Disclaimer: the usual
September Perfect 10
Much to Miss Lily's dismay, summer vacation came to a close and while she was looking forward to being in the 5th grade and catching up with her school friends she was going to miss the easy life on the farm and playing with Kenzie.
"You need to go to bed, Lily," Harm said, it was his third reminder and his tone indicated this.
"I know," Lily said with an exaggerated sigh. "It's just tomorrow I'll be back at school and everyone else will be here," she said gesturing to the adults in the room.
"Yes," Mac said, acknowledging it as the truth. "But remember the twins start pre-school next week, and daddy and Colin are working."
"Yeah, I know," she said getting to her feet before wishing her grandparents, Mattie, Colin and Kenzie goodnight.
"What about me?" Harm said as she headed towards her mother who was standing at the door.
"Aren't you coming up to tuck me in and kiss me goodnight?" she asked, one hand finding its way to her hip, after all, that's what he did every other night.
"Didn't you say something to Mats the other day about being too old for all that now?" he asked raising an eyebrow.
"Well, yes," she admitted a flush of embarrassment coming to her cheeks. "But I didn't really mean it."
"I'm glad to hear it," Harm replied with a grin. "I'll be up in five."
After stripping off and changing into her nightgown, Lily hugged and kissed Mac who had been standing there sorting out clothes for the morning. "So, you all set now?" Mac asked as she leant down and pulled back the sheet.
"Yep," she said with a nod. "My bag's packed with everything but food and my alarm's set."
"Good," Mac said leaning down and kissing the child's head before sitting on the bed facing her. "I'm sure you're going to have a fantastic time in 5th grade," she said stroking the child's face. "There are so many fun things to do and learn and this year they have their school trip to DC."
"Well, I won't need to go on that 'cause I've seen everything in DC that they're going to see," she said rolling over.
"You haven't seen it with your friends though," she said, stroking Lily's hair.
"I know but it's four nights away from home, I think I'm a little young for it," she said, closing her eyes and Mac smirked.
"You stayed in La Jolla for a week and wanted to stay another week," Mac reminded her gently.
"And I learnt my lesson," she said, still embarrassed she had been so homesick she had wet the bed, twice.
By the time Harm came in, Lily was drowsy and didn't have much to say except a mumbled 'goodnight' in response to his. Fixing the covers, Harm kissed her forehead before moving to his wife who was standing in the doorway.
"Can you believe she's starting the 5th grade?" he asked before kissing Mac's head.
"Nope," she replied with a sigh, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning her head on his chest. "Can't believe the twins start pre-school either," she said and while they had been eligible the year before, it hadn't been possible for them to attend due to numerous factors. Now, there was a new program running out of Lily's school and Mac had signed them up for three mornings a week.
"How do you think Frankie will cope without them?" he asked pulling her closer,
"He'll probably be a little lost at first but I'm sure he'll enjoy his one on one time with his mommy and being the bigger kid for a bit, now that Kenzie's here." she said.
Lily's first week was smooth sailing; she loved her teacher, loved her class, loved the work they were doing, loved going to school – which made getting up and going in the morning a much easier task. The first day at preschool was a whole other matter.
Deciding to let Lily catch the bus, even though they were heading to her school, Mac packed morning snacks into the twins' bags and sat them by the back door. Frankie was remaining home with Trish and Frank and Harm and Mac would do the trip in for their first day and stay in town to have a coffee, just in case, before picking them up. After lots of photos had been snapped, Harm ushered the excited pair into the car and opened the door for his wife.
"It's just for three hours and they are going to be fine," Harm reassured her as he watched her climb in.
"I know," she said stoically, and she did. She was just finding the occasion a little overwhelming.
After their arrival, Harm signed them in while Mac helped the twins hang up their bags and show them the restroom. They had informed the preschool of Rosie's hearing issues and had decided to have the two in the same group. The teacher had suggested that twins should be separated to allow them to gain independence and develop their individuality but Mac had disagreed. As she watched Rosie take Harry's hand and lead him to the home corner, she knew she had made the right decision.
Then came the tears, not from the twins and not from Mac but Harm and he quickly said goodbye to the preoccupied pair and headed out to the car, Mac soon followed. Finding Harm leaning against a tree in the adjoining park, Mac went to him and wiped his tears away.
"Well, that was embarrassing," he said, dropping his head. "I was okay about today...I was excited for them and then they walked off hand in hand with not so much a backward glance and I felt redundant," he said as fresh tears fell.
"Oh, honey," Mac said, looping her arms around his neck and drawing him down. "They will always need you."
"They're growing up so fast..." he said, kissing her head.
"And they're doing it well," Mac said proudly. "Harry is mature for his age and Rosie has compensated for her hearing challenges like a dream."
"Guess that means we're doing a good job," he said with a sigh, leaning his head on hers.
"I think it means we're doing a great job," she replied with a grin.
After a long walk around town, doing a few errands and a casual morning tea at the local bakery, the morning was gone and it was time to pick up the twins.
"It was unreal!" Harry said, throwing his arms around Mac and hugging her tightly as she picked him up. "There was all these toys and stuff and Miss Kate is cool and everything."
"And what did you think, princess?" Harm asked picking up his daughter. "Did you have a good morning?"
She nodded but didn't say much before resting her head on Harm's shoulder. "I think she's had a big morning," Miss Kate said coming over to the family. "She hasn't stopped from the time you left!"
"Well, then lunch and a nap when we get home," Harm said, kissing the child's head.
As it turned out, it was a nap and then late lunch when the pair fell asleep in the car and refused to wake up when they returned home. Then they came to life filling everyone in on the details of the morning, whether they wanted to hear it or not. Come the night time, they headed to bed early, excited about going back the following morning.
A few weeks into the back to school routine, Lily announced to all assembled at dinner, one Thursday night, that she had finally decided on what she wanted for her birthday...after all, she was hitting double digits and therefore, this was a very important birthday.
"And what would you like, sweetie," Trish asked, happy to do anything for her granddaughter.
"Well, I thought about Hershey Park and the Crayola Factory and Dutch Wonderland and all those sorts of places," she said quickly before taking a breath. "But then I decided no. Then I thought about a pool party and a whole lot of other things and decided no too. Then it hit me!"
"What hit you?" Harm asked, his fork poised mid-air.
"What I want most," she said shaking her head, hadn't he been listening?
"And what do you want?" Frank asked, not quite following her train of thought.
"A picnic," she said with a big smile. "Down by daddy's part of the creek, I want us to have a big family picnic with chicken and the fantastic potato salad and coleslaw and cake...lots of cake...and everyone can come and Ronnie and Jessie too. What do you think?" she asked no one in particular.
"I think it's a fantastic idea," Mac said, loving the simplicity of it.
"Me too," replied Harm. "And because it's at home, you can invite others from school if you like."
"That's alright, dad," she said shaking her head. "All the important people that I want to be here will be here, I don't need anyone else."
Once everyone was bedded down for the night and Harm had checked the house, he slid into bed and sat beside his wife who was reading.
"What did you think of Lily's choice of birthday celebration?" he asked, adjusting the covers.
"I'm surprised it was so low key," she replied. "I figured we were going to have something elaborate, and costly."
"I loved the fact she just wanted family and to be together," he said proudly.
"Me too," Mac agreed. "We'll have to make it the best picnic ever."
"I can make my famous potato salad," he said, sliding down into the bed.
"No offense, honey," she said closing her book and sliding down beside him. "When Lily said the 'fantastic potato salad' I'm sure she was referring to your mother's not yours."
"And what's wrong with mine?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Nothing," she said quickly. "Lily just prefers your mother's."
"That's because she uses full fat, egg mayonnaise," he said shaking his head. "It's not healthy."
"I know," she replied. "But it's Lil's birthday, she can have it."
When the day of Lily's birthday dawned, she awoke to the smell of choc chip pancakes and quickly descended the stairs.
"Happy birthday, baby girl," Harm said, opening his arms as she jumped into his arms from the third step. "I love you very much."
"I love you too, daddy," she said squeezing him tight.
"How does it feel to be 10?" he asked, turning her around from the stairway to put her down on the floor.
"Not much different to nine, actually," she said, hugging him again.
"Wow, you're up early for a Saturday," Mac observed coming from the kitchen to see father and daughter together.
"Well, it is my birthday," she announced, moving forward to claim her birthday hug and kiss.
"I know," Mac said, kissing her head. "Happy birthday, gorgeous girl. I've made your favourite breakfast."
"I know, I smelt it," she said, grinning.
It wasn't long before the dining room was full of people enjoying copious amounts of choc chip pancakes and talking about all the fun they would have that day.
After breakfast, Lily helped her mother and grandmother with the food for lunch, packing it into the many baskets they would be taking. Colin, Frank and Harm had headed down to the creek to set up some shelters for shade, something necessary with the forecast for the day. As an additional instruction, Mac had told them to make sure they had plenty of blankets for the picnic and cushions to make life easier for the little ones and for Jessie to be supported and comfortable while she was sitting on the ground.
The box of presents and all other non-food items went with the men and were set up, ready for the day's festivities. They were just driving back to the house when Veronica pulled up.
"Good morning," Harm said brightly as he opened Jessie's car door as Colin went to the trunk to retrieve her wheelchair.
"Good morning, Uncle Harm," she said, putting her arms out knowing he would lift her out and into her chair. "I'm so excited about today...I've never had a picnic like Lily described and never gone swimming in a creek."
"We haven't decided whether that will happen today," Veronica reminded her, not at all confident about letting her daughter get into such a water body.
"Well," Frank said, "I don't think anyone will be swimming as there's not much water. I think today's water activities will be splashing and that's about it."
"And if it helps," Harm said, not wanting Jessie to be disappointed. "I can stay with her while she's in the water."
"Please, mom," she said quickly, as Harm placed her in her chair. "I'll be safe and Uncle Harm will be there and he's really strong and..."
"Alright, alright," Veronica said shaking her head; she knew when she was outnumbered.
"Jessie!" Lily squealed bursting through the back door and jumping off the porch. "You're here!"
"Happy birthday, Lily," Jessie said, hugging her friend. "I'm so excited."
"Me too," she said, hugging Jessie again. "Can we go now, dad, please?"
Harm laughed at his daughter's exuberance. "How about we check on mom and grandma and see if they're ready?"
"Okay," she yelled as she ran back towards the house.
"I think someone's excited," Veronica said as she grabbed a basket and large bag from the back seat.
"Let me take them for you," Frank said, moving forward. "What on earth do you have in here?" he asked, feeling the great weight of both packages.
"Just some essentials," she said with a laugh. While everyone had insisted she did not have to bring anything, she couldn't help herself; she'd never been on a proper family picnic either.
"Mom says five minutes," Lily yelled from the porch.
"In that case," Frank said, heading back towards the vehicle they had just come back in. "I think these can wait in here."
It was closer to twenty minutes before all the adults and children were ready to head off for the picnic. Frank and Trish offered to drive the car to the picnic area while everyone else was walking; Kenzie and Frankie were in the twins' old double stroller with Colin pushing it. Kenzie slept through it while Frankie loved every bump along the way. Harm was pushing Jessie and while Veronica had argued the point, Harm had delicately pointed out that the ground was rough in patches and a little steep here and there and as he knew the lie of the land then perhaps he was the best one to navigate the terrain. Lily danced alongside the wheelchair as the pair chatted and the twins ran between their dad and mom already having a great time.
"Oh my gosh!" Lily screamed when she saw the preparations her dad had made earlier. Not only had the men put up shelters and laid out blankets and cushions, there were bunches of bright coloured balloons everywhere as well as streamers linking them. "So cool, dad!" she said, throwing her arms around him. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
"You're welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome," he replied kissing her head. "But you need to thank grandpa and Colin too."
Hugs, kisses and thanks later, Lily plopped herself into the middle of a sea of cushions. "Ah, this is the life," she said with her eyes closed and a huge smile on her face.
"How about we start with a splash in the creek?" Harm said putting the brakes on the wheelchair. "Then food and presents and another swim?"
"Sounds great!" Lily said bouncing up from the blanket.
It took a few minutes for the children to strip off their outerwear and to be standing in their swimming gear. Harry went to charge down to the water before Frank's reflexes kicked in and he grabbed him by his wrist.
"You just wait, young man," he said sternly, and Harry stopped in his tracks. "That's better."
It took some organisation but soon Lily was splashing around with the twins in knee deep water while Frank sat on the side with Frankie standing in front of him. Colin had Kenzie with him and while Mattie wasn't happy with the thought her month old son was being immersed in creek water, she trusted her husband to do the right thing,
"All set?" Harm asked Jessie as Veronica removed the last of Jessie's outerwear.
"Definitely," she said, her arms shooting up. "Can't wait."
It took Harm a few moments to be down on the creek bed.
"Now, missy, where would you like to sit?" he asked , standing Jessie in front of him while supporting her weight.
"There!" she said, pointing a foot to the right where the rocks seemed smoother. Harm went to scoop her up but she shook her head. "Watch this, Lil!" she instructed while she grasped Harm's arm which was around her body.
Three faltering steps later, she was ready to sit.
"Wow!" Lily shrieked. "You walked! That was so cool!"
"Thanks," Jessie said proudly. "I was working on it all summer in New York with the Botox injections."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Lily asked, moving closer once Harm had helped her sit down.
"Wanted it to be a surprise for your birthday," she said smiling broadly.
"And it was," she replied quickly. "Imagine what you'll be doing by Christmas."
From above, Mattie smiled; she had caught it all on video and was so proud that she had been instrumental in financing Jessie's treatment and therapy through the foundation. In fact, she felt like a fairy godmother. Changing from video to camera mode, she proceeded to snap dozens of pictures of the water party below while Mac, Trish and Veronica organised the food.
When the food was set up, Mac ventured down to the creek and waded in.
"Are we having fun?" she asked, splashing Harry when he grinned cheekily and splashed her.
"Lots!" he declared before dropping onto his bottom and sending more splashes of water up.
"It's the best, mom," Lily declared moving to her and hugging her tightly. "Gee, I have some great ideas."
"Yes, you do," Mac agreed, kissing her head. "Now, lunch is ready and ..."
"Whoo hoo!" she squealed and scrambled up the bank. "Grandma's potato salad rocks!"
With a little help, Harry and Rosie climbed up as well and Trish set about wrapping them in towels and ensuring their hands were clean enough to eat. Frank and Colin took their charges and Harm picked up Jessie.
"Uncle Harm, can I tell you a secret?" she whispered and Harm glanced at Mac before nodding. "My brother wants to come live here too."
"That's good," Harm whispered in reply. "Why is that a secret though?"
"Mom doesn't know," she said. "He told me when I was in New York over summer."
"Why didn't he tell your mom?" he questioned, glancing again at Mac.
"He doesn't think grandmother will allow it and he didn't want to upset her," Jessie said, before looking up towards the others. "Do you think you and Aunty Mac could help him? Lily said you used to be good law people."
"Everything alright?" Veronica called down and Harm nodded.
"Sorry," he called back. "Just got chatting."
"Jessie does that," she replied with a laugh.
"Please, Uncle Harm," she pleaded quietly. "You guys have a big family and Lily has two brothers and two sisters and a brother-in-law and a nephew and a mom and dad and I just have mom...I would love to have my brother home all the time."
"I'll look into it," he whispered as he climbed up the embankment. "Tomorrow."
The food was delicious, everyone having seconds...or thirds... Then came the birthday cake, chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting and little pink icing love hearts standing up on top. Once a rousing chorus of 'Happy Birthday to You' had been sung, Lily blew out the 10 candles spread over 5 cupcakes and then quickly devoured two of them.
"Guess it's time for some presents," Harm said after clearing away the plates in front of the birthday girl.
"Yes, it is," she said clapping her hands.
Harm opened the box Colin had moved next to him. "Oh," he said with a frown. "The present box seems to be empty."
"Don't be silly, daddy," she said with a giggle and the shake of her head.
"You're too clever," he said with a laugh before lifting up the first parcel and handing it to Mattie.
"This one is from Colin and I," she said handing it to Lily. "Happy birthday, kiddo," she said crouching beside her sister and kissing her head.
"And from Kenzie too," Lily added, just in case she'd forgotten there was a third member of the family.
"Oh, Kenzie has his own present," Mattie said with a smile.
"Cool," she said excitedly. Rosie helped her rip of the paper of the shoe box sized gift. "Oh wow! How did you know these are what I wanted?"
"Oh, maybe because you told me 100 times," she said with a smile.
"Oh you're the best," she said launching herself at Mattie and hugging her tightly before moving over to hug and thank Colin.
"What is it, Lil?" Jessie asked, wondering what all the excitement was about.
"The Nike trainers I wanted, the pink ones," she said pulling the shoes from the box.
"Oh, cool," Jessie agreed. "I wanted them too but they cost too much."
"Well, we have the same size feet," she said, "When you start walking I'll let you borrow them."
"Oh, gee, thanks," she said excitedly.
"Now, this one, is from Kenzie," Harm said, taking a small package from the box and handing it to his daughter.
"Aww, thanks, Kenz," she said leaning towards her grandmother and kissing the infant in her arms.
Harry helped with this one and the discarded paper quickly revealed a small plaque entitled 'My dear Godmother' followed by a sweet verse.
"I don't get it," she said, looking at the adults surrounding her.
"Well, Lily," Mattie said taking her hand. "Kenzie, Colin and I would be honoured if you would be his godmother."
"Godmother? Really?" she asked, eyes wide.
"Really," Colin confirmed. "We thought that as you delivered him, you deserved the honour."
"Am I old enough?" she asked, looking to her mother.
"Well, you have to be 10..." Mattie started to explain.
"And I am," she interjected.
"And you are," Mattie said. "We'd like Jimmy to be godfather and thought that with you and he being young that we would like an adult too..."
"Well, that makes sense," Lily agreed nodding vigorously.
"So, we'd like to ask you too, Ronnie," Mattie said looking over at her friend.
"Godmother? Really?" she said, echoing Lily's words.
There were lots of hugs and thanks and agreements and Kenzie soon had two godmothers.
More presents and more squeals of delight. Finally, it was time for her present from her parents. She'd changed her mind about what she wanted several times and then in the end said she wanted to be surprised. Surprised she was when she discovered there was nothing left in the box. Instantly, her face fell.
"Well, you wanted a surprise," Harm said stifling a laugh. "So, we surprised you with nothing." Biting down on her bottom lip, Lily nodded tearfully. "Oh, baby," he said embracing her. "I was kidding."
"Your present was a bit big to bring down so it will have to wait until we get back, okay?" Mac said, hoping Lily wouldn't actually cry.
"Okay," she said with a sniffle.
Another trip to the creek bed, some more splashing around and then it was time to return to the house – lots of tired children ready for dinner and an early night. Just before they were about to depart, Lily tugged Mac by the hand and pulled her towards the rocks which held the family history through the engravings.
"Mom, I know this place was special for daddy and grandad but do you think he'll be okay with everyone leaving a message?" she asked, glancing over to where her dad stood talking to his mother.
"Why don't you ask him?" she said, smoothing down the child's damp hair.
"Can you ask him with me?" she asked not too sure if he was going to be okay with it or not.
"Sure," she replied before calling him over. "Daddy, Lily has something she would like to ask."
"And what's that, pumpkin?" he asked caressing her face.
"I know this is your special place but would it be okay for everyone here today to leave a message?" she asked staring up into his big blue eyes. "'cause we're all family and it's Kenzie's first family outing and..."
"I think it's a great idea," he said, kissing her head.
It took a lot of manoeuvring to get all the children and adults to etch their names or marks into the large rock Lily had selected. Mac had written 'Lily's 10th Birthday' in the centre while the others wrote around it. Soon it was Jessie and Veronica's turn and it was obvious that Veronica was reluctant to participate.
"I don't think we should," she whispered to Mattie as Colin came back from making his mark along with Kenzie's.
"Why not?" Mattie asked, turning to face her friend.
"This is for family," she said, glancing around.
"And you are too," Mattie reminded her. "Or have you forgotten you are godmother to this little one?" she said as Colin handed the baby to her.
Veronica found it hard to etch her name through her tears; how had she been so fortunate to gain such a family?
Returning to the house, Lily turned her attention to the mystery present.
"Try the barn," Harm called as she raced towards the back door, Lily quickly about turned and raced to the barn.
Her scream of delight could be heard around the farm. It was pony, something she had wanted and never thought she'd get, so she hadn't asked. When Colin had the vet come out to check on one of their horses, the vet had mentioned this little fellow being homeless due to his owners moving to the city. The vet was happy to look after him in the short term and, once Colin had spoken to Harm and Mac, he agreed to take on the animal.
"Oh, he's so cute," she said patting his neck. "What's his name?"
"It's Peppi, Peppi the Pony," Colin said, rubbing the animal's back.
"Awww, Peppi, you are adorable..." Lily gushed. "Can I ride him?"
"You can but not today," Harm said. "Peppi only arrived this morning so we want to get him used to being here and all of us before riding him."
"Is he really mine?" she asked looking from her dad to her mom.
"He is," Mac confirmed. "But remember, with animals come responsibility. He will need to be fed, groomed and exercised regularly, not just when it suits you."
"Oh, I know, I know," she said quickly before turning to Jessie. "And when he's ready we can ride him. It's so cool riding a horse and I'm sure Peppi will be perfect for you."
Veronica flinched at the thought of her daughter on the back of any animal.
"There are special saddles and techniques for kids with disabilities," Mac whispered reassuringly. "She'll be fine."
"Aha," Veronica replied not at all convinced.
Bedtime was early for everyone with the three youngest ones sound asleep by 7:00PM. Lily wasn't far behind, sitting across Mac's lap as they chatted about the day.
"Toasted chicken and cheese sandwiches with a small serve of potato salad," Harm announced bringing in his daughter's supper. "Lil?"
"Sorry, honey," Mac replied looking down to find her daughter had fallen asleep mid-sentence. "Looks like you're too late, but don't worry, I'll eat it."
"Well, how about I put her to bed so you can eat," he suggested placing the plate on the side table and scooping up his daughter.
After navigating the stairs, Harm placed Lily in her bed and covered her before kissing her head. "Sweet dreams my little 10 year old princess," he said, kissing her again.
Leaning against the door jamb, his mind flashed back to the day he found out he was to be a father, the utter excitement he felt hearing the news, the panic which struck him soon after. He recalled her birth – the most exhilarating day of his life and one which saw him shed more tears than at any other time in his life. He recalled her first smile, first word, first step and the first time she said 'I love you, daddy.'
"She's amazing, isn't she?" Mac said, sliding one arm around his waist and using the other to dry the tears on his face he didn't know were there.
"Aha," he replied, wrapping his arms around her. "Just thinking about her milestones...you know, when you told me you were expecting I thought I would be able to prepare for being a dad...I read all the books, Googled all the best websites, asked all the right questions and then this little one arrived and I realised I knew nothing. Nearly everything I've learnt about being a dad I have learnt from her."
"She's done a fantastic job teaching you," Mac said, pressing up and kissing him. "Though Mattie did her part too."
"She did," he agreed. "But Mattie came almost fully grown; this one was a work in progress."
"She still is," Mac reminded him.
"I know, but I think she'll turn out just fine," he said, kissing Mac's head. "After all, she's such a mini-you and look at you."
"That's because of you," Mac said brushing her lips across his. "You've given me everything I ever needed to feel loved, safe and whole."
"Do you regret not getting our act together earlier?" he asked, looking back at their daughter.
"Nope," she said, shaking her head. "If we had, she wouldn't be turning 10 today but 15 or such... I'm not ready for a teenager...I'm more than happy with my little girl."
"Me too," he agreed.
And for the next while they stood in silence in the doorway and watched their little girl sleep and thought about the past, the present and the future this precious child would have.