Dear Santa...it's Little AJ - Part 8/11
See part 1 for all disclaimers
Roberts Residence
Christmas Eve
7:34 PM
"Merry Christmas, Sir," Harriet said as she opened the front door.
Harm leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Merry Christmas, Harriet."
He walked into the house and Harriet took his jacket. "Everyone's in the living room. We were waiting for you before we served dinner."
Harm smiled and walked into the living room. He exchanged pleasantries with everyone as he took stock of the carefree scene. Meredith and AJ were talking with Tiner and Coates by the Christmas tree. Sturgis and Bobbie were laughing with Bud, who stood off to the side holding Jimmy. Big Bud and Mikey were walking out of the kitchen with some eggnog.
"Eggnog, Commander?" Mikey asked with a smile on his face.
"I think I'll stick with a glass of punch." Harm smiled at the young midshipman. Mikey excused himself and walked over to the punch bowl to get Harm a glassful.
"Where's the Colonel?" Big Bud asked as he smiled cheerfully.
"Iraq," Harm said when Harriet approached the group.
Big Bud shook his head. "When will she be back?"
"After her time there is finished." Harm looked about the room wishing he could avoid the conversation.
"The military has a hard time paying attention to the holidays." Harriet griped.
"Where's Little AJ?" Harm asked as he took the cup of punch from Mikey.
Mikey laughed. "He's pouting."
"Pouting?" Harm asked, watching Harriet gently jabbed her brother-in-law.
"He's not pouting. He's upset the Colonel isn't here," Harriet told him. "He refuses to come down to the party till his Auntie Mac is here."
Big Bud laughed. "The kid's been writing to Santa every hour nearly."
Harm glanced at the staircase then back at Harriet. "Do you mind if I try?"
"Knock yourself out, Sir. Maybe he'll listen to you." Harriet grinned.
Harm smiled before he walked up the wooden staircase. He walked down the hall to Little AJ's room and smiled as he approached the door. He knocked softly. Harm laughed when he heard little feet run to the door and quickly open the door. He smiled as he looked down and saw AJ with a huge smile on his face.
AJ smiled, but as he looked up and saw it was Uncle Harm and not Auntie Mac, his smile left his face. "Hi."
Harm chuckled to the small child. "That's not much of a greeting, AJ."
"Sorry," AJ muttered before he hugged his uncle's legs. "Better?"
"A little." Harm moved down and picked AJ up. He carried the boy back into his room. "Now what is this I hear about you not wanting to come to the party?"
"Auntie Mac isn't there."
"No, she's not. She had to work."
"Does she love me?" AJ asked as his little eyes held back the tears.
Harm's heart broke. "She loves you more than anything in the world."
"Does she love me more then she loves you?"
Harm stared at his godson. "I think so. I talked to her a few days ago and she hates herself for not being here."
"I just want her to be here, Uncle Harm. That's all I asked Santa for." AJ moved towards the window. "I've been watching all night. She'll come, she promised."
"Don't you want to go to the party?" Harm asked as he stood by the window.
"Not until Aunt Mac gets there," AJ reported.
Harm tried to say something but he couldn't. He walked to the doorway of the room and left AJ alone with his wishes. The sad part for Harm was, for the last few days, he was starring at his own door wishing Mac would walk through it.
Harm reached the bottom of the stairs to see Sturgis standing there. "Any luck?"
"None. He refused to come down till Mac arrives," Harm reported.
Sturgis chuckled. "Sounds like AJ wants Mac here almost as much as you do."
Harm shrugged. "I think he wants her more."
Andrews Air Force Base
8:16 PM
Mac walked out of the ladies dressing room. Glad to be back in normal clothes. She passed by Solo. "Merry Christmas, Ma'am," He called to her.
"You too, Commander." Mac smiled.
She continued walking towards the exit as a young petty officer approached her. "Colonel MacKenzie?"
"Yes, Petty Officer?"
The young PO took a deep breath. "Santa is waiting for you, Ma'am."
End Part 8