A/N: There are days when I despise having an allergy to ice cream, specifically vanilla beans. Writing this chapter was tough. The Summer Berry Cake Cup Confection that Harm orders looks scrumptious. It really might be worth dealing with a sinus infection for a few weeks. Matthew's choice was inspired by a kid's menu item at Bruster's.
The Rabb's, and the Roberts arrive at Dairy Queen, and disembark from their respective vehicles.
As they walk through the parking lot, Harm carries Matthew, and holds Trisha's hand, as he asks, "Ok kids, what are we having?
Matt exclaims, "Chocolate Sundae!"
Trisha replies, "I'm not sure yet, Daddy, can I choose when we get up there?"
Harm says, "Sure, honey, and what do you think we should get to take home to mommy, since she couldn't make it?"
Trisha rolls her eyes at her father, in a very similar fashion to that of her mother, "Duh, Dad! A cookie dough blizzard!"
Harm scolds Trisha, "I don't like the word 'duh' young lady. Are you sure that's what we should get her?"
Trisha looks appropriately chastised, "Sorry, Dad. Of course, she never orders anything else when we come here."
Harm smiles, "Yes, I know," He thinks to himself that it is Trisha's fault that Mac never orders anything different. He recalls that Mac had a habit of sneaking down to the kitchen at three in the morning, when she was pregnant with Trisha. She did that often, searching for some kind of snack, usually something in the form of chocolate. However, approximately five months into her pregnancy, Mac decided that raw cookie dough was her treat of choice. Mac had purchased a couple of tubs when AJ was doing a fundraiser for school, and she had put them in the fridge to make cookies that weekend. Harm fondly remembers the night that he stumbled into the kitchen, still half asleep, to find her sitting on the floor, with her hand in the half-gone tub, and cookie dough all over her face. It didn't take him long to wake up at the sight of his beautiful wife, even if she was half covered in cookie dough. He definitely had a good time cleaning her up that night!
Trisha looks up, and notices the goofy grin on her father's face, and says, "What's so funny?"
Harm snaps out of his memories, and replies, "Nothing! I'm just imagining how happy mom will be when we bring her a cookie dough blizzard." He thinks to himself, 'Maybe I will have to clean her up again, not that I would object.'
Trisha smiles, "So, what are you going to have Daddy?"
Harm purses his lips, "I'm not sure yet, either, let's see what they have that is new when we get in line."
They get up to the line, right behind Harriet and AJ, who are having a similar debate trying to decide what they want.
Harm asks Harriet, "So, what did you guys decide on?"
Harriet replies, "I think I am going to have the Peanut Butter Parfait, because I feel like over-indulging a little. It's not often that I can do that anymore with four kids underfoot all the time."
Harm says, "Hmm..so that's what I will have to look forward to when Mac and I have another one?" He had to stop himself quickly before he let the cat out of the bag. He almost said, "In less than a year."
Harriet cheekily states, "No Sir, you will still be trailing by one, so you will have to work quickly to catch up."
Harm drops his jaw, "Mrs. Roberts!"
Harriet laughs, "Sorry, Sir, couldn't resist."
Harm shakes his head at her, "And what is Master Roberts having?"
AJ answers for himself, "A butterscotch Dilly Bar."
Trisha says, "Ooh Daddy, that sounds good. Can I get a Cherry Dilly Bar?"
Harm looks at her, pretending to think it over, "Only if you promise to eat it, instead of wearing it this time!"
Trisha giggles, "Yay! I will get a red tongue!"
Harm laughs with her, "You already have a red tongue."
Trisha says, "But I want a bright red one, like a fire engine, or a clown nose!"
Harm shakes his head at her logic, as Matthew pulls on his shirt sleeve."
Harm inquires, "Yes, Matthew?"
Matt whispers, "Worms?"
Harm quietly says, "You want gummy worms in your hot fudge?"
Matthew nods, "And dirt."
Harm questions, "Dirt? How do I get dirt?"
Matthew says, "Cookies!"
Harm audibly sighs. He really hopes that Matthew will be able to go to sleep tonight, with the sugar rush he is going to have from one simple sundae. Hot fudge, Ice Cream, Oreo Cookies, and Gummy Worms. Ugh! If he wasn't so proud of him with the training, he would never agree to this. He can just see Mac mocking him now, giving in to his son's request for all that sugar. Well, what she doesn't know won't hurt her.
They get up to the counter, and Harm orders all of the requested items, and a Summer Berry Cake Cup Confection for himself. He surmises that it is at least somewhat healthy, having blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries as part of the ingredients.
Harriet is off to the side laughing her head off at Harm's discomfiture with Matthew's request. He glares at her, "Not a word to my wife, Mrs. Roberts!"
Harriet smiles, "My lips are sealed, but you know darn well that she will hear about it from one of the kids. They don't keep secrets from their mom."
Unfortunately, Harm knows that Harriet is probably right. He knows the kids don't keep secrets, and he is actually thankful for that, most of the time, except when it gets him in trouble! He hands the cashier the money for everything. The cashier gives him his change, and a tent with a number on it, relating back to his order number, so that his food can be brought out to them.
They are sitting at a large booth,midway through eating their dessert, when Harm's phone rings. He looks at the caller ID and says, "Harriet, it's General Cresswell, do you mind watching the kids for a few minutes."
Harriet says, "It would be my pleasure."
Trisha says, "Don't take too long, Daddy, or your ice cream will melt."
Harm gives her a quick kiss on the top of her head, "It's ok, Daddy doesn't need the extra weight anyways. It's not as easy to keep off at my age."
Harriet laughs, "Ain't that the truth."
Trisha sticks her tongue out at Harriet for inspection as her dad walks outside. "Miss Harriet, do you think my tongue is the right color yet?
Harriet laughs, "What color red are you trying to get?"
Trisha replies, "The color of the noses that Mommy and Daddy wore to a party. They looked kinda silly. Mommy had on this really pretty dress, but the nose just didn't go with it. And Daddy had to get a really big one, as he has a big nose! Oops, don't tell him I said that, please."
Realization dawns on Harriet, as she tries hard not to laugh at Trisha's remark about her father's nose size. She imagines that that isn't the only "big" thing he has. Before the blush takes over her face, she replies, "Well, there is a special reason behind those noses your parents were wearing. Uncle Bud and I went to the same party, and we were wearing those bright red noses also. Uncle Bud looked silly, too!"
Trisha asks, "Was it a clown party?"
Harriet explains, "No, it was a fundraiser to help kids who need it. Red Nose Day occurs one day each year to help raise money to make sure that children are safe, healthy, and educated. You see, not everyone is as lucky as we are. There are many kids out there that are from poor families. Their families can't always afford everything that their children need, so we try to help out any way that we can."
Trisha ponders what she says for a moment, and then says, "I want to help too. Maybe I can get a red nose to help out also."
Harriet says, "It's about more than just about wearing a red nose, sweetie, but there are all kinds of things that you can do to help others out. I'll talk with your mom and dad, and maybe both of our families could do something together to aid those less fortunate."
Trisha smiles, "I'd like that."
Outside, Harm answers his call, "Good Afternoon, Sir."
General Cresswell grumps, "It took you a few minutes to answer the phone, I'm not interrupting, am I?"
Harm says, "No Sir. Lt. Sims and I are out with our kids having an ice cream treat. My little girl was worried that I wouldn't get to finish mine, but I don't need the extra calories anyway."
Getting right down to business, the General says, "Captain, I heard that you had words with Lt. England this morning, in the courtroom, nonetheless."
Harm states, "Yes Sir, I was going to inform you before I secured, but you were in a meeting. That is why I left word with your yeoman to have you call me. She had some disparaging words to say about a senior officer, and I didn't appreciate it."
Knowing how protective Rabb can be of the Colonel, the General inquires, "This wasn't about defending your wife, was it?"
Harm replies, "No Sir, not directly. It was about the content of her language, and lack of remorse for her actions. I wouldn't tolerate her talking about anyone that way."
The General states, "Glad to hear that. I have to admit that when I first heard about it, I laughed. Normally my attorneys are complaining that the Colonel doesn't take enough recesses, and now I hear its too many. I have my suspicions regarding the reasons for the change in her demeanor, as does Admiral Morris, but you can inform us when you and Mac feel comfortable to do so."
Harm recalls his conversation with Mac in her chambers earlier, and realizes he will have to broach the subject again with her, and soon, if their superiors have caught on to her pregnancy also. "Thank you, Sir. I will discuss the matter with her at the earliest moment I think she will be receptive to the discussion."
The General chuckles at Harm's diplomatic response. He knows, all too well, how stubborn the Colonel can be at times. He asks, "So where did you leave things with Lt. England?"
Harm remarks, "I did tell her that I thought non-judicial punishment would be appropriate in this case, but if you have other thoughts in mind, I will leave it in your hands. I did ask her to report to me before staff call tomorrow morning."
Cresswell says, "Come see me in my office first thing, and we can discuss it. I may have the perfect solution, if you are in agreement. Once we decide on a course of action, we can summon her."
Harm replies, "Aye, Aye, Sir."
The General says, "Enjoy the rest of your afternoon, Captain, and I will see you in the morning."
Harm ends the call, "Thank you, Sir, I hope you have a good one as well."
