Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
~~~~~
"The Gift"
Chapter Six: Gift Exchange
By Ann Parker
~~~~~~~~~~
1630 Zulu
24 December 2002
The Roberts' Residence
Great Falls, Virginia
Lisa busied herself in the Robert's kitchen. She had insisted on helping with the dinner tonight. Checking the turkey in the oven, she smiled at the lovely smell. She headed back to the counter and finished frosting and decorating a few cookies while humming along to the Christmas music playing in the background. Finishing the cookies, she walked to the fridge and pulled out her homemade custard and a bowl of chopped fruit. On the counter was an angel food cake she had baked earlier. She wrinkled her nose when she noticed a small piece missing from it.
"Dang it Bud, I told you not to touch my cake," she muttered to the empty house. She had stayed home to cook while Harriet took AJ to get some more food and Bud did last minute "Santa" shopping. While she washed her hands she looked out the window, catching the reflection of herself with curlers in her hair. "I look hideous," she giggled to herself as she watched the snow fall. "Finally, a White Christmas. It's been too long." She dried her hands and began to cut the cake for her trifle.
Mikey walked through the front door and shook the snow off him while he wiped his shoes. The smell of turkey hit him immediately and he smiled. Harriet was outdoing herself this year. He took of his coat and boots and headed straight for the kitchen, hoping to surprise his sister-in-law. Or so he thought.
"That smells great," he said as he walked in the room. He stopped dead in his tracks when he didn't recognize the woman in the room. She was in blue jeans and a red sweater, something you might find Harriet in, but the hair was not hers. The woman stopped what she was doing and turned to face him. They eyed each other for a second and then she smiled.
"Thank you. Let me guess, you must be Mikey," she commented. She wiped her hands and then extended one to shake his. "I'm Lisa Marshall, I was Bud's trainer." Mikey immediately smiled and shook her hand.
"You're Lisa? Yes, I'm Mikey. It's nice to finally meet you," he replied. "Um, may I ask what you're doing though?" Lisa smiled.
"Currently I'm making a trifle for desert while the rest went out shopping. I stayed behind to cook and wait for you to arrive," she answered. Mikey nodded, absorbing all the information.
"Need any help?" he offered. Lisa smiled, he reminded her so much of his brother.
"Actually, you could finish setting the table while I do this," she answered, gesturing towards the large table. Mikey nodded and set the table. Both hummed quietly while they worked, waiting for the rest.
~~~~~
1800 Zulu
Harm and Mac came through the door, shaking off snow. Mac took off her coat and to reveal a beautiful burgundy dress. Harm came in his uniform.
"Burr," mumbled Mac as Harm took her coat. "Thanks." Harm smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist as they headed into the living room.
"Merry Christmas Mac, Harm," said Meredith, walking up to them with AJ. Mac and Harm smiled. However, before they could respond Harm's cell phone rang. He smiled apologetically.
"Merry Christmas, excuse me," he said quickly and left the room to answer the call. Mac watched him as he left before returning to the rest. She had a feeling she knew who was calling. Harm walked into another room and glanced around to make sure Lisa wasn't around. "Commander Rabb," he answered. A smile appeared on his face. "Excellent, let me direct you here." He gave the person on the line directions to the Roberts' home and told them he'd see them soon. Right as he hung up Lisa walked in causing Harm to smile. Her forest green dress hugged her curves and made her eyes stand out. Her hair was curled and she wore a gold necklace with an emerald heart hanging from it. "You look beautiful Lisa," he remarked, getting a smile from her.
"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself," she replied hugging him. "Your gift from last year went perfect with my dress," she commented when they separated. She was referring to the necklace. Harm nodded in agreement.
"What can I say? I have good taste," he said with a cocky grin. Lisa laughed. "Merry Christmas," he said as they headed back to the others.
"Merry Christmas bro," she replied, her eyes shining with happiness. Harm beamed when she called him that and wrapped an arm around her. Everyone appeared to be there. Sturgis and Bobbi were having a conversation with Meredith and AJ on the couch. Jason and Mikey were playing with little AJ. Bud and his father were talking and Harriet and Mac were with Stacy. Lisa was so happy to be around so many on Christmas. She headed over to Mac while Harm went over to Bud. The girls went into the kitchen to check on the food. Everything was ready. They walked back into the living room. "Everybody, dinner is ready," announced Lisa. Everyone rose to go eat until Harm spoke up.
"Just one second, please. I'd like to say something before we eat," he said. Many in the room smiled, knowing what was coming. Lisa wasn't one of them. "Lisa, can you come over here for a second?" She looked at Harm suspiciously but was soon at his side. "Well, this year has certainly had its share of ups and downs." Everyone nodded in agreement. "However, someone has made this month the best of all. She was like a gift to us all. She helped Bud recover and he is now back on active duty. She helped Mac and I act on the feelings we've bottled up for years. She's reminded Sturgis and I of many memories…both good and well, interesting." Many laughed at this comment. "Basically she's cheered everyone up when our spirits were low and helped us get into the holiday spirit." He made eye contact with Lisa now, noticing the dampness in her eyes. "Lisa, you are like no other in this world. You are my little sister and I will always love you dearly. Having you here is one of the best gifts I could ask for this Christmas and as a sign of my, and everyone's, gratitude, we have something for you."
Harm took Lisa's hand and led her to the front door. All heard a car pull up and Harm opened the door. A tall, well-built man stepped out of the driver's side and headed up the steps. His sandy blond hair looked white as the thick snow fell. He's blue eyes noticed the woman in the doorway and he rushed to her. It took her only a second to recognize the man.
"Dan!" Lisa exclaimed and leaped into his arms. He hugged her tightly and pulled her inside so Harm could shut the door. "Oh my god, I can't believe you're here!" Laugher was heard from all and the new addition to the party pulled Lisa into a soft kiss. When they separated he finally spoke.
"I've missed you so much Lisa," he whispered, resting his forehead on hers. They smiled at each other, oblivious to the rest around them. "I know I forgot to call over this week, but when Harm called me about coming down for Christmas I had to work extra hard so I could get the time off. Forgive me?" he asked. Lisa smiled brightly and kissed him again.
"What do you think?" she asked, still hugging him. Harm coughed and the two lovebirds now noticed their surroundings. Lisa blushed and smiled. "Sorry." Without warning she jumped at Harm and hugged him. "Thank you Top Gun," she whispered. Harm smiled.
"Don't mention it," he replied. "Now, why don't you introduce your lover boy over there?" he teased. She poked him and smiled.
"Everybody, this is Dan Wilson. Dan, this is Harm, Mac, Bud, Harriet, little AJ, Mikey, Bud Sr., Big AJ, Meredith, Jason, Stacy, Bobbi, and Sturgis. Don't worry, it's okay if you don't remember all that," she said with a smile. Dan smiled.
"Hello everyone, thank you for inviting me to be with you," he commented. Mac smiled and walked forward.
"It was nothing. Lisa is one of us now, and we hope you will be too," she said with a smile, placing an arm around Harm. Lisa smiled and hugged her. Everyone was silent for a few minutes.
"Mommy, I'm hungry," said AJ quietly. Everyone laughed.
"Well, let's eat," said Bud and everyone went to the dining room. The table was set with beautiful white china and silverware. On the table were a huge turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, asparagus, Lisa's secret salad, and buns. All smiled at the feast and took a seat. Bud rose to give a toast. "Before we eat, I want to say a few words also. As the Commander said, this year has been…interesting. Many obstacles have been presented to us, but like always we have risen in the time of sorrow. I would like to thank all of you for your support during this time, without you I wouldn't have made it through this. As the New Year comes upon us, I know there will be new challenges. I'm confidant, however, that we will see them head on. I only hope that with those challenges come more joyous occasions." Bud paused and smiled at Harriet, taking her hand. "One we already know of. Harriet and I are going to have a baby." Everyone cheered and congratulated them. "We hope this is only one of the many great moments of the year. So as we raise our glasses, Harriet and I wish to send our love and gratitude to all here with us. Merry Christmas," he finished and everyone raised their glasses and holiday wishes went all around the table. Then everyone dug into the food and enjoyed their time together.
~~~~~
2030 Zulu
Lisa walked into the living room to find everyone, except for Dan, around the piano singing Christmas carols. She leaned against the white door frame and smiled, watching the scene before her. How could she leave all this? In her short time here she had grown to care for all present. She sighed knowing her time here was winding down. Suddenly she felt two hands wrap around her waist and she fell back into their embrace.
"What are you thinking?" whispered Dan into her ears. She felt slightly weak at his contact but regained her composer.
"I was just thinking about how I'm going to miss everyone," she replied softly. Dan squeezed her slightly and kissed her neck.
"You love it here, don't you?" he asked. Lisa nodded.
"Yes I do, everyone is great. And I've loved being around Harm so much again. Did you know this is the longest time we've spent together in almost ten years?" she said, turning around to face him. Dan offered a sad smile.
"I'm sorry, baby," he offered. She ran her fingers through his hair.
"It's not your fault." Dan shook his head at this.
"But the state of our relationship is my fault, which has an impact on everything. Lisa, I'm tired of this long distance thing. I need to be around you everyday and I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen, even quit my job and move where ever you want to go," he stated, staring into the depths of her green eyes. Lisa smiled and hugged him.
"I love you," she whispered. Dan tightened his hold on her.
"I love you too," he replied. They smiled at each other and kissed.
Harm turned from the piano to find Lisa. It didn't take him long. He smiled and poked Mac, who turned to look. Both smiled as they watched the couple kiss.
"I bet they didn't even notice the mistletoe above their heads," joked Harm. Mac laughed and pulled Harm to her.
"Yeah, well I do," she said and pulled him into a passionate kiss. As they kissed both thanked whoever was looking out for them this year. Even though it hadn't been the best year, both had received the greatest Christmas gift they could ever ask for.
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~~~~~
"The Gift"
Chapter Six: Gift Exchange
By Ann Parker
~~~~~~~~~~
1630 Zulu
24 December 2002
The Roberts' Residence
Great Falls, Virginia
Lisa busied herself in the Robert's kitchen. She had insisted on helping with the dinner tonight. Checking the turkey in the oven, she smiled at the lovely smell. She headed back to the counter and finished frosting and decorating a few cookies while humming along to the Christmas music playing in the background. Finishing the cookies, she walked to the fridge and pulled out her homemade custard and a bowl of chopped fruit. On the counter was an angel food cake she had baked earlier. She wrinkled her nose when she noticed a small piece missing from it.
"Dang it Bud, I told you not to touch my cake," she muttered to the empty house. She had stayed home to cook while Harriet took AJ to get some more food and Bud did last minute "Santa" shopping. While she washed her hands she looked out the window, catching the reflection of herself with curlers in her hair. "I look hideous," she giggled to herself as she watched the snow fall. "Finally, a White Christmas. It's been too long." She dried her hands and began to cut the cake for her trifle.
Mikey walked through the front door and shook the snow off him while he wiped his shoes. The smell of turkey hit him immediately and he smiled. Harriet was outdoing herself this year. He took of his coat and boots and headed straight for the kitchen, hoping to surprise his sister-in-law. Or so he thought.
"That smells great," he said as he walked in the room. He stopped dead in his tracks when he didn't recognize the woman in the room. She was in blue jeans and a red sweater, something you might find Harriet in, but the hair was not hers. The woman stopped what she was doing and turned to face him. They eyed each other for a second and then she smiled.
"Thank you. Let me guess, you must be Mikey," she commented. She wiped her hands and then extended one to shake his. "I'm Lisa Marshall, I was Bud's trainer." Mikey immediately smiled and shook her hand.
"You're Lisa? Yes, I'm Mikey. It's nice to finally meet you," he replied. "Um, may I ask what you're doing though?" Lisa smiled.
"Currently I'm making a trifle for desert while the rest went out shopping. I stayed behind to cook and wait for you to arrive," she answered. Mikey nodded, absorbing all the information.
"Need any help?" he offered. Lisa smiled, he reminded her so much of his brother.
"Actually, you could finish setting the table while I do this," she answered, gesturing towards the large table. Mikey nodded and set the table. Both hummed quietly while they worked, waiting for the rest.
~~~~~
1800 Zulu
Harm and Mac came through the door, shaking off snow. Mac took off her coat and to reveal a beautiful burgundy dress. Harm came in his uniform.
"Burr," mumbled Mac as Harm took her coat. "Thanks." Harm smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist as they headed into the living room.
"Merry Christmas Mac, Harm," said Meredith, walking up to them with AJ. Mac and Harm smiled. However, before they could respond Harm's cell phone rang. He smiled apologetically.
"Merry Christmas, excuse me," he said quickly and left the room to answer the call. Mac watched him as he left before returning to the rest. She had a feeling she knew who was calling. Harm walked into another room and glanced around to make sure Lisa wasn't around. "Commander Rabb," he answered. A smile appeared on his face. "Excellent, let me direct you here." He gave the person on the line directions to the Roberts' home and told them he'd see them soon. Right as he hung up Lisa walked in causing Harm to smile. Her forest green dress hugged her curves and made her eyes stand out. Her hair was curled and she wore a gold necklace with an emerald heart hanging from it. "You look beautiful Lisa," he remarked, getting a smile from her.
"Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself," she replied hugging him. "Your gift from last year went perfect with my dress," she commented when they separated. She was referring to the necklace. Harm nodded in agreement.
"What can I say? I have good taste," he said with a cocky grin. Lisa laughed. "Merry Christmas," he said as they headed back to the others.
"Merry Christmas bro," she replied, her eyes shining with happiness. Harm beamed when she called him that and wrapped an arm around her. Everyone appeared to be there. Sturgis and Bobbi were having a conversation with Meredith and AJ on the couch. Jason and Mikey were playing with little AJ. Bud and his father were talking and Harriet and Mac were with Stacy. Lisa was so happy to be around so many on Christmas. She headed over to Mac while Harm went over to Bud. The girls went into the kitchen to check on the food. Everything was ready. They walked back into the living room. "Everybody, dinner is ready," announced Lisa. Everyone rose to go eat until Harm spoke up.
"Just one second, please. I'd like to say something before we eat," he said. Many in the room smiled, knowing what was coming. Lisa wasn't one of them. "Lisa, can you come over here for a second?" She looked at Harm suspiciously but was soon at his side. "Well, this year has certainly had its share of ups and downs." Everyone nodded in agreement. "However, someone has made this month the best of all. She was like a gift to us all. She helped Bud recover and he is now back on active duty. She helped Mac and I act on the feelings we've bottled up for years. She's reminded Sturgis and I of many memories…both good and well, interesting." Many laughed at this comment. "Basically she's cheered everyone up when our spirits were low and helped us get into the holiday spirit." He made eye contact with Lisa now, noticing the dampness in her eyes. "Lisa, you are like no other in this world. You are my little sister and I will always love you dearly. Having you here is one of the best gifts I could ask for this Christmas and as a sign of my, and everyone's, gratitude, we have something for you."
Harm took Lisa's hand and led her to the front door. All heard a car pull up and Harm opened the door. A tall, well-built man stepped out of the driver's side and headed up the steps. His sandy blond hair looked white as the thick snow fell. He's blue eyes noticed the woman in the doorway and he rushed to her. It took her only a second to recognize the man.
"Dan!" Lisa exclaimed and leaped into his arms. He hugged her tightly and pulled her inside so Harm could shut the door. "Oh my god, I can't believe you're here!" Laugher was heard from all and the new addition to the party pulled Lisa into a soft kiss. When they separated he finally spoke.
"I've missed you so much Lisa," he whispered, resting his forehead on hers. They smiled at each other, oblivious to the rest around them. "I know I forgot to call over this week, but when Harm called me about coming down for Christmas I had to work extra hard so I could get the time off. Forgive me?" he asked. Lisa smiled brightly and kissed him again.
"What do you think?" she asked, still hugging him. Harm coughed and the two lovebirds now noticed their surroundings. Lisa blushed and smiled. "Sorry." Without warning she jumped at Harm and hugged him. "Thank you Top Gun," she whispered. Harm smiled.
"Don't mention it," he replied. "Now, why don't you introduce your lover boy over there?" he teased. She poked him and smiled.
"Everybody, this is Dan Wilson. Dan, this is Harm, Mac, Bud, Harriet, little AJ, Mikey, Bud Sr., Big AJ, Meredith, Jason, Stacy, Bobbi, and Sturgis. Don't worry, it's okay if you don't remember all that," she said with a smile. Dan smiled.
"Hello everyone, thank you for inviting me to be with you," he commented. Mac smiled and walked forward.
"It was nothing. Lisa is one of us now, and we hope you will be too," she said with a smile, placing an arm around Harm. Lisa smiled and hugged her. Everyone was silent for a few minutes.
"Mommy, I'm hungry," said AJ quietly. Everyone laughed.
"Well, let's eat," said Bud and everyone went to the dining room. The table was set with beautiful white china and silverware. On the table were a huge turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, asparagus, Lisa's secret salad, and buns. All smiled at the feast and took a seat. Bud rose to give a toast. "Before we eat, I want to say a few words also. As the Commander said, this year has been…interesting. Many obstacles have been presented to us, but like always we have risen in the time of sorrow. I would like to thank all of you for your support during this time, without you I wouldn't have made it through this. As the New Year comes upon us, I know there will be new challenges. I'm confidant, however, that we will see them head on. I only hope that with those challenges come more joyous occasions." Bud paused and smiled at Harriet, taking her hand. "One we already know of. Harriet and I are going to have a baby." Everyone cheered and congratulated them. "We hope this is only one of the many great moments of the year. So as we raise our glasses, Harriet and I wish to send our love and gratitude to all here with us. Merry Christmas," he finished and everyone raised their glasses and holiday wishes went all around the table. Then everyone dug into the food and enjoyed their time together.
~~~~~
2030 Zulu
Lisa walked into the living room to find everyone, except for Dan, around the piano singing Christmas carols. She leaned against the white door frame and smiled, watching the scene before her. How could she leave all this? In her short time here she had grown to care for all present. She sighed knowing her time here was winding down. Suddenly she felt two hands wrap around her waist and she fell back into their embrace.
"What are you thinking?" whispered Dan into her ears. She felt slightly weak at his contact but regained her composer.
"I was just thinking about how I'm going to miss everyone," she replied softly. Dan squeezed her slightly and kissed her neck.
"You love it here, don't you?" he asked. Lisa nodded.
"Yes I do, everyone is great. And I've loved being around Harm so much again. Did you know this is the longest time we've spent together in almost ten years?" she said, turning around to face him. Dan offered a sad smile.
"I'm sorry, baby," he offered. She ran her fingers through his hair.
"It's not your fault." Dan shook his head at this.
"But the state of our relationship is my fault, which has an impact on everything. Lisa, I'm tired of this long distance thing. I need to be around you everyday and I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen, even quit my job and move where ever you want to go," he stated, staring into the depths of her green eyes. Lisa smiled and hugged him.
"I love you," she whispered. Dan tightened his hold on her.
"I love you too," he replied. They smiled at each other and kissed.
Harm turned from the piano to find Lisa. It didn't take him long. He smiled and poked Mac, who turned to look. Both smiled as they watched the couple kiss.
"I bet they didn't even notice the mistletoe above their heads," joked Harm. Mac laughed and pulled Harm to her.
"Yeah, well I do," she said and pulled him into a passionate kiss. As they kissed both thanked whoever was looking out for them this year. Even though it hadn't been the best year, both had received the greatest Christmas gift they could ever ask for.
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