0718 (7:18 a.m.)
Madison Residence
Outside of Burlington, Vermont

Mac awoke to the feeling of something cold and wet being wiped across her cheek. She rolled over and opened one eye. “Jin-go,” she moaned as the dog continued to lick her face. “It’s too early.” She pushed him away with her hand.

The dog barked and jumped off the bed. He began to scratch at the bedroom door, and when that didn’t produce any response from his owner, he resigned to howling.

“Arrrgh.” Mac hauled herself upright and stuck her feet into her slippers. She opened the bedroom door, and Jingo bounded happily into the hall and down the stairs. She followed after him, but at a much slower pace.

Once she got downstairs, she let him out the back door and made her way to the kitchen to fix a pot of coffee. Running a hand through her tousled hair, she plunked down onto one of the barstools and watched the coffee drip into the pot.

Only three more days to go, she thought to herself. Despite Vermont’s enjoyable weather and the friendly people, she was looking forward to returning home. All of the attorney meetings, packing, and legal arrangements were wearing her down. Even her busy days at JAG paled in comparison to her recent hectic schedule. She mentally went over her agenda for the day: contacting boarding stables in the Georgetown area to find a new place to keep Chloe’s horse, more packing, and calling the real estate company to put Mrs. Madison’s house on the market. She sighed, rising to her feet as the coffeepot filled to its brim. She was feeling tired already.

She poured herself a cup, then headed out to the front porch. The morning was cool and held the promise of a beautiful day. Mac settled onto the swing, tucking a foot up under her. She held her mug in both hands in an attempt to warm them, gazing out at the surrounding scenery. The sun was rising over the distant mountains, and clouds already filled the sky. Mac breathed deeply and sipped her coffee as Jingo wandered up the front steps to lay down at her feet.

A couple of minutes later, Mac heard a horse snort, and leaned forward to look into the pasture. Sure enough, a familiar Paint gelding cantered past along the fence line with Chloe on board. The young girl kept her horse in check, sitting deep in the saddle and speaking softly to keep him calm. Mac smiled. She loved to watch Chloe ride.

When Scout reached the corner of the pasture, Chloe leaned back and tugged gently at the reins. The horse obediently slowed to a walk, but tossed his head in anticipation of what he knew was coming. Chloe turned him back towards the direction they had come, which put them facing the barrel pattern she’d set up. A grin crossed the girl’s face as she took a firmer hold of her reins and squeezed Scout into a gallop, heading toward the first barrel.

Mac settled back on the swing, content to watch Chloe and Scout run barrels in the morning sunshine.

~*~*~*~*

0914 (9:14 a.m.)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm was reading through his client’s service record when he heard a knock on his office door. He looked up to see an attractive female lieutenant standing in the open doorway. “Lieutenant Denner?” he asked.

“Yes, sir.” She approached him, and Harm rose to shake her hand. “Sorry I’m a little early.”

“Not a problem.” Harm sat back down and motioned to the chair in front of his desk. “Have a seat.”

“Thank you, sir.” Lieutenant Denner made herself comfortable, then focused on Harm, her expression expectant. “How can I help Brian?” she asked, immediately cutting to the chase.

“Well, Lieutenant, you can start by telling me about your relationship with him.”

“All right, sir.” Lieutenant Denner’s eyes drifted to the window, and she was quiet for a moment before beginning. “Since the day we met, we’ve been inseparable. There was this instant click that I can’t describe. I knew right away that there was something special about him.” She fell silent, as if lost in thought. Before long, though, she continued. “I won’t deny that I have feelings for him that exceed friendship, but we’ve never crossed that line, because we both know it’s inappropriate due to our ranks.” She returned her gaze to Harm, her crystal blue eyes intense. “We’re the best of friends, but that’s all. Brian, nor I, would ever do anything to intentionally break regulations.”

“But, Lieutenant, after -”

She raised a hand, stopping him. “After preflight?” she finished for him. “That was not a romantic gesture, sir.”

“Then what was it?” he asked, genuinely interested.

Lieutenant Denner sighed. “A mistake, sir, but not one that I regret, except for the fact that Brian’s feet are being held to the fire.”

“What was the purpose of the kiss?”

She took a deep breath, but it was steady. “A good-bye, sir, in case something happened in the air during our mission. That’s it.”

“Why not just a hug, Lieutenant?”

“Because, sir, once you’re as close of friends as Brian and I, sometimes a hug just doesn’t cut it.” She paused, and with a quick glance at Harm’s wings, said, “With all due respect, sir, you know how dangerous flying during wartime is. If there was the possibility that you’d never see your loved ones again, wouldn’t you want them to know how much they mean to you?”

Harm almost chuckled at the young woman’s boldness. She reminded him of Mac, save for the Naval uniform. “Yes, I would, Lieutenant. And you know what? That comment just might help the Commander win his case.”

Lieutenant Denner’s eyebrows flew up, and a huge grin spread over her face. “Really, sir?”

Harm nodded. “Thank you, Lieutenant.”

“My pleasure, sir!”

Her enthusiasm was contagious. Harm couldn’t resist returning her smile. After looking down at his paperwork and flipping through a few pages, he told her, “I think that’s all, Lieutenant.”

“All right, sir.” Rising to her feet, she gave Harm a nod and turned to leave.

She was almost out the door when Harm thought of something. “One more question, Lieutenant.”

“Sir?” She stopped and faced him.

“Do you love Commander Clemn?” he asked.

Her response was immediate and simple. “Yes, sir.”

~*~*~*~*

2058 (8:58 p.m.)
Madison Residence
Outside of Burlington, Vermont

Mac watched the words “The End” scroll across the TV screen, and let out a sigh as she wiped her eyes. No matter how many times she watched Titanic, the ending always made her cry. She sniffed and tossed her Kleenex into the trash, then turned to see that Chloe had fallen asleep on the couch beside her. Smiling to herself, she rose and gently covered the young girl with a blanket before turning off the TV and leaving the room.

She meandered up the stairs and to the master bedroom. Checking her internal clock, she realized that it was too early to hit the sack. However, it wasn’t too late to call Harm. She pulled her cell phone out of her purse and hit the first number on her Speed Dial.

~*~*~*~*

Same Time
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station

Harm was doing research on the Internet when his cell phone rang. He reached over to pick it up, but stopped when he saw the Caller I.D. Immediately, all his conflicting emotions about Mac, Chloe, and his decision returned. He paused, his hand in mid-air over the phone. Would Mac detect something was wrong from his tone of voice? She had in the past. He decided not to risk it and left the phone on the desk. It continued to ring six more times, then finally stopped.

He did his best to shove it out of his mind and concentrate on his work, but didn’t succeed. Finally, after a half-hour, he grabbed his cell and checked the voice mail. Sure enough, there was a message: “Hey, Harm, it’s me. Just calling to see how you were and if your case is going OK. Hope you’re all right. Call me when you get the chance.”

That was it. And yet, her words stayed in Harm’s head for the rest of the night, along with a guilty feeling deep in his conscience.

~*~*~*~*

Wednesday and Thursday passed quickly for Mac. She finished up the legal arrangements for Chloe’s inheritances, advertised Mrs. Madison’s house with a local real estate company, found a new boarding stable outside of Georgetown for Scout, and somehow managed to squeeze in more packing.

She was finally able to relax on Thursday night, the day before she and Chloe were planning to head back to Virginia. She flopped onto the couch with a huge sigh, briefly entertaining the thought of going to bed. The idea was pretty appealing, but she decided to e-mail Harm first. She pulled her laptop off the coffee table and booted it up.

To: FighterPilot01
From: MarineMac

Hey Harm,

Still haven’t heard anything from you - hope everything’s OK. Chloe and I are planning to leave tomorrow morning… we should be home by six ‘o clock or so.

Were you able to get any info on the local middle schools?

-Mac

~*~*~*~*

0817 (8:17 p.m.)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm entered the bullpen the next morning, briefcase in one hand and his cover in the other. With a quick wave and a smile to Harriet, he opened the door of his office - and saw Commander Clemn seated in front of his desk.

“What are you doing here so early, Commander?” he asked, setting his briefcase on his desk. “Your trial doesn’t begin ‘til 0930.”

“I know that, Commander.”

Harm sat down in his desk chair and studied his client. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something was different about Clemn. He noticed an almost reluctant look on the man’s face. “Is there something wrong?” he asked gently. “Are you worried about the trial? Because I honestly think we’ll be able to nail -”

“There isn’t going to be a trial.” Clemn spoke quietly, almost in a whisper.

Harm leaned forward, not certain he’d heard right. “I’m sorry?”

“I said there’s not going to be a trial,” Commander Clemn repeated, slightly louder this time. “I’m pleading guilty.”

Harm stared at Clemn, trying to absorb what he was being told. No trial? All his hard work over the past five days for nothing? Questions swirled around in his mind, but one stood out over all the rest. Finally, he decided to ask. “Why?”

Clemn met his gaze squarely. “So I can be with Lisa.”

Harm shook his head. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”

“She and I had a long talk last night, Commander. She’s been thinking about quitting her Naval career so we could be together.”

Harm’s eyebrows rose nearly to his hairline. “Really?”

Clemn nodded, then continued. “Ever since I got charged, I’ve fought back, but a little voice has always been in the back of my head, asking me if what I was doing was really for the best - for both Lisa and myself. I tried to ignore it, and I was selfish. But what Lisa told me last night was really a wake-up call. If she’s willing to give up her career for me, then why can’t I do it for her?” He swallowed, and went on. “So, I did some research last night, made a few calls, and I found a private company just outside of D.C. that’s looking for a test pilot.” He grinned, his face lighting up. “I won’t have to give up flying.”

Harm stared at his client, suddenly filled with respect for the selfless man sitting in front of him. “You sure about this?” he asked quietly.

“I’m positive. I appreciate all of your hard work, Commander. Really, I do.”

“You’re welcome.” Harm gave Clemn a small smile. “I do my best.”

“And you do a darned good job of it.”

“Thank you.” Harm glanced down at the paperwork on his desk. Clemn’s service record sat on top of the pile. “So… when are you planning on leaving the Navy?”

“Next year.” Clemn gave a small sigh, looking around Harm’s office. “I’ll admit, I’m going to miss it. It becomes your whole life.”

“Yeah, it does,” Harm agreed. He was silent for a moment, thinking of the consequences of pleading guilty to a fraternization charge, then asked, “Are you positive you’re doing the right thing?”

“Oh, I know I am.” Clemn smiled, a spark in his dark brown eyes. “She’s more than worth it, Commander.”

~*~*~*~*

Harm stayed rooted in his seat long after Clemn left. His gaze was locked on the office door, millions of different thoughts rocketing through his brain, threatening to overwhelm him. He shook his head, trying to get rid of them, but to no avail. Maybe working would help.

He picked up a couple of files from the stack on the corner of his desk and opened one of them. He began to read, but after going through the first paragraph four times without comprehending a word, decided it was no use. Perhaps a coffee break? He began to rise from his seat, when out of the blue a thought struck him, instantly standing out and banishing everything else from his mind, cappuccino included.

He sat back down in his chair with a THUMP, stunned at the realization he’d come to see: Like himself, Clemn had been confronted with the offer of giving up something very important to him. In return, he would then acquire something - or, more accurately, someone - of far greater value. And he’d accepted, without a moment’s hesitation.

And what did I do? The question raced through Harm’s head. He’d thought of himself, chose what he figured was best for HIM, and made an excuse that he now admitted was pretty lame. You stupid, idiotic, heartless moron, he thought, instantly disgusted. Thank the Lord he hadn’t told Mac yet. He breathed a thankful prayer heavenward for that. He leaned back in his seat, letting out a huge sigh. He now knew what he needed to do, and had no doubts whatsoever. It was a peaceful feeling.

Now, how in the world was he supposed to get through the - he checked his watch - nine hours until they returned home? He eyed the files still resting on the desk in front of him, and he reached out to grab one, suddenly feeling inspired.

~*~*~*~*

1018 (10:18 a.m.)
Harm’s Lexus
Somewhere on the Highway between Vermont and Washington, D.C.

Mac stared at the road that lay stretched out before her, half-listening to the soft rock music pouring from the radio. They’d been driving for almost an hour, and so far the car had been pretty quiet, with Chloe listening to her Walkman the entire time. Mac didn’t exactly mind the silence, but she was itching to ask Chloe a question that had been bothering her for the past few days. She’d been hoping the right moment would come to bring it up during the car ride.

She couldn’t believe her luck when Chloe pulled the headphones off her ears, and she was preparing to speak when the young girl asked a very typical teenage question: “Can we stop and get something to eat soon? I’m starving.”

Mac chuckled. “Sure. McDonald’s OK?” At Chloe’s eager nod, she turned onto an exit ramp that had one of the fast food restaurant’s advertisements posted next to it.

The drive-thru line was a mile long, but the wait inside was even worse, so Mac opted for takeout. She stopped the car behind a dark green minivan and let out a sigh, rotating her neck a couple of times. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Chloe starting to put her headphones back on. Desperate not to let her chance get away, she blurted out, “Chloe?”

Chloe froze, her headphones halfway over her head. “Yeah?”

Mac took a deep breath. “Are you OK with all of this?”

Chloe cocked her head, a puzzled expression on her face. “Wadda ya mean?”

“This,” Mac said, making a sweeping gesture with one hand. “Coming to live with me, having to move to a new state, starting at another school.”

Chloe shrugged. “I guess.”

“Do you want to stay with me?” Mac asked. “Would you rather have stayed in Vermont?”

Chloe shook her head. “No. I want to be with you.”

“You do? Why?”

“Because you’re fun,” Chloe told her with a grin. “You listen to me. And you let me stay up ‘til 9:30 on weeknights and eat in my room.”

Mac chuckled. “OK.” She reached over and ran a hand through Chloe’s light brown hair. “I love you, Chloe.”

“I love you, too.” Chloe leaned over and wrapped her arms around her big sister. They were silent for a minute, then Chloe piped up, “Um, Mac?”

“Hmm?”

“We’re next in line.”

“Oh!” Mac realized that the car behind them was honking its horn. She hurriedly pulled up to the speaker.

~*~*~*~*

1652 (4:52 p.m.)
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm closed the file he’d been reading and capped his pen. Resting his elbows on the desk, he rubbed his eyes. Doing research was as exhausting as a workout, only it gave you a headache instead of leg cramps. Harm admitted to himself that upon choice, he’d take the cramps.

However, when he glanced at his watch, his fatigue disappeared. The workday was over. Mac and Chloe would be back soon. And he had an idea forming.

He rose from his chair, crammed some folders into his briefcase, and shut down his computer. Grabbing his cover and stuffing it under his arm, he walked out of his office and headed out of the bullpen and down the hall. He halted in front of Sturgis’ door, knocking quickly before opening it. “You busy tonight?” he asked, sticking his head in.

Sturgis glanced up from his computer. “No. Why?”

“I need your help with something.”

“All ri-” Sturgis stopped himself before agreeing, a suspicious expression covering his features. “This isn’t hazardous to my health, is it?”

“No!” Harm exclaimed.

“Could it possibly damage my career?”

“Of course not.”

“Is there food involved?”

“Maybe.”

“Lead on.”

~*~*~*~*

1802 (6:02 p.m.)
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown

Mac pulled into an empty parking spot outside her apartment building, turned off the ignition, and leaned back in her seat with a huge sigh. It had never felt so good to be home.

She reached back and gave Chloe’s knee a playful nudge. “We’re home, kiddo.”

Chloe’s head appeared over the magazine she’d been reading. “We are?” Within seconds, her seatbelt was unsnapped, and she jumped out of the SUV with Jingo at her heels.

Mac shook her head with a smile as she got out of the vehicle at a slower pace. Ah, the boundless energy of youth.

Slamming the driver’s door, she walked around to the back and popped open the hatch. Taking out a suitcase and a duffel bag, she handed them to Chloe, along with the keys to the apartment. “Go on up and open the door… my hands’ll be full.” Chloe nodded, and took off into the building with Jingo.

Mac surveyed the pile of luggage in the car with a groan. All of the suitcases, duffel bags, boxes, and backpacks were stuffed in like sardines in a can - it was going to take forever and approximately a thousand trips to carry them all upstairs. She grabbed two duffel bags and a backpack and headed inside.

She was halfway up the stairs when she heard a scream from down the hallway of the second floor that was unmistakably Chloe’s voice: “Mac!” Immediately following was a bark from Jingo. Heart pounding, Mac dropped her bags and took the rest of the stairs three at a time.