Chapter Four

Harm walked out of the bedroom and ran his hands though his dark hair. Looking around for Mac, he found her standing by her window. He walked up beside her and looped his arm around her waist. "So, I guess we can safely say we are seeing where our relationship is heading?"

"I think we can safely say that we are definitely moving forward." She slipped her hand in his and squeezed. She continued to watch the snow fall. "Harm, its too dangerous for you to go home."

"Aw, Mac, I think that I will be fine when I get to the Lexus."

"Please, just stay, with me. We don't have to be at work until Monday morning, it gives us the weekend to just to rest and relax. I know that we shouldn't push this relationship, but I don't want to lose you to the weather. Please just stay with me."

"Hey. If you are that worried about the weather then I will stay. I'll keep you company this weekend. How far are you from the closest strip mall?"

"A couple of blocks, why?"

"Well, I need to go pick up some other clothes. I'll call the store to see if they are open, and I will walk the couple of blocks to pick up some supplies."

"Harm I don't want you to walk in this weather."

"Mac, I promise I will be fine, but I really need to pick up some new clothes."

"Okay. But take your cell phone and call me on the way back, I will actually have breakfast waiting for you when you get back."

"Mac, you are becoming domesticated."

"Am not." She smiled. "I learned how to make pancakes when I was working with Chloe. So, I'll have some for you when you get back." She kissed his cheek. "Be safe."

"Okay."

Harm made his way to a store he knew was only a couple of blocks away and started picking up the things that were going to be necessary to make it through the weekend with Mac. While walking around the store he found a wooden sled, like the one that him and his dad had during the snowy winters in Pennsylvania. He couldn't help himself as he picked up the sled. Childhood memories came rushing back and with it, and with it, the hope of making new memories with Mac. He also found a couple of little things that he thought would be nice.

When he brought the sled to the front of the store, the sales clerk couldn't find the tag and sold it to him at what they were selling the other plastic sleds, $5.00. While Harm was in the store, the snow plow had come through but the snow was still persisting on falling lightly and many of the local businesses were closing up. Harm smiled when he passed by the tree farmer.

"Howdy." The tree farmer said greeting him.

"Hello," Harm said to him. "Do you know how the weather is supposed to be the rest of the weekend?"

"Snow, stormy, not good for my business," he said with a twinkle in his eye with his slow southern drawl. "I brought out these trees from Virginia, but I am trying to get back to my wife before I get stuck here."

"I don't blame you. How about I take one off your hands for you, seeing that you are the only tree farmer out here?"

"I have a couple out here still, mighty fine trees I may add. Who are you buying such a beautiful tree for?"

"What makes you think it isn't my wife or family?"

"You would have had the tree long before." He said smiling. Harm reached into his pocket to grab his wallet when his wallet fell out of his pocket. Seeing that Harm had his hands full with the packages, the tree farmer bent down and picked up the open walled.

"Military, huh?"

"Yes sir, Navy."

"Good to hear. I have always admired your type. Seeing that you are doing me a favor by taking one of the trees, I'll let you have it, as a thank you from a grateful citizen."

"I couldn't do that."

"No, I want to, please do this for me."

Harm smiled at the man and accepted his gesture. The Christmas spirit must have been present. Harm took the tree and secured it to the sled. He found a piece of rope to drag the sled, and thankfully he would only have to carry one of the bags that wouldn't quite secure right. He turned around to thank the man after securing the tree but he was gone. (Think Christmas miracle, just go with it).

The snow continue to fall around him as he called Mac to let her know that he would be on his way and that he would need her help when he got to her building. Mac stood at the open window waiting for Harm. The snow had calmed to flurries as she saw him coming up the street. She threw on her parka and snow boots and headed down to help him out.

"Harm! What did you do?"

"I thought I would try to play Santa, but I'm not old, and I don't shake like a bowl full of jelly, so I was turned for the part. You get good old Harm instead."

She gave a slight laugh at his humor and swatted his arm. "I just happen to like good old Harm. He is stable, tall, dark, and handsome. Why did you buy so much?"

"I bought out the store in anticipation for the weekend, now grab the packages, and I will get the tree." Mac took the packages from him and he somehow got the tree up the stairs. He got back inside and collapsed on the sofa. "I forgot how much the cold air can wind you."

"How much do I owe you for the tree?"

"Actually I didn't pay for it. It may sound strange but a tree farmer gave it to me. He said it was a gift from a grateful citizen." He told her leaving out the part about him mysteriously vanishing into the air.

"That was nice. Breakfast is ready. I'll keep it warm for you while you grab another shower, your jeans must be soaking from the snow. I just got your other pair out of the dryer. They are folded and on the bed." He kissed her cheek and took another quick shower to warm up.

True to her word she had breakfast ready for him on the bar, pancakes and scrambled eggs. He grabbed her and swung her around in the moment. "Harm what did you buy at the store?"

"Well, I had originally went for a sweatshirt and another pair of boxers and jeans, but then I found myself looking at the decorations and got caught up with the spirit that then hit my wallet." He smiled at her.

"You know I do have some Christmas decorations from when I decorated with Chloe, and when I was dating Mic." Mac had never been big on decorating for Christmas. Her parents would always fight around this time about not having money to buy her presents, but her father always seemed to find just a little extra to go out and drink.

"I know, but this our Christmas, besides, I didn't get too much, just some new garland and some little ornaments." Harm said smiling. He was hoping to make this Christmas one filled with better memories, for obvious reasons, Christmas was not a good time of year for him.

"I have an idea, why don't I start digging out some of the old ornaments from the storage units in the hall and you start some hot chocolate."

"Sounds like a plan Marine." He swept her up in a hug and decided that this was the Christmas that would make some better memories.

"What was that for?"

"Just making sure that this was all real."