| Subject: Past Sins and Compassion, the Return (Part 4) |
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Maximus
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Date Posted: 08:50:41 08/24/08 Sun
In reply to:
Maximus
's message, "Past Sins and Compassion, the Return" on 16:06:33 07/31/08 Thu
Title: Past Sins and Compassion, the Return. (Part 4)
Author: Maximus
(From part 3)
Harm watched her drive away knowing that things were different now and old hidden wounds could now start to heal.
Mac was back in the office at 12:48 after signing all of the final papers in Personnel and Payroll. She had received a rather large check for her accrued leave time that she had given up and had asked where Harm banked so she could get accounts set up at the same place. Harm made a call to the bank while Sarah was in his office to have a credit card issued in her name and Elga’s name so they could both access the household account for bills, food and whatever else they needed.
Sarah left to do her banking and for the movie she had promised Katie, AJ, and Nicki leaving Harm in her wake wondering about how she was molding herself around the life of him and the children. He certainly didn’t think it was a bad thing.
Part 4
Friday morning started with surprises to say the least. Sarah called at 05:15 and asked if she could use his car for the day because a conversation with Katie last night had reminded her that this was a life changing event for Katie as well as her. She suggested to Harm that her retirement might be important for all the children to be a part of since it could possibly have an effect on their future as well. Even though it was early in the morning, he heard her words loud and clear.
They agreed and she came and traded her rental car for his since his had all the stickers to get through the JAG gate and no one would cause him any problem about having the rental car for the day. She stopped in the house to make sure that AJ knew she would be there to pick him up smartly at 14:20 when he got off the bus so they could make it by 15:00.
Harm was standing by the elevator as it opened at 14:50 to reveal AJ, Katie, Nicki, and Sarah carrying Drew in his conversion car seat. She was formally dressed in full dress blues but without the sword and looked absolutely stunning.
Harm took control of Drew and covered him most of the way by a blanket. This was going to serve many purposes because it was Drew’s maiden voyage outside of the house and no one had seen the little guy that Harriet had given her everything for.
At 15:00 sharp, Harm called everyone present to attention for the reading of orders. After gaining their silence he opened by introducing AJ, Nicki, Drew and finally Katie as Sarah’s daughter. He acknowledged them as his family to everyone. Next, he asked for and Jennifer supplied the writings. He read the formal list of accomplishments, citations, and the dates of Sarah’s advancements. He accentuated the positives and finally handed her her final orders returning her back to civilian life. He asked for the bells and she was formally “piped over the side.” She thanked everyone for attending and formally ended her time of service.
Harm announced who was catering the buffet and invited everyone to enjoy. Harm moved Drew’s car seat to the desk in the middle of the bullpen that just so happened to be Harriet’s desk while she had been at JAG. He checked him over and took him to the restroom to change his diaper and cleaned him up and returned to the desk before everyone had passed thru the line.
Everyone spent time with Sarah and passed on their congratulations and she noticed that Harm had taken up a center position with Drew on the desk. After she had went thru the line and picked up food for Katie and her, she returned to Harm so he could go help AJ and Nicki get their food. After they chose what they wanted they realized that it was going to be difficult to get back to the desk because everyone was gathered around Sarah, Katie, and Drew. Harm stood watching a very relaxed Sarah talk to people while tending to his young son and Katie. If he had doubts before, he now knew she was meant to be the mother to his children. Harm and the children moved around and people moved so they could sit close to Drew.
The party ebbed as people started to leave because of the early secure that Harm had informed them of in his opening remarks. As different people from the office offered their final congratulations to Sarah, Harm introduced Marine Captain Jerry Campbell and Navy Lt. Cindy Davis as his Dynamic Duo. He explained that they were his strongest team and were experiencing some of the same problems they once had. Sarah told Cindy to call her if she ever had questions of a personal nature.
Harm, Sarah, and the children moved into his office at 16:30 as the last of the Jag crew was leaving. AJ and Nicki had their favorite chair picked out and Katie followed along with Sarah. Sarah carried Drew to the ladies bathroom to check and clean him as Harm looked after the others. Harm could see that her maternal instincts were taking over because she had not even said a word to him before tending to Drew.
The caterers finished cleaning up and had filled the refrigerator with all of the meat and perishable items left from the buffet that they were going to dispose of anyway. Harm went with them as they finished loading the truck and made sure they cleared the gate OK. When he returned, Sarah had already procured a suitable box and had the children choose what they wanted to take home from the fridge. After it was all packed up, Harm carried it to the car and returned for Drew.
Harm turned out the remaining lights as his tribe made their way to the elevator. Harm took a place in the back as everyone moved in. As it started down, Harm got Sarah’s attention by copping a feel of her butt. She turned and he thanked her for everything to which she returned the comment. The look on her face was priceless. Harm locked Drew’s car seat into his car and AJ and him took the rental car as Sarah drove his with the girls and Drew. Sarah stopped at the gate and turned in the set of orders she was required to leave with the guard and drove on.
Upon arrival at the house, Harm removed the car seat with Drew and carried him into the house and placed him onto his bassinet in his bedroom. Sarah took over as Harm returned to the car to get the box of leftover goodies from the buffet to sort them into the fridge. All the children took what they wanted seconds on and gathered at the table to eat. Since everything seemed to be going OK, Harm went looking for Sarah. He approached his bedroom slowly and watched as Sarah was singing Drew to sleep. She turned to him and invited him in by a nod. She continued to sing and slowly placed Drew in his bassinet as not to wake him. She straightened up and turned slowly to Harm and placed both hands around his neck and pulled him to her for a sweet tender long lasting kiss. When they separated:
(S) You did good, flyboy. He is so precious.
(H) I owe it all to Harriet. She chose his life instead of her own and trusted me enough to leave him with me. She told me to make amends with you if anything happened because she wanted you to watch over them for her.
(S) Thanks for telling me that and for trusting me.
Sarah could see he was almost if not more emotional than she was so she slowly made her way to the doorway and then to the kitchen where the kids were. She checked on Katie and found her ready and started saying good night to everyone so they could leave.
(S) Tomorrow is moving day so we will see you then.
(H) We will see you at 09:00 so be ready.
Sarah and Katie got to the rental car before the tears slowly found their way down Sarah’s face. They returned to the motel for the night and Katie was asleep before she knew it. Sarah gathered her many different boxes together so the move would work better. Sarah got ready for bed but was still a bit upset as she had felt the emotions that were still so raw with Harm. She knew it was going to take time but knew he was worth every bit she had to give. Sleep finally came after she thought thru all of the emotions she had felt today. She was now an ex-marine and she had kissed the man of her dreams that had lived daily in her heart for such a long long time.
Harm was on time at 09:00 on Saturday morning and started carrying boxes out and packing the truck. They had everything out of the room by 10:30 and many items had been hung in the rental car to keep them fresh and looking nice. After Sarah was certain that everything was out of the room, she went to the office and turned in the key. The trip to the house was relaxing as Harm was driving slowly to keep the boxes from tipping over.
They unloaded all the boxes into the garage where Sarah could look thru them one at a time when she chose to. Harm removed the battery out of his car and loaded it into the panel truck along with tools and the battery cables to start Sarah’s vette.
Harm drove the truck and Sarah drove the rental car to the rental office to turn in the car. Harm went in with her and signed off on the car and paid with his government credit card. They both crawled into the panel truck to head for the storage place.
They opened the garage which had not seen the light of day for years and removed the tarpaulin covering her car. Harm opened the hood, connected the battery cables, and checked over all the systems finding most still full. He marked and removed the distributor and inserted the tool to pre-oil the engine as the directions told him to do. He spun the pre-oiler for 5 minutes longer than the directions called for to make sure. After replacing the distributor and pouring some gas down the carburetor it was time to try it. Sarah pumped the gas and tried to start it several times before it finally came alive. The smoke rolled momentarily and the engine started to change it’s sound. Harm carried the cables and battery out as Sarah backed it out so the fumes could dissipate. The car sounded healthy after about 20 minutes and they decided to take it to the house. Sarah understood it would need new tires and other things which helped her make up her mind to change cars.
Harm helped Sarah carry all the boxes she chose into the guest bedroom before checking with Hilda about lunch for the kids.
He asked her to stay later tonight so he and Sarah could see old friends with the promise she would not need to come in on Sunday (tomorrow). Hilda agreed with the stipulation that someone take her home since the bus did not run that late and Harm agreed. Since it was already 14:30, they decided to use the rest of the afternoon to prepare for their dinner date.
Harm was dressed in a grey suit waiting in the family room with the kids when Sarah came in. She was dressed beautifully in dark blue with grey accessories. She sat for a moment to explain to AJ, Nicki and Katie that Harm had invited her to meet with old friends for dinner and they would be back after the children’s bedtime.
Harm explained that Hilda would be staying with them this evening and that she would not be back tomorrow. Harm told them that if it was nice tomorrow they would try to go either to the mall, zoo, or the park for a picnic. Everybody decided that was a good idea as Harm and Sarah got up and made their way to the door.
After getting into his car and pulling away:
(H) I had forgotten how beautiful you are.
(S) That sounds like a complement you gave me far far in the past.
(H) Yes, but you deserve to be told more often. I missed many opportunities to tell you how important you are to me.
(S) We have had a lot of “what ifs” haven’t we?
(H) Too many but I hope those kind of days are over for you and me.
(S) We wasted a lot of time but I think it could still work out after all if we both want it to.
(H) Maybe so. In fact, right now I kinda hope so.
(S) Me too.
(H) Since we didn’t have much for lunch, do you mind eating first? We have a new Sam Seltzer’s Steakhouse since you were here last that has great prime rib and a rack of ribs that is to die for.
(S) No I don’t mind. You seem to be eating a lot more meat than I remember.
(H) Yes, but some types I enjoy much more than others.
He turned and locked eyes with her and didn’t say another word. She broke contact first wondering how many meanings or at least what he was trying to say to her. She almost wondered if she should say “red light” to him.
They pulled into the valet line and Harm quickly came around to help her from the car. He passed off the keys and followed her inside. He asked for a quiet booth by the wall so they would not be unduly disturbed. They ordered an appetizer and their entrée and settled down for the wait. They talked about anything that came to mind and it ended up being about old friends. They got around to Chegwidden and Harm found Sarah still very tender about how he had almost threatened to drum her out of the Marine Corps. Harm talked thru it with her and reminded her that little AJ was still his namesake and it was not uncommon to see big AJ at the house once or twice every week to interact with little AJ. Since it was the first time Sarah had heard that, she didn’t know how to take it and let him know about her concerns.
They enjoyed the meal and the feeling of being united once again. They shared a piece of desert with 2 forks just like old married people. After being happy about the meal, they made their way out to claim his car to find somewhere familiar to dance for a while.
They drove to Benzinger’s and entered the old haunt. Harm steered her to a booth and gave their drink order to the waitress. They left her purse and his jacket there to claim the booth before moving to the juke box. They both stood around the juke box and he let her choose the first three songs. The music started and they moved on the small dance floor. He had expected it to be clumsy and desperate but was very surprised. She matched and melded into his dance form without any problem. After the first song ended, the second was slower and their bodies were in contact much more than before. By then they were both highly sensitized and mindful of every part of each other. Sarah was glad that she still had power over him.
When the third song started, Harm felt a hand on his shoulder and turned toward none other than Chegwidden.
(C) May I cut in?
Harm looked at Sarah and she let him know by her eyes that she might as well get it over now. Harm backed away and AJ stepped forward taking her in his arms to dance.
(S) You are the last person I expected to cut into my life.
(C) I guess I am. I am sorry for everything that took place 5 years ago. I am sorry that your previous actions left me no choice about the future for a bright intelligent attorney under my command. You being here today proves that you had the wisdom and courage to overcome what life and I dealt you. I am proud of what you have achieved.
(S) Well, that chapter of my life closed yesterday and I am now starting a new one where Navy orders and regulations no longer apply. Since I will be helping Harm as the temporary nanny, I am now the new sheriff in town. Anything that concerns any of the children needs to be cleared with me first. I would like to believe you and I can at least be civil toward one another, at least for the sake of little AJ.
(C) I certainly hope so. Harm and I are now great friends and Harriet, Bud, Harm, and you were as close to family that I had at one time. I would hope you could forgive and forget some day.
(S) Since it sounds like we will probably be seeing you often at the house, I am willing to try if you are.
(C) Thank you. I will try to be a better friend this time.
(S) Apology accepted.
The song ended and Harm was standing close by just in case violence occurred. Chegwidden thanked her for the dance and patted Harm on the shoulder as he passed.
(H) Thanks for not hurting him, Sarah.
(S) He apologized and said he was sorry. He said he would try to be a better friend this time. Do you believe he means it?
(H) Yes, and if we find he is not serious, we can forget him.
Harm could see that she had really not enjoyed the whole encounter, so he suggested they go to McMurphy’s instead.
Since it was not far, they were there quickly and chose a booth like before. As they turned to go to the dance floor, they found themselves face to face with Victor Galindez with his arm around Jennifer. They changed plans and sat with their friends. Everyone ordered drinks and the conversation started.
Jennifer followed Sarah to the powder room as Harm cornered Victor about being with his chief yeoman and found out more than he wanted to know about Jennifer’s love life. Victor asked for his approval and Harm couldn’t think of even one reason that they should not be a couple.
(Jen) Well Colonel, how is your garden growing?
(S) Better than I have a right to believe it ever would.
(Jen) Was the revelation of Katie a tough sell?
(S) No. He was overjoyed. The man loves kids and we now have 4 of the best.
(Jen) Future plans?
(S) Slow and easy. We will need to overcome some items before we can move on.
(Jen) But he and the kids are worth it……….……..right?
(S) Oh yeah. Definitely worth it.
(Jen) Go girl. Call me with anything you need?
(S) I’ll do it. Thanks Jen.
Sarah and Jennifer made it back to the booth just in time to be selected for the next dance. Everyone danced and eventually ended up over at the dart boards. They competed with each other and the playoff was finally decided between Jennifer and her boss. Harm, after thinking of how it might play in front of the navy brass, selected Sarah as his alternate and the big playoff became between them. Harm watched as the two adult ladies that had the most direct influence in his life, battled it out to the finish all in good fun.
They talked and joked together until they finally took their leave as 23:00 was fast approaching. They talked of small fun things on the ride home and thanked each other for the nice evening before pulling to a stop. Harm made sure Sarah got safely in the house before letting Hilda know that he was ready to take her home.
When Harm got back, he found Sarah in his bedroom checking on Drew. He took an extra minute to look at her because it was obvious she did not have anything on under her gown.
(H) Is the shot already having an effect? You look larger.
(S) Yes, I saw you noticed earlier. I imagine I will be ready before Hilda leaves.
(H) Since it is late, how do you want to share the 2 and 4:30 feeding?
(S) I’ll take the 02:00 and I can sleep in after that if it is OK with you. If you leave the red light on, I will not need more.
(H) Reminds me of the red lights in the carrier passage ways at night. How about you?
(S) Yes, but after you get used to it, you can see almost as well. I will try not to wake you.
(H) Good night then and I had a lot of fun tonight.
(S) Me too sailor. It will be a while before we can do that again.
They both finished up and went to bed. The hour of 02:00 seemed to come way to early for Sarah as she stumbled into the kitchen to warm Drew’s bottle. She used a wet cloth to wipe her face to try to wake from the fatigue that engulfed her. She shook the bottle on her arm at different times until it was the right temperature and made her way to the bassinet.
She picked Drew up and out and then sat on Harm’s bed as she started to give him the bottle. About mid way thru she slid her gown off her shoulder and let him take her breast for the first time. He rooted around and tried to suckle for a while but gave up when no milk came. She put him back on the bottle and let him finish. She knew it was too early but wanted him to get the idea anyway and she wanted to experience the feeling once again. She cleaned him up and changed his diaper before putting him back in the bassinet.
She turned to pick up everything from the bed and locked eyes with Harm as he was watching her.
(H) Come lay with me until I get up for the 4:30 feeding.
Sarah looked at him for a time before crawling under the covers with her back close to him. He encircled her with his arms and brought her snugly to him before relaxing. The only thing unusual was that he had her left breast in his huge right hand. Her senses were on high alert to determine what his next move was going to be just in case she needed to take some kind of action. She listened to his quiet breathing and realized that he had gone back to sleep.
She moved a bit, got comfortable, and went to sleep also. When his alarm went off at 04:30 she realized that she had moved again so she was using his chest as a pillow. He kissed her forehead and spoke quietly to her as he moved out from under her and left the bed. She tried to pull the covers to her again because she was suddenly cold again.
She stayed and watched Harm as he held and fed Drew his bottle ever so lovingly. This big guy was unknowingly stealing her heart again and she never wanted it to stop. Since she knew he would be finished soon, she decided it was a good time to return to her own bed. She checked her gown as she got up as not to “show” too much and said her good night once again. She could feel his gaze upon her as she left but didn’t dare turn around when she heard him say “thank you Sarah”.
She finally opened her eyes at 07:40 to the movement of her bed caused by Nicki and Katie who had decided that their mom needed to share the pancakes their dad was making that looked like funny faces and clouds. She gave in and wrapped her robe about her to follow the girls to the kitchen. Harm was designing all kind of forms in the name of pancakes and AJ was eating on a couple while little Drew was cooing in his conversion car seat on the counter. The girls picked the plates they wanted and stood in line to receive the masterpieces their dad had made. After he poured some melted margarine on each plate, he gave them each three of the medium sized clouds and asked them to take a seat. After they were seated, he brought the caddy over that had maple syrup, jelly, and jam on it for them to choose from.
When he turned Sarah was standing in his place. She moved a step closer.
(S) You and I have them all to our selves today?
(H) Yes we do and I want to make it special for them.
(S) Ideas?
(H) If it is going to warm up some we could drive over to the beach, go to the park, or to the zoo. If it stays cold, we could go to the mall and they could ride the mini rides and eat junk food. There is a Disney film at the Majestic that the girls and AJ would enjoy but it is no place for Drew.
(S) I like the mall idea because I need to get some nursing bras and a breast pump.
(H) We can shop also. How about we enjoy breakfast together, be at the mall at 11:00 and back home before 17:00? I will rent a Disney DVD we can all watch before bed. Our meals will be at odd times but we still have lunch meat if anyone wants it later.
They made a day of it and the girls got to ride the little train, the mini ferris wheel, and every other ride that was OK for their age group. Their big brother, AJ, rode with them when extra protection was deemed to be necessary. They had a blast and Sarah had time to complete her shopping while Harm minded the tribe. A few times during the day they noticed flash pictures being taken around them but thought nothing of it since they had also taken many of the kids. They eventually found their way to the hot dog emporium and fed the kids and enjoyed their family time together.
Harm picked up a copy of The Little Mermaid on the way home and they made a real production out of having “Movie Night” at the Rabb Theater. Popcorn and soft drinks were in great supply while the movie played and Harm and Sarah kept the excitement going by supplying corn dogs at the self created intermission. After the movie ended, no one needed to even ask anyone about going to bed because they were all ready. Silence reigned about 30 minutes before normal bedtime but Harm and Sarah could not have been happier.
(S) How are you going to tell AJ and Nicki about Katie being their new sister? I talked to Katie and she already understands you are the daddy of all but AJ. It might be a good idea if you explained AJ to her again because I don’t think she fully understands what I told her.
(H) I believe I need to explain it to them separately. I think Nicki already wants Katie to be her big sister for real. AJ seems to have issues about me and his mother that are not resolved. I think he feels left out a times. I believe we both need to listen to what is bothering him so we can help him.
(S) I will. Harm ..…. talk to me about what happened last night.
(H) Not much to talk about. I hate to sleep alone and I hope it didn’t upset you too much when I asked you to join me.
(S) That is all it was?
What about your hand on my boob?
TBC
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