Home Is Where Your Love Is Chapter II - Part 13

Disclaimer - See part one for all important information

Mac was at a loss for words. She looked at Harm beseechingly for help. He recognized her discomfort and reached for the envelope. He opened it and looked at what was inside. He too was left speechless. "Wow."

"Oh for Pete's sake what is wrong with the two of you?" Grams asked, looking at their shocked faces. "Can't someone do something nice for someone without all this… this… whatever the heck is going on here?" she asked.

Mac chewed on her lip nervously and then took another sip of her coffee as her mouth had gone totally dry. "Grams, it's not that I don't appreciate what you're offering me, but I can't take it. It's much too generous of you."

"Nonsense, child! It's a gift for you to use in your new home. You are starting from scratch. So not knowing what to buy for you, I thought giving you the money was the best thing and you could buy what you want."

Mac's eyes filled with tears that threatened to fall and her throat constricted. She reached out for Harm who immediately put his arm around her shoulder comfortingly. "Grams, this is so much more than a housewarming gift."

"Yes, it is." Grams sensed her discomfort and felt bad that she had upset Mac. "I'm sorry, Sarah. I've made you uncomfortable. It was not my intention. I just wanted to help you get settled in your new home. That is what family does. We help each other."

Mac and Harm were both overcome by her words. Harm reached out and placed his hand on top of Grams' on the table, squeezing it gently. "I love you, Grams," Harm said, totally overwhelmed by his grandmother's action. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but where did you get this kind of money?" he asked her politely.

"It's part of my little nest egg. You know… rainy day money."

'Family… she considers me family. I just met her and she considers me family. I am more family to her than my family ever was to me,' Mac thought sadly.

"I called John Fowly yesterday," Grams continued. "He's the manager of my bank, my account adviser, and a dear friend of mine for years. I asked him if he could help me withdraw the money from my savings book and get it to Washington ASAP. This way I wouldn't have to go to the branch office here and talk with a stranger who might not be so willing to pay out what I was asking for. The money arrived this morning via express courier. John thought that would be the fastest and safest way to get the money to DC. It's amazing what can be done these days… even on a Sunday."

Mac was able to find her voice again. "Grams, I cannot take money that you have obviously been saving up just in case of an emergency."

"Honey, this IS an emergency. Anyway, I've reached this age, dear, without needing it. I think I will be okay. Besides, I kept a little just in case," she said with a smile. "Please take it. You will make an old woman very happy."

Mac looked at Harm who looked back lovingly, nodding his head in agreement. The tears Mac had been trying so hard to hold in slid down her cheek. Harm used his thumbs to wipe them away before kissing her sweetly.

"I don't know what to say," Mac confessed in a whisper.

"You don't have to say anything, Sarah. Just take it as a gift from me to you. You really would make me very happy if you do that," Grams replied, giving Mac a sweet smile.

Mac took a deep breath, trying to get her emotions under control again. "Thank you so much, Grams." After taking another deep breath, Mac nodded. "But I want to consider it a loan, which I'll pay back as soon as possible."

Grams rolled her eyes sighing. Then she looked at her grandson, giving him a smile. "Is she always like this?"

Harm laughed and turned his gaze to Mac. "Always and then some," he softly answered, leaning over to give Mac a little sweet kiss on her lips. "And I couldn't love her any more for it."

"I love you, too."

Grams sighed once more, enjoying the obvious love between her grandson and his soulmate. "Okay, okay. I agree," she said and Mac was already on her way to thank her, when Grams decided that she wasn't done yet. "But only on one condition."

"What's that?"

"I want you to have a fully furnished house. I don't want to come visit and have to sit on a barstool and sleep on the floor. These old bones are not as accepting or forgiving as they used to be," she concluded, rubbing her shoulder for emphasis.

"Agreed."

"… and definitely a dryer," she added smirking. "We don't want to have my grandson running around in wet clothes any more than necessary, now do we?"

Harm groaned as a blush crept up his face, making both women laugh heartily. "A dryer will be the first item on my list, Grams. That's a promise," Mac swore grinning.

A short time later, they paid for breakfast and were walking out of the restaurant when Mac turned to Grams unable to contain her gratitude. "Thanks, Grams, and not just for the money, but for considering me part of your family. I have no words to express what I am feeling right now. There has only been one person who has ever cared about me or gave a damn what happened to me until I met Harm, and now… you."

"You are more than welcome, child, and you will always be a part of this family. I care about you. Don't ever forget that."

Mac had never felt so wanted and whole in her entire lifetime except for when she was with her Uncle Matt. "Thank you," was all she could say as her heart was totally full.

*

Back in the car, the mood was a little somber so Harm decided to cheer things up a bit. "What do you say we take a ride to the zoo? We can call Harriet and Bud and see if they will let us take AJ. After all, we did skip out of his birthday party early so it would be a great way to make it up to him. What do you think?"

"I think it is a wonderful idea," Mac piped in glad for the distraction.

"Sounds like fun," Gram's offered.

"Well then… let's do it." Harm quickly flipped open his cell phone and punched three for the Roberts.

("Roberts' residence.")

"Hey, Harriet, it's Harm. How are you doing on this lovely day?"

("Hi, Harm. I'm fine, thanks. Attempting to do a little housework while a certain little whirlwind is running around the rooms. How are you?")

"I'm good, thanks. I'm calling because Grams, Mac, and I thought about going to the zoo today and we wanted to ask if it would be okay to take said little whirlwind with us."

(Harriet chuckled. "Well, you just made my day. I would be thrilled to have him out of my hair for a little while, and I'm sure as soon as AJ hears that his Uncle Harm, Auntie Mac, and Granma – as the icing on the cake – want to take him to the zoo, he'll freak out.")

Before Harm had a chance to reply, he had to remove the phone from his ear as the shrill from the other side was so loud. His godson had obviously over-heard his mother's conversation and was more than enthusiastic about going to the zoo with his godparents and his newly adopted grandmother.

Harm chuckled. "I guess I can take that as a yes."

(Harriet laughed. "Absolutely. See you soon, okay?")

"We'll be there in a few. Bye for now," Harm answered before turning off his cell phone. "Guess we have a date with the little whirlwind."

*

They spent a few minutes at the Roberts chatting happily, yet briefly, as AJ was anxious to be on his way. They buckled him up in the backseat and with the promise to have him back in time for dinner, they were off for a day of fun.

The zoo wasn't overly crowded so they were able to walk around and see all the animals up close, stopping to feed some of the tamer ones. AJ was having a wonderful time running to all the cages and talking to all the animals, many of who actually blabbered back much to AJ's delight. The monkeys were his favorite.

For Grams, at times, it was hard to tell who the child was as all three of her companions were goofing around mimicking all the animals, jumping up and down, clapping their hands, and chasing each other happily making animal sounds.

Harm and Mac were enjoying themselves as much as AJ was. They would walk holding hands and stopped often to share a tender kiss or a warm hug. Their antics had not gone unnoticed by AJ who became quite curious. "Granma?" AJ whispered questioningly.

"Yes, dear?"

"Why Auntie Mac and Unca Harm make kissy face all time?"

Grandma Sarah had all she could do not to burst out laughing as AJ stood there making squishy fish faces when describing Harm and Mac's affectionate actions. She thoughtfully addressed AJ's question. "Well, you see, AJ, your Uncle Harm and your Auntie Mac like each other a whole lot, and when people have feelings for each other they like to show it."

AJ looked up at Grams wide-eyed and slipped his hand into hers, swinging it while he spoke. "I like you and you like me, but we don't do that."

"This is true, sweetheart," Grams replied, ruffling AJ's blonde hair. "Let's see if I can make it a little clearer," she continued. "Does your tummy feel funny when we're together… like you have butterflies in there?" Grams said, sticking her index finger into his little tummy, making AJ giggle.

"Nooooo…. only when I'm hungy," AJ innocently responded.

Grams laughed. "Well, you see, little guy, they feel that way even when they're not hungry."

AJ mulled it over, squinting his eyes. Suddenly he burst into a big smile and his whole face lit up with pride at his assessment. "Oh…you mean like mommy and daddy. They always make kissy face," he concluded with a satisfied smile as he ran to join Harm and Mac.

Grams smiled favorably at his retreating back, satisfied at the outcome. She had made especially sure to weigh her words before she spoke, not wanting to disturb his delicate psyche.

*

They'd just passed the polar bear reserve when Harm and Mac decided it was time for Grams to take a break. She had been quite the trooper keeping up with the three of them. Now it was time for her to take a little rest. There was an empty bench nearby so they headed over to sit for a while. "How about we ask Uncle Harm to go get us some ice cream?" Mac whispered into AJ's ear.

AJ immediately started clapping his hands eagerly. "Yeah… Ice ceem."

Harm laughed out loud. "Are you two conspiring over there?" he asked smiling broadly, rubbing the top of AJ's blond head.

"Yup," Mac replied happily. "We want ice cream, Sailor. And we want it quick."

"V'ry qwick," Little AJ added with a bright grin.

"Yeah, and it better be quicker than quick," Grams added lastly, making Little AJ giggle in response.

"Okay, I can take a hint. I'll be right back," Harm bellowed as he took off towards the ice cream vendor.

Grams just sat there contentedly taking in the 'family' scene. She wondered what it would be like to have a great-grandchild and she hoped she wouldn't have to wait too much longer as she certainly wasn't getting any younger. She knew both Harm and Mac would be wonderful, loving parents.

"What is that mischievous smile about?" Mac asked, bringing Grams out of her thoughts.

Grams shrugged. "Oh, you know… just thinking about the future… and stuff."

"Uh huh."

Before Mac or Grams could say more, Harm returned with a tray of varied ice cream flavors. "Who wants what?" he asked, showing them what he had brought back. They all dove in for their favorites and ate heartily before resuming their fun-filled tour of the zoo.

*

As promised, they were back at the Roberts' in plenty of time for dinner. Harriet had planned on an impromptu barbeque and invited them to stay for dinner to which they agreed. It was a beautiful evening to eat outdoors.

Bud had chicken cooking on the grill as well as burgers and hotdogs. Harriet had made a variety of salads to keep it light and simple, and to make sure she had something for Harm's peculiar palate. Mac, along with Grams, offered to help Harriet in the kitchen while Harm took over the grilling so Bud could retrieve a couple of cold beers and a juice box for AJ, who was delighted to be spending more time with his godparents and his new Granma.

After dinner, a tired AJ came to sit on his uncle's lap and Harm put his hand under his new monkey t-shirt that they had gotten at the zoo and started to tickle his belly relentlessly. "Help me, Auntie Mac, help me, peez!" AJ screamed, laughing hysterically as he tried to squirm out of his uncle's lap.

Mac got up from where she had been sitting with Harriet and Grams, and walked over to her godson. "Is Uncle Harm bothering you?" she questioned, making her best pouty face for AJ's benefit.

"Y… yea… yeah he… he… is," AJ managed to croak out between laughs.

"Well then the Marines are here for the rescue," Mac stated in her best Marine drill sergeant voice, as she threw herself on Harm, causing him to let go of his hold on little AJ who began jumping up and down clapping his little hands. "You did it, Auntie Mac, you did it! The M'reens won," he shouted happily and the tiredness was for now forgotten.

"Oh, oh, looks like the Marines versus the Navy over there." Grams laughed.

"Yeah, and I think the Marine is winning," Harriet responded with a big smile.

Mac was on top of Harm and ready to spring into action when he gave her that 'I don't think you want to go there' look, which she of course totally ignored. She reached for his sides and began her slow torture of tickling. Even with only one hand she succeeded. Harm held his breath and pretended not to be ticklish until it became too much and let out a huge belly laugh. "Okay, okay, Marine… you win… for now," he finally relented, taking her hands away from his sides. He was liking the feel of her body rubbing all over his way too much to let it continue with an audience. "We will definitely continue this later on, Jarhead," he whispered seductively into her ear.

"Is that a threat or a promise, Sailor?" Mac questioned softly with a sexy grin before removing herself from his lap.

AJ then reached out to touch Mac's cast. "Can I put something on it?" he asked politely. Mac looked down hesitantly, fearing it would not be appropriate should she be cleared to go back to work.

Harm looked at Mac, sensing her dilemma immediately. He took an objective look at the cast and pointed to a place on the top edge of the cast that would be covered by her uniform sleeve should she return to work before the cast was removed. "Maybe Auntie Mac will let you put something up here," he explained.

Mac looked down at the cast where Harm was pointing and then up into his beautiful eyes before setting her gaze on AJ. "I think that would be a perfect place," she said to AJ, grabbing hold of his little hand.

Harm asked Bud for a waterproof crayon and gave it to AJ who took it and looked shyly at his uncle. "What do I draw?" he asked, shrugging his shoulders.

Harm thought for a minute and then whispered something into AJ's ear. A bright smile came over little AJ's face and he nodded appreciatively. He looked pensively at the cast before settling into his task. He liked his uncle's idea, but he didn't know how to do it and didn't want to ask because he wanted to be a 'big boy' and do it all by himself. He frowned before the wheels started spinning in his head.

Harm and Mac watched him with a glimmer in their eyes. They both totally adored the little guy who always managed to bring joy and happiness into their lives.

Remembering their day at the zoo and what his Granma had told him, AJ suddenly grinned, knowing exactly what he wanted to do and how to solve his dilemma. He once again climbed onto his uncle's lap and looked up at him. "Unca Harm?"

Harm looked down at his godson. "Yeah, kiddo."

Little AJ moved even closer, holding his little chubby hands around his godfather's ear so he could whisper into them. Then he stopped for a second and turned his attention to his godmother. "It's secret, not listen," he said, making sure that it sounded like an order.

Mac chuckled. "Aye, aye, Sir! Got it. I won't listen, promise." And just to amplify her promise, she placed her plastered hand above her heart.

"Good," Little AJ said, content with his godmother's promise. Then he turned back to Harm and started to whisper into his ear. "Unca Harm, can we draw it together. Then it's from me and you. I know it makes Auntie Mac happy."

"You know what, that's a great idea." Harm let Little AJ climb down his lap and moved behind him, placing his much larger hands on top of his godson's to assist him.

Little AJ leaned against Mac's thigh and held her hand, concentration etched all over his face as he began to draw with Harm's help on the cast with the Red crayon. He was deeply engrossed in his mission, as evident by his tongue sticking out between his lips. "Don't look yet," he instructed his godmother as his tongue once again took its place prominently between his open lips.

"I wouldn't dare," Mac replied quickly averting her eyes from the cast.

"Okay, we done. You can look now," AJ bellowed slightly holding up Mac's arm. "It's from me and Unca Harm."

Mac looked down and saw a perfect heart with the words 'luv u' written underneath. She smiled warmly.

"You like, Auntie Mac?"

"Oh, AJ, that is absolutely beautiful. Thank you," Mac replied with tears in her eyes.

AJ then looked up at his godfather who was beaming. "See, told you she love it."

"Good job, little man."

AJ ran off to find Harriet and Bud so he could show them what he had drawn while Harm and Mac shared a private, tender moment together without words. They looked down at her cast and Mac reverently outlined the heart with her forefinger before looking lovingly into Harm's eyes. At the moment, no words were forthcoming as a simple drawing had spoken tenfold.