men who hate women is a big problem, not just in the military, but in society also. And the responsibility lies with men. Men have to take responsibility by reprimanding other men who behave poorly. If anything it’s men who have to toughen up.”
Richard looked unsure for a moment. “I’m sorry. You are right, of course you are right. I don’t mean that rape is okay. Not at all. And for the record, when I was in command I took sexual assault seriously.”
“Good,” Mac relaxed and leaned back in her chair.
“Wow, I’m actually feeling like a little boy right now, being reprimanded. I’m actually sweating,” Richard took a cleansing breath. “Lawyers don’t try crap in your court room I assume?”
They all laughed. “I pulled Lisa Evens pony tail in third grade and never again after have I tried anything disrespectful towards any girl,” Nathan said with a small laughter as he stood. He bent down and hugged his Mom. “Good to have you home, Mom,” he turned to the others. “Now, Mary and I will do the cleaning. You old people relax.”
“Thank you,” Mac said with a sweet smile. “I’ll pretend not to hear the part about being old.”
They all laughed again. Nathan and Mary started clearing the table. Cathy relaxed and took a calming breath. “I’m sorry, I guess I had a tough week at work.”
“Why don’t we change the subject,” Jack suggested.
“Good idea,” Mac agreed as she stood. “Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”
In the kitchen Mac found all the children around the kitchen aisle, spoons in hand while Nathan was in the freezer looking for something. “I knew there would be ice cream,” he said triumphantly as he held up the boxes.
“Busted,” Mac said as she walked up behind him. She was happy to have him home on liberty from the Naval Academy. He had finished his Plebe Summer and would have a week with his family before he had to report back.
“Nathan offered his most charming smile. “If you don’t tell Aunt Cathy we’ll let you have some.”
“Nah, you guys have fun,” Mac said and headed upstairs. The temperature had dropped so she wanted to find a light jacket to wear over her top.
“Mom,” Claire walked into her parent’s bedroom.
“Yes, honey,” Mac found the jacket and focused on her daughter.
“How are you?” Claire wondered.
“I’m fine,” Mac reassured. “It’s good to be home.”
Claire smiled. “It’s good having Nathan home too.” Mac put her arm around her daughter’s shoulder. “It’ll be strange not seeing him every day. Thankfully he’ll be close. It’s just all going to change.”
“You’ll miss him?” Mac said with a sweet smile. “He’ll still be your brother; he always will be no matter where he is.”
“I know, but it won’t be the same,” Claire let out a sigh. “I know he’ll be happy there. It’s just…”
“He’s the one you talk to about the memories of your father? He understands in a way no one else can,” Mac pulled her daughter in for a hug. “You can always talk to him, no matter how far away he is. He won’t forget about you honey.”
“I hope you’re right,” Claire hugged her mother close.

By the time Mac came downstairs again the cigars and guitars had appeared. Mac decided to get the youngest children to bed so she gathered them and walked with them upstairs.
“Do we have to go to bed?” Matthew’s big brown eyes pleaded with her.
“It’s getting late. You guys can stay in your beds and talk for a while, okay? Mac hugged her son. “I’m so happy to be back with you guys.”
“Glad to have you back too,” Matthew smiled as he crawled into the bed he shared with Jack and Cathy’s son Mark.
“Can we use our ipad’s for a while?” Mark pleaded.
“Okay, but I’ll be back in an hour to make sure you are both sound asleep, okay?” she smiled and hugged both boys.
Anthony, Anna and Richard’s twelve-year-old son walked into the room, “Good night, ma’am,” he said politely as he walked over to his bed.
“Have fun,” Mac said. Leaving the room, she heard laughter from the room across from the boys. “Lights out in an hour, okay?” she said as she peeked inside.
“Yes, ma’am,” Lisa, Jack and Cathy’s thirteen-year-old girl, said with a sweet smile.
Claire smiled. “We’re just going to catch up,” she said with a smile. “We haven’t seen Rose in a year so there’s so much to say.”
“But we’ll try to have the lights off in an hour,” Rose, Anna and Richard’s fifteen-year-old said.
Mac smiled. “Have fun girls.”

Downstairs Mac found Cathy alone in the kitchen, a mug of tea in front of her. Outside guitar playing and singing could be heard.
“Not joining the fun?” Mac wondered as she joined Cathy by the kitchen aisle.
“Nah, Nathan and Mary left to see some friends, and Anna turned in for the night, so I decided to let the men have their privacy,” Cathy rose to get Mac a mug. “Apple tea?”
“Sure,” Mac said and studied her friend. “So, what’s up?”
“What?” Cathy tried to look like she didn’t know what Mac was asking about.
“It was quite a blow up earlier,” Mac said and sipped her tea.
“Sometimes I wish I had your calm approach to things. I don’t know how you do it? Make them listen without raising your voice,” Cathy shrugged.
“Years of training,” Mac said with a sweet smile. “Is it work?”
“I just…” Cathy hesitated. “I used to be able to leave work and go home and focus. Now, I guess I take it with me. Sometimes I regret specializing. Working on sexual abuse cases is just getting harder to deal with lately. It never ends. The pain that some people inflict on others is just horrifying.”
“Yeah,” Mac agreed. “You should talk to someone. Get some help before it gets to be too much of a burden.”
“You’re right,” Cathy agreed. “I’ve taken some extended vacation. I just need some time before I can go back.”
“It sounds like a very good idea,” Mac agreed. “But promise me you’ll get help. It really helped me with my PTSD.”
“I didn’t know you had PTSD?” Cathy looked surprised.
“I did. It was a hostage crisis, twelve years ago. The fight to stay alive and killing someone really screwed me up for a while,” Mac said. “I’m sure my past also was a trigger. Anyway, my CO ordered me to get help. I went back again later too, after my health issues and facing the fact that I wouldn’t be able to carry a child.”
“I forget that you’ve had your issues,” Cathy said.
“We all have our things,” Mac said and reached for her friend’s hand and squeezed it before letting it go.
Cathy smiled. “Life huh?”
“Life,” Mac agreed. “But life can be pretty wonderful too. How are you and Jack doing?”
Cathy hesitated. “He’s really trying. I blame myself as much as him for our troubles, but sometimes I wish he was more… I don’t know… More like Harm maybe. It’s so obvious to everyone how much Harm loves you. I wish Jack could be more like that.”
Mac smiled. “Harm is pretty amazing,” she agreed. “Maybe you should talk to Jack, let him know how you feel.”
“I have. We’ve talked a lot since we started therapy,” Cathy said and looked thoughtful. “He’s gotten better, and I can’t force him to be someone that he’s not. I married him because I loved him, and we do have our wonderful times. Maybe not as many as you and Harm though.”
“Harm and I fight too, you know,” Mac said with a small laughter.
“I just envy you all those hugs and kisses, and small affections of love. You never have to ask for it,” Cathy said and smiled. “He always reach out to touch you, but not just to get sex. With Jack it’s affection when he wants sex.”
“I love those small gestures of love,” Mac admitted. “The way he puts his hand on the small of my back, or rest it on my thigh.”
“I hate you,” Cathy teased.
Mac laughed. “Sorry.”

It was past midnight when Harm walked into the kitchen, his guitar in hand, offering a charming smile.
“I thought you’d be in bed already,” he said.
“Waiting for you,” Mac stood. “Are you done playing?”
Harm put his guitar down and walked over to Mac, putting his hand on the small of her back “Yeah,” he said softly.
“You see what I mean,” Cathy said to Mac.
Mac smiled and leaned close to her husband. “He’s pretty amazing.”
Harm looked confused. “What? Did I miss something?”
Cathy shook her head. “So, where’s my man?”
“Jack and Richard have emptied a bottle of Cognac, one is asleep, the other wondering about life’s mysteries,” Harm said.
“Let me guess, mine is asleep?” Cathy said.
Harm chuckled. “Good luck getting him to bed. Need help?”
“Nah, he can stay out there,” Cathy stood. “See you guys tomorrow.”
“Good night,” Mac said.
Harm focused on Mac. “Sorry, I lost track of time.”
Mac smiled and put her arms around his waist. “We did too.”
“You losing track of time?” Harm teased.
“It happens,” Mac leaned in and kissed him sweetly.
“Get a room,” Nathan said as he stepped into the kitchen. “We’re home.”
Mac released her husband. “Good. How I’ll ever sleep when you go to the Academy I’ll never know.”
“I guess you’ll just have to trust that I can take care of myself,” Nathan teased. “I was the sensible one. Mary wanted to stay longer.”
“You are such a boy scout,” Mary teased. “I’m heading to bed. Good night.”
“Uncle Jack is sleeping outside tonight I see,” Nathan said with a chuckle. “Good night.”
Mac took Harm’s hand. “Take me to bed flyboy.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Harm said and followed her upstairs. “Inside their room he closed the door and felt Mac’s arms around him. He followed her move and soon they had made quiet, but passionately love.
“God I’ve missed you,” Harm said as he held her close.
Mac nodded against his chest where she was resting her cheek.
Harm traced his finger up and down her spine softly, closing his eyes he enjoyed the feeling of having her close.

It was past nine the next morning when Harm opened his eyes by a knock on the door. “Breakfast,” Cathy yelled as she continued to the next door.
Mac stretched and mumbled something about not caring. Harm decided to agree with his wife so he snuggled closer to her and closed his eyes again. They hadn’t fallen asleep until past five in the morning. After making love they had talked, then again they had ended up making love before falling asleep.
By 1100 Mac woke up and noticed that Harm’s side was empty. She heard the toilet flush, then water running, before he came out of the bathroom. “Morning,” he said with a smile as he walked over to her.
Mac took his hand and dragged him down on the bed. “It is a good morning. I had fun last night.”
Harm smiled and kissed her deeply. “Me too.”
There was a knock on the door. “Are you guys decent?”
Harm snuggled under the covers with his wife. “Yeah.”
The door opened and Nathan, Claire and Matthew walked in. “Breakfast is served.” Nathan put a tray down on the bed.
“That’s sweet. Thank you so much guys,” Mac said and reached for a strawberry. “What’s the plan for today?”
“We’re all going into town,” Nathan said.
“Not me,” Matthew said and sat on the bed. “Dad, can we go fishing? Please?”
Harm nodded. “Actually, that sounds like a great idea, buddy.”
“See you guys later,” Claire said and dragged her big brother towards the door.
“I feel like I’m being punished for something,” Nathan whined. “What is it with girls and shopping anyway?”
“Have fun,” Mac said as she ate another strawberry.
“Thirty minutes Dad,” Matthew said as he stood.
Mac and Harm shared an amused look. “What about me?” Mac asked.
“You want to go fishing?” Harm wondered.
“No, not really,” Mac stretched lazily. “I’ll hang out here. Take a swim, get some sun.”
“That sounds tempting,” Harm said and kissed her, before he unwillingly got out of bed. “See you later.” He hurried to dress, grabbed some toast, sipped some coffe, then he kissed her goodbye and left.

It was an hour later when Mac walked downstairs. Jack and Richard were in the kitchen.
“Good morning,” she said.
“Mornng,” Jack mumbled. “I bet Harm was in great shape this morning? The huy didn’t have anything stronger than beer.”
“I kept him up pretty late, so he slept in,” Mac said with a clever smile as she joined them by the table.
“Lucky bastard,” Jack said and stretched.
Mac laughed softly.
“I wanted to apologize for last night. I appreciate being reprimanded,” Richard said.
Mac shrugged. “Don’t worry about it.”
“I don’t want you to think that I’m a jackas,” Richard continued.
“I know that you’re not,” Mac reassured. “We’re good.”
“Good,” Richard said and stood. “I’ll take a nap while the other’s are in town. I proised the kids that we’d go hiking later, and I’m not up to it before I get some shut eye. I blame you, Jack.”
Jacl laughed. “I have great influence on people.”
Mac shook her head in amusement. “Jack, we need to talk,” she said after Richard had left them.
Yeah?” he looked unsure.
“You are my friend and I love you, that’s why I can tell you that you can be a jerk sometimes. Cathy needs to hear how great she is, and she needs your support with everything she is dealing with at the moment. You should have made sure she was okay instead of getting drunk last night,” Mac said.
“She wasn’t okay?” Jack looked upset.
“No, she wasn’t. She needs a hug sometimes, or just to be told what a great job she’s doing,” Mac reminded him.
“Did she say something?” Jack wondered.
“Yes, she did. She told me that she loves you,” Mac said and smiled. “She really does you know.”
Jack smiled. “I’m lucky.”
“Yes, you are. Just tell her that you are,” Mac said.
“I can do better,” Jack admitted. “Thank you, Mac.”
“Any time,” Mac said as she stood. “I’m going to get some sun.”

That was how Harm found her a few hours later. He walked over and got in he way of the sun.
“Harm,” she said and pulled her sunglasses down.
“You shouldn’t expose yourself too much to the sun,” he warned.
“I use sunscreen and I’m not overdoing it,” she reassured as she let him help her up.
He gathered her in his arms and kissed her. “I like you in a bikini,” he said and ran his hands down her bare back and rested them on her hips. He looked down her body.
Mac smiled. “How was fishing?”
“It was fun. We didn’t get much fish, but it was a nice time with my son,” Harm said and kissed her again. “I’m going to take a shower.” He released her.
“Mom, do like this,” Matthew yelled and Mac turned to see as he took a dive into the pool.
“I’ve been challenged,” Mac said to her husband. She dove into the water. “Harm, come on,” she said as she resurfaces.
Harm hurried to take off his shoes and shirt before he dove in. He swam under water between Mac’s legs and lifted her up on his shoulders as he resurfaced.
“Harm, put me down,” Mac shrieked.
Harm laughed and threw himself backwards so that they both went under the water. When they resurfaced Mac was laughing and splashing water on him.
“Waterwar!” Matthew yelled and splashed them both. They fooled around for a while until the other’s came back to the house too. Soon everyone was in the pool playing waterpolo.
Later Harm pulled his wife close as they were on kitchen duty after dinner. “I’m glad we decided to spend the weekend here.”
“Absolutely,” Mac agreed and kissed him sweetly. “Have I told you lately how lucky I am to have you in my life?”
“You told me last night,” he said and flashed her a sexy smile. “And showed me.”
“I was trying to have a Hallmark moment, Harm,” Mac teased.
“Sorry,” he laughed softly, then he sobered up. “I’m the lucky one.”
“I was reminded last night of how amazing you are,” she said and hugged him close. “Not that I needed a reminder.”
“I love you,” he said softly.
“I love you too,” she said.

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[> I SO enjoy your stories. Please keep them coming. -- FJN, 11:41:51 09/19/16 Mon [1]

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[> I thought I had commented, but it isn't showing up! Thanks again for another story. I really do love this series and your insights into life post JAG. Wonderfully written as always. -- EmmaJade, 22:36:33 09/23/16 Fri [1]

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[> I too LOVE your stories and was so please to pop in and see you're continuing with this one. Looking forward to reading more! Thank you for continuing it! -- Ciara, 10:00:08 09/27/16 Tue [1]

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