| Subject: In Hack for Christmas, Part 6 |
Author:
Maximus
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Date Posted: 19:54:29 01/20/09 Tue
In reply to:
Maximus
's message, "In Hack for Christmas, Part 1" on 22:10:57 12/23/08 Tue
In Hack for Christmas, Part 6
Author: Maximus
Harm had taken time while Sarah was dressing to call Grams telling her to plan on them being there at 5 PM. Grams thanked him since she had already told everyone to be there at 5 as per the earlier plans.
Sarah had the white dress on as Harm was selecting a suit for himself. He was in the big and tall department and had selected two. With her help, he decided on the dark grey with a red and blue tread that would go well with her dress. The next stumbling block was sleeve alterations which would take too long to get done. Harm was starting to get upset when Sarah asked to speak to the store manager.
The store manager listened to the story and asked which way they were traveling. Harm told him they were going thru Hagerstown and then North on I-81 to a turnoff at Chambersburg. The manager suggested they shop for other items they needed as he tried to help out.
They went to the lingerie department to look at bras and hose and then on to other items. The manager called around and found the same suit Harm had picked out and a pale green dress in the style Sarah liked in the Chambersburg PA store which would work. The manager located them and explained what had been found. Sarah liked the idea of the pale green and Harm understood that store would have time to do the alterations as they traveled. Both sales clerks joined the store manager and each explained to the people at the other store exactly what had to be done to make everything right.
Harm and Sarah had found matching sweaters, matching shirts, and had also bought jeans to match and dressed down for their trip. They left knowing that people were working on solving their problems. It sounded strange to be returning to Chambersburg just a couple days after being there before.
They took a few minutes after returning to the car to review maps and catch up on kisses missed out while traveling before. After gas and lunch, their next stop was at JC Penney in Chambersburg. Sarah loved the dress color and bought shoes and purse to match as Harm found the suit was perfect. They were on the road again in good time to make the scenic two-lane drive up to Belleville.
The scenery was fantastic as they passed close to Blacklog and Blue Mountains and approached Rothrock State Forest. They stopped in Allensville for gas and both changed into their dress clothes for the family gathering.
They were surprised at the number of cars when they pulled in front of Gram’s house and parked. As Harm helped Sarah out, they both recognized a black Limo flying a blue flag with three stars. They both looked at each other wondering what they were getting into. Frank and Trish opened the door and met them as they approached the front steps. They embraced and especially greeted Sarah. Grams was waiting inside as Harm ushered Sarah in and Harm received the first kiss and Sarah the second.
(Grams) I have heard so much about you and we “Sarah’s” are finally meeting. Welcome to the Rabb homestead. Let me take your coats and go on into the living room where the others are.
As Harm and Sarah turned the corner, they were welcomed by many who knew Harm. Harm immediately spotted JJ and AJ both in full dress uniforms and Dotty in a knee length black dress. He spoke too many other people and introduced Sarah as they went about until coming in front of JJ and AJ.
(H) Sirs, I wasn’t aware you would be here but thanks for coming to be with us and my family. Mrs. Anderson you look lovely today.
(AJ) After getting a call from JJ, I had a nice conversation with your Grandmother and decided to take her up on her invitation to be here. Mac you look lovely in that color of green.
(S) Thank you Admiral. I see you found an old pinnacle player to bring along with you.
(JJ) Nah, Dotty is the best at that. I have to say you both clean up real well.
(Dotty) Sarah, these guys just couldn’t pass up a chance for some good left-over turkey after Christmas. You look absolutely radiant tonight.
(S) The same goes for you, Dotty. Black is very attractive on you. Thanks for coming up and being with us. I need good friends around right now because Harm proposed to me yesterday.
JJ asked Harm if he had a minute and they stepped away from the others over close to the punch bowl as Dotty and Sarah continued their conversation:
(JJ) After you revealed your rank and current assignment Saturday I was intrigued. I pulled up both of your service records and to say I was impressed is an understatement. Multiple DFCs, Silver Star, almost taking a missile to save the carrier, and so much more. Why are you still only a Commander?
(H) Lets just say my CO has not always approved of my big picture outlook. He would have liked me to only be interested in being the best lawyer I could be. I have taken other routes and directions at times that he did not agree with. I see the Navy having a much larger mission than what my job entails.
(JJ) Harm, having the confidence of your CO is mandatory for your advancement but it can sometimes be enhanced when others have an interest in your welfare. I think it is time that AJ and I spent some quality time together………talking.
(H) Sir, Admiral Chegwidden understands the responsibilities of his command very well and has a right to expect 100% adherences by me to my job. If it was the only talent I possessed, I would be totally content, but to paraphrase the old saying, “To those that much has been given, much is expected.”
I love the law, I love to fly, and would resign my commission again if it meant I could save another life. He doesn’t have to agree but……I need to remain true to myself and what I believe in.
(JJ) So Sarah agreed to marry you today?
(H) She accepted my proposal yesterday but has no clue it will happen tonight. Please keep my secret for just a little longer.
(JJ) I will and I will also do what I can to help you two.
(H) Thanks again for being here for us today ……….. and being a friend.
(Rev) If I may, can I have everyone’s attention for a bit. Mrs. Sarah Rabb, or Grams, as we all like to call her, has asked me to say a few words of welcome before what she calls a “Left-over Turkey Get Together.” Thanks to everyone that brought the turkey and the fixins.
As most of you know, the Rabb name is a proud name in these parts. The family has been a Navy family for generations and we have two senior representatives from the Navy here with us today. Vice Admiral Anderson and his wife Dorothy from down around Scotland PA and Rear Admiral Chegwidden who is Harm and Sarah’s Commanding Officer in D.C. If you haven’t met them, make them welcome when you can.
Grams’ husband and their son, Harmon Rabb Sr., both have stone markers over in the Christopher section of our church cemetery even though they are officially interned at Arlington National Cemetery in D.C. They served and died in the service of their country and have left widows and children for us to know and love. Other than Grams, only one other Rabb remains. Some of you got to know him years ago when he lived among us for a while as he mended from a ramp strike aboard an aircraft carrier. Grams invited all of us here today because her grandson was coming home for the holidays. For those that have not met him, this is Harmon Rabb, Jr.
Even though his being home was a good excuse to throw a party, we are here today for a much better reason. We understand that another lady has accepted the honor of making sure the Rabb bloodline continues into a bright new future. We are told that Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie has accepted the proposal of marriage proffered by Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. If that is true Sarah, please step forward.
Sarah was red with embarrassment as she turned to Harm. He took her outstretched hand and they both stepped forward together.
(Rev) Vows………………promises made to Almighty God and another person ……………are an important part of what marriage is all about. But………………it should be remembered that they are promises too one’s self as well as to others. They should be constant reminders of the love we profess and the lengths we are willing to go to circumscribe our desires and keep the faith with others. Being that Sarah knew nothing of our plans, it would be unfair to ask her to recite vows she might have intended to say to Harm on their wedding day……….. tonight.
These two have been partners for 8 years which is longer than many marriages last. By necessity, they have served duty and been together in everything from submarines, aircraft carriers, to caves in Afghanistan. They have had to completely rely on each other at times just to stay alive. Both have saved the other’s life more than once. I dare say they know things about each other that far exceed what a normal couple would understand and encounter in a whole lifetime.
So we ask……………….. what kind of vows would be sufficient for their wedding after all they have already experienced together? What vow……. would each of use make to a person we love that has saved our very life?
I am not sure I can get my mind completely around how huge that is …………but…………………………….. I am told you can take it on good authority that both have already made their individual vows to one another which were sealed with many tears of absolution ………….……………… tears more precious than drops of silver and gold.
Sarah, since it is Harm’s desire and intention to join with you in marriage this day, are you ready to proceed?
(S) Yes I am.
(Rev) Then I will recite the vows of our church that many attribute to the story of Ruth and you will be asked to respond.
He recited and explained the story and meaning of love between a man and woman from long ago, and both responded when asked.
(Rev) Harmon Rabb Jr. and Sarah MacKenzie, do you both take each other as man and wife, to live in love and harmony, live by the word and teachings of the one who is known as Love, and live the vows you have each made to the other?
(H) I do.
(S) I do.
(Rev) Are there rings?
(H) Being a surprise, we didn’t have time.
(T) If you two will accept these, yes…………… there are rings.
Trish and Frank moved out of the crowd and handed a ring to Harm and one to Sarah.
(T) Please accept these rings as a remembrance of your father who never returned to us. He had them crafted by Jim White, the jeweler, who served Belleville well for many years. Your father wore his until the day he left to join his squadron to go overseas and I wore mine until my wedding day to Frank, your step father. As they were symbols of our commitment to each other, they can now signify the commitment you two share.
(H) Thanks mom.
(Rev) Harm and Sarah, please exchange rings and both place you left hand on the Holy Bible I now extend to you.
Heavenly Father, please bless these symbols of the never ending love these two people profess to each other. We pray these rings will always remind Harm and Sarah of the sanctity of the marriage they begin this day.
Then, with the power vested in me by Almighty God and the great state of Pennsylvania, I now declare you husband and wife. Those that God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. You may kiss your bride.
Everyone became very vocal seeing Harm take Sarah in his arms for the kiss.
(Rev) For the first time anywhere, I take great pleasure in introducing Mr. and Mrs. Harmon Rabb, Jr.
They shook hands with everyone and accepted congratulations from everyone.
(Rev) Now that the wedding is concluded, time for the blessing so we can all eat. Harm and Sarah are staying the evening so everyone can talk to them when you get a chance. Lets all do it like we taught our children.
God is great, God is good, God we thank you for this food. Amen.
Save some of the sweet potato pie for me. Let’s eat.
As everyone gathered around the table, Harm guided Sarah over to Trish, Frank, and Grams and handed them the marriage application.
(H) We would be honored if all of you would sign as our witnesses.
All three signed and then Harm and Sarah found the two Admirals and Dotty and asked them the same thing and they signed also.
(JJ) You know this is going to cost you, don’t you.
(S) Oh, here we go again.
(JJ) Double deck pinochle game, 19:00 every last Thursday of the month at our place and you bring two new decks the first time.
(H) Done deal. We will put it on the calendar as soon as we find where you live. I don’t know how you found out about all our plans but I am very glad you did. Thank you for being here to support us and our wedding.
Harm and Sarah found the minister and turned the marriage application in to him to be filed. They gave him Harm’s address so the official license could be mailed to them. They thanked him and Harm shook his hand leaving 2 crisp $100 bills there for his service. They circulated thru the crowd and talked and received congratulation from everyone. They sought out Grams and Trish as everyone was passing thru the food line:
(S) Grams, how can I help? Can I serve the drinks?
(Grams) No Sarah, you and Harm are my honored guest today. Why don’t you go thru the line and eat with your Navy friends because they said they had to leave early. We will have a lot of time together later.
Harm and Sarah did as she said and sat with Dotty, AJ, JJ, and the Stevenson’s. Harm talked to everyone as Dotty and Sarah were carrying on their own conversation.
(AJ) Even though your Grandmother insisted we not bring any gifts, JJ had a good idea and we got this for you two.
As AJ handed Harm two plastic door lock cards, JJ explained:
(JJ) One of our most favorite places to stay up close to here is Chalet # 3 at the Blue Mountain Ski Resort. It has normal heat but also 3 large fireplaces to enjoy. It has a hot tub by the huge picture window looking out over the snowy mountain. Since we didn’t want you guys to miss it, it is paid up for you thru the first of January. I understand AJ will now want you back to work on Tuesday the 3rd.
(H) I don’t know what else to say but thank you. I am sure we will enjoy it.
(S) Do they give ski lessons so we don’t kill ourselves?
(Dotty) Yes, but take the blue course if you do. We have not had enough snow for the difficult one.
(AJ) As of now you two have this week off, with my compliments. I will call JJ sometime this week and I am sure we can work something out that you both will enjoy. Some of it will depend on how soon a little bambino comes on the scene. Any idea as to when that might be?
(S) At least nine months Admiral, just in case you thought we were doing some preplanning before hand.
(AJ) Mac, I never gave that a thought. I knew you wouldn’t until I gave you permission.
(H) Well Admiral, command does have it’s duties to perform. Thank you for doing yours. It made a big difference to us.
(S) As a favor, please do not select us for a “Back and Forth” again during the winter. We about froze our butts off.
(AJ) But it did force you to talk seriously to each other with this obvious result. I believe the results far outweigh your discomfort.
(S) Maybe but,………………………….you knew he was going to be a major force to be reckoned with, didn’t you?
(AJ) No more than you being the same kind of force. I know you two are going to work, mainly because I know you two want it badly enough. That, however, does not mean I think it will always be smooth sailing. That is the price you will both pay for being with the only other person that can challenge and meet all your needs.
(S) Do you think it will always be worth while and fulfilling?
(AJ) As much as any two humans can. Always remember Love and Forgiveness. It makes us human and allows us to rise above everything else. When your children arrive, they are going to weld you together even more than you already are.
(JJ) And even though you might think us ancient, we might be able to be conned into a babysitting job every once in a while.
(Dotty) Sarah, there has to be a few perks with the job he has. It will be great fun to see both of these Admirals doting over a little one again.
(S) Harm, do we even know who any of these people are? What have they done with the people we know?
(Dotty) Oh, you know them very well. I believe they think you guys are pretty special, and we all want to know how the baby thing works out for you.
(S) You can count on that. My man can hardly wait to be a father and I have waited for years to have his children.
(AJ) It has been worth it, right?
(S) Oh, yes sir. Only you, as my CO, could understand the depth of my frustration at times and I am sure we have caused you more than your share of pain, but …………………...he is it for me.
(H) And she is it for me also. Our plan is to have a little one that has her looks and my brains, or the other way around.
(AJ) God help us! I don’t know if the world is ready for more Rabbs.
(JJ) Even though it has been great being here with you guys, we need to get going. I will say something to your Grandmother before we leave. We need to get AJ back so he can meet his blind date for tonight.
(S) Blind date? Oh, this should be good.
(Dotty) None other than Rosemary Calabash who owns the local feed store in Scotland. Since she carries heavy bags of feed all day, she should be able to take care of anything an old seal like AJ can dish out.
(S) Dotty, was this your doing or did JJ have a hand in it?
(Dotty) JJ of course. She tried to take him away from me in the 11th grade before I clocked her up side the head. She and I don’t talk much any more. AJ may have “both” of his hands full with this one.
(H) You will let us know how it goes, won’t you?
(Dotty) He will need to tell you if he wants too because he does have Admiral’s privilege as you know.
(H) Sarah, I need to hurry up and become an Admiral, I guess, if we are ever to hear the end of this story.
Thank all of you for coming because I didn’t know how this whole thing was going to work out. Evidently Grams worked the phone and made it real nice for us. Not too bad for 85 years old.
(AJ) I will host a wedding reception for you so all the JAG crew can be there and we can discuss when it will be after you both report back on the 3rd. JJ and Dotty will be invited as well. I believe you two were always meant to be together and please have a good time for the rest of the week.
JJ, Dotty, and AJ gave handshakes and hugs and Harm and Sarah followed them to the door where Grams talked with them as they got their coats on. Everyone said their “Thank you’s” and they were on their way back to Scotland.
TBC
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