Chapter Ten
McMurphy's
Georgetown Area
1958 EST
Harm pulled into the parking lot. "See Mac, I told you we would make it on time," he announced pointing triumphantly to the clock in his car.
"Yeah, only because we didn't catch a single red light here," she said laughing.
"Hey guys, quit bickering already and help me unload the lot." Mattie ordered the couple.
They gave each other a quick smile and Harm helped Mac out of the car. "Mattie, Mac get inside, it's cold out here, I'll bring in the rest of the gifts."
"Yes sir." Mattie said obediently getting out of the snow into McMurphy's. She looked back and saw Harm and Mac arguing over why she didn't go inside like he had asked.
"Come on Mac, I don't want you getting sick," he said exasperated with her.
She grabbed some gifts. "I am a Marine, I can handle the cold." Harm raised an eyebrow up as her skirt blew up in the wind. They made it into the building and placed the gifts underneath the tree that Mike had put up during the weekend.
"Colonel, Commander, I have your regular drinks waiting with your daughter." Mike called at the bar.
"Thanks Mike," Harm called back finding Mattie sitting at a booth with Sturgis and Varese.
"So Uncle Sturgis, what else did Harm do at the Academy?" She asked right when Harm walked up with Mac. Harm glared at Sturgis.
"What's wrong Harm, don't want Mattie here to find out about your wayward younger days?"
"I was an upstanding youngster. Don't listen to your Uncle Sturgis."
"Why listen to Sturgis when she can listen to me," Admiral Chegwidden said coming over sliding into the booth. "Hello there Mattie."
"Hello Admiral Chegwidden." Mattie said scooting over to make room for him.
"No ranks today Mattie. Call me what you normally do when you come over for English tutoring." Mattie turned toward her guardian and he gave her a nod. Their relationship had gotten better over the past year and Mattie started looking at the Admiral more as a grandfather, and sometimes called him Gramps affectionately.
"How about you and your Gramps cut a rug?" AJ asked.
"Cut a rug?" Mattie looked confused.
Harm laughed outright. "I believe he wants to dance Mathilda."
"Sure thing Gramps." The admiral slid out of the booth and offered Mattie his hand as he led the teenager out on the dance floor.
Harm took his cue and led Mac out to dance with him. They danced to a couple of fast dance songs and then when the perfect song came on, Harm thought that it would be the perfect time.
"Mac, there is something I want to . . ." Harm started to say until he felt a small tap on his back. He turned around and found little AJ Roberts.
"Unca Harm?"
"Yeah buddy?"
"Can I cut in and dance with Aunt Mac?"
"Sure you can sailor." Harm stepped aside and found Mac more beautiful than ever has she picked up her five year old godson and whirled around with him on the dance floor. When the music had finally died down, AJ ran up to his Uncle Mikey and threw him a high five.
Mac returned to their table and found Harm sitting alone picking at the finger food that was supplied for the party. "You started to say something before our gorgeous godson interrupted?"
"Yeah, Mac, well," He began again, reaching for the ring in his pocket. Suddenly a Faith Hill song came on the jukebox.
"Harm, it's my favorite song, dance with me?"
"Anything you want honey." He helped her out of the booth and swayed to the music.
There You'll Be - Faith Hill
When I think back
On these times
And the dreams
We left behind
I'll be glad 'cause
I was blessed to get
To have you in my life
When I look back
On these days
I'll look and see your face
You are there for me
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There always be a place
For you for all my life
I'll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
Well you showed me
How it feels
To feel the sky
Within my reach
And I always
Will remember all
The strength you
Gave to me
Your love made me
Make it through
Oh, I owe so much to you
You were right there for me
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There always be a place
For you for all my life
I'll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
'Cause I always saw in you
My light, my strength
And I want to thank you
Now for all the ways
You were right there for me
You were right there for me
For always
In my dreams
I'll always see you soar
Above the sky
In my heart
There always be a place
For you for all my life
I'll keep a part
Of you with me
And everywhere I am
There you'll be
This was a song that Mattie played constantly even though it was several years old, and Harm knew that his beloved "daughter" was the one who played the song. Harm didn't realize that he was singing softly in tune with Mac who was singing it too, nor did they realize that they were the only one left on the dance floor. Mike saw and smiled.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, for you viewing pleasure, the Commander and Colonel will be dancing to –" Mike started yelling from the bar.
"Can it Mike!" Mac yelled from the dance floor.
"Mac, there is something I want to . . ." Just then the Admiral announced it was time for opening of the gifts.
Harm stood there on the dance floor. Would there ever be a good time for him to ask the love of his life to marry him?
AN - So, I still haven't really decided, but thanks for the distraction idea! Promise I will finish this up soon.