Webb of Thanks

Wednesday, 14 November 2001
1135 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Clayton Webb walked into the busy bullpen and glanced around. "Good morning, Mac," he greeted her as she made her way to her office.

Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie looked up and frowned. "Hello, Webb. What are you doing here?"

"I'm hurt. You're not glad to see me? And here I thought you'd be so happy," he teased.

"The last time you were here, you tried to frame an innocent man, an innocent dead man, as a traitor. A man who happened to be a friend of Harm's. Now why would I be glad to see you?" she asked coolly.

"Mac, that was something I had to do. I'm not glad of it. I'm not proud of it. And, frankly, I'm glad that Harm figured it out and set it straight," Webb offered.

"Yeah, right. You say that now."

"Mac, I..."

"What is it you want, Webb?" Mac asked. "I'm very busy right now," Mac began shuffling through the papers on her desk.

"Do you have plans..." he started to say, but stopped as Commander Harmon Rabb entered Mac's office.

"Hey, Mac, you ready for lunch?" Harm asked. Mac nodded and the three walked into the bullpen.

Just then they heard Lieutenant Bud Roberts' excited voice. "Can you believe it, Harriett? The Admiral is sending me out to the Seahawk! Just me. The case is all mine. I can't believe it! I have to get going; I get the transport out of Andrews in an hour. I'll barely make it," he said rushing to his desk and piling his papers into his briefcase. "I'm glad I have a bag already packed in the car. Learned that from the best," he smiled at Harm and Mac.

Harriett's voice held none of her husband's enthusiasm. "That's wonderful, Bud. But do you have to leave today? Can't it wait until tomorrow?

"No, Honey. I have to get out there today," Bud said powering off his computer.

"When will you be back?" Harriett asked quietly.

"I don't know. It'll be a few days at least. I probably won't be back until Friday. It could even stretch into next week," Bud's voice held enough excitement for the entire office.

"Not until Friday?" Harriett almost whispered.

"It's a great opportunity for me, Harriett," Bud insisted.

"Yes, of course it is, Bud."

"You don't sound very excited, Honey. Are you okay?"

"Fine, Bud. Just fine." Harriett's voice began to waver. "Have a good trip. Excuse me, Bud. I have to..." and she ran to the ladies room. The door closed behind Harriett, and her tears began to fall. She closed herself off in one of the stalls and sat. After several minutes, Harriett got her emotions under control and stepped out to the sinks. She splashed some cool water on her face and blotted it dry with a paper towel. "Damn! Now I smell like wet newspaper. I sure wish they'd use white paper towels in this bathroom instead of this nasty recycled brown mess. I hate smelling like wet newspaper," she griped out loud.

Bud couldn't understand why Harriett wasn't excited for him. She was always happy when he received a new assignment that would help further his career and challenge him. He was concerned, but he really had to go or he'd miss his flight. Bud grabbed his cover and briefcase and walked to the ladies room. He knocked on the door. "Harriett?" he called through the closed door. "Harriett, I have to leave now!"

"Go ahead, Bud. I'll see you when you get back. Goodbye," she called through the door. She couldn't go out there now. She would start crying, again. Bud was usually so sensitive to her needs. Why couldn't he see that she needed him now? She needed him here. At home with her this week... today, especially.

After another 20 minutes, Harriett finally left the ladies room and headed back to her desk in the bullpen. She was surprised to see Clayton Webb sitting at her desk. "Mr. Webb?" she addressed him. She looked around and saw that both the Commander's and the Colonel's offices were dark; they were obviously gone out to lunch. "Is there something I can do for you, Sir?"

Webb looked up at Harriett. "Actually, yes, there is, Lieutenant. Let me take you to lunch," he said.

"Excuse me?"

"Lunch. You know, food. Eating."

"You want to take me to lunch?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes, I do. Come on. Get your coat, and let's go," Webb said.

"Mr. Webb, I don't think..."

"Then don't think. Just get your coat and we can leave," he insisted.

Harriett didn't really have the strength or the desire to argue with him. And she did have to eat something. Moreover, she did not want to be alone. She donned her coat and they left the building. As they headed for his car in the parking lot, Admiral Chegwidden looked out the window above and saw them together. "What the hell is he up to now?" he wondered. 'And why is Harriett going along with it?'

Wednesday, 14 November 2001
1405 EST
International House of Pancakes
Falls Church, Virginia

Webb hadn't been to an IHOP in years. 'God, have I ever been to one of these places?' he wondered. But this is what Harriett requested, so this is where they came. The food wasn't bad; it wasn't great either. But it was edible, and Harriett was smiling every so often. They finished lunch, but neither of them made a move to leave the restaurant.

Harriett finally looked at her watch and gasped. "Oh my God! I'm late getting back. I should have been back at the office long before now!" She collected her purse and coat and stood up. "Thank you for lunch, Mr. Webb."

Webb took her coat from her and held it as she slipped her arms through the sleeves. Harriett smiled her thanks, and they walked outside to his car. As they pulled out of the parking lot, Webb turned to the left. "Mr. Webb, JAG is to the right," she corrected him.

"Have a couple of stops to make before we go back there, Lieutenant," he informed her. Not two blocks further, and he pulled into the parking lot of a small florist. "You're welcome to come in with me, if you'd like. I'll only be a minute."

"I'll just wait in the car," Harriett said. She was going to be in such trouble when she got back. The Admiral did not approve of long lunch hours. And when they were absolutely necessary, he wanted to know about it well in advance. She groaned as she looked at her watch, again.

Webb returned to the car in fewer than 5 minutes carrying a small bouquet wrapped completely in green tissue. He handed it to Harriett to hold as he drove.

"Mr. Webb, I really am very late. Do you suppose you could just drop me off at JAG and then go on with your errands? The Admiral really doesn't like long lunch hours," she tried to explain.

Webb turned and smiled at Harriett. "He won't mind, Lieutenant."

Harriett looked around and realized that Webb had gotten on the highway. 'Oh no! Now where are we going?' she wondered. Several minutes later, Webb exited the highway and Harriett had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. 'No, it couldn't be,' she thought.

Webb pulled the car into the entrance for the cemetery. He drove right to the section Harriett knew so well and stopped the car. Her thoughts were running wild. 'I can't do this. Not alone. Bud didn't even remember.' Webb turned in his seat and looked at Harriett. "Harriett, I'm sorry that Bud isn't home, that he had to leave so suddenly today. I know this is a difficult time for you. But please, let me take his place in this. Just so you're not alone?"

Harriett looked up into his eyes. "You know?" she asked, knowing the obvious answer.

Webb nodded. "Of course I know, Harriett. It was a year ago today that you lost Baby Sarah." He cupped Harriett's cheek in his hand and brushed the single tear from her face. Then he opened his car door and walked around to her side. He opened her door and held out his hand to help her out of the car.

Harriett handed him the bouquet of flowers. Webb unwrapped them and handed them back to Harriett. "Oh, Mr. Webb!" she gasped. "They're just beautiful! We had a blanket of pink roses on her little casket for her funeral," Harriett whispered.

"I know, Harriet. I was there. I remember," he said quietly as he took her by the arm and escorted her across the grass until they stood in front of her baby's grave. "Take all the time you need, Harriett," When he saw Harriett's silent tears, he stepped back to the car knowing she needed a little time by herself at the grave.

Harriett knelt and laid the bouquet of pink baby roses and baby's breath in front of the headstone. And then she cried openly. She needed this. It had been a long time since she'd come to the cemetery.

Webb watched, standing next to the car. His cell phone rang and he answered it quietly. "Webb."

Webb heard the gruff voice of Admiral Chegwidden. "Where the hell are you, Webb? And where's Lieutenant Sims?" the Admiral barked. "Don't bother denying that you know either, Webb. I saw her leave with you 2-1/2 hours ago!"

"I'm not denying anything, Admiral. Lieutenant Sims is perfectly safe. And yes, she is still with me. I'll have her back to you in probably another hour or so."

"Another hour!? What the hell are you doing?"

"Visiting someone, Admiral," Webb said.

"Webb, if you've involved Harriett in any of your..."

"Have to go now, Admiral," Webb said, cutting him off. He could see Harriett's shoulders were shaking, and he needed to go to her.

Webb walked up behind Harriett and knelt beside her. He gently put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him for support. She turned to look at him and smiled through her tears. They stayed in that position for another 20 minutes. When Harriett finally moved to rise, she was so cold and her knees so sore, she had to wait for Webb to help her up.

Harriett stepped forward and leaned over to kiss the headstone. "Goodbye, Baby Sarah. Happy birthday. I love you so much."

Webb reached down and pulled out one of the pink roses from the bouquet. Then he walked Harriett back to the car. When they were settled in the car, Webb handed Harriett his handkerchief. "Thank you," she said softly. She dried her tears and blew her nose, then put the handkerchief in her purse.

Webb started the car and headed back toward the highway. Neither of them said a word when he reached over and laid his hand over Harriett's hands clasped in her lap. She turned and smiled shyly at him.

Wednesday, 14 November 2001
1530 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

As they had neared Falls Church, Webb could tell that Harriett wasn't ready to go back to the office. "Shall I take you home, Harriett?" he asked her.

"Oh, no. Thank you, Mr. Webb. But I really do have to go back to the office. And my van is there, anyway," Harriett explained.

"Are you sure? I can have your vehicle delivered to your home tonight," he offered.

"No, but thank you."

Webb pulled into the JAG parking lot just as Mac looked out of the window above. She called to Harm and the Admiral. "They're back!" The three stood and watched as Webb walked around the car and opened the car door for Harriett. She took his hand and stepped out of the vehicle.

Then Webb handed her the single pink rose he had taken from the bouquet. "I thought you'd like to keep one," he said softly.

Harriett looked up into his face and smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Webb. Thank you so very much. I can't begin to tell you what this afternoon has meant to me."

Webb took her face in his hands and lowered his head to kiss her lightly. "It was my honor to accompany you today, Harriett. I know it would have been... more appropriate... for Bud or even Harm or the Admiral to accompany you. But..."

"No," she said, shaking her head. "I'm glad it was you. It was very special. And I'll never forget your kindness, Mr. Webb. Never. Thank you so much." Harriett leaned forward and kissed him back, a soft, lingering kiss.

When she backed away, he smiled and said, "My name is Clayton."

Harriett smiled. "Clayton." He offered his arm, and Harriett shook her head. "I'll go up alone, Clayton. I'm fine now. Thanks to you."

"I'll call you at home later," said Webb. "Just in case you want to talk."

"Are you free for dinner? You could come to the house and..."

"Let me take you out," Webb said quickly.

"You just did, Clayton. For lunch," Harriett replied.

"IHOP doesn't count, Harriett," Webb chucked.

"What about little AJ?" she asked.

"You can either bring him along or we can drop him at my mother's. She'd love to baby-sit."

"Shouldn't you ask her first?" Harriett chuckled.

Webb shook his head. "No need. Believe me. It's Wednesday. Mother is always home on Wednesday evening."

Harriett agreed. "All right. Dinner would be lovely, Clayton. Thank you, again."

"How about I pick you up at 5:30, and we take little AJ by Mother's place," he suggested.

She smiled and nodded, lifted the rose to sniff it, turned, and entered the building.

Harm was fuming. "I'll kill the bastard. Did you see that? He kissed her! I'll kill him."

Mac was stunned. She couldn't believe that Clayton Webb would hit on a married woman. And Harriett, of all people! No, there had to be something else behind this. Harriett would never betray Bud. But... "She kissed him back," Mac said aloud.

The Admiral frowned as he realized what Webb had handed Harriett. 'A pink rose. Dear God, how could we all have forgotten what today is? Did Roberts really forget? Impossible. It must have just slipped his mind because of his excitement over the case. He'll realize it soon and call Harriett. God, I hope so!'

Harriett entered the bullpen with a sad smile on her lips. She saw the Commander and the Colonel staring at her. She looked away, only to find that the Admiral was watching her, too. She laid her purse and the rose on her desk and walked up to the Admiral, coming to attention. "My apologies for taking such a long lunch break, Admiral. It was unplanned, Sir, but..."

He cut her off. "Perfectly all right, Lieutenant. Join me in my office for a moment, if you will, please." Harriett followed him in to his office. "Close the hatch." She did so.

"Admiral, I can explain. I..."

"Did I ask for an explanation, Lieutenant?" the Admiral asked.

"No, Sir."

He shook his head. "No, I didn't think so." He walked over to the sofa. "Come have a seat, Harriett." Once they were both comfortably seated, he continued, "Harriett, I'm sorry that Bud had to leave today." Harriett jerked her eyes up to meet the Admiral's. "I'm sorry to say, I truly did not remember what today was for you until I saw Webb hand you the pink rose outside. Harriett, I am very sorry. If I'd realized it, I would never have sent Bud away today. There's no reason Singer couldn't have gone in his place."

"Oh, no, Sir!" Harriett said. "Bud wanted this assignment, Sir. It would have hurt him more if you'd given it to Lieutenant Singer and passed him over."

"No, Harriett. There isn't much that hurts more than losing a child. Only thing I know of is losing a spouse. Losing an assignment? That comes way down on the list."

Harriett smiled. "Admiral, may I ask your opinion about something, please?" He nodded, so she continued. "Mr. Webb offered to take me out for dinner this evening. I really don't want to be alone tonight, not even just with little AJ. So I accepted. Do you think that's okay, Sir?" she asked hesitantly.

The Admiral was genuinely surprised. He had no idea that Webb would be so compassionate. "Yes, Harriett, I think that would be just fine. Webb is a fine man. A bit devious at times where his work is concerned, but then, that's the nature of his job. But he's certainly trustworthy. And he's a gentleman."

"Yes, Sir. He is that," Harriett agreed, remembering all of his kind gestures already today. "He even stopped and bought a dozen pink roses for Baby Sarah's grave, Sir. Before I knew that we were even going to the cemetery." Harriett's eyes began to fill with tears.

The Admiral reached over and took Harriett in his arms. "Let it out, Harriett. You need to let it out. Go ahead and cry, Darlin'." That was all the encouragement Harriett needed. The floodgates opened and she cried. After about 15 minutes, there was a knock on his door, and he just ignored it. A few minutes later, the intercom buzzed on his desk; he ignored that, too. Ten minutes later brought another knock on the door; this time, the door creaked open just enough for Tiner to stick his head inside and see the Admiral with his arms around Harriett, who was almost in his lap, her face buried in his chest.

"Excuse me, Admiral," Tiner whispered. "Lieutenant Roberts is calling for Lieutenant Sims, Sir. He says it's urgent."

The Admiral nodded to Tiner, and Tiner retreated and closed the door. "Harriett? Are you up to speaking to Bud right now, Darlin'?" Harriett raised her head and nodded. He scooted out from under Harriett and grabbed the phoneset, pulling the cord until it reached over to the sofa. He handed the receiver to Harriett and said, "Talk as long as you'd like, Harriett. I'll just step outside now."

The Admiral closed the door behind him, only to find a very concerned Colonel, Commander, and Petty Officer on the other side. Tiner had told them what he saw in the Admiral's office. "Sir?" "Admiral?" "Is Harriett okay?" they chorused.

"Good thing Bud called," was all the Admiral said.

"Admiral, your shirt is soaking... Oh!" cried Mac. Suddenly all the pieces fell into place. "Oh my God, we forgot! How could we have forgotten today? Poor Harriett. And Bud out of town..."

"Webb didn't forget, Mac. And I'm sure glad he showed up here this morning. What did he come here for, anyway?" the Admiral asked.

"I don't know, Sir. He never said. Harm and I left for lunch, and he was still here. I just kind of blew him off," Mac admitted.

"Well, whatever the reason, I'm glad he was here. Harriett needed someone, and he filled the bill perfectly. Damn, I just wish I'd remembered. I would never have sent Bud off like that this morning." The Admiral pulled at his wet shirt and turned to Tiner. "Tiner, see if you can find me a dry shirt."

"Aye, aye, Sir," Tiner replied and left the area.

Harm finally spoke. "Obviously, I should be remembering something here, but I'm still drawing a total blank."

"Harriett lost Baby Sarah a year ago today, Harm," Mac replied.

Wednesday, 14 November 2001
2145 EST
Michele's
Richmond, Virginia

Clayton Webb and Harriett sat in the quaint French restaurant enjoying their Cote d'Agneau a l'Airelles. He had spoken very little during dinner, allowing Harriett to talk freely. And she did. She spoke of Bud, little AJ, and the baby she'd lost a year ago. She spoke of her love for the Navy, the Admiral, and the others at JAG. Once in a while, she asked Webb a question and he answered.

"Do you come all the way to Richmond for dinner often, Clayton?" she finally asked as they finished their meal. Not only had the maitre'D greeted him by name, so had their waiter and bar steward.

Webb chuckled. "Actually, this is Mother's favorite restaurant, so I do come here quite often. It's a very special place; I thought you might like it."

"Oh I do. It's lovely, and the food is superb. Bud doesn't really care for French cuisine, so I don't get it very often," Harriett explained. She didn't mention that they simply couldn't afford it either. Certainly not at a restaurant like this one; there weren't even prices on the menu!

Their waiter approached the table. "And would you care for dessert this evening, Mr. Webb?" he asked.

Webb looked at Harriett questioningly. "Oh, I couldn't possibly, Clayton."

He shook his head, and the waiter left. "I would guess you're about ready to head back, am I right?"

Harriett smiled. "Am I that obvious?" she said shyly.

Webb chuckled. "Not at all, Harriett," he assured her as he rose and held her chair for her to get up.

Webb offered his arm, and Harriett took it. As they left the restaurant, Harriett leaned close to him and whispered urgently, "Don't you even have to pay?"

Webb smiled. "They'll just put it on my account, Harriett."

Thursday, 15 November 2001
0045 EST
Porter Webb's Estate
Great Falls, Virginia

Webb pulled into the driveway and stopped in front of the house. "Harriett," he said softly. "We're here."

"Mmm?" she moaned trying not to wake up. She'd fallen asleep about half way back from Richmond, and Webb was loathe to wake her. But it was either that or carry her in the house. And he didn't think she would appreciate that. He knew her husband wouldn't appreciate it. And if AJ Chegwidden ever found it out, he'd end up with another broken nose.

Webb walked around to the passenger side of the car and opened the door. "Harriett, let's go inside. We're at Mother's," he took her hands and patted them.

Harriett woke up with a start. "Oh! Clayton. I'm sorry, I didn't realize." Harriett picked up her purse and stepped out of the car. "What time is it?" she asked.

"Quarter of 1," he replied. "Sorry about that."

Harriett quickly turned to face him and put her hand on his cheek, not realizing his mother was standing in the doorway seeing and hearing them. "No, Clayton. Please don't be sorry. I'm not. This evening was exactly what I needed tonight with Bud gone. And this afternoon, too. Clayton, I can't begin to tell you what this means to me. You've truly been the kindest, most caring..." She stopped as the tears began flowing, again.

He smiled as he drew her into his embrace. "I thought you'd cried all those tears out earlier, Harriett," he teased lightly.

"So did I," she whimpered.

"Harriett, dear?" said Porter Webb, making her way down the steps to her son and guest. Harriett jerked back from Webb and looked up at his mother.

"Mrs. Webb. I'm sorry. I can explain. We weren't..."

Porter smiled and took Harriett's hands in hers. "Oh my dear, you don't have to explain anything to me. I know all about it. And I'm very proud of my son for taking it upon himself to try to bring you comfort today."

"Mother..." Webb started.

But Porter kept talking, ignoring her son's protestations. "As late as it is, my dear, why don't you just stay here for the night, and go home in the morning. Little AJ is sound asleep."

Harriett spoke, again. "I hope he wasn't a problem for you?"

"Absolutely not! He is a perfect delight. Such a happy child. It's very obvious that his parents love him dearly," she replied. Harriett smiled in agreement. "I've already had a room made up for you, my dear. It joins the room little AJ is in, so you'll be close to him," she continued as she took Harriett by the hand and walked inside. "Clayton, Frederick prepared your room, as well."

Webb looked at Harriett and shrugged. Obviously, his mother was used to having her own way about things. Well, so was Harriett's mother. But Porter Webb was so gracious, as compared to her own mother's just being obnoxious.

Porter took Harriett upstairs and took her first to little AJ's room. Harriett saw that everything was just as Porter had said. Then they went to the room Harriett would occupy for the night. Porter didn't stay; she just showed Harriett the room and told her to ring the bell pull if she needed anything.

Harriett looked at the lush appointments in the room. It was so well done; so elegant, so gracious, and so perfectly tasteful. Harriett stripped out of her dress, expecting to sleep in her slip. She stepped closer to the bed and found an exquisite blue satin nightgown laid out for her. She quickly put it on and went into the bathroom. There she found a new toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb...everything she needed. She looked in the shower. Sure enough. There was even shampoo and conditioner for in the morning.

Harriett heard a knock on her door. Expecting it to be Porter, she called "Come in!"

"Harriett, do you have everything you..." Webb stopped in his tracks as he saw Harriett come out of the bathroom in the nightgown. "...everything you... need?" he gulped.

Harriett smiled at his discomfiture. She knew she was completely covered, but this gown certainly was sexy. "Yes, thank you, Clayton. Your mother is amazing."

"You're amazing, Harriett," Webb whispered as his eyes devoured her form. "And I... should go..." He turned to leave her room.

"Clayton?" Harriett stopped him. He turned around as she approached him. "Your mother said that Frederick will take little AJ and me home in the morning. That you have to be at Langley by 0600." Webb nodded. "So I won't see you, again, for a while?" He shook his head. "Then I must say thank you one last time, Clayton. You made this day bearable for me. I can't begin to thank you enough for all you did, for all you said. Just for being there... and caring. I don't understand why you're not married, Clayton. You're a wonderful man. Absolutely wonderful," she said as she closed the distance between them and raised her lips to his. Webb pulled her to him and embraced her tightly as they kissed. She could feel his hardness and knew it was for her. But she also knew she could trust him. Completely. The Admiral had said so, and she trusted the Admiral completely.

Webb finally broke the kiss and backed away. "Good night, Harriett," he said cupping his hand on her cheek. "Bud is the luckiest SOB I know," he whispered, and he closed the door as he left her room. Harriett turned off the light and climbed in bed. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.

Monday, 19 November 2001
1005 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Clayton Webb walked into the bullpen and glanced around. "Good morning, Lieutenant Sims," he greeted her as she made her way to her desk with a cup of coffee.

"Clayton!" Harriett said happily. "You're back! And unscathed, I hope?" she asked with a hint of worry.

Harriett seemed genuinely glad to see him. He'd been a little nervous that she might have decided she shouldn't have gone with him last week. That didn't seem to be the case, and he was glad. "Perfectly unscathed, Harriett." Webb looked up to see Bud Roberts approaching him. "Good morning, Lieutenant Roberts. I'm here to see Colonel MacKenzie. Is she around?"

"Yes, Sir. The Colonel should be coming out of the conference room any minute. The staff meeting just ended, and I believe she and Commander Rabb are discussing Thanksgiving plans, Sir." Bud didn't notice Webb's facial expression change at that bit of news, but Harriett did. "Sir, I'd like to thank you for what you did last..."

Webb put up his hand and interrupted Bud. "Already been thanked, Lieutenant. More thanks than I receive in a year, I got in one day," he smiled at Harriett. "I saw a friend in need, and I tried to help. That's all. I'll wait for the Colonel in her office."

Bud watched Webb as he walked away and smiled. He had never heard Webb call anyone a friend except for Colonel MacKenzie and Commander Rabb. It sounded very much like Webb was referring to Harriett and himself as friends. 'Wow!' he thought. 'We've come a long way!'

Bud looked over at Harriett, and they both smiled. "Yes, Bud. He just called us friends," Harriett said quietly.

Harm and Mac made their way from the conference room toward their offices. Harm spotted Webb closing the blinds in Mac's office before she did. "What's Webb doing here?" Harm asked.

"I don't know. Maybe we should ask him," she teased Harm. Harm glared at her. "Well, that's the best way I know to find out what he wants, Harm."

Bud piped up, "He's here to see you, Colonel." Mac looked surprised. "That's what he said."

"Excuse me," Mac replied heading for her office. She closed the door behind her. "Hello, Webb. I understand you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, Mac. I did. I do," he stammered.

Mac smiled. "Did I catch you daydreaming, Webb?" she teased. Webb was the last person she ever expected to be at a loss for words.

"Daydreaming? Yes, in fact, I was," Webb confessed.

"Care to share?" Mac asked.

"Only if you share yours," he quipped.

"You wouldn't be interested in mine. They're Marine dreams," she bantered back.

"Female Marine dreams, though," Webb said suggestively.

Mac looked him in the eye and frowned as long as she could. Finally her mouth started to quirk upward at the edges until she wore an all-out grin. "Okay, you win. You tell me yours, and I'll tell you mine."

"Deal. You first."

"No way! You first. I caught you daydreaming!" Mac said.

"Actually, I was thinking of Lieutenant Roberts," admitted Webb.

"Bud?"

"Bud."

"Why on earth were you daydreaming about Bud?" asked Mac incredulously.

"I wasn't. I was daydreaming about Harriett. I was thinking about Bud. About how lucky he is."

Mac looked intently at Webb. "Webb, Harriett and Bud are very happy together."

Webb's head snapped up and his eyes bored into Mac's. "Of course they are. And I'd better not find out that anyone is trying to make waves in their marriage! Not anyone!" he hissed, walking over to her window and staring outside.

Mac was taken aback by his adamance. "Webb? Are you okay?" she asked quietly, coming up behind him and laying her hand on his shoulder.

Webb nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. I guess I just realized what I missed out on when I decided to become a spy. A wife. A family. Love. A woman like Harriett? She's amazing."

Mac wasn't at all sure where this was going, but Webb obviously needed to talk. "Yes, she is pretty amazing."

"Do you know that we spent over 12 hours together, alone, last Wednesday?" Mac nodded, though Webb didn't see her; he was staring back out the window. "And in all that time, she didn't have one derogatory thing to say about anyone. Hell, not even the doctor who caused her baby's death!"

"Harriett is a very loving and forgiving person, Webb," Mac said softly.

"That she is." Webb turned around and faced Mac. "I came here last week to ask you something. I didn't ask; Rabb walked in."

"He's not here now, Webb," Mac stated.

"Do you have plans for Thanksgiving yet, Mac?" he asked quietly.

"Thanksgiving? No, I don't," she replied.

"Roberts just said you and Harm were making plans for Thanksgiving."

"Harm wants me to go to Pennsylvania with him to his Grandmother's farm. His mother and stepfather will be there, too."

"You're not going?" Webb asked.

Mac shook her head. "No. I told him no."

"Then you probably wouldn't be interested in spending the day with me at Mother's estate, would you?" Mac turned around this time and stared out the window. She didn't answer. 'Well, she didn't say no yet.' So Webb continued. "Mother is having a small gathering this year, and she wants me to be there. She also wants me to bring a date."

"And you couldn't find anyone else, so you're asking me?" Mac said in a hushed voice.

"No, Mac. I didn't want to ask anyone else," replied Webb just as softly. Mac turned around to face him. "I wasn't totally honest with you. I was mostly daydreaming about you. I always do," he confessed.

Mac smiled. "Well, since we're playing true confessions, I've been daydreaming about you quite a bit lately, myself."

Webb looked at her in disbelief. "Me?"

"Why so surprised, Clay? You're a handsome man. And you proved to more than just a couple of people around here last week that you have a heart beating under that tough exterior of yours."

"Mac, I didn't do anything that..." he started.

"You're the only one who remembered, Clay! And we're all supposed to be so close here. It took you to know what Harriett needed. And you didn't do it loudly. Lavishly, yes, but that's what she needed. She told me about the pink roses at the cemetery. And about dinner at Michele's. She even told me about your good night kiss," Mac whispered.

Webb looked at her sheepishly. "And about the rod I had in my pants? God, I was so embarrassed," Webb replied.

"You needn't have been, Clay. She was flattered. Really. It helped her. She trusted you completely and you didn't betray that trust. You helped her through one of the most difficult days of her life. You did that. Not any of us. You. Clayton Webb."

"You wouldn't trust me like that, Mac." He said it as a fact, not a question.

Mac grinned. "No, I wouldn't. Mostly because I'd hope you wouldn't be such a gentleman."

"Mac?" he paused. "Are you saying you want to spend Thanksgiving day with me?"

"Yes, Clay, I am."

Webb put his arms around Mac's waist and leaned his head close to hers. "Are you saying you want to spend Thanksgiving night with me, too?"

Mac leaned into him and closed the distance between their mouths. Just before their lips touched, she whispered, "Yes, Clay, I am."

Webb claimed Mac's mouth in a searing kiss, running his tongue along the seam of her lips until she parted them. When she broke the kiss a minute later, she whispered breathlessly, "Do we have to wait until Thursday, Clay?"

The End.  (continue to Webb's New Year)