Part 3

11:30

Friday, Thanksgiving weekend

24 November 2006

Burnett Art Gallery

La Jolla, California

Mac had paced up and down the sidewalk before venturing into the gallery. She had decided to join the hustle and bustle of the post Thanksgiving holiday shoppers. Most of her Christmas shopping was already complete, but she still loved to enjoy the decorations and holiday spirit on this first day of the official Christmas shopping season. She’d been planning for days to have lunch at the bistro next door. She’d happened upon the eatery in her first few months in San Diego and Evie’s fast became one of her favorite places. Her mouth watered at the thought of the raspberry muffins and her eyes glazed over just dreaming of the aroma of the Italian beef sandwich. She swallowed quickly before she could embarrass herself by drooling. She had hoped to sneak in an early lunch, before the crowds became unbearable. Problem was, everyone else appeared to have the same idea. The waiting list at Evie’s was 45 minutes long, but well worth the wait, if she did say so herself.

She’d decided to check out the shops around the restaurant to kill some time. She still needed a gift for Harriet and thought she might find something unique at one of the galleries. She leisurely walked through the rooms looking at all the paintings. One in particular caught her eye. It was a beautiful portrait of a mother and child. Flipping over the tag, she winced at the price. It was an exquisite piece, but a little outside of her price range. Taking a moment longer to enjoy the serene faces, she wandered into another room. She stopped at a display of glass work. Fingering the delicate works, she found a medium sized vase that would be perfect for her friend. She was just about to go searching for a salesperson, when a tall elegant woman appeared at her side.

“May I assist you with anything?” the woman asked politely.

Mac turned to respond, “Yes, I was interested in this vase. I have a friend who would love it. She has four small children and would never purchase such a delicate gift for herself.” Mac extended her hands to carefully transfer the glass work to the saleswoman.

The woman’s smile disappeared only to be replaced by a look of surprise. She stood transfixed for several moments, before taking the vase. The warm smile returned and she extended her arm to direct Mac to the sales desk. As she placed the vase on the desk, withdrawing a gift box from below, she asked, “Sarah, how are you doing? I trust you had a wonderful holiday yesterday with your family?”

Mac smiled back unsurely, “I’m well, thank you. I…ah…I spent the holiday…alone. Um, someone had to cover the office…um.” She wrinkled her brow and paused in concentration, “I’m sorry, have we met before? I mean, in my line of work, I meet so many people. I’m sorry if I don’t remember your name.”

Trish smiled at the young woman’s nervousness. “Actually, now that you mention it…we’ve never been formally introduced. It’s just that I’ve heard so much about you, I feel like we’re old friends. I recognized you from all the pictures around my son’s apartment.” Mac nodded her head slightly at the explanation, as names and faces flashed through her mind. Still finding no recognition on Mac’s face, Trish extended her hand, “I’m Trish Burnett…Harm’s mother.”

Mac gasped as the face fell into place, “Of course, I’m so sorry, Mrs. Burnett. I should have recognized you from the picture he had in his office. It’s nice to finally met you.” Her smile dimmed, “How is Harm? After we were transferred, we lost touch…I’m sorry to say.”

Trish caught the tone of regret in her voice. “Well, he’s been busy to say the least, between his JAG position in London and Mattie. He seems to have a hard time keeping contact with most everyone…well, except for his daughter.”

Mac glanced toward the floor. She hadn’t been prepared to discuss Harm; she was finding it difficult to keep her composure. Swallowing hard to clear her voice, she asked, “So, how is Mattie doing? Did she make a full recovery?”

Trish shook her head sadly, “No, I’m afraid not. She and Harm worked so hard, but…well, she was left a paraplegic. She regained full use of her arms and upper body, but she’s wheelchair bound. Not to say that stops her, she’s does more on a slow day than I do on my busiest. We’re really proud of all she’s accomplished. She’s even enrolled at the University of Virginia this year.”

Mac looked back with surprise, “Wow, after all she’s been through, I’m surprised Harm let her venture that far away from home.”

Trish grinned, “It took some sweet talking on Mattie’s part to convince him, but it helped that her other father lives close by.”

Mac’s eyes widened even more, “Tom’s back in Mattie’s live? After the accident when he relapsed…well, I wasn’t sure he’d ever be fit to care for Mattie again.”

Trish resumed packaging the vase as she spoke, “It took about 8 months for Tom to clean himself up and express an interest in his daughter’s life. Mattie didn’t want to go back to living with him, but she’ll readily admit she has two Dads and wants to keep them both. She understood how hard the whole accident was on Tom. He thought he was going to lose Mattie just like he lost her mother. Both of them are stronger now than they ever were in the past. I think it gives Mattie a sense of security to have him close by if she needs anything.”

Mac withdrew a credit card from her wallet and handed it to Trish. “Sooo, how’s Harm doing other than Mattie and work? Does he have anyone else special in his life?” The last question was asked with just a hint of fear mixed with regret in her voice.

Trish shrugged her shoulders, “Who knows with my son, he rarely talks about those things with me.” Except for you of course, she added silently in her mind.

Mac nodded and her smile slipped a few degrees. She accepted the gift bag from Trish, “It was nice to finally meet you, Mrs. Burnett. Next time you talk to Harm give him my lo…best.” She checked her watch and gestured with her head toward the door, “I should get going; my table should just about be ready at Evie’s. I think I can already hear a raspberry crumb muffin calling my name.”

As she turned to leave, Trish answered back, “Those are Harm’s favorite, too. By the way, where’s the baby today? I would have loved to see him up close. Oh what am I thinking, you probably left him home with your husband. With all the crowds out shopping today, he’s probably much happier at home.”

Mac spun back around, her features falling in pain, “I’m sorry? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Who told you I had a child?”

Trish stammered back, puzzled, “Well, we saw you…I mean. Are saying that you don’t have a baby?”

Mac chewed on her lip to control her emotions, “No, I can’t…what do you mean you saw me? When?”

Trish placed a hand over her mouth and muttered, “Oh boy…ah, what about a husband?”

Mac shook her head as a well of tears appeared in her eyes, “No…I couldn’t…I wouldn’t….” She turned her head away and wiped a hand over her eyes. Clearing her throat she turned back, “I’ve been so busy…being in a command position doesn’t leave much personal time. I’m sure Harm,” her voice cracked, “…I’m sure he’ll tell you the same thing. I really should be going. I’m sorry to keep you from your other customers.” She walked toward the door, pausing briefly, “I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.”

She was halfway down the sidewalk and debating with herself about just taking her melancholy mood home, when Trish stopped her from behind. “Mac, darling…could you stop for just a moment.” When she didn’t turn around, Trish reached out to place a hand on her shoulder and slowly turned the younger woman toward her; the look on Mac’s face broke her heart and roused all of her maternal instinct. Trish took her into her arms and hugged her tightly, feeling the shudder of the silent cries shaking her body. Maneuvering them both back to the gallery, she took Mac to her private office and allowed her some time to regain her composure.

Returning a few minutes later with a glass of water and some tissues, she sat down beside the woman, who should rightfully already be her daughter-in-law, and pondered how she was going to fix this mess. How do you shake some sense into two such obstinate people…people who are so obviously in love and so obviously miserable a world apart? She inwardly smiled at the possibilities, maybe if she locked them in a closet? Ordered them? Now that was an idea, surely mom’s-privilege trumped admiral’s-privilege when it came to giving orders. And then there was Mattie, between the two of them, she was sure Harm and Sarah wouldn’t know what hit them. Yes, that was the ticket; she’d recruit Mattie to assist with her plans. Her eyes lit up further, what about Evie, Harm never could resist when Evie gave him ‘that’ look. The wheels were rotating so quickly in her head that she almost missed Mac’s attempted escape. “Sarah, where are you going, dear?”

Mac continued on to the door, “I thought I would just head on home. Thank you for your understanding and…concern.” A harried, “Merry Christmas,” was tossed over her shoulder in haste.

Trish stood up to follow, “But Sarah, I thought you were going to have lunch next door?”

Mac shook her head, “No, I’ve changed my mind. I’m not really hungry and with the crowds and all.”

Trish placed a hand on her arm to halt further forward progress, “Nonsense my dear, let me just tell my assistant I’m leaving and then we’ll go have lunch together. Evie and I are old friends, I’m sure we’ll have no trouble getting a table.”

Mac’s eyes widened in panic, “But Mrs. Burnett…you don’t have to.”

Trish cut her off, “First of all, it’s Trish, dear…and I know I don’t have to…I want to have lunch with you. I’d love to hear all about what’s going on in your life.” She watched Mac’s shoulder slump in resignation and quickly found Martha to relate her lunch plans. Returning to the front room of the gallery, she linked her arm through Mac’s and headed for the door. Yes, this was turning out to be a most interesting day, she thought to herself. “So Sarah, what’s your favorite item on Evie’s menu. Please, tell me you indulge in something other than salad, I can’t seem to get my son to try anything but Evie’s roasted vegetable salad.”

Mac nervously flickered her eyes toward Trish, “Ah no, I prefer the Italian beef sandwich.”

Trish beamed, “A woman after my own heart, I knew we’d be great friends. Come dear, I can’t wait to introduce you to Evie. She’s already heard so much about you.” Mac’s eyes widened further, as she looked even more overwhelmed. Trish barely suppressed the triumphant giggle; the poor dear looked like she’d been run over by a freight train…the Mama Trish Train to be exact. Although her voice was softer, higher and a lot less gruff, she was sure she could give AJ Chegwidden a run for his money when it came to executing a plan. She was bound and determined to finally get these two together. Heaven help anyone who tried to get in the way, and that includes her recalcitrant son and his beautiful marine. One way or another she was going to be halfway to a daughter-in-law and future grand babies by Christmas. Normally, she didn’t encourage meddling, but desperate times called for desperate measures, ah la…Don Pedro in Shakespeare’s a ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’ They could thank her later in the form of several more grandchildren. She couldn’t suppress the smile that escaped at that delightful thought.

***

The pair was greeted with a warm welcome, by none other than Evie herself, when they entered the bistro. “Trish, it’s so great to see you. Let me see if I can find you a table. Maybe I can even sneak over for a brief visit in between customers; today is already shaping up to be a madhouse. Everyone seems to be out shopping, and eating out naturally follows suit.”

Trish leaned down to give the older woman a kiss on the cheek. Standing back up, she gestured to her side, “Evie, I’d like you to meet Sarah MacKenzie…she’s a friend of Harm’s.” Trish covertly communicated to Evie with a wink as she emphasized Mac’s name, “MAC, this is Evie the proud owner of this establishment and longtime friend to the Rabb-Burnett household.” Trish smiled and nudged Mac’s arm, “No one could keep Harm in line as a teenager, like Evie. He knew not to cross her. She may only be 4 foot-10 in height, but she more than makes up for it in spunk and a grandmother’s ‘take no guff’ attitude.”

Mac extended a hand in greeting, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am. I absolutely love eating here; I make it a point to come at least once a month.”

Evie looked her up and down with a sly grin and then pulled her in for bear hug, “Well, young lady, a friend of Harmon’s is a friend of mine,” she pulled back, “…and he was right, you ARE absolutely beautiful. Now come on, why don’t the both of you just follow me. I’ll get you settled and then be back in a fix with some iced tea and raspberry muffins.” She turned back to Mac, “You do like the muffins don’t you?”

Mac nodded back a little leery at all the familiarity, “Yes, ma’am, they’re one of the reasons I come here…that along with the Italian beef sandwich,” her eyes widened at the thought, as the beginnings of a smile danced on her lips.

Evie grabbed her hand and patted it lovingly, “Oh good, a girl whose not afraid to eat. I knew I would like you. Harmon always had such nice things to say about you…he really needs someone to keep him on his toes.”

Mac stammered, “Ah…I…we…we’re not…”

Evie pushed her into a chair, “Oh, I know, dear…you and he never…well, you know. I’ve heard it all before.” Evie winked at her to indicate she didn’t believe any of their nonsensical objections, explanations and excuses. “I’ll be right back with those muffins, sugar.” Evie paused a moment to stare, cocking her head to the side and placing a finger to her lips, “And some butter…lots of butter…and you’ll be needing some of my pecan pie for dessert after that sandwich. You’re a bit too skinny, darlin',” with that she turned on her heels, muttering, “…Harmon needs something to hold on to.”

Mac stared back speechless, mouth gaping open like a fish. What have I gotten myself into, flashed through her mind, as she shyly smiled back at a triumphant Trish. She gulped and swallowed hard, “Ah, she’s an interesting lady. In all the time I’ve been coming here, I’ve never met her before.”

Trish reached across the table and patted her hand, “That’s OK, dear…once you meet Evie, you’re family for life. She’ll make sure to look after you just like you’re one of her own, that’s how she treats Harm. If she can keep my 6 foot-4 son in line, she’ll make sure you’re WELL taken care of.”

Lunch was a relatively calm affair. Evie had gotten tied up in the kitchen, but promised to visit over dessert. Trish and Mac casually discussed the art gallery, Mac’s new post in San Diego, Frank’s work, Mac’s hobbies, Mattie’s school year, where they each lived. When they’d finished dancing around every topic but Harm, Evie joined them with a pot of hot tea and three huge pieces of pecan pie lathered mile high in whipped cream.

Mac’s brow rose in shock at the piece of pie, “Um, this looks incredible, but I’m not sure I can eat all of this after the lunch I just had.”

Evie tipped her head, “Sure you can, sugar…you just start eating at one end and don’t stop ‘till you hit the other. Take your time; we’ve got lots of visiting to do. I want to hear all about you and my boy.”

Mac gave a wary grin, “What do you mean?”

Evie pointed to Mac’s plate with her fork, “Go ahead, get started on that before the whipped cream melts.” Mac had just put a good sized bite of heaven in her mouth and closed her eyes to savor the taste, when Evie spoke up again, “Boy oh boy, if Harmon could see you now, he’d…well, we won’t talk about that just yet. Why don’t you tell me all about the adventures you two have been on, what kept you close, what made you friends? Harmon’s told me a lot about your time together? What was it…nine years?”

Mac nodded unable to suppress the jittery feeling in her stomach. She placed her fork back on the plate with a nervous clink, “Well, a lot of it’s classified, and I’m sure you’ve heard most of the rest from Harm or Trish.”

Evie waved a forkful of whipped cream in the air, “I don’t care about all that military stuff; I want to know what you did in your free time? What makes you tick? What drew you to each other? What did you like most about him? What drove you crazy?” The wicked look in her eyes matched her knowing smile, “And don’t tell me he didn’t drive you nuts…make you want to ring his neck…I’ve spent enough time around him to know better.”

Mac laughed at the elderly grandmother as she fired off unending numbers of questions. My life could have been so different if only I’d had someone like her to keep me in line when I was younger and flailing, the thought flitted through her mind unimpeded. Mac proceeded to tell the pair about her favorite Butch and Sundance theatrics. It felt good to remember them again, and even better to share them with people who understood and could appreciate her love for all things Harm.

As the tales grew to a close, and the mountainous slices of pie to a pile of crumbs, Evie asked the one question that she and Trish most wanted an answer to. “What was it about Harmon that made you love him so much? And what made him love you?”

Mac glanced to Trish for support, but was shrugged off as Trish gave her an encouraging smile. “Well, you see…actually, Harm doesn’t really….” Evie gave her that ‘look’; the one that said don’t even try to deny it. Mac sighed and ran her fork through the residual cream and crumb mixture on the plate, “Really, I have no idea what…ah, how…I’m not sure….”

Evie chuckled at the inarticulate response, “You’re a lawyer, right? And according to Harmon, a good one at that. What is it about the subject of love that makes you both so tongue-tied?”

Mac shifted in her chair to stand, “I think maybe I should run to the ladies room.”

Evie shook her head, “Oh no, you don’t…no escaping, I got Harmon to tell me…now, it’s your turn.” Evie gave her a sly wink, “You know the best thing about getting old? You get to say whatever you want and do whatever want, and no one calls you on it. This white hair is an automatic free ride, and all I want is for my kids to be happy. So, tell me what it is that makes you love my boy?”

Mac stared at her plate and softly answered, “I guess I never quite put it into words. I love that he’s kind and goes out of his way to help others. I love that he takes on the impossible and doesn’t give up. I love that he always looks for the truth and doesn’t stop until he finds it. I love that he goes to the end of the world for the people he loves. I love that when he finds the disadvantaged or hurt that he doesn’t stop caring until he ends the pain. I love the way I feel when I’m in his presence and in his thoughts. I love that he makes me want to be a better person. I love him because he’s a good, honest, intelligent, loving man…and I wish I had told him all these things when I had the chance.”

Evie leaned in and cupped Mac’s cheek, “Listen sweetie, I can honestly tell you that Harmon’s list of all the reasons why he loves you is almost identical. From what I can see, neither one of you is particularly happy with a continent between you. I told my handsome boy when he comes home for Christmas that Grandma Evie would have someone special for him.” She pulled Mac’s face to hers and kissed her cheek, “I think I just found her.”

Mac pulled away and started to protest, “I’m not sure that would be such a great idea. When we parted, he said…well, he couldn’t….”

Trish reached for her hand and stroked the back with her thumb, “Sarah, dear…I know Harm thought he had legitimate reasons for how things ended back then. I don’t necessarily agree with them, but I think he should explain them himself. Evie’s correct, he misses you terribly…and if given the chance, I know he would love to make things right. Frank and I have a Christmas Eve Party every year. This is the first year that Harm and Mattie will be home to attend…I was hoping you would come too.”

Mac didn’t answer directly, “Can I ask you a question?” At Trish’s nod of permission, she continued, “Why did you think I had a baby? You said ‘WE’ saw you? Who is we and what was it you thought you saw?”

Trish sighed at the memory of the heartbreaking day, “Harm dropped Mattie off at the university and then came to spend a week here with Frank and I. Harm and I were having lunch here on Labor Day, and we saw you with a small infant. We also saw a man come to the table and then accompany you out of the restaurant.”

Mac’s eyes widened, “So Harm thinks I’m married…that I moved on with someone else?” At Trish’s nod of acceptance, she continued on, “Then why would he want to see me at Christmas?”

Trish squeezed her hand, “You just let me take care of clearing up that misunderstanding. I promise you, based on his reaction, he’ll be thrilled to spend the holidays with you.”

“I don’t know,” came Mac’s timid response.

Trish winked back, “I do…trust me.” Trish cocked her head to the side, “Who was the baby, anyway?”

Mac smiled with pride for the first time all day, “That was my godson, Benjamin Michael Carter. His mother and I are old friends. We’d lost touch for a while, but we both ended up stationed here in San Diego. Bernice and her husband, Dan, asked me to be Ben’s godmother. It’s one of the few good things to happen since I’ve been here. Labor Day was the first time that Bernice and her husband agreed to go out for the day without the baby. I volunteered to keep Ben that day…and Dan met me here that afternoon to reclaim his son.”

Trish grimaced at the enormity of the misunderstanding, “Well, I guess we really got it wrong that day. See, it always pays to ask first and not assume.” She looked at Mac with a tender smile, “But I will say, Harm thought you looked beautiful with a child.”

Tears immediately flooded her eyes, as Mac murmured, “But Trish, I can’t have…Harm and I could never have….”

Trish leaned over to hug the woman, who she considered to be her daughter, more and more with each passing moment, “Sarah dear, if I’ve learned nothing else from my son and my granddaughter…it’s that nothing is ever impossible. It may not always work out exactly as you planned, but there’s always a way if you just look for the alternatives…and in the end, the alternative usually provides a much sweeter reward.”