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Date Posted: 08:04:41 06/15/13 Sat
Author: Nettie
Subject: Fairytales (Repost)
In reply to:
Nettie
's message, "Harm and Father's Day (Inside)" on 08:02:58 06/15/13 Sat
Disclaimer: not mine
Isabelle Sarah MacKenzie Rabb was too little to understand the symbolism of it, but every night Harm told her the same bedtime story. It was about a very beautiful princess with chocolate locks and chocolate eyes, just like Isabelle's. The main character was Princess Sarah and she was the fairest of all the lands. Like all princesses in fairy tales she faced a perilous situation in the mean land of Paragland and then a dashing young prince by the name of Harmon came to rescue her, brought her home and they lived happily ever after.
And every night the four and a half year old would ask him to retell the story, and like a good daddy he would. The second time around would be much slower and more monotone and by the time Prince Harmon had vanquished the nasty Mr Webb from their lives, Isabelle would be sleeping soundly. Standing, Harm would kiss her head twice, once from him, once from Mac, turn off the light and close the door, leaving his daughter to a dreamland filled with fun and fairytales.
Taking himself into his own room, Harm's fairytale adventure would revert back to the reality; the sad, heartbreaking reality that Princess Sarah only existed now in the land of make-believe. While Prince Harmon ended up with his Princess each night, the truth was that Harm lost his Sarah four and a half years ago the same day she gave him the most precious gift in the world, Isabelle.
Four years on and Harm still slept with Mac's photo on the pillow beside him. He had filled the house with photos of her, of them both, of them welcoming Isabelle into the world. The look of pure bliss on her face was something Harm would never forget. Alas, ten minutes after the photo was taken Mac's beleaguered uterus had ruptured and she had bled out before they could get her to surgery.
It was by far the very best and very worst days he had ever experienced. Even now, the mere memory of the doctor shaking his head as he exited her room brought him to tears. And for the millionth time since her passing, Harm had to wonder what kind of God would do this to her. How could a loving God be so cruel as to give her everything she desired for such a short time? How could He bring a life into the world only to leave her without her mother, a mother who would have spent her life loving and cherishing her? There were so many questions but never any answers.
In the aftermath of Mac's death, Harm had retired from the Navy. With his twenty years behind and the life of a single parent ahead, the decision to retire had been very easy. For the first six months, his mother and step-father stayed with him, to rally around him and to help with the baby. There were days, early on, when the haze of grief was so thick Harm couldn't see a thing around him. And the day to day care of Isabelle, and himself, was left to others. There continued to be difficult times but he moved on...slowly ... and his parents only went home when Harm felt he could cope alone.
It was their first night alone that Harm told the infant the story of Princess Sarah. His very distressed little girl soon calmed as he rocked her and talked about the most beautiful princess in the world and how much she loved them both.
Each of Isabelle's milestones were met with smiles and tears. Each one filling his heart with pride. Each one reminding Harm that this was something else Mac was missing out on.
Through it all, Harriet had been a godsend. It was she who helped him through the teething periods. The nonstop screaming and tears were something that Harm could not face alone. It was Harriet who taught him how to fix a girl's hair with ribbons and bows, braids and pigtails. It was Harriet who babysat when he needed a long run or a night out or just some space.
This particular night, Harm went to the window seat in the living room with his guitar and strummed gently as he softly crooned 'The Way We Were'. With Mac's birthday only a week away, he was feeling very melancholy and soon the tears fell. It wasn't until he got to the chorus for a second time he realised he had an audience.
"Why does Princess Sarah always make you sad, daddy?" she asked from the doorway.
Putting his guitar down, Harm beckoned his daughter over and soon she was on his lap, snuggled into him.
"Because I miss her," Harm said, as he kissed the child's head.
"I miss her too," she replied, running her hand inside Harm's shirt so she could be closer.
"Do you?" Harm asked. "What do you miss about her?"
"I miss her being my mommy," she said with a yawn and Harm's brow furrowed. There wasn't much that got by his daughter.
"I miss that too," he said, kissing her head again.
"Tell me about my mommy," she said, looking up at him with the same soulful eyes her mother once had; the same eyes which melted his heart each and every time.
Reaching across, Harm picked up the photo taken in the first moments of Isabelle's life.
"Your mommy loved you very, very much," he started, fighting against the lump in his throat. "See, here she is giving you your very first kiss and you can see all the love she had for you in her eyes."
Silently, Isabelle reached out and traced her finger around Mac's face.
"Why did she die then?" she asked, too young to know what being blunt was.
"She didn't want to, Belle," he said, holding her tightly. "What she wanted most was a baby and she was so happy when you came along. But her tummy was too sick and just after you came, she died."
"That's sad, daddy," she said tearfully.
"That's very sad, Belle," he replied swiping at a tear.
"I wish she was here," Isabelle said, pushing closer to Harm.
"We all wish that," Harm said, before coughing to clear the lump in his throat.
"I want a mommy," she said, tugging at Harm's shirt.
"You have one, baby," he soothed. "This is your mommy," he said, tapping the photo. "And she is always here..." he tapped her chest above her heart, then above his. "And here..."
"But I can't hug her there," she cried. "Not like Nikki and them can hug Aunty Harriet ..."
"I know, but you can hug me," he said, pulling her closer. "I'll always be here for you."
Isabelle hugged him tightly before pulling back slightly. "Sing, daddy," she said and in the quietness of the room, Harm sang 'Mockingbird' until his baby girl had drifted off to sleep.
For nearly an hour, Harm cradled his sleeping daughter to him, trying to ease his own pain. As he did he thought about the life ahead for Isabelle and the toll not having a mother would have on her. On a desperate night a week after his parents had left when Isabelle had cried endlessly, Harm had called Harriet in utter distress. Five minutes after she'd arrived, Harriet found the problem, Harm had the diaper on too tightly and the child was uncomfortable. A fresh diaper on properly, a quick tepid bath to soothe the infant and Isabelle was asleep. It took Harriet a lot more work to soothe Harm though.
He had said a lot to Harriet that night, lots of things he couldn't remember, lots of things he could. While she had never brought up the content of that evening with him again, he knew he had asked her to take the child and bring her up as her own, that way the child would have a mother and father. Harriet had held his hand and promised to do anything but that. While she would do everything she could for them both, the baby girl had a daddy that loved her very, very much and she needed him as much as he needed her.
When Harm had gotten down on his knees and tearfully pleaded with her to take Isabelle, Harriet had simply wrapped her arms around him and waited for his utter heartache to subside. It was then she told him she would stay the night and they would talk once Harm had eaten something and slept at least six hours.
When the following day dawned, Harm felt somewhat better about things and rather than talking about the custody of the child over breakfast, they had made a plan of all the things that needed to happen for Isabelle and the way they could share the load. Harm would take her to the moms'n'bubs class to learn how to do things with her; Harriet would take her for her immunisation shots, something Harm couldn't bear to do. Harm would take care of her on weekdays, and Harriet would have her sleep over on Saturday nights so Harm could spend the weekend doing things for himself. It was a plan which worked well.
While Harriet was 'Aunty Harriet' by name and god mother by baptism, Harm conceded she was the nearest thing his daughter would ever have for a mother and for that he was grateful. As he carried the child back to her bed he allowed himself to smile, for the first time since she was born Harm was starting to feel that they could do this, that he could raise a happy, well adjusted girl.
"Goodnight, sweetheart," he whispered, tucking her in once more. "Daddy loves you very, very much."
"Love, daddy," she murmured.
"Love you," he repeated, and then he kissed her - twice.
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Favourites - REPOST -- Nettie, 08:06:20 06/15/13 Sat [1]
Disclaimer: They don't belong to me...wish they did.
AN: Written as a challenge piece for HBX
Favourites
This is my favourite part of the day...well, one of my favourite parts anyway. Once again, my beautiful wife has woken me in a way I find more than satisfying. By the time I can fully manage to open my eyes she is laying naked on top of me, slowly moving in her own rhythm. I once told her, early in our marriage, that she could take me anytime, anywhere she pleases and she does, regularly. She said I could do the same, however, the first time I tried to wake her in such a manner I ended up with a black eye and a bruised testicle thanks to her sharp reflexes and sound marine training, so, you'll understand that I have never tried again. Still, I have no complaints in being woken this way and smile as Mac begins placing kisses up and down my jaw.
Morning sex with my gorgeous wife is always slow and sensual and always amazingly delightful. There's never a rush, or a sense of urgency, just a simple easy pleasure to greet the new day with. Early dawn encounters are always on her terms and that's something I am more than happy to live with. Mac sets the pace, the style, the duration and I just go along for the ride, so to speak. Strangely enough, we never speak during these encounters, saving our words and declarations for when we've finished. I don't know if it makes it more of a spiritual encounter but aside for some humming on Mac's behalf, these morning moments are enjoyed in near silence.
We only ever make love once in the mornings as the encounters are long and leisurely and more than fulfilling. Night times ... ahhh ... night times are a different story and another favourite of mine.
Night times are the times where I usually take the lead. Our encounters can be fast and frenzied and fairly frequent. What we lack in pace in the morning is made up for at night and on many occasions we haven't made it to the bedroom preferring to share the experience in whichever room we may be, on or against any surface which is convenient. Although these days it's more often than not the bed; I'm not as young as I used to be.
During the night time encounters we declare our love and talk throughout. I found out early on that Mac likes to be ah...instructive ... as we make love, she also has a penchant for some rather unladylike talk; not that I'd ever describe it to her that way. After all, she's already called me a prude on more than one occasion and I don't want to give her anymore proof of it being correct. I had thought myself quite liberal when it came to sex; after all, I had quite a reputation with the ladies in my younger days. Thing is, Mac had seen through all that bravado...or maybe bullshit is a more apt word...and makes me go outside my comfort zone in all sorts of ways during sex. Well, just to clarify, she doesn't make me, I am a more than willing participant, I guess I'm just a little more reserved than she is in that aspect of our relationship...not that I'll admit it to her...ever!
The first time we made love Mac was rather vocal and I was quite taken aback. The more things progressed, the more vocal she became and the more panicked I got. Just as she was about to reach her peak I froze and rather than a descriptive monologue of what I could do to please her, peppered with a few choice words, she came to a standstill too and studied my face. Eventually, she whispered, "Breathe."
And I did...sometimes she still has to remind me.
Anyway, you may wonder why I am thinking about these things as my wife writhes on top of me. Well, very early in our marriage, well, actually, a week after our engagement at McMurphy's, I attended Mac's OBGYN appointment with her. We had decided that as neither of us was getting any younger we would start looking at our reproductive options as soon as possible. Her OBGYN referred us to a reproductive therapist and within a week we were sitting in front of a complete stranger being put on a reproductive schedule.
Now, I am a very private person and was totally unprepared for the intrusion seeing this sort of therapist would bring. In the course of the two hour session, she had inquired about and revised what I ate, how I slept, the exercise I did, how and when we had sex and the underwear I wore. We walked out with a new daily schedule which I had readily agreed to, willing to do anything for Mac, and for us ... and the hope of a baby.
We had then spent the next eight months following the daily schedule to the letter. Making love was off the agenda, replaced by scheduled sex in line with Mac's cycle. Now, I know I'm not the most romantic guy in the world but in the early stages of any relationship sexual spontaneity is a main feature and I missed it. Still, I sucked it up for the greater good and continued with the schedule.
But then I had come home early one afternoon to check on Mac who had herself gone home early unwell, I was greeted by a sobbing wreck and an assortment of tampons and pads which had been thrown across the bathroom by my very distressed wife. It seemed her period had arrived and she was devastated.
Another month of doing everything correctly, of sacrificing love for sex, of changing her diet, her lifestyle and her thinking was all for nothing...again.
Scooping her up off the bathroom floor and into my lap, I held and kissed her as the pain and disappointment of another fruitless month engulfed her. For over an hour I sat with her, even after her tears had subsided and her breathing had calmed, I held her close. Finally, she went to speak but I pressed my finger to her lips and shook my head. I wanted to go first.
"You know how much I absolutely love and adore you, don't you?" I checked and she nodded. "Well, I think we need to rethink what we're doing," I continued and stroked her cheek as her eyes filled with tears once more. "I don't want to give up but I think we should give ourselves a month off and use the time to just be us for a bit. What do you think?" I removed my finger and Mac took a deep breath.
"I think you are right," she said quietly. "Can we maybe get a way for a couple of weeks?"
"To anywhere you want, gorgeous," I replied, prepared to take her to the ends of the earth.
So we did; spent two weeks in Jamaica, days relaxing on the beach or mingling with the locals and evenings in our villa where romance and intimacy abounded.
It was there we established our lazy morning love making and our more boisterous night time activities. After we returned to DC we continued, enjoying who we were on our own schedule. It was six weeks later that Mac spoke for the first time during the early hours, muttering 'fuck' when she couldn't climax like usual. I didn't think anything more of it though, just helped her out and all was well.
A week later at our regular OBGYN appointment, well, Mac's appointment obviously, I was just a regular guest, and a routine blood test showed Mac was pregnant and with dates and all, it seemed out Jamaican retreat had done the trick. Seven months later we were blessed with Charlie, a little earlier than we expected but healthy and perfect and just breathtakingly amazing.
It was about thirteen months later when Mac uttered the same word at the same time and my mind instantly went to Charlie. Was it possible this was a sign of another pregnancy? It was, and along came Andy. Just as healthy and perfect and amazing. Andy was a few days overdue and seems to be spending his time making up for it.
I've often looked at my boys, as they grow together, and marvelled at how the two can be such polar opposites. Charlie is so relaxed and chilled. Nothing fazes him. He was a dream baby, going to bed easily, sleeping through the night and waking refreshed and willing to face the challenges of the day. Andy, on the other hand is a dynamo; never in the same place for more than a minute. Andy seems to run on Energizer batteries and once those batteries run out he crashes until morning by which time he has recharged and has boundless energy once more.
Mac and I often joke that it's not hard to tell at which time of day each boy was conceived. Charlie was obviously a morning conception, while Andy has to have been an evening one.
Oh, so getting back to now. I usually allow my mind to drift as Mac works above me. If I was to actually concentrate on what she was doing things could quite possibly be over in minutes. This way, I get to think of all things Mac, savour the moment and save myself for when I'm needed most...can you see why it's a favourite time?
I have never mentioned Mac's utterances to her and she doesn't know it yet but on the bathroom counter is an early pregnancy test kit with a little note from me. You see, yesterday she muttered it again.
I know it's going to make life more than interesting having three children under four but I'm sure we are more than ready to undertake the job. After all, our baby deal was made fourteen years ago, so really, we are just making up for lost time.
As Mac's breathing changes I focus my energy and thoughts back onto her and within minutes our releases are complete and she is slumped on me, catching her breath. Slowly, I stroke her back as I kiss her head.
"Love you," I say as I press another kiss to her crown.
"Love you," she replies, kissing my chest.
Quite content to lie there all day, I know I can't. There are things to do.
Slowly, Mac peels herself off me and heads to the bathroom. I watch her bare butt disappear into the bathroom and think all sorts of things to myself; some relating to her six but mostly about the test by the sink. Before I can elaborate on those thoughts the monitor springs to life beside the bed and stirs me from my ramblings.
Climbing out the bed I shrug on my robe and tie it. Padding out I stop at the boys' bedroom and kiss them good morning. Andy, as always, is jumping up and down at the end of his crib while Charlie is just lying in his bed stretching and smiling at me.
Scooping them both up I carry them to the kitchen, revealing in the feel of my sons in my arms. My sons...never thought it would happen.
Now, if it turns out we are pregnant again, I wonder if it will be a case of 'My Three Sons' or whether we'll have a girl...a daddy's girl, in the image of her gorgeous and incredible mother.
It's Saturday so it's pancakes for breakfast and Charlie is a great help stirring the batter; l think he makes less mess than his mother. Soon, I have the table set and the boys seated and ready. When Mac hasn't reappeared in her usual time I start to suspect there is something wrong.
Deciding to go ahead and feed the boys, I prepare and place pancakes in front of them before heading towards the bedroom.
Two strides from the door and Mac appears with the note in one hand, the stick in the other and tears streaming down her face.
"It's positive," she whispers, waving it at me. "How did you know?" she asks, raising the note.
"Intuition," I say as I open my arms.
She laughs and I know she doesn't believe me but there's time for that later.
"I love you very much, mommy," I say as I lower my head to hers.
"I love you very much, daddy," she replies, pushing up on her tiptoes to seal the kiss.
The kiss is long and deep and passionate and interrupted by Andy's squeals for 'panpakes'.
"Panpakes sound good," Mac says as she snuggles into my side and we walk back into the kitchen.
"With lemon and sugar?" I ask and she nods her eyes fixed on the stick.
"Momma!" Andy calls and she slips the stick into her pocket before hugging and kissing both her boys.
"My three sons or daddy's girl?" she says as I put her plate in front of her.
I smile at how easily she can read my mind. "Do you have a preference?" I counter.
"I love our boys but a little girl would be precious," she says as she steals a kiss.
"I agree," I say, kissing her back.
Whichever way it goes I know it will work out, how could it not? I waited forty years to find my soul mate...well, I waited thirty years to find her, ten to get my head out of my six and now, our five years together have been amazingly perfect.
Once, Mac was told she had less than a 4% chance of conceiving, well, we've certainly beaten those odds. She has spent her whole life beating challenges and it is my honour and privilege to now be allowed to stand alongside her and face the challenges together.
"Love daddy," Charlie says as he climbs into my lap and wraps his honey covered hands around my neck and I smile.
This is another favourite part of the day.
"Love dada, love dada," Andy joins in, waving his arms around so I'll pick him up. Mac does it for me and settles him on my lap too.
Within a minute I'm covered in a hundred sticky kisses and hugs and I'm in my element.
Mac stands and for a minute I think she's going to clear the dishes, something that can definitely wait but instead she grabs the camera and takes a few snaps of me with the boys. I already know those photos will end up in my favourites folder on my computer. I grin to myself; I have just over 3000 photos on my computer from this last year alone. 2768 are in my favourites.
I don't know whether I am using the word incorrectly but I don't care. Finally, my life is filled with a million favourite moments and I plan on ensuring the rest of my life, our life, is spent exactly the same way.
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Daddy! (Very Adult Content) -- Nettie, 08:09:53 06/15/13 Sat [1]
Daddy!
Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, I just like to play with them. This is one of my SVU stories JAGified...because someone asked nicely.
Daddy, wake up...
Ssh, you're okay, go back to sleep.
Daddy, I'm hungry ...
No, you're not, go back to sleep.
Daddy ... daddy
the voice was insistent ...daddy ...
The words were interrupting his sleep yet again. In recent months, between nights spent on investigation and nights interrupted by 'daddy' being called it was amazing he got any sleep at all.
The first time anyone had called him daddy was Mac ...on the day she told him she was pregnant ... Daddy ...
Daddy ... shit ... daddy ... A week overdue ... Three in the morning ...
It all made sense now ... The baby was coming ... and coming now.
"It's alright, Mac ... I got it covered," Harm said, tumbling from the bed and grabbing his sweats. "Everything will be fine ..." He threw on the nearest top and shoved his feet into shoes.
"Harm..."
"You're okay, it'll be fine."
"Harm
"
"Keys
keys
and bag
where's your bag?
. Oh yeah, by the front door
"
"Harm
"
"No, no, it's okay
I've got it
" It was his job to keep her calm, after all he'd been through his share of dramatic moments and this should be easy enough.
"Harm
"
She watched as he raced down the stairs to collect to her bag.
Easing her vastly expanded body from the bed, she shrugged into a robe before waddling downstairs. Smiling when she heard the engine start, Mac made her way to the kitchen and sat on a breakfast bar stool, chocolate bar in hand.
She heard the squeal of the tyres as the car took off and then the screeching of brakes as Harm realised his mistake.
She giggled as he reappeared at the door, flustered and puffing.
"Mac? Mac?" he called from the bottom of the stairs. "I'm so sorry, honey, I'm coming
" He raced up the steps
she listened to his footsteps overhead before they started back downstairs. "Mac?" he called almost frantic.
"Right here, Harm," she called back, popping the last of the Mars Bar into her mouth.
"What
what
are you doing?" he asked breathing heavily.
"Eating," she grinned.
"But you're having the baby
you shouldn't be eating," he said, crossing the floor to her.
"I'm not having the baby, Harm." She smiled, patting his cheek.
"But, but, you woke me up
you called me daddy
said you were
" his voice trailed as Mac's lips found his.
"Hungry. I said I was hungry," she mumbled into his mouth.
"You could have told me," he replied, dodging her tongue.
"I tried
you weren't listening to me, sweetie," she said pulling back.
"You could have tried harder," he said, his heart still thumping.
"Now, where would the fun in that be." She grinned.
"I'm listening now," he said, as her hands slipped to his back pulling him to her. "Anything you need?"
"Yeah," she sighed. "I need my husband to take me to bed and have wild sex with me until it brings on labor. Think you can handle it?"
"I think so." Harm grinned, helping her down from the stool.
"One thing, Harm," she said, nudging him as they climbed the stairs. "Can you make sure I'm with you before you take off this time?"
"Can't believe I left you here," he said shaking his head.
"Me neither," she replied, opening their bedroom door.
"You're gonna make me pay, aren't you?" Harm questioned; half a grin on his lips.
"Oh yeah, big time," Mac smiled. "Big time."
Mac slipped her robe off before Harm came over to help her with her nightgown.
"You look amazing," he whispered, kissing her head.
"You look pretty good too, Harm," she replied, her hands tugging at his top. "But I think this looks better on me."
Harm looked down to find he'd thrown on her hot pink sweater with a baby on board message and an arrow pointing down to his stomach. He shook his head in disbelief; he was supposed to be far more together than this.
When he was stripped naked, he gently caressed Mac's face.
"How'd you wanna do this?" he whispered before sucking on her earlobe. Sex in pregnancy was one thing; sex in advanced pregnancy was something completely different.
"Well, orgasm's the best way to bring on junior, so I say whatever makes me come hard and fast and often," she cooed, her hand gently squeezing his hardened length.
"If you want that, gorgeous," he said, tugging her hand away. "Then you can't do that
"
"Spoilsport," she sassed, as she walked him backward to the bed.
As his knees hit the mattress, he sat down on the bed, slowly edging himself backwards to the middle before he lay down, his arms out to the side. "I'm all yours, Mac
do with me what you will
" He grinned as she crawled over him, until her knees sat alongside his hips. She rested for a moment on his thighs.
"Anything I like?" she asked shyly as she dragged her nails along his shaft.
"Yep," he replied, grabbing her hand. "Except that." Mac pouted and gave him the doe-eyed look she knew he couldn't resist. "Fine," he relented releasing her hand. "But just so you know, making me come is not going to bring on labour."
"Trust you to be logical," she whined, grabbing a lubricant from the side table and squirting it on him.
"Only stating the obvious," he replied, as she eased herself up and over him.
"You're lucky I love you, Rabb," Mac said, shaking her head."Real lucky."
"I know," Harm answered sincerely. "I love you too, Mac."
"You know I get tired very easy these days
" she said quietly as she lowered herself slowly onto him, instantly feeling the immense pressure of him in her full abdomen.
"I know," he said, lacing his fingers with hers.
"I may not be able to do this for very long," she continued, kneeling up and reducing some of the pressure.
"I know," he replied, letting go of one hand and placing it on her waist. "I can help you, gorgeous," he whispered as she slid onto him again.
"Okay," she breathed, raising up once more. Harm's helped the best he could but when he realised the sounds emanating from her were whimpers rather than sounds of pleasure he stopped her.
"What's wrong?" he asked, trying to sit up. Mac shook her head but her tears still came. "Hey, hey," he soothed as she moved off him and rested on his thighs. "Are you in pain?"
"No," she whispered.
"What is it?" he cooed, his hands framing her face.
"Tired," she whimpered, dropping her head.
"You want to go to sleep?" he asked, raising her chin. "Hey?"
She shook her head. "I want you to make me come, Harm," she whispered, tears filling her eyes once more. She was exhausted, frustrated and horny as hell but her body wasn't cooperating with her in the least. "Please, make me come," she begged her husband, tears trickling down her cheeks.
"Oh, Mac," he soothed. "Come here." He pulled her to him and adjusted their positions so she was comfortable.
Mac nestled her head into him and groaned in relief when his hand slipped between her legs, his fingers teasing her. Starting with one finger he dipped into her wetness, caressing her tenderly as he did. It didn't take long before she was bucking into his hand. He added a second finger and picked up speed, his plunges into her body quick and even, not wanting to over stimulate her too soon.
"Faster," she pleaded as she arched into him. "Please, faster."
Harm complied moving his hand faster and faster, using his thumb he brushed over her clit sending her over the edge. Her thighs locked around his hand jamming it in place as her body arched and stiffened as she cried out his name.
He kissed her breasts gently before pursing his lips over her left nipple; he suckled for a moment, then used his tongue to trace around it. Mac whimpered again as he blew gently on it, causing her nipple to bead painfully. The right breast got the same attention as his hand resumed its activities nestled deep between her legs.
"You," she breathed hard. "I want you." Her hand flailed around until she found his solid erection. "Want you in me
"
"Then we're going to have to change positions," he whispered hoarsely.
Mac rolled herself over onto her hands and knees and braced herself for him. She had never liked the term doggy style or the position itself, but six months into her pregnancy, when the baby was sitting in an awkward position, she had found it to be the only thing that worked.
"You ready," Harm asked, positioning himself behind her and gently massaging her thigh.
"Yeah," she said, as she felt his hand slip around to her abdomen, trying to support the bump.
"Okay," he said. "You tell me if it's too much," he instructed quietly as his tip disappeared between her nether lips.
"Aha," she breathed, moving back onto him.
In perfect sync they moved maximizing the effect with minimal effort on Mac's behalf.
"Harm, faster," she urged as she collapsed onto her elbows, her forehead resting on the bed.
Harm obliged, moving his hands to her hips and bracing her against his strengthening thrusts.
"Harder," she begged, her hands gripping onto the quilt. "Harder!"
With all he could, Harm held her as still as possible and plunged into her depths.
"God, yes," she yelled. "More!" He plunged deeper than he ever thought possible, harder than he ever intended into her over and over and over again. When he thought he could take no more he slipped his hand around her and worked her clit as he continued with rapid deep thrusts.
Although he hadn't wanted to, Harm exploded in her as he continued to thrust. At the warm sensation, Mac collapsed onto her belly; the overwhelming sensations of his hand, his dick, the solid baby bump and his weight on her making her explode. Quickly Harm withdrew and helped her roll over.
"You okay?" he asked, leaning in to kiss her. Her smile gave him the answer. "Had enough?"
"Never," she mumbled. "Just give me a couple of minutes."
Harm smiled at her as she closed her eyes. Her face was flushed, her hair mussed, her body glistening in sweat and the nine month baby bump protruding tremendously and he knew that she had never looked more beautiful.
"Take all the time you need," he soothed, grabbing a blanket and draping it over her.
"I'll be right in a minute," she murmured as she rolled onto her side, sleep already claiming her.
"Okay," Harm smiled, knowing it would be a long while before she was ready.
Slipping into the space behind her, Harm folded one arm under his head before running the other one over her waist and to the front of her bump. Gently he rubbed circles on the stretched flesh, grinning when he felt a kick beneath his hand.
"Hey, junior," he whispered. "You planning on coming out anytime soon?" The baby kicked again. "You're having too much fun in there, hey?" Another kick. "Well, your mom and I are having fun out here too but we really can't wait to see you
so any time you're ready, okay?" Tenderly he placed a kiss on her shoulder before allowing himself to drift off.
Sometime near dawn, Mac stirred and smiled when she realized she was wrapped in her husband. Taking hold of his hand, she raised it to her lips and kissed it.
"You awake, Harm?" she asked, gently tugging on his arm.
"Mmmmha," he mumbled.
"I'm ready when you are," she said, reaching her arm around to caress his head.
"Mmmmha," he repeated.
"Hey, Commander," she called. And he was awake.
"What?" he questioned, moving back and rolling her towards him.
"I said, I'm ready," she smiled, looping her hands around his neck and pulling him to her, letting her lips and tongue do any further talking.
"More?" he grinned when she finally took a breath.
"Aha," she smirked. "Take me, I'm yours."
Harm scanned the room, trying to find a surface or a position which would be best. With ease he scooped her up and placed her on the two-seater sofa by the window. She looked at him curiously.
"Good height, good length, you can brace yourself on the arm and I can use the back of it for support," he reported, before kissing her deeply.
With great care, Harm made sure she was positioned comfortably, helping her move down so she was flat on her back, with her right leg bent and braced on the arm of it. He pulled her left leg from the sofa and dropped it to the floor.
"You think this is gonna work?" she asked, as he situated himself precariously.
"Only one way to find out," he grinned as he raised her leg, which had been braced and draped it over his shoulder, before edging up closer to her with one hand on the back of the sofa, the other on the edge.
He had only managed a few thrusts before they knew it wasn't going to work.
"Sit," Mac instructed, as she moved to straddle him. She used the back of the sofa to help her move up and down on him. Harm had his hands around her waist, helping her. Both thankful they'd spent the extra money and bought the well sprung sofa. Mac bounced and Harm thrust and without too much effort she was once again screaming his name before slumping onto him.
"More?" he asked as she smiled at him.
"You must be thinking you married a nympho," she panted against his shoulder.
"I wouldn't be complaining if I had," he replied, running kisses from her ear to her shoulder.
"You think this is helping at all?" she asked.
"It's helping me," Harm grinned, nibbling on her ear.
"The baby? Do you think it's helping to bring on labor?" she asked, before catching her breath as his thumb flicked over her nipple.
"Well," he said. "Junior will come when junior's ready. Along with sex, going for long walks and eating curry are also known to bring on labor."
Mac thought about it for a few minutes. "I'd rather have sex," she said matter-of-factly. "You?"
"Oh, sex any day," Harm said with a grin. "How do you want to do it next?"
"Call me old-fashioned but I want to do it missionary style," Mac sighed, knowing it wasn't going to happen.
"Well," Harm thought for a moment. "What if we compromise?" Mac looked up at him quizzically. "You can lay on your back and we can use Little Harm," he suggested. He hadn't known whether to be flattered or insulted when he'd first discovered Mac's vibrator, bearing his name, tucked into her cupboard, a couple of months after they'd gotten together. But any insecurities about the battery operated latex device were dispelled the first time she let him use it on her and he'd found the whole experience very arousing.
"Not quite the same," she replied, "but what the hell."
Harm grinned as he went to find his name sake. "Which lubricant?" he asked, coming back to the bed holding up the warming one in one hand and the ice in the other.
"Use the ice one," she said, "Maybe it'll make it too cold and he'll come out by himself."
"He'll?" Harm asked, his eyes widening. They'd made a pact not to find out the baby's gender beforehand, despite all the opportunities to do so. Although Harm had had a feeling Mac had found out at her last ultrasound, one he couldn't attend.
"He / She
" Mac said, dropping her eyes to her stomach. "Just don't want to keep calling it 'it'."
"You know, don't you?" he questioned, ducking his head to make eye contact.
"No!" she protested but despite her best efforts she couldn't help but smile. "I do know."
"And it's a boy," Harm said by way of statement, Mac nodded.
"I'm sorry, honey," she said caressing his face. "I know you wanted to wait, but the technician let it slip during the ultrasound and
"
"A boy," he repeated. He didn't care either way, at least that's what he'd told Mac and tried to convince himself of but as much as he would love a daughter, he wanted a son, an heir, and he was overwhelmed Mac was giving him one.
"Yeah, a boy. You okay?" she asked as his eyes clouded over.
"Never been better," he whispered crawling up beside her on the bed and kissing her thoroughly. "I love you so much, Sarah MacKenzie Rabb," he declared, kissing her again. "Thank you so much."
"Thank you," she replied kissing him back. "I love you too."
Harm opened the lubricant bottle and squirted some on Little Harm, before easing her legs apart and resting him on her nether lips; he turned it onto the lowest setting and teased her with long strokes up and down.
"Let's go for broke," Mac groaned, reaching down and turning the power up to the max. Little Harm had barely had the chance to weave his magic when Mac's eyes opened wide, her body tensed and her nails dug into Harm's arms.
"I'll be jealous if he's made you come so quickly," Harm chided before he realised it wasn't an orgasm which had her in this state. The gush of water from between her legs an instant giveaway.
EOeoEO
Sixteen hours later, the midwife placed the screaming newborn on Mac's chest as Harm moved to cut the cord.
"Hey, baby boy," she cooed, tears streaming freely as she took in the sight of her first born child. "Aren't you the most beautiful thing in the world?"
"No," Harm said, moving back to her. "That would be you, Mac," he whispered, kissing her forehead before turning his attention to their newborn son.
"He's amazing, Mac," he declared, kissing the boy's head. "Just like his mommy."
"You're amazing too, daddy," she whispered, kissing him.
Daddy
the word had never sounded better
daddy
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Pacing -- Nettie, 08:14:15 06/15/13 Sat [1]
Disclaimer: not mine
If anticipation was measured in physical dimensions then Harm's would be bigger than Mt McKinley or longer than the Colorado River or deeper than the Pacific Ocean or more vast than the distance to the moon. However, anticipation is only measured by the sweat of one's palms, the palpitations of one's heart, the shaking of one's hands or the influx of butterflies into one's stomach.
With those being the accepted measurements, then, by any definition, Harm was in the grip of a great dose of anticipation and that caused him to start pacing.
Pacing, pacing, pacing.
Here he was, trapped in London, trapped in one of their worst blizzards and his beloved wife was in DC. To be more specific she was in Bethesda, Maryland, the Maternity Unit to be precise. Yes, he was 3687 miles away from his wife as she was about to give birth to their first child nearly eight weeks early.
Having moved to London together after Harm had won the toss, they had married within six months before embarking on the quest for parenthood. It had taken six years and numerous treatments and dealings between the fertility experts in London and Mac's at Bethesda. Over the six years they had made countless trips back to The States, many to DC. Mac had made this particular trip between the continents on her own after much discussion with Harm and her doctor.
After finally conceiving, she had been blessed with a perfect pregnancy. There had been no morning sickness, no problems of any sort. They had both said it was the reward for all the difficulties becoming pregnant in the first place. So, it was with everyone's blessing that Mac had flown to DC for AJ's 16th birthday. Knowing, with the baby due mid December, they wouldn't be travelling for Christmas or the New Year, and with a clean bill of health, Mac had flown out three days previous.
It was Bud who called him two hours earlier with the news that Mac's waters had broken and Harriet was taking her to Bethesda. It was 101 minutes since it was confirmed that there were no flights out of London anytime soon and 73 minutes since Bud had called telling Harm Mac was in active labour. It seemed Baby MacKenzie-Rabb hadn't taken after his or her father in the punctuality stakes and had decided that he or she wanted to follow the family tradition and be born in the USA.
While he was comforted by the thought Mac was in good hands and with people she loved and trusted, he was devastated by the fact he wasn't with her. Wearing a track in the carpet he turned on his heel and continued to pace, waiting for Bud to call him back when he was with Mac and she could talk to him.
Eleven long minutes later, his phone rang in his hand and he quickly answered it.
"I'm so sorry," were Mac's first words.
"It's okay, it's okay," he said quickly, his innate desire to comfort her ever present.
"Everything was okay," she said. "I was feeling well and then it all just started."
"How are you doing right now?" he asked, standing stock still in the middle of the living room, not wanting to miss a word she said.
"I'm okay," she said and Harm could hear her nervousness. "A little nervous about the whole birth...a little scared it's too early...very sad you're stuck there..."
"I'm really sad about that too," he replied tearfully. "You know I'll be there as soon as I can..."
"I know," she said with a sniffle.
"I love you so much, Mac," he said quietly, tears trickling silently down his cheeks.
"Love you too," she replied before a contraction had her gasping in pain.
Harm held his breath as Mac panted her way through it. "I love you."
"Me too," she replied before taking a deep breath.
After a few more words the call was disconnected, Mac promising to phone back, or to have Bud call at regular intervals and to see if they could organise some face to face link up. Knowing it was going to be a long night, Harm took the opportunity to set up his laptop complete with webcam in the living room, close to the heater. He fixed himself a couple of grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches and poured a tall glass of milk before settling into the armchair.
With his cell and home phone right beside him, Harm pulled a pen and notepad from the bookcase beside him just in case he needed to take notes. Next, he grabbed the closest photo of them both and placed than in front of him.
Two bites into his sandwich, Harm realised he should call his mom and step-dad, they would want to know and would be able to fly to DC and be the Rabb connection to this momentous occasion.
"Hey, mom," he said when she answered. "Mac's in labour..." He had planned to ease into the news but it had just come out by itself.
"What?" Trish replied. "Goodness me, baby isn't due for another seven and a half weeks! Is she okay? Is the baby okay?"
"I was kind of hoping you could go check and tell me," he said wistfully.
"What do you mean?" Trish asked. "Don't you know?"
"I only know what she and Bud have told me," he said, "Mac's in DC and I'm snowbound in London."
"Oh, my goodness," she replied. "Frank! Frank!" she yelled, "You need to get us on a flight to DC now...our first grandchild is on their way!"
"Thanks, mom," he said, his eyes filling with tears once more. "You will phone and let me know everything...won't you?"
"Of course I will, son," she said gently.
"And make sure Frank takes lots of photos and you kiss Mac for me and tell her how much I love her and kiss the baby too and tell him I'm really sorry I can't be there...or her..." he rambled.
"Of course I will," she repeated. "You just take it easy and I'll ..." There was a pause and Harm could hear his parents talking but could not quite make out what they were saying. "Okay, Frank has us on a flight leaving within the hour so I need to go pack. I will call you the minute we land at Dulles and get an update on how things are and we'll take it from there."
"Okay, mom," he said, running his hand over his face.
"I love you, son," she said quickly.
"Love you too."
As he put down the phone, Harm turned his attention back to his sandwiches before pushing them away, not surprised to find he wasn't hungry in the least. Having a few mouthfuls of milk, Harm started up the laptop and impatiently tapped his foot as it began its start up routine.
"C'mon, c'mon," he muttered to the screen.
When his home phone rang he grabbed it quickly.
"Mac?" he said.
"No, sir, " came the reply. "It's your yeoman."
"Yes, Peters," Harm replied. "This better be important."
"Ah, yes, sir," he replied nervously. "I ...um...I have tried all avenues and there are no flights scheduled for the foreseeable future."
"Keep on it, Peters. I want to know the minute one military or commercial is scheduled to depart," he bellowed. "Understood?"
"Aye, aye, sir," he said before hanging up the phone.
For the next twenty minutes Harm sat, stood and paced intermittently as he awaited the next call from Bud. His attempt to distract himself with the radio lasted only five minutes, the television lasted two. Grabbing the furniture polish and a soft cloth, Harm worked his way around the living room polishing every piece of wood to within an inch of its life.
Just as he finished the last piece the phone rang and he dropped the items in his hands in favour of the phone.
"Mac's fine," were Bud's first words, hoping to reassure him before giving him the rest of the news.
"What's happening" he asked, starting to pace once more.
"Things have slowed," he reported, "The doctor said it's normal and not to worry."
"Is Mac worried?" he asked, his stomach twisting in knots.
"Mac's actually asleep at the moment," he said with a slight laugh. "She's doing well, all things considered," he added with the experience of a husband who'd done this a few times before.
"Bud, man-to-man, or husband-to-husband, you'd tell me if there was something amiss, wouldn't you?" he asked, quietly.
"Of course," he replied honestly. "You'll find out whatever I find out."
"Thanks, Bud," he said with a sigh. "Are you able to set up a video link?"
"Yep, it's all set," he replied. "Should be able to go when Mac is ready to do so."
"Great, thanks," he said stifling a yawn.
"Maybe you should try and get some sleep," Bud suggested, knowing the time of night in London. "I'll phone you when Mac's ready to Skype."
"Okay, might try and get a few minutes," he said with another yawn. He told Bud of his parents dash to Mac's side before saying goodnight.
Not wanting to be far from the phone or the laptop, Harm grabbed a cushion and placed it at the end of the sofa before laying down. Despite his concern about his wife and the anticipation he felt at the impending arrival, long hours at work took their toll and sleep came quickly.
It didn't last more than thirty three minutes when his cell rang out and he was instantly awake once more.
"Hey, handsome," Mac said quietly.
"Hey, gorgeous," he replied. "How are you doing?"
"Okay," she replied. "Missing you very much."
"Missing you too," he said leaning over so he could pick up the photo.
"Things have slowed a bit and I've been able to get a bit of sleep," she said with a yawn.
"That's good," he replied, his eyes fixed on hers in the photograph.
"Dr Gilbert says this is normal and, realistically, the longer we can stall this the better it will be for baby," she said and he could hear the tears in her voice.
"But your water broke," he said, stating the obvious.
"I know...and he knows..." she said. "But I'm being monitored and all's well."
"Did Bud tell you mom and Frank are on their way there?" he questioned sitting down once more and resting the frame on his lap.
"Yeah," she said. "I'm glad they're coming...would be happier if it was you."
"I know," he said. "I have my bag packed and by the door, the baby's bag next to it and the minute there's a way to get out of this place I'll be on my way."
"What's the forecast?" she asked hating the distance between them.
"Heavy snowfalls for the next 24-48 hours," he said honestly. There was no point lying about something she could quite easily Google.
"Damn," she muttered.
"I know," he said his heart feeling heavier than it had been. "I have my yeoman and half the office working on it...if things clear up elsewhere first I'll catch a train or ferry to like Dublin or Paris and fly from there."
"Just don't take any risks...I want you here but I want you here safely...you've waited long enough to be a daddy I want you to meet the baby," she said as she cried softly.
"Don't cry, gorgeous," he said, ignoring his own tears. "My reckless, daredevil days are long over. I'm going to see you and our baby as soon as possible."
"Nurse is here gotta go. Love you," she said quickly.
"Love you too," he replied before the line went dead.
Awake and in need of distraction, Harm started work on the kitchen. There were cupboards Mac had planned on reorganising when she returned and the freezer needed defrosting, the bureau needed to be moved, according to Mac's latest plan, and the light fittings needed cleaning.
Over the next two hours he did it all, and while he knew it probably wouldn't meet his wife's standards, at least it kept him occupied.
After dealing with all the food, Harm realised he was actually hungry. The two bites of his abandoned grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches had been all he'd had since lunch, and glancing at the clock he realised that was eleven hours previous.
This time, Harm cooked up an omelette. Not only did it take longer, he was using up some of the fresh produce he had that he knew would have to go before he made his dash across the pond. When the egg masterpiece was golden and crisp on the outside, he lightly toasted two slices of multigrain bread before taking it all into the living room and waking up his laptop.
He'd finished the last morsel before his cell came to life with a message. 'Ready to Skype'
Quickly, he accepted the call and despite all his best efforts to remain calm and composed, he burst into tears the moment he saw his wife's face. Sliding from the armchair onto the floor, Harm sat inches away from the screen, as if it would help him be closer to Mac.
"Hi," she said with a small wave and Harm could hear others leaving her room.
"Hey there," he replied with a sniffle. "Any news?"
"Contractions are back...stronger than before..." she said gazing at him.
"How far apart?" he asked, absently stroking the side of the laptop.
"12 minutes," she replied. "So there's still a while to go."
"Are you in much pain?" he asked, studying her intently.
"Nothing I can't handle," she said in her most confident Marine voice.
"I'm sure you'll breeze through it," he replied with an encouraging smile.
"Yep," she said with a nod before taking a deep breath. "Dr Gilbert is due in shortly," Mac reported. "Thought you'd feel better hearing it all from him personally."
"Good," he replied. "I mean I trust you and all..."
"I know," she reassured him. "It's hard enough me being away from you...I can't imagine what it's like for you with everything happening here...Just thought hearing it from the good doctor would help."
And it did, the video consultation lasting nearly seven minutes and leaving Harm feeling confident all was well. On the doctor's advice that Mac get as much rest as possible the call was ended after declarations of love and best wishes.
After four and a half long hours of dozing and pacing, Harm's cell came to life once more with the message that changed his life 'Ready to Skype, daddy.'
Bringing the laptop to life he accepted the call and watched silently as his child came into the world. He knew Mac couldn't hear him and so kept his words to himself but watched in awe of her efforts to deliver their baby. When the nurse bundled the infant up and placed the child on Mac's chest, Harriet brought the laptop she'd been holding over to mother and child.
"Say 'hi, daddy," she said and Mac looked up, tears streaming down her face.
"Hey, daddy," she said, looking between the bundle and the computer before reaching down and taking her child's hand and gently waving it before saying "Hello, daddy," once more.
"Hello, baby," he cried. "Hello, gorgeous."
"Baby," Mac said, looking at her child. "This is your daddy. Daddy," she said, looking up at Harm, "This is your son."
"A son...we have a boy," he half said, half asked.
"A beautiful little boy," she said as Harriet tilted the laptop for a close up look at the new arrival.
"I love you so much, Mac," he said. "Thank you for our son."
"Thank you," she replied. "I love you too. Can't wait to hold and kiss you."
"Me neither," he said, his eyes still focused on his son. "What are we going to name him?"
"I think that can wait until you see him in person," she replied.
After a few minutes, Harriet interrupted the moment to let them know the battery was nearly spent and that mother and son needed cleaning up. There were tearful goodbyes before the connection was lost and Harm slumped back into the chair.
At the age of 48 he was finally a daddy, he could barely believe it, all his dreams had come true...his beautiful wife, his beautiful son...now all he needed was to get to The States and bring them home.
It was three long stressful days before the weather had improved enough for flights to recommence. In that time, Harm had cleaned, polished or rearranged everything in their spacious London apartment. He'd spent a lot of time in the nursery putting things away and making sure it was perfect for his son's homecoming...his son's...his...Every time he thought of the boy across the miles, he would have to stop and shake his head. It all seemed so surreal that somewhere on the planet was his child and he couldn't wait until he was in his arms.
With DC five hours behind, time wise, Harm found himself awake until all hours, making sure he spoke to and saw Mac and the baby as often as possible via the phone or Skype. Only going to bed himself when his precious loved ones were tucked up in bed. While Mac was in her room, Baby MacKenzie-Rabb was in the special care nursery and while everyone had told Harm that the newborn was doing very well, he knew he wouldn't breath fully until he saw things for himself.
Once they had said goodnight, he would go to bed but at the first signs of daylight, often only a few hours later he'd be wide awake and desperate for news. The nurses in the maternity unit were always happy to update him as they were sympathetic to his plight of being so far from his loved ones. Reassured all was well, he was back to his cleaning and pacing routine.
Now, all that was behind him and all that stood between him and his wife and son were the interminable long hours at the airport, the eight hour flight and travel time to Bethesda. All going well, he could be in Maryland before nightfall.
The trip to Heathrow was a breeze, the fact it was 0500 on a Sunday morning being the main cause. Checking in, Harm checked his case through to Dulles but opted to take the baby's things on to the plane as hand luggage.
"That's an interesting carryon bag, sir," observed the young attendant as she attached his luggae tag.
"It's my son's," he said proudly, holding up the navy blue bag with teddy bears scattered over it.
"Are you travelling with your son?" she asked looking around.
"No, going to meet him," he replied with a wide grin.
"Meet him?" she queried and Harm filled her in on his offspring's impromptu arrival.
"Oh, I bet you're just proud as punch, sir," she said smiling. "Let me see what we can do to help the proud papa celebrate..."
The eight hour flight was in first class and Harm was treated to the finest service and attentive staff who were all aware he was going to meet his boy. Still, all the care and attention didn't alleviate his growing nerves as the plane flew towards DC. Knowing an anxious passenger made everyone nervous, Harm took to pacing around the plane every hour on the hour. He had spoken to the staff and they had allowed him to walk all the way around to stretch his muscles and relieve his growing tension.
Four laps and a few stretches, Harm settled into his chair once more. Not interested in any of the entertainment options, Harm found himself staring at the photo of his wife and son taken the day before. He had printed out everything Bud had sent him but only brought this one with him, knowing the paper in his hand was nothing compared to how it would feel to have his boy in his arms.
Closing his eyes, Harm let his mind drift to the impending moment, the one where a five pound boy would be his to hold and kiss. Not to love, as that had already happened the moment he saw the infant delivered. He wasn't sure how that actually worked; how you could be deeply and desperately in love with someone you'd never met...well, someone who wasn't a movie star...he'd had some pretty strong feelings towards Raquel Welch when he was growing up.
But this baby boy was already the love of his life...he and his mother, Harm could not explain the feelings he was experiencing towards his wife at the moment. As anxious as he was to see the boy, he knew his first action would be to hold his wife. They had been through so much to get to this point, she more than him. There had been appointments and tests and discussions, long, often painful discussions into the early hours of the morning. There had been hope and loss and dreams and tears. There had been arguments and fights and making up and almost giving up, on more than one occasion. But now, they had their son...and there were no words for him to describe just how much he loved his wife for this amazing gift.
"Sir, sir," the attendant said, patting his arm. "We're preparing for landing, you'll need to bring your chair up."
"Landing? Already?" he said, complying with her instructions.
"Yes, sir," she said. "We'll be landing in about twenty minutes and then you can see your boy."
Harm grinned widely...Was it possible he was an hour or so away from seeing his son?
The twenty minutes felt like forever and the wait for his case was twice as long. Harm had even considered walking out without it but he had packed something for Mac in there and knew he couldn't abandon his luggage. He'd called his parents at his earliest opportunity and knew they would be there to greet them. While Mac knew he was on his way, no one had given her an exact time as they didn't want her to worry if things were delayed with the weather. Given that, he didn't phone her when he landed, not wanting her to feel as anxious as he was about their reunion.
Once he walked out from the security area, he heard his usually reserved 'let's not make a scene' mother yelling his name and frantically waving. Obviously, she was as anxious as he had been.
"Oh, Harm," she said throwing her arms around him. "So glad you're finally here. Congratulations!" she added kissing his face repeatedly. "Your son is beautiful! He is gorgeous! He looks just like you did ...just a little smaller!"
"Congratulations, son," Frank said, patting his back. "You did good."
"Thanks, Frank," he said with a grin, his mother still had a tight grip on him.
"Now, if your mother will let you move..." he said, taking the suitcase. "We should get you to Bethesda."
Quickly, Trish let go before taking the baby bag from him and sliding her arm around his waist. "Did you eat? Have you slept? You look very tired. Did you call Sarah?"
"How about you let him answer a question, dear," Frank said, leading the way to the car.
"Hush you," she admonished her husband. "I'm allowed to be excited. My son is going to meet my grandson...it's a very exciting time."
"Yes, it is, mom," he said, kissing her head. Although he wasn't sure 'exciting' did his current emotion justice...it seemed too overused. Perhaps what he was experiencing was anticipation, eagerness, zeal, fervour ... something with a bit more pizzazz than just plain old excitement. Perhaps what it was was exhilaration...Whatever it was, it was bubbling inside him looking for any avenue to ooze out and, at this moment, he was glad his mother was so animated as it allowed him to take the focus off himself, just for a few minutes.
The drive to the hospital felt longer than the entire trip and every time the car came to a stop at traffic lights or to make a turn, Harm's foot would begin to tap, his fingers would drum on his leg.
"Won't make them change any faster," Frank remarked as he watched Harm shift in his seat while trying to tap and drum simultaneously.
"What? Oh," Harm replied when he realised what his stepfather was referring to. "Sorry, just a little anxious."
Amazingly, once Frank pulled the car into the hospital parking lot Harm's nervous energy seemed to calm. He was finally there...or here...he couldn't figure out which word to use. Whichever it was, he was right where he wanted to be and had arrived safe and sound.
When the elevator doors opened on the maternity floor, Harm and his parents stepped out and he grinned when he saw a very familiar shadow pacing back and forth at the end of the corridor. It seemed his wife was just as anxious to see him as he had been to see her.
"Waiting for me?" he called a little louder than protocol allowed, but right now he didn't care about anything but the woman coming towards him.
"Harm!" she cried, moving as fast as she could before throwing her arms around his neck. Her momentum and force pushing him backwards.
"Whoa!" he said, his arms encircling her instantly, keeping her suspended above the ground. "Love you, missed you, love you..." he whispered into her ear, one hand remaining locked around her waist as the other caressed her head.
"Oh, Harm," she replied, holding on fiercely. "I'm sorry...so sorry...I didn't want to have him here but he was insistent..."
"Must take after you," he replied, gently easing her back to her feet. "He would have been three weeks late he if he took after me," he added before kissing her tenderly.
Relieved he was there and with a dozen other emotions coursing through her, Mac's tears started. She had been so good about him being on London this whole time but now, finally having him in her arms, she allowed her defences to fall and sobbed into his chest.
"Hey, hey," he soothed, moving them over to a wall as a patient was wheeled past. "What's wrong, gorgeous?"
"Just so glad you're here," she cried, holding him closer.
Then, realising that Harm was probably dying to see their boy, she pulled back. "You must be desperate to see our baby. I'll take you to the nursery..." she said between sobs.
Rather than let her lead on, Harm pulled her flush against him and kissed her head. "Right now, the only thing I'm desperate to do is hold you until you can talk without crying."
"Oh, Harm..." she cried, her emotions overwhelming her.
For seven minutes they stood in the corridor wrapped tightly in each other, Harm whispered his love and devotion as Mac tried to fight the waves of emotions. Finally, she drew in a few deep breaths, dried her eyes and smiled at him.
"Thank you, beautiful," she whispered, pressing up to capture his lips in a gentle kiss. "I needed that."
Harm smiled before kissing her back. "Now, what were you saying about seeing our baby?"
Grinning widely, Mac slipped her arm around her husband and led him to the special care nursery, not surprised to find Frank and Trish standing outside the window watching their grandson sleep.
"There's a scrub up procedure in here," Mac said opening the first door and making her way to the sink. She instructed Harm as to what he needed to do before collecting a surgical gown for her and one for him. "It's just a precaution for him and the others in here...he really is doing well..." Mac reassured him when she saw Harm's concern.
"Aha," he replied with a nod.
"Ready" she asked and he nodded once more. He'd been ready for days.
Through the next door and five steps in, Harm came face to face with the biggest miracle of his life...his precious son who was awake and looking up at him.
"My...oh...he's...Just..." Overwhelmed by the moment, Harm couldn't complete a thought, let alone vocalise it.
"He's beautiful, just like his daddy," Mac said, leaning over and carefully scooping the baby up. "Son," she said, "This is the moment we've been waiting for...this is your daddy. Daddy, this is your son...would you like to hold him?"
Harm scanned the child as he lay in his wife's arms. "He's so small," Harm whispered as tears streamed down his face.
"He is," Mac agreed. "But you won't break him..."
"You sure?" he asked, "He looks so fragile."
"I'm sure," she said with a reassuring smile. "How about you sit down first and I'll hand him to you?" she suggested and Harm nodded, quickly taking a seat. "Just relax, Harm," she encouraged as she slipped the baby into his arms. "That's it."
Soon father and son we seated together, blue eyes fixed on blue eyes, one wide and wondering, the other tear-filled and in awe. "Hello, little man," he whispered hoarsely, emotion taking his voice. "It's so good to finally hold you...How are you doing?"
Mac stepped closer and wrapped her arm around Harm's head as she perched on the arm of the chair. Cradling her husband's head to her, she kissed him several times.
"He's perfect, Mac," Harm said quietly.
"I think so," she replied proudly.
"When can we take him home?" he asked, his eyes never leaving the boy's face.
"All going well," she said resting her head on his. "The doctor thinks a couple of weeks before he can be discharged...but it might be a while longer before we can take him to London...need to make sure his lungs are strong enough for the pressurisation of the cabin."
Harm nodded; he knew that was a possibility and had made a series of plans about what he and they would do if this was the case. "When can you come home?" he asked before rethinking the question. "Rather, when are you being discharged?" he corrected knowing she wouldn't be going home without their son.
"Tomorrow, hopefully," she said with a yawn. "Everything's looking good for me and Dr Gilbert says I can go home..." Before Harm could speak, Mac continued. "You're parents are staying at the Marriott and have a room booked there for us...well, for you tonight and for me when I'm ready. It's a nice hotel and close enough to here...mind you, I can't see myself spending too much time there...I want to be here with him..."
"Him...I think our four day old boy is overdue for a name," Harm said, tenderly stroking his cheek with a crooked finger. "What do you think, champ?"
"I've been thinking about it," Mac said, "And all the boys names we had picked don't suit."
"Yeah, I know," he said, he'd come to the same conclusion. "I thought of a few more on the flight across," he said looking up at her. "And a few of the attendants gave their suggestions too. One of the ones I really liked was Riley...it's Irish and means courageous and valiant...And ...well, I'm sure the fertility experts would say it was their work which got us pregnant, but I'm sure that long weekend we had in Dublin played a part..."
"I like it," she said, it certainly suited their darkhaired blue eyed boy, but Riley Rabb? Did it work?
"Riley MacKenzie-Rabb," Harm said proudly, "I think it suits him."
"Riley Harmon MacKenzie-Rabb sounds better," she said, knowing they had already argued the use of his name Harm had been a firm no from the outset. Now, with the infant in his arms and feeling all kinds of deep emotions towards him, Harm considered it an honour for his son to share his name.
"Riley Harmon MacKenzie-Rabb," Harm said slowly. "I think it's perfect."
"I think you're perfect," Mac said, kissing his head. "Love you so much."
"Love you too, gorgeous," he said looking up and capturing her lips. "And daddy loves you too, Riley."
With his son in his arms and his wife by his side, Harm was ecstatically happy. This was the life he had always wanted, that of husband and father. Now, he had it and life was beautiful.
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An absolute treat and thank you as always for these wonderful stories! -- JoyZ, 10:38:58 06/15/13 Sat [1]
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