Chapter 30

Andy's vantage point allowed him to see Mac walk into the room first. "Dad, you'll never guess who just walked in." He saw his father's eyes light up as he saw Mac. "It looks like she made good time getting here from Norfolk." She had arranged it with Andy to join them for dinner if she could make it on time.

They both stood when Mac reached their table; she'd changed out of her uniform at a rest stop. Mac was wearing a black dress, but this dress fit her as it were designed for her alone. "You look hot," Andy said. That prompted a look from his father Andy instinctively knew was a warning about addressing women in general and his future stepmother in particular.

Mac just chuckled as she sat down. "Thank you Andy. I'm glad somebody noticed." She gave a saucy smile to Harm. To Andy she added, "I like your direct approach."

"Very funny, just because it took us eight years to get together, albeit with a few curves we both threw at each other." Harm said a bit ruefully and then leaned over and kissed his Mac.

Andy excused himself and went to the restroom, he wanted to give them a few minutes alone, besides he needed to call Stacy and make sure what time he was to be there to take her to the Prom the next evening.

Mac looked around as she waited for a menu. She noticed Renee sitting at a table nearby.. "Isn't that the Video Princess, or should I say Mrs. Mortician?" she whispered.

"It is, they came over to the table a few minutes before you arrived, I never told her about Andy. That should have been a clue we weren't meant for each other."

The waiter came over with a menu, she told him she wanted the same thing Andy had, only with new potatoes and salad.

Chapter 31

The rest of the evening went smoothly. They decided not have dessert and went to an arcade. AJ Roberts had disappeared from the same arcade in a few months earlier. Mac beat the pants off both Rabb's when they played certain games. "The advantage of a misspent youth" was all she had said. To no ones surprise, Harm did well at the simulation aerial combat they claimed unfair advantage. Harm just gave them him his flyboy grin. The weather forecasted to be clear tomorrow and Mac persuaded Harm to take them both up in Sarah. She easily bribed the Rabb men with the promise of a picnic lunch.

Saturday, May 8, 2004

Blacksburg, VA

0845 local

Andy still hadn't had the chance to go up in the restored Steerman, so Mac let him go first. After the flight, she wondered if the world had just lost a future doctor because the look of sheer joy she saw in Harm's eyes after flying she saw in his son. She was glad when Andy told Harm that though he liked flying he would leave the actual piloting to others.

Harm took Mac for a spin; Andy was enjoying the country air, and doing some reading for his literature class while the adults were flying. A few minutes later, a teenaged girl drove up with her father. She looked familiar to Andy. He knew he hadn't met her before, but she looked familiar. Apparently, she worked here because she strode over to the small office and started talking with the pilot.

About an hour later, the gal was working in the office- her father had started working on one of the planes. Andy saw the Steerman come in for a landing, the girls face just lit up. "That must be Mattie, the gal Harm tried to help" Andy muttered as she flew out of the office.

"Harm, I've missed you." She said as she ran up to the now stopped bi-plane.

"I've missed you too, kiddo." He gave her a fatherly hug.

"You remember Mac,"

"Yea, she tried to help you with the custody but the judge was only looking at the facts." Mattie's face looked like she'd sucked a lemon.

"How are things with your dad?" Harm climbed out of the plane and gave her a big hug. Mac had as well.

"So-so, I can't wait until I'm eighteen, I am out of here the day I turn eighteen and Tom knows it."

"Is he still drinking?" Mac asked, she was going to have another talk with Mattie's father, maybe with time he might listen to her this time.

"He's been drinking a couple of times, which is why I'm out of here as soon as I'm old enough."

Mattie then noticed a hottie—he looked a lot like Harm. Maybe it was a cousin of his or some sort of relation like that. She wanted to get to know him.

"Andy, I'd like you to meet Mattie, I told you about her."

"Its nice to meet you", he had an Australian accent. "Dad has told me a lot about you, I know how family courts can screw things up."

"Dad?" Mattie's stance and the tone of her voice reminded Harm of the time she'd had to chew out one of the other pilots for a foolhardy maneuver. as boss/owner of a crop dusting business.

Chapter 32

Harm was in trouble. Mac took one look at Mattie and told Harm. "It's your story, you tell her. Andy and I are going to set things out for lunch plus I want to speak with your father, Mattie."

"He's over there." Mattie gestured towards the plane he was working on.

Andy and Mac walked quickly away, they didn't want to be in the path of Hurricane Mattie.

Mac went over to the plane where Tom Johnson was working on the plane and talked with him asking him why he was still drinking. He didn't give a reason.

She reminded him the court was going to keep an eye on them and they wouldn't necessarily announce their visits. He needed to stay completely off alcohol.

Mac told Tom Harm's life had changed since Christmas time. He had a new job he was about to start that would keep him in town, he was practically engaged, and he had a son close to Mattie in age he was the sole support of. Mac told him she'd talk with him again. If Tom really wanted to help both himself and his daughter, he'd let his daughter spend time with Harm. Tom said he'd think about it and call her in a few days. She gave him a card that had her number at JAG.

Meanwhile, Mattie was giving Harm the third degree about Andy. She was appeased when he told her no one other than his parents had known of the young man's existence. Andy had been a part of his life he kept hidden. "No wonder Harm fell apart after he didn't get guardianship of me. History was repeating itself." Mattie thought to herself. Mattie asked how things were going with Mac. She sensed whatever problems they'd had when she had first met Harm they were gone, the two were now very close.

"I'm going to ask her to marry me, I love her, and if heaven forbid something happens to your dad, I'll be in a much better position to get custody of you."

Mac and Tom walked over to the Steerman.

"I made enough to feed an army, why don't you two join us?" Mac asked the John sons. This was a good way for all to interact, in an informal setting.

Tom didn't eat much; he had a lot to chew over with what Mac had said. The battle to resist the bottle was very hard and no matter how hard he tried, he seemed unable to resist. He knew Mattie resented his presence and she'd told him repeatedly the day she was old enough to be out of his care she was gone.

He could see Mac would be a good influence; because she knew how it was to grow up with an alcoholic parent. Tom had thought long and hard over the past few weeks about his daughter's future; seeing Mattie interact with Harm and Mac clinched it for him. He decided he'd get Harm and Mac alone and inform them that once the school year was over he was going to give them custody of Mattie. All he wanted in return was contact with his daughter. He had the feeling they would agree.

Chapter 33

After eating, Andy and Mattie got up and walked away from the adults. They both had sensed it was best if they made themselves scarce.

"This is as good a time as any," Tom thought and he started to say. "Harm, Mac," but his voice came out like an adolescent boy it cracked.

He cleared his throat and tried again. "I'd like to talk to both of you, and since the 'kids' have conveniently vamoosed on us I can get this done."

Both looked at him with more than a little trepidation, "Go on" Mac said. Harm was glad she said something; he wanted nothing to do with Tom.

"Mac, what you said at Christmas time, you were right, it's hard to stay away from alcohol, I haven't done as well as I thought. I've given in a couple of times. Mattie hates me and has told me on more than one occasion the day she's old enough not to be sent back here or she is old enough to enlist, without parental permission she's outta here." This statement brought looks of concern to both Harm and Mac.

"Harm, all I ask of you is I'm allowed contact with Mattie. I'd rather see her with you than someone else." Harm and Mac were surprised they definitely didn't expect this. They could see Tom needed to talk this through without interruption. "If Mattie runs away, I'm afraid I'll be stripped of my rights. I want to do this legally, in front of a judge. Harm, you didn't get custody of her in December because of where you lived. I know you're moving into a house and I can sense things are serious between you two." They nodded. "Mattie needs a mothers hand and Mac you'll be a good mother to my little girl."

Tom Johnson had tears running down his face. He wasn't the only one. Mac's Marine resolve dissolved and tears were running down her face. As an alcoholic, she knew just how hard it was to admit failure to stay sober. Harm was not far behind in tears. Because of what he had gone through with Andy Harm had to admire what Tom was doing, giving his daughter up voluntarily.

"I 'm going to talk with my attorney on Monday, as far as I'm concerned Mattie could go with you today but I think the commonwealth would prefer she finish out the school year here. This should be done completely by the book as far as the commonwealth of Virginia goes."

Harm and Mac looked at each other; this was more than Harm could have dreamed not five months ago. "If you let me know when you're to see the judge, we can be there; I think they'll be more than willing to grant your request. My situation is much more stable since December, I have my son, we're moving into a house next weekend and in Mac I have a positive female role model, she is in my life, just ask Andy." Mac took Harm's hand in hers. "I'll have a new job starting the beginning of the month it should keep me in town most of the time. If for some reason, we get transferred of the area, or even overseas, I'll make sure you'll see her."

Tom stood up, "I'll go and call my lawyer, to get the ball rolling on this." He walked over to the office and made the call. In a few minutes he was back with a sorrowful smile, "Luckily, he was in, I fully expected to get his service. He'll be here in about ten minutes."

Andy and Mattie had returned from their walk around the small airfield. When they sat down at the picnic table, the teens noticed the adults seemed very emotional. It looked as if Mattie was going to have a fight with her dad, as she didn't have all the facts. Harm saw that look and before Mattie could say anything; he started talking. "Mattie, Andy, this affects you as well. Tom just talked with us while you two were walking. He's going to let you come live with us," motioning towards Andy and including Mac in the gesture.

"Legally, Harm will have custody of you; all I asked him was that you and me keep in contact, regular contact." Tom told his daughter. There were tears in his eyes. Truthfully, all five in the group had glistening eyes.

"Really?" Mattie could not believe her ears. What had been her dream last fall and shattered at Christmas was going to become a reality. With a brother and mother figure added to the picture

Mac broke in, as she could see Mattie was ready to leave and pack her belongings. "We are going to do this legally, my guess is it will take us until the end of the school year. Your dad's lawyer is going to stop by in a few minutes."

They could see a silver sports car make its way to the airfield. "Mr. Montgomery is early, must have just been leaving the office when I called." Tom said offhandedly.

Harm and his group gave Tom a chance to talk privately with his attorney. A few minutes later, the two walked over. Mr. Montgomery was introduced to everyone. "I told Mr. Montgomery what I'll tell the judge, recovery is harder than I thought, most of the reasons why you didn't get Mattie at Christmas time are gone now."

"I can call Judge Priest this afternoon and get the ball rolling. I do agree waiting until the end of the school year will make a favorable impression on the judge, since Mattie missed a large portion of the year. I understand the only reason she isn't going to have to repeat this school year is she has managed to make up the work she missed from the first semester. If you all can wait a few minutes I'll see if I can get a hold of her." He reached into his briefcase and pulled out his cell phone. He walked towards a parked Cessna for privacy.

Less than two minutes later he returned. "I talked with the judge; she's willing to talk with us, in chambers in half an hour. Even with it being a Saturday This is a good sign."

Mr. Montgomery got back into his sports car and left. Mattie looked at Harm and at Tom. "If it's all right with you, I'd like to go with my dad; I'd like to talk with him." Mattie queried.

"It's a good idea; we'll follow you in your car since you know the way." Harm said as they were quickly putting the picnic material away. They arrived in two vehicles because Andy would need to leave shortly to get ready for the prom. He figured he could delay his return for a half hour but then he would have to leave if he wanted to get ready in time. Fortunately the tuxedo, shirt and shoes, were in the trunk, so he could change at his friends if needed.

The judge was just pulling into the parking lot when they got there. "Mr. Montgomery, are these the two gentlemen, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Rabb?" Please follow me to the judge's chambers?"

They followed the judge to her office. Judge Priest had known Michael Montgomery for years; they had gone to high school together decades before. Tom sat with his attorney, Harm and Mac sat in the other chairs. Mattie and Andy stood in the back of the room, trying to be inconspicuous.

Judge Priest let Montgomery speak for Tom Johnson. "My client, Thomas Johnson, wishes to relinquish his parental rights, he has thought about this long and hard. He's willing to give custody of the minor Matilda Grace Johnson to Harmon Rabb Junior. All he asks in return is he keeps contact with his daughter."

The judge pondered the statement. "Mr. Rabb, you were denied guardianship last December in large part to your living situation, has that changed.

"It has your honor, since December I've had several important changes in my life."

"Go on."

"Your honor, I have made other living arrangements, as of this coming Friday we're moving into a house near my son's school. I have my son, my former wife and I agreed to his living with me before her death. Also, I've transferred to a position which will keep me in town, this job will start at the beginning of next month, until then I am still with the Judge Advocate General's office."

"Will you have a positive female role model for Matilda?" The judge was impressed with all the positive changes Harm had made.

"I have several; this includes Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie who is with me today. Also there is Lieutenant Harriet Sims, Petty Officer Jennifer Coates, and Congresswoman Bobbi Latham, my mother Patricia Burnett and my grandmother, Sarah Rabb."

"What exactly may I ask is your relationship between Mr. Rabb and yourself?" Judge Priest asked Mac. The judge could see the two were in love.

"We've been best friends for close to eight years, and we've been in a dating relationship for that past five months. Since we're still are in the same chain of command, we cannot go further in the relationship without the possibility of fraternization charges brought on us. This is why the Commander is taking the advisory position at the White House; at that point we'll no longer be in the same chain of command and charges cannot be brought against us."

The judge was used to having people at each other's throats in custody issues; it was a refreshing change to see all the parties involved acting in a sane manner. She figured most of it was because Rabb was himself an attorney and knew what would be acceptable behavior. Judge Priest also knew a great deal of the lack of animosity was because Mr. Johnson was voluntarily giving custody to Commander Rabb. "I'd feel better about this if Matilda finishes out the school year before moving, especially since there are only a few weeks left in the school year. Matilda, you're a fifteen and old enough to have some say in this matter. Do you mind waiting until the end of the school year?"

Mattie thought for only a second before speaking "Your honor, I don't mind. This way I have a chance to say goodbye to my friends and decide what I want to take."

"Mattie, I am considering this request, I want you to realize that by granting this request I require you to keep in contact with Mr. Johnson." Mattie nodded her head. It would be a fair trade off.

"Yes, your honor."

"Mr. Johnson, if I honor this request, I would like you to have the courtesy of arranging to see Mattie on a regular basis until she is of age. I'll order contact be made on a monthly basis for the first year; if you're arrested for DUI or drunk and disorderly, all contact with your daughter, will be restricted for a period of one year. A second arrest will result in the loss of any contact with your daughter until she is of age and then it will be her choice.

"I understand your honor," Mr. Johnson said, tears in his eyes.

"Give me fifteen minutes, and I will let you know what I decide."

They walked into the corridor. Andy looked at his watch and than at his father, he wanted to stay and find out how things went, this would definitely affect him but if he didn't leave soon he would make five other people late to the prom. He and his date were going to dinner with two other couples. He was torn. Mattie could see he was torn about staying. It made her love him as a brother at that moment.

"Andy, go, Ham will let you know, I really appreciate that you want to be here. Now get." She had quickly gotten into little sister mode. The adults, including Mr. Montgomery, thought her words and gestures, as she was practically throwing him out the door, were hilarious.

"You, my friend are in for it if the judge Okays it. You'll be dealing with not one teen, but two." Mac smiled as she said this to Harm. Montgomery, now an empty nester of five, could see Mac would be a good influence on the teens. With a parent in the military, he was sure they would have discipline in their life, discipline and love.

It seemed like eternity but in reality, it was less than ten minutes later when the judge called them in, "I have agreed to this custody agreement. I will file all the papers on Monday, as of the end of the school year, Harmon Rabb you will have custody of the minor, Matilda."

Mattie hugged her father and thanked him; she was beginning to realize what a great gift Tom was giving her in allowing Harm to raise her. In the end, her father would be stronger for doing this.

She knew she couldn't go with Harm right away, but just knowing she would made the remaining time bearable. She'd lost most of her friends when she had spent the summer and the fall concentrating on saving her mother's company Grace Aviation instead of school. When she had gone back to school, she'd poured herself into her studies. Her teachers had been amazed; she managed to do all the work required for the first semester, when she had missed most of the semester. Her grade point average looked to be a full point higher than it had been at the end of the school year last May. She was going to be able to move up to the next grade and not repeat the school year.

Harm talked with Tom and his attorney, Mike Montgomery, they would need to sign papers in front of Judge Priest. The attorney took Harm's cell phone number and his number at JAG, promising to call on Monday with a date and time.

Both Harm and Mac gave Mattie a hug; they needed to get back to see Andy off for the prom. The parents had agreed to meet at one house, since there were two from the group of teens that lived in there. It helped that it was also the most centrally located residence.

Before they left Blacksburg, Harm called Andy to tell him the good news. Andy kept it short telling his father he had always wanted a little brother or sister, and this way he could still be a teen and have a little sister, reminding his father that by the time any future Rabb's were teens he would be almost if not in his thirties.