Chapter Four

Harm pulled the SUV into the little town square and found parking behind the Mast General Store. Mac looked around, "I never realized that there were still small towns like this still here in the United States."

"I used to love coming here for the summers, away from everything that reminded me of Dad, and yet this town helped raise Dad." He said. "It was like getting away from reality."

"Maybe you came here to be closer to your father." Mac said.

"Hells bells, if it isn't the great Commander Harmon Rabb Jr." A familiar voice said from behind.

"Rodney, stop, he has a lady friend, don't go embarrassing him now."

Harm turned around, "Margo, Rodney, great to see you again. This is Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, she is a colleague of mine at Jag." He introduced them, "Mac this is Margo and Rodney. We used to spend the summer up here together. The ended up moving here a couple of years ago. They are running R and M farms just up the road from Rabb Acres."

"Nice to meet you, maybe sometime we can get together and trade Harm stories."

"Sounds good. Are you guys going to the Founders Day Fair?"

"Is that going on now?" Harm asked.

"Yeah, it is. And since your family was one of the founding families, I think it would be nice if you made an appearance." Margo pointed out to him.

"I just may Margo, that is if Mac here can deal with a small town fair and festival." He said.

"Are you sure, we are supposed to be taking care of a ton of details for your grandmother's funeral."

"She took care of all that in her will, and besides Mac, this was her favorite event. She looked forward to it year after year." Harm explained just wanting to forget about his reality.

"Okay Flyboy. But you need to feed me first." He grabbed her hand and made his way to the Jesse's.

The walked through the town and Harm stopped her in front of a little restaurant that she wouldn't have even noticed was there if she blinked. He held open the door for her and she gratefully smiled at him. She took in the ambiance of the little restaurant. The biggest table they had was a table for four, and Tiffany imitation lights hung above. The waitress came up.

"Harm Rabb? I'll be you are the spitting image of your father and grandfather."

Harm looked at her, "Ms. Mabel, it is nice to see you again. This is my colleague, Sarah Mackenzie. You know, I look like my father, but I don't think I look anything like my grandfather."

"You are a spitting image of him Harm. Nice to meet you Mac," Ms. Mabel said smiling.

"How did you know my nickname?" Mac asked her.

"Sarah would come in from time to time telling stories about her larger than life grandson and his partner in crime, a woman named Mac." She said smiling. "Now, I could just prattle on all day about my darling Harm, but we are going to try to close here early so I can take my grandsons to the fair. I know what Harm is going to get, what would you like?"

"I'll take a steak dinner and a loaded bake potato with a coke."

"Sounds good, Harm are you still getting the Caesar salad, baked potato topped with broccoli and cheese with a diet coke?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Harmon David Rabb Jr., there hasn't been a ma'am since Jesse's mother, may God rest her soul, but if you call me ma'am . . ."

"Sorry Ms. Mabel."

"Mac, honey, did Harm ever tell you about the summer his spent bussing tables here because he got into trouble with Jesse Jr."

"No Ms. Mabel," Mac said looking at him.

"Well, I will tell you some little Harm stories, let me tell Mia this order real quick."

Mia came out the door, "As I live and breathe, Harm! My first kiss and love has made his way back to Belleville for longer than on measly weekend. I was so sorry to hear about Gram, she was a special woman."

"Yes she was."

"Mom, I'll cook up their order, stay out here and gossip awhile."

Harm, Mac, and Mabel sat around the mom and pop café telling stories. To be more accurate it was Ms. Mabel telling stories of Harm, eliciting laughs from Mac and Harm turning shades of red. Their food came and Harm and Mac ate quietly with Mac laughing every so often when she would think of him bussing tables at 12 years old.

"I can't believe you guys thought it would be a good idea to tie a cat and a dog together!"

"To each their own Mac. Are you ready to check out the fair and probably hear more embarrassing stories of me?"

"Why yes, I believe I am."

TBC as long as there is an interest