Part 18B/20

By early spring of 2024, Sophie was busy applying to colleges before high school graduation. Her first choice had been the Naval Academy; she planned to ultimately study law and follow in her parent’s footsteps at JAG. At the age of 17, she was a tall dark-haired beauty with her father’s eyes and engaging smile, but her mother’s lithe frame and physique. She continued to be graceful and athletic, while excelling in academics. With her parent’s position at JAG, her Papa AJ’s letter of recommendation and Harm’s graduation from the naval university, she was considered a shoe-in at the Academy.

The only problem with her desired plan, was her current boyfriend and ‘love of her young life’, Jordan. While Sophie thrilled at the idea of following in her family’s military legacy, Jordan wanted nothing to do with the military. He didn’t want his girlfriend attending the Academy and definitely didn’t want her joining the Marines.

Sophie came home on a Friday night, in early April, and dropped onto the couch beside her mother. Sighing, she asked, “Where’s Dad?”

Mac pulled her daughter up onto the couch and into her embrace. “I’m not sure…last I saw, he was in the study. How was your date?”

Sophie shrugged, “OK, I guess.”

Mac looked on puzzled, “Something happen with Jordan tonight?” She ran her fingers through her daughter’s hair, before twirling a curly lock around her finger.

Sophie scrunched her nose, “We kinda had a fight.”

When she didn’t continue, Mac carefully dug a little deeper, “What’d you fight about?”

Sophie shrugged again, “You know the usual…he doesn’t want me to go to the Academy. He says if I really cared about him…I’d go to Georgetown with him.”

Mac pulled Sophie further into her embrace and kissed the top of her head. “What’d you say?”

Sophie’s voice grew quieter as she suppressed tears, “I don’t know? I told him I want to go to the Academy then law school, and that I want to be a Marine and a JAG like you.” She quickly brushed away a tear, “He said if I really loved him; I’d do what he wanted.”

Mac caressed her cheek as she watched Sophie’s heart break. “Sweetie, love doesn’t work like that. If someone loves you, they don’t demand you do things their way…they want you to be happy and successful in your own choices. I haven’t heard you tell Jordan, he needs to go to the Academy.”

Sophie rolled her eyes and sniffed back the tears, “Mooom, he’d never go to the Academy.”
Mac looked deeply into her eyes, “Exactly, so why does he think you should give up your dream for him, when he’s not willing to do the same for you?”

Sophie ducked her head from her mother’s gaze, “But Mom…if I go to the Academy then he’ll break up with me.”

Mac placed a finger under her daughter’s chin and rotated her head back to her view. “Sophie, if he’s going to break up with you because you won’t do everything his way, then he doesn’t deserve to have you. You don’t make demands like that on someone you love. Real love always wants the other person to be happy.”

Sophie teared up again, “But Mom, I love him…what if he walks away.”

“Oh Sophie,” Mac cradled her daughter and gently rocked her. After several minutes, Sophie visibly calmed and Mac continued, “Sweetie, do you think your Dad would ever make demands like that of me?”

Sophie shook her head, “No, but that’s different…you’re married.”

Mac grinned, “We haven’t always been. In fact, it took us a long time to get to that point…mostly because, neither one of us wanted the other to sacrifice something that they loved.”

Sophie looked up puzzled, “Like what Mom?”

Mac smiled, “If I told you all the times we put the other first in those 9 years…we could be here all night.”

Sophie smirked, “What did take you and Dad so long? When did you first fall in love?”

It was Mac’s turn to shrug, “That’s the 10 billion dollar question. I’m not sure either of us could answer it to a specific time. We both knew there was something there the very first time we met, but I think both of us were a little unsure. We’d both been hurt before…we needed time to trust one another.” Mac grinned, “That took all of about 12 hours…your Dad bailed me and Uncle Matt out, without giving it a second thought. He flashed that ‘flyboy’ smile of his and turned on the charm…I acted like I wasn’t affected…he tried harder. We became friends first,” she pegged her daughter with a determined gaze, “…that’s the best place to start.”

Sophie looked at her mother with a ‘puppy dog’ expression, “I understand you might not know the exact time you fell in love, but when did you know for sure?”

“Mmmm,” Mac laughed at her daughter’s expression, a first love was an interesting time for a young girl, if she didn’t get too carried away. “I knew I was in love with your Daddy the first time he took me flying.” She shook her head, “It was also the first time we had plane trouble; by the way, don’t ever tell your Father he crashed.” She grinned again and waggled her eyebrows, “They’re just HARD LANDINGS.”

Sophie laughed in return, “I’ll remember that. So how did you know you loved him?”

Mac reached up and hooked an errant strand of hair behind Sophie ear, “Because he cared more about me than himself. I got shot by some crazy hillbillies and couldn’t get away fast enough. Your Daddy stayed with me no matter what. He could’ve gotten hurt as well, but he wouldn’t leave my side. He even carried me the last little way to the plane. I knew then that he was something really special. It might have taken a little longer before I admitted it, but looking back…I loved him even then. He put my wants, wishes and feelings above his own, even if it hurt him to do it. He wanted me to be happy above everything else. I did the same for him…that’s what took us so long to finally get together. But all those sacrifices, in the end, got us to where we are today. I think we appreciate and love each other more because we had to wait and really work at it…we treasure it more because of what it took to get here. Does that make sense?”

Sophie nodded deep in thought, “I guess so. You’re saying that if Jordan really cared about me; he wouldn’t want me to sacrifice for him…he wouldn’t put his wishes first…and vice versa.”

Mac smiled and leaned forward to kiss her cheek, “I think she’s got it. Sophie, you and Jordan are really young…and before you get upset at that comment, let me finish. If Jordan is really the one for you, then you both have plenty of time to figure that out. You both need to get your education and get settled in life a bit first. If Jordan can’t wait for that or can’t let you succeed…then he doesn’t deserve you.” She ran her finger down Sophie’s cheek, “Sweetie, you need to hold out for someone like your Daddy. They’re one in a million, but wholly worth the wait.”

Sophie kissed her mother before snuggling into her embrace, “Thanks Mama, I’ll think about it.”

***

Listening to her parents’ advice and her own heart, Sophie attended the Naval Academy in the fall of 2024. She and Jordan kept up a casual correspondence during the fall months. When Sophie came home for Christmas, they caught up with a group of friends for a night out. She returned home that evening in a melancholy mood. Jordan had moved on as promised.

Mac consoled her heart broken daughter over a cup of hot chocolate and a roaring fire. “Sweetie, do you remember our discussion last spring? If Jordan didn’t care enough to want you to live your dream, then he isn’t the one for you.” She dried her daughter’s tears, “I know it hurts right now…but I promise you, there’s someone special just waiting for you to come into their life.” She grinned, “You never know…maybe you’ve already met him.”

Sophie sniffed, “I guess…it just hurts. I was so excited to see him again. I thought he’d wait for me, but he didn’t even care. He didn’t even act like I was his friend.”
Mac picked up Sophie’s hand and caressed it with her thumb, “Remember what I said…that’s the best place to start…being friends, that is. It’s not all that seeing stars, can’t catch my breath…making you feel giddy stuff. It’s the standing next to you, supporting you, wanting you to excel. It’s waiting for you to catch up, if one of you falls behind or one of you walks ahead.” She cupped her daughter’s chin and looked into her eyes, “Bunny, that’s what you gotta hold out for.”

Sophie grinned, “Bunny…Mom? You haven’t called me that in years; don’t you think I’m a little old?”

Mac shook her head, “Nope…you’ll always be my Bunny or your Daddy’s Princess. Just like Sam will always be our Sammy Bear or Peanut.” She tweaked her nose, “You may think you’re all grown up, but you’ll always be our little girl. So if we slip up and call you by an old endearment, just grin and indulge your old folks a little.”

At that moment, Sam called from the other room, “Sophie, phone’s for you!”

Sophie pursed her lips and exhaled, “I’ll be right back Mom. I hope it’s not Jordan…I don’t want to talk to him.”

She returned 10 minutes later with a smile on her face. Mac grinned at her daughter, “Well, I take it, it wasn’t Jordan or you wouldn’t have that big grin on your face.”

Sophie sat down and snuggled into her mother’s arms, “Nah, it was Charlie calling to say ‘hi’ and wanting to know if we could go out tomorrow.”

Mac looked up shocked, “Charlie? As in Charlie Michaelson?”

Sophie nodded, “Yeah, we caught back up at the Academy. He’s a year ahead of me. He and his grandparents had moved out west. They didn’t really want him to attend the Academy or go into the Navy, but he insisted…he wants to be like his Dad.”

“So how is Charlie?”

Sophie blushed, “Tall, dark and handsome…he looks like his Dad, except for his beautiful sky blue eyes.”

Mac nodded, “I see….”

Sophie shook her head, “Oh no, Mom…don’t even go there. He’s just a friend, and your best friend can’t be your boyfriend…right?”

Mac pulled her closer in for a hug, “I’ll tell you what I told her Aunt Chloe once, in answer to that question. If you’re really lucky your best friend can be your boyfriend…and if you’re really, REALLY lucky…you can even marry them.”
“Mooom!”

Mac laughed, “You have to trust me on this one, sweetie. I’m one of the really, REALLY lucky ones…I married my best friend. Like I said, friendship is the best foundation for something more serious. There’s even a saying I heard once…’Love is friendship caught on fire.’ I’m not saying that Charlie is the one, but don’t count him out just because you’ve known him since you were in diapers.”

“MOOOM!”

***

Charlie came over for dinner with the Rabbs, two nights later. Harm and Mac watched from a distance as their daughter interacted with her childhood buddy. Sophie was having fun, and Charlie had that same look in his eyes that he did all those years ago.

Harm grabbed Mac’s hand and led her into the family room. Once seated on the couch before the fire, he turned to her with a smirk, “You know, Charlie still looks at her with total awe and admiration…I think he’s had that same expression since they were 2 and 3 years old.”

Mac grinned, “I know what you mean…I think he’s been in love with her that long, too. Just don’t say that to Sophie…she gets defensive at the mere mention of her best friend being anything more.”

Harm looked puzzled, “Why’s that…you and I were best friends, and look at us.” He leaned over to place a quick kiss on her lips.

“I understand that…and you understand that. I’m just not sure, Sophie’s ready to hear it just yet. She and Charlie need time to get reacquainted; although if you watch them together, you’d never know they were separated for 9 years.” She smiled, “I can certainly think of worse fates than having Charlie for a son-in-law. He’s so much like Bradley, both in looks and demeanor, but if we encourage more…you know our daughter, she’ll run in the opposite direction.”

He nodded his head, “You can say that again; she sure does have a mind of her own. So we just…stay quiet and casually point out all of Charlie virtues,” he waggled his eyebrows.”

“Harm! No one ever said subtlety was one of you finer attributes, Flyboy”

He laughed, “I can be subtle!”

She shook her head, “Only when it came to me…thank goodness, you got over that trait.” She looked him square in the eye then leaned in for a kiss.

“So we just acknowledge ‘best friend’ status for now and see where it goes.”
She nodded, “That’s what I told her…it’s the best place to start. Besides, your best friend is the perfect person to encourage you, support you…just generally be there to make sure you succeed. I told her that’s what ‘real’ love was all about…not all that hearing music, breathless, can’t see straight, stuff.”

He grinned and pulled her up to straddle his lap, facing him. “Oh yeah,” he leaned in and nibbled on her neck below her ear, then blew on the skin. He smiled when she closed her eyes and shivered. “So the breathless, can’t talk or see straight stuff doesn’t matter.”

She opened her eyes a bit dazed for a moment then shook her head to clear the cobwebs. Clearing her throat, she continued, “I didn’t say it didn’t matter…I just said it wasn’t the most important part.” She smirked, “Besides, I don’t think Sophie wanted to hear about, how my skin tingles when you touch the small of my back to lead me into a room…or how I lose all feeling in my legs and toes when you kiss me…or,” she grew quieter as she spoke, “…how I fall in love with you all over again, when you look at me across a crowded room and act as if I’m the only one there.” She leaned over to kiss his crooked ear. “Or how you get goosebumps and your legs buckle when I do this,” she licked the tip and blew. He groaned and pulled her to him, kissing her deeply.

At that moment Sophie, Sam and Charlie walked into the family room. Sophie and Sam groaned with looks of disgust and replied simultaneously, “MOM…DAD…get a room! We have company!”

Harm held Mac close in his arms and grinned at his kids. “We have a room. In fact, we own the whole house!”

“Daaad, Charlie’s here,” Sophie whined.

Charlie laughed, “It’s OK, Sir…really, I don’t mind. I was really young when my Mom died, but…” he looked at Sophie with amazement, “…when my Dad talked about her, I knew he really loved her. I just wish I could have seen more of them…like this, you know in love.”

Harm and Mac shared a knowing glance. Then to lighten the mood, Harm leaned toward his wife to lay another kiss on her lips, “In that case….”

“DAD!!!”

“MOM!!!”

Sophie grabbed Charlie hand to lead him from the room, “Charlie was just leaving then I’m going to my room!”

Sam shook his head and rolled his eyes, “Me too!”
Harm and Mac giggled at their red-faced kids. It was a parent’s prerogative to embarrass their children on occasion, and besides it was so much fun.

An hour later, Harm checked on the kids before they turned in for the night. Looking into Sam’s room, he found him already asleep with the bedside lamp still on. He crossed the room to turn out the light but paused at the bedside to study his son. Sam was the spitting image of his mother, with her darker complexion and brown hair, and those soulful big brown eyes. He was almost the same height and build as his father, but at the age of 15, he was still growing. He played soccer, like his sister, but also enjoyed basketball. He was at the top of his class academically; but despite his intelligence and athletic abilities, he was still a quiet, reserved and respectful kid. He had girls swooning in his wake, but he seemed oblivious to his charms. Harm shook his head at the irony. With his son having inherited his ‘head buried in the sand’ mentality for his effect on the opposite sex; Harm only hoped it wouldn’t take his son as long to acknowledge the ‘love of life’ as it had taken him. He wanted grandchildren while he was still young enough to enjoy them, after all. He shook off a chill at that thought…where had that come from? Sam was only 15; he still needed to get through college and medical school. Sam had been unwavering in his resolve to pursue medicine as a profession. Harm leaned over to place a kiss on his son’s forehead and whispered, “Goodnight, Sammy Bear.” He stood up to turn out the light and smiled; he was only allowed to indulge in that endearment when his son was unaware.

As he started to close the door, Riley approached to be granted passage into her master’s bedroom. Maggie, the Wonder Dog, had lived to the ripe old age of 15. While both kids had loved the old dog, she’d always been Sophie’s 4-legged best friend and protector. When Maggie had died, the family decided to put off replacing her. However last spring, with Sophie’s departure to the Academy looming, Sam had asked for a new pet. He’d picked out another golden retriever puppy and christened her Riley, The Magnificent. They’d become fast friends, almost immediately. Harm patted her head and ruffled her ears. Opening the door, he whispered, “Look after him in his dream, Riley.”

He sighed as he closed the door and ventured across the hall. Knocking lightly on Sophie’s door, he paused awaiting an invitation to come in. At her acknowledgement, he slowly opened the door and peeked his head inside. She scurried to hide the old cream-colored chenille bunny that had been her friend and confidante, since her time in the NICU. Harm smiled at the sight and pretended not to notice that his 18-year old daughter still had her favorite childhood toy. He wondered how many secrets had been passed between the two over the intervening years; even if she looked like an adult, she was still his little girl.

He smiled at his daughter, “Mind if I come in?”

She shook her head, “Not unless you and Mom want to embarrass me again. I can’t believe you did that in front of Charlie. It’s bad enough that Sam and I have to watch.”

He grinned, “What…you don’t want to know that your Mom and I are still in love?”

Sophie blushed, “No, it’s not that. It’s just that,” she shrugged and mumbled, “…you’re getting kinda old.”

Harm laughed at his daughter’s discomfort and waggled his eyes, “Not THAT old and certainly not DEAD!”

“DAD!!!”

He laughed, “Alright, I’ll quit.” He walked further into the room and patted the bed, “Mind if I sit down?”

She shook her head, “No…that’s OK.”

He sat on the side of her bed and looked around the room deep in thought. Despite recent updates, the room still had the same framework and warmth as the nursery that he and Mac had once lovingly designed. He studied the crown moldings, the chair rail…Sophie had even agreed to keep the mural on one wall, stating, ‘Mama had painted it to remind her that dreams could come true.’ He glanced at the window seat on the far wall. It had served its purpose; Sophie and Maggie had spent hours in that location, reading, thinking…dreaming. He was glad that Mac had talked him into keeping the house when they’d moved to Naples. This old house held a lot of good memories. He was roused from his daydreams by Sophie’s voice.

“Dad, you still with me.”

He scrubbed a hand over his face, “Yeah, just lost in some old memories. It was great to see Charlie again.”

Sophie rolled her eyes, “Don’t start, Dad. Charlie and I are just friends.”

He patted her leg, “Did I say you weren’t?”

She leaned her head back against the headboard, “I know what you and Mom are thinking, but I’m not ready for anything more than friendship. Besides, underclassmen can’t date.”

He grinned and gave her leg a squeeze, “I know…I attended the Academy, remember? BESIDES,” he emphasized the word for her benefit, “…you need to concentrate on your studies. You don’t need any distractions.”

She rolled her head back toward him, “Dad, when did you fall in love with Mom?”

“What brought that on?” he shook his head puzzled.

She shrugged, “I asked Mom the same question last spring.”

“What’d she say?”
She grinned impishly, “Avoiding the question, Admiral?”

“NO! Just trying to get our stories straight.”

She wagged a finger at him, “No, no…you’re not allowed to corroborate your stories. Mom already answered; it’s your turn.” She fixed him with a glare, “What took you so long, Dad?”

He looked away, “You know…you really are going to be a great lawyer one day, young lady.”

“Stop stalling!”

He shook his head, “Alright, let me think about it. Well, I can’t say it was love at first sight…although there was something there from the beginning.”

She laughed, “That’s what Mom said, are you sure you didn’t rehearse your answers.”

He pegged her with a glare, “I believe that constitutes badgering the witness. Now, do you want to hear this or not?”

“Go ahead,” she extended her hand in mock acquiescence.

“I swear, you sound more like your Mother everyday.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment, Dad.”

He leaned forward, “You should…now as I was saying. At first, your Mom threw me for a loop…she wasn’t affected at all by my fighter jock cockiness or charm…not even my smile.” He grinned, “She told me it was a nice smile, but she didn’t know me…and it wasn’t going to get me anywhere with her.” He tweaked her nose, “I didn’t find out until later that she’d lied…my smile makes her weak in the knees.”

“DAD, PLEASE! I don’t want to know about that!”

He laughed, “You, young lady are so easy to rile. Anyways, your Mama was my best friend, almost from the minute we met. I knew I had feelings for her the first time I kissed her on a dock in Norfolk, but I didn’t admit to myself, that I loved her, until she followed me to Russia. She put her life on the line to help me find out what happened to your Frampa Harmon. After that, I think both of us knew we cared deeply, but if we’d gotten involved…one of us would have had to give up JAG, and neither of us were willing to let the other make that sacrifice. Once, your Mom tried to,” he paused trying to find words to explain the debacle on Sydney harbor, “…to get me to let go, but I couldn’t. I almost lost her after that, because I wouldn’t let myself lose control emotionally…professionally, or in any other way. Lucky for me, fate is more resilient…and your Mother forgiving. It took us awhile, but we finally got it right.”

He paused and picked up her hand, “I’m not sure either of us would have treasured what we have now, if we hadn’t worked so hard to get here.”

Sophie squeezed his hand and whispered, “That’s what Mom said, too.”

He reached up to dry his daughter’s tears, “Your Mom’s a smart lady. Sophie, I don’t want you to rush into anything. My wish for you and Sam is to find the love and happiness that I’ve had with your Mother.” With that he leaned over to place a kiss on her cheek, “I love you. Night, Princess.”

“Love you, too. Goodnight, Daddy.”

Harm walked to the door and paused just before exiting, “Sweet dreams…see you in the morning.” He closed the door and walked down the hall to the master suite. As he opened the door, he noted the dark interior, ‘Darn, Mac’s already asleep.’ He busied himself with preparing for bed and then slid into the cool sheets, spooning up behind his wife.

She turned in his embrace, “Hey, the kids asleep?”

He ran a hand down her arm, settling it at her hip, “Sam’s out, but Sophie’s still awake. We had a…discussion. She wanted to know when I fell in love with you.”

Mac reached up to caress his cheek, “What’d you say?”

He turned his head to kiss her palm, “That I wasn’t sure exactly, but probably somewhere between Norfolk and Russia.”

She frowned, “You told her about Norfolk…about Diane?”

He ran a finger over her brow to relax the creases then dragged it down her cheek to her lips. “No…I just said that was the first place I kissed you; I didn’t elaborate.” He leaned over to run his lips over hers then whispered, “Mac, I don’t know when I first fell in love…it feels like I’ve loved you forever.”

“I know what you mean…I think I’ve loved you my entire life, even before a I knew you,” was whispered as she pulled him down to deepen the kiss.