A/N: Short update for a reader who needed a little pick me up today. Will update again when I can.


Harm steps back into Dairy Queen shaking his head. The General has been in command for almost a year, and Harm still can't read him from one moment to the next. He is just thankful that the General wasn't angry with him for dressing down Lt. England. He is also rather curious as to what Cresswell has up his sleeve, and if he will agree with the non-judicial punishment, or if he has something more formal in mind. For now, Harm will enjoy the afternoon with his kids, and worry about any work-related consequences in the morning.

He walks back to find Harriet sitting alone at the table. As he places a hand on her shoulder, she looks up and they both speak at once, "Everything ok, Sir?" and "Where are the kids?"

Harm takes a seat, surprised that his concoction hasn't fully melted as Harriet points over to the kids, who are over at the freezer looking at ice cream cakes, trying to decide whose birthday is next in line, so that they can help them pick a yummy ice cream cake. Harm looks over to see Matthew, Trisha, and AJ, giggling, and pointing out the different features that each of them like. He overhears Matthew ask AJ to lift him up so that he can see the top shelf, which AJ does with no complaints. A broad smile crosses Harm's features. She teases, "What's so funny, Harm?"

Harm smiles, "It's just nice to see that are kids get along so well. AJ has really taken to the 'older brother' role quite nicely."

Harriet chuckles, "Well, it certainly wasn't that way when Jimmy first came along. He was very unhappy about the new 'dumb baby' that had taken up residence in 'his' house. You should have seen the Admiral trying to explain to him what 'acting out' was. And poor Jennifer, he bit her."

Harm laughs, "I must have missed that whole scenario. The good news is that he bit Jennifer, instead of the Admiral."

Harriet grins, "Yes, that was definitely a blessing in disguise! I do like the fact that he tries to include the younger children in some of his activities though. Even if he doesn't always want to."

Harm squeezes her shoulder, "Mrs. Roberts, he is your and Bud's son, would you expect any less? You guys are always willing to help out whenever you can."

Harriet softly smiles at Harm's compliment, "Thank you. Speaking of that, I need to talk to you and Mac about something Trisha said while you were on the phone with the General. I explained to her the importance of Red Nose Day, and she wants to do something to help out less fortunate children as well. I figure between you, me, Mac, and Bud, we could come up with something that all the kids could participate in. However, that conversation will have to be tabled for the moment. I do think it is time we round the kids up. I need to get home, and get started on dinner."

Harm rises to his full height, "Yes, I suppose it is getting time to start dinner. I just have to run back up to the register and get my wife something to go first."

Harriet gives him a hug, "Thanks for a great afternoon, Harm." She calls over to AJ, "Honey, tell Trisha and Matthew good-bye, it is time to head home."

Harm returns her embrace, "I'll see you tomorrow, Harriet, give my best to my godchildren."

As the kids walk back over to their respective parents, Harriet takes AJ's hand to leave, while Harm takes Trisha's hand, and picks Matthew up to get in line for Mac's treat.

Mac arrives home, just as Harm is finishing draining the pasta for their fettuccini alfredo, with a side of glazed chicken for the carnivores in his house, and veggies for all. She can hear the laughter coming from the kitchen as the kids tease him about the extra bowl of broccoli. She sets her briefcase and cover down, and walks into the kitchen to greet her family.

Matthew notices her arrival first, and runs toward her full steam, "Mama's home!"

She crouches down to his level, and gives him a great big hug. She lifts him up in her arms for a closer snuggle, "Yes, I am, and how is my big boy today? Did you have a fun afternoon with your dad?"

Matthew nods emphatically, "Daddy says I'm a big boy now!". Mac places him back on the floor as she tells him, "Let me say 'hello' to you dad, and your sister, and change my clothes, and you can tell me all about it over dinner."

Matthew gives her a quick peck on the cheek, "Ok, Mama."

Mac walks over to Trisha next, who is putting glasses on the table for dinner. "And how was your day, Sweetie?"

Trisha whispers in her mom's ear, "Daddy let us get ice cream. Real ice cream! And he let Matthew get worms and cookies too."

Mac laughs, "Did he now? Are you sure that it was YOUR dad, and not some alien that inhabited his body?"

Trisha giggles, "Yes, Mom! But you can pull on his ear to check if you don't believe me. And we brought you back something too, in fact, we brought your favorite, cookie dough!"

Mac smiles, "I guess I will have to go thank Daddy then, won't I?"

Trisha rolls her eyes. She knows her parents love each other, but sometimes they are way too kissy faced for her liking.

Harm raises his eyebrow as Mac saunters over to him, and wraps her arms around his waist, "Hey, Sailor."

Harm returns her embrace and gives her a quick kiss, "Hey, Marine. Welcome home."

Mac kisses him more thoroughly as their offspring try to find some way to ignore their parents for a few minutes. When they break apart, she whispers, "Call that a prelude to the proper thank you I will give you later." She adds, louder for everyone to hear, "Trisha, it's definitely your dad. I don't think an alien would kiss me the same way."

Trisha's audible groan can be heard from the other room. Her parents laugh, and sneak in one more quick kiss.

Mac chuckles as she states, "I'm sorry that I couldn't join you all this afternoon. Let me go get out of my uniform, and you can tell me all about your day over dinner."

Harm leers at her, "I can help with that."

She swats him on the six, "Get dinner on the table, Squid, I'll be back in a few minutes."