Part 16

19:20

Monday, Christmas Eve

24 December 2007

The Burnett Home

La Jolla, California

Harm found his wife on the back deck, staring off into the horizon. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She sunk backward into his strong chest and closed her eyes, enjoying the difference a year could make.

He whispered into her ear, “I’ve been looking for you. I wondered where you’d escaped to.”

She turned her face into his neck and smiled, “I was just thinking how different this year is compared to last. A year ago this time I was nervously awaiting your arrival,” her eyes darted away, “…only to have my hopes dashed in a matter of seconds.”

He kissed her cheek, “But in my defense, I hadn’t been cued in on the script to follow the plot. I was thrown into the deep end before I knew my lines. I think I did a pretty good job of making up for my missteps before the night was through.”

She turned in his embrace and reached up to caress his cheek, “With flying colors, I couldn’t believe that Santa had finally granted my wish…do you have any idea how many times I asked for you? You were that one present I always wished and prayed for, but never got.”

“Same here,” he leaned down to kiss her lips, “…but you have me now and forever.”

She ran a fingertip over his lips, “Yes…forever.”

The noise from the house interrupted their thoughts. Glancing through the window at the house full of partygoers, he grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the stairs leading to the beach, “Come with me.”

She followed close behind, “Harm, where are you going? I’m not exactly dressed for a stroll on the beach.”

He stopped on the final step and turned back around, raising a brow in appreciation, “That is a fabulous dress, Mac.” He lifted her hand and spun her around, “How is it, you can find so many different shades and styles of red? Not to mention, each of them is more alluring than the last?” Pulling her close to his body, he asked, “You don’t want to take a walk on the beach? It’s where everything turned to magic last year?”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and laughed deliriously, “It’s not that I don’t want to…but these heels are hardly made for the sand.”

He glanced at her feet and then flashed her a smug grin, “I can fix that my lady.” He lifted her into his arms and walked toward the water. Stopping midway, he twirled her through the air, laughing into the wind.

She held on tight, but joined in the fun, giggling to the imaginary music of his dance. Laying her head against his shoulder, she whispered into his ear, “You’re crazy, but I love you anyways.”

He stopped in place and whispered back, “I promised you didn’t I?” At her look of question, he moved his lips closer to her, “To love you to the point of insanity. I’m just getting started, Mrs. Rabb.”

“Me too,” she whispered against his lips, “…me too.”

He gentled the kiss before pulling away and carried her to a bench near the cliff. Sitting down, he settled her into his lap, “Is it alright if we stay out here for awhile?”

She placed her head against his shoulder, “I’d like that…it was getting a little too crowded in there. But you don’t need to hold me, you’ll get your suit all wrinkled.”

He hugged her closer, “Nonsense, I want you just where you are. Besides, my suit can go to the cleaners, but that dress…that dress is a masterpiece, not to be spoiled.”

Running she hand up his lapel, she asked, “Where’s Ben?”

He grinned, “With Evie, she’s letting him eat whatever he wants.”

She lifted her head with mouth agape, “Harm, he’s going to be on a major sugar high; between that and Santa Claus, we’ll never get him to sleep.”

“That’s OK, it’s our first Christmas together as a family. I don’t care if anybody goes to sleep tonight. I can’t wait to see Ben’s face when he sees the present I made him.”

“It’ll be his favorite, you know,” she sighed with contentment.

“You’re so much more relaxed…I take it you’re glad to finally be done with JAG?”

She laid her head back down, “Yes, now I can concentrate on my family and our new practice. I can’t wait until the first of the year, when we get to start working together, again. I think that was part of the problem with my job here in San Diego…I missed working with you. It’s hard to break a habit you’ve had for nine years…plus, you’re not exactly a habit I want to break.”

“I know what you mean…London wasn’t the same without you.” He reached into his front pocket and withdrew a box, “I have a gift for you.”

“But Christmas is tomorrow, you don’t want to wait until we’re all together?”

He placed the gift in her hands, “No, this has special meaning for Christmas Eve, and I wanted to give it to you when we were alone.” She took the gift and studied the wrapping paper for a moment. He smiled at her apprehension and traced a finger down her cheek and around the back of her neck. He gently drew her face to his and whispered into her ear, “You know, you actually have to open it to see what it is. I didn’t think your powers included x-ray vision.”

She laughed at his silliness and countered, “Oh, that they did,” running a finger down his chest, “…think of all the possibilities.” She nuzzled her face against his, “Maybe it wouldn’t have taken us over ten years.” Placing a soft kiss on his cheek, she removed the wrappings and opened the box, to find a thin gold medallion surrounded by an intricately weaved delicate braid of gold. “What does it mean?”

He withdrew the necklace and held it up in the dim moonlight, “If you look closely, you’ll see that it’s actually a reproduction of a nickel. I had it designed and cast in gold. I wanted to celebrate our three wishes of fate from last Christmas Eve…and to reaffirm the promise I made you that night.”

She ran her finger over the necklace, “It’s beautiful.” She sighed deeply and reached into her own pocket, pulling out a black velvet pouch and handing it to him, “I guess great minds think alike. I was going to give this to you later, but I think now is absolutely perfect.” She reached up to caress his cheek, “Thank you for remembering our wishes of fate.”

He opened the pouch and dropped out a pair of silver cufflinks into his palm. Turning them over, he smiled when he saw the design, “Nickels Mac, I guess we do think alike.” He leaned forward to kiss her, “I love you, sweetheart.”

“I love you, too. Think we should get back to the party?”

He wrinkled his nose, “I suppose, but I’d rather stay out here with you.”

“Me too, but we need to retrieve our kids…Santa still needs to get the gifts under the tree.” She waggled her brows, “And if he’s very good, I just might have another surprise for him.”

“Oh yeah,” he lifted her into his arms and stood up, “…your sleigh awaits, Mrs. Claus.” He bumped his nose to hers, “And just so you know, I’ve been a very good boy this year.”

She caressed his cheek, “Yes, you have…you more than eclipsed my wishes and expectations. I never imagined it could be this good.”

He turned his face into her palm and kissed the delicate skin, “We’re just getting started, sweetheart…there’s so much more to come.”

***

09:30

Tuesday, Christmas Day

25 December 2007

The Rabb Home

La Jolla, California

Mattie sat on the couch watching Harm and Ben race around the room. Molly nipped at their heels, barking with the fun. The Christmas tree was a blaze of glory with miniature white lights. She chuckled to herself, as she once again noticed that the tree’s decorations started 3-feet from the bottom. Ben had tried to redecorate the tree so many times that Mac had resorted to placing the ornaments out of reach. They left a few unbreakable items on the lower branches for Ben to enjoy. She shivered in the cool morning air and pulled her robe tighter around her shoulders. They needed a fire to complete this perfect picture of a Christmas morn. Perfect, she mused, this really was a perfect holiday for her. It had been years ago, a decade it seemed, since she remembered a Christmas like this with her Mom and Dad. She was brought back to the present by a loud squeal from Ben of ‘gain Dada.’

She was so absorbed in the father-son activities that she missed Mac’s approach until she’d settled down beside her on the couch. Turning toward the woman who had become a substitute mother, she pointed to the pair across the room, “Ben really loves his present.”

Mac placed an arm around the girl and pulled her close, “Yeah, he does…I figured it would be his favorite thing from Santa. Harm could hardly sleep last night; I think he was more excited about the gift than Ben.”

Mattie smiled, “I can’t believe Harm made that…it’s an almost perfect replica of the real thing.”

Mac laughed as her pair of guys slid around the corner and took off down the back hall, echoes of purring engines and ‘vrooms’ followed in their wake, with Molly in fast pursuit. “Harm saw an ad for a toy car kit in one of his wood-working magazines. He decided to buy the mechanical parts…the chassis, wheels, pedals, and such, from the model company…but changed the outer body from a car to a stearman bi-plane. He knows how enthralled Ben is with planes, so he thought he’d recreate ‘Sarah’ just like the painting on the wall in Ben’s nursery.” Mac saw 8 legs fly through the kitchen and toward the front of the house. “Harm can hardly wait to show Ben the real thing. I suspect, he’s going to want to fly Sarah out here come spring.” Mattie slumped at her last statement, “I’m sorry, Sweetie…I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

Mattie shook her head, “No, it’s not that…I just wish I could help him fly his plane out to California.”

Mac pulled the girl’s head onto her shoulder and ran her fingers through the curly hair, “I’m sure Harm would have loved that as well. I think Frank might go with him for the trip. But once they get the plane back here; there’s nothing to stop you and Harm from flying around the valley this summer.”

Mattie’s voice cracked, “But I can’t….”

“Nonsense,” Mac cupped her chin and looked in her eyes, “…just because you can’t walk doesn’t mean you can’t fly with Harm in Sarah. We’ll just have to be passengers…we’ll let him do all the work, while we enjoy the landscapes and his acrobatic stunts.”

Mattie laughed, “But I thought you were never going to step foot in a plane with Harm again. He said you lost your lunch…and something about the two of you always having hard landings?”

Mac huffed, “I only lost my lunch in an F-14, not his stearman. Besides, they were NOT hard landings…he crashed the plane.” At Mattie’s snicker of disbelief, she added, “The wings got torn off…and the MIG,” Mattie’s eyes grew wider, “…ah never mind, that’s classified.”

Mattie laughed out loud, “Mac, you and Harm sure have had some wild adventures.”

Mac pulled her back into her arms, “Yes, we have, but we always had each other’s back. I wouldn’t have wanted to go through them with anyone else.”

“Aren’t you two going to miss all that excitement now that you’re out of the military?”

Mac shook her head, “No, we’re more than ready to move onto other adventures.” She grinned, “Besides, adventure seems to find us…I doubt our lives will be any less exciting. It’s just a different kind of excitement. In fact, I’m fast learning that these other kinds of fun can be very….”

Mattie held up a hand, “Stop…that’s more information than I need!”

Mac laughed, “Well Missy, if I recall…it was you and your partners in crime that started that fun in motion.”

Mattie wiggled her index finger, “That doesn’t mean I want to hear about it. No one wants to hear about their parents,” she made a sour face, “…eww, yuck!”

Harm came back into the room with Ben and stopped before the pair, “What’s that face all about?”

Mac grinned mischievously, “Mattie doesn’t want to hear about you and me,” she waggled her eyebrows, “…and all our fun.”

Harm frowned in question, “What fun would that be, Mac?”

She ran her hand up his leg and then grabbed his hand, “You know Harm…fun.”

He winked back and tugged on her hand pulling her into his arms, “Oh you mean…FUN.” He dipped her back over his arm and leaned in to place a passionate kiss on her lips.

Mattie crossed her arms over her chest, “Oh gross, that’s enough...not in front of the kids.”

When they didn’t break for air, Ben clapped his hands loudly and scolded, “Kissy, kissy…NO…fwy pwane!” Molly threw in a few barks of agreement with her little master.

Harm moved his lips down to her neck and continued to feast. Mattie sighed in animated exasperation, “Would you listen to the kid…either that or find a room. I don’t think he needs his first lesson in sex education at his age…and on Christmas no less!”

Harm and Mac stood back up and howled with laughter. Mac patted his chest, “Actually, Harm tried to give him his first lesson in sex education when he was 9 months old. He wanted to lecture him on kissing techniques!”

When Mattie’s eyebrows hit her hairline, he shook a finger at Mac, “Now, I told you that was just a rookie mistake. I have no intention of teaching my son how to kiss.” Mac leaned forward and whispered something into his ear. As the blush spread from his neck to his cheeks, he huffed, “That’s enough, Marine.” Backing up a step, he cleared his throat, “I think I better get back to flying.” When Mac started to open her mouth, he held up a finger, “Don’t say it…I’ll take care of you later, MacKenzie!”

She rolled her eyes, “Promises, promises.”

He started to walk away, but turned back and flashed a wink at Mattie. Pulling Mac back into his arms, he grinned, “Be prepared, sweetheart…I always keep my promises.” He then leaned in for another kiss.

“NO!” Ben clapped his hands, “Fwy now, Dada!” Molly howled in support.

Harm nipped her lips one more time, “Gotta go, bosses’ orders.”

Mac fell back onto the couch, laughing merrily. She pulled Mattie back into her arms, “Did we embarrass you?”

Mattie shook her head, “No, not really. You and Harm are kinda cute. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him as happy as he’s been this last year.” She sobered, “Mac, I’m not sure you realize just how miserable he was in London without you.”

Mac grew serious, “Yes, I do…I was just as lost without him. I can’t believe we got a second…or a third…chance to get things right. Now that I have, I can’t imagine my life without all this…you, Ben, Harm…you’re all I need to make me happy.”

Mattie laid her head back on Mac’s shoulder, “Thanks, Mac…I love you, too.”

Mac reached under the couch and hauled a large box into her lap, “I have one more present for you, sweetie.”

Mattie sat back up, “But…you and Harm already got me enough.”

Mac shifted the gift into Mattie’s lap, “This is something special I wanted to make for you.” Once Mattie opened the box, she lifted the heavy book out and placed it in her lap. She ran her fingers over the leather-bound volume, rubbing the embossed letters that read ‘Mattie Grace Johnson Rabb.’ Mac reached for her hand and squeezed, “I saw you looking at the scrapbook I was making for Ben last summer. I contacted your Dad early in the fall and had him send me some special mementos. He went through the attic in Blacksburg and found all the things I needed. I think it was good for him to go through things and remember as well.”

Mattie settled the album between them and flipped through the pages. Inside were intricate and ornate illustrations of her life...her whole life…her parents, grandparents, friends and family…birth to present. There were pictures, birth certificates, marriage licenses, graduation diplomas, a bonnet of hers, a headpiece from her mother’s veil, locks of hair, baby footprints, everything to celebrate her life. As she turned to the last completed pages, she found photos of her two families. On the left a studio portrait of her and her father mounted on an elaborate paperwork design with the heading of ‘The Johnsons.’ On the right, a portrait of Harm, Mac, Ben and herself from their wedding, was surrounded by smaller photos of Grandma and Grandpa Burnett, Molly, Harm and Mattie, and Ben and Mattie…all beneath the title of ‘The Rabbs.’ Mattie stared down at the album with tears in her eyes, “I don’t know what to say.”

Mac hugged her close and kissed her head, “I just wanted you to know how special you are, where you come from and where you belong. We love you very much, Mattie…all of us…the Rabbs and the Johnsons.”

Mattie buried her face in Mac’s shoulder and let the tears fall. After several minutes, she pulled back with an emotional smile, “I guess I’m lucky to have two Moms and two Dads. I love you, Mac.”

“I love you, too Mattie.” She pushed the curls away from Mattie’s face and swiped a finger under her eyes to dry the tears. Placing a kiss on her forehead, she pointed back to the scrapbook, “This can be extended to add more pages. You can add more life events…or we can do it together.”

Laying her head back against Mac, she responded, “Together, I think.”

Harm peeked his head around the corner, “Can I come back in?”

Mattie nodded, “Yeah…did you see what Mac made for me?”

Harm joined them on the couch, “I did…she wanted to make sure you knew Ben wasn’t our only child. We love you, Mats.”

“I know…I love you guys, too.” The phone rang on the end table next to the couch. Mattie answered and proceeded to make plans with Jen. Hanging up the phone, she explained, “Jen’s on her way. She wanted to come early to exchange gifts, before Grandma and Grandpa get here for Christmas dinner. Would it be OK if I spent the night at Jen’s apartment? We won’t leave until after dinner?”

Mac smiled, “Sure, that would be fine. Did you call your Dad and wish him a Merry Christmas yet?”

Mattie transferred herself back into her wheelchair, “Not yet…I was going to go call him now, before Jen arrives. I want to tell him about the scrapbook.” She paused, “Would it be OK if I take it back to school with me…so Dad can see it too?”

“Sure, in fact, maybe you and I could make one for your Dad. All of the documents and picture in there are duplicates; I didn’t want to use the originals. Everything has to be on acid-free paper, so it doesn’t deteriorate with age. I think I have copies of just about everything in the book. We can go shopping for supplies and paper that are a little more masculine in design. What do say,” Mac raised a brow,”…are you up for some scrapbooking after Christmas?”

Mattie’s eyes danced, “That’d be great! I got Dad something small, but I still wanted to get him another gift. Do you think he would like a scrapbook like this?”

Mac reached for her hand, “I’m sure of it, Mats. He was so excited, nostalgic almost, to go through all the memories in your old attic. I think he enjoyed getting to relive some of those moments with you and your Mom. Maybe you can think of some other things to add?”

Mattie eyes grew, “I’ve got the letters from my Mom…I gotta go dig them out and see what else I can find.” She wheeled off toward the garage to head to her room.

Harm pulled Mac into his arms, “Thank you for doing that for her, Mac. She’s spent too much time running from her past…I think it’s great that she’s reconnecting with her other family.”

She leaned up to kiss him, “Where’s the boss?” At his look of confusion, she added, “Ben? Last I saw, he was directing you to the nearest airfield.”

Harm began to laugh, but yawned instead, “He went down for a nap. I think we were all too excited to sleep last night.” Yawning again, “And we got up way too early this morning. What do you say…want to take a nap with me?”

She yawned in response to his tiredness, “Harm, we need to get dinner going.”

He shook his head, “Mostly done, Marine. Turkey is ready to go in the oven, potatoes are peeled and ready to start, and the pies are done. We have at least an hour before we need to get started.” He reclined back on the couch, taking her with him. Once he had her situated, draped over his long frame, he grabbed the throw from the back of the couch and shook it into the air, allowing it to fall over the top of them.

She looked up into his face with a smile, “Do I get a say about this?”

He kissed her forehead, “Nope, I sleep better with you in my arms. Now shush…naptime.”

She wiggled until she found her perfect cuddling spot and sighed with contentment. Her last thought as she drifted off to sleep was that this was pure heaven…Santa really had granted her every wish.

***

Later that evening, Harm wandered into the family room to find Mac curled up before the fireplace reading a book. He plopped down on the couch, “What’cha reading?”

She turned the front cover toward him, “Did you finally get Ben into bed?”

He smirked, “Yeah, after I bathed off all the holiday goodie guck that was stuck to every surface of him. I don’t think there was an inch of skin or hair that wasn’t sticky.” He took the book from her to flip through the pages.

She rolled her eyes, “Not that I was reading that or anything. How’d you get him out of the plane? I thought for sure he’d want to sleep in that thing?”

Harm looked up and smiled, “I had to promise to leave it in his room. When I left, he was sound asleep with his hand snaked through the slats of the crib holding onto the handle. Molly had her paw on the front wheel to make sure I didn’t break my promise and abscond with the thing.” He handed the book back to her, “What’s this about anyways…this isn’t your usual intrigue or mystery book.”

She shrugged, “I found it at a second hand bookstore the other day when Mattie and I were out shopping. I read the previous book by this author; it was a war based love story…I thought this one might be similar.”

He smirked, “A love story, Mac?” He flipped his legs up onto the couch and placed his head in her lap, “I didn’t think you liked those sappy things. Although, “ he tapped the dust cover, “…at least this one’s about a lighthouse, it must have something to do with the sea.”

She flicked the top of his head with her finger, “Hey, if you’re going to insult my book, you don’t get to lay here. Besides, this one revolves around World War II…the love story is just a portion of the book.”

He shrugged, “’The Lighthouse Keeper’ by James Michael Pratt…I’m game, why don’t you read it to me?”

She frowned, “What? Since when do we read books to each other?”

He snuggled his head further into her lap, and she obliged by running her fingers through his hair, “Since I get the best seat in the house…shoot, if you keep doing that thing with your fingers, you can read me one of those grocery store romance novels.”

She stared at him to assess whether he was serious, “OK, on two conditions…first, no interruptions or obnoxious comments from the peanut gallery,” she smiled, “…and second, next time it’s your turn to read to me, and not Tom Clancy either.”

He considered the terms and nodded, “You’re on…next book is my choice, but you get veto power.” As she began to read, he held up a finger, “You promised to continue that finger thing with my hair.”

She glared, “Harm, you promised, no interruptions.” When he gave her a lost little boy look, she relented and began to stroke his hair, “Fine…but that’s it, flyboy.”

For the next several hours they enjoyed the quiet of a holiday evening and each other…a new Rabb husband-wife tradition was born.

***

13:30

Tuesday

1 July 2008

The Noah’s Ark Child Advocacy Firm

San Diego, California

Mattie maneuvered her wheelchair down the hall toward her parents’ offices. Hearing their voices coming through Mac’s partially opened door, she asked, “Hey Ben, want to ask Mommy if you can come shopping with me.”

Ben bounced in her lap, “Yez, me go wif Gace.”

The pair knocked once before pushing into the office, only to find their parent locked in a passionate embrace. “Oh come on guys give it a rest. We see enough of this at home…do we have to watch it in public, too.” She looked down at her brother, “Tell’em Ben.”

The toddler made a face and scolded, “Kissy…uck,” and wiped his hand across his mouth.

Mac reached out and lifted Ben into her arms, “Hey little man, don’t you like Mama’s kisses?”

Ben grinned and threw his arms around her neck, “Yez, me wike Mama kissy.” He then swooped in to lay a loud wet smack on her mouth.

Harm laughed when Mac pulled back and wiped the slobber from her mouth. Pulling the duo into his arms, he leaned in close to Mac, “I guess mine are a little more appealing, huh?”

As he tried to kiss her, Ben pushed him back, “No Daddee…Mama wike me.”

Mac howled, “Harm, I guess you have some competition…I told you not to give him kissing lessons.”

Harm growled and took Ben into his arms, “Alright you two, what are you doing in the office? Mattie, aren’t you supposed to be working at the Gallery? And Ben, isn’t it naptime?”

Ben clapped his hands, “NO nap…me go wif Gace.”

Harm shook his head and turned to Mattie, “Well?”

Mattie held her arms up to take Ben, “I have the afternoon off. Jen’s coming by to pick us up…we need to go shopping for Ben’s birthday present.”

Ben jumped up and down, “Me bifday mowow…two.” He held up two fingers to demonstrate his new trick.

Before Harm could respond, there was a knock at the door. Victor Galindez walked into the office, “Sir…Ma’am…I’ve completed that investigation….” He stopped mid-sentence, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had company…Claire said you were both free.”

“It’s OK, Vic…and it’s Harm and Mac. None of us are in the military anymore, we’re all just colleagues.” Harm pointed toward his kids, “Vic, I’d like you to meet Mattie, she’s our oldest…and you already know our little toot.”

Ben scowled, “Me no twoot, Daddee.”

Vic laughed and ruffled the toddler’s hair. Turning his attention to Mattie, he extended his hand, “It’s nice to meet you, Mattie. I’ve heard a lot about you from your folks…all good, I assure you.” He smiled revealing his dimples, and then turned back to Harm, “I’ll just leave this report with you, Si…ah, Harm. Again, I’m sorry if I interrupted anything.” As he walked past Mattie chair, he extended his palm to Ben, “Give my five, little guy.” Ben giggled and slapped his hand.

Once the door had closed, Mac reached for Ben, “Come on punkin, it’s naptime.”

Ben rubbed his eyes, “No…go wif Gace.”

Mac sighed, “Mattie, are you sure you want him to tag along? He’s past his naptime and already pretty cranky?”

Ben snuggled into Mattie’s arms. She kissed his dark hair and nodded, “Yeah, we’ll take him. I promised him, he could go. Besides, we’ll put him in his stroller…he’ll probably be out for the count before we hit the mall.” She pointed her thumb behind her, “Is that the new guy? The one you knew from JAG…Gunny is it?”

Harm walked over toward Mac, “Yeah, we knew Vic from JAG HQ among other places. He decided not to re-up when his last term was expired. We ran into him, while we were in D.C. last month. He needed a new job, and we needed a good investigator…perfect fit. Gunny’s a great guy.”

Mattie’s eyes twinkled, “And cute, too.”

“He’s too old for you,” Harm glared back.

Mattie shook her head, “Oh, I wasn’t thinking of me.” She wheeled her chair closer to Mac and lowered her voice, “Hey Mac, did Jen and Vic know each other back then?”

Mac frowned in concentration, “Nooo, I don’t think so. Jen came to HQ after Bud’s accident…and Gunny was gone by then.”

Mattie chewed on her lip, “I see. Hey Harm, do you think we could grill out by the pool tonight? I thought I’d see if Jen wanted to come…and maybe…you could invite Vic, make the new guy feel welcome.”

Mac nodded her head, “That’s a great idea…Harm, you can pick up some chicken and steaks on the way home.”

Harm crossed his arms, “I see where you two are going with this, and I don’t think it’s a good idea to get involved.”

Mac’s mouth hung agape, “Don’t look at me…I’m not the matchmaker here. We were match-mated remember? I had nothing to do with it.” She pointed toward Mattie, “She’s the one that’s a member of the infamous Rabb matchmaking trio.”

Mattie’s eyes danced, “That’s an idea…maybe I could get Grandma Trish and Evie to help. Do you think they could come for dinner? Or better yet, we let Jen and Vic get acquainted tonight…then invite Vic back for Ben’s birthday party tomorrow…Grandma and Evie can start working their magic then.”

Harm shook his head, “I’m not hearing this. For the record, I think this is a bad idea.”

Mac sauntered up to him and ran her hand up his chest, “What’s the matter, Sailor? Don’t you think everyone deserves to be as happy as us?”

He exhaled loudly, “Fine, I’ll stop by the meat market and pick up chicken for dinner.”

“And steak,” Mattie added.

“Filet mignon,” Mac corrected.

Harm rolled his eyes, “Fine, I’ll pick up a couple of filets.”

Mac caressed his cheek, “Harm, you’re the only one that eats chicken…the rest of us want steak.”

He huffed, “Fine, I’ll get a couple of chicken breasts and the rest filets. Are you happy now?”

She ran her hand behind his neck and pulled his head down. Placing a kiss on his lips, she whispered, “Very happy.”

Ben clapped his hands, “NO KISSY!”

Harm harumphed, “Mattie, did you really have to teach him to do that!”