Ch. 10

"Haarrmm, if you don't stop that we will never be decent before the kids come down for breakfast." Mac looked in the weary eyes of the father of her children and smiled.

"It's not my fault you kept me up all night talking about this and that instead of letting me work through this sexual tension I started storing up yesterday. You promised to rock my world yesterday and all you did was tease and talk to me all night."

"Well, we had a lot to cover. You did spring that whole retirement thing on me last night."

"I don't think you are one to talk Ms. 'oh, by the way, you are the father of my kids.' Mac"

"Ok, Ok, so we both could have handled yesterday better." Mac looked at Harm while she was putting on her robe. "Are we good?" Harm smiled and said.

"Better than good, baby! What time do the kids generally come down for breakfast?" Mac was tracing her fingers across his chest as she raised them to encircle his neck. She was just about to answer him when she realized that she smelled sausage cooking. She looked at Harm curiously.

"Do you smell that?"

"Yes, what is it? It smells like a dead animal." Mac chuckled thinking to herself, 'well that sure hasn't changed'

"It smells like sausage but the kids alarm doesn't even go off for another 10 minutes, but someone is definitely cooking in my kitchen. I better go out and see what is going on. You need to get dressed."

"Why do I need to get dressed? I still have my pajamas on. The kids need to know that I'm not going anywhere and that you are happy about that. We agreed last night to show a united front…did we not?" Mac walked back to him, putting her arms around his waist and pulling him in close.

"Absolutely, but your daughter has never had a man in her house that wasn't fully dressed. This is new to all of us and we need to ease into this. Don't you think so?" Harm lowered his head and placed a gentle but firm kiss on her lips.

"You're right. I need to start thinking like a father and not just a horny husband." Mac giggled saying

"Husband huh? Don't a few things need to happen before you can call yourself my husband?"

"All in good time, Sweet thang! I can set everything up today and we can be married as soon as my mom and Frank can be here. What do you say?"

"I say that all sounds well and good but you've skipped over a few steps."

"Like what?"

"We can get into that later. Right now I need to see what the kids are doing." Mac walked out of her bedroom and closed her door giving Harm time to get dressed, to find that her house was full of life but it wasn't what she was expecting. She walked out expecting to see her kids making breakfast only to find Gigi sitting on the recliner watching the news, while Trish was cooking breakfast in her open kitchen. Mac's eyes seemed to pop out of her head.

Meanwhile, upstairs the kids' alarm was just going off and they were both slowly waking up to the smell of sausage…

Trisha was just beginning to sit up when Axel knocked on her door jam. "Morning T, are you ready to go down for breakfast?"

"Not just yet…I was hoping Grandma Trish would wake me up like she used to when we were little. Silly I know, but I miss that." Trisha began to get out of bed and put her robe on. Both Axel and Trisha made their way down the stairs when Axel said,

"Do you think they will get here soon? They said they would be here for breakfast right?"

"Yep, she said her and Gigi would be here early and to act surprised so put your game face on mister." Axel began to laugh when they reached the bottom of the stairs at the same time that Mac was stepping out of her bedroom.

Trisha and Axel yelled… "maderbeserg, I didn't know you were coming for a visit." They smiled and clapped making all kinds of noise right before Mac gave a gasp saying.

"What are you guys doing here?" All three of them ran over to welcome their guests. The kids ran to Gigi while Mac ran to Trish with their arms wide open giving them loving hugs. "I can't believe you guys picked right now for a visit. Did I miss your call yesterday? I was a little distracted and didn't pay much attention to the phone once I got home from work." Trish looked at Mac and said.

"No, Darling, I decided to spend some time with Sarah and we thought we would surprise you and the kids with a long weekend. Anyway, can we keep the kids home today?" The kids had heard this and snapped their heads up hoping to hear that they would get to stay home like they hoped but they were disappointed when they heard Mac say.

"Well, they can't stay home the whole day but I think we can arrange for a half day considering you guys aren't our only surprise guests this weekend. I'm actually going to call in and request the day off as well." Trish tilted her head to the right looking at Mac and then the kids to see Mac with an excited expression and the kids with one of trepidation.

"The suspense is stifling my dear. Enlighten me as to who your guest is, I didn't see any other cars in the driveway." Trish looked to the kids and then back again just as the door to Mac's bedroom opened to one, Harmon Rabb Jr.

"Hey, Mac. Do you have any bagels?" Harm was busy tying his robe when he looked up at the all of sudden quiet room. Looking up, he was surprised to see his mom and grandmother looking at him with wide eyes and gaping mouths. "Uhh, Mom, what are you guys doing here?"

"I could say the same about you…son, and to answer your questions, your grams and I came up to spend time with our precious darlings. We were hoping to kidnap them for a long weekend to give Mac a little break but now it seems that the surprise has been turned on us. When did you get in?" Harm looked at his kids and then at Mac saying.

"Uhh, yesterday, but I was a surprise for Mac as well." There was an uncomfortable silence among everyone and if it wasn't for the sizzling of the pan filled with sausage the crickets could have been heard. Trish said well,

"I guess we have lots to talk about but first let me feed my babies. Gigi made biscuits that we brought from the farm and I am about to make some gravy with this sausage. Mac why don't you make some coffee and once I get the sausage gravy simmering I will start on the eggs." Mac looked between her kids and Harm and set to working on the coffee as Trish has requested. Harm walked over to his grams and knelt in front of her. Pulling her into a gentle squeeze he held her and whispered in her ear.

"Surprise!" He pulled back and looked into her eyes as his kids watched the gentle interaction between their Gigi and their father. Axel looked up at Trisha and then back down just in time to watch his Gigi cup his fathers cheek and pull him close for an eskimo kiss.

"I've missed you boy. You have quite a mess to clean up here son." Harm just looked down and said.

"Yes, Ma'am," Then Axel said.

"Gigi…those are my eskimo kisses. He doesn't deserve those, you said they are only for your good boys." Sarah Rabb turned and looked at her great-grandson, saying.

"My sweet boy. I have been giving eskimo kisses to your dad for close to 50 years and even though you may be warranted in saying that he isn't a good boy. He deserves the chance to make things right. Don't you think so?" Axel looked properly chastised and knelt down next to his father looking up at his Gigi saying,

"If you say so, Gigi. I love you buckets!" Axel got up and walked over to Grandma Trish with his sister in tow to give her a big hug leaving his father to have a private conversation with his Gigi.

Trish looked at Mac as she was stirring the gravy and just stared at her. "What is it Trish?"

"I'm just looking into the face of a content and happy woman. I was just thinking about how to help you out with this situation but it looks like you might have things under control."

"Well, yesterday was pretty scary. Harm didn't quite react in a positive light which is why the kids are not entirely open to him being here. They are trying to protect me. I can't blame them, I've raised them to watch out for the ones that you love. Now I have to figure out a way to help them begin the process of trusting Harm but he kind of made a big mistake last night trying to jump straight to reprimanding dad instead of penitent dad."

"He didn't!"

"He sure did."

"That boy…I swear. He is one of the smartest men I know and at the same time he struggles getting the simplest of relationships to make sense for him." Trish grabbed Mac's hands and pulled her tight. "Are you happy?" Mac smiled and blushed all at the same time.

"Trish, I haven't been this happy in a long time. My kids give me immense joy but your son has always made my heart flutter. He is and always will be the only man I will ever love with my entire heart."

"Good, now we just need to whip him into shape." They both laughed quietly as the kids joined them. Trish opened her arms to her grandbabies and squished them real good saying, "Hello my darlings…I see that you guys have some new things in your life to get adjusted to. How about we plan to go up to the farm for a long weekend after we spring you from school at lunch?" The kids both smiled and began to jump up and down saying,

"Oh, please Maman…pretty, pretty, please."

"I don't see why not…that sounds like a lovely idea. I am sure your father would love the chance to help Gigi catch up on some of the farm chores we haven't been able to get around to."

"Why does he have to come? Why can't it just be us?" Axel was not a happy camper. Mac looked at Trish.

"I'll take this one dear." Mac quietly said thank you with her eyes then said,

"While you guys talk with Grandma Trish I am going to call in to the office and request leave." Mac returned to her bedroom to dress and make that phone call.

"Now my sweet boy, what is this about not wanting to bring your father along. You do realize that he is my son and with all his faults I love him just as much as I love your mother. If I'm honest you and your sister do beat them out ever so slightly but I love him just the same. You are going to have to open your heart and your mind up to the possibility that life can be even better than what we plan for ourselves. Sometimes a wrench is thrown into the mix and when we learn how to use that wrench it makes our lives that much easier and better. Have you seen how happy your mother is right now? I wasn't in her presence for ten minutes and I could see how happy she was." Axel looked at his sister and they held one of their silent conversations.

"We're sorry Grandma Trish…it's just…you weren't here yesterday. You didn't see how he behaved before he ran off or how he acted when he showed back up like he was gracing us with his presence."

"I realize this is not going to be an easy transition my darlings but together we will make this weekend one of healing. What do you say?"

"For you…anything, Grandma Trish."

"I love you my darlings."

"We love you too." They were holding each other when they noticed that Gigi was smiling while watching them.

"Hey my little peanuts, bring me some of that lovin' over here."

"Yes Ma'am Gigi." The kids made their way over to where Gigi was sitting as Harm swapped with them so that he could have a moment with his mom.

"Are you guys doing ok?" Gigi asked as the kids knelt in front of her.

"Honestly, we are not so sure how we are supposed to figure this thing out. Grandma Trish promised we would work on it this weekend though, so we are going to try and put our anger aside so that we can open our hearts up to the possibilities."

"That sounds like a great plan. I will be there too and together we will all figure out how to help your father figure things out. Does that sound good?"

"Yes Ma'am, but he didn't start off so good you know."

"Yep, I know. He's been sticking one foot into his mouth his entire life. He has a heart of gold but his intentions get lost because he struggles to trust his feelings and then trust that his mouth will know how to get those feelings out and to the people he cares about most. He has loved your mother for so long…for many years he felt that he didn't deserve her. The funny thing is that your mother felt the same way, and it kept them from being honest with each other. Communication is very important and I want you both to know that because I don't want either of you to not know how to express your feelings for those you care about. Got it?"

"Yes Ma'am"

Mac came out of her bedroom dressed in her uniform with a not so happy face. "That doesn't look like a woman who got the day off dear." Trish said.

"Mac, what's going on?" Mac walked over to Harm and Trish.

"Well, I did get most of the day off but I need to go in to be present for a press conference that the SECNAC needs my advice on. I should be back home before we pick the kids up from school at lunch though. Do you think you can handle a morning alone with you grams and mom while I go take care of some business?"

"I think we can manage. We can get the groceries and anything else we need for the trip up to the farm and then I can get you packed if you aren't already situated."

"I actually already threw a few things together but if you could make sure I have everything I need for my toiletries kit I would really appreciate it."

"Consider it done baby. Why don't you get yourself situated and off to work so you can get back already. I'm pretty sure mom can help me make sure the kids are ready for school."

"You will have to drop them off too, Trish. Do you remember where the school is?"

"Of course, don't worry dear. I will make sure we get them where they need to be."

"Kids, front and center!" The kids made their way over to Mac.

"Yes Ma'am."

"Ok, I have to run into the office for a press conference. Chances are your school will broadcast this event so I just wanted you to be prepared. Any questions?" Both kids shook their heads. "All right then, get your uniforms on and get yourself ready for school. You have 20 minutes before your father and grandmother will take you to school." The kids gave Mac a hug and a kiss and ran up the stairs to get ready.

"Harm, are you ok with this?"

"We have to start somewhere baby. I promise to remember all the things we spoke of last night and do my best to not let my emotions run away from me."

"Ok, walk me to my car?" Harm smiled at her knowing she wanted a goodbye kiss without an audience.

"Be right back ladies."

"Trish, the kids' lunches are in the fridge. Please don't let them forget just in case something comes up and we don't get to them before it's time for them to eat."

"Consider it done, darling."

"Thanks, love you both. See you soon."

"Bye child." Gigi said and blew her a kiss. Harm and Mac walked out the front door together hand in hand.

"Well, Sarah. We have our work cut out with these kids."

"Yes we do, Trish. I just hope the weekend is enough time for us to get them moving in the right direction."

Mac looked up into Harm's blue eyes and said… "Well, Mr. Mom, I hope you have a good morning getting the logistics of this weekend all situated. I promise I will be back as soon as I can. The press conference will more than likely be aired on ZNN, it's a big announcement regarding some new appointments for a few new admirals in the area."

"Don't you worry, Sarah. Take care of what you need to do and we will be waiting for you when you get back." Mac slowly raised her arms to encircle his neck and gently pulled him down for a sweet goodbye kiss. Harm moaned while she whimpered as their sweet kiss turned into something significantly more passionate. Mac began to pull away by placing little kisses down his jaw to the nape of his neck.

"You keep that up and I'm going to take you back inside."

"No you're not. Grams is in there, remember?" Harm frowned briefly then said.

"She sure is but I don't think she would mind in this instance." Both Mac and Harm gave a hearty laugh.

"Ok, I'm off. Tell the kids I love them." Harm nodded as she turned and got into her car. He watched as she drove off thinking once again what an amazing woman she was. Harm turned around heading back into the house.

"Kids…get a move on." Trish hollered up the stairs as Harm came back in the house.

"Did you enjoy your little goodbye kiss?"

"Mom, were you watching?"

"Of course…Not! Haha…the look on your face Harmon. Like your grams and I don't know what is going on with you two. You forget we have been with Mac from the beginning and she is as much family as you are. We can read you just like we can read her and what I read this morning was very…interesting…to say the least." Harm just smiled at his mom.

"Thanks for taking care of her all these years, both of you. Not to mention the kids I didn't even know I had. Seriously though…why didn't you tell me anything?"

"We tried so many times for so many months but you were set in your ways to do things by your book. We chose to honor Mac's wishes knowing in my heart that she was right. It was difficult to watch you throw your life away son but it was even more difficult watching you break her heart. I watched that young woman fall apart, and then pick herself back up and in those moments when I was supporting her emotionally I realized that although I love you and will till the day I die…well, I realized I didn't much like you at the time. I was bound and determined to be there for my grandkids and to do that I knew that supporting Mac was the best way I could honor you as well. So that's why…and I don't want to hear another thing about it. Harmon you made your choices, we made ours, knowing that you were at fault. So this conversation is closed. If you want to go down that rabbit hole you will find that it will only stunt your progress in bringing this family together" Harm looked from his mother to his grandmother, both with looks of spit fire, challenging him to contest what Trish had just shared.

"Do you agree with this grams?"

"Agree, and support 100%, Son. I will also say that we are here with you all until you need us to be. We will not abandon you in your time of need, child."

"Thanks Grams!" Just as they finished their conversation the kids came down the stairs.

"We're all set Grandma Trish."

"Ok, get your lunches then say goodbye to Gigi. She is going to wait here while your dad and I take you to school."

"Yes Ma'am." The kids grabbed their lunches and they were off.