1+1+1+2=?
Author: Alicia
Genre: Romance/Drama/Angst
Summary: Harm and Mac have to rebuild their friendship while building a family. Takes place right after "A Merry Little Christmas."
Warnings: Character deaths
A/N: This jumped into my head after reading a challenge posted to the shipperhm list. This isn't like what I normally write so I'm going to put this part out there to see what people think. I usually don't do sad stories but this one won't leave me alone. The entire things mapped out in my head and the next part's almost finished. I'm assuming Mac really is involved with Clay but before you get too upset remember who's writing this!
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG or any of the characters. I promise to put them back when I'm done playing.
Porter Webb's Dining Room 0934 12/25/2003
~Ring~
Thank you god! Maybe there's a situation at JAG and I can get out of here. How do I get myself into these things? From feeling sorry for Clay to having breakfast with him and his mother on Christmas morning in her formal dining room. Sturgis once called me a sanctimonious prig. He should meet Porter she is the original sanctimonious prig.
"I'm so sorry Clay, Mrs. Webb. I have to take this call." That said I get up from the table and head to the foyer to escape the glare Porter is throwing my way.
Two minutes and fourteen seconds later I'm back and making my apologies.
"Mrs. Webb, Clay, I'm so sorry. Something has come up and I have to leave. Thank you so very much for having me Mrs. Webb." I head back to the foyer to get my coat and purse from the hall closet. Clay follows me.
"Sarah, what's going on? Where are you going? What are you doing? You know how important it is that you and mother get along."
"Where I'm going is Bethesda. Why I'm going is because I received a direct order from my boss. As for your mother and I getting along. Get real Clay. Your mother is never going to approve of me. I'm not a socialite and I have no desire to be one. I know it's important to you that we get along though I don't know why. It's not like the relationship is going anywhere."
"Sarah, you know I love you."
"Clay, I don't have time for this right now. I will talk to you later but trust me when I say this relationship isn't going anywhere." That said I head out the door for my car, grateful I insisted on driving myself.
I have no idea what's going on but I know it can't be good.
Bethesda Naval Medical Center 1017 12/25/2003
As I hurry along the hallway to the waiting area I think about the fact that I love my car. No, I really do love my car. The thing is corvettes were designed for flat, dry roads. There are very few of those in DC in December so the drive took me 41 minutes. If it were summer I could have done it in no more than 20 minutes. Of course I would have been speeding but I would have found out what was going on sooner.
I take a deep breath and slow my pace as I come to the waiting area. The admiral, Coates, Sturgis, Chaplain Turner, Harm and Mattie are already there. The admiral looks up and sees me.
"About time Colonel." His tone is even gruffer that usual.
" Sorry, sir. I think my car found every icy patch in DC. What's going on sir?" I notice Harm hasn't moved. He's sitting in a chair with his head in his hands. Something very bad has happened.
"Bud and Harriet were in an accident this morning on their way home from breakfast."
"Oh my God! Are they okay?"
The admiral takes a deep breath and looks like he really doesn't want to answer that question. "No, they're not. Harriet died at the scene and Bud died in surgery about 15 minutes ago."
I suck in air and sway a little on my feet. Sturgis and his father each reach out and grab hold of an arm to steady me. I close my eyes, take a deep breath and ask the question I'm not sure I want answered.
"What about the kids, sir?"
"AJ and Jimmy are fine. They were home with Mikey. He'd suggested Bud and Harriet go out to breakfast so they could have some time just the two of them."
That's not the answer I was expecting.
"What do we need to do sir?"
"I'm going to notify Big Bud and Harriet's parents and start making arrangements for the funerals."
At this point Harm looks up and speaks for the first time.
"Mikey is waiting for us before he tries to explain things to AJ."
"Okay." Was that my voice? It didn't sound like me. It sounded like a squeak.
Mattie looks at Harm. "I want to go with you."
Harm starts to argue and Mattie cuts him off.
" I might be able to help. I do have experience with losing a parent you know."
Harm starts to open his mouth to argue again and this time I cut him off.
"Admit it Harm, we'll probably need all the help we can get."
"You're right." Harm heaves a huge sigh and stands up.
"Shall we? With your permission sir."
"Good Luck. I'll be there as soon as I can."
The Roberts' House 1342 12/25/2003
God, I need a cup of coffee. A really strong cup of coffee. Actually I'd like a glass of orange juice that's half vodka but since I can't have that I'll go with extremely strong coffee. This is definitely one of the worst days of my life.
We told AJ his parents weren't coming back. I think he understands. Well if the temper tantrum he threw is any indication he understands. I check one more time to make sure Jimmy's still asleep before heading to the kitchen where Harm's fixing lunch.
"Harm, what's going to happen to AJ and Jimmy? Will they end up in a foster home?"
Harm looks up from where he's chopping vegetables for soup and stares at Mattie for just a minute.
"I don't know what will happen to them. It'll depend on Bud and Harriet's will. I know Mac and I were named guardians for AJ but I don't know if they updated the will to include Jimmy."
Mikey jumps in at this point. "I know they update their wills. Bud insisted on it. Losing his leg made him realize that anything could happen at anytime. I know they keep a copy of the will in their study but I'm not sure where."
I head over to where Harm's chopping veggies and snatch a carrot. "We can look for the will later. The important thing right now is to figure out how we're going to get through the next couple of days. Or should I say get AJ through the next couple of days."
Mattie looks at me. "You know speaking from experience it would probably be easier on him if he could stay in his own home."
Harm, Mikey, and I all look at her. "You know Harm; this is a pretty smart kid you got here. I think she's a keeper." I'm trying to tease Harm but it sounds flat even to my ears.
~Ding Dong~
"I'll get it." Mikey heads out of the room to answer the door.
"You know Harm one of us should probably stay here tonight to help Mikey with AJ and Jimmy."
"Why don't we both stay? I'm sure Mikey will take all the help he can get. That sound okay to you Mattie?" "Fine by me."
Mikey walks back into the room followed by the Admiral, Sturgis, Chaplain Turner, and Coates.
"What's fine by you Mattie?" The admiral asks.
"Harm was just suggest that he and Mac and I stay here tonight to help Mikey with the kids." I don't know how teenagers do that, say something polite but make it sound like they're telling you to go to hell. Mattie's whole attitude is practically screaming that she doesn't like the Admiral. Either Mattie doesn't know whom she's talking to or she doesn't care. I'd love to know which one it is.
The admiral glares at Mattie and Mattie glares back. I'm beginning to understand why Harm's likes this girl.
"Big Bud will be arriving tomorrow afternoon. The Sims won't be here until Saturday morning. They're currently in France and it's going to take them that long to get back. The funerals will be on Monday. Mr. Sims has requested that we not read the will until they can be here."
"Harm how long until the soups ready? I'm starved. I skipped breakfast this morning." This is coming from Coates.
"Not long about 20 minutes. It's a really quick and easy recipe I know."
"Uncle Harm, will you make grill cheese sandwiches to go with the soup?" AJ somehow managed to wander into the room without any of us noticing.
"Actually AJ, I'll make them. You want to help?" Mattie starts taking the bread and cheese out of the refrigerator. "We'll make the sandwiches and let the grown-ups talk. Okay?"
"Okay."
As Mattie and AJ get busy making sandwiches the 7 of us wander into the other room so that we can talk without worrying about what AJ hears.
"How are they taking it sir?" Mikey asks as soon as we're out of earshot.
"Your father is holding up okay, I think. Mr. and Mrs. Sims aren't doing to well. The reason Mr. Sims asked us to wait for the reading of the will is his wife is convinced we're going to somehow sabotage things so that none of Harriet's last wishes are honored. She also said she wants to make sure it's really what her daughter wanted and not what "he" wanted." "What?!" Chaplain Turner looks shocked.
Harm just shakes his head. "You've never met Mrs. Sims, Chaplain. That does sound like something she'd say. It's hard to believe that woman gave birth to someone as sweet as Harriet." The admiral, Mikey, and I can't help chuckling a little at the comment because it's so true.
Harm looks at Mikey all of a sudden. "When do you have to report back to the academy?"
"Not until the second sir. I pulled weekend duty the third and fourth."
"Okay, do you think it's a good idea for Mac, Mattie, and I to stay her for a couple of days?"
"Definitely, I'll take all the help I can get."
"Well then after lunch Mac, Mattie, and I will run home and pack what we need for at least through the weekend. Unless you have other plans Mac?"
Shit. I'm supposed to go to a party are Porter's with Clay. I'll have to cancel them. This is more important. "Actually I do have plans but I'll cancel them. I need to be here and do this." Why does Harm look like I just slapped him?
"You sure Mac? Mattie, Mikey, and I can handle things for a night."
"I'm sure."
"Uncle Harm! Lunch!" Good Lord! That boy has a set of lungs on him.
Mattie probably told AJ to tell us lunch is ready. Unfortunately he's at that stage where he thinks that means screaming from where he's at rather than actually going and talking to someone. Oh, well. It gave everybody something to smile about for a minute and we all need that.
Mac's Apartment Georgetown 1503 12/25/2003
Okay I think that's everything I need. Now I just need to cancel my plans with Clay.
"Hello."
"Hello, Clay. I hate to do this on such short notice but I'm not going to be able to make it tonight."
"Sarah, It's Christmas."
"Yes, I'm well aware of that fact. Bud and Harriet were killed in a car accident this morning. I'm going to be staying at the house with the kids for a couple of days."
"Nobody else can do it?"
"Well sure, somebody else could do it but I want to do it. I need to do this."
"But Sarah, Mother is expecting us."
"Well she'll just have to understand."
"Why can't Harm stay with the kids?"
"Actually Harm's going to be there too."
"Oh, well isn't that just cozy. Are you two going to share the master bedroom?"
"Don't be an ass Clay it doesn't become you. I'll talk to you later. Oh and thank you so very much for your kind words of condolence. I'll be sure to pass them on to everybody." I hang up before he can respond. I just barely resist the urge to throw the phone across the room.
Has Clayton always been this selfish? If I were dating Harm I bet he'd be more understanding. Where did that come from? I'm the one that told Harm we'd never work we both want to be in control.
Okay, enough. Time to get back to the kids. Just concentrate on getting through the next few days and then you can figure out what to do about Clay. How did I end up involved with him anyway? Oh yeah, I felt guilty about what he went through for me, he was relentless in his pursuit, and I'm tired of being alone.
Snap out of McKenzie and get back to AJ and Jimmy.
Roberts' Kitchen 2132 12/27/2003
And I thought this week couldn't get any worse. Harm and I need to talk and do some planning.
Big Bud got here yesterday. He hasn't actually been that bad. He's helping with the kids and really trying to be on his best behavior. I think Mikey might have said something to him. I'm just grateful he's not adding to the stress around here.
Harriet's parents go here today at 1211 and 57 seconds. The minute Mrs. Sims got Jimmy in her arms she started crying, and crying about how Harriet wasn't going to get to watch her babies grow up.
Of course Jimmy starts crying because she's crying. AJ starts crying because he's not really sure why Grandma Sims is hysterical in the living room. Not to mention the fact that Harm had explained that while Bud and Harriet wouldn't be here to see him they would always be able to watch him from heaven. So of course AJ couldn't understand what Grandma meant about mommy not being able to see him and Jimmy grow up. Mattie told me later that AJ asked her if mommy really went to heaven. She told him she was positive that his mommy and daddy were in heaven with her mom and Harm's dad. AJ said that somebody better tell Grandma because she doesn't think mommy went to heaven.
Mattie and Jen take AJ and Jimmy to McDonald's for awhile to get the boys away from everything. They got AJ lunch and then let him play in the play land for awhile. Harm gave them some money for lunch and so that they could take AJ shopping to get a new suit.
AJ had thrown a fit about the suit but, the guys all told him it was just like them having to wear their dress uniforms. A suit was his dress uniform. Then Mattie told him that if all the guys were going to be dress up he'd look like a little kid if he wasn't in a suit. After that AJ wanted to go buy a suit but insisted Mattie had to go too. I told Harm I think we've got a little case of hero worship to deal with.
Anyway once the kids were on their way, we all sat down in the study to read Bud and Harriet's will. And I do mean all of us. Harm and I, Mikey, Big Bud, Sturgis, the Admiral, and of course the Sims. Sturgis wrote the will and the Admiral has signed as a witness. I don't think either of those facts set real well with Mrs. Sims but she behaved herself.
Until we got to the part about the kids. Sturgis read the part about Harm and I being named legal guardians and Bud and Harriet's wish that we raise the kids and all hell broke loose.
Mrs. Sims said there was no way that her grandchildren. Her baby's babies were going to be raised by strangers. Well at that point Big Bud shot back with a remark about how Harm and I were AJ's godparents and when you compared the amount of time we'd spent with AJ compared to the amount of time the Sims had spent with him, they were the strangers. That really set Mrs. Sims off. She started yelling at Bud about how if his good for nothing son hadn't insisted on staying in the Navy after he lost his leg, Bud and Harriet would have moved to Florida and they'd still be alive.
Fortunately the majority of the people in the room had a military background. The admiral yelled at everybody to stand down and surprisingly enough everybody did. Mrs. Sims started to make a comment but her husband told her to be quiet. The admiral then suggested that we finish going over the will and then everybody take some time to calm down and we'll meet again on Tuesday. Mrs. Sims looked like she wanted to argue but her husband agreed before she had the chance.
We finished the will without anymore outbursts and the Sims left. Big Bud and Mickey also left. We told them they didn't have to but they said they felt the need to get out of the house for awhile. Harm game them the keys to his place and they were going to go there. They told Harm they might even stay overnight. He said that was fine. That was at 1427 and Harm and I still haven't had a chance to talk.
Clay called. I told him I couldn't talk right now but by the time I got that through his skull, Jen and Mattie were back with the boys. Then we had AJ and Jimmy needing or attention and Mattie too. Then we had dinner, baths, and bedtime.
I feel like today was about a week long. Harm's in talking to Mattie before she goes to bed and then he and I have to talk. I told him I'd have hot chocolate ready by the time he was done.
"Hey Marine. That for me?"
"Yeah." I hand him a cup and we both head for the kitchen table.
"Harm, what are we going to do about Mrs. Sims?"
"Wait."
"Wait?"
"Yeah, who knows what that letter that Harriet left for her parents says? I say we wait until Tuesday and see what she has to say."
"Harm, don't you think she might have a lawyer hired by then?"
"Okay good point. Know any children's advocates?"
"No, You?"
"Actually yeah I do. I went to school with someone who specializes in children's rights. I'll can call them tomorrow if you want?"
"Tomorrow's Sunday."
"I know I can call their house."
"Yeah, I think it's a good idea."
"Okay will do. I think I'm gonna head to bed. I'm exhausted."
"Goodnight Harm. Put the baby monitor in my room. I'll take the night shift tonight."
"You sure Mac?"
"Positive. Goodnight Flyboy."
"Goodnight Marine." Disclaimer: Not only to I not own the JAG characters, I don't own Harm's friend from law school. Law School Andie belongs to Aerogirl. Stories with Andie in them (as well as everything else by Aerogirl) can be found at aerogirl.dhs.org
A/N: Not sure what the law is on this point but the assumptions I've made set up the rest of the story.
JAG Headquarters 1301 12/282003
It feels really strange to be in here on a Sunday and in civilian clothes. Probably should have changed into my uniform but it seemed like a lot of hassle just to come get a phone number off my rolodex.
The lights are all off as I enter the bullpen. I make it to my office and find the number I need easily enough. Maybe I should go ahead and make the call from here. There's a chance by the time a get home the boys will be up from their naps.
"Hello."
"Hey Andie, it's me Harm."
"Harm hon, to what do I owe the honor of a phone call at home?"
"Well, I need to talk to an expert in child advocacy."
"So of course you thought of me. Don't have any in the D.C. area?"
"Well we do but I figured you wouldn't hang up on me for calling you at home on a Sunday."
"I see your point. What ya need?"
"Did I ever tell you about my godson AJ?"
"Yeah, I think you did. He's about 4 or 5 right?"
"Right he'll be 5 in May. Anyway his parents were killed in a car accident Christmas morning and Mac and I were named guardians of AJ and his brother Jimmy."
"Oh that's a big step. So what's the problem?"
"The problem is AJ's grandmother. She lost it when she found out Mac and I were named guardians. She said there's no way in hell she's going to let her grandbabies be raised by a couple of strangers. Then AJ's paternal grandpa told her that given how little time they spent with the boys they were more stranger to the kids than Mac and I." "Bet that went over real well." I snort.
"Yeah, it was probably a good thing the admiral was there to restore order." I can hear Andie chuckling on the other end.
"So, Grandma Sims is rich and used to get her own way and..."
"And you and Mac are worried." She never was one to beat around the bush.
"Well yeah. The admiral suggested everybody meet again Tuesday but Mac wanted to try and talk to somebody before than. Grandma's the type to hire a lawyer while in the car on the way to her daughter's funeral."
"Sounds like a real charming lady. Assuming the will is valid, which it should be, the courts tend to honor the parents last wishes. They assume there's a reason the parents made the decision they did -"
"That's a relief."
"Hold on there. I'm not done. Is her husband still alive, are they together and where do they live?"
"The husband's alive. They live together and they're in Florida.
"Okay, then if they draw the right judge you could have a problem. A lot of judges would rather see kids go to an older couple than 2 singles who are sharing custody. The grandparents age would work against them and it would be uprooting the older boy from all that's familiar, but the fact it would basically be a two parent household and the fact they're blood relatives could be enough to over rule the parents' wishes."
"What if Mac and I were living together?"
"Well that would make it much more difficult. I'm not saying she still couldn't do it but it would certainly be a lot harder for her. If you can show you're providing a stable environment the court will leave them there rather than disrupt their lives anymore. If your not living together and she fights the will, a judge might just decide foster care is the best option until they can do a full investigation. If this is just grief talking on her part chances are she'd stop before she accomplished much of anything. Did any of that help?"
"Actually, yeah it did. So you're saying the easiest way to keep the boys is for Mac and I to move in together?"
"Probably. Look I've got to run I'm meeting a friend but I'll call you Tuesday with the number of a friend in the area that can help you."
"You don't have to do that."
"I know but I want to. Will you be at home?"
"Nope, probably better call me on my cell."
"Will do. Take care Harm."
"Thanks, you too."
So the best chance of Mac and I keeping the boys is for us to live together. Oh, Shit!
Author: Alicia
Genre: Romance/Drama/Angst
Summary: Harm and Mac have to rebuild their friendship while building a family. Takes place right after "A Merry Little Christmas."
Warnings: Character deaths
A/N: This jumped into my head after reading a challenge posted to the shipperhm list. This isn't like what I normally write so I'm going to put this part out there to see what people think. I usually don't do sad stories but this one won't leave me alone. The entire things mapped out in my head and the next part's almost finished. I'm assuming Mac really is involved with Clay but before you get too upset remember who's writing this!
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG or any of the characters. I promise to put them back when I'm done playing.
Porter Webb's Dining Room 0934 12/25/2003
~Ring~
Thank you god! Maybe there's a situation at JAG and I can get out of here. How do I get myself into these things? From feeling sorry for Clay to having breakfast with him and his mother on Christmas morning in her formal dining room. Sturgis once called me a sanctimonious prig. He should meet Porter she is the original sanctimonious prig.
"I'm so sorry Clay, Mrs. Webb. I have to take this call." That said I get up from the table and head to the foyer to escape the glare Porter is throwing my way.
Two minutes and fourteen seconds later I'm back and making my apologies.
"Mrs. Webb, Clay, I'm so sorry. Something has come up and I have to leave. Thank you so very much for having me Mrs. Webb." I head back to the foyer to get my coat and purse from the hall closet. Clay follows me.
"Sarah, what's going on? Where are you going? What are you doing? You know how important it is that you and mother get along."
"Where I'm going is Bethesda. Why I'm going is because I received a direct order from my boss. As for your mother and I getting along. Get real Clay. Your mother is never going to approve of me. I'm not a socialite and I have no desire to be one. I know it's important to you that we get along though I don't know why. It's not like the relationship is going anywhere."
"Sarah, you know I love you."
"Clay, I don't have time for this right now. I will talk to you later but trust me when I say this relationship isn't going anywhere." That said I head out the door for my car, grateful I insisted on driving myself.
I have no idea what's going on but I know it can't be good.
Bethesda Naval Medical Center 1017 12/25/2003
As I hurry along the hallway to the waiting area I think about the fact that I love my car. No, I really do love my car. The thing is corvettes were designed for flat, dry roads. There are very few of those in DC in December so the drive took me 41 minutes. If it were summer I could have done it in no more than 20 minutes. Of course I would have been speeding but I would have found out what was going on sooner.
I take a deep breath and slow my pace as I come to the waiting area. The admiral, Coates, Sturgis, Chaplain Turner, Harm and Mattie are already there. The admiral looks up and sees me.
"About time Colonel." His tone is even gruffer that usual.
" Sorry, sir. I think my car found every icy patch in DC. What's going on sir?" I notice Harm hasn't moved. He's sitting in a chair with his head in his hands. Something very bad has happened.
"Bud and Harriet were in an accident this morning on their way home from breakfast."
"Oh my God! Are they okay?"
The admiral takes a deep breath and looks like he really doesn't want to answer that question. "No, they're not. Harriet died at the scene and Bud died in surgery about 15 minutes ago."
I suck in air and sway a little on my feet. Sturgis and his father each reach out and grab hold of an arm to steady me. I close my eyes, take a deep breath and ask the question I'm not sure I want answered.
"What about the kids, sir?"
"AJ and Jimmy are fine. They were home with Mikey. He'd suggested Bud and Harriet go out to breakfast so they could have some time just the two of them."
That's not the answer I was expecting.
"What do we need to do sir?"
"I'm going to notify Big Bud and Harriet's parents and start making arrangements for the funerals."
At this point Harm looks up and speaks for the first time.
"Mikey is waiting for us before he tries to explain things to AJ."
"Okay." Was that my voice? It didn't sound like me. It sounded like a squeak.
Mattie looks at Harm. "I want to go with you."
Harm starts to argue and Mattie cuts him off.
" I might be able to help. I do have experience with losing a parent you know."
Harm starts to open his mouth to argue again and this time I cut him off.
"Admit it Harm, we'll probably need all the help we can get."
"You're right." Harm heaves a huge sigh and stands up.
"Shall we? With your permission sir."
"Good Luck. I'll be there as soon as I can."
The Roberts' House 1342 12/25/2003
God, I need a cup of coffee. A really strong cup of coffee. Actually I'd like a glass of orange juice that's half vodka but since I can't have that I'll go with extremely strong coffee. This is definitely one of the worst days of my life.
We told AJ his parents weren't coming back. I think he understands. Well if the temper tantrum he threw is any indication he understands. I check one more time to make sure Jimmy's still asleep before heading to the kitchen where Harm's fixing lunch.
"Harm, what's going to happen to AJ and Jimmy? Will they end up in a foster home?"
Harm looks up from where he's chopping vegetables for soup and stares at Mattie for just a minute.
"I don't know what will happen to them. It'll depend on Bud and Harriet's will. I know Mac and I were named guardians for AJ but I don't know if they updated the will to include Jimmy."
Mikey jumps in at this point. "I know they update their wills. Bud insisted on it. Losing his leg made him realize that anything could happen at anytime. I know they keep a copy of the will in their study but I'm not sure where."
I head over to where Harm's chopping veggies and snatch a carrot. "We can look for the will later. The important thing right now is to figure out how we're going to get through the next couple of days. Or should I say get AJ through the next couple of days."
Mattie looks at me. "You know speaking from experience it would probably be easier on him if he could stay in his own home."
Harm, Mikey, and I all look at her. "You know Harm; this is a pretty smart kid you got here. I think she's a keeper." I'm trying to tease Harm but it sounds flat even to my ears.
~Ding Dong~
"I'll get it." Mikey heads out of the room to answer the door.
"You know Harm one of us should probably stay here tonight to help Mikey with AJ and Jimmy."
"Why don't we both stay? I'm sure Mikey will take all the help he can get. That sound okay to you Mattie?" "Fine by me."
Mikey walks back into the room followed by the Admiral, Sturgis, Chaplain Turner, and Coates.
"What's fine by you Mattie?" The admiral asks.
"Harm was just suggest that he and Mac and I stay here tonight to help Mikey with the kids." I don't know how teenagers do that, say something polite but make it sound like they're telling you to go to hell. Mattie's whole attitude is practically screaming that she doesn't like the Admiral. Either Mattie doesn't know whom she's talking to or she doesn't care. I'd love to know which one it is.
The admiral glares at Mattie and Mattie glares back. I'm beginning to understand why Harm's likes this girl.
"Big Bud will be arriving tomorrow afternoon. The Sims won't be here until Saturday morning. They're currently in France and it's going to take them that long to get back. The funerals will be on Monday. Mr. Sims has requested that we not read the will until they can be here."
"Harm how long until the soups ready? I'm starved. I skipped breakfast this morning." This is coming from Coates.
"Not long about 20 minutes. It's a really quick and easy recipe I know."
"Uncle Harm, will you make grill cheese sandwiches to go with the soup?" AJ somehow managed to wander into the room without any of us noticing.
"Actually AJ, I'll make them. You want to help?" Mattie starts taking the bread and cheese out of the refrigerator. "We'll make the sandwiches and let the grown-ups talk. Okay?"
"Okay."
As Mattie and AJ get busy making sandwiches the 7 of us wander into the other room so that we can talk without worrying about what AJ hears.
"How are they taking it sir?" Mikey asks as soon as we're out of earshot.
"Your father is holding up okay, I think. Mr. and Mrs. Sims aren't doing to well. The reason Mr. Sims asked us to wait for the reading of the will is his wife is convinced we're going to somehow sabotage things so that none of Harriet's last wishes are honored. She also said she wants to make sure it's really what her daughter wanted and not what "he" wanted." "What?!" Chaplain Turner looks shocked.
Harm just shakes his head. "You've never met Mrs. Sims, Chaplain. That does sound like something she'd say. It's hard to believe that woman gave birth to someone as sweet as Harriet." The admiral, Mikey, and I can't help chuckling a little at the comment because it's so true.
Harm looks at Mikey all of a sudden. "When do you have to report back to the academy?"
"Not until the second sir. I pulled weekend duty the third and fourth."
"Okay, do you think it's a good idea for Mac, Mattie, and I to stay her for a couple of days?"
"Definitely, I'll take all the help I can get."
"Well then after lunch Mac, Mattie, and I will run home and pack what we need for at least through the weekend. Unless you have other plans Mac?"
Shit. I'm supposed to go to a party are Porter's with Clay. I'll have to cancel them. This is more important. "Actually I do have plans but I'll cancel them. I need to be here and do this." Why does Harm look like I just slapped him?
"You sure Mac? Mattie, Mikey, and I can handle things for a night."
"I'm sure."
"Uncle Harm! Lunch!" Good Lord! That boy has a set of lungs on him.
Mattie probably told AJ to tell us lunch is ready. Unfortunately he's at that stage where he thinks that means screaming from where he's at rather than actually going and talking to someone. Oh, well. It gave everybody something to smile about for a minute and we all need that.
Mac's Apartment Georgetown 1503 12/25/2003
Okay I think that's everything I need. Now I just need to cancel my plans with Clay.
"Hello."
"Hello, Clay. I hate to do this on such short notice but I'm not going to be able to make it tonight."
"Sarah, It's Christmas."
"Yes, I'm well aware of that fact. Bud and Harriet were killed in a car accident this morning. I'm going to be staying at the house with the kids for a couple of days."
"Nobody else can do it?"
"Well sure, somebody else could do it but I want to do it. I need to do this."
"But Sarah, Mother is expecting us."
"Well she'll just have to understand."
"Why can't Harm stay with the kids?"
"Actually Harm's going to be there too."
"Oh, well isn't that just cozy. Are you two going to share the master bedroom?"
"Don't be an ass Clay it doesn't become you. I'll talk to you later. Oh and thank you so very much for your kind words of condolence. I'll be sure to pass them on to everybody." I hang up before he can respond. I just barely resist the urge to throw the phone across the room.
Has Clayton always been this selfish? If I were dating Harm I bet he'd be more understanding. Where did that come from? I'm the one that told Harm we'd never work we both want to be in control.
Okay, enough. Time to get back to the kids. Just concentrate on getting through the next few days and then you can figure out what to do about Clay. How did I end up involved with him anyway? Oh yeah, I felt guilty about what he went through for me, he was relentless in his pursuit, and I'm tired of being alone.
Snap out of McKenzie and get back to AJ and Jimmy.
Roberts' Kitchen 2132 12/27/2003
And I thought this week couldn't get any worse. Harm and I need to talk and do some planning.
Big Bud got here yesterday. He hasn't actually been that bad. He's helping with the kids and really trying to be on his best behavior. I think Mikey might have said something to him. I'm just grateful he's not adding to the stress around here.
Harriet's parents go here today at 1211 and 57 seconds. The minute Mrs. Sims got Jimmy in her arms she started crying, and crying about how Harriet wasn't going to get to watch her babies grow up.
Of course Jimmy starts crying because she's crying. AJ starts crying because he's not really sure why Grandma Sims is hysterical in the living room. Not to mention the fact that Harm had explained that while Bud and Harriet wouldn't be here to see him they would always be able to watch him from heaven. So of course AJ couldn't understand what Grandma meant about mommy not being able to see him and Jimmy grow up. Mattie told me later that AJ asked her if mommy really went to heaven. She told him she was positive that his mommy and daddy were in heaven with her mom and Harm's dad. AJ said that somebody better tell Grandma because she doesn't think mommy went to heaven.
Mattie and Jen take AJ and Jimmy to McDonald's for awhile to get the boys away from everything. They got AJ lunch and then let him play in the play land for awhile. Harm gave them some money for lunch and so that they could take AJ shopping to get a new suit.
AJ had thrown a fit about the suit but, the guys all told him it was just like them having to wear their dress uniforms. A suit was his dress uniform. Then Mattie told him that if all the guys were going to be dress up he'd look like a little kid if he wasn't in a suit. After that AJ wanted to go buy a suit but insisted Mattie had to go too. I told Harm I think we've got a little case of hero worship to deal with.
Anyway once the kids were on their way, we all sat down in the study to read Bud and Harriet's will. And I do mean all of us. Harm and I, Mikey, Big Bud, Sturgis, the Admiral, and of course the Sims. Sturgis wrote the will and the Admiral has signed as a witness. I don't think either of those facts set real well with Mrs. Sims but she behaved herself.
Until we got to the part about the kids. Sturgis read the part about Harm and I being named legal guardians and Bud and Harriet's wish that we raise the kids and all hell broke loose.
Mrs. Sims said there was no way that her grandchildren. Her baby's babies were going to be raised by strangers. Well at that point Big Bud shot back with a remark about how Harm and I were AJ's godparents and when you compared the amount of time we'd spent with AJ compared to the amount of time the Sims had spent with him, they were the strangers. That really set Mrs. Sims off. She started yelling at Bud about how if his good for nothing son hadn't insisted on staying in the Navy after he lost his leg, Bud and Harriet would have moved to Florida and they'd still be alive.
Fortunately the majority of the people in the room had a military background. The admiral yelled at everybody to stand down and surprisingly enough everybody did. Mrs. Sims started to make a comment but her husband told her to be quiet. The admiral then suggested that we finish going over the will and then everybody take some time to calm down and we'll meet again on Tuesday. Mrs. Sims looked like she wanted to argue but her husband agreed before she had the chance.
We finished the will without anymore outbursts and the Sims left. Big Bud and Mickey also left. We told them they didn't have to but they said they felt the need to get out of the house for awhile. Harm game them the keys to his place and they were going to go there. They told Harm they might even stay overnight. He said that was fine. That was at 1427 and Harm and I still haven't had a chance to talk.
Clay called. I told him I couldn't talk right now but by the time I got that through his skull, Jen and Mattie were back with the boys. Then we had AJ and Jimmy needing or attention and Mattie too. Then we had dinner, baths, and bedtime.
I feel like today was about a week long. Harm's in talking to Mattie before she goes to bed and then he and I have to talk. I told him I'd have hot chocolate ready by the time he was done.
"Hey Marine. That for me?"
"Yeah." I hand him a cup and we both head for the kitchen table.
"Harm, what are we going to do about Mrs. Sims?"
"Wait."
"Wait?"
"Yeah, who knows what that letter that Harriet left for her parents says? I say we wait until Tuesday and see what she has to say."
"Harm, don't you think she might have a lawyer hired by then?"
"Okay good point. Know any children's advocates?"
"No, You?"
"Actually yeah I do. I went to school with someone who specializes in children's rights. I'll can call them tomorrow if you want?"
"Tomorrow's Sunday."
"I know I can call their house."
"Yeah, I think it's a good idea."
"Okay will do. I think I'm gonna head to bed. I'm exhausted."
"Goodnight Harm. Put the baby monitor in my room. I'll take the night shift tonight."
"You sure Mac?"
"Positive. Goodnight Flyboy."
"Goodnight Marine." Disclaimer: Not only to I not own the JAG characters, I don't own Harm's friend from law school. Law School Andie belongs to Aerogirl. Stories with Andie in them (as well as everything else by Aerogirl) can be found at aerogirl.dhs.org
A/N: Not sure what the law is on this point but the assumptions I've made set up the rest of the story.
JAG Headquarters 1301 12/282003
It feels really strange to be in here on a Sunday and in civilian clothes. Probably should have changed into my uniform but it seemed like a lot of hassle just to come get a phone number off my rolodex.
The lights are all off as I enter the bullpen. I make it to my office and find the number I need easily enough. Maybe I should go ahead and make the call from here. There's a chance by the time a get home the boys will be up from their naps.
"Hello."
"Hey Andie, it's me Harm."
"Harm hon, to what do I owe the honor of a phone call at home?"
"Well, I need to talk to an expert in child advocacy."
"So of course you thought of me. Don't have any in the D.C. area?"
"Well we do but I figured you wouldn't hang up on me for calling you at home on a Sunday."
"I see your point. What ya need?"
"Did I ever tell you about my godson AJ?"
"Yeah, I think you did. He's about 4 or 5 right?"
"Right he'll be 5 in May. Anyway his parents were killed in a car accident Christmas morning and Mac and I were named guardians of AJ and his brother Jimmy."
"Oh that's a big step. So what's the problem?"
"The problem is AJ's grandmother. She lost it when she found out Mac and I were named guardians. She said there's no way in hell she's going to let her grandbabies be raised by a couple of strangers. Then AJ's paternal grandpa told her that given how little time they spent with the boys they were more stranger to the kids than Mac and I." "Bet that went over real well." I snort.
"Yeah, it was probably a good thing the admiral was there to restore order." I can hear Andie chuckling on the other end.
"So, Grandma Sims is rich and used to get her own way and..."
"And you and Mac are worried." She never was one to beat around the bush.
"Well yeah. The admiral suggested everybody meet again Tuesday but Mac wanted to try and talk to somebody before than. Grandma's the type to hire a lawyer while in the car on the way to her daughter's funeral."
"Sounds like a real charming lady. Assuming the will is valid, which it should be, the courts tend to honor the parents last wishes. They assume there's a reason the parents made the decision they did -"
"That's a relief."
"Hold on there. I'm not done. Is her husband still alive, are they together and where do they live?"
"The husband's alive. They live together and they're in Florida.
"Okay, then if they draw the right judge you could have a problem. A lot of judges would rather see kids go to an older couple than 2 singles who are sharing custody. The grandparents age would work against them and it would be uprooting the older boy from all that's familiar, but the fact it would basically be a two parent household and the fact they're blood relatives could be enough to over rule the parents' wishes."
"What if Mac and I were living together?"
"Well that would make it much more difficult. I'm not saying she still couldn't do it but it would certainly be a lot harder for her. If you can show you're providing a stable environment the court will leave them there rather than disrupt their lives anymore. If your not living together and she fights the will, a judge might just decide foster care is the best option until they can do a full investigation. If this is just grief talking on her part chances are she'd stop before she accomplished much of anything. Did any of that help?"
"Actually, yeah it did. So you're saying the easiest way to keep the boys is for Mac and I to move in together?"
"Probably. Look I've got to run I'm meeting a friend but I'll call you Tuesday with the number of a friend in the area that can help you."
"You don't have to do that."
"I know but I want to. Will you be at home?"
"Nope, probably better call me on my cell."
"Will do. Take care Harm."
"Thanks, you too."
So the best chance of Mac and I keeping the boys is for us to live together. Oh, Shit!