Author's note: Thank you to everyone who reviewed. It's always good to know that my story is being enjoyed.

Chapter 6

Lincoln High School Gymnasium

Washington DC

2000 ROMEO

Half time of volleyball game.

Tom had been a few minutes late getting to the game so this was the first chance Tom and Harm got to talk.

"Tom." Harm greeted, "it's good to see you again. You remember Mac."

"Colonel MacKenzie," Tom said giving her a nod.

"Mr. Johnson," Mac returned in kind.

"Mattie said you wanted to talk to me," Harm said, the apprehension in his voice.

"I'm sorry I didn't get to talk to you before the game," Tom said, "I ran into traffic on the way from my AA meeting. Did Mattie tell you what I wanted to talk to you about?'

"No," Harm replied, "she said she promised she wouldn't"

"With all that's happened recently you probably think I'm about to tell you that I'm going to fight for custody." Tom said.

"You're not?" Harm asked a hint of hope in his voice.

"No," Tom said, "The opposite actually. Mattie and I talked and even though she knows I wasn't drinking the night of the accident there's still a lot between us. I know it's not things she'll get over any time soon. If you want I'd be willing to give up custody of her completely. You could adopt her."

"Tom, are you sure?" Harm asked, this was too good to be true.

"As long as I still get to see my girl, yes," he replied with absolute certainty.

"I don't know what to say," Harm said flabbergasted.

"Just say yes," Mattie said quietly from behind him. They had been so wrapped up in the conversation none of them had noticed her walk up.

"Yes," Harm said, "Of course I'll adopt you honey." Mattie threw herself into Harm's arms and gave him a big hug.

"Our living arrangements are going to have to change though young lady." He said, "No more living across the hall with Jen. We'll have to get a real house."

"What's Jen going to do?" Mattie asked, worried about the woman who had become like a big sister to her. She looked over at Jen who was on the other side of the gym flirting with one of her younger teachers.

Harm followed her gaze.

"She can't afford to live in that apartment by herself," Mattie finished.

"We'll figure something out," Harm reassured Mattie, "I'm not going to abandon her."

"Half time's almost over," Mac said, "You'd better get back."

Mattie nodded and after one last grin at her Dad and Harm headed back to the change room.

Tom and Harm made arrangements to get together the following Tuesday to get the ball rolling. Then returned to their seats and proceeded to watch Mattie and her teams win the city semi finals.

TBC

Author's note: since this is such a short chapter I'm going to post chapter 7 today as well.