| Subject: In Hack for Christmas, Part 8 |
Author:
Maximus
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Date Posted: 09:00:22 02/08/09 Sun
In reply to:
Maximus
's message, "In Hack for Christmas, Part 1" on 22:10:57 12/23/08 Tue
In Hack for Christmas, Part 8
Author: Maximus
(H) We need to be at Grams place at 11:00 to drive to Harrisburg to pick up the new car dad and mom bought for her. She also asked that you and I meet with everybody this evening for dinner. Are you OK with that?
(S) Sure. Any idea what tonight is about?
(H) Not a clue but it seemed important to her when she asked.
(S) How are we going to handle Saturday morning when Trish and Frank need to go to the airport?
(H) Not sure. Their flight leaves from Harrisburg and they have their own rental car. It might be best to have breakfast with them before they leave. That means we only have tomorrow, Friday, to be around them before they leave.
(S) Why don’t we spend tomorrow at Grams place and be where they are for the day. I want to spend time with your mom and Grams.
(H) We can do that. Frank and I can work on her “honey do” list.
They were there and ready when Frank backed the Cutlass out of the shed and let it warm up. Grams asked Frank to drive her car and Sarah and Trish decided to trade places. The drive to Harrisburg became interesting when mother and son were completely alone and could talk.
(T) Even though it all seemed to happen suddenly, are you happy with the way things turned out? I know you have wanted her for a long time.
(H) Yes mom. Eight years was a long time to deny our feelings and watch as we each tried to work around the other. It took a lot of understanding and forgiveness on her part before she agreed to be mine. I imagine it could have happened earlier if I had not made so many mistakes along the way.
(T) Were you the only one to make mistakes?
(H) No. But ………. I could have been much more forthright about my feelings and what I wanted.
(T) Well, I really approve of your choice. You two even finish each other’s sentences. Any problems still left unresolved?
(H) Yes. Our job situation is a little up in the air at the time, but the Admirals you met the other night told us they will work it out between them. They both have become friends of ours.
(T) Now for the $64,000 question, is she good in bed?
(H) Mother! I shouldn’t be discussing that with you.
(T) I have found that great sex is important to keeping a marriage together and happy. It is always hard to continue being mad at each other when the sex is fantastic.
(H) I’ll just tell you this; we understand each other’s needs and have no problem making the other happy.
(T) I’ll take that as a “yes.” Are kids in your plans?
(H) We have already been working on that. You will be the first to know, after me of course.
(T) No promises, but, talk to Frank and I before you decide to buy a house to hold all the little curtain climbers you want. We have made some plans that might be of interest to you. We are waiting to become grand parents.
(H) It will be difficult for you two to be the “hands on” type grandparents since you live in California.
(T) We are working on ways so we can spend time in DC after the kiddies come. I think Frank intends to talk to you about it. Would you be OK with us being around close to your family?
(H) Sure. You two are a major part of this family and Sarah and I would love to have you around all the time.
Do you guys want us to go to the airport with you on Saturday morning?
(T) Not really. Since we have a rental we can take care of everything. But,…..it would be nice to see you before we leave.
(H) OK, we will see you for breakfast before you go.
Grams was visibly happy when Frank handed her keys to the new red SUV he had ordered just for her. She took to the driver’s seat and drove it around the lot a few times. She was real happy with her Christmas present. She signed the papers giving over the Cutlass and the deal was complete.
Everyone met at TGI Fridays for a nice late lunch and to talk. Grams asked to stop at the Super store for groceries before going on home and Frank told Harm and Sarah to go on ahead so they could be back at her house by 6 PM. Harm and Sarah enjoyed the return trip to the chalet. Sarah told him she had listened to Grams conversation with Frank and found tonight’s meeting was something about the farm.
They were there when Grams set out some lunch meat, bread, and chips for anyone that might be hungry before their meeting.
(G) The reason I wanted to meet with all of you is that I will soon be 86 years old and it seems some local people believe I am going senile. In the last 4 month, I have had an average of 3 people a month approach me about selling the farm. I love this place and intend to die here.
Since you, Trish and Harm, are my only natural family remaining, I want to deed the farm over equally to you both now with the understanding that I get to live here until my death. After the transfer becomes public, I will not have them waiting on me to die. My accountant tells me we can do one of those “for $1 dollar and other valuable consideration” type transfers.
I have talked to my neighbor to the west, Mr. Maynard, and he is interested in leasing the 60 acre field that joins his place. He intends to use it to grow hay and wants to flatten it out so it can be part of a landing strip for his plane. Last years taxes for the farm was $1700 and he has agreed to pay what ever taxes are, plus give you ½ the profit on the hay over all his costs. He told me all rocks taken off the field will be used to make a rock wall on this farm. Harm, he said you can also use the landing strip free forever.
I have enough to live comfortably for the rest of my days but the recent public attention about the farm is unsettling. All we need to do is go to the courthouse and file the papers.
(F) This is a very generous offer and I am sure Trish appreciates what you want to do. This year I have had numerous meetings with the Estate Planning attorneys made available to me by Chrysler and I want to suggest another course of action to you. With Trish’s approval, of course, we suggest you deed the farm to Harm and Sarah. They are much younger and should enjoy the farm for the rest of their lives. Actually, I think you just might outlive all of us.
Confidentially, our combined estate now exceeds $15 Mil and the government will eventually get about 60 % of that when both of us are gone if we don’t do something now. Our wills now say Harm, and they will soon say Harm, Sarah, and any children they might have, will receive what is left. We fully intend to make gifts and to use all other legal means possible to lower the size of our estate and increase the net worth of Harm and his family. Giving either of us anything just adds to the problem instead of helping. Give it to Harm and Sarah and hopefully they will outlive us all. That way every body wins.
(G) And Trish, are you OK with this?
(T) Yes I am. I think it is a great idea and Harm lives closer to you just in case you need his help quickly.
(G) Well, let’s go to town tomorrow morning and do this before I get confused about it. Harm, you and Sarah now own the old home place. When John finishes the air strip you can fly up when you get time. You could even leave your plane here when you are not using it. Remember when you worked on it right out there in the big shed when you were healing?
(H) Yes Grams I do. That summer taught me a lot. That was a unique opportunity to be here with you. Those were good times.
(G) Sarah, I understand you have done some legal estate work. Do you agree with what Frank told us?
(S) Yes I agree with the planning idea, but it would not be right for me to give any advice since Harm, I, and our future children might be involved. All of you have already been so charitable toward Harm and I by accepting me as you have into the family.
(G) We are the lucky ones to have you love my grandson and Trish’s boy. Welcome to the Rabb clan, Sarah.
(H) So Grams, when do you want to go tomorrow?
(G) Since they open at 9 AM, why don’t you come early enough to have some of my waffles before we go?
(H) That sounds great. What do you have in the job jar that Frank and I can do for you tomorrow?
(G) If you know anything about electricity, I am having problems with my clothes dryer. It never has been very hot but the meter really goes around fast. Mr. Maynard told me I need all new heavy wiring to power the dryer. Maybe you could look at it before you go so you know what we need to buy when we are in town.
Harm and Frank agreed and found the circuit breaker box. After looking it over they found that who ever installed her first dryer had not installed the much heavier wiring that was required. They did not tell her but agreed it had been a dangerous fire hazard for many years. They told her they had located the problem and would take care of it. Harm and Sarah finally called it an evening and returned to the chalet noting that the Escalade was still parked at #9. Since they had now been married 3 whole days, a few fantasies took center stage for the evening ….…………. after the special pregnancy position was tried once again. They were finding marriage definitely to their liking.
By 10:30 the next morning, Harm and Sarah found themselves owners of the family farm and Harm and Frank were visiting the local hardware store as Grams, Sarah and Trish visited Sam’s Fountain and Drug Store. Grams relayed stories of being a young woman visiting the store when Grandfather Rabb first took notice of her. Trish fed into her stories and Grams told of her earlier life.
Harm found all of the items needed to safely increase the electrical service up to 75 amps which was more that she would ever use. They talked a lot as they stowed all parts in Grams’ new SUV and went looking for their ladies. They ordered root beer floats and joined the ladies in the feelings of nostalgia as Grams wove her web of an earlier happy time in her life. They heard stories of the joy and loneliness of many years as they had passed.
Frank and Harm parked close to the garage door and helped the ladies into the house over the fresh snow. They moved items around in the garage and striped out the old wiring replacing it with the heavier wiring designed to carry the load of the dryer. They caused a minor interruption when they had to shut the power off to the house to wire and replace the circuit breaker in the power box. Testing the dryer proved all was OK and working fine. Harm and Frank then spent the remainder of the day talking and inspecting the rest of the house wiring and replaced several wall receptacles and 2 switches. Even though they turned the power on and off different time, everyone remained flexible until the work was finished.
When everything was all finished, it seemed too late for cooking dinner so Frank invited everyone to Angelina’s Italian restaurant which was in downtown Belleville. They took Grams’ new SUV again and enjoyed themselves eating and talking as a family until 10:00 P.M. before leaving to go back to the farm. Frank drove rather slowly but followed Grams’ directions to see the few remaining Christmas lights put up by her neighbors. After returning to the farm, Harm and Sarah agreed to be back at 07:30 to have breakfast with Trish and Frank before they had to leave for the airport. They said goodbye and made it back to the chalet once again. They talked for a time after showers and could hardly stay awake. They ended up spooned together in each others love and protection.
The alarm clock went off early and they made it back to the farm on time to spend time there. They talked over any and all items that still seemed unresolved and made tentative plans for the New Year. They talked of a baby and everyone was enthused about the possibility of grandchildren.
Frank and Harm carried their bags and items to the rental car as Trish was making last minute plans with everyone. They thanked each other and hugged before they entered the car and drove away as everyone waved.
Grams’ mood seemed to change a bit after they left and Harm asked where and how she was going to spend tonight, New Year’s eve. The answer surprised him when she revealed that the VFW was hosting a Bingo party till 1 AM followed by a dinner of pork and black eyed peas to start the New Year for good luck. She explained that they had given her an official invitation to also bring the newlyweds to the party. She asked Sarah and Harm to go with her and Sarah accepted before giving it any hesitation or thought.
(H) What time do you want to be there?
(G) Why don’t you come by about 7 P.M. so we can have a normal meal together and the Bingo starts at 9 P.M.? Last year was a lot of fun and I think everyone won something. It will get over about 2 A.M. and we can get a little sleep after that.
I am going to get a nap today because all of the excitement has been fun but I am exhausted. I have sure enjoyed you two being here with us. I think I am going to turn in soon if you don’t mind.
(S) That is fine. We will go on and will be back later. Thanks for everything you did and all of the plans to make our wedding happen. It was a lot to ask of you.
(G) It was OK. I enjoyed doing it for both of you. It was a once in a lifetime thing I could do. See you guys later, OK?
(H) Thanks Grams, we will see you about 7 PM.
They waved as they left knowing that the week had taken a toll on her but also knew she was a trooper. At 85, she could still go with the best of them.
They stopped at a 7/11 store for supplies and then to the Lodge when getting back to the resort and found AJ and Rosemary sipping coffee over by the large window.
(H) You guys up for some company?
(AJ) Yes. We were just trying to decide where we would spend New Years Eve? We have received 3 invites and we are leaning toward JJ’s place for cards and beer.
(H) Sounds like fun. We are going with my grandmother up to the VFW for bingo and with pork and black eyed peas after midnight.
(AJ) You will have fun there if they find you are still active Navy and Marines. Make sure they know when you go in.
How did you find everyone in your family?
(H) Grams seems older and slower but I guess I am too. It has been a while since I spent any time with her. Frank and Mom seem the same but seem to be closer to retiring than I ever noticed before. He is dealing with Estate planning issues that may affect us sooner or later. Our wedding brought a lot of feelings to the surface and started them into actions that they might not have taken if I was still single. They love Sarah to death.
(S) They took me in as if I had lived with them forever. This is more than I ever expected. Being a Rabb wife is going to be really great.
(H) Well, enjoy yourselves. We were up very early so we are going back to get some sleep since we are going to be up late again tonight. See you later.
They enjoyed sleep and many other things during the day and were on time at Grams’ place. She had prepared the kind of meal Harm remembered so well from an earlier time. They were at the VFW at 9 PM and bought their Bingo cards and sat with friends of Grams.
Everyone had enjoyed the evening and Grams had won an electric blanket at Bingo. The meal of pork and black eyed peas was very good and everyone took turns coming by to congratulate Sarah and Harm and talk to Grams. They left shortly before 03:00 and took Grams to her home and made sure she was safely inside her house before leaving.
Harm did his best to stay on the road to the resort as Sarah was taking turns blowing and sticking her tongue in his ear. They finally made it to the chalet and Harm hoisted her over his shoulder and carried inside and laid her on the bed.
(H) You’re really going to get it now.
(S) I certainly hope so. I wanted to tear your clothes off the whole time we were there. You are my “Macho Stud”.
Without much further being said, he helped her out of her clothes and his as well. She warned him of her intention to do Harriet’s special position again so he wouldn’t be surprised when it happened. Her timing was perfect and just as everything was coming to a climax, his cell phone rang.
(S) Harm, don’t you dare leave me nooooooow. Oh Harm, forget the phooooooone. Keep going.
(H) No phone, No Hoooooow.
(S) HARM! Yes, baby yes. Now Harm now, now, now.
The phone stopped ringing after the 9th ring, not that either had counted……..or cared. After Harm caught his breath, he slowly backed out and away this time so she could accomplish the 5 minutes ankle hold. As he cuddled close to her, the phone started ringing again.
(H) Rabb.
(AJ) Are you guys just getting home?
(H) Yes. They had a Good Luck pork dinner after the New Year began and we had a good time with all the local folks. If you will wait a second sir, I am going to turn up the volume so Sarah can hear.
(AJ) I am sorry to call so late but I am going to need you both back in D.C. ASAP. Varese has been raped and beaten in Sturgis Turner’s apartment. The DC police responded to a disturbance call from a neighbor and Sturgis has been arrested, turned over to NCIS, and is now being transported to Quantico for holding.
(H) Are you already there sir?
(AJ) No, I am in Scotland right now delivering Rosemary back home before I leave for Falls Church. Sturgis specifically asked for you two to help him which means you will need to end up at Quantico. I don’t need to remind you that the NCIS guy down there is a real hard ass so go in the right uniform and rattle his cage if you have to.
(S) Sir, it will take a bit to finish what we were doing here and we will get on the road after that. Anything we can do for you, sir?
(AJ) I understand. Just be careful because it is cold out there and I need you to get there safely.
(H) If Sturgis calls back, let him know we are on the way.
(AJ) Thanks people, and I would appreciate it if nothing is said about what has transpired the past few days between Rosemary and I. We enjoyed each other ……..……..a lot.
(H) Mum is the word sir.
(AJ) Thanks. Call me after you get in D.C. and in proper uniform and I will bring you up to date on the latest. I’ll see you at JAG.
Harm hung up the phone and waited for another 34 seconds until Sarah’s 5 minutes was up.
(H) His timing stinks sometimes. But……….it is not like I am going to deliver you home and not see you again for days. We can pick up where we left off whenever we choose. He sounded like he enjoyed his time with Rosemary.
(S) You got it sailor. You and I am now a forever thing. We will need to wait and find how Rosemary affects his thing with Sally.
Harm called Grams hoping she had not yet fallen to sleep and relayed the news. He promised to return in a few weeks when they had something more to tell her. They ended the call with thank you’s from everyone to the other.
Harm and Sarah attempted to shower together and ended up in the hot tub one last time. They made love again on the top of the covers looking out over a moon covered mountain. They dressed and packed up what clothing was left.
(H) Honey, would you drive the first leg? I had a couple beers early and there is no use to take a chance. (as he handed her a golden key on a chain)
(S) What’s this? A Heart with “Princess” on it?
(H) I bought that for you when I had a key made. It’s yours to keep since you are my “Princess” from now on.
(S) Thank you, babe.
Harm took the packed seabags to the SUV and backed it close to the stairway. He left it run to warm up and made sure that his new bride got safely in the car. They dropped the key cards thru the slot at the lodge with a note explaining their early departure.
After being on the road for a while:
(S) Has my strong appetite for sex upset you?
(H) Not at all. I believe we both have the same appetite. Being your husband is totally fantastic. We fit the jelly bean profile old Doc Richards told me about to a tee.
(S) Jelly Bean Profile? What are you talking about?
(H) It says that if a couple puts a jelly bean in a jar for every time they have sex for the first 2 years and then after that removes a jelly bean out of the jar every time after that, they will never empty the jar.
(S) If that is even close to being true, I think you and I will need to extend the time from 2 to 4 years. I intend to enjoy making love with you for a very long time if our health holds out.
(H) I like your version much better.
(S) Where are we going to live? I don’t have a preference since both apartments are nice and I want to be where you want to be.
(H) Either. You can choose because we aren’t going to be there very long anyway.
(S) And you know that…………. how?
(H) Oh I forgot to tell you, I have been talking with friends and now have our whole life planned out. Do you want to hear?
(S) Yes, fill me in, kind sir.
(H) After getting Sturgis out of the brig, we are both going to give notice we are moving. On February 15 we are moving into penthouse # 2 on the top floor of the new Carlton Arms building in Falls Church. About that time we will find that we are going to be parents to the most beautiful little girl. The O-6 selection board will meet in June and we will both be selected. You will reserve your commission in August so you can deliver our baby in September and be with our little girl, Miss Laura Alyce Rabb. I will become Chief of Staff. Chegwidden will set me up with an overseas assignment before he retires so I can stay on the fast track. We will sell penthouse #2 and make a gazillion dollars on it before we move to that far-off assignment. You will have our second child before we leave, a little boy, one year after Laura’s birth. We will stay overseas for a couple years and while there, you will have our third child, another girl. After Chegwidden’s replacement gives it up, I will become a Rear Admiral and become the new JAG. After we get back, Grams will come live with us so we can keep an eye on her and you can go back to finish your last 4 years so you can retire with 20 years. We both retire and move to the Bahamas where we concentrate on raising our family and making love on the beach all the time. Now how does that sound to you?
(S) Did you have more than two beers last night?
(H) No I didn’t, but I had some private conversations that I haven’t told you about.
(S) Why didn’t you tell me yesterday since we had most of the day to ourselves?
(H) Well gee, let me see. My choices were: talk to you for hours or make sweet love to my beautiful wife all afternoon. There was not really a choice to be considered.
(S) I agree. Talking is overrated. You definitely did the right thing…………many, many wonderful times.
(H) When we get back to your apartment, we will retrieve and study the boiler plate “Rabb Family Partnership Agreement” prepared by Frank’s attorney that was to be sent to your laptop. The builder of Carlton Arms building is in a severe cash crunch and shopped a special deal on the West coast and to Frank’s investment partnership for both penthouses on the top floor. The partnership was not interested because it is not in California, but Frank thinks it is ideal for us.
They were asking $ 1.2 mil each and we can now get both for $ 1.1 mil total with the proviso that it be cash and the sales price not be divulged in D.C. They have a new building started and need the money right now. We will live in # 2 which is the smaller of the two and Frank and Trish will stay in # 1 when they are in town and he also wants to add more amenities to it. Our family partnership will be you, me, and Frank with Frank fronting the money and loaning us $500 K for our part of the partnership. I suggested you be the senior partner since you have drawn them up before and will most likely be pregnant and home at that time.
The attorney is enclosing copies of the latest test cases that allow all income and growth be shared among partners based on the effort they contribute. Frank will only give advice and you and I will make the effort and reap the benefits and can then use it to buy down our loan to him thereby quickly increasing our net worth. His advisors believe the real estate market has a couple more years before trouble hits. We will use our current furniture and not get caught up in the whole penthouse thing. When it is time to sell, we will rent fine furniture to make a great impression on the buyer. We will keep Penthouse # 1 since it has an office and 4 bedrooms and will work for our larger family when we need it.
On the advancement front, we now have a mentor in JJ. He was very impressed with us and said he would speak to Chegwidden to get it straightened out. And honey, I think you and I have the baby thing under our control.
(S) Sounds like you have been a busy guy. Are you convinced this will work out somewhat like you told me?
(H) Yes I do. Frank is one of the brightest men I have ever known with real estate and he no longer wants or needs to increase his net worth and wants to help you, I, and his future grandchildren. I think all is good from here.
(S) So we give notice and the movers move us out and in by Feb 15? I can get next to that. Are we going to have problems with the Navy?
(H) Not that you will need more to do, but if you manage the partnership, Frank could be more successful in legally moving more of their estate to us the way he wants to. We should not have any Navy problems if we leave a solid paper trail and run it by the book. You and I would not do it any other way.
(S) How sure are you about the baby details?
(H) Pretty sure. You see my wife is the most amazing woman and she told me she wants to be the mother to every one of my children. Her performance since our marriage has been beyond compare.
(S) Well, she takes great pleasure in accepting your magnificent size and the huge contribution you so willing give her. I am sure she will give you what you desire.
(H) I am sure also. My timing might be off a little but I want to get there with you. We can do this………together.
(S) We are about 2 blocks from my place and then the “Back and Forth” ordered by AJ will be officially over. I am sure it succeeded beyond AJ’s wildest dreams as it did mine. It is still early and I think you and I need to try making our baby again before we go on to Quantico. I want us to take every opportunity to make our dreams come true. Will you give me this?
(H) No……………… we will both give “US” this. Like you said earlier, we are now the ultimate team. We have weathered so many storms together and I just know the sun is coming out for us for the rest of our lives. Since God gave me you, I know he has plans that include many little ones for us to love. I want our marriage to be our number 1 priority.
(S) I agree. We are now a forever thing. I love you Mr. Rabb.
(H) I love you too, Mrs. Rabb.
Epilogue.
They enjoyed the “time out” they took that day ………. before leaving to bring Sturgis back to JAG since Varese refused to press charges. She had admitted an affair with the drummer in her band and during their argument she had slapped Sturgis and he had protected himself by hitting her back. He was released without charges but their relationship did not survive the ordeal and Sturgis understood that his career path had abruptly ended.
The movers finished the move into penthouse #2 on the 14th and they moved personnel items in on the 15th. It was very upscale, beautiful, and so nice. Frank and Trish were there to help as they would be for the next few years.
Harm and Sarah found on February 19th that they would be parents of twin girls. Sarah had health problems with her pregnancy and Harm stood by her through it all. The selection board met in June and both were elevated to O-6 in August. Sarah reserved her commission on September 12th and Laura Alyce and Victoria Raye were born on October 7th.
Admiral Chegwidden transferred Captain Rabb and family to Europe as Force JAG before he retired in late 2004. Harm came back to the U.S. in December 2004 and took Grams back so they could be with and watch out for her. She was so good with the little girls.
Harm and Sarah were told she was pregnant again in early March of 2005 and welcomed Mathew James and Lisa Ann on November 21st. Harm and family returned to D.C. on June 23rd 2007 so Harm could take over as the new JAG while also being elevated to Rear Admiral.
Harm and Sarah attended the ceremony when JJ received his fourth star and took on more responsibilities. They attended the wedding of AJ and Sally Truman; the OB/GYN Sarah had fixed him up with on October 18th of 07. They seemed so right for each other.
Harm III was born on June 10, 2008 even though Sarah had to have a partial hysterectomy after the birth to protect her future health. Even though her child bearing days were over, 5 children were a challenge for Grams and everyone.
Harm, Sarah, JJ, and Dotty were all at the hospital on January 13th 2009 when little Jethro was delivered into the lives of AJ and Sally Chegwidden. The baby was long and bald-headed like his father……….. but with a different disposition. AJ was on cloud nine and could hardly contain himself.
Sarah returned to the Marine Corps in June of 2009 as Staff Legal Council to JJ and stayed the next four years and she timed her retirement to happen on the same day as Harm and JJ’s retirement. Since she had received her O-7 in 2012, July 14, 2013 saw the retirement of a 4 Star and a 2 Star Navy Admiral and a 1 Star Marine Corps General. As they all walked out of the Pentagon, everyone of them were ready to open a new chapter in their lives. Even though everyone had a different life in store, everyone was ready for challenges that would make the rest of their lives worth living………..every day would bring its own joys and opportunities.
A “Back and Forth” had forced two special people to deal with matters left unfinished and had caused them to travel in a new life changing direction based on love and forgiveness. By being open to all possibilities, life had opened them to old and new friends and family who caused their lives to change forever……….for the better.
finis
Semper Fi.
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