Title: Just Breath (tentative title... is it cheesy?)
Rating: PG
Author: Mac (ColMackenzieJAG@aol.com) 
Disclaimers: As if you didn't know who Harm and Mac and Company really
belonged to!  And I have to tell you all again??  They're property of
Donald P. Bellisario.  The Rabb children, however, are mine! Bwahahaha!
Notes: Hello everyone!  I wanted to shout out a thank to all those
who've read and reviewed my work.  I had no idea this series was going
to take off so well.  I'd like to dedicate story #17 to the girls who
ALWAYS brighten my day with their reviews: Capra124 (who's read and
reviewed every story in the series) and Browneyeez.
****************

Harm watched as his children played soccer in the yard.  He couldn't
believe how long it's been since held little Maddie in his arms.  She
was five years old, and the spitting image of her mother.  

Maddie had received every one of her mother's genes.  He knew one day
she would be a Marine.  He watched as she ran after Nicholas, trying to
take the ball from him.  "You can do it, Maddie!" he shouted.

She stopped and fell to her knees.  Harm rushed over to her
immediately.  "Maddie!"  He noticed that her lips were tinged with
blue.

"Dad--dy," she gasped out.  "I ca-n't brea--th."

"Yes, you can," he said, rubbing her back.  He had to remain calm for
her, but inside, he was scared out of his mind.  "Just take it easy."

After about five minutes, Maddie was able to catch her breath.  She
wrapped her arms tightly around Harm.  He slowly got up and whispered
soothing words to her.

"Is she going to be all right?" Nicholas asked. 

Harm nodded.  "She'll be fine, Sport.  Where's your Mom?"

"Last time I saw her, she was in the kitchen teaching the girls how to
cook."  Nicholas shook his head.  "She asked me if I wanted to join
them, but I remember the last meal she cooked.  Charred hamburgers and
dark brown french fries.  No thanks."

Harm laughed.  "I won't tell her you said that.  It's getting dark. I
want you inside in ten minutes, you have school in the morning."

"K, Dad."

**************

"Mom, that doesn't sound right," Serena said.  "The recipe calls for ½
cup of baking soda, no 3 ½ cups."

"You should always be prepared."

Christiana eyed her warily.  "Were you a boy scout in another life?"

Mac tossed a handful of flour at her.  Christiana squealed and did the
same.  Soon, Trisha and Serena joined in and food products were flying
everywhere.

Serena stopped mid-throw when Harm entered, carrying a subdued Maddie. 
Mac noticed the expression on Serena's face and turned around.  "Oh my
God, what happened?"

"I think she had an asthma attack.  Beth did mention she might develop
it."  He handed Maddie to her mother.  "Do you want to take her tomorrow
or should I?"

Mac looked up at Harm.  "You need to be at Headquarters tomorrow, Harm.
I'll take her."  

He nodded and wiped the flour off her nose.  "So, don't you think you
should leave the cooking to me?" he asked with a grin.

****************