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Date Posted: 15:04:44 08/24/14 Sun
Author: Lace
Subject: Dealing with retirement

Part 7 of the "Nine years after" series.

The characters aren't mine, mistakes are...



Harm and Mac's house

Mac jumped a little as she stepped out of the shower and Harm was standing right in front of her. She gave him a glare as she reached for her towel and wrapped it around herself. Lately it felt like he was everywhere all the time.

“What are you doing?” she asked as she noticed the color samples he was waving in front of her.

“I like this color,” he said and pointed to a light gray.

“Harm, we talked about this. Our bedroom is fine as it is, just like our office was and the guest room,” Mac said as she finished drying off.

Harm followed her to their bedroom where he watched as she sat down and started rubbing lotion on her legs. He smiled widely. “This is hot.”

Mac smiled. “Don't get any ideas, I'm not going to be late for work. And besides, didn't we cover that last night?”

Harm shook his head. “I never get enough, baby.”

Mac shook her head with amusement as she stood and walked over to the closet. “Don't forget that Matthew has a game today and you have to take him. I promised Nancy and Terri that we'd drive this time and they will take the next two times. I'll be late, because I have a full schedule, but I'll try to be home for dinner.”

“I have everything under control. By the way, I'm trying out a new recipe. It's a chicken stove, something Harriet talked about,” Harm stepped closer to Mac as she dropped her towel to put on underwear. “God, you're beautiful,” he said as he moved in to kiss her.

Mac stepped away from him and hurried to put on her panties and bra. “Harm, I love you, but right now you won't turn me on. I have a very important day in court, and I want to be prepared. This case is high profile, and I won't be on the bench unprepared.”

Harm gave up. “Fine, but still you've got to look at this color, Mac. It'll be great to spruce up this room don't you think?”

“Since when did you start using words like sprucing?” Mac put on her uniform and removed the towel on her head. “Seriously, do what you want,” she said as she walked into the bathroom again. “I need to dry my hair.”

“I better gather the troops. Don't want them late for school on my watch,” Harm said with a cute smile.

Mac watched him go with a smile on her face. God she loved that man, but lately he was driving her insane. If this continued he would have the whole house renovated by the time summer came along, and she worried what he would start on when the house was done. Why couldn't the man just relax and enjoy retirement?


Later that day
Harm and Mac's house

Harm had just decided to take a break from painting the bedroom when the doorbell rang. He hurried downstairs to open the door, pleased with what he had accomplished so far that day. He knew that Mac didn't agree on all his projects, but he knew she would love what he had done once she saw it. Being retired he felt that he had to make up for all the late nights and not being able to do much around the house. Mac had given up four years of her career to take care of the house and their children and now it was her turn to shine and his turn to keep the household going.

Harm opened the door and smiled widely. “A.J?”

“I hear you're planning on renovating the whole house?” A.J said with a smile and offered his hand.

Harm shook the outstretched hand. “So you've been talking to Mac, huh?”

A.J laughed. “Hell, I spent two years traveling around watching baseball when I retired, who am I to judge?”

Harm stepped aside. “Come on in,” he said.

“Mac looks great,” A.J said as he stepped into the house. “I sat in on the case she's presiding over. Being on the bench suits her.”

“She's a great judge,” Harm agreed proudly. “Although she's a brilliant lawyer too. Coffee?”

“No doubt. Coffee would be great,” A.J said.

They walked to the kitchen where Harm asked A.J to sit down. He arranged the coffee and sat down as well.

“So Mac thinks I'm losing it, huh?” Harm asked.

A.J chuckled. “I think she's just worried that you're overdoing it. Trying to make up for all the late nights and missed moments in a month.”

“I guess she's right,” Harm admitted.

“Is that wise?” A.J asked.

“Probably not,” Harm said hesitantly. “I guess I've been a little intense.”

A.J chuckled. “That's what Mac said.”

Harm laughed as well. “She's been amazing with the house and the kids, giving up her career like she did. She haven't missed out on much when it comes to them, while I've missed so much.”

“It's that way with every soldier who has built a career. Believe me, I know all about missing out on what's important. But you're a great father, Harm. It's not just Mac's doing,” A.J reassured.

“I guess you're right,” Harm said with a small smile. “What about you? How's Francesca and the grandkids?”

“Wonderful,” A.J said proudly. “I think my daughter appreciate having me closer.”

“I bet she does,” Harm said and looked thoughtful. “That's what it's all about huh? Family.”

“It's why we do what we do, to keep them all safe,” A.J said, then he laughed a little. “Or what we used to do.”

Harm laughed as well and raised his mug. “To family.”

“To family, “ A.J said and he too raised his mug.



Harm and Mac's house
Two days later

Harm moved Mac into their bedroom, asking her to keep her eyes shut. He was very pleased with the result of his work and now he just hoped that she was too. Mac hadn't been allowed into their room while he'd been working on it, Harm had begged her not to ruin his surprise.

“Can I open now?” Mac asked impatiently.

“Okay, you can open your eyes,” he said.

Mac opened her eyes and looked around. “It looks really great, Harm.”

“Are you sure you like it?” Harm asked hesitantly.

“I'm absolutely sure,” Mac said and took his hand. “It's great.”

“Good,” Harm tugged her hand. “Now, open the closet.”

Mac noticed that he had changed the doors. She let go of his hand and opened the closet doors. She was stunned.

“Harm!” she more or less yelled. In front of her was a walk in closet, all her shoes were lined up on shelfs, and he had framed photographs of them and the kids on the walls.

“I figured that we didn't need the nursery, so I decided to make you a walk in closet in stead. I know how much you missed the one we had while I was stationed in Florida,” Harm smiled widely. “So?”

“Oh my God, I love it!” Mac kissed him deeply. “This is amazing, Harm. And all the framed photos...”

Harm saw the tears in Mac's eyes. “Marines don't cry,” he teased.

“This Marine does,” Mac said as she wiped the tears away. “You are amazing.”

“Don't I know it.” Harm knew his cockiness would earn him a glare from his wife, but he didn't care. To his surprise Mac just smiled ad kissed him again.

“So, does this mean that I can move back into my own bedroom now?” Mac wondered when the kiss ended.

“Yes, ma'am,” Harm said with a sweet smile.


Later that night
Harm and Mac's home office

Harm leaned against the door frame as he watched Mac's concentrated look. She looked very cute in her PJ's, blue with pink hearts. He knew she only wore it because she had gotten it from her children as a Mother's Day gift. Her feet were resting on her desk, her arms crossed as she studied a spot on the wall.

“Working hard, or hardly working?” he asked teasingly.

Mac smiled as she looked at him. “Hardly working.”

Harm chuckled as he walked fully into the room. “How about joining the rest of us downstairs. We're watching TV and eating popcorn.”

“Popcorn om a Thursday? What did you do with the real Harmon Rabb?” she teased.

Harm laughed. “Come on,” he said as he took her hand and dragged her to her feet. “Why so thoughtful?”

“Oh it's nothing really, just thinking that I haven't been fair to you,” Mac said hesitantly. “I, of all people, should be able to relate to how difficult it is to leave a career behind. It wasn't easy to marry you and leave behind everything that had given my life meaning.”

“But it's not the same, because my life has meaning without the Navy. I have you and the kids,” Harm reasoned.

Mac nodded. “I know, but the Navy has been a huge part of your life sine the day you were born. Leaving it behind isn't supposed to be easy.”

“I guess I've fallen into old habits and taken on a new obsession,” Harm admitted.

Mac smiled. “The house looks lovely.”

“I've been driving you crazy,” Harm said with a small laugh.

“You have been a little intense, but I do have to admit that it's been nice to have dinner on the table when I come home, and I have to say that your housewife skills are amazing,” Mac said with a teasing laugh. “But don't forget to have some fun huh?”

“I won't. In fact, Nathan and I have made some plans,” Harm said.

“Yeah?”

“We are planning on fixing up a car for him,” Harm said with a huge smile on his face. “He has his mind set on a Cadillac.”

“Aha,” Mac smiled. “I've had some fun in a car like that.”

“You what?” Harm questioned.

Mac turned to go, ignoring him.

“Mac, what exactly do you mean by fun?” he started to follow her. “Mac?”

“Mac?”

“Mac?”

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Replies:

[> So much fun with retirement. Mac can I borrow Harm I have a few projects . -- Beth, 15:55:14 08/24/14 Sun [1]


[ Edit | View ]
[> Harm the Handyman, gotta love it.. -- JoyZ, 23:18:14 08/24/14 Sun [1]


[ Edit | View ]
[> Love it! Keep 'em coming, I love reading your stories! -- Ciara, 12:59:22 08/27/14 Wed [1]


[ Edit | View ]
[> A man of many talents! Fun! -- Alicia, 23:18:19 09/01/14 Mon [1]


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