Chapter 8: Birthdays, Love, and school.

Home Back Yard July 31st 1986 1100h

The last couple of years had been great for Matt. He had been promoted to Major back in '85, he enjoyed teaching the kids at BHMA. He asked Jane to be his girlfriend and she had recently moved in with him. He thought about how much he loved her and smiled, but by far the best part was raising Harry, and watching him grow up. He still couldn't believe that he would enter kindergarten in the fall.

It was Harry's fifth birthday and Matt still couldn't believe how much he had grown since he adopted him. He was now just 3'8" tall a little above average had brown hair the same Brown color as Matt's but was still messy like James. He had invited Harry's two best friends Andy Zion and Sara White. Sara had turned five a few weeks ago and was a little over 3'4" tall had Curly light brown hair and a pretty smile. She was the Commandants only granddaughter and had been raised by him since her parents died in a plane crash when she was two. She was close to Harry who hadn't gone through the 'girls are icky phase.' That wasn't the same for Andy who constantly argued with Sara, though he seemed to be growing out of it. "Andy don't pull my hair!" maybe not. He was the tallest of the three at 3'10" he had strait black hair and had turned five in February. Matt took a sip of his beer and walked over to where the Commandant and Miranda Zion, Andy's mom were talking.

"Hello sir, Miranda it looks like the kids are having fun." The three of them were playing on the jungle gym that Matt and Rob had put together the previous summer.

"Matt I told you to call me Frank when we aren't in school."

Matt grinned sheepishly and said "of course Frank."

"Burgers are done" called Rob who was manning the grill. In a flash the three kids were sitting at the table ready to eat, the adults laughed at their healthy appetite.

The Burgers were eaten quickly and soon enough it was time for cake. It was a medium sized cookies and cream ice cream cake with five candles. Jane, who Matt had been dating for a little over three years and moved in at the beginning of March held the camera while Harry blew out the candle. She then sat down next to Matt while Rob cut and served the cake.

After eating the cake Matt said, "time for presents!" and placed a medium size pile on the table. Harry tore into the presents with speed only a child can manage. From Andy he got a new GI-Joe action figure, a homemade blue friendship bracelet from a blushing Sara that he immediately put on with Matt's help, but he was oblivious to Sara's blush. A Tee Shirt from his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers from Rob, who was determined to teach him to play, a new 'Big Boy' Bike from Matt and Jane.

Harry smiled and said "this is my best birthday yet."

Matt smiled and said, "Your welcome Harry."

Several hours later the party broke up and the guests left. Rob who had moved into his own home across the street was the last to leave. Matt and Jane were cuddled together on the couch sharing the occasional kiss and watching Harry play with his new action figure on the floor. It was getting late and it was obvious that Harry was starting to have trouble staying awake. Matt notice and said "time for bed Sport, I'll tuck you in after you get your PJ's on." Harry's protest was cut off by a yawn so he nodded and did as he was told. A few minutes later Matt entered his room and tucked him in.

"Daddy, I love the presents but you didn't get me what I really wanted."

This was strange for Matt, he had never known Harry to complain about any gifts, he asked "what's that?"

Harry yawned again and said "a Mommy"

Matt smiled and thought of Jane then said "I'll work on that." Harry nodded and fell asleep. Matt turned the lights off and left the room.

Matt began to walk back to the living room deep on thought. 'Should I ask her, she would be a great mom and I do love her,' he entered the living room and saw her curled up on the couch against the arm rest and thought 'God she's beautiful, but what if she says no. It doesn't matter, I love her and she loves me.' He sat down next to Jane and she curled into his side. "Harry said he didn't get what he wanted today."

Jane was surprised and asked "what does he want?"

Matt took a deep breath and said "he wants a mommy and I wanted to know if you were interested in the job?"

Jane was speechless for several long seconds and Matt was increasingly nervous, then she asked "are you asking me to marry you" Matt nodded. Jane threw herself at him and said "yes, yes, yes! Of course will marry you." Matt sighed in relief and kissed here softly.

County Courthouse August 20th 1740h

"You may now kiss the bride" said the justice of the peace. Matt had no problem doing just that.

They broke apart Harry rushed forward and hugged both of them, he asked Jane "can I call you mom now?" Jane smiled and nodded Harry said "congratulations mom and dad!"

JFK elementary and middle school September 1st 0850h

Jane Drove Harry and Sara to school for the first time, it was less than two weeks after the wedding but she already thought of Harry as a son, looking in the rear view mirror she saw the two children holding hands, they were clearly nervous and reaching out the each other for support. She thought it was cute. "Ok kids, we're here, have a great day and I'll pick you both up right here. Sara your grandpa said you can come home with us and that he'll pick you up from our house. Sara gave a sad smile and said "Ok Mrs. Evans, I just wish he could see my first day."

Jane nodded and said "you can tell him all about it tonight." The three of them got out of the car Jane hugged Harry and gave him a kiss on the cheek, Sara got a hug as well. Before she could say anything the bell went off announcing the five minute warning for class and the two children rushed off into the school.