Disclaimer: they still aren't mine but I'm starting to think they should be.

AN: A big thank you to Beth for helping out.

I have the final chapter to post on the other site and am doubling up the remaining chapters on this site, so we can get there quicker. Thanks to those dedicated few who have been there for this journey. I deeply appreciate it.

God bless Japan. Thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has endured so much this year. xox

With Christmas out of the way, the focus of the entire household was on the wedding. Scheduled for New Year's Eve, the service would be held at six, followed by a party leading into midnight which would ensure the young couple saw in the New Year as Mr and Mrs Bates.

However, before they got to the service there were a million things to do.
"Well, maybe not a million," Mattie conceded, dropping into the chair beside Mac but at least a hundred."
"A hundred?" Mac repeated. "I don't see how there can still be so many things to organise."

Opening up her wedding planner, Mattie flicked through the pages until she found her to – do list. Running down the page she took a quick count.
"63," she said, shaking her head. "How am I supposed to get through 63 things before Thursday?"
"By letting everyone help," Mac said, slipping her hand over Mattie's. "Now, let's get a coffee, a pen, take a deep breath and make a plan of attack."
"Okay," said Mattie taking the deep breath as instructed. "Make mine hot chocolate," she added, having given up caffeine for the duration of the pregnancy.

Ten minutes later, Mac had a large sheet of paper divided into six columns, at the top she wrote the days from Saturday, the current day, to Thursday, the day of the wedding. Dividing the columns into 3 large rows, she labelled them 'wedding', 'party' and 'visitors' so they could be more specific.
"Okay, read me the first thing on your list," she said to Mattie.
"Final dress fitting," she said, chewing on her lip. "Veronica was going to do it before Christmas but then was sick..."
"She's home Tuesday, so we'll list it for Wednesday," Mac said jotting it down.
"Isn't Wednesday leaving it too late?" Mattie asked, starting to get a bit flustered by everything.
"No," Mac said quietly. "We all think the dress is perfect the way it is. I'm sure when you try it on with everything else on Wednesday you'll realise there is nothing to change."
"Okay, number two, the spare beds / mattresses for everyone," she said as Trish sat down with them.
"That's easy enough," she said, pulling out her note pad. "Frankie will be in his portacot, the twins will be in the crib, Nikki and Jessie will have the twins beds, Lily will have the inflatable mattress on the floor between them, Veronica will have Lily's bed, Harriet and Bud will share the mobile home with us, Alison and John will take the fold out sofa in the school room and Michael and Jimmy will sleep in the living room."
"That's us, what about Colin's family?" she asked, it all becoming a blur.
"Colin's parents will have your guest room, his oldest sister and kids will have your living room, his sister and her family will have your room..." she continued, knowing all the bedding had already be arranged.
"Our room?" she said surprised. "But it's our house...our wedding night..."
"I know," Trish said, patting her hand before pulling out a brochure. Sliding it across the table she pointed to the Winnebago gracing the cover. "Colin was the one who allocated bedding in your house," she reported, "But Frank and I didn't think it was appropriate, especially as it's your night..."
"So?" Mac prompted, as anxious as Mattie was to hear the arrangements.
"Frank called Bill Bates and made the necessary arrangements, they will fly into Augusta, Maine from Iowa and then, between them, pick up four of these, fully equipped. Two can park out back here and plug into this house for power, the other two will park next door with the Andersons."
"That's a great solution," said Mac, more than relieved.
"Why do they need four?" she asked, knowing the vehicles slept eight and there were only 21 coming from his side.
"The fourth is for the Roberts," she said, "It might be more comfortable for them to have their own space than feeling they were intruding," Trish said with a smile.
"It all sounds great," Mac said, scanning the brochure, glad to see bedding included already and that each vehicle had its own toilet and shower.
"It does but these things are expensive," Mattie said flipping over the brochure. "They are going to be here Tuesday for a week, and these rates are over $2000 for a week, times that by the three they need and it's a bit beyond their means, especially considering they have airfares on top of that and..."
"And nothing," Trish said. "Frank has hired them from the same place he bought the mobile home. It's owned by an old friend and it's at a great price..."
"Yeah, but still..." she said, her voice trailing. A great price to people had money was still a fortune to those who had little.
"Sweetheart," Trish said, squeezing her hand. "Frank has paid for them all and the gas..."
"What? Really?" Mattie said her eyes popping opened.
"Well, wedding costs are usually borne by the bride's father," she said, taking the brochure back. "Frank has just taken that one step further and is doing it as the bride's grandfather. He and I love you, Mattie, just like we love all of Harm and Mac's children, and this is a very special occasion for us. Providing accommodation to ensure Colin's family is comfortable is the least we can do – after all, they are family too."

Without words to express her gratitude, Mattie moved from her chair and hugged Trish tightly. She couldn't help the tears which tumbled; she had thought of them as her grandparents but never believed they'd consider her a grandchild.
"What's going on?" Colin asked as he surveyed the scene in front of him.
"Mattie is just very happy at the moment," Mac explained, getting to her feet and wrapping an arm around his waist.
"Mattie?" he said, not too sure what he was looking at constituted happy.

Taking a deep breath, Mattie pulled back from Trish and wiped her eyes.
"Trish was just telling me about the wedding present she and Frank have organised for us," Mattie said moving over to her fiancé. "They have paid for four Winnebagos, three for your family and one for the Roberts."
"That's very generous, Trish, but I'm not sure what my dad would..." he started to explain.
"Your dad and Frank sorted it all out last week," Trish interjected. "Frank explained what he wanted to do, your dad seemed a little reluctant and Frank explained his reasons behind it. Your dad readily agreed and everything is set."
"Can I ask his reasons behind it?" he asked, wrapping an arm around Mattie's waist.

Drawing a deep breath, Trish explained how Frank had lost his own daughter, Beth, when she was three months old and with it went all the hopes and dreams he had for her. While they had Mac, and both absolutely adored her, they had gotten married so quickly and with such a small gathering that any such gesture was inappropriate. All he wanted was to feel he was contributing something substantial to the wedding of one of his own and as that couldn't be Beth, he wanted it to be Mattie's – the girl they considered to be their granddaughter.

By the time Trish had finished explaining it all, Colin was also in tears. He didn't know what he or Mattie had ever done to be so lucky as to become involved in this family. They were so loving and generous and gave them both an incredible sense of family.
"Thank you," was all he could manage.

By Wednesday, everyone, bar Alison and John, had arrived on the farm and it was a lively place. Wednesday night would see the bachelor and bachelorette parties, with plenty of time on Thursday to recover before the wedding on Thursday night. That being the plan, Wednesday saw the final touches being put to the barn which would be the setting for the wedding. While not the usual place for such an intimate gathering, the hiring of heaters, tables, chairs and other wedding paraphernalia turned the old wooden structure into a fairyland dream, just as Lily had first describe to Mattie when they were talking about the setting.
"This looks incredible," gushed Harriet as she stood by the door and watched as Mattie turned on the switch activating nearly a thousand fairy lights; half which were steady, the other half twinkling.
"It's come up really well," Mattie said, allowing her eyes to drift over the scene. There were pillar vases and tall colourful flowers scattered around the area. While they were artificial flowers they looked incredibly real.

The strategically placed heaters meant the room was at a perfect temperature and no one would be in a position where they were too hot or too cold. There was a small table at the front which the celebrant would use, and various tables around the room for the guests to dine at. There was an additional area set aside for the catering side of things near the opposite doorway where the catering truck would be parked.

Along with the other items, they had hired a large dance floor for the middle of the barn which was currently covered by an equally large protective mat, on top of which were the chairs, ready for the guests to witness the ceremony.
"All ready to marry me?" Colin asked, surprising her by springing up behind her.
"Yes!" she replied enthusiastically, turning to face him. "We can get married right now," she added.
"Well, we may have to wait for the celebrant tomorrow," he said, kissing her nose. "But believe me I'll be standing right there, waiting for you."
"I'll be here," she said, "Right on time."
"You know I won't get to see you after dinner," he said, brushing his lips across hers. "Are you sure you don't want to stay in our house? I can stay in mom and dad's Winnebago next door."
"I'm sure," she replied, kissing him back. "Besides a girl needs her parents the night before her wedding and I ..." her voice trailed as she tried to find the right words. "I...just want one last night with them."
"I understand, babe," he said, kissing her head. "You ready to have our last meal together as single people?"
"Definitely!"

Dinner was a big affair with more than forty people filling the farmhouse and overflowing onto the back porch to enjoy their first family meal together. Even though it was winter, Harm felt a barbeque was the way to go to cater for the large number of people and tastes. Although he didn't feel like cooking the apparent ton of meat in the portable fridge, he shouldn't have worried as Bud, Jimmy and Colin's brother-in-law, Tony, took charge and Harm didn't get near the cooking.

With Kathy, Colin's mother, Chantal and Carla, his sisters, Mac, Harriet, Veronica, Trish and Mattie taking over the farmhouse kitchen and dining room, there were soon a dozen different side dishes to choose from as well as a couple of loaves of bread. Given there were a large number of children, of varying ages, present, Mac had set them up on their own table in the living room and filled it with popular party food, hoping it would keep them occupied and it worked.

It didn't take long before the food was devoured and the dishes done, such was the appetite and efficiency of Colin's relatives.

By eight, they were ready to get the children to bed so the adults could celebrate with the bride and groom to be. Aside from Jimmy, every other child was 12 and under and all were sent off to their respective beds. When the first protest was register by JJ, Colin's six year old nephew, Colin announced any child not in bed asleep in the next twenty minutes would be put to bed the same time the following night and they'd miss the party and the New Year's Eve celebrations.

While there was still some grumbling from the pre-teens no one felt confident to voice their opposition given the large number of adults around and slowly but surely they were all taken to respective beds and settled down for the night. While Mac nursed an unsettled Frankie in her own room, Harm had carried Jessie up the stairs and to the bathroom, patiently waiting outside as Veronica helped her daughter in there. Once the door was opened, he scooped the girl up once more and carried her to Rosie's bed before laying her in it and covering her with the quilt.

Without thinking he kissed her forehead and said goodnight before doing the same to Lily and Nikki. While the other girls thought nothing of it, Jessie had never had a man kiss her goodnight and she was instantly smitten with Harm, drifting off to sleep with happy thoughts about what life would be like if Harm was her daddy too.

With his twins bedded down in large crib, Harm pushed the portacot against the wall so Mac wouldn't knock into it when she put Frankie to bed in it. After kissing Harry and Rosie goodnight, he padded across the hall to his own bedroom to bid goodnight to his youngest child.
"All ours are bedded down for the night," he said, including the Roberts twins and Jessie in his summary, after all, the Roberts kids were his godchildren and Jessie was fast becoming a part of the family. They were all a little sad that AJ wasn't joining them for this family event but he was still training and while he was able to go home for a few days at Christmas it couldn't be extended to New Year's.

"This one won't be far away," she said, gently rocking Frankie as his eyes got heavier and heavier.
"Is there anything you need or want me to do before I head to Colin and Mattie's for the bachelor party?" he asked, taking his son when Mac made a move to stand up.
"Oh, maybe a hug and a kiss as soon as this one's in bed," she said with a grin.

Very quickly, Frankie was in his bed and Harm cornered Mac on the landing between the bedrooms, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his forehead on hers. Lifting her head, Mac pressed a gentle kiss on his lips before Harm took it a step further and deepened it.
"Ooh, sorry," Kathy said, approaching the top of the stairs. "Didn't mean to interrupt, just needed the bathroom."
"Oh, sorry," Harm said, stepping back and pulling Mac with him to make room for her to pass.
"You're not interrupting," Mac said, pressing into her husband. "Go right ahead."
"Guess it's time for me to get going," said Harm as Kathy closed the door behind her.
"Enjoy yourself," Mac said kissing him quickly.
"You too," he said before walking down the stairs hand in hand.

The respective parties were enjoyable and unlike other such parties Colin and Mattie had been to whenever their friends married. There were no strippers, no suggestive games, and while the men shared a few dozen celebratory ales, the women, except Mac, sipped their way through two bottles of wine before turning their preference to tea and coffee.

The men, all married, except for Jimmy who was still up, offered Colin their advice for a happy marriage and his father, Bill, summed it all up by telling him to remember that whatever the problem to apologise first regardless of the situation.
"But why apologise if you're not wrong?" Jimmy asked shaking his head.
"Because according to women, men are always wrong," he said, patting Jimmy's shoulder. "And apologising first saves the second round of arguments about who's right and who's wrong."
"That sucks," Jimmy replied."You shouldn't apologise just because they're a girl."
"You'll learn, son, you'll learn," Bill said with a chuckle.

As the men went on with their own discussions, Bill handed Harm a fresh beer and steered him towards the kitchen where they could talk in private. Leaning against the kitchen counter, Harm waited for Bill, a man in his late 50's, to talk.
"Colin speaks so highly of you, your family and this place and I can see why," he said sincerely. "I've never seen the boy so settled and happy."
"He's a good man," Harm said, taking off the bottle cap.
"Always has been," agreed Bill, pulling out a stool from the breakfast bar. "I can't say I'm not disappointed that he won't be returning to Iowa and taking over the family farm but life takes us all on different paths than we expect."
"Yes, it does," said Harm. His life was nothing like he'd imagined twenty years ago.
"I was sorry to hear of the loss of your grandmother," he continued. "I think it was the night Col called me to tell me I realised he was truly home here."
"What did he say?" Harm asked, not wanting to pry but curious.
"It's not so much what he said but he was crying when he told me," Bill said quietly. "My boy never cries... didn't cry when his grandfather died five years ago, nor when his aunt past two winters ago."
"It did have a big impact on us all," Harm said, feeling the sadness within stir once more.
"I realised for Col to have taken it so hard meant he was part of the family, part of life here and I am happy he's found such contentment...just wish it was a bit closer to Iowa," he said, playing with the bottle in his hands.
"I do understand, Bill," said Harm moving to pat the older man's back. "Always remember that you and Kathy and the family are welcome here anytime. After all, we're family now. Anyway, Mattie said you and she discussed flying when she was out there last year...perhaps you can come in the warmer weather and we can do some flying."
"That would be great," he said with a grin.
"How come you are both in here?" asked Colin from the doorway not too sure of what to make about this seemingly private conversation.
"We were talking about you," said his father bluntly.
"And what are you saying?" he asked looking from his father to his almost father-in-law.
"That you're a good man and you are a blessing on this family," said Harm. Bill beamed proudly.

Meanwhile, the women were engaged in various discussions about everything from weddings to baking to children, though no one on Colin's side knew about the pregnancy and Mattie was hoping Lily wouldn't spill the beans. As the night wore on, Mac noticed Mattie was becoming quieter and quieter. Using the next round of coffee and tea making as an excuse, Mac took Mattie into the kitchen to help.
"Are you okay?" she asked, abandoning the kettle in favour of the younger woman.
"Yeah," Mattie said in a sigh.
"Try again," Mac said, taking her hands. "What's up?"

Mattie bit down on her bottom lip and tilted her head from side to side, trying to fight against her tears. "Mattie?"
Not able to articulate her problem, Mattie threw her arms around Mac and held tightly, burying her head in Mac's hair and crying softly. Unsure as to what was really going on, Mac held her and rubbed her back, trying to reassure her that everything would be fine.
"I'm sorry," Mattie sniffled pulling back. "I ... just...All the women talking about all women's things and I ... I don't want to hurt you and Harm but..."

Then it all crystallised for Mac, Mattie was missing her mom and probably her dad too, just the way she did at times like this, despite the time that had passed, despite the reasons for estrangement.
"Oh, honey," Mac said, wrapping her up once more. "It's okay, it's okay," she soothed. "You're missing your mom and dad," she said for her and Mattie nodded.
"I know it's stupid but..." she started couldn't finish her sentence.
"It's not, it's not," Mac reassured her. "You're allowed to miss them."
"I was just looking around the table and thinking that mom would have loved being a part of it...which is stupid because if she didn't die I would never be a part of this family and I know it sounds all confused but...but..." And then there were more sobs.

When Kathy appeared at the kitchen door to help, she had overheard Mattie's pain and distress and felt, that as it had already gone midnight, then perhaps they should go and give the bride some time and space to come to terms with the pain of not having her mom with her on her wedding day.
Retreating to the dining area, she relayed the information to the others and after some tidying up, she, her daughters and Harriet departed while Veronica disappeared upstairs.

Trish decided to put away the remaining food into the kitchen, knowing someone would have to tell Mac and Mattie the party had concluded.
"Nonsense," Trish had said when she'd told them and Mattie had apologised. "This is all about you and everyone here loves and supports you. The least we can do is to give you some time and space."
"I thought I had it all under control," Mattie said, resting her head against Mac's feeling exhausted by it all.
"Those sorts of feelings are never under control," Trish said, wrapping her arm around Mattie and kissing her head. "Now, do you want to have a nice warm bath and try and relax before bed?"
Mattie nodded; maybe that was for the best.

As Mac cleaned up, Trish took Mattie upstairs and prepared the bath for her, using all Mac's favourite things. While Mattie bathed, Trish returned to the kitchen to help Mac clean up and they had just put the final things away when Harm and Frank returned.
"I thought you'd all still be chatting," Frank said, embracing his wife.
"Young Mattie became distressed and so we finished early," Trish replied quietly.
"What's wrong?" asked Harm turning to his wife.
"Just missing her mom and dad," Mac said, her eyes still full of Mattie's pain.
"Oh, I didn't think about that," he said, moving to hold his wife.

Knowing there was not much else they could do, Frank and Trish retired for the night while Harm and Mac considered what to do next.

As Mattie soaked in the tub and allowed the warm water and bubbles to caress and soothe her, Mac and Harm changed for bed with minimal talk. Both knew the inner battle one faced when life changing events were taking place and the one you wanted wasn't there. They also understood that it didn't mean you loved the ones who were any less.
"Do you think..." Mac started as she sat on the edge of the bed but the rest of the sentence was dropped when Mattie rapped quietly on their door. "Come on in, honey," Mac said.
"Hi," Mattie said, looking from Mac to Harm and offering him a weak smile.
"How are you doing, honey?" Harm asked, rounding the bed to greet her.
"A little embarrassed," she said, dropping her head. "I thought I was okay with it all and then wham it hits me and I blubber like a baby."
"You have nothing to be embarrassed about," Harm said, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her head. "You're human...these things happen."
"You guys aren't ...upset...or hurt...?" she said hesitantly.
"Not in the least," Mac said taking her hand and encouraging her to sit on the bed beside her. "Of all the people in the world, we really understand the trauma of parental absence."
"Yeah, I guess you do," she said, leaning her head on Mac's. "Do you think Kathy thinks I'm a basketcase or...I don't know...not good enough for her son?"
"Definitely not," Mac said, "She thinks you are wonderful and just perfect for her son."
"And his father thinks the same thing," Harm said, sitting on her other side. "I know it doesn't take away all the pain, sweetie, but you are surrounded by people who love you and who are very, very proud of everything you have endured, everything you have overcome, and the amazing woman you are today."
"Oh, Harm," she sighed tearfully as she wrapped her arms around him and held tightly. "When mom died and dad was gone I prayed every night for someone to rescue me and that was you...you have given me all of this..."
"Mattie, I gave you a chance, you did the rest," he replied, kissing her head.
"But without you I would never have finished school, would never had a second chance with a mom and dad, never have siblings...never have recovered from the accident..."
"You don't know that," he said gently, kissing her head.
"I do," she said confidently. "I wouldn't have had anything to live for...and look at my life now, I have everything I could have asked for and it's thanks to you."
Tearfully, Harm kissed her head once more. "Well, it's no secret," he said quietly, his voice breaking with emotion. "That everything I have today I owe to you."

Slowly, Mattie pulled back and looked at him. "No, you owe it to Mac."
"No, I owe it to you," he corrected, caressing her face. "You were the person who taught me to open my heart. You were the person who pushed and prodded and nudged me to do something about Mac. You were the one who showed me how to let someone into my life and be prepared to take the chance to love someone...I hadn't done that since my dad went MIA. And without that, I can't say with any certainty that I would have let Mac into my heart and that would have been the greatest tragedy of my life."

For a while the trio sat in silence, wanting emotions to subside and allow some slumber the night before the wedding. Realising no one was making a move; Mac yawned and rolled her shoulders, fatigue catching up with her.
"This is going to sound really stupid..." Mattie started, not sure if she should continue, "After all, I'm 29 but...um...No, it's alright."
"Honey, would you like to stay with us for a bit?"Mac asked standing up and Mattie nodded.
"Just for a little bit," she said, not really wanting to make the trek downstairs and into the mobile home she was going to share with Trish and Frank.

With Mac in the middle, Mattie settled deep under the covers the events of the day running around and around in her head.
"Just close your eyes, sweetheart," Mac said gently. "Tomorrow you will be getting married and everything will be alright with the world."

It didn't take long for Mattie to drift off and Mac moved further onto Harm's side to give her some room. Wrapping his arms around his wife, Harm kissed her head and declared his love before thanking her for their life together.
"You are my life, Sarah MacKenzie-Rabb," whispered, brushing a kiss across her lips. "I love you more than anything else in the world..."
"I love you too," she whispered, kissing him back.
"When I said I owed this all to Mattie..." he began, hoping she hadn't taken offence.
"No need to explain," she replied. "I owe it all to Mattie too. Without her, I don't think we would have ever gotten this far."
"So, you're not upset?" he questioned, just to be sure.
"No, I fully support everything you said to her," Mac answered, brushing her lips against his. "And you said it very articulately."
"I'm getting better, aren't I?" he said with a proud grin.
"Very much so," she agreed. Gone was the tongue tied man who could barely string a sentence together when it came to matters of a personal nature.

Over the next ten minutes, Mattie moved and resettled, turned and mumbled to herself. Mac rubbing her arm and whispering to her seemed to help and soon she settled once more. However, the movement saw Mac move further away so not as to disturb her and soon Harm sat up and swung his legs out.

It was one thing making room for his nine year old daughter, who was like a squirming starfish at times, but Mattie was taking up even more room and while he didn't mind having Mac pressed firmly into him, he wanted to give Mattie a chance to sleep and not to have her feel bad for squashing them together.
"Where are you going?" Mac asked, opening one eye.
"I'm going to sleep in her bed," he said, leaning down and kissing Mac's head.
"With Colin?" Mac asked confused.
"No!" he said quickly. "In the mobile home with mom and dad..."
"Okay," she replied with a yawn. "Kiss me again."

Morning dawned dark and overcast belying the atmosphere on the farm which was bright and bubbly. Harriet had taken over the kitchen and had huge pots of scrambled eggs, trays of bacon and two loaves of bread toasted and ready to be served for the early breakfasters who were mainly mothers and their children. The exception were Harm and his father – Frank was doing Frankie's morning bottle feed while Harm was at the top of the stairs waiting for the signal from Veronica that he could go in and get Jessie.

"All ready!" Jessie called enthusiastically.
"Okay," he called back, opening the door. "Good morning, Jessie," he said, moving over to the bed. "How did you sleep?"
"Very well, thank you, Mr Rabb," she said looping her hands around his neck.
"That's good to hear," he said, picking her up. "Now, I love the fact that you have excellent manners and call me Mr Rabb, but I think we have to change that."
"Why?" Jessie asked, her eyes widening, worried she'd done the wrong thing.
"Because it's so formal," he said, looking to Veronica and making sure she was ready to go downstairs too. "So, I think that maybe you could call me Harm."
Jessie didn't know what to say.
"Are you sure?" asked Veronica. While she already called the man Harm, she often had to stop herself calling him 'sir' such was his imposing presence.
"Positive," he said with a grin.
"Um," Jessie said quietly. "Maybe I can call you Uncle Harm like Nikki does. Would that be okay?" she asked, liking the idea of having him as a sort of uncle just like the Roberts kids did.
"If that's okay with your mom it's okay with me," he said, starting his descent down the stairs.
"It's fine by me," Veronica said, feeling happy and blessed they had found a place with such wonderful people.

Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, Harm placed Jessie in her chair and made sure her seatbelt was on before he stepped away.
"Thanks, Uncle Harm," she said, testing out the new name and liking it immensely.
"You're welcome, honey. Now, it's breakfast time," he said pulling out a chair from the table to make room for her.
"Uncle Harm?" Lily questioned, not too sure what to think.
"Your dad said it was okay," Jessie replied. "He said he didn't want me calling him Mr Rabb anymore."
"That's cool," she replied; more than happy with the new moniker for her father. "Does that mean you're going to call my mom Aunty Mac?"
"Yeah, I guess so," she said, although she hadn't really thought about it.
"What do I call your mom?" Lily asked, wondering whether she had to call her Aunty Veronica which didn't really sit right with her.
"You can call me Veronica," Veronica answered. "Or Ronnie," she added. Ronnie had been her nickname in school and she had liked it – it's just no one had called her that since she had dropped out of school to have her son.

While most people would be dining at the farmhouse for breakfast, Colin was to be a no-show and, rather than expect him to fend for himself when everyone else would be catered for, Harriet packed a breakfast box for him and his parents who would dine at the other house.

Dispatching Jimmy and Michael with the basket, she added a few other items 'just in case' before sitting at the table and spending time with Rosie who was too quiet for her liking and not the child she knew and loved.

With Mattie having been restless throughout the night, Mac's sleep had been interrupted and it was no surprise to Harm that neither had appeared for breakfast considering it was yet to turn eight.
"Do you want me to wake mommy?" Lily asked standing from the table when she was done.
"No, thanks, honey," Harm said. "We'll let mommy and Mattie sleep for as long as they need to."
"Where's Mattie?" she asked, climbing on her father's lap.
"Upstairs, sleeping in our bed," he said, picking up his toast.
"Where's mommy?" she asked, taking a bite of her father's toast.
"Upstairs in our bed," he said, continuing with his breakfast.
"Where did you sleep?" she asked, resting her head on his shoulder.
"In the mobile home with grandma and grandpa," he answered, not that he'd gotten a lot of sleep. He'd forgotten just how much his mother snored when she'd had a couple of glasses of wine.
"Why'd you change beds?" she asked, really more interested in helping her dad finish his breakfast than the information.
"Because Mattie needed mommy last night and she's a bit bigger than you when it comes to taking up space," he said, kissing his daughter's head.
"Was Mattie sad?" she asked pulling back and looking at her dad.
"Why do you ask?" he questioned, not wanting to give too much away.
"The other day when I went over to Mattie's she was looking at a photo from when she was about my age and she was crying," Lily said. "It was a photo of her and her mom and dad and when I asked what was wrong she just said she wished they could be here. Which didn't make sense because they're both dead."
"I hope you didn't say that to Mattie," he said, anxiously.
"No," she replied. "Because I know it's just like us wishing Grams was here too, even though we know she can't be."
"You're a clever girl," he said, offering her the last of his orange juice, which she took.
"Yeah, I know," she replied, after all, she'd been told it often. "So did she need mommy because she was sad?"
"Yes, she did, honey," Harm answered honestly. "She just wishes her mom could be here to see her get married."
"Well, I know it's not the same thing but me and Jessie and Ronnie have been working on a surprise for her and it might make her feel better," Lily said climbing down from his knee to find Veronica.
"What is it?" he called after her, hoping it wouldn't make matters worse.
"Ronnie, can we tell dad about the surprise for Mattie?" she asked, having dragged Veronica in to be standing in front of her father. Before Veronica could speak, Lily added, "'Cos Mattie was really sad last night and had to sleep with mom and maybe we need to check that the surprise is okay."

Sitting down beside Harm, Veronica explained how she had Mattie had engaged in many long conversations about their lives and families and how Mattie had mentioned an aunt of her mother's, an Aunt June. Harm nodded.
"Yes," he said, "We'd tried to find her...June Hodges...when I first realised Mattie was on her own but we had no luck. "By the time we tracked her down, in New Zealand of all places, Mats had just had her accident and it was all too hard."
"Mattie said she'd exchanged a couple of photos and letters with the woman during her recovery," Veronica said and Harm nodded, he remembered posting them. "Well, I found her son, Tim Hodges, on Facebook and they were heading back to the States during their summer holiday and ..."
"They're coming here for the wedding?" Harm asked, wanting to get the details before the bride woke up.
"Yeah," she said with a nod. "Have I done the wrong thing? They weren't sure they were going to get here so I didn't want to tell Mattie only to have her disappointed but then Tim called me the day before last to say they'd be here by three. I couldn't afford to get them a fancy present and so I thought I was doing the right thing by trying to organise this."

When she looked up at Harm he could see the tears in her eyes and quickly took her hand.
"You've done nothing wrong, Veronica," he said quietly. "I'm sure having someone from her mother's side will make her special day extra special."
"Are you sure?" she checked, now feeling a little ill over the whole thing.
"Positive," he said, squeezing her hand.
"So, when can we tell her?" Lily asked excitedly.
"Tell who what?" Mac asked appearing from nowhere.
"Tell you good morning, mommy," Lily said, springing from her chair to hug her mother, Harm could only laugh at how quickly she had come up with the answer. God help them when she was a teenager.
"Good morning to you too, pumpkin," she said, kissing her daughter's head, before greeting her husband and Veronica. "Now, who are you telling what to?"
"Where's Mattie?" Harm asked, glancing to the stairs.
"Still asleep," Mac replied, coming closer to him. "What's up?"

And quietly they related the story.