Author's Note: This chapter is (hopefully) a warm, fuzzy, feel-good one. I thought Mac and Joanna deserved it after dealing with the psycho nerds! Hope you enjoy!

The Dance

MacGyver stood in his office doorway and gazed out at his domain, otherwise known as the Challengers Club. For the first time since beginning this venture he finally felt in full control of the endeavor. Jack had left for L.A. and, at Mac's insistence, Cynthia had agreed to leave work early. It didn't take long before his eyes fell on the two youngest members of the club seated on either side of Joanna studiously completing their homework. Davey, the elder of the two, had inquisitive hazel eyes and dark blonde hair with an out-of-control cowlick that refused to be tamed. In his short time with Challengers, Mac had discovered the boy's love of science and desire to take apart anything that moves to find out how it works regardless of if he could put it back together or not. Davey's five-year-old sister, Suzy, had dark brown hair cut in a bob similar to Jo's. Quiet and non-assuming, the little girl had a way of wiggling into one's heart when they weren't paying attention. MacGyver felt his insides warm, realizing that these two children could easily be his and Joanna's. He began to wonder what a child of theirs would be like before the ringing telephone rudely interrupted his thoughts.

"I'm going to take off now, if that's okay," a female voice said from the doorway.

"Yeah, sure," Mac mumbled, not raising his head from the note he was jotting to himself.

"Davey and Suzy are helping the older kids clean up. I had them call their mom since they stayed later than usual."

"Okay," he mumbled again, his attention still focused on the note.

"Angus MacGyver! You haven't heard a word I've said!"

The harsh tone of voice, not to mention the use of his Christian name, caused Mac's head to snap up only to find Joanna standing in the doorway to his office, hands planted firmly on her hips, her brow furrowed.

Suddenly penitent, Mac quickly pushed back his chair and hurried around the old desk. He put his hands on Jo's stiffened shoulders and kissed her forehead.

"I'm sorry, babe. I got distracted and didn't even realize how late it was."

He felt her shoulders relax as her hands reached up to gently grasp his forearms. The look on her face quickly morphing from frustration to concern.

"Is everything all right? You haven't been out of your office since that phone call?"

"Everything's fine," he assured her. "How about we talk tomorrow and plan to spend some time together? Just the two of us."

"Sure," she replied with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes before she turned and headed toward the exit.

"By the way," she called from across the room, "I told Davey and Suzy you'd drive them home since it's dark outside." This time her mischievous grin lit up the night.

The older teens made quick work of the end-of-day clean-up routine. Not only did it take a load off of MacGyver and Cynthia, but it gave the youth a sense of responsibility and ownership. Mac had just returned from dumping the garbage when he spotted Davey walking aimlessly around the rec room.

"Ready to go home, buddy?" he asked the boy.

"I can't find Frog," Davey replied, holding up the dog leash as if to make his point.

"He's around here somewhere. I'll round him up," Mac promised. "Now go tell Suzy it's time to leave."

"I can't find her, either," Davey said woefully.

Mac's senses went on alert. A habit from his days as a field operative. But he didn't want the boy to see his concern.

"Maybe Suzy and Frog are playing hide-and-seek," MacGyver suggested hopefully. "Let's see if we can find them together."

Hand in hand, Mac and Davey inspected the perimeter of the large room and any nooks or crannies that might serve as a good hiding place, but they found nothing.

"Maybe Frog needed to go outside," Mac said. "Let me grab my jacket and we'll take a look."

He hurried into his office and grabbed the familiar brown bomber from the back of his chair. He was closing the door behind him when a muffled sob and a snort stopped him in his tracks. He stood quietly and listened. A few seconds later the sounds came again.

"Suzy? Frog?" he called softly. The only reply was more sobs and a snuffle.

MacGyver followed the sounds and soon found its source under his desk. Suzy sat cross-legged, her arms wrapped tightly around the stocky bull dog sitting in her lap, her head buried in his back as she cried. Frog sat patiently, his lolling tongue and panting breath the only indication of his discomfort.

"Hey, guys, is everything okay?" Mac asked, crouching down so he could see them better. Neither girl nor beast replied.

"What do you say we go on home?"

Suzy raised her head, her face flushed and tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I don't wanna go home!" she exclaimed.

"Why not?" Mac asked. Was something going on at the house that caused the girl to not want to return? All sorts of unsettling scenarios crept into his head.

"I wanna go to the dance!"

Totally confused by this unexpected response, Mac repositioned himself on the floor so he now mirrored Suzy.

"What dance?" Mac's voice was soft and calm.

"The daddy/daughter dance at school," Suzy hiccupped. "I can't go 'cause I don't got a daddy."

"Aw, sweetie, I'm sure there will be other girls there who don't have a daddy," Mac tried to console her.

Suzy nodded. "My teacher said I could bring my mommy, but she's not a daddy," she offered, looking MacGyver straight in the eye. "Davey even said he'd go with me, but he's only nine and I don't wanna dance with my brother!"

"Is she still moaning about that stupid dance?" Davey groused from the doorway.

"It's not a stupid dance!" his sister yelled back.

MacGyver sighed. He was way out of his comfort zone. "Let's all go home and get a good night's sleep and maybe we can think of a solution tomorrow," he offered, trying to sound authoritative.

"But I have a solution!" Suzy proclaimed. "Only Mommy made me promise not to say anything."

This piqued his curiosity.

"Well, ya know, I'm really good at keepin' secrets," Mac whispered conspiratorially. "Could you tell me what your solution is?"

Suzy shook her head vigorously.

"Why not?" MacGyver asked.

"Because you're the solution! I want you to be my daddy for the dance!"

Mac felt the air rush out of his lungs as if someone had punched him in the gut. Hard. He was flattered that Suzy wanted him to be her 'daddy', but if her mother insisted the girl keep it a secret she obviously did not approve. Getting out of this conversation was going to be harder than getting out of East Germany before the Iron Curtain fell.

"I'd be honored to be your 'daddy' for the dance," Mac managed to reply smoothly. "Why don't we talk about it tomorrow?" He quickly rose from his seat on the floor to avoid a rebuttal.

"Davey, come and get Frog, it's time to go home," he directed.

The Nomad had barely come to a complete stop in front of the Talbot house before Davey and Suzy barreled out of the car and up the front walkway. MacGyver followed more sedately, taking in the peeling paint and lopsided roof of the old structure. A lanky young woman with straggly blonde hair greeted the children at the door, hugging each of them tightly before they bolted off in opposite directions.

"Thank you so much for bringing them home, Mr. MacGyver," she said as he approached.

"No problem, Ms. Talbot. I'm happy to do it," he smiled.

"Please, call me Jill."

"Okay, Jill. Could we talk for a minute in private?"

The young woman's thin face paled, but she ushered MacGyver into the kitchen and started pouring two cups of coffee before he could object.

"I hope the children aren't being a burden," she said quietly, sitting on the edge of a wobbly wooden chair.

"The kids are great," Mac assured her. "We love having them around."

"Then what's the problem?" She couldn't hide the weariness from her voice. Working two jobs was definitely taking its toll.

"I wouldn't call it a problem," MacGyver began, "But Suzy was telling me about the daddy/daughter dance at her school. She's quite upset because she doesn't have a daddy to go with."

Jill sighed. "I know. We've been arguing about it for weeks."

"She told me about her solution."

"Oh, no," the tired woman moaned. "I specifically made her promise not to bother you with it."

"With all due respect, ma'am, it's not a bother. In fact, I'd like to be her 'daddy' for the dance if you'll allow it."

The look on Jill's face was a combination of surprise and relief. "Really, Mr. MacGyver, you don't have to do this."

"I want to do it. And the name's Mac."

Jill's face fell again.

"There's one problem," she said quietly. "Suzy is going to want a new dress and we simply can't afford it."

MacGyver smiled. "I have a friend who might be able to help out with that if you'll agree to it."

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Saturday morning Joanna entered the Talbot home much to the delight of Suzy who bounced across the small living room to greet her.

"Thank you so much for taking Suzy shopping," Jill said as she offered Jo a cup of coffee which she refused.

"It's my pleasure. And don't worry, I know some really good thrift stores," Jo promised with a smile.

Two hours and three shops later, Suzy was still unable to find a dress that suited her. Her mother had warned her about not being too fussy and to be grateful that she was getting a new outfit at all. Nevertheless, the little girl apparently knew what she wanted and wasn't going to stop looking until she found it. But Joanna was running out of options. There was only one second-hand store they hadn't tried. Within minutes upon entering, Suzy perused the rack with dresses in her size before declaring them all unworthy. Joanna sighed and massaged her temple where a headache was beginning to blossom.

"Okay. Time for the mall," she declared.

"But Mommy said the mall's too 'spensive."

"Not if you look for sales," Joanna smiled and winked at her young charge as they headed to the car.

After a quick stop at the mall's food court to refuel with burgers and fries, Joanna led Suzy through the nearest department store. Soon they were standing in front of racks laden with party dresses. Little Suzy's jaw dropped and her eyes grew wide. She stood stock still as if paralyzed by the options that confronted her. She bit her lower lip and looked up at Jo.

"What's Mr. Mac's favorite color?"

Joanna opened her mouth to reply before realizing she didn't know the answer. What was Mac's favorite color? She'd seen him wear everything from white tees to brightly colored print shirts and he always seemed to like what she wore, regardless of color. Not only didn't she know his favorite color, she also didn't know his favorite song, movie (though it was a Western for sure), season, or even pizza topping though she knew he didn't like anchovies. How could they have known each other so long and she still not know the answers?

A tug on her handbag startled her out of her reverie. She looked down to find Suzy staring up at her, patiently waiting for an answer.

"Blue," Jo blurted out. "Mr. Mac's favorite color is blue." She'd inform him later so he could give Suzy the proper compliment.

With the choices now narrowed a bit, Suzy began to gingerly pick through the brand new outfits.

"Does he like sparkly or plain?" she asked.

Yet another question Jo didn't know the answer to, but this time she decided to take a different approach. She knelt down so she was at eye level with the girl.

"Sweetie, I know you want to wear a dress Mr. Mac will like, but it's more important to find a dress that you like and feel comfortable in. Mr. Mac likes you regardless of what color you're wearing or whether it's sparkly or not."

Suzy considered this information before plucking a powder blue ruffled dress from the rack.

"I like this one," she declared, but a frown marred her precious face when she looked at the price tag. "But it's too 'spensive," she sighed.

The girl's comment was like a knife to Jo's heart. No five-year-old should have to worry about money.

"Why don't you try it on anyway," she urged. "Maybe it's on sale even though it's not marked."

Ten minutes later, Joanna handed the credit card MacGyver had given her to the clerk. After signing her name on the receipt, she reached for the tag on the dress, scribbled out the original price, and wrote in one that Jill would find acceptable.

"Your daughter will look like a princess in this dress," the cashier commented as she completed the transaction.

Joanna opened her mouth to correct the assumption when she suddenly decided to go with the flow. "Thanks. I think so, too," she replied, grabbing her package and heading to where Suzy stood waiting for her. She stopped and regarded the child. She had long ago accepted the fact that having a child was not part of her future, but this little sprite couldn't help but make her wonder what a daughter of hers might be like. Hers and MacGyver's.

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Mac winced as Joanna readjusted his tie and tugged on his collar. Once satisfied, she brushed away some imaginary lint from his lapels and pronounced him fit for the daddy/daughter dance.

"Remember, your favorite color is light blue and you like ruffles, not sparkles," she instructed as she handed him the small clear plastic container that held a miniature wrist corsage.

"Yes, mother," he replied cheekily which only earned him a scowl and a playful swat on his shoulder.

"Seriously," he said, "I will treat her like a princess and make sure she has a wonderful time."

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Suzy's small hand tightly grasped MacGyver's much larger one as she led him into the school cafeteria that had been transformed into a magical wonderland complete with twinkling fairy lights. Grown men talked and laughed as little girls whispered and giggled. It didn't take long before Suzy spotted her friends and picked up the pace, practically tugging MacGyver behind her.

"C'mon Daddy Mac, I want you to meet my friends!"

They approached a small group of girls similar in age who all turned and stopped talking when they got close.

"Hey everybody," Suzy announced, her head held high, "this is my daddy!"

The girls began to snicker and Suzy appeared confused as the tallest of the bunch…it always seemed to be the tallest who was the bully…stepped forward.

"He's not your daddy," the tall girl proclaimed. "You don't have a daddy!"

MacGyver felt Suzy's hand tighten in his and caught the slightest quiver of her lower lip. He knew tears would soon follow.

"I usually don't argue with pretty young ladies," he said calmly, "But for tonight I am most certainly Miss Suzy's daddy." He then turned to Suzy. "C'mon honey, let's get some punch." And together they walked away.

Mac quickly lost track of time as he and Suzy drank punch, sampled the family-friendly finger-food, and danced to a variety of music. Suzy tried to teach him new dance steps which she insisted were the most popular among her generation while he tried desperately to follow her instructions and not look like a fool in front of the other dads who no doubt had been schooled in these moves by their daughters over the previous weeks. His efforts brought on more than one bout of the giggles from his 'date'. When the beat of the music became slow and rhythmic, MacGyver gently lifted Suzy into his arms and she snuggled against his chest as he swayed in time to the song.

"Are you having a good time?" he asked.

"This is the bestest night of my whole entire life!" she answered, looking up at him with a happy smile. "Will you be my daddy again next year?"

Mac chuckled. "You bet I will."

The song ended and the DJ announced the conclusion of the evening. MacGyver lowered Suzy to the floor and looked at his watch. He couldn't believe the dance was over. He looked around to find a group of weary kindergarteners who were probably already up past their bedtime. Even Suzy's usual energetic glow had faded.

A short while later he escorted a sleepy Suzy to her front door where her mother greeted her.

"How was the dance, sweetheart?" Jill asked.

"It was awesome," the girl mumbled around a yawn.

"Say 'thank you' to Mr. Mac," her mom instructed.

"Thank you, Daddy Mac," she said, rubbing her tired eyes before heading down the hall to her room.

"I can't tell you how much I appreciate this, Mr. MacGyver," Jill said once Suzy had disappeared. "I don't know how I'll ever repay you."

"Hey, the pleasure was all mine. You owe me nothing," he smiled before heading back to the car.

Mac was already tugging off his tie as he entered his apartment. He shrugged out of his suit coat and deposited himself on the couch. He laid staring up at the ceiling, wondering if there were any more daddy/daughter dances in his future. If Miss Suzy had her way he was sure there would be. At least now he had time to practice his dance steps.