Chapter 19: Making Up
Nancy woke the next morning, to find her husband watching her. She smiled at him, remembering making up the night before. Sometimes the fight was almost worth the making up afterwards.
His smile was guarded, "How are you feeling this morning?" he asked carefully, smoothing her hair back from her face.
Nancy considered the question thoughtfully before replying, "Pretty good considering the beating my self-esteem took yesterday evening."
Murdock grimaced, feeling responsible and more than a little guilty, "Can I do anything to help repair the damage?" he asked repentantly.
Nancy laughed at his expression, "You already have, sweet heart," she said affectionately.
He didn't look convinced, "Not enough," he said certainly, "How about if I pamper you with a great big breakfast? I could even serve it to you in bed . . ."
Nancy laughed, "You're the one that likes big breakfasts!"
He patted her belly, laying his head down on it and feeling the babies squirming under him. He grinned up at her, "You need your strength carryin' these two little kick-boxers around!"
"They always get active when they hear your voice," she said with a smile, "Not even here yet and they know who the instigator in the family is!"
Murdock looked abashed, "I'm really sorry about last night, Nan . . ."
"It's OK," she interrupted, "I was just teasing. Besides, I kinda think the whole thing was for the best. Now, how about pampering me properly to make up?" she smiled suggestively.
He grinned, "I like that kind of makin' up!"
Eventually they headed downstairs for a quiet breakfast together, discussing their separate plans for the day.
"I want to go in to the airfield, at least for a few hours," Murdock said, "I need to call around and find someone to come in and help me get the books and other business records computerized. I think it will make life much more manageable."
Nancy smiled at her husband's eagerness, "I was just planning on working at home today," she said, "I don't want to face Riley and tell him that we lost the LaSalle case," she laughed ruefully, "Fired by my own Uncle."
Murdock looked at her, "You were not fired by your Uncle," he said decisively, "you quit. And as is his habit, I don't believe he accepted your resignation. I think you'll find the files still in your briefcase. He didn't take them last night."
Nancy shrugged, "That doesn't mean I'm going to continue to work on the case," she said stubbornly, "I can still quit."
He laughed, "No you won't, Short Cake," he said knowingly, "I've seen the way you've been working on this case, and I know you all too well. You're hooked, and you've gotta see where it goes. You can't stand to let go at this point."
Nancy pursed her lips together, she hated it that he was right, "Well, maybe I will just wrap up a couple things before I send Uncle his final bill," she said grudgingly.
Murdock grinned, "That's my girl - never can leave a case unresolved."
As they started clearing the table, Murdock remembered the new assignment that Hannibal had given him, and Nancy, "By the way, when we get a chance - Hannibal wants us to develop the acceptance criteria and interview program for the new team. He's decided to take your suggestion and run with it. We're working down a parallel path for the team development. Face is working on putting together the recruitment program now."
"He wants 'us' to work on it?" she asked uncertainly.
Murdock turned and looked at her, "Yes, 'us'," he said positively, "Hannibal wants your input on what to look for, he thought you might have some ideas on how to weed out the less qualified applicants."
"Hannibal's following my suggestion, huh?" she asked, smiling, "I'm flattered," she admitted, adding ruefully, "God knows I could use a self-confidence boost today."
Murdock took her by the shoulders and looked directly into her eyes, "Now don't start that again," he said sternly, "Remember what we talked about last night. There are a lot of people out there that respect you. I'm proud of what you've accomplished, and you should be, too. Don't let your Uncle get you down."
Nancy smiled up at him, and gave him a big hug and a kiss, "Thank you, HM," she said sincerely, "It means a lot to me that you, at least, believe in me."
Holding her tight, he kissed the top of her head, "I'm the luckiest man I know, and I know some pretty lucky guys," he said warmly, "Not only are you beautiful and talented, but you're intelligent to boot. I've always been proud of you, Short Cake."