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Boston; November 1955
"Margaret! Are you ready yet!" Hawkeye called walking down the hall. Margaret was doing some last minute packing in Haylie's room.
"Almost." She called back as she made sure she had all the things she needed. Hawkeye walked into the room and smiled. She was sitting on Haylie's bed with her diaper bag opened and making sure she had everything.
"Do you have everything yet?"
"I think I do. I got her shoes,"
"How many pairs?" Hawkeye asked with a stifled laugh.
"Well only her dinner shoes, her running shoes, both pairs, her dress shoes and her slippers. So only four pairs, plus the pair she's going to wear there."
"Lily doesn't even have that many pairs of shoes."
"Yes well, Haylie's grandmother loves to spoil her rotten."
"Ah. So does Dad, but not with clothes. He seems to be into buying toys, mostly outdoor toys for her. And then there are all my aunts and uncles and cousins and my sister."
"You have a sister?" Margaret asked. She never knew that Hawkeye had a sister, he never mentioned her.
"I do. She's an adopted sister though."
"Oh. What's her name?"
"Ashleigh. She's Edie's kid. Dad kinda adopted her cause he said she was cute."
"Oh. Okay."
"Come on, we have to get on the road now."
"Okay I think I'm done."
"Good cause I don't want to come back here because you forgot something."
"Don't worry. I'm all set. Haylie baby go get your shoes for Mommy."
"Ich ones?" Haylie asked crawling off the couch.
"Your comfy shoes honey."
"Kay." Haylie smiled sitting down in front of the closet and pulling out her shoes. She sat there and played with the Velcro for a tiny bit before Margaret slipped her shoes on. After that was done the four headed out.
They were driving to Maine for Thanksgiving and would be on the road most of the night. Of course they would stop if either of the girls had to go to the bathroom but having them sleep most of the time there wouldn't be too much stopping.
They ended up arriving in Maine at eight in the morning after a couple stops. Daniel was waiting for them. He already volunteered to take the girls out for the morning and part of the afternoon, to let the two adults sleep.
"Hawk!" Daniel called as his son stepped out of the car. Hawkeye smiled and took Lily out before hugging his father.
"Hey Dad."
"Hi sunshine, how are you?" Daniel asked looking at Lily who was lying her head on her father's shoulder.
"Ood. Miss oo."
"I missed you too Sunshine." Daniel smiled taking the girl into his arms. She was his only biological grandchild and he loved it. She was growing so much and he couldn't believe that she was almost two years old.
"Dad, I would like you to meet Margaret Houlihan and her daughter Haylie." Hawkeye introduced. Daniel smiled at the pair. They looked so much alike it was kind of scary.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you my dear. And this is little Haylie who I've heard so much about. How are you doll?"
"Ood. Mommy eepy."
"I figured as much. Why don't I take you over to my office to meet Edie."
"Who Edie?" Haylie asked. Daniel smiled at her; she had a voice that was memorizing. To him it sounded like a little baby bird, that when she laughed it made the world smile.
"Edie is Dad's friend. She's a nurse like Mommy." Hawkeye smiled. Haylie smiled and nodded her head. Lily who was already in Daniel's arms, wiggled down, and waited for Haylie. Daniel smiled and took both girls hands and walked with them down the street. Hawkeye smiled and walked over to Margaret and took her in his arms. She rested completely on him and closed her eyes. She had to admit she was pretty tired, being up all night tired her out.
"Meg honey?"
"Hmm?"
"You want to go to sleep? You can sleep now and then we can spend time with Dad when he gets home."
"I am tired. But aren't you tired. You were driving half the night."
"Don't worry about me, I can make myself tired if I want to and make myself awake if I want to."
"Oh yeah? How?" Margaret challenged. She had a smiled spread across her lips and her eyes were sparkling. Hawkeye thought for a moment and took her face in his hands and kissed her. When he pulled away a giant smiled spread across both of their lips. Something was very special between them.
"See I told you I would find something that made me tired." He grinned from ear to ear. Margaret laughed and took the hand he offered. She picked up her over-night bag and swung it over her shoulder along with her purse.
"We should get all of this in the house first." Margaret smiled passing him the heavier of the bags.
"Thanks. I feel special."
"You have to work on your muscles." Margaret teased as he had all of the heavier bags and Margaret was only carrying the diaper bags and the smaller items.
"You know what, I just thought of something. Maybe you and Haylie shouldn't have come to Maine with us."
"Why is that?" Margaret questioned not knowing what he was getting at.
"So I wouldn't have to carry all your stuff. Jeeze how much did you pack?" He said walking awkwardly up the steps of his childhood home.
"The necessities. I also have some things for Lily in there. I found a dress while I was shopping for Christmas that would look amazing on her. And I think that it would be perfect for Thanksgiving."
"And let me guess you had to buy her shoes too?"
"You know me too well."
"I would have never guessed that you were a shopping mommy while we were in Korea."
"In Korea, I wasn't a mom." Margaret pointed out walking upstairs behind Hawkeye. He walked right into a nursery and set the things down.
"This is Lily's room. When Sybil first got pregnant with her, Dad was convinced that the baby was a girl and he was going to have a pretty little nursery for her. And with the help of Edie and Ashleigh, and any other women that decided to help, this is what they came up with."
Margaret looked around. The room was very pretty. It had beautiful oak furniture and the room was a very cute yellowy paint covered the walls. The border of the room had hand-painted letters and numbers. And there was blocks and everything else a little girl could ever want.
"Its gorgeous." Margaret smiled.
"Yeah. Lily likes it. Dad would change this room in a second if she wanted." Margaret laughed. "Come on I'll show you where Haylie is going to stay." Margaret nodded and followed him into the room across the hall. "When I told dad that we were dating he took it in his authority and power to create a room just for Haylie."
"That's sweet of him." Margaret smiled as Hawkeye opened the door and reveled a pink and white room. It had a small canopy bed in the centre of the room, the walls were white but with a pink flower border. All the furniture was white and it had a large rug on the floor. When Margaret saw this, she was practically speechless. "Oh my god."
"Yeah. Dad has a way with things. Ashleigh probably helped."
"Oh my god." Hawkeye laughed, it seemed that his girlfriend could say nothing else.
"Come on I'll show our room."
"What do you mean 'our' room?"
"Well what I meant to say was your room. Dad won't 'let' us share a room." He said sort of bitterly.
"Shucks huh?" Margaret teased.
"Come on. This is where I'm going to be sleeping." He smiled opening his bedroom door. It was a very warm room. Everything was a forest green and navy blue plaid. The furniture was mahogany, which was fitting quiet nicely. She looked around and saw more pictures hanging on the walls. "This is my bedroom. See it says 'Hawkeye' on the door." Margaret laughed when she saw a little wood board that said his name on it. "Come here." Margaret smiled and took the arm he offered. He lead her over to the bed and sat down.
"What?"
"I want to show you something. Come here." Margaret sighed and walked over. She sat comfortably on his lap and he pointed to the picture on the nightstand. It was of her and then Lily and Haylie were around it.
"Where did you get that?" Margaret asked. It was a picture of her in a towel outside her tent.
"Like I'm going to tell you. You'll hit me."
"Tell me where you got it. Or I'm not going to bed with you." Margaret challenged.
"Oh yeah." With that Hawkeye kissed her, gently easing her down. Margaret wanted to resist, but she always found it impossible to do. Hawkeye pulled away and smiled at her. He was lying above her with his hands resting comfortably on her hips. Without saying another word, he slipped his hands under her shirt and started to kiss her again. This time soft short kisses. He moved his hands up her shirt and started to take it off. Margaret moaned as his lips went to her neck and started to kiss the pulse.
"Hawkeye, we shouldn't." Margaret managed to get out.
"Ssh. Don't worry." He smiled against her ear. Margaret smiled and wrapped her arms around him. She had to admit she always loved being with him. He brought a whole new dimension to making love.
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Daniel tried to keep the girls occupied until lunch. He knew exactly what was going on at his house, but wasn't going to stop it. They both had toddlers and their time alone was probably minimal, if they got time alone at all.
Ashleigh arrived at the office before heading over to the house. She was excited to see Lily; she hadn't seen her niece in a long time.
"Hey Mom. Is Dan in?" Ashleigh asked standing in front of the older nurse.
"He's in his office, Leigh." Ashleigh smiled and walked into his office. There was her 'father' and her niece and another little girl.
"Hi."
"Hey honey." Daniel smiled looking up. Lily and Haylie looked up. Lily jumped up and ran to her Aunt.
"Ashy!" She squealed. Ashleigh smiled and picked her up.
"Hey there, baby girl. Where's Daddy?"
"Daddy wif Maggie." Lily explained. Ashleigh looked at her funny and turned to Daniel.
"Hawk's at home with his girlfriend taking a nap. They drove all night."
"Oh I see." Ashleigh said with an amused laugh. "Who's this little girl?" She asked gesturing to Haylie who was looking really shy. Daniel smiled and picked Haylie up.
"This is Haylie Houlihan. Hawk's girlfriend's daughter."
"Oh. Hi honey."
"Hi." Haylie said shyly. She didn't know what to think about a new person.
"Ashy Haywe my fend. An ess wat?"
"What?"
"Auny Bess having baby. An uncle 'Arhles appy."
"Wow." Ashleigh smiled amusing the little girl.
"Leigh, where's your husband?"
"Oh Evan is home with Scott. Its easier to leave him there than to pack up a cranky newborn and try to bring him somewhere in this cold. And I wanted to come see my Lily," she smiled at her niece. "Would you like to come with me to see your new cousin for the first time? We can let Grandpa get some work done."
"YAY!" Lily cheered. "Haywe come too?"
"If she wants to," Ashleigh smiled at the pretty child Daniel held in his arms. "Would you like to come with me to see my baby?"
"Don't know," Haylie said. She looked at Daniel. "Where my mommy?"
"She's sleeping. You can go with Lily and Miss Ashleigh. She'll take good care of you, I promise. Then in a few hours I'll have your mommy and Hawkeye come and pick you up."
"Okay," Haylie agreed. She wiggled down and walked over to Ashleigh and took her hand. "Me ready."
"Okay," Ashleigh smiled. Daniel handed her the girls' winter coats and she took them. "She's so cute," she smiled.
"Wait until you see her mother. They look just alike."
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Margaret woke up in the arms of her lover. She smiled to herself and let her hand play with the hair on his chest. She didn't know it was going to wake him up, but it did. He kissed the top of her head and she looked up at him with a smile. "Hi."
"Hi," she smiled. "Sleep well?"
"You bet," he grinned. "You?"
"Very good."
"Good. I don't know why we can't share the same room."
"Speaking of that, you never did show me my room."
"Yeah, its across the hall."
"Okay." She looked at the clock. "Its after three o'clock. Where's the phone?"
"There's one in the hall. Why?"
"I need to call and check on my daughter," she said as she got out of bed. She grabbed the closest thing to her, which happened to be the shirt Hawkeye had been wearing and threw it on. "She doesn't know your father and I want to make sure she's okay."
"Oh. Tell the operator you want to be connected to Doc Pierce's office."
"Okay." She bent down and gave him a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you."
Hawkeye relaxed for a few minutes until he heard Margaret's voice rise. He sat up and listened. "What do you mean she's not with you? Where is she? What? Why? She doesn't know her and neither do I!"
Hawkeye jumped out of bed and walked to her to see what the problem was. "Hey, is that my dad?"
"Yes."
"What's wrong?"
"Haylie's with someone else."
"What?" He grabbed the phone from her and talked to his father. "Dad? Oh, okay. Yeah, I'll tell her. Well, you know how mothers can be. Haylie's her only child. Okay. We'll be there within an hour." Hawkeye hung up the phone and looked at Margaret who looked like she was about to start yelling at him. "Calm down. Ashleigh is my sister. She and Lily are with her. Don't worry. Dad had some work to do."
"Oh," she breathed. "Ashleigh's your sister. I forgot her name. I feel like an idiot for yelling at your father."
"It's okay. He understands. Lets shower. We're gonna go get the girls and visit with my sister, and see my nephew for the first time."
She smiled. "How old?"
"Three months I think. I don't know for sure. Lets get in the shower."
"Together?"
"Yep!" Margaret smiled and let him drag her to the bathroom.
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"Here we are. This is Leigh's house." Hawkeye smiled knocking on the door before walking in. He kicked off his shoes and took Margaret's hand and lead her into the living room. He smiled when he saw the sight. Haylie and Lily were on the floor making the baby laugh. Haylie was the first to notice them. She saw her mother and smiled.
"MOMMY!" She squealed running into her mother's arms.
"Hi baby," Margaret smiled hugging Haylie. She put the little girl down and held her hand. "Did you have fun?"
"Yes. Me an Lily were paying wif da baby. We made him laugh." Haylie explained pulling her mother down to the baby. "Dis baby."
"Do you know the baby's name?" Margaret asked smiling at the new born in front of her.
"Um..no..Ashy whats Baby's name?" Haylie asked as Ashleigh walked into the room with a cup of tea.
"Scott. Hi I'm Ashleigh." Ashleigh smiled introducing herself to Margaret. She just had to smile when she looked at Haylie and her mother together. Dan was right they looked so much alike.
"I'm Margaret Houlihan." Margaret smiled shaking Ashleigh's hand.
"Pleasure. Your little girl is something special." Margaret smiled from ear to ear and hugged Haylie to her. Any mother that ever received a compliment about their child, felt a surge of happiness run through their bodies.
"Thank you." Margaret smiled.
"Leigh, where's my other nephew?" Hawkeye asked as he picked up Scott.
"Out with Evan. Its just me and the baby and the girls."
"Mommy?" Haylie asked looking at her mother.
"What is it Honey?"
"Can I have a baby brofer?" Margaret looked at Haylie in a little bit of shock. She smiled and shook her head.
"I don't think so honey." She smiled. Haylie looked at her mother for a second before smiling and nodding her head. Hawkeye was sitting on the couch smiling away. He thought that was very amusing. It wasn't till Haylie said something else that he stopped laughing
"K. Mommy can I have a sister?" That took everyone by surprise.
"Um. Maybe one day honey."
"Daddy?" Lily asked climbing up on the couch beside her father. "Me want sister." Hawkeye smiled and ran his hand over her hair.
"Maybe one day baby." Lily smiled and leaned into her father so she could tickle the baby's feet.
The four spent the rest of the afternoon with Ashleigh and getting to know each other. It wasn't until Lily became extremely grumpy that they decided it would be best to get the babies home, so they could be fed, bathed and put to bed.
By eight o'clock both babies were in bed sound asleep. Margaret stood in the doorway watching her baby sleep. She couldn't believe that Haylie was hers, it had been almost three years and everything that came out of her mouth was truly something special.
"What are you doing?" Hawkeye asked walking up behind her.
"Just watching Haylie."
"She's beautiful. Come on before we wake her." He took Margaret's hand and led her away from the bedroom.
"I'm going to go shower."
"We already showered though." Hawkeye smiled remembering earlier that afternoon.
"Whatever, I'm going to shower." She smiled walking into bathroom. Hawkeye smiled from ear to ear and walked downstairs to spend some time with his father.
"Hey dad," He smiled walking into the room. "What's shakin?"
"The blender," Dan replied with a smirk. His son shook his head in confusion and plopped himself down on the couch. "The girls sleeping?"
"You betcha. Tired little ladies they were. Margaret's taking a shower at the moment as well."
"Ah."
"Yup. I should tell you. Margaret is going to share my room with me."
"I don't think so son," Daniel said from behind his paper.
"What do you mean? We're both adults."
"Yes, that may be true. But you are also son." Daniel said setting his paper down. "And I'm not going to allow an unmarried couple share a bedroom."
"What? Dad you didn't stop me and Caryle from sharing a bedroom!" Hawkeye quickly said. It was evident that he was a tad upset with his father at the moment.
"You did not live under my roof and while under my roof you will obey my rules. You should know that Benjamin." Daniel said sternly looking at his son directly. Hawkeye knew that his father was serious, he never called him by his birth name unless he was serious.
"Fine. I'm going to go see if Margaret's out of the shower and take one myself." He said some what bitterly standing up and walking off. Daniel lifted the paper back up and smiled to himself, and continued to read his paper.
Hawkeye walked upstairs just in time to see Margaret walk out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her. He smiled when she turned to him.
"Hi," She smiled stopping. "Taking a shower?"
"Uh.yeah." He said slowly looking her over. One smile from her could make his day.and night. Margaret smiled and walked over to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly.
"I'm going to get changed and talk with your dad a little. I'll meet you downstairs." She smiled walking out of his arms and into her bedroom. Hawkeye watched before walking back into the bathroom.
Margaret got put her pajamas on and dried her hair before slipping her robe on and walking downstairs. Daniel was in front of the fire putting another log on when she walked on. Automatically Daniel smiled, he could always tell when a woman entered a room.
"Good evening Margaret dear." He smiled setting the log in the fire.
"Good evening," Margaret smiled sitting down on the love seat. Daniel stood up and sat back in his chair, Margaret was curled up on the couch watching him. He smiled and could see what his son saw in her. She wasn't only gorgeous, but had a personality to match. "Did you have a good shower?"
"Yes thank you." Margaret smiled. She smiled at the older man in front of her. "I want to apologize for earlier. I didn't mean to over react like that.
"Don't you worry about it Margaret, I understand completely." Daniel smiled quickly dismissing the whole thing.
"Thank you." Margaret smiled.
"Listen honey, I had a conversation with my son while you were in the shower," Margaret nodded. "He told me that he wanted you two to share a room."
"Oh sir, don't worry. I was raised very well. I would never allow him to sleep in the same room with me. Don't get my wrong I love you son with all my heart, but,"
"I understand honey, don't worry about it. I just thought you ought to know." Daniel smiled. He could tell there that they were truly in love.
It was then that Hawkeye walked in, he was wearing his famous purple red bathrobe, and a pair of plaid pajama pants. And a purple t-shirt. His hair was all wet and messed up. To Margaret he looked extremely cute.
"Hey there," She smiled looking at him. Daniel smiled at the two. He had to admit his son did look happy.
"Hey sweetie," Hawkeye smiled sitting down beside her wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "So what were you two talking about?"
"This and that. So tell me Hawk what are you plans for tomorrow?"
"Well since we're only here for the weekend, I wanted to spend the day with the girls showing them off. Then tomorrow night I was going to take Margaret out to the Moonlight Dock for dinner and dancing. Why do you ask?"
"I was just wondering how long I get to spend with my granddaughter and the cutie upstairs." Daniel smiled. He rarely got to spend time with Lily and now that he had Haylie he wanted to spend as much time with them as possible before they headed back to Boston.
"I'm sure. You wanted to know how much you can spoil them before we go home."
"Yes. You caught me." Daniel laughed looking at his son. "Well they wont be here for Christmas I might as well spoil them on Thanksgiving."
"You're something else Dad." Hawkeye laughed. Daniel laughed and stood up.
"If you two wont mind I think I'm going to head to bed. I have to get up early tomorrow I have Susan coming in for a check up."
"Okay night dad."
"Goodnight sir." Margaret smiled.
"Call me Dan. Goodnight deary." Daniel smiled and winked before leaving the room. Once he was gone, Hawkeye wrapped his other arm around Margaret and hugged her to him.
"Did I ever tell you how much I love this pajamas?" He asked noticing what she was wearing. A pair of pink silk pajamas that made her skin look radiant.
"No," Margaret smiled.
"Well I love them. Not just because they look amazing on you but because I can take them off of you." He smiled reaching his hand to the buttons.
"And who said you can take it off of me?" She asked in a teasing way. Hawkeye smiled and leaned in and gently kissed her. He undid each of her buttons, and let his hand run on her soft skin. It wasn't until his hand had reached her breast that she pushed him off. Hawkeye looked confused when she pushed him.
"No we cant,"
"What do you mean?" Hawkeye asked, he was generally confused. He assumed that she was in the same mood he was.
"We're on your father's couch." Margaret said gesturing that they were indeed on his couch.
"Why don't we go up to the bedroom?" Hawkeye asked letting his hand graze her stomach. Margaret felt a slight tingle run through her body and smiled. She had to admit one thing, the idea of being with him made her smile.
"Hawkeye, I told you father that we wouldn't be sharing a room. He talked to me and told me that you two talked about it." Margaret explained doing her buttons back up. She really didn't want to get in trouble because she and Hawkeye couldn't control themselves.
"Margaret listen to me. Its okay. I love you, he loves you." Margaret sighed and moved her head. Hawkeye took his hands and turned her face to him. "Listen, I love you." Margaret smiled and kissed him.
"I love you too," Margaret smiled and leaned into him with a hug. Hawkeye rubbed her back in silence before pulling away.
"Come on, lets go." He smiled leading her upstairs to his bedroom. When they got into the bedroom Hawkeye immediately took Margaret in his arms and started to kiss her. First Margaret kissed him back, and allowed his fingers to trace her skin.
"Hawkeye, no." She tried to protest. She could never say no to him.
"Sssh." Hawkeye whispered against her lips. "Everything will be alright, believe me." He smiled before kissing her softly on the lips. Margaret smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. She had to admit that the idea of spending the night with him, was quite intriguing.
"What are we going to tell your father?" Margaret asked against his lips as he did to hers.
"That I spent the night showing the women I love just how much I love her." He smiled. Margaret smiled right back, he always told her things like that and loved it each time he made her feel special.
"I think I like that," She smiled brightly kissing him. Hawkeye kissed her right back letting his fingers trace the skin under the waist band of her pajama pants. When they pulled away from each other Hawkeye smiled and started to walk slowly towards the bed. When they were at the foot of the bed he gently pushed her down, letting himself rest on her slightly. He put the rest of his weight on the bed.
He smiled at her, she usually didn't give into him so easily, he knew that their relationship was not only getting stronger but more intimate. Of course he loved how their relationship was growing into something he had never felt before.
Hawkeye started to undo her shirt buttons, letting his fingers graze her skin as he did so. Every time his skin touched her skin, it sent shivers down her spine. She loved the feeling of his skin against hers.
When all the buttons were undone he opened her shirt and looked at the soft skin and kissed the skin above her breasts before leaving a trail of kisses to her neck. He let his hands move across her skin sending shivers up Margaret's spine again
"I love you," He whispered against her ear. Margaret smiled and kissed his cheek before saying anything.
"I love you." She said sincerely. He was the only man who she ever really truly loved. Donald she loved, but not unconditionally. Not like this anyway. And the other men that she 'loved' was all lust, never true love. She was in love with this man, and knew that it was true love, it was true. She finally won Double Solitaire Scrabble.
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The next morning Margaret awoke with the sound of birds and light shinning through the bedroom window. She smiled against the chest of her lover. He was sleeping soundly, with his arms wrapped around her. She loved the feeling of his warm skin against hers. She kissed his chest and pulled away from him.
Hawkeye felt her move and he opened up his eyes. He looked at her, she was putting her pants on and she smiled when she saw him.
"Hey baby," He grinned. "What are you doing?"
"Getting dressed. Haylie will come looking for me," Margaret explained pulling her shirt on. Hawkeye watched as she did each button up. "Here throw these on, Haylie doesn't need to see anything." She smiled tossing him his pants. Hawkeye smiled and pulled them under the blanket. It was to cold to get out from under the blanket. Once he put them on, Margaret climbed back in bed with him just ask Lily walked into the bedroom. She was never a sleeper.
"Good morning Angel," Hawkeye smiled. Lily grinned and ran to her father. She held her arms up. He smiled and picked her up pulling her underneath the blanket
"Daddy?" Lily asked settling on her father's chest. "When me two?"
"In three more weeks." Hawkeye smiled rubbing his daughter's back. Lily smiled and laid her head down. She looked over at Margaret and held out her hands. Margaret smiled and took her.
"Hi Lily,"
"Hi Maggie. Sleep good." She told her, in broken English.
"You did? Wow, that's good." She smiled trying to amuse the baby.
"Go pay no side?" She asked looking at her father.
"We'll go out and play in the snow when Haylie gets up." Hawkeye told his daughter. Lily smiled and stuck her thumb into her mouth.
Just then the sound of Haylie crying broke the silence. Margaret immediately handed Lily to her father and ran into the room that Haylie was in.
The little girl was in tears, almost like she was scared or in pain. Margaret walked right to her and sat on the bed.
"What's the matter baby girl?" She asked taking Haylie into her arms. Haylie quickly snuggled into her mother before saying anything.
"Didn't know where me was. Scared." she told her mother. Margaret smiled and rubbed Haylie's back
"Its okay baby, this is your room that Grandpa Dan made for you." Margaret explained to the little blonde on her lap.
"That's right," Hawkeye smiled from the doorway. "He made this just for you."
Haylie looked up at the man in the doorway. Lily was in his arms and watching Margaret and Haylie.
"Haywee go pay side in no." Lily smiled, she always loved playing in the snow and since she was in Maine now she wanted to play with her grandfather as well.
"Me hungry Mommy." Haylie told her mother. Margaret laughed, Haylie was always hungry, that was the reason she was so chubby.
"Okay we'll go and get you some breakfast. Haylie smiled and hung onto her mother's neck.
The four spent the morning together, playing outside in the snow. The only time they got to play in the snow in Boston was if they went to the park. They liked the fact that the snow was in the backyard.
"Mommy help." Haylie smiled sitting in the snow. Margaret smiled and kneeled down beside her.
"What do you need honey?"
"Make no man." She smiled. Margaret grinned and picked her up.
"We'll make a snow man. Hawk, we're going to make a snow man. Come help." Margaret smiled as she watched Hawkeye and Lily make snow angels. Lily smiled brightly and tried to get out of the snow. Which didn't work so well. Being so small it was the cutest thing ever. Hawkeye picked her up and flew her over to Margaret and Haylie who we're already starting the snowman.
When the body was complete, both girls wanted to put a face on him. Hawkeye ran inside and grabbed some Oreos and carrots. He lifted Lily up and let her stick two Oreos as the eyes. Margaret held Haylie and she put the mouth on. Both girls put the carrot in the snowman's face. When his face was done they put a top hat and a scarf on him.
"Daddy no man eeds arms." Lily told her father noticing that her snowman was without arms.
"He does doesn't he. What can we use for arms?" He asked the little girl in his arms. Lily shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe some spaghetti?"
"No." Lily told her father. "Ask Ganpa."
"Grandpa is at work." Lily frowned and looked around the backyard.
"What about some sticks?" Margaret suggested as she and Haylie finished the mouth.
"Yeah! Daddy eed icks." Hawkeye smiled and put Lily down. He ran over to a tree and pulled some dead branches from the tree. He walked over and stuck them into the snow man and pulled a pair of old gloves out of his pocket and put them on.
"What do you think?" He asked picking Lily up again. The little girl smiled and clapped her hands together.
"Yay!" Lily cheered.
"What do you think Haylie?" He asked the two year old who was in her mother's arms. Haylie smiled and laid her head down on her mother's shoulder. It was a little before noon and she was already getting tired.
"She's tired. We better get them lunch and put them down for a nap." Margaret smiled.
"No, no nap." Lily told them. "Me pay no."
"No, you're going to eat lunch and go down for a nap, then we're going to go and see Grandpa." Lily looked at her father while she thought. She didn't want to go down for a nap, and decided to argue.
"No, no nap. See Ganpa." She said looking at her father right in the eye. Hawkeye laughed and shook his head.
"Lilian Angelina Pierce, don't you talk back." Hawkeye said sternly. Just then Lily teared up and started to cry. Haylie looked at her and then her mother. She never liked it when people were crying, it scared her. "Ssh. Lily baby, its okay." He said rubbing her back.
"We better get them inside." Margaret said as she started towards the door. Hawkeye nodded and headed inside with the crying baby.
After lunch they put the girls down for a nap. Lily put up a fight and ended up crying herself to sleep. Hawkeye hated leaving his daughter when she was upset, but he knew that she was going to act like this now that she was in Maine. She could get away a lot with her grandfather and she loved it.
When Hawkeye left Lily's room he walked downstairs into the kitchen where Margaret was doing the dishes. He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist and started kissing her neck.
"Hawkeye," Margaret started, she didn't want to start something that she knew they couldn't finish.
"Yes?" He mumbled against her neck.
"We cant."
"Yes we can." He smiled as he nipped at her neck.
"OWE! Hawkeye!" She screeched grabbing her neck where he bit
"I'm sorry." He said sincerely. He leaned in and kissed it better. "Come with me,"
"No Hawkeye, we cant do anything." Margaret said sternly. Hawkeye sighed and leaned his head against the side of hers. He watched her hands do dishes, those hands helped save so many lives.
When the dishes were done she turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. She gave him a quick kiss before saying anything.
"What is with you these past couple of days?"
"I don't know, it could be because I'm back home with the woman I love." Hawkeye smiled.
"Could be. We leave tomorrow." She said sadly. It was true they could only stay till eight tomorrow night. It would take about five hours to get back to Boston, and Hawkeye had to work. They also wanted to travel with the girls sleeping. Traveling with babies wasn't something people wanted to do.
"I know. Tonight I'm taking you out and then tomorrow we're all going to the city hall for dinner. Every year all the women get together and make a TON of food for the town. Its a tradition. And then the men spend the day entertaining the children. But for some reason the Pierces always end up on diaper duty." Hawkeye laughed. Margaret smiled and removed herself from his arms. She yawned and walked into the living room.
"I'm going to take a short nap. You kept me up all night." She teased. Hawkeye laughed and sat down beside her. She put her head on his lap and closed her eyes.
Hawkeye ran his fingers through her hair and watched as she slowly drifted off to sleep. He had to smile when he watched her sleep, to him she looked as beautiful and sometimes even more so when she was awake.
After a few more minutes he decided to get up and make some calls. He slowly got up and covered her in a blanket before leaving the room. He walked into the den and picked up the phone. He talked to some people and then hung up the phone and walked out of the study and say Lily walking down the stairs He stopped and watched her make her way slowly down each step. Lily looked at him and stopped. She held out her hands to her father. Hawkeye smiled and scooped her up. She laid her head on his shoulder and clung onto him. HE rubbed her back and walked into the kitchen. It was only one-thirty and he knew that Haylie should be up soon.
"Daddy dwink?"
"Sure baby," He smiled walking into the kitchen. Lily looked around and let go of him when he set her on the counter.
"Where Maggie?"
"She's taking a nap." Hawkeye smiled pouring some apple juice into a cup for his daughter. Lily was quiet and clingy when she just woke up. He handed her the cup and stood beside her while she drank.
"See Ganpa?" She asked hopefully.
"Yup. We have to get Haylie and Maggie up first." Hawkeye smiled putting the cup in the sink. "Maggie first?"
"Kay." Lily smiled nodding her head. She held her hands out and went into her fathers arms. It wasn't like it was rare to be in his arms, because truth be told he always held her. The two walked into the living room. Hawkeye put Lily on the floor and watched as she toddled over to Margaret. Lily looked at Margaret and back at her father.
"Go on." He smiled. Lily smiled and turned back to Margaret. She crawled onto the couch and sat beside her.
"Maggie." She smiled shaking her shoulder. "Maggie time get up." Lily smiled brightly when Margaret opened her eyes. The toddler smiled and hugged her.
"Hey there honey. Did you have a good nap?" Lily shook her head and held her arms out to Margaret. Margaret smiled and took her in her arms while she got up.
"Haywee?" Lily asked as they walked out of the living room.
"Yes, we'll go wake Haylie up." Margaret smiled placing Lily on her hip. Lily smiled and wrapped her arms around Margaret's neck. Hawkeye smiled and lead the two of them up the stairs. They walked into the bedroom that was designated Haylie's and saw the little girl sitting on the bed about ready to cry. When she saw the three she smiled and held her hands up for someone to pick her up. Margaret handed Lily to her father and lifted her own daughter up.
"Mommy," Haylie smiled, she always loved when her mother came to get her from her nap.
"Hey baby, lets get you changed and we'll go out." Haylie smiled and looked at Lily who was playing with her father's hair that fell across his forehead.
"Kay. Mommy can me where my blue dress?" Haylie asked. She loved her blue velveteen dress.
"No that's for tomorrow honey. How about your blue plaid jumper and white sweater?" Margaret asked pulling the outfit out of the closet
"Kay." Haylie smiled trying to take her shirt off. Hawkeye smiled and knew it was his cue to get Lily changed. He took the little girl into her room and put her in a pair of jean overalls and a purple turtle neck. He left her hair so that Margaret could do it. Lily some how, since she met Margaret, didn't trust her father with her hair.
They walked into the bedroom across the hall and Margaret was just finishing putting Haylie's hair into two blonde ringlet pigtails. He smiled when he saw her. She had her white socks on that had lace and a her white Mary Janes on.
Lily walked over to Margaret and sat on the floor waiting for her to be finished. Margaret smiled and pulled Lily's hair back into a ponytail. Margaret tied it up with a purple ribbon and stood up holding the babies' hands.
They walked downstairs and put jackets and boots on and left the house. They both decided that the best way to keep the girls from getting in the snow was to carry them, which to them was great. There was nothing greater than being in the arms of your parent instead of walking when it's cold.
They walked into the city centre and showed off the two girls. Haylie and Lily were attacked by the older women. After that they were attacked by the older men in the town who thought that they were the cutest things alive.
Haylie didn't like all the attention and decided she'd rather stick close to her mother, than be pinched and prodded by a bunch of strangers. Lily on the other hand loved the attention. She had known all of these people since she could remember and didn't mind it one bit.
By the time dinner had come the four of them were back at the house and Daniel was making dinner while the other two were getting ready to go out for the night. Haylie was still sticking pretty close to her mother, she wanted to be with her mother and no one else. Margaret knew that as soon as she left Haylie with Daniel and Lily that she would have some fun. It was Haylie's nature.
By six o'clock Haylie was in tears, she didn't want her mother to leave her. It was something that she never liked. Margaret tried her hardest to get Haylie to settle down but didn't succeed. She looked at Hawkeye with a disappointed expression before saying anything.
"Don't worry about it okay? We'll spend the night with the girls." Hawkeye said placing a hand on Haylie's back. She had her face buried into her mother's shoulder and crying slightly.
"Thank you." She mouthed to him. Hawkeye smiled and kissed her lips before picking Lily up.
"And who might you be?" He asked Lily.
"Lily." The little girl replied with a smiled and a giggle.
"Lily who?" Hawkeye asked looking at the brunette in his arms.
"Daddy Lily." Lily laughed. She always loved when her father teased her like that. He made her laugh. Haylie looked up at Lily who was laughing and looked at her mother. Then back at Hawkeye and Lily.
Margaret noticed Haylie looking a bit jealous and couldn't help but feel bad for her little girl. Haylie didn't know her father and most likely never would. Donald wasn't the type of man that would change his mind about seeing his daughter.
Later that night Margaret went to bed and left Hawkeye and his father alone. They were sitting in the den staring at the fire when Daniel said something.
"Hawk, I want to talk to you."
"Okay," Hawkeye said slowly, knowing what his father was going.
"So ah you and Margaret are getting close huh?" Daniel asked. The question caught Hawkeye by surprise, he thought his father was going to yell at him for sharing a room with Margaret.
"Yeah. We're pretty close."
"You like Haylie?"
"I love her." Hawkeye said honestly. "Why?"
"Just wondering when I'll get a new daughter-in-law I like." Daniel laughed. Hawkeye looked at his father and watched him get up. "Night son."
The next day with filled with family galore. Lily was in heaven with all the people who were spoiling her. Haylie was a little shy at first with all the people, but when they gave her candy, and cookies the little girl couldn't resist.
The dinner was as usual a crowed place, which everyone enjoyed. By seven thirty the girls were ready for bed and wanting to go home desperately. Margaret and Hawkeye were in agreement with their children and wanting to return home as well.
They put the girls in the car and set of on the road. They found it easier to travel while the girls were sleeping, and not awake. Hawkeye didn't even last to the border before Margaret had to take over. He had been eating all day and the turkey got to him. He was asleep in no time. That left Margaret the only one awake driving home. It was a little bit snowy, but she could handle it. By the time they got to Cambridge, Margaret woke Hawkeye up. She wanted to have him awake so that he could drive himself and Lily home.
Margaret was awake for most of the night and wanted to get home and into bed. She missed her bed, and knew that Haylie did too. Haylie didn't sleep the same that she did before they went to Maine; Margaret didn't blame her. Something about Maine just seemed so peaceful.
When Hawkeye dropped Margaret and Haylie off they left Haylie in the car with Hawkeye while Margaret brought everything up to her apartment. Then she brought Haylie up and put her in her bed before heading to bed herself.
About an hour later Haylie woke up and found herself in her bedroom. But she didn't want to be there, she took her stuff rabbit and ran across the hall to her mother's bedroom. She climbed onto the bed and fell asleep with her mother.
Margaret was woken up by Haylie at nine that morning, she could have slept more, but unfortunately Haylie didn't have a snooze button. She got up with her daughter and made her breakfast, she would have to take a nap while Haylie was this afternoon.
After breakfast was made and fed to the little girl Margaret and Haylie unpacked everything. She doubted very much that Hawkeye or Lily were awake, after all it was only eleven AM. By noon Haylie was hungry again, so Margaret ended up making her another meal and then putting the little girl down for a nap, which didn't work. Haylie didn't want to sleep, so instead Margaret set her up in front of the TV and they watched some cartoons. Haylie fell asleep and Margaret right after her.
Margaret was woken up by the phone shortly after, she was going to kill whoever was calling. She pulled away from Haylie and ran to the kitchen and picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey honey. How was your trip?"
"Hi mom, it was good. Why are you calling?" Kate usually didn't call till after dinner. It was rare for her to call in the afternoon.
"I just got off the phone with someone honey," Kate started. "Are you sitting down?"
"No?" Margaret said strangely. She didn't understand why her mother wanted her to sit down. It wasn't like her parents ever kept in touch.
"Okay honey, I just got off the phone with someone,"
"So you said. Who was this someone?" Margaret asked. She wanted to know, but also didn't want to know. Mixed feelings mostly, but she guessed her mother was going to tell her anyway.
"It was Donald."
"What did he want?" Margaret asked with a stifled laugh. Never in a million years did she expect him to call her mother.
"He wants to talk to you." Kate said, she really didn't want to tell her daughter the other news, but knew she had to. "And he wants to see Haylie." Kate knew right then that she wouldn't have a response from her daughter. "Maggie I'm going to let you go. Go think about it. Call me tonight." Margaret nodded and hung up the phone.
What was Donald thinking, they divorced and when the baby was born he didn't want anything to do with her, but now three years later he wanted to be in her life. Margaret didn't know whether to let him, and get to know his daughter. Or let Haylie get to know her father. She wouldn't do it for Donald, but Haylie, she deserved to know her father.
Boston; November 1955
"Margaret! Are you ready yet!" Hawkeye called walking down the hall. Margaret was doing some last minute packing in Haylie's room.
"Almost." She called back as she made sure she had all the things she needed. Hawkeye walked into the room and smiled. She was sitting on Haylie's bed with her diaper bag opened and making sure she had everything.
"Do you have everything yet?"
"I think I do. I got her shoes,"
"How many pairs?" Hawkeye asked with a stifled laugh.
"Well only her dinner shoes, her running shoes, both pairs, her dress shoes and her slippers. So only four pairs, plus the pair she's going to wear there."
"Lily doesn't even have that many pairs of shoes."
"Yes well, Haylie's grandmother loves to spoil her rotten."
"Ah. So does Dad, but not with clothes. He seems to be into buying toys, mostly outdoor toys for her. And then there are all my aunts and uncles and cousins and my sister."
"You have a sister?" Margaret asked. She never knew that Hawkeye had a sister, he never mentioned her.
"I do. She's an adopted sister though."
"Oh. What's her name?"
"Ashleigh. She's Edie's kid. Dad kinda adopted her cause he said she was cute."
"Oh. Okay."
"Come on, we have to get on the road now."
"Okay I think I'm done."
"Good cause I don't want to come back here because you forgot something."
"Don't worry. I'm all set. Haylie baby go get your shoes for Mommy."
"Ich ones?" Haylie asked crawling off the couch.
"Your comfy shoes honey."
"Kay." Haylie smiled sitting down in front of the closet and pulling out her shoes. She sat there and played with the Velcro for a tiny bit before Margaret slipped her shoes on. After that was done the four headed out.
They were driving to Maine for Thanksgiving and would be on the road most of the night. Of course they would stop if either of the girls had to go to the bathroom but having them sleep most of the time there wouldn't be too much stopping.
They ended up arriving in Maine at eight in the morning after a couple stops. Daniel was waiting for them. He already volunteered to take the girls out for the morning and part of the afternoon, to let the two adults sleep.
"Hawk!" Daniel called as his son stepped out of the car. Hawkeye smiled and took Lily out before hugging his father.
"Hey Dad."
"Hi sunshine, how are you?" Daniel asked looking at Lily who was lying her head on her father's shoulder.
"Ood. Miss oo."
"I missed you too Sunshine." Daniel smiled taking the girl into his arms. She was his only biological grandchild and he loved it. She was growing so much and he couldn't believe that she was almost two years old.
"Dad, I would like you to meet Margaret Houlihan and her daughter Haylie." Hawkeye introduced. Daniel smiled at the pair. They looked so much alike it was kind of scary.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you my dear. And this is little Haylie who I've heard so much about. How are you doll?"
"Ood. Mommy eepy."
"I figured as much. Why don't I take you over to my office to meet Edie."
"Who Edie?" Haylie asked. Daniel smiled at her; she had a voice that was memorizing. To him it sounded like a little baby bird, that when she laughed it made the world smile.
"Edie is Dad's friend. She's a nurse like Mommy." Hawkeye smiled. Haylie smiled and nodded her head. Lily who was already in Daniel's arms, wiggled down, and waited for Haylie. Daniel smiled and took both girls hands and walked with them down the street. Hawkeye smiled and walked over to Margaret and took her in his arms. She rested completely on him and closed her eyes. She had to admit she was pretty tired, being up all night tired her out.
"Meg honey?"
"Hmm?"
"You want to go to sleep? You can sleep now and then we can spend time with Dad when he gets home."
"I am tired. But aren't you tired. You were driving half the night."
"Don't worry about me, I can make myself tired if I want to and make myself awake if I want to."
"Oh yeah? How?" Margaret challenged. She had a smiled spread across her lips and her eyes were sparkling. Hawkeye thought for a moment and took her face in his hands and kissed her. When he pulled away a giant smiled spread across both of their lips. Something was very special between them.
"See I told you I would find something that made me tired." He grinned from ear to ear. Margaret laughed and took the hand he offered. She picked up her over-night bag and swung it over her shoulder along with her purse.
"We should get all of this in the house first." Margaret smiled passing him the heavier of the bags.
"Thanks. I feel special."
"You have to work on your muscles." Margaret teased as he had all of the heavier bags and Margaret was only carrying the diaper bags and the smaller items.
"You know what, I just thought of something. Maybe you and Haylie shouldn't have come to Maine with us."
"Why is that?" Margaret questioned not knowing what he was getting at.
"So I wouldn't have to carry all your stuff. Jeeze how much did you pack?" He said walking awkwardly up the steps of his childhood home.
"The necessities. I also have some things for Lily in there. I found a dress while I was shopping for Christmas that would look amazing on her. And I think that it would be perfect for Thanksgiving."
"And let me guess you had to buy her shoes too?"
"You know me too well."
"I would have never guessed that you were a shopping mommy while we were in Korea."
"In Korea, I wasn't a mom." Margaret pointed out walking upstairs behind Hawkeye. He walked right into a nursery and set the things down.
"This is Lily's room. When Sybil first got pregnant with her, Dad was convinced that the baby was a girl and he was going to have a pretty little nursery for her. And with the help of Edie and Ashleigh, and any other women that decided to help, this is what they came up with."
Margaret looked around. The room was very pretty. It had beautiful oak furniture and the room was a very cute yellowy paint covered the walls. The border of the room had hand-painted letters and numbers. And there was blocks and everything else a little girl could ever want.
"Its gorgeous." Margaret smiled.
"Yeah. Lily likes it. Dad would change this room in a second if she wanted." Margaret laughed. "Come on I'll show you where Haylie is going to stay." Margaret nodded and followed him into the room across the hall. "When I told dad that we were dating he took it in his authority and power to create a room just for Haylie."
"That's sweet of him." Margaret smiled as Hawkeye opened the door and reveled a pink and white room. It had a small canopy bed in the centre of the room, the walls were white but with a pink flower border. All the furniture was white and it had a large rug on the floor. When Margaret saw this, she was practically speechless. "Oh my god."
"Yeah. Dad has a way with things. Ashleigh probably helped."
"Oh my god." Hawkeye laughed, it seemed that his girlfriend could say nothing else.
"Come on I'll show our room."
"What do you mean 'our' room?"
"Well what I meant to say was your room. Dad won't 'let' us share a room." He said sort of bitterly.
"Shucks huh?" Margaret teased.
"Come on. This is where I'm going to be sleeping." He smiled opening his bedroom door. It was a very warm room. Everything was a forest green and navy blue plaid. The furniture was mahogany, which was fitting quiet nicely. She looked around and saw more pictures hanging on the walls. "This is my bedroom. See it says 'Hawkeye' on the door." Margaret laughed when she saw a little wood board that said his name on it. "Come here." Margaret smiled and took the arm he offered. He lead her over to the bed and sat down.
"What?"
"I want to show you something. Come here." Margaret sighed and walked over. She sat comfortably on his lap and he pointed to the picture on the nightstand. It was of her and then Lily and Haylie were around it.
"Where did you get that?" Margaret asked. It was a picture of her in a towel outside her tent.
"Like I'm going to tell you. You'll hit me."
"Tell me where you got it. Or I'm not going to bed with you." Margaret challenged.
"Oh yeah." With that Hawkeye kissed her, gently easing her down. Margaret wanted to resist, but she always found it impossible to do. Hawkeye pulled away and smiled at her. He was lying above her with his hands resting comfortably on her hips. Without saying another word, he slipped his hands under her shirt and started to kiss her again. This time soft short kisses. He moved his hands up her shirt and started to take it off. Margaret moaned as his lips went to her neck and started to kiss the pulse.
"Hawkeye, we shouldn't." Margaret managed to get out.
"Ssh. Don't worry." He smiled against her ear. Margaret smiled and wrapped her arms around him. She had to admit she always loved being with him. He brought a whole new dimension to making love.
-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=
Daniel tried to keep the girls occupied until lunch. He knew exactly what was going on at his house, but wasn't going to stop it. They both had toddlers and their time alone was probably minimal, if they got time alone at all.
Ashleigh arrived at the office before heading over to the house. She was excited to see Lily; she hadn't seen her niece in a long time.
"Hey Mom. Is Dan in?" Ashleigh asked standing in front of the older nurse.
"He's in his office, Leigh." Ashleigh smiled and walked into his office. There was her 'father' and her niece and another little girl.
"Hi."
"Hey honey." Daniel smiled looking up. Lily and Haylie looked up. Lily jumped up and ran to her Aunt.
"Ashy!" She squealed. Ashleigh smiled and picked her up.
"Hey there, baby girl. Where's Daddy?"
"Daddy wif Maggie." Lily explained. Ashleigh looked at her funny and turned to Daniel.
"Hawk's at home with his girlfriend taking a nap. They drove all night."
"Oh I see." Ashleigh said with an amused laugh. "Who's this little girl?" She asked gesturing to Haylie who was looking really shy. Daniel smiled and picked Haylie up.
"This is Haylie Houlihan. Hawk's girlfriend's daughter."
"Oh. Hi honey."
"Hi." Haylie said shyly. She didn't know what to think about a new person.
"Ashy Haywe my fend. An ess wat?"
"What?"
"Auny Bess having baby. An uncle 'Arhles appy."
"Wow." Ashleigh smiled amusing the little girl.
"Leigh, where's your husband?"
"Oh Evan is home with Scott. Its easier to leave him there than to pack up a cranky newborn and try to bring him somewhere in this cold. And I wanted to come see my Lily," she smiled at her niece. "Would you like to come with me to see your new cousin for the first time? We can let Grandpa get some work done."
"YAY!" Lily cheered. "Haywe come too?"
"If she wants to," Ashleigh smiled at the pretty child Daniel held in his arms. "Would you like to come with me to see my baby?"
"Don't know," Haylie said. She looked at Daniel. "Where my mommy?"
"She's sleeping. You can go with Lily and Miss Ashleigh. She'll take good care of you, I promise. Then in a few hours I'll have your mommy and Hawkeye come and pick you up."
"Okay," Haylie agreed. She wiggled down and walked over to Ashleigh and took her hand. "Me ready."
"Okay," Ashleigh smiled. Daniel handed her the girls' winter coats and she took them. "She's so cute," she smiled.
"Wait until you see her mother. They look just alike."
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Margaret woke up in the arms of her lover. She smiled to herself and let her hand play with the hair on his chest. She didn't know it was going to wake him up, but it did. He kissed the top of her head and she looked up at him with a smile. "Hi."
"Hi," she smiled. "Sleep well?"
"You bet," he grinned. "You?"
"Very good."
"Good. I don't know why we can't share the same room."
"Speaking of that, you never did show me my room."
"Yeah, its across the hall."
"Okay." She looked at the clock. "Its after three o'clock. Where's the phone?"
"There's one in the hall. Why?"
"I need to call and check on my daughter," she said as she got out of bed. She grabbed the closest thing to her, which happened to be the shirt Hawkeye had been wearing and threw it on. "She doesn't know your father and I want to make sure she's okay."
"Oh. Tell the operator you want to be connected to Doc Pierce's office."
"Okay." She bent down and gave him a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you."
Hawkeye relaxed for a few minutes until he heard Margaret's voice rise. He sat up and listened. "What do you mean she's not with you? Where is she? What? Why? She doesn't know her and neither do I!"
Hawkeye jumped out of bed and walked to her to see what the problem was. "Hey, is that my dad?"
"Yes."
"What's wrong?"
"Haylie's with someone else."
"What?" He grabbed the phone from her and talked to his father. "Dad? Oh, okay. Yeah, I'll tell her. Well, you know how mothers can be. Haylie's her only child. Okay. We'll be there within an hour." Hawkeye hung up the phone and looked at Margaret who looked like she was about to start yelling at him. "Calm down. Ashleigh is my sister. She and Lily are with her. Don't worry. Dad had some work to do."
"Oh," she breathed. "Ashleigh's your sister. I forgot her name. I feel like an idiot for yelling at your father."
"It's okay. He understands. Lets shower. We're gonna go get the girls and visit with my sister, and see my nephew for the first time."
She smiled. "How old?"
"Three months I think. I don't know for sure. Lets get in the shower."
"Together?"
"Yep!" Margaret smiled and let him drag her to the bathroom.
-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=
"Here we are. This is Leigh's house." Hawkeye smiled knocking on the door before walking in. He kicked off his shoes and took Margaret's hand and lead her into the living room. He smiled when he saw the sight. Haylie and Lily were on the floor making the baby laugh. Haylie was the first to notice them. She saw her mother and smiled.
"MOMMY!" She squealed running into her mother's arms.
"Hi baby," Margaret smiled hugging Haylie. She put the little girl down and held her hand. "Did you have fun?"
"Yes. Me an Lily were paying wif da baby. We made him laugh." Haylie explained pulling her mother down to the baby. "Dis baby."
"Do you know the baby's name?" Margaret asked smiling at the new born in front of her.
"Um..no..Ashy whats Baby's name?" Haylie asked as Ashleigh walked into the room with a cup of tea.
"Scott. Hi I'm Ashleigh." Ashleigh smiled introducing herself to Margaret. She just had to smile when she looked at Haylie and her mother together. Dan was right they looked so much alike.
"I'm Margaret Houlihan." Margaret smiled shaking Ashleigh's hand.
"Pleasure. Your little girl is something special." Margaret smiled from ear to ear and hugged Haylie to her. Any mother that ever received a compliment about their child, felt a surge of happiness run through their bodies.
"Thank you." Margaret smiled.
"Leigh, where's my other nephew?" Hawkeye asked as he picked up Scott.
"Out with Evan. Its just me and the baby and the girls."
"Mommy?" Haylie asked looking at her mother.
"What is it Honey?"
"Can I have a baby brofer?" Margaret looked at Haylie in a little bit of shock. She smiled and shook her head.
"I don't think so honey." She smiled. Haylie looked at her mother for a second before smiling and nodding her head. Hawkeye was sitting on the couch smiling away. He thought that was very amusing. It wasn't till Haylie said something else that he stopped laughing
"K. Mommy can I have a sister?" That took everyone by surprise.
"Um. Maybe one day honey."
"Daddy?" Lily asked climbing up on the couch beside her father. "Me want sister." Hawkeye smiled and ran his hand over her hair.
"Maybe one day baby." Lily smiled and leaned into her father so she could tickle the baby's feet.
The four spent the rest of the afternoon with Ashleigh and getting to know each other. It wasn't until Lily became extremely grumpy that they decided it would be best to get the babies home, so they could be fed, bathed and put to bed.
By eight o'clock both babies were in bed sound asleep. Margaret stood in the doorway watching her baby sleep. She couldn't believe that Haylie was hers, it had been almost three years and everything that came out of her mouth was truly something special.
"What are you doing?" Hawkeye asked walking up behind her.
"Just watching Haylie."
"She's beautiful. Come on before we wake her." He took Margaret's hand and led her away from the bedroom.
"I'm going to go shower."
"We already showered though." Hawkeye smiled remembering earlier that afternoon.
"Whatever, I'm going to shower." She smiled walking into bathroom. Hawkeye smiled from ear to ear and walked downstairs to spend some time with his father.
"Hey dad," He smiled walking into the room. "What's shakin?"
"The blender," Dan replied with a smirk. His son shook his head in confusion and plopped himself down on the couch. "The girls sleeping?"
"You betcha. Tired little ladies they were. Margaret's taking a shower at the moment as well."
"Ah."
"Yup. I should tell you. Margaret is going to share my room with me."
"I don't think so son," Daniel said from behind his paper.
"What do you mean? We're both adults."
"Yes, that may be true. But you are also son." Daniel said setting his paper down. "And I'm not going to allow an unmarried couple share a bedroom."
"What? Dad you didn't stop me and Caryle from sharing a bedroom!" Hawkeye quickly said. It was evident that he was a tad upset with his father at the moment.
"You did not live under my roof and while under my roof you will obey my rules. You should know that Benjamin." Daniel said sternly looking at his son directly. Hawkeye knew that his father was serious, he never called him by his birth name unless he was serious.
"Fine. I'm going to go see if Margaret's out of the shower and take one myself." He said some what bitterly standing up and walking off. Daniel lifted the paper back up and smiled to himself, and continued to read his paper.
Hawkeye walked upstairs just in time to see Margaret walk out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her. He smiled when she turned to him.
"Hi," She smiled stopping. "Taking a shower?"
"Uh.yeah." He said slowly looking her over. One smile from her could make his day.and night. Margaret smiled and walked over to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly.
"I'm going to get changed and talk with your dad a little. I'll meet you downstairs." She smiled walking out of his arms and into her bedroom. Hawkeye watched before walking back into the bathroom.
Margaret got put her pajamas on and dried her hair before slipping her robe on and walking downstairs. Daniel was in front of the fire putting another log on when she walked on. Automatically Daniel smiled, he could always tell when a woman entered a room.
"Good evening Margaret dear." He smiled setting the log in the fire.
"Good evening," Margaret smiled sitting down on the love seat. Daniel stood up and sat back in his chair, Margaret was curled up on the couch watching him. He smiled and could see what his son saw in her. She wasn't only gorgeous, but had a personality to match. "Did you have a good shower?"
"Yes thank you." Margaret smiled. She smiled at the older man in front of her. "I want to apologize for earlier. I didn't mean to over react like that.
"Don't you worry about it Margaret, I understand completely." Daniel smiled quickly dismissing the whole thing.
"Thank you." Margaret smiled.
"Listen honey, I had a conversation with my son while you were in the shower," Margaret nodded. "He told me that he wanted you two to share a room."
"Oh sir, don't worry. I was raised very well. I would never allow him to sleep in the same room with me. Don't get my wrong I love you son with all my heart, but,"
"I understand honey, don't worry about it. I just thought you ought to know." Daniel smiled. He could tell there that they were truly in love.
It was then that Hawkeye walked in, he was wearing his famous purple red bathrobe, and a pair of plaid pajama pants. And a purple t-shirt. His hair was all wet and messed up. To Margaret he looked extremely cute.
"Hey there," She smiled looking at him. Daniel smiled at the two. He had to admit his son did look happy.
"Hey sweetie," Hawkeye smiled sitting down beside her wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "So what were you two talking about?"
"This and that. So tell me Hawk what are you plans for tomorrow?"
"Well since we're only here for the weekend, I wanted to spend the day with the girls showing them off. Then tomorrow night I was going to take Margaret out to the Moonlight Dock for dinner and dancing. Why do you ask?"
"I was just wondering how long I get to spend with my granddaughter and the cutie upstairs." Daniel smiled. He rarely got to spend time with Lily and now that he had Haylie he wanted to spend as much time with them as possible before they headed back to Boston.
"I'm sure. You wanted to know how much you can spoil them before we go home."
"Yes. You caught me." Daniel laughed looking at his son. "Well they wont be here for Christmas I might as well spoil them on Thanksgiving."
"You're something else Dad." Hawkeye laughed. Daniel laughed and stood up.
"If you two wont mind I think I'm going to head to bed. I have to get up early tomorrow I have Susan coming in for a check up."
"Okay night dad."
"Goodnight sir." Margaret smiled.
"Call me Dan. Goodnight deary." Daniel smiled and winked before leaving the room. Once he was gone, Hawkeye wrapped his other arm around Margaret and hugged her to him.
"Did I ever tell you how much I love this pajamas?" He asked noticing what she was wearing. A pair of pink silk pajamas that made her skin look radiant.
"No," Margaret smiled.
"Well I love them. Not just because they look amazing on you but because I can take them off of you." He smiled reaching his hand to the buttons.
"And who said you can take it off of me?" She asked in a teasing way. Hawkeye smiled and leaned in and gently kissed her. He undid each of her buttons, and let his hand run on her soft skin. It wasn't until his hand had reached her breast that she pushed him off. Hawkeye looked confused when she pushed him.
"No we cant,"
"What do you mean?" Hawkeye asked, he was generally confused. He assumed that she was in the same mood he was.
"We're on your father's couch." Margaret said gesturing that they were indeed on his couch.
"Why don't we go up to the bedroom?" Hawkeye asked letting his hand graze her stomach. Margaret felt a slight tingle run through her body and smiled. She had to admit one thing, the idea of being with him made her smile.
"Hawkeye, I told you father that we wouldn't be sharing a room. He talked to me and told me that you two talked about it." Margaret explained doing her buttons back up. She really didn't want to get in trouble because she and Hawkeye couldn't control themselves.
"Margaret listen to me. Its okay. I love you, he loves you." Margaret sighed and moved her head. Hawkeye took his hands and turned her face to him. "Listen, I love you." Margaret smiled and kissed him.
"I love you too," Margaret smiled and leaned into him with a hug. Hawkeye rubbed her back in silence before pulling away.
"Come on, lets go." He smiled leading her upstairs to his bedroom. When they got into the bedroom Hawkeye immediately took Margaret in his arms and started to kiss her. First Margaret kissed him back, and allowed his fingers to trace her skin.
"Hawkeye, no." She tried to protest. She could never say no to him.
"Sssh." Hawkeye whispered against her lips. "Everything will be alright, believe me." He smiled before kissing her softly on the lips. Margaret smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. She had to admit that the idea of spending the night with him, was quite intriguing.
"What are we going to tell your father?" Margaret asked against his lips as he did to hers.
"That I spent the night showing the women I love just how much I love her." He smiled. Margaret smiled right back, he always told her things like that and loved it each time he made her feel special.
"I think I like that," She smiled brightly kissing him. Hawkeye kissed her right back letting his fingers trace the skin under the waist band of her pajama pants. When they pulled away from each other Hawkeye smiled and started to walk slowly towards the bed. When they were at the foot of the bed he gently pushed her down, letting himself rest on her slightly. He put the rest of his weight on the bed.
He smiled at her, she usually didn't give into him so easily, he knew that their relationship was not only getting stronger but more intimate. Of course he loved how their relationship was growing into something he had never felt before.
Hawkeye started to undo her shirt buttons, letting his fingers graze her skin as he did so. Every time his skin touched her skin, it sent shivers down her spine. She loved the feeling of his skin against hers.
When all the buttons were undone he opened her shirt and looked at the soft skin and kissed the skin above her breasts before leaving a trail of kisses to her neck. He let his hands move across her skin sending shivers up Margaret's spine again
"I love you," He whispered against her ear. Margaret smiled and kissed his cheek before saying anything.
"I love you." She said sincerely. He was the only man who she ever really truly loved. Donald she loved, but not unconditionally. Not like this anyway. And the other men that she 'loved' was all lust, never true love. She was in love with this man, and knew that it was true love, it was true. She finally won Double Solitaire Scrabble.
-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=
The next morning Margaret awoke with the sound of birds and light shinning through the bedroom window. She smiled against the chest of her lover. He was sleeping soundly, with his arms wrapped around her. She loved the feeling of his warm skin against hers. She kissed his chest and pulled away from him.
Hawkeye felt her move and he opened up his eyes. He looked at her, she was putting her pants on and she smiled when she saw him.
"Hey baby," He grinned. "What are you doing?"
"Getting dressed. Haylie will come looking for me," Margaret explained pulling her shirt on. Hawkeye watched as she did each button up. "Here throw these on, Haylie doesn't need to see anything." She smiled tossing him his pants. Hawkeye smiled and pulled them under the blanket. It was to cold to get out from under the blanket. Once he put them on, Margaret climbed back in bed with him just ask Lily walked into the bedroom. She was never a sleeper.
"Good morning Angel," Hawkeye smiled. Lily grinned and ran to her father. She held her arms up. He smiled and picked her up pulling her underneath the blanket
"Daddy?" Lily asked settling on her father's chest. "When me two?"
"In three more weeks." Hawkeye smiled rubbing his daughter's back. Lily smiled and laid her head down. She looked over at Margaret and held out her hands. Margaret smiled and took her.
"Hi Lily,"
"Hi Maggie. Sleep good." She told her, in broken English.
"You did? Wow, that's good." She smiled trying to amuse the baby.
"Go pay no side?" She asked looking at her father.
"We'll go out and play in the snow when Haylie gets up." Hawkeye told his daughter. Lily smiled and stuck her thumb into her mouth.
Just then the sound of Haylie crying broke the silence. Margaret immediately handed Lily to her father and ran into the room that Haylie was in.
The little girl was in tears, almost like she was scared or in pain. Margaret walked right to her and sat on the bed.
"What's the matter baby girl?" She asked taking Haylie into her arms. Haylie quickly snuggled into her mother before saying anything.
"Didn't know where me was. Scared." she told her mother. Margaret smiled and rubbed Haylie's back
"Its okay baby, this is your room that Grandpa Dan made for you." Margaret explained to the little blonde on her lap.
"That's right," Hawkeye smiled from the doorway. "He made this just for you."
Haylie looked up at the man in the doorway. Lily was in his arms and watching Margaret and Haylie.
"Haywee go pay side in no." Lily smiled, she always loved playing in the snow and since she was in Maine now she wanted to play with her grandfather as well.
"Me hungry Mommy." Haylie told her mother. Margaret laughed, Haylie was always hungry, that was the reason she was so chubby.
"Okay we'll go and get you some breakfast. Haylie smiled and hung onto her mother's neck.
The four spent the morning together, playing outside in the snow. The only time they got to play in the snow in Boston was if they went to the park. They liked the fact that the snow was in the backyard.
"Mommy help." Haylie smiled sitting in the snow. Margaret smiled and kneeled down beside her.
"What do you need honey?"
"Make no man." She smiled. Margaret grinned and picked her up.
"We'll make a snow man. Hawk, we're going to make a snow man. Come help." Margaret smiled as she watched Hawkeye and Lily make snow angels. Lily smiled brightly and tried to get out of the snow. Which didn't work so well. Being so small it was the cutest thing ever. Hawkeye picked her up and flew her over to Margaret and Haylie who we're already starting the snowman.
When the body was complete, both girls wanted to put a face on him. Hawkeye ran inside and grabbed some Oreos and carrots. He lifted Lily up and let her stick two Oreos as the eyes. Margaret held Haylie and she put the mouth on. Both girls put the carrot in the snowman's face. When his face was done they put a top hat and a scarf on him.
"Daddy no man eeds arms." Lily told her father noticing that her snowman was without arms.
"He does doesn't he. What can we use for arms?" He asked the little girl in his arms. Lily shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe some spaghetti?"
"No." Lily told her father. "Ask Ganpa."
"Grandpa is at work." Lily frowned and looked around the backyard.
"What about some sticks?" Margaret suggested as she and Haylie finished the mouth.
"Yeah! Daddy eed icks." Hawkeye smiled and put Lily down. He ran over to a tree and pulled some dead branches from the tree. He walked over and stuck them into the snow man and pulled a pair of old gloves out of his pocket and put them on.
"What do you think?" He asked picking Lily up again. The little girl smiled and clapped her hands together.
"Yay!" Lily cheered.
"What do you think Haylie?" He asked the two year old who was in her mother's arms. Haylie smiled and laid her head down on her mother's shoulder. It was a little before noon and she was already getting tired.
"She's tired. We better get them lunch and put them down for a nap." Margaret smiled.
"No, no nap." Lily told them. "Me pay no."
"No, you're going to eat lunch and go down for a nap, then we're going to go and see Grandpa." Lily looked at her father while she thought. She didn't want to go down for a nap, and decided to argue.
"No, no nap. See Ganpa." She said looking at her father right in the eye. Hawkeye laughed and shook his head.
"Lilian Angelina Pierce, don't you talk back." Hawkeye said sternly. Just then Lily teared up and started to cry. Haylie looked at her and then her mother. She never liked it when people were crying, it scared her. "Ssh. Lily baby, its okay." He said rubbing her back.
"We better get them inside." Margaret said as she started towards the door. Hawkeye nodded and headed inside with the crying baby.
After lunch they put the girls down for a nap. Lily put up a fight and ended up crying herself to sleep. Hawkeye hated leaving his daughter when she was upset, but he knew that she was going to act like this now that she was in Maine. She could get away a lot with her grandfather and she loved it.
When Hawkeye left Lily's room he walked downstairs into the kitchen where Margaret was doing the dishes. He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist and started kissing her neck.
"Hawkeye," Margaret started, she didn't want to start something that she knew they couldn't finish.
"Yes?" He mumbled against her neck.
"We cant."
"Yes we can." He smiled as he nipped at her neck.
"OWE! Hawkeye!" She screeched grabbing her neck where he bit
"I'm sorry." He said sincerely. He leaned in and kissed it better. "Come with me,"
"No Hawkeye, we cant do anything." Margaret said sternly. Hawkeye sighed and leaned his head against the side of hers. He watched her hands do dishes, those hands helped save so many lives.
When the dishes were done she turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. She gave him a quick kiss before saying anything.
"What is with you these past couple of days?"
"I don't know, it could be because I'm back home with the woman I love." Hawkeye smiled.
"Could be. We leave tomorrow." She said sadly. It was true they could only stay till eight tomorrow night. It would take about five hours to get back to Boston, and Hawkeye had to work. They also wanted to travel with the girls sleeping. Traveling with babies wasn't something people wanted to do.
"I know. Tonight I'm taking you out and then tomorrow we're all going to the city hall for dinner. Every year all the women get together and make a TON of food for the town. Its a tradition. And then the men spend the day entertaining the children. But for some reason the Pierces always end up on diaper duty." Hawkeye laughed. Margaret smiled and removed herself from his arms. She yawned and walked into the living room.
"I'm going to take a short nap. You kept me up all night." She teased. Hawkeye laughed and sat down beside her. She put her head on his lap and closed her eyes.
Hawkeye ran his fingers through her hair and watched as she slowly drifted off to sleep. He had to smile when he watched her sleep, to him she looked as beautiful and sometimes even more so when she was awake.
After a few more minutes he decided to get up and make some calls. He slowly got up and covered her in a blanket before leaving the room. He walked into the den and picked up the phone. He talked to some people and then hung up the phone and walked out of the study and say Lily walking down the stairs He stopped and watched her make her way slowly down each step. Lily looked at him and stopped. She held out her hands to her father. Hawkeye smiled and scooped her up. She laid her head on his shoulder and clung onto him. HE rubbed her back and walked into the kitchen. It was only one-thirty and he knew that Haylie should be up soon.
"Daddy dwink?"
"Sure baby," He smiled walking into the kitchen. Lily looked around and let go of him when he set her on the counter.
"Where Maggie?"
"She's taking a nap." Hawkeye smiled pouring some apple juice into a cup for his daughter. Lily was quiet and clingy when she just woke up. He handed her the cup and stood beside her while she drank.
"See Ganpa?" She asked hopefully.
"Yup. We have to get Haylie and Maggie up first." Hawkeye smiled putting the cup in the sink. "Maggie first?"
"Kay." Lily smiled nodding her head. She held her hands out and went into her fathers arms. It wasn't like it was rare to be in his arms, because truth be told he always held her. The two walked into the living room. Hawkeye put Lily on the floor and watched as she toddled over to Margaret. Lily looked at Margaret and back at her father.
"Go on." He smiled. Lily smiled and turned back to Margaret. She crawled onto the couch and sat beside her.
"Maggie." She smiled shaking her shoulder. "Maggie time get up." Lily smiled brightly when Margaret opened her eyes. The toddler smiled and hugged her.
"Hey there honey. Did you have a good nap?" Lily shook her head and held her arms out to Margaret. Margaret smiled and took her in her arms while she got up.
"Haywee?" Lily asked as they walked out of the living room.
"Yes, we'll go wake Haylie up." Margaret smiled placing Lily on her hip. Lily smiled and wrapped her arms around Margaret's neck. Hawkeye smiled and lead the two of them up the stairs. They walked into the bedroom that was designated Haylie's and saw the little girl sitting on the bed about ready to cry. When she saw the three she smiled and held her hands up for someone to pick her up. Margaret handed Lily to her father and lifted her own daughter up.
"Mommy," Haylie smiled, she always loved when her mother came to get her from her nap.
"Hey baby, lets get you changed and we'll go out." Haylie smiled and looked at Lily who was playing with her father's hair that fell across his forehead.
"Kay. Mommy can me where my blue dress?" Haylie asked. She loved her blue velveteen dress.
"No that's for tomorrow honey. How about your blue plaid jumper and white sweater?" Margaret asked pulling the outfit out of the closet
"Kay." Haylie smiled trying to take her shirt off. Hawkeye smiled and knew it was his cue to get Lily changed. He took the little girl into her room and put her in a pair of jean overalls and a purple turtle neck. He left her hair so that Margaret could do it. Lily some how, since she met Margaret, didn't trust her father with her hair.
They walked into the bedroom across the hall and Margaret was just finishing putting Haylie's hair into two blonde ringlet pigtails. He smiled when he saw her. She had her white socks on that had lace and a her white Mary Janes on.
Lily walked over to Margaret and sat on the floor waiting for her to be finished. Margaret smiled and pulled Lily's hair back into a ponytail. Margaret tied it up with a purple ribbon and stood up holding the babies' hands.
They walked downstairs and put jackets and boots on and left the house. They both decided that the best way to keep the girls from getting in the snow was to carry them, which to them was great. There was nothing greater than being in the arms of your parent instead of walking when it's cold.
They walked into the city centre and showed off the two girls. Haylie and Lily were attacked by the older women. After that they were attacked by the older men in the town who thought that they were the cutest things alive.
Haylie didn't like all the attention and decided she'd rather stick close to her mother, than be pinched and prodded by a bunch of strangers. Lily on the other hand loved the attention. She had known all of these people since she could remember and didn't mind it one bit.
By the time dinner had come the four of them were back at the house and Daniel was making dinner while the other two were getting ready to go out for the night. Haylie was still sticking pretty close to her mother, she wanted to be with her mother and no one else. Margaret knew that as soon as she left Haylie with Daniel and Lily that she would have some fun. It was Haylie's nature.
By six o'clock Haylie was in tears, she didn't want her mother to leave her. It was something that she never liked. Margaret tried her hardest to get Haylie to settle down but didn't succeed. She looked at Hawkeye with a disappointed expression before saying anything.
"Don't worry about it okay? We'll spend the night with the girls." Hawkeye said placing a hand on Haylie's back. She had her face buried into her mother's shoulder and crying slightly.
"Thank you." She mouthed to him. Hawkeye smiled and kissed her lips before picking Lily up.
"And who might you be?" He asked Lily.
"Lily." The little girl replied with a smiled and a giggle.
"Lily who?" Hawkeye asked looking at the brunette in his arms.
"Daddy Lily." Lily laughed. She always loved when her father teased her like that. He made her laugh. Haylie looked up at Lily who was laughing and looked at her mother. Then back at Hawkeye and Lily.
Margaret noticed Haylie looking a bit jealous and couldn't help but feel bad for her little girl. Haylie didn't know her father and most likely never would. Donald wasn't the type of man that would change his mind about seeing his daughter.
Later that night Margaret went to bed and left Hawkeye and his father alone. They were sitting in the den staring at the fire when Daniel said something.
"Hawk, I want to talk to you."
"Okay," Hawkeye said slowly, knowing what his father was going.
"So ah you and Margaret are getting close huh?" Daniel asked. The question caught Hawkeye by surprise, he thought his father was going to yell at him for sharing a room with Margaret.
"Yeah. We're pretty close."
"You like Haylie?"
"I love her." Hawkeye said honestly. "Why?"
"Just wondering when I'll get a new daughter-in-law I like." Daniel laughed. Hawkeye looked at his father and watched him get up. "Night son."
The next day with filled with family galore. Lily was in heaven with all the people who were spoiling her. Haylie was a little shy at first with all the people, but when they gave her candy, and cookies the little girl couldn't resist.
The dinner was as usual a crowed place, which everyone enjoyed. By seven thirty the girls were ready for bed and wanting to go home desperately. Margaret and Hawkeye were in agreement with their children and wanting to return home as well.
They put the girls in the car and set of on the road. They found it easier to travel while the girls were sleeping, and not awake. Hawkeye didn't even last to the border before Margaret had to take over. He had been eating all day and the turkey got to him. He was asleep in no time. That left Margaret the only one awake driving home. It was a little bit snowy, but she could handle it. By the time they got to Cambridge, Margaret woke Hawkeye up. She wanted to have him awake so that he could drive himself and Lily home.
Margaret was awake for most of the night and wanted to get home and into bed. She missed her bed, and knew that Haylie did too. Haylie didn't sleep the same that she did before they went to Maine; Margaret didn't blame her. Something about Maine just seemed so peaceful.
When Hawkeye dropped Margaret and Haylie off they left Haylie in the car with Hawkeye while Margaret brought everything up to her apartment. Then she brought Haylie up and put her in her bed before heading to bed herself.
About an hour later Haylie woke up and found herself in her bedroom. But she didn't want to be there, she took her stuff rabbit and ran across the hall to her mother's bedroom. She climbed onto the bed and fell asleep with her mother.
Margaret was woken up by Haylie at nine that morning, she could have slept more, but unfortunately Haylie didn't have a snooze button. She got up with her daughter and made her breakfast, she would have to take a nap while Haylie was this afternoon.
After breakfast was made and fed to the little girl Margaret and Haylie unpacked everything. She doubted very much that Hawkeye or Lily were awake, after all it was only eleven AM. By noon Haylie was hungry again, so Margaret ended up making her another meal and then putting the little girl down for a nap, which didn't work. Haylie didn't want to sleep, so instead Margaret set her up in front of the TV and they watched some cartoons. Haylie fell asleep and Margaret right after her.
Margaret was woken up by the phone shortly after, she was going to kill whoever was calling. She pulled away from Haylie and ran to the kitchen and picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey honey. How was your trip?"
"Hi mom, it was good. Why are you calling?" Kate usually didn't call till after dinner. It was rare for her to call in the afternoon.
"I just got off the phone with someone honey," Kate started. "Are you sitting down?"
"No?" Margaret said strangely. She didn't understand why her mother wanted her to sit down. It wasn't like her parents ever kept in touch.
"Okay honey, I just got off the phone with someone,"
"So you said. Who was this someone?" Margaret asked. She wanted to know, but also didn't want to know. Mixed feelings mostly, but she guessed her mother was going to tell her anyway.
"It was Donald."
"What did he want?" Margaret asked with a stifled laugh. Never in a million years did she expect him to call her mother.
"He wants to talk to you." Kate said, she really didn't want to tell her daughter the other news, but knew she had to. "And he wants to see Haylie." Kate knew right then that she wouldn't have a response from her daughter. "Maggie I'm going to let you go. Go think about it. Call me tonight." Margaret nodded and hung up the phone.
What was Donald thinking, they divorced and when the baby was born he didn't want anything to do with her, but now three years later he wanted to be in her life. Margaret didn't know whether to let him, and get to know his daughter. Or let Haylie get to know her father. She wouldn't do it for Donald, but Haylie, she deserved to know her father.