| Carol and Michi |
Moms, Guns, And Diapers |
January 12, 2004 |
Disclaimer: “I know I don’t own it. Michi, did you forget to tell me something?”-Carol “Oh, I wish, Carol, but I don’t own them either.”- Michi
Spoilers: Oh, where do we start? Just a little bit of everything and some more.
Author Notes: I just want to thank Carol for giving me this chance here. I can’t believe that all my crazy ideas are actually a part of this story. I for sure can call this one my baby, because it’s the first FF I’ve ever worked on. Hope you guys like it. Feedback is always welcome, good or bad. -Michi
Tons of thanks to Michi for her ‘visions,’ they were the joy in my day. I’m so glad we were able to work on this and I truly hope everyone enjoys it as much as we have. -Smiles, Carol
Both of us also want to give a HUGE thanks to Dae for betaing for us. You’re the best.
E-mail: Michi at catherinebellfan@gmx.de or mp111275@yahoo.de and Carol at Writestories315@yahoo.com
Part 1
Thursday, November 11
Mac’s Apartment
8:25 PM
“There, is that better?” Mac asked the gurgling infant as she buttoned his sleeper. “Oh, you do like this better. Don’t you? I know I prefer a clean diaper to a dirty one.” She slowly picked the baby up and kissed his cheek. “How about a story?”
Mac carried the small baby to the living room. She placed him on her lap and picked up a case file. “We have two choices. The case of the evil lieutenant who hurt the superior officer or the backwards Robin Hood case, where the PO was giving supplies to locals for a fee.”
Jimmy looked at his godmother and giggled as she read the second ‘story’. “The second one it is.”
She slowly opened the case file as there was knock at the door. Mac rolled her eyes as she sat the file down and carried Jimmy to the door. “Never fails, I start to work and there’s a knock at the door.”
“Mac, it’s me,” Harm said through the door.
Mac smiled at his voice and rested Jimmy on her shoulder as she opened the door. “Hi. Come on in. Jimmy and I were just starting a bedtime story.”
Harm smiled and noticed the baby. “Hey there, little guy. Are you having fun with Aunt Mac?”
Jimmy smiled again as Mac answered. “Oh, ‘course he is.”
The three of them walked over to the couch and sat down. Harm glanced at the case files. “You can’t read cases to a baby.”
“Why not?”
“They’re cases and he’s not going to enjoy them.” Harm motioned for Mac to let him hold Jimmy.
She gently handed Jimmy to Harm, but the baby was unhappy with this change and started to fuss as soon as Harm was holding him. Mac chuckled softly and Harm handed Jimmy back to her. “I don’t know why he doesn’t like being held by you.”
“It takes a while for babies to warm up to me,” Harm defended himself with a small smile.
“Maybe it’s cause you weren’t around a lot,” Mac said before she thought about her words. She quickly looked at Harm in shock from her own words. “Harm…I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
Harm shook his head. “It’s okay, it’s the truth. There’s no need to apologize.”
“I’m still sorry, but you know, you’re around now and that’s all that matters.” Mac smiled as she quickly recovered.
Harm grinned and gently touched Jimmy’s hand. “Yeah, I’m around now.”
“So, how bad has it been since your return?” Mac asked.
Harm chuckled softly. “I think I have enough old cases and files to last a lifetime.”
Mac smiled at him softly. “I’m sure the admiral will dig you out shortly.”
“Yeah, I think so, too.”
The two fell silent as Jimmy quietly fell asleep in Mac’s arms. They both watched in awe as his little eyes closed and he drifted off into dreamland. Once Mac was sure he was sound asleep she glanced at Harm. “Let me put him to bed.”
She stood up and walked into her bedroom where she gently placed the baby into the portable crib which was set up in the room. Harm stood by the doorway and watched. He once again realized that Mac would make a great mother. He sadly smiled as he watched Mac kiss Jimmy’s forehead and secure the blanket around his small body.
Once she was happy with him in the bed she slowly turned around and glanced at Harm. She passed by him in the doorway and for the first time since his return to JAG Harm placed his hand on the small of her back and led her into the living room. The two sat back down on the couch. “So, what is Jimmy doing here?”
“AJ’s got the chicken pox. Bud and Harriet asked if I could watch Jimmy while they take care of AJ,” Mac explained.
Harm thought for a second. “I thought they had a shot for chicken pox.”
“They do but their doctor mistakenly marked AJ’s records.”
“Poor kid. I hated the chicken pox.”
“What kid liked them?” Mac asked, knowing the answer was ‘no one’.
“True. So you’ll have Jimmy for how long?”
“One week.”
“So you’re going to cart all of Jimmy’s baby stuff in your car.”
“No, actually tomorrow morning Sturgis and I are trading cars. He’ll get my ‘vette for the week and I get his Grand Prix.”
Harm thought for a second and developed a better answer. “I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t you borrow my SUV? It would be a little safer for you and Jimmy.”
Mac was stunned for a minute. “I couldn’t ask you to.”
“I’m offering, besides, isn’t this what friends do?”
“Yeah. Thanks. Do you want to pick me up in the morning?”
Harm reached into his pocket and pulled out his keys. “I drove it here tonight. I can just take your car home after I put everything into it.”
Mac smiled as Harm opened her hand and placed his keys into it. “Speaking of which: why are you here tonight?”
“I just wanted to come over and see you. Maybe watch a movie or something,” Harm explained as he got nervous. “If you are busy I can go.”
Mac gently squeezed Harms hand which was still holding hers and the keys. “No, you don’t need to go.”
Harm smiled and relaxed. “You up for a movie?”
“Yeah, I am. But something quiet,” Mac told him.
Harm let go of her hand and grabbed the remote off of the coffee table. As he leaned back on the couch he watched as Mac set the keys on the table and smiled softly at him. He started to flip through the channels but stopped when he saw one of Mac’s favorite movies. “Sabrina.”
Mac smiled as she remembered a night before Paraguay and Singer’s murder when she and Harm watched her favorite movies. Sabrina was one of them. “I love this movie.” Mac settled against the cushions and pulled her feet on to the couch.
“I know,” Harm softly said as they both got lost in the movie.
Location Unknown
10:34 PM
“Yes, I am able to start tomorrow. No, I have no problem learning on the job,” a man said as he talked on the phone. “Yes, thank you. One question though. Where will we be delivering to?” The man paused as he looked at the blueprints of a building. “The Washington area. Thank you. I, too, am eager to start working. Good bye.”
The man hung up the phone and smiled ruefully as he picked up two photos. “Soon both of you will pay for you deeds.”
He set the photos down next to his gun which was shining in the light. The light reflected on the faces on the photos also, to reveal Sarah Mackenzie and Harmon Rabb Jr.
Part 2
Mac’s Apartment
1:04 AM
Harm slowly woke up to the sound of Jimmy Roberts starting to softly cry. Harm pulled himself up but found it was difficult to sit up all the way due to an unusual weight on his chest. He looked down and smiled as he realized the unusual weight was not an unwanted weight. He carefully moved Mac off himself and slip off the couch but not before he gently placed Mac against the cushions.
He slowly walked into Mac’s bedroom and turned on the bedside lamp as Jimmy’s cry became more instant. “I’m coming,” Harm softly called to the baby as he walked over to the crib. He leaned over and picked Jimmy out of the crib. “What’s wrong? Huh? You hungry?”
“Diaper,” Mac said sleepily from the doorway as she walked into the room.
Harm glanced over at her. “I tried to get him before he woke you.”
Mac yawned, “It’s okay, I woke up when I knew I was alone.”
“Well, I’ve got Jimmy. If you want to get ready for bed.”
Mac walked past Harm and gently patted his back as he started to change Jimmy’s diaper on the small changing area. “Thanks.”
Harm heard the bathroom door shut as Mac got ready for bed. “Did your Aunt Mac just get out of diaper duty?” He asked the baby who had stopped crying and was happy to be clean again.
After a few minutes Mac walked out of the bathroom in her PJ’s and her face freshly scrubbed. She sighed as she listened to Harm softly sing to the baby in his arms.
After Jimmy fell back to sleep, Harm placed him in the crib. “You’re good at that,” Mac commented.
“Thanks,” Harm said as he noticed she was wearing her PJ’s.
“Sorry I fell asleep.”
“Hey, we both did.” Harm yawned. “I’d better get going.”
“You don’t need to,” Mac quickly said as she took a step to him.
Harm thought for a second and considered staying the night with her. He didn’t care if it might be on her couch or not, but then the other voice in his head chimed in. “No, I’ll better go home.”
Mac realized he was right. “You’ll be fine.”
“Promise. But before I go, I’ll put Jimmy’s stuff into the SUV.”
“I can help,” Mac offered.
Harm grinned. “You really want your neighbors to see your cute PJ’s at 1:30 in the morning?”
Mac chuckled. “Okay, you win. I’ll walk you to the door.”
Harm smiled as they walked into the living room. She handed him her car keys. “Just don’t mess with my mirrors.”
Harm took the keys from her hand. “No, I’ll just change your seat.”
Mac opened the door and Harm stepped past her but not before Mac gently grabbed his forearm. “Harm.”
“Yeah?”
She sincerely looked into his eyes. “Thanks for coming over tonight.”
“No problem. What do you say; tomorrow night I cook you and Jimmy dinner here?”
Mac smiled. “I think we would like that.”
“Good. So would I,” Harm said before he quickly surprised himself and Mac by kissing her cheek before he stepped out into the hallway. “Night.”
“Night,” Mac smiled as he walked down the hall.
Friday, November 12
Washington Direct Food Services
Washington DC
8:34 AM
“Hank, come here,” Kenny James called to the tall man standing by the coffeepot.
“Yeah, Kenny?” Hank said as he stood by his boss.
“Hank, this it Paul Alba. Paul meet Kenny, you two will be working together,” Kenny introduced the pair.
The two shook hands and watched as Kenny walked away. “So, Paul, what brings you to us?”
“Needed a job,” Paul answered politely.
Hank moved back to the coffeepot. “You got family in the area?”
“No, I just moved back to the States.”
Hank smiled as he poured a cup of coffee. “I thought I picked up an accent. So where are you from?”
“Just about everywhere,” Paul answered as he picked up a coffee cup and Hank poured him a cup. “Do you enjoy working here?”
“It’s a nice place. We deal with a lot of different people. One day we’ll deliver to restaurants and the next we’ll be at the Pentagon.”
“Sounds interesting.”
Hank laughed. “If you think this is interesting I want to know what cave you just crawled out of.”
Paul laughed with him. “My last job was full of different things; I think I’m just looking for some stability.”
“We’re pretty stable here. So you got any friends in the area?”
“A few, but we haven’t met up with each other yet.”
“Well, I’m sure you’ll be able to find the time. At five everyone here clocks out and goes home. No overtime,” Hank said as they walked towards the truck.
“Sounds like the perfect job.” Paul smiled as he thought about his two friends he really wanted to meet up with.
Part 3
Monday November 15
JAG
4:12 PM
The weekend passed with Harm and Mac rebuilding their friendship, yet again. But this time they had a little help from Jimmy. They spent the weekend together, taking Jimmy to the park, having dinner and lunch together and spending time at each other’s apartments, talking.
Several times as they spoke about their past it was very tempting to start yelling at each other and start another hurtful argument, but Jimmy would cry or coo softly to remind both of them there were more important things in the world than who said what.
Mac knocked gently on Harm’s office door. He looked up and she walked in. “What’s up?” he asked.
“I need to ask for a small favor,” Mac said as she stood in front of his desk.
“What is it?”
Mac sighed heavily. “I have to go interview a client and I need to pick Jimmy up by six or daycare will charge Harriet more. Can you pick him up for me?”
Harm smiled softly. “Sure.”
“It’s not a problem?”
“No problem at all. I’ll pick him up and we’ll go to my place till you have your interview.”
Mac gave Harm a very relieved smile. “Thanks, Harm.”
“No problem, you can repay me by having dinner with me and Jimmy tonight.”
“You just cooked us dinner two nights ago,” Mac stated.
“I know, but that was at your place. I think Jimmy would like the change of scenery for the night,” Harm said as he silently added, ‘I know you’ll like the change of scenery, too.’
“Sure. Do you want me to pick anything up?”
“No, Jimmy and I will stop by the store on our way home. Do you have a bag for him in your car?” Harm asked.
“There’s a bag in the SUV.”
“Yeah, we should switch cars.” Harm reached into his pocket and pulled out his ‘vette's car keys.
Mac smiled at the keys. “Gee, I get to drive your vette.”
“I drove yours yesterday.”
“And got a speeding ticket,” Mac added on for him.
His face got a startled expression. “How did you find out?”
“Sturgis told me that’s why you were late yesterday,” Mac grinned.
“Remind me to kill him. The man cannot keep a secret,” Harm muttered.
“Oh, I don’t know about that. He’s been pretty good at keeping a secret for me.” Harm raised an eyebrow at her but didn’t comment. “Your keys are on my desk. Just stop by before you leave to get them. I’ll call the daycare so they know to let you have Jimmy.”
“No problem. While Jimmy and I are at the store well get him something for dinner, too,” Harm said as Mac walked to the door.
She paused as she stood in the doorframe. “Thanks again, Harm.”
“No problem. You can thank me tonight,” Harm said not thinking about the double meaning of his words.
Harm’s Apartment
6:45 PM
Harm walked into the apartment with Jimmy in his car seat, diaper bag, briefcase, and a bag of groceries in his arms. He set Jimmy down on the bar along with the groceries. “You’re heavy for a little guy.” The briefcase and diaper bag fell to the ground.
Jimmy just giggled at his uncle. Harm unbuckled Jimmy from the car-seat and carried him into the kitchen as he unpacked the groceries. “So you think Aunt Mac will like salmon for dinner. I’m thinking some broiled salmon with rosemary, snow peas, a small salad, and some of those rolls.”
Harm placed the groceries away and set Jimmy’s car-seat on the counter in the kitchen and set the baby in there. As he started to prepare dinner he found himself teaching Jimmy how to cook. Harm laughed as he caught himself going through the directions on how to snap snow peas. “You must think I’m crazy, don’t you?” He asked Jimmy who was watching Harm like a hawk.
“Well, if Aunt Mac can read you case files I can teach you how to cook.” The phone rang, disrupting the little moment. “You stay there.” Harm walked into the living room and picked up the cordless phone. “Hello.”
{“Hey, it’s me,” Mac said.}
“Hey.” Harm smiled and walked back into the kitchen.
{“Did you get Jimmy?”}
Harm laughed. “Yes, we’re cooking dinner right now.”
{“We?”}
“Yeah, we. You don’t mind baby drool do you?”
{Mac laughed. “You’ve lost it.”}
“Maybe. When will you be here?” Harm asked in a sweet tone, which made Mac sigh softly.
{“In about thirty minutes. My interview went fine, but the admiral wants to meet with me briefly.” Mac rubbed her shoulders.}
“Well, we’ll be waiting for you.”
{“Has he eaten yet?”}
“No, the lady at daycare said he ate before I picked him up. He’ll probably be hungry when you get here. Do you want me to feed him?”
{“I’ll do it. I like feeding him.”}
Harm smiled as he once again saw what a wonderful mother Mac would be. “Okay, we’ll see you soon.”
{“Yeah. Bye.”}
“Bye.” Harm said before he hung up the phone. He placed the phone on the counter top. “Aunt Mac will be here soon.” Jimmy just smiled and giggled.
7:20 PM
“So your interview went fine?” Harm said as Mac gave Jimmy a kiss on the cheek.
“Yeah, I have a pretty solid case.” She walked over to the stove. “This smells delicious.”
“Broiled rosemary salmon with snow peas, salad, and rolls,” Harm told her with a self-satisfied smile. “It should be ready in about ten minutes.”
Mac looked around the kitchen. “Is there anything I can do?”
“No, why don’t you change out of your uniform.”
Mac crossed her arms and stared at him for a second before he answered. “And what would I put on?”
‘White silk nightgown’ passed through Harm’s mind as did the thought of Mac slapping him. “Your bag was in your trunk, I brought it up before I went to the grocery store a few days ago. It’s in my bedroom.”
“I think I have something in there. Thanks,” Mac said before she walked out of the kitchen.
Mac stood in the bedroom, getting dressed. “Can you get Jimmy’s dinner ready?”
“Taking care of that now,” Harm called to her as he placed the formula in a bottle.
A few minutes later Mac smiled as she walked into the kitchen, wearing jeans and a blouse. “You’re pretty good at this.”
“What?” Harm asked, as he watched her pick Jimmy up and sit down at the table where he placed the bid, napkin, and the bottle.
“Taking care of people.”
“I like taking care of people I care about,” Harm told her softly as she started to feed Jimmy. “Music?”
“Sure.”
Harm walked into the living room and turned the stereo on. “Jazz, Blues, or radio.”
“Jazz, but nothing heavy. Something light to help Jimmy sleep,” Mac called over her shoulder.
Harm looked thought his CD’s and found one. He placed it into the stereo and hit play. Soon the apartment was filled with nice slightly romantic jazz music. He walked to the table and sat down next to her and watched.
They were silent for a few minutes as they watched the small baby eat his dinner. “He really likes you.”
“He’s gotten better at liking you in the last few days,” Mac informed Harm as Jimmy ate.
“He hasn’t had much of a choice,” Harm muttered.
Mac laughed. “It bothered you, didn’t it?”
“A little. But Jimmy and I are good friends now. I taught him how to cook.”
“If you taught him how to make your meatless meatloaf, I’m never letting you alone with him again.”
Harm laughed. “No, we’re saving the good things for later.”
Mac was about to respond but Jimmy took his mouth off the now empty bottle. “Are you done?” Jimmy just looked at her. “Okay.”
“I’ll clean up.” Harm picked up the now empty bottle from Mac as she placed the small burp cloth on her shoulder.
She lifted Jimmy on her shoulder and gently rubbed his back. “I don’t like this part.”
“At least you remembered the cloth.” Harm looked at the salmon in the stove and started to get the food ready to be served.
Mac stood up from the table and walked into the living room. “I told you to wait, but you didn’t listen.”
Harm laughed. “The stain came out. I just soaked my shirt for a few minutes last night.”
“The joy of babies.” Mac laughed.
“Yeah,” Harm said as there was a knock at the door. “Can you get that?”
“Sure.” Mac walked to the door with Jimmy held to her still. She opened the door. “Yes?”
A woman in a blue suit looked at Mac with a confused look on her face. “Sarah?”
Part 4
“Yes. Can I help you?” Mac asked as she got worried and held Jimmy a little tighter to her.
The woman was silent as she took in the scene. She was about to say something as Harm called from the kitchen. “Who is it, Mac?”
“I don’t know,” Mac called back.
Harm quickly walked over to the door and fear flashed across his face. He quickly recognized the woman on the other side of the door. “Mom. What are you doing here?”
“Visiting.” Trish tensely smiled. “Mothers are allowed to do that.”
“Come on in,” Harm said as Mac held the door wider to allow Trish to come into the apartment.
Trish walked in with her shoulders visibly tense and Harm could quickly tell she was upset about something. Her body language quickly reminded him of the time he broke the front window of the house when he was ten. “Mom, what’s wrong?” Harm asked as he stood behind Mac and Jimmy.
Trish took a deep breath and took in the appearance of the apartment. Romantic music playing in the background, dinner for two ready to be served, baby things out. She looked towards the bedroom and could see clothing on the bed, which did not look like Harms.
“Mom?” Harm interrupted her thoughts.
Trish set her purse down on the bar and turned to face her son and Mac holding a baby. “I keep telling myself you’re a grown man know and that you don’t have to tell me everything. But it hurts every now and then, Harm. It was bad enough that I had to learn from ZNN that you were working for the CIA. But this takes the cake.”
“What takes the cake, Mom?” Harm asked as he moved closer to his mother.
“This,” Trish said as she looked around the apartment. “You’ve finally told Mac about your feelings and on top of it I’m already a grandmother. This is way too much, even for you.”
Harm and Mac stared at Trish with their jaws nearly hitting the ground. Mac shook her head slightly as Trish’s words echoed in her ears. “Excuse me.”
“Darling, I know Harm loves you and I think it’s great you two have finally gotten together. I just would have liked to have known before I got here.” Trish crossed her arms in front of her as she spoke to Mac.
Mac was about to say something again but Harm finally snapped to. “Mom, what are you talking about?”
“Don’t go delusional on me, Harmon. I remember the conversation as if it were yesterday. It was right after you returned from Paraguay and you were upset because Sarah was seeing Clay. You told me you l...”
“Mom, you’re jumping to conclusion,” Harm interrupted Trish before she could say anything more. “Can we explain?”
“I hoped you would,” Trish said.
Harm glanced at Mac as she calmly explained, “This is Jimmy Roberts. He’s Bud and Harriet’s youngest son. AJ has chicken pox and I’m taking care of him for them.”
“Mac asked me to pick Jimmy up from daycare because she had a meeting. I made dinner for us,” Harm added on as he watched his mother realize her mistake. “I made plenty so if you would like to join us.”
Trish let out an embarrassed laugh. “I’m so sorry I jumped to conclusions.”
Mac smiled. “It’s okay.” She then held out her free hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Burnett.”
Trish smiled and shook Mac hand. “It’s Trish, Sarah.” Then she moved closer to look at Jimmy. “He is so cute.”
“I know,” Harm said with a smile.
“Harmon, I haven’t called you cute in at least twenty-five years,” Trish commented as she ran her hand over Jimmy’s back.
“One can feel the love,” Harm muttered.
Mac laughed as Trish rolled her eyes. She turned to her son and gave him a hug. “I do love you, Harmon.” As Harm held her close she whispered in his ear, “When are you and Mac going to have one of those?”
Trish laughed as Harm turned red and walked into the kitchen. “I’ve never seen him get that red. What did you say?” Mac asked as she and Trish walked into the dining room.
“I just asked as simple question,” Trish innocently said.
9:35 PM
“Then he decided to try surfing,” Trish said with a smile.
Mac laughed as she pictured Harm on a surfboard. “I will pay to see those pictures.”
“Not in a million years, Marine,” Harm warned from his seat on the couch next to his mom, who was holding Jimmy. Harm looked at the young boy and smiled as his eyes fluttered shut. “I think we’re boring Jimmy.”
Mac looked over. “It’s past his bedtime.”
“You’re not going to go are you?” Trish asked as she looked down at Jimmy.
Mac looked at Harm. “No, why don’t you put him in my bed and stay for a little longer?” Harm asked.
“Okay,” Mac said as she stood up and Trish handed the nearly asleep bundle to her. As Mac walked into Harm’s bedroom she grabbed the baby bag off of the counter top. Harm watched as Mac disappeared into his bedroom.
“She’s quite the girl, Harmon.” Trish smiled.
“Yes, she is Mom,” Harm softly agreed. “So what brought you out here?”
Trish let out a sigh. “You joined the CIA.”
“Meaning what?”
“You joined the CIA and didn’t even tell me. Harmon, I know we haven’t had the best relationship in the past few years, but I want us to have a better one.”
“So coming out here without a warning is going to help us have a better relationship?” Harm questioned.
Trish reached over and took his hand. “I’m not asking you to tell me everything that happens in your life. Just a little bit would be nice.”
Harm smiled sincerely at her words. “Okay, I promise to keep you up to date.”
“Good, so let's start with an easy one. What is going on with you and Mac?”
Harm looked over his shoulder. “Do you mind she’s in the next room?”
“I know she is, darling,” Trish paused as she carefully listened to Mac’s voice telling Jimmy a story as the boy fell asleep. “She’s telling Jimmy a story. Now tell me.”
Harm sighed. “We’re working on getting our friendship back.”
“Anything more?”
“I hope so,” Harm said hopefully.
Trish smiled. “Good, because I want a few grandchildren and holding Jimmy is not cutting it.”
Harm laughed. “I’ll put it on my to-do list.”
Trish’s nice, sweet smile quickly turned into a wicked one. “Good, as long as Mac is the one you’re going ‘to-do’, I’m fine with your choice.”
Harm stared at his mother, shocked by what she had said, then they both started laughing and talking about other things.
10:23 PM
Trish laughed as Harm told her about another CIA story, leaving out a few classified details. “You should have seen the look on Blairsdale’s face when I told him I was a vegetarian.”
“I never understood how you stopped eating meat.”
“Just don’t tell Mac.” Harm grinned.
Trish then realized Mac hadn’t re-entered the room since she put Jimmy down. “Is she still with Jimmy?”
Harm looked at his mom then they both stood up and walked into the bedroom. They stood in the doorway and smiled as they saw Mac fast asleep, lying next to Jimmy. She was on her side, one hand tucked under her head and the other hand resting on Jimmy’s stomach. The boy was also fast asleep.
Trish looked over at Ham, knowing he was enjoying the scene in his bedroom. “She looks peaceful.”
“She looks like an angel,” Harm softly whispered.
Trish smiled even more before she nudged him and they both exited the room. “I’m going to leave. You and I will have dinner tomorrow night. Okay?”
“Sure,” Harm said as he helped his mom put her coat on. “I’ll walk you down.”
Trish kissed his cheek lightly. “I knew I raised you to be a gentleman.”
“You and Grandma wouldn’t have any other way,” Harm said as they walked out of his apartment.
A few minutes later he walked back into the apartment. He looked at the doorway of his bedroom and thought about what he should do next. He walked into his bedroom and gazed upon Mac and Jimmy. He laughed to himself as he realized she was lying on his side of the bed. Very slowly he moved towards the bed. He picked up the throw blanket and gently draped it on Mac, who woke up when the material touched her arms.
“Harm?” she sleepily said.
Harm leaned over her. “Go back to sleep.”
Mac rolled onto her back and sat up. “No, I’m awake.” Before Harm could say anything she rubbed her eyes. “I guess my story put me to sleep, too.”
“Must have been a good one.” Harm sat down on the side of the bed across from Mac.
Mac thought about her story. “It was. You know, the prince rescues the princess.”
“The best kind,” Harm softly said as he looked at her and realized this was where he wanted her. He was about to say something else when Jimmy started to cry softly. “Diaper?”
“Yeah,” Mac said as she moved to pick him up.
“I’ve got him,” Harm said as he picked Jimmy up, he carried the boy and the baby bag into the bathroom and proceeded to change him.
Mac stood up and looked into the living room. “Did Trish leave?”
“About five minutes ago.”
“She must think I’m really rude for falling asleep here,” Mac stated, embarrassed.
Harm and Jimmy walked out of the bathroom. “No, she said you looked peaceful.”
“He’s awake now, we better go.”
Harm sat down on his bed. “Why don’t we wait till he falls asleep again? I just want to talk some more with you tonight.”
Mac smiled softly as she gave into his request. “Sure.”
They both sat down on the bed. Harm placed Jimmy between them in the center of the bed as he and Mac settled half sitting half lying on the bed. They started to talk about different things as Jimmy slowly fell back into dreamland. Soon enough Harm and Mac joined him in dreamland. By their own accord one hand from each of them stretched across the small expanse of the bed and rested gently tucked inside the others hand.