:: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas ::Part Eight It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
31 December 2003 "Harm?" Harmon Rabb stared up at the bright lights streaming from the tastefully decorated townhouse. A huge tree filled the window. Real greenery lay draped over the huge wrought iron fence in front; red bows were spaced evenly like soldiers on parade. The snow had been cleared from in front of the entire block. But it was still coming down like gangbusters. At least three more inches were called for before dawn. DC weather -- it had been 68 on Christmas. He looked over at Meg and smiled. The question in his eyes was just visible in the streetlight. "You okay with this?" she asked softly. "Why wouldn’t I be, Meg?" Meg Powers, nee Austin, studied the man next to her. In the year since they had run into each other at San Francisco’s Mercy Hospital, the relationship that had started as just comfort sex between two former partners was slowly progressing into something deeper. In the beginning he had clung to her like a lifeline as his carefully constructed world had shook around him. His divorce from Mac was handled swiftly, once he had accepted the fact that (a) he and Mac couldn’t be married and friends and (b) the little girl he thought was his, wasn’t. The final judgment had come two days before his mother had suffered the last fatal stroke. Meg had accompanied him to the funeral and it had rankled her at the time that none of his friends from JAG had come out for it. Rabb hadn’t seemed to mind, chiding her gently. "Mac just got back to work and the admiral handed her all my cases. Turner is on TDY on the Kitty Hawk. Kate is pulling double duty. The admiral is testifying before the Senate on the NATO problems. They all sent their respects, Meg. Let it go." Actually, when she thought about it, it had been kind of nice for her. She and Frank had become good friends. She had helped him near the end and Harm had really appreciated the fact that she had been there for both his mother and stepfather. She had stood between the two men at the funeral. She really missed Frank. But the firm had felt that they needed an office in Washington and Meg had quietly petitioned for the opportunity to not only head up an office of her own, but she admitted only to herself, to get closer to Harm. After all, phone sex wasn’t all that satisfying and she knew that seeing him once or twice a month was doing nothing to strengthen their connection. She and the twins had finally moved out here on December 1st. Harm had helped her move into the Watergate. She had enrolled the kids into one of the most prestigious private schools in town and then set to work setting up her office. There was little time to socialize, but they had managed to see each other at least twice a week and her children adored him, particularly Andy. Evidently, Harm had actually learned some things over the years and had asked her each time before suggesting some activity to the kids. She had firmly put the kibosh on his thought of taking Andy up in the Sarah. "When he’s older Harm. For goodness sakes, he’s only five." But she was more than happy to allow him to take them to area museums and the zoo on the weekends. Harmon Rabb returned her silent appraisal and inwardly sighed. He did not want to mess this up. He was in love with her, really he was. He knew that she might very well be his last chance of finding true happiness. Almost more important, he found he really liked her kids. After the brief euphoria of being Haley Marie’s daddy for two months, he knew he wanted at least one of his own and the only way to accomplish that was to find someone he could stay married to. Even though Mac and Victor had made it clear that he was welcome to visit Haley, Mac had already gone through the paperwork to get the birth certificate changed. It had been a rough year. Really rough. But he was managing it as well, no better, than he had expected. He and Mac were slowly working back toward friendship, and while his relationship with Victor was still strained and almost formal, he knew deep down he really liked the ex-Marine and secretly wished them both well. He didn’t think he would be going to the wedding next month though. Oh well, maybe he and Meg could keep Kate company. He doubted seriously that she would be in any condition to go to the church, let alone the reception afterward. Leaning forward, he captured his girlfriend’s lips in his. "Come on, Meg. It’s getting cold out here and we’re probably the last to show up." Meg opened her own door and got out. Looking at him over the roof of the car, she grinned. "I can’t wait to see the look on Chegwidden’s face." In the year since they had rediscovered each other, Harm had flown out to California at least once a month. Meg had been back to the East Coast the same number of times. They had seen each other in D.C. and this past month they had been constant companions, but he had waited and savored this special relationship. He had kept her from his co-workers at JAG. Harm grimaced. "Oh yeah, this will be fun." But he put a smile on his face and came around and took her arm. Thank God, Allison Krennick had taken some kind of job in Dallas and he hadn’t heard from her since that one disastrous time together. He doubted seriously if she would ever say anything to Meg and, if he could help it, the two women would never meet again. A tall stately looking man opened the door to them. "Good evening, Commander Rabb." "Good evening, Harrison." Harm helped Meg off with her coat and handed it and his to the man. "Meg, this is Harrison. Harrison, Mrs. Powers." "Good evening, Mrs. Powers. Go right in, Commander." Rabb took her hand and tried not to gawk at just how incredible she looked. "Damn, Meg. That is a gorgeous dress!" She had insisted upon meeting him in the front of the building, citing the fact that the children had just settled down and the babysitter wouldn’t appreciate it if he got them riled up. She had carefully hidden the Carolina Herrera courtier dress she had picked up especially for the party. The blue looked fabulous on her and the neckline promised more than it revealed. It was one of the perks of having a very nice six-figure salary. She had planned this re-introduction like Patton had planned the invasion of Europe. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Admiral Chegwidden’s face. And if she felt just a bit catty about meeting the tall, no longer-willowy Kate Pike again, she kept it carefully hidden from everyone including herself. After all, when you’re eight months pregnant, you weren’t a whole lot of competition. Harm put his hand on the small of her back and led her into the living room. :: :: ::
"Ellen, are you sure you’re all right? I swear you’ve looked flushed ever since we picked you up at the airport." Sarah MacKenzie eyed her friend and exchanged glances with Katherine Pike- Webb. Kate wasn’t paying much attention, though. She had a look of almost intense pain on her face, but Mac recognized it for what it was. "And you, Mrs. Webb, need to sit down," she insisted. Kate nodded absently and looked around the room. "Oh, there’s Harm and...Oh, my god!" "What!" The two other women exclaimed and turned to follow her shocked glance. "Who’s the knock-out with Harm?" Mac could remember a time when seeing Harm with such a beautiful blond would have caused her almost physical pain. Now she could honestly say she was just curious. It has been a hard won fight. One that had kept her from completely committing to Victor Galindez for nearly ten months, even though she knew she loved and felt completely loved by the former Marine Gunnery Sergeant. It hadn’t been until the long weekend they had taken at the Webbs’ beach front cottage in October that she had finally accepted his proposal of marriage with a clear conscience and a light heart. Victor wasn’t her fairy tale prince, but she’d come to accept that really wasn’t what she wanted. However, making love with Victor definitely beat the pants off any hardcore romance novel any day of the week. What’s more, they were happy together -- happy and content, which is all two people really had the right to ask for. Ellen, thrilled to no longer be the center of attention, stepped back allowing the two younger women to go meet Harm and his date. She glanced around the room and noticed that AJ, who had been politely listening to the Secretary of the Navy and Tim Fawkes, was staring at Rabb and the young woman. Shock of recognition was there, as well as a faint blush of something else. Ellen wasn’t jealous -- not after this morning, that was for sure. The truth was, right now she wasn’t even curious. She had her own emotions to get under control. She was having trouble getting within ten feet of him without blushing furiously. Ellen made her way down the long hallway leading into the remodeled kitchen. Clay had insisted upon hosting the New Year’s Eve party this year with the excuse that Kate would have a better time in her own home. He had hired a caterer highly recommended by his mother and then let them take over. He had refused all help from Porter, Ellen, and even Mac. "No. If you guys do anything, Kate will want to help and I don’t want her to do anything but enjoy our friends. Lord knows what next year will be like with a new baby." "Does Madam require anything?" the dour looking Frenchman interrupted Ellen’s progress. "Madam just wishes some fresh air," Ellen responded with a distracted air. Pushing open the French doors she stepped out into the dark sunroom. It was chilly back here. The patio furniture had been covered for the season. The sunroom was by no means a modern addition; the windows weren’t thermal. It had been meant for little more than an escape from the formal confines of the period house to which it had been added. Closing the door muffled the noise of the catering staff. The snow still fell and she idly wondered if they would be able to make it to her place. She hoped so. The past week in Paris had been a dream. Francesca had met them on the fourth day, and Ellen had been relieved that the three of them had a good time together. They had visited her old haunts and AJ had promised they would go to Italy soon. At night, the lovemaking had been fabulous. Different than it had been with her late husband, but that was as it should be. AJ was a very adventurous lover. She exhaled and watched the fog of breath hang in the still air for a moment before icing the window before her. Even after a year of being in his bed more nights than not, she was still shocked at how well they fit together. He had seldom denied her anything. He certainly hadn’t this morning. Their return flight had left Charles DeGaulle Airport at 4:30 am on December 31st. They would arrive at Dulles at 6:30 am on December 31st. But it was still a thirteen-hour fight. They had talked softly as they fled the dawn. Everyone around them in first class had fallen asleep within a few hours of takeoff. The console between their seats had dropped down to the floor, forming a generous couch and they had snuggled under the light blankets, whispering to each other. It was his fault really. He had been the one to ask if she regretted anything about the trip or the past year. "God, no. AJ, it’s been wonderful. I wouldn’t trade a moment of it. Even the fights have been educational," she grinned as she stretched to kiss him. "I particularly like the making up." He had twisted in his seat to face her. He braced himself on his left hand and reached around to cup her face in his right. Pulling her to him he had claimed a long erotic kiss from her. And while their tongues had dueled with each other, he hadn’t been demanding about it. When he finally pulled back she had sighed contentedly. "Oh AJ, where were you when I was younger and more agile?" AJ snorted softly. "What do you mean by agile? You mean like three weeks ago when you nearly scared the shit out of me with that stunt of yours?" "Oh, that was nothing." She blushed remembering how no one else wanted to climb along the gangway to get to the stuck exhibit. They were running out of time and someone had to do it. "Nothing? I don’t think a yoga master could have gotten in that position that high off the ground. I certainly can’t think of one who would do it to free a guide wire from a pterodactyl skeleton." He shook his head in wonder then a curious look furrowed his brow. "Why did you say that anyway? What do you want to do that takes agility?" She had hoped he would forget her slip but he took her chin in his hand and demanded that she answer him. Sighing, she leaned forward and buried her face in the soft sweater he had worn for the flight. Stroking his chest she had thought to distract him. But as her hand moved lower, he grabbed it and brought her fingers to his mouth and kissed them. "Tell me, Dr. Fredricks." "Oh, it's nothing. I just always regretted never even trying to join the mile high club when I was younger and more daring," she whispered softly, knowing that as an admiral in the Navy he wouldn’t even dream of doing such a thing. She should have known better by now. He had sputtered at that admission, but when she tried to sit back in her seat he had roughly demanded. "Are you serious?" his tone neither joking nor shocked. She had met his gaze and was instantly aroused by the smoldering passion she saw there. It still amazed her that after nearly 30 years he finally had these feelings for her. There was a gleam in his eyes that was clearly visible even in the near darkness. She hadn’t been surprised when he started to touch her. Reaching out he had caressed her breast through the sweater and oxford shirt. She always wore loose skirts for long flights because they were the most comfortable. Now she had another reason to like them. He had deepened the kiss and trailed his hand down to below her knees, rucking up the soft wool. He broke the kiss and muttered plaintively. "I don’t know why you insist upon wearing such long skirts, you have fabulous legs." She would have argued that no one standing just 5'5" had fabulous legs but by then, he reached the hem and began to work his way back up and her thoughts were elsewhere. By the time he reached the tops of her thigh-high’s AJ quietly thanked providence and began in earnest. He pushed her legs apart and began to stroke her sex through her already soaked panties. "Take them off." He hoarsely demanded in voice that she hoped no one else could hear. She spared a prayer of thanks that the blanket hid their activities, and that their fellow passengers were still sleeping soundly. When she had finally gotten them off, he took them from her. What he did next shocked and thrilled her. Bringing them to his face he inhaled her scent. She was glad that they were at least satin. He shoved them in his jeans’ pocket and returned to pleasuring her. By the time he had parted her labia and plunged two long fingers deep inside her, she had her lips locked to his. She was so close that when he began to worry her clit with his thumb, she had to grip his shoulder to keep from arching right off the seat. He held her and stroked her softly until she was nearly calm again. "Oh, AJ," she whispered. "That was wonderful. But, oh honey? What about you?" He kissed her again as he finally released her. The sight of him, licking his fingers clean had her insides clinching again. "Me? You mean US, Ellen. You aren’t in the club yet." She gulped at the implications. "You can’t be serious? Here?" "Don’t you need to clean up?" he grinned at her. She had almost balked. But he really didn’t give her the opportunity. Placing her hand on his burgeoning erection he had insisted, "You aren’t going to leave me like this for the next six hours Ellen May Fredricks." It hadn’t been a question. He gave her explicit instructions on what to do when she reached her goal. The first class steward was deep in conversation at the back of the section and had barely glanced her way when she rose and walked the few paces in the opposite direction to the first class lavatory. Glancing around the tiny space, she lowered the seat cover on the toilet and waited nervously. She still had no clue exactly how this was going to work. But then again, he hadn’t given her much time to consider it. When he joined her, she whispered, "Won’t the steward get suspicious?" "Why? He’s trying to score with the woman in the last row of first class. Hell, our only problem is if they decide to try this themselves." "AJ!" Her hiss of shock was stopped by his lips on hers. She brought her arms up to hold on to him. Not that there was any room to fall. He placed his hands on her waist and lifted her until she was sitting on the tiny sink. The faucet dug into her bottom. He started to unzip his pants but she slapped his hand away and lowered it herself. Pushing his jeans over his hips she stroked him through the silk boxers she had gotten him for Christmas. "Ellen," he sighed as he leaned into her touch. "Damn, it would never had occurred to me to wear silk, but it feels so good." He kissed her again and she finally pushed aside the fabric and touched his hard hot cock. He lifted her skirt and began to caress her thighs again. Spreading her legs he moved closer and she guided him to her core. There was little room or time for finesse. For once she was glad she was so much smaller than he was. He easily lifted her until she was firmly seated on his cock. Holding him tightly, she once again reveled in the way he filled her completely. He lowered them to the commode. Her fashionable boots just fit on either side of him and her knees were pressed against his chest. She watched his face as he began to take his pleasure, moving her up and down on his shaft. There was little she could do to help, but the look on his face was an erotic sight. She concentrated on controlling her inner muscles and soon he was grunting in passion and exertion. She was surprised to find that she was so close once again. Holding tight to his neck she could feel his shoulder muscles spasm in the effort. She swallowed her shuddering release but AJ’s long groan of satisfaction seemed to fill the tiny space. Where he had found the strength to lift her back to the sink was a mystery. But he had managed somehow. He insisted upon cleaning her up before he wiped himself off. He zipped his pants, adjusted his sweater and then took her chin in his hand. "Now. Stay here for the count of 100." He stepped out into the hallway, making sure to shield her from view. She counted several 100s before she gingerly got down from the sink. She couldn’t even look at herself in the mirror; only running her hand over her skirt to make sure it was in place. It had been wonderful but she just knew that when she opened the door everyone in first class would be awake and pointing at her when she walked back to her seat. Finally, fearing that he would come back to see what was wrong she took a deep breath, then another and firmly opened to the door to find -- everyone was still asleep. AJ had a concerned look on his face but she smiled bravely and started to crawl over him to the window seat. He pulled her down on his lap and claimed another kiss. "I love you, Ellie Mae." She sighed and whispered back, "I love you too, Jethro." Rough hands on her bare neck scattered the memory. "You okay, Ellie?" His whisper sent chills down her back. "Yeah, just reliving my induction into the club this morning." He turned her around and carefully studied her face. "Regrets?" "Nah. I just hope I never catch a flight with that steward again." "Ellie, he was just being polite." "AJ, he smirked when he said ‘I hope you enjoyed your flight’." "Ellen," AJ warned. "Okay. Come on. By the way, who is Rabb’s latest conquest? Hey, you’re blushing. Oh shit, she’s not some former girlfri...." "No, no, no," AJ sighed. "Meg Austin, though she said her name is Powers now, used to be Rabb’s partner. Before Mac. There was some...well, let's just say that for everyone’s sake and my comfort, I transferred her and another female officer as far away from Rabb as I could. She quit the Navy a year later. I guess she’s doing well." They strolled back through the kitchen, both ignoring the sputtering of the caterer trying to move food to the buffet table set up in the dining room. "So it turned out okay then?" she said. They paused, as six-year-old AJ Roberts dragged the toddling Haley Marie out of the dining room and down the hall ahead of them. When Haley started to fall forward, AJ deftly reached out and picked her up. "Yeah. I guess, I could have handled it better, though," he threw back over his shoulder as he hefted the tiny little girl. "So you’re saying you’re not perfect?" Ellen noticed the suspicious smudge on AJ Robert’s face. "Far from it, darlin’. Mr. Roberts!" he called out. "Sir?" Bud came hurrying up to them. "You best check my namesake. I think he and Miss Galindez here were up to no good." Harriet ran up to her son, napkin already in her hand. Wiping first his face and then his hand she sighed. "What is this?" "Dieu dans le ciel! Mon Pâté!" They heard the anguished cry from the dining room. Webb quickly excused himself to Rabb and Meg and hurried down the hall. "Oh dear," Ellie giggled. "I hope you aren’t raising him vegetarian, Harriet." "No ma’am. What did he eat?" She sniffed the napkin and wrinkled her nose. "For heaven’s sake Francios, it's just a little pate. It will be fine, just clean it up." Webb left the dining room, shaking his head. "No harm, Harriet." "Oh, I knew I should have gotten a sitter," Harriet groaned. Webb crouched before young AJ. "Hey champ, you really like that stuff?" "Yeah, Uncle Clay, it's great." Little AJ grinned. "Good boy. Have to offset your old man’s more pedestrian influence." "What influence would that be, sir?" the "old man" in question asked wryly. "We serve pate at least once a week, don’t we Harriet." "Don’t start, you two," Harriet admonished. "Come on AJ, Haley. Aunt Kate set up ‘Land Before Time’ in Uncle Clay’s office." As she led the two kids down the hallway she muttered, "And I hope that Uncle Clay didn’t leave any secrets lying around because it’s impossible to keep you out of drawers, isn’t it sweetie?" "Ah, good traits for a spy," Clay grinned at Bud who started to bristle. AJ growled, "Shall we join the party, gentlemen?" He took Ellie’s hand and led her over to where Mac was talking with Harm and Meg. :: :: ::
Once the admiral had introduced Ellen to Meg, Mac felt free to rejoin Victor. Walking up to him, she smiled warmly at Tim Fawkes. "I don’t know if he told you, Tim, but Victor’s been put in charge of a huge investigation. DIS is working out very well for him. Thank you so much for the glowing recommendation letter. Tim Fawkes grinned down at Porter Webb who had just joined them. He took the drink from her and returned his attention to Mac. "It was my pleasure. I take it he’s home enough of the time so as not to cause too much friction." Victor cut in. "Frankly sir, it seems that lately, I’m home more often than she is." "Now Victor, you know the reason for that," Mac sighed resignedly. "With Kate on maternity leave and Harm in the middle of that treason case, I had to go out to London. I’m just glad you were home for Haley." Victor blushed and looked at Porter. "Well, I’ve got to say, I couldn’t have done it without Mrs. Webb." Porter sighed. It was no use. She had tried and tried to get Victor to call her Porter, but an innate sense of decorum seemed to compel the man to an almost outdated sense of propriety. "Now, you know I didn’t mind picking her up from the DIS daycare center. I am still trying to find you a nice, reliable sitter." "I’m sure it’s only a matter of time, my dear," Tim Fawkes smiled down at her. "Oh look, the director and his wife are leaving, we should go say good night." Mac laid her head on Victor’s shoulder. "How you doing?" His arms slid around her and Victor once again marveled at how she always seemed to mold herself to him. "Me? Well, you don’t ask me to go to these things very often. I can handle the discomfort. A lot better than Kate, I expect. You sure she’s only carrying one?" Mac shrugged. "That’s what she says the doctors keeps telling her. I know Harm’s date asked the same thing. Seems she had twins and said she looked that big and that uncomfortable when she was carrying. Thank God she didn’t say it to Kate." "Why, she and Kate got issues?" Mac pulled back and looked at him critically. "Got issues? Listen to you, Mr. Hard-Ass Marine. Talking in Washingtonese, now?" Victor laughed at her gentle teasing. "I move in a whole new crowd now, Colonel MacKenzie." She grew serious. "I know you miss it, Victor. I’m really sorry " He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her back to him. "Stop it, Mac. You know I don’t regret a second of it. It’s the only way for us to be together and I realize that it has worked out better than we had a right to expect." He pulled her around in front of him. Just one year ago tonight they got together for the first time since their daughter was conceived. And just two months ago she’d agreed to marry him -- this was most definitely better than he’d expected when he signed his retirement papers. She claimed a small, sweet kiss. "I do love you, Victor Galindez." "You better, Sarah MacKenzie, you’re marrying me next month and nothing and no one is going to stand between us," he whispered in her hair. "How much longer before we can claim our daughter and go home. I want to make love to you again." "Victor Galindez," she giggled. "We made love just before we woke her up from her afternoon nap." "That was almost seven hours ago, ma’am," using the one word he’d come to learn almost always turned her on. "Seven hours, three minutes and thirty-seven seconds to be exact," she sighed contentedly. "And for your information, we have 1 hour and 43 minutes before midnight. We drink a toast. Kiss everyone we’re supposed to, pry Haley Marie away from Little AJ and get home." She glanced out the window and sighed. "If we can get home." "We gonna make love again when we get home?" he asked unnecessarily. Looking around to see if they were being observed, he dropped his hand down to lightly caress her ass through the material of his favorite dress. She looked so damn good in red. Mac pressed her hips against his and felt an immediate reaction from him in his loose-fitting slacks. "You know it, love." "Then we WILL get home," he growled into her neck. :: :: ::
"I think its going very nicely, don’t you think Kate?" Clay eyed his wife warily. She had total possession of his heart and soul. But these past three weeks had been hell on wheels. She was tired and cranky and he could do nothing right. It wasn’t until Harriet and Bud Roberts had stopped to drop off some paperwork that he had finally got the advice he needed. He had been imminently surprised that source of the advice had been Bud. "Just leave her alone, except when she doesn’t want to be alone. Nod at everything she says, but don’t answer her unless she asks you at least three times. You’re down to the home stretch, Webb." "Home stretch! Roberts, she’s not due until the end of January." At that, the Lieutenant Commander had just shrugged. "All I know is how Harriet acted. You sure about the date?" "Pretty sure," Webb had contended. He had taken the advice. It really hadn’t changed anything for him, but Kate seemed calmer. Now he watched as she absently rubbed her stomach. Even eight months pregnant she looked beautiful, even if she didn’t think so. He had thought that she would end up wearing the almost too tight maternity uniform she had worn for the past four months. Oh hadn’t she bitched about that. But this morning as they were coming downstairs for coffee the doorbell rang. Porter had handed her the box, kissed him on the cheek and advised that she would be back that evening with Tim Fawkes. The black shimmering material had caressed her curves in an almost erotic way, softly outlining without clinging. "Kate?" She smiled up at him and he fell in love with her all over again. "Yes, Clay. It’s a lovely party." "You okay?" "I’m fine. My back is just killing me. But what else is new?" He massaged her back lightly. "I’ll give you a proper back rub when everyone leaves." "Sounds nice," she sighed and surveyed the room. She had slowly worked her way into his lifestyle. She was no longer nervous when men, heretofore only images on television, stopped by for hushed conversations with her husband, often staying for a light dinner. She was even learning to cook simple dishes that he enjoyed though he still did most of the cooking. She was used to the fact that embassy parties and dinners at expensive restaurants were the norm now and not something special. She was used to them because he was there with her. When he had to go out of town she usually hung out with Mac or Ellie. She and Mac had discovered that they both had a hard time bonding with women. But the three had grown close and Harriet Sims had been added to the mix sometime in July. As with most such situations, the husbands and boyfriends had come along for the ride. As she watched Meg Austin -- for some reason she couldn’t remember her married name -- talking with Harm, Sturgis and Bobbi, she let her mind travel back over the last year. What an intense twelve months. Here she was, about to deliver his child in a month and they hadn’t even met each other until thirteen months ago. Of course he had proposed this very night last year. Well, not really. But it had been the first time the subject of marriage had actually come in. She had told him at the time it was too soon. She hadn’t told him why. But she knew she wanted to see how they fought together. And man, their first fight had been a doozy, complete with screaming and cursing and stomping out into the night. She had returned after a quick walk around the block and he had met her at the door. The make up sex had been as sweet as the fight had been explosive. For the life of her she couldn’t even remember what the fight had been about. The next morning when they had awakened entwined in each other’s arms, she had kissed him and said one word. "Yes." He had been ecstatic and told her he would keep his word, though she had tried desperately to insist it wasn’t necessary. But one week later, he had shown up in the afternoon and asked Wilkins if Chegwidden could see him on an urgent matter. She had stared at him from across the room. Her face had gotten so red that Sturgis Turner had asked her if everything was okay. Before she could answer, Wilkins ran up and said, "Admiral Chegwidden said to find you right away, ma’am." Entering the admiral’s office she had only looked at Clay once. He was lounging on the leather sofa, a smirk on his face. "Commander," Chegwidden had sighed, "Mr. Webb tells me he has important information for us. I’m not sure exactly what it is, but it better not get you into any trouble or he will have to answer to me." He glared at the spy, who suddenly looked like maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. Clay cleared his throat several times. But when he finally began speaking, his voice was firm and clear. "AJ, as you may or may not know, Commander Pike’s only family is an aunt and uncle she doesn’t see very often." "So?" Chegwidden suddenly looked nervous. "Well, you see, I’m a pretty old fashioned kind of guy and I feel that Kate needs to know how serious I am about this." "Clay, please. You don’t have to do this," she had whispered. Oh for God sakes, Webb, tell me you aren’t...." "AJ, I want to marry the lady. And we’ve talked about it and she would really like you to walk her down the aisle." They hadn’t talked about it, but when he said it out loud it made perfect sense and she blushed her agreement. It also saved him from looking like a complete ass before her boss. "Commander Pike?" "Sir." "You really want to marry this troublemaker?" She stood at attention. "Sir, yes, sir." "You really want me to walk you down the aisle?" "Very much so, sir. I would be honored." The admiral had dropped his eyes to the paperwork still on his desk, but even so, she caught the pleased grin on his face. "Very well, fill out the paperwork, I’ll sign it. Dismissed, Commander." "Yes, sir," Kate smiled happily at Webb who started to stand up to accompany her out of the office. "Not you, Mr. Webb. You and I have to talk." To this day, neither would tell her what they had talked about. All Clay would say was that the admiral hadn’t said anything that he hadn’t already planned. The wedding, originally planned for December, had been hastily moved to May. "I absolutely refuse to walk down the aisle big as a god damn house!" The honeymoon had been in Hawaii, most of it spent camping by "their" little waterfall. He had seemed awfully pleased when she worked up the courage to tell him that the pill she was on clearly stated that there was a 2-percent chance of pregnancy He’d grinned at her mischievously. "Oh hell, babe, the way you’re always all over me, it’s a wonder that it worked this long." He had managed to keep her from doing serious injury to him by pushing her to the couch and making long passionate love to her in various positions. Making love to her on the very couch that the admiral and Ellen were sitting on talking to Porter and Tim. She should have been embarrassed, but the image of her leaning over the couch as he took her from behind was making her awfully wet. She sighed as she remembered the way his lips felt on her skin. She wondered if they could find a way to make love later. She smiled, maybe from behind, just not bent over the couch. "Honey? Kate?" She looked into his concerned eyes. "Katie, you okay?" "I’m just fine." God, he had such nice eyes. His smile could still melt her. Just like it was doing now. She felt a warm gush suffuse her core and realization finally hit her. "Oh God," she whispered as she clutched her stomach. "Kate!" Clay stood up. She had a death grip on his hand. His voice rose and suddenly they were surround by everyone in the room. "Kate!" She heard a commanding voice tell everyone to stand back. "Commander? Kate? Look at me." She finally met Chegwidden’s concerned look and started to cry. "It’s time?" he asked. "No," she wailed. "No, it’s not." She stood up, still clutching Clay’s hand and stared down at the darkening spot on the floor where her water had broke and probably ruined the carpeting. "Oh God, Clay!" she cried, sliding back to her seat. Her grip was like a vice on her husband’s hand. "Honey. Stay calm. I’ll call the doctor right now." He started to reach for his cell phone but Porter called out. "I’m on it. His service is trying to find him now." He looked at his mother in confusion, then remembered that Kate had given her all the information in case he was out of the country when this happened. "Come on baby, we won’t wait. I’ll get you to the hospital." She stood up again, but a searing pain shot through her and she nearly doubled over. AJ caught her and he and Clay held her upright. Mac picked up the cushions off the couch and he lowered her to the floor. "Kate, how far apart are the contractions?" "There haven’t been any. Just, all day, I’ve been having pains in my back." "Oh, hell. I knew it," Meg’s voice intruded. "That’s exactly the way it was with me. You better call an ambulance. You sure don’t want to have to pull over to the side of the road with this weather." "What are you talking about, Meg?" Mac demanded. "She been having back labor all day? We need a doctor. If she’s anything else like me, they will come fast and hard." "Clay?" Kate whimpered. "I’m right here, Kate." Clay moved behind her and propped her up on his chest. "I’m not going anywhere." The room turned into a confusion of voices in Kate’s head. "Call an ambulance, now." "Mom, what’s wrong with Aunt Kate?" "Tim, I can’t get through to the doctor." "Admiral, the hospital says there’s a huge accident on I-95." "Oh hell not again." "Webb, where’s your first aid kit?" "I’ll get it, honey. You just stay with Kate." "Mommmmmmmmm, what’s wrong with Aunt Kate. Is she sick?" "Hush, AJ, go take Haley into the office." "Mommmmmmmm, I don’t wanna." "AJ Roberts, mind your mother." "Is there anything you need me to do, admiral?" "Yeah Victor, go upstairs and get clean towels and sheets." "Tim, go boil some water." The pain was so intense the rest of the voices faded away and all Kate could focus on was Chegwidden’s concerned face and Clay’s encouraging words. She was vaguely aware that she should be embarrassed by the fact that the admiral was discovering her little secret of not wearing any underwear when she could get away with it. Another intense contraction shook her and fear for her baby seized her. "Clay. It’s not supposed to happen this way. What’s wrong, Clay? Oh Clay please don’t let my baby die." "Hush, now Katie. Nothing bad is going to happen. Didn’t you know? AJ’s an old pro at this, but I refuse to name the kid AJ as tradition would call for," he tried to distract her, but fear was gripping him too. He was familiar with fear. But this was different. This was one of the reasons he had stayed single for so long. God, please don’t let anything bad happen. His eyes met AJ’s and his friend smiled encouragingly. Mac knelt beside him and took Kate’s other hand. "It’s okay Kate. I swear if I had been given the choice, I would have let him deliver Haley. Hold on, Kate." The contractions that the Lamaze teacher had described, the ones that had been absent all day, were suddenly the one constant in her narrowed universe. That and Clay’s steady hand in hers. "Don’t push, Kate. Breathe honey. Come on Kate. You made me go to the damn classes now use what they taught you." She could hear the fear and panic in his voice and she tried to calm a little bit for him. She sailed right past the first three stages of breathing and started the light heavy panting that was supposed to help near the very end. They really weren’t, but she tried hard not to scream. "I can’t," she wailed. "I want it out now." She finally screamed just as she heard a siren. "In here, guys." "Oh man. No, sir. You’ve got it firmly under control. Ma’am, what’s your name? No sir, please let her answer." "Katherine Webb, why the hell do you...aaarrrrrrrrrrrrhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Claaaaay?" "Katie, please, breathe." The admiral’s voice penetrated her haze. "Commander, I want you to push now. I can see the head." She must have blacked out from the pain because when she awoke she could see Mac placing a thick towel on her chest and the paramedic laying a small very bloody, screaming bundle on it. The cord had been cut and tied off. "Oh, Katie, baby, he’s perfect." Clay had tears in his eyes and he managed to contort his body to kiss her gently. "Uh, medic?" There was a panicked tone in the admiral’s voice and Clay’s head jerked away from his wife to glare at him. "What?" He snapped, no longer trying to keep the fear from his voice. "It’s just the other one," the voice she had vaguely identified as one of the paramedics said calmly. "What other one?" a babble of voices asked in shocked surprise. "I knew it!" Meg Austin’s triumphant crow invaded Kate’s senses just as another contraction shook her body. :: :: ::
05 January 2004 "They’re beautiful, Kate," Mac whispered, gazing down into the bassinet. "How are you feeling?" "Better now that I’m back home," Kate sighed in relief and smiled at her sons. Mac companionably slid her arm around her friend. "What are you going to name them?" "Romulus and Reamus," Tim Fawkes insisted as he brought in a tray with several cups of tea on it. "Timothy, stop that right now," Porter Webb gently admonished him as she handed one cup to Kate and then one to Mac before picking up one for herself. Kate took a sip and then smiled. "Actually, I’ve been thinking about Clayton Neville Webb, Jr. and Timothy Albert Webb." "Oh I like both of those, Kate," Mac shyly smiled. "What does the senior Mr. Webb think of that?" "I don’t know, what do you think, Clay? Clay?" They turned around and saw her husband sound asleep in the antique rocker that Mac had insisted upon loaning her -- "just until I have another one." Kate sighed. He had ridden in the ambulance with her and the babies to the hospital, a regular procession following them. He had been by her side through all the tests and the birth of the placenta, though he almost didn’t make it through that. He hadn’t left her side that first day, insisting that he would help her shower. He slept restlessly on a lounge chair in her room. The doctor had been surprised at how little tearing had occurred during the birth and promised them both that more children were possible. "Heck, Mrs. Webb, you’re such a trouper at this, you could easily have a whole tribe of little Webbs." Clay had kept her from hurting the doctor and had even kept his temper when he asked, "Just why the hell was this such a surprise?" If the doctor was offended he didn’t show it. "Happens sometimes. One of them was hiding behind the other. They are identical twins and their heartbeats were always in sync when we checked. It happens." "Uh huh," Clay had growled, and Kate had to keep him from following the doctor into the hall. She was glad he was finally getting some sleep. They had brought them home three days later and set up the bassinet next to their bed. He got up with her for each feeding and she was just thankful that they were such good babies. Fussy but not loud criers, at least not yet. Everyone had stayed away for two days, but now their friends wanted to see the little boys, one of whom was born in 2003 and the other one in 2004. "Hi," Ellen whispered softly as she peered into the door. Kate motioned her in to see the babies and took the gaily wrapped box and placed it with the others stacked on the dresser; she couldn’t believe the stuff everyone had sent. "They’re beautiful. What are you going to name them?" "Rom...ouch. Hey, that hurt, Porter." "Commander?" "Admiral!" Kate gingerly moved past Ellen and before he could stop her, she reached up and hugged her CO and kissed him on the cheek. "I will never be able to thank you enough, sir." She whispered into his very red ear. "AJ? Hey, what the hell is this? A continuation of the party?" Webb asked groggily as he struggled out of the rocking chair. "No, we’re not staying, dear heart." Ellen hugged him briefly. "We just wanted to make sure you had everything. With twins everything is going to be used up doubly quick. Call us if you need anything at all." "That’s right, Webb. Let us know." Webb reached out and shook AJ’s hand. "Thanks, AJ. It seems so inadequate, but thank you." AJ harrumphed and brushed away the thanks with a brusque, "I’m getting pretty good at delivering babies. Glad I could be of help. So what are their names?" "Hush Tim," Porter headed him off. Webb looked at Kate, who put out her hand and guided the admiral over to the bassinet. "Rear Admiral AJ Chegwidden, may I introduce, Clayton Neville Webb, Jr." She ran her hand over the head of one of her sleeping sons. Instead of just touching the other, though, she picked him up and handed him to a very startled CO. "And Timothy Albert Webb." He stared down into yet another child bearing his name, only this one really did have one of his names not just his initials. "Oh, you poor thing. Named after two old coots like us, huh Tim?" "Hell, I wanted them to name them Romulus and Reamus, but they ignored me." His comment elicited a hearty laugh from AJ. "Tiiimmmmm." Kate looked at her mother-in-law in surprise. This was the first time she could remember ever hearing the very stately woman whine. "Oh, okay, dearest. I’ll stop. Hey AJ, when do I get to hold ‘our’ kid?" "When I say so, Fawkes," AJ growled proprietarily, but quickly relinquished the tiny bundle when Kate reached to take him back. "Come on everyone. Let’s go and leave the new parents alone." Ellen tugged at AJ’s arm and Mac and Porter pushed the protesting Tim out of the room. Clay came up beside her and took her into his arms. "You make beautiful babies, Kate." "Yes, WE do," She sighed and returned his sweet kiss. "Now, why don’t you go lay down in ‘my’ room?" "Nah. I’ll stretch out here." He curled up in the bed next to the bassinet and closed his eyes. "Honey, they’ll probably wake up soon. You need the sleep." "I’m fine, Kate. Go and admire Ellie’s engagement ring." "Ellie’s what?" She looked down at her husband in shock. He yawned and pulled one end of the comforter around him. "Must have happened in the past couple of days though. It wasn’t there New Years Eve." "Is there anything that you miss?" She shook her head in wonder. "Nope. Go play hostess for a few minutes and then kick them out of the house. Or yell down and tell them to go home and come back and keep me company," he sighed just before his breathing evened out. She bent down and kissed his cheek. "Be right back." Home :: JAG Index :: e-mail Paula :: e-mail TheLadyT |