Chapter 78

"Sure, Mac. Is that what you named her?" he asked, making his way through the crowd to get to Mac and the baby.

"Yes, everyone kept calling her Angel, so we decided Angela just fit. Now she's daddy's little Angel,"
smiled Sarah, reaching for AJ's hand.

"Daddy is a very lucky man, Harm. He has two Angels, wouldn't you agree?" asked AJ.

"Yes, Sir! You're a very lucky man indeed. Congratulations on the new baby, Sir," replied
Harm. "You too, Mac. Guess our deals off."

"Why, yes, Harm, for over a year now," replied Sarah confused.

"That's what I meant," he smiled.

"Harms acting funny, AJ," whispered Sarah.

"Maybe his biological clock is ticking, Darlin'. He could be jealous that we have such a beautiful daughter, while he expected to have one with you. You would think he would have gotten over that when we got married, maybe he hoped you would have gotten tired of me by now," laughed AJ.

"Stop that! I could never get tired of you, sweetheart! I love you too much," she pulled his hand, and he knelt beside her. Then in front of all their friends, she kissed him.

Sarah handed baby Angela to AJ, as she started to open the presents everyone was so thoughtful to bring. Bud and Harriett had gotten a beautiful little yellow dress that would look lovely on Angela with her complexion and a mobile for her crib. Sarah turned the music on the mobile to hear the song 'Anchors Aweigh'.

"Well, I guess we know which branch of the service she will grow up enjoying the music to," Sarah smiled. "Anyone bring the 'Marine Hymn'?" Everyone laughed as she looked to see if there was a show of hands, which of course, there wasn't. After thanking Bud and Harriett for their thoughtfulness, she moved on to the next present. Sturgis had gotten something practical, of course, a diaper pail.

"You'll be needing that, believe me. She will be using the...uh...you know and that pail is equipped with a deodorizer," he explained.

"Thank you, Sturgis, I am sure it will come it quite handy. It was so thoughtful of you," Sarah smiled while AJ peeked inside.

Jen handed Sarah a tiny packaged wrapped all in pink with a tiny pink bow on top. "I know it isn't practical, but I also thought I'd like one when I had a baby, so here, Ma'am."

"It's Mac or Sarah, Jen, remember?" reminded Sarah taking the tiny package and opening it to find a baby ring inside. "Oh, Jen, it is perfect. Thank you."

"She can wear it on a chain when she out grows it, Ma...Mac." Jen smiled, pleased that Mac loved the ring.

Harm stepped forward and handed Mac a certificate, "I'm not much with gift's as you know. I got this certificate for six months free diapers at your local McLean's grocery. I checked and they carry all sizes. So Angela's six should be covered for six months."

"That was nice of you, Harm, thank you. I am sure Angela will appreciate it." Sarah smiled knowing he had gotten the certificate on his way to the party. Harm would never change.

"Cake and punch anyone?" asked Harriett. "I also have tons of finger foods. You, new mother, just tell me what you want while daddy holds the baby."

That evening, poor little Angela was passed around from person to person until she'd had enough. Harm was holding her, thinking she could be his and Mac's, if only...when she started to cry. She was wet, and tired, and hungry. The parents were a little frazzled too, especially Sarah who was starting to feel the affects of all the travel and sitting up. She needed to lie down and take something for the pain.

Gently suggesting that Sarah had had as much company as she could handle for one night, AJ thanked everyone for the wonderful welcome home party and the beautiful presents for Angela, as they began to take their leave. Harriett promised to drop by soon and help with the baby.

To be continued….