Harm had a bounce to his step on Friday morning as he entered the bullpen. He had a few hours until he could slip away with Beth for the weekend. Everyone noticed the spring to his step. The admiral knew why he had that spring to his step.
Harriet was beyond annoyed with the Commander. She thought he was hiding something from her and to be honest he was. Harm knew Harriet would be upset if he started dating someone other than Mac but he knew it would never work between them.
Harriet tried to function as normal but it wasn't working. Harriet picked up a random folder and headed to Harm's office. After knocking and hearing enter, she did so and closed the door. "Permission to speak freely Sir!" Harriet stated
"Harriet have I ever denied that to you? But fine speak!" Harm replied
"I know you are up to something. It's not like you to ignore Bud or me when we call. What is between you and Lieutenant Hawkes?"
"Harriet, I know what is bugging you? Me not waiting around for Mac or chasing after her?"
"Yes sir! You two belong together!"
"Harriet that is where you are wrong. We would never work, we both want to be in charge or on top and that doesn't work. And now I am going to do something I never thought I would. Harriet I am ordering you not to tell Colonel Mackenzie anything about my life. I will be giving Bud the same order so if I hear from Mac about my life then I will know it was you. Don't look at me like that. She never visited me in the hospital. I tried to make things right between us and then she ran off to do a TAD. Dismissed!"
Harriet was very upset now because the Commander had known what she was going to do. She saw Bud heading for Commander Rabb's office and knew what he would be getting. Harriet didn't know what to do, the Commander was not going to wait for the Colonel. How could she get him to wait?
Admiral Chegwidden saw Lieutenant Simms looking concerned and approached her. "Lieutenant, you look worried. Something I can help with?" The admiral questioned
"I don't know sir. I feel like two people who belong together, are running away from each other." Harriet responded
"Well if you are speaking about Rabb and Mac. Those two wouldn't last a year married to each other. Mac doesn't get Rabb's flying. Also those two always try to one up each other." Chegwidden stated
"Really sir?" Harriet questioned
"An Admiral is never wrong Lieutenant. Why is your husband in with Rabb?" Chegwidden answered
"Commander Rabb is giving him the same order he gave me about him and Lieutenant Hawkes. We aren't allowed to tell Colonel Mackenzie about them." Harriet replied
"The Commander is smarter than I gave him credit for." The Admiral stated and walked back to his office
Harm managed to get his paperwork done early and headed out for his weekend. He beat Skates to his place. Skates arrived and needed to change. She disappeared into his bedroom. When she returned she had changed into a pair of jeans and Tomcat t-shirt. Harm sat there staring at her. He thought god she is beautiful. How did I get so lucky to get her in my life?
Beth brought him back to the real world by saying "Harm, we need to get going or we will get caught in traffic."
"You are so right Beth! But first come here." Harm replied
Beth walked over to him and he quickly embraced her and kissed her. Beth managed a WOW after he finished kissing her. It took Beth a second to recover her wits. Meanwhile Harm was picking up the bags to carry to the car.
They reached Leesburg airport and Beth was impressed with the biplane trainer. Harm introduced Beth to Sarah the biplane. Beth thought he named it after Mac. Harm said "I named her after my grandmother."
Harm helped Beth up on the wing and got a nice view of her butt. He couldn't resist grabbing her butt. She jumped a little because she was half expecting him not to actually grab her butt. Harm took off and started heading towards Pennsylvania. About five minutes off the runway Harm offered to let Beth fly. It was a dream come true for her.
Beth was flying and enjoying herself following the directions Harm gave her. When they got close Harm took control and lined up to land. Beth was concerned but she always trusted Harm so why stop now.
Harm landed and pulled up to the old barn. As the engine shut down, Beth heard "Harmon, it's about time you came for a visit. You had me so worried with your last mishap."
"Awww Grams, it wasn't as bad as mom made it out to be. Besides I am always going to be ok when I have Skates with me!" Harm replied jumping off the wing. Beth hopped down and stood next to Harm.
"And who is this Harmon? Your new lady friend your mother told me about." Grams questioned
"Yes Grams and she is the reason I am still here. This is Lieutenant Elizabeth Hawkes. She was my RIO and her call sign is Skates. So now you have no need to worry because Skates is with me." Harm replied
"I will be the judge of when to worry about my grandson. Well if she can put up with you in cockpit then she has a chance of putting up with you. Don't worry honey these flyboys need a strong woman. They would be lost without us!" Grams stated and headed back to the house
"You brought me to your Grandmother's house?" Beth questioned
"Yes, it is my favorite place in the world. She put me back together after my ramp strike. She lost her husband and son to flying in the Navy. She swore she would do whatever it took to keep from losing me too." Harm replied