Oh My Papa!

By: Melchy

After hearing disturbing news from his wife, Michael "Papa" Hart comes to visit Edie and confront Peter Gunn for the truth.

Pete couldn't remember the last time he had woken up with a hangover. Except he knew he hadn't been drinking, since he always tried to stay clear headed. Then he accidentally touched his left eye and it all came flooding back. If he had been drinking, he doubted it would have hurt this bad. He had been in a fight and not just with anyone; but with Edie's Papa.

He was used to getting pounded and beaten up but it had been ages since he had ended up with a possible concussion. He groaned inwardly thinking of the next four days in which the doctor had said he was to do basically nothing. And it looked he might be doing that with the man he planned to make his father in law someday. The same man who had attacked him like an assassin and according to Edie had no idea why. Pete was pretty sure he knew why.

Rolling over he couldn't help but smile, his heart bursting with love. Edie was sound asleep, her blonde hair still damp on the pillow from the shower they had taken around 4:30 that morning, the sheet half covering her naked body. She had done an admirable job keeping him awake last night, even though she was the angriest he had ever seen her and he had been sleepier and more nervous than he could remember being in a long time.

He was sure she had spent the first hour going on about her father, anger snapping in her blue eyes. He had held her and listened, nodding when he felt it was appropriate, agreeing when he thought he should. The more she talked the more he knew that she loved her Papa very much. Only a daughter who adored her father could hate him to this intensity because he had picked on her lover. She had read to him for a while-one of those books about physiological mumbo she was so fond of, and they had tried their luck with checkers. His head had throbbed most of the night, Edie massaging his neck and back hoping it might help. He thought that a shower might do some good but when the hot shards of water hit his head, it only hurt even more. Having learned from previous experience how to fit two people into the small stall, she had slipped in and washed his back and carefully his hair, helping him with the rest of his body; quickly washing off while he carefully wiped himself dry.

By then he had been allowed to sleep and it came upon him all at once. But now he was wide awake, feeling like he had drunk way more than his share of whatever there had been to drink and his stomach growled. He carefully made his way out of bed, so as not to disturb the still sleeping Edie, grabbed his bathrobe and opened the door stepping out into the living room.

He was greeted with the smell of coffee and what was that? It smelled like blueberries and butter and his empty stomach growled. But he knew that the only way the lovely smells were coming from the kitchen was because Papa Hart was in there. Well, he wasn't about to start being a coward now.

Mike Hart was standing at the sink looking out the kitchen window at the parking lot below, a cup of steaming coffee and a plate containing half a blueberry muffin on the counter beside him. Pete cleared his throat and the older man turned around, seeming to take an inventory of what he saw.

"I am very sorry Mr. Gunn. I honestly do not know what came over me last night. It was like I wasn't the one who was doing it."

"Well, my head could argue that point with you." Pete answered, the two men not taking their eyes off each other, the room strife with tension. Suddenly an orange paw reached down from the window sash and grabbed the remaining part of the muffin with one swipe. And then suddenly the small cat fell to the counter with a meow and a bang his claw still holding on to the piece of muffin. Looking defiantly at his audience he sat up, made sure the muffin was safely tucked away and took a flying leap off the counter, running to a spot behind the bookshelf.

The PI cracked first; laughter coming out of places he didn't know could hold it, Papa not being able to stop himself from joining.

"Did you see?" Pete began.

"And then he went..." Mike nodded.

Just then the younger man's stomach growled, Mike handing him the cup of coffee which had been remarkably untouched through the cat's antics. "Sugar, cream?"

"No, thanks," Pete shook his head. "But do you think I could have one of those muffins?"

He watched as Edie's father took two muffins out of the tins, brought butter out of the refrigerator and gave each one a generous pat before placing them in front of them. He then poured another cup of coffee and took a muffin, sitting down at the table across from Pete.

"When Peg told me about the truth of your relationship with my daughter I'm afraid I went a little crazy. I knew from talking to Edie that the two of you were close, every time we phoned or exchanged letters she'd mention you and I think I knew she was in love with you before she did." Mike took a drink of his coffee, and then set it down on the table.

"But I had every intention of coming here to talk to my baby girl and see what she would have to say and hopefully meet you. Peg said you were very charming and friendly and part of her likes you very much. I just had to know if what my wife said was true, my Peggy does tend to exaggerate," he smiled. "And I had to know why. But I didn't mean to punch you in the nose." He couldn't stop a grin. "Or at least not like that."

"Not like I'd fall straight back and hit my head or not like you'd get me in front of all my friends and acquaintances at Mother's where my girl had to come break us up?" but he had a small grin too.

They each had another muffin, Mike putting the rest away in a container he found in a cabinet. "Who's the cat?" he asked as both men headed into the living room.

Pete sat down slowly, covering the knot on the back of his head. Why did it start throbbing suddenly and then stop? "That's Sherlock. He's Edie's baby. I brought him to her from a lady I helped a few months back. She lives in a shack down by the river along with 20, maybe 30 cats.

I knew Edie would love one but I had to make a good deal for him let me tell you. He cost me a whole jug of hooch, twenty-four cases of cat food and a promise to heaven kitty boy would always be happy. He is definitely a rascal. Did he bother you last night?"

"No, actually he was nice to have around. Our first meeting was a little shaky his paw touched my nose and it scared me a little and he took a flip over the sofa bed. But when I put him back up he stayed most of the night. It was nice to have the company. I must say that was a lot to give for a scrawny kitten. You must really love cats."

"I like cats a lot; they're cute critters to have around. But Edie loves cats and I knew she'd want him the minute I saw him." Pete shrugged. "And since I love Edie, I would have done a lot more."

Michael Hart looked thoughtful as the tabby appeared out of nowhere, crawling up his leg, muffin crumbs on his chin.

"Peg never mentioned there was a cat."

"Well, they didn't get along too well." Pete glanced at the clock. But the fact that Sherlock had taken to Papa so quickly made Pete wonder because the darn cuss was a good judge of character.

"Thank you for breakfast Mr. Hart, I appreciate it. Did you make the muffins?"

"I did. That girl doesn't keep much food, around does she? But there was enough to pull a few together. But just to warn you muffins, scrambled eggs, pancakes, steak and baked potatoes are pretty much my limit. And if you want you can call me Mike."

Pete got up from the chair and headed to the bedroom door, his hand resting on the knob. "Oh, I almost forgot. Edie said you left your luggage in the cab. If you know the driver's name or the cab number, I'll make sure it gets here."

"I would appreciate that very much Mr. Gunn. My plane leaves Sunday night and I'm sure the world would like it if I didn't show up in your pajamas."

"It's not a problem and if you want, you can call me Pete."

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"Are you sure you'll be all right here?" Edie asked Pete for what he was sure was the third or fourth time in the last hour. It had been a tense day for everyone and Pete was exhausted. Edie hadn't spoken more than two words to her Papa all day, Mike trying not to care had sat on the couch reading a book he had pulled off the shelf but Pete had noticed it was upside down half the time.

"I'll be fine. I'll stare out the window or something." He grinned. "Maybe go to bed early. It has been a long day."

She snorted and put her arms around his neck. "Early for you is 2:00 in the morning." She teased, laying a kiss on the side of his mouth.

"Well I thought I might take a nap before I go to bed." He smiled, kissing her with a little more intensity.

"Your bottom lip must be feeling better?" she traced the still slightly swollen area with her finger tips."

"No, but somethings are worth a little pain."

They kissed again, a slow, deep kiss, his hands pushing through her hair and down her back, pulling her close.

"Pete, what time is Edie…." They heard Papa's voice as he came into the living room, a standoff occurring for several moments before Edie gave Pete a quick kiss, grabbed her purse and headed for the door.

"Pete, I called Mr. Cho's Market and had some food delivered. They said it should be around 8:00." She turned around, not even looking at her father. "Papa's not a bad cook."

"Make sure you get something to eat on the way in, you haven't eaten all day." He reminded her.

"I'm not hungry." She shook her head. "I'm fine."

"I don't believe that. Promise me you'll get something to eat before work starts. "

She nodded. "I'll be home as soon as I can." She went back to him, once again ignoring her father's presence, kissing her lover on the lips. Pete kissed her hard before he let her go, and she returned it with the same fervor. Cradling his head in her hands, they kissed again, slowly and deliberately until he let out a small protest.

Oh, your poor lip." She touched it gently. "There I go again."

It was worth it I tell ya" he grinned.

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The men had steak and eggs for dinner, washing it down with a couple of cold beers. Papa was quiet while they ate and Pete really didn't feel much like talking. It had been one of the longest days of his life or it at least had seemed like it. He had never realized how much reading and driving or just plain living he did every day and he couldn't wait to be able to do it all again.

The morning had started with muffins and chit chat with Papa, Pete going back to bed when he had discovered it was only 7:30. Laying down beside Edie, he had taken her in his arms, listened to her sleep and wondered again how had he gotten so lucky. He woken up again around 11:30 with her body curled tight against his.

They both had dressed, Sherlock waiting outside the closed door. When he saw Edie, he tried to climb up her legs and she brought him up for a kiss and a cuddle explaining to him very philosophically that stockings were kind of expensive. He cocked his head and rubbed his nose under her chin. "You're a flirt." She teased the feline, handing him to Pete. "I've got my voice lesson, I'll stop by before work." She gave her father half a smile and asked him if he slept well. He said he had and she said she was glad and then she was gone.

Jacoby had not so happily brought by Papa's clothes around noon, but Pete noticed the two soon discovered they had a love of fishing and playing the guitar in common and after changing, Mike walked down the street with the cop to Dex's Diner.

Shortly after that Dr. Stewart had come by. The good doctor looked the PI over and said that he was doing what he should be doing and he was probably fine but to follow Mill's prescription for another couple of days just to make sure. "One thing about you Pete." The gray-haired man teased as he left some ointment for his black eye, "you never do anything half way. I haven't seen a knot on a head that big in a long time."

"Did Edie call you?" Pete asked his physician and friend, curious as to how he even knew about that incident."

"No, it was some fill-in doctor who left a message with my nurse. Mills or something like that."

When Edie had come back home to gather her things for Mother's he decided not to tell her about what Dr. Mills had done. It would be better that way.

The steak was delicious and he really would have to ask the man his secret. "I can do the dishes since you cooked." Pete offered.

"I don't mind." Mike told him. "Would it be all right if I call Peg afterward? I'll reverse the charges of course."

"No, that's all right." Pete assured him. "Talk as long as you need." He took a bottle of aspirin out of the cabinet over the stove, and swallowed two without water. "Thanks again for the dinner." Taking his weary head into the bedroom he didn't even bother to change clothes. He had lain down on top of the covers and fallen asleep within minutes.

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An unidentifiable noise woke Pete up around 2:00 a.m. and he changed into his pajamas and a robe, putting on slippers before heading back out to the kitchen.

Mike was sitting at the table with one of Edie's crazy books and reading it with an incredulous smile on his face. He looked up and showed the title to Pete. "Where does she get these things?"

"She's got a talent for finding them that's for sure."

"I see there's a chocolate cake on the counter, is that your favorite?" the man asked him.

"No," Pete shook his head. "I've never turned it down but my favorite kind of cake is white cake with chocolate icing. "

"I guess she doesn't hate me completely then."

"She doesn't hate you at all," Pete poured them each a cup of coffee, remembering to put in the sugar he remembered Mike had added to his coffee that morning. He sat back down at the table, passing the older man his cup. "She loves you very much, and that's why she's so angry with you. "

"Did she tell you that?" he blew on his coffee before taking a sip.

"She doesn't have too."

"They sat in silence drinking their coffee, Pete getting up to close the kitchen window at the sound of rain. "I hope Emmett helps her get the roof up on the car." he said more to himself than to Mike.

"Emmett really likes her you know. The first time I was here, several years ago, he told me he did. She was with a guy then named Harry Brown and he was sure they were going to break up and he could pick up the pieces. But she told Emmett they could only ever be friends."

Pete nodded. "Emmett and I have been friends for a long time. He introduced me to Edie. I owe him a lot."

"But does it bother you, that he's wanted to be more than that for a long time?"

"Yes." the detective admitted. "But it doesn't worry me. It's a me problem not an us problem."

"There was silence again but it wasn't as heavy.

"You didn't pull away." Mike drank another sip of coffee and began eyeing up the cake. "Would you like a piece?"

"Like I said I'd never turn one down. What do you mean I didn't pull away?"

"Either one of you, you or Edie, when I caught your goodbye in the living room tonight. I mean you're standing there with your hands all over my daughter and I blunder in and neither one of you pulled away, like it was the most natural thing in the world to be necking with my baby girl in front of me, you weren't afraid or ashamed of getting caught."

"Why would I be ashamed? I love your daughter, she loves me. I'd be kissing her that way whether you were here or not. I am in love with your daughter Mr. Hart, completely all the way, 110 % and I do happen to like to hold her and kiss her. And as my luck has it, it's a reciprocal agreement." he had a smile that Mike couldn't quite interpret on his face.

"And while we're on the subject I noticed this quite a lot when Mrs. Hart was here too. The two of you are always talking about my daughter, my little girl, my doodle-bug, my child and I love that. Just like I love that she is always telling stories about the two of you and how you met and how Mama tricked you into proposing or how she'd encourage you when things were down, but respectfully Edie is also my girl and my best friend and my lover and someday when were both ready, she'll be my wife. And I need you both to see that, but if you can't frankly I don't care."

Papa handed him a piece of cake and sat down across the table with his own. "I'm very much starting to like you Peter Gunn."

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Saturday passed with Mike making French toast and bacon for breakfast, going out by himself for lunch and grilling pork chops and potatoes for he and Pete for supper. Edie left for work early but called Pete when she got there and they talked for a long time. It was irksome to her that Papa and Pete seemed to get along; didn't Pete understand what her father had done? He had shamed and humiliated her and him in front of everyone because he hadn't taken the time to ask questions.

Papa the sensible one had acted far worse than Mama had and she hated him for it. But even as she sang her numbers or sat in her dressing room, she could feel some of her anger ebbing out. She did hate being angry with Papa. And he had come to talk to her, he'd just gotten carried away. It was later than usual when she got home so she was surprised to hear Papa and Pete talking in the kitchen. She stood back in the shadows watching her father as he talked, suddenly realizing he'd been here two and a half days and she had barely said hello.

"Pete?" She heard Papa ask.

"Sir?"

"When did you know beyond all doubt you were love with Edie?"

Pete looked at him with that dopey grin on his face that Edie loved. "I knew it from the minute I saw her. Mother was doing live auditions that night, and there was Edie in a green dress and her hair all down in curls around her face and I know it sounds crazy but our eyes smiled at each other I knew that she was the One. I never expected to find anyone for that forever kind of love like you and Mrs. Hart have or like my parents had but as the saying goes someone up there likes me. I asked Emmett to introduce us, not knowing she had asked him to introduce her to me." His voice trailed off. Edie felt a rush of love for her Pete glad she had heard his words, even if she shouldn't be listening.

Mike moved his head away, and Edie was pretty sure he was wiping his eyes. "She weighed 5 pounds 3 oz. the first time the doctor laid her in my arms." her father took it up. She didn't cry or fuss, just laid there staring at me with those blue eyes. And I like how you described that, because it fits, our eyes did smile at one another. She had a head full of fuzz, didn't get real hair until after her first birthday but it sure was pretty when it grew in. Everyone had said that Peg carried like it was a boy and since we had a boy that made sense. Edie's Aunt Iris spent the day after she was born returning all the boy clothes we had gotten at baby showers and buying girl ones."

Mike opened his wallet and showed Pete a picture of beautiful, tiny, fuzzy headed baby dressed in a pink sleeper with a cute fuzzy bunny on the material. "We brought her home from the hospital in this" he said fondly. "I guess, I'm telling you this to try to make you understand why I was so angry when I discovered you were sleeping with my daughter. It felt like someone had stolen my little girl away from me, and I didn't even get the chance to give her to you. You just took her."

"I do understand." Pete nodded. "But she's not a baby any more, she's a grown woman who has lived her own life for 11 years. And no sir, I did not take Edie Hart away from anyone, she gave herself to me. And I in turn gave myself to her. And now we belong to each other, can you understand that? I hope you can. But if not, it really doesn't matter. We're here for each other and that's all that counts. But life would be a lot nicer with family."

"I can see your point." Papa drained his coffee cup "but if you insist on this lifestyle can't you at least get engaged? Give the relationship some legitimacy?"

Edie held her breathe wondering what Pete would say.

Pete sighed, "I wish Edie were here to help me explain this. "As I said before, I love her more than I ever thought was possible to love anyone. And I am a lucky man because I know she feels the same way for me. I really don't see how you can get any more legitimate than that, do you Mr. Hart?

Papa picked up his coffee cup forgetting it was empty. He shook his head at himself, sitting the cup back down on the table. "No, Pete, I don't see how you could."

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