Title: If things had been different

Author: Anaika Skywalker

Author's Email:

Rating: PG -13

Summery: A what if story concerning Harm and eventually Mac, with quiet a few twists to the tale.

Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.

Author's Note: I've had this story running around my mind for ages now, I finally got the chance to put it down on paper and finally onto my laptop. I hope you enjoy it.

If things had been different

Chapter One: Prologue to the Journey

1991 - Norfolk

Lieutenant Harmon Rabb, Jr. felt his hand being gently squeezed by his daughter, Harmony, he looked down. Her sad blue eyes looked up at him and broke his heart; bring tears to his sea blue eyes. His heart ached, his wife, his love, was gone. Hankering down he gathered his daughter in his arms, crushing her against the crispness of his dress whites. He didn't care who saw his grief or who was watching them. His daughter needed him; needed him to be strong.

"What will we do now, daddy?" She asked in her little voice.

"We go on, Harms," he said and wiped her tear-streaked cheeks. "Your mom would have wanted us to." He picked her up, holding her in his arms as he stood. "We'll be fine, sweetheart."

She held tight to him. "I love you daddy."

"I love you too, darlin," he whispered and together with his mother and stepfather, they walked away from the grave. Following the other mourners.

One stood by his car, waiting patiently; he'd arrived in time for the funeral. It had been his daughter, his Emily, his adopted daughter, who'd passed. The daughter he'd loved like she was his very own flesh and blood. Who'd he'd walked down the aisle when she'd married Rabb, the only man he'd approved off. He visited when his granddaughter had been born and he'd had attended Emily's funeral with the rest of his family. He wore dress whites; his rank though was that of an Admiral, his insignia a JAG officer.

Harmony reached out for her grandpa, who took her in his arms. The six year old was so like his daughter when his Emily had been that age, it tore at his heart and he knew it would for the rest of his life.

Rear Admiral Lower Half AJ Chegwidden held his granddaughter tight with one arm and reached out to draw the young man, his son in law into their embrace. "I'm so sorry son."

"I know sir," Harm said unashamed of the tears that fell. Emily's father had become a father to him too, as much, if not more then his own stepfather.

Trish Burnett hated to see her son hurting; he'd lost so much – his father to war and now his wife to cancer. "Are you all right AJ?"

"I will be Trish," the Admiral informed. "In time."

Harm pulled back. "We should get Harms home."

"Drive back with me son," AJ insisted gently.

He nodded. "We'll see you and Frank at home, mom."

Trish gave him a compassionate smile and followed her husband to the car.

Harm had a feeling the Admiral wanted to talk, which why he'd agreed. Though neither spoke as they drive away from the cemetery. He was guessing it was because of Harmony. "Whatever you have to say, dad. Say it in front of Harmony. She has the right."

AJ gripped the steering wheel a little tighter and nodded. "What are you going to do now, son?"

"I'm returning to the SeaHawk to finish off my tour, Mom and Frank are staying with Harms until I return."

"Are you sure, son?"

"I'm sure dad, Emily would have wanted me too."

"And then?"

"I don't know," Harm admitted. "I need to think things through."

AJ could see that. "If you need an ear, then you ring me."

"I will, dad."

They drove the rest of the way in silence, on reaching the base housing AJ pulled the SUV up in the drive way. Getting out, he held his son in law back, watching as his granddaughter ran over to her Grams and Gramps.

"Harm, be careful. Harmony doesn't need to lose her father too," he warned.

"I will," Harm assured. "I won't have her lose me."

"I don't want to lose you either, Harm." AJ said heartfelt.

"You won't, Dad," Harm said, then hugged his father in law. "I'm coming back to my family."

"Just make sure you do, Lieutenant."

Managing a small smile, Harm back away, he turned and scooped his daughter up into his arms as she ran towards him. Popping his cover on her head as he carried her into the house, those they loved following them inside.

Later that night, after Harmony had gone to bed, and the house was quiet, Harm sat outside on the back steps. The beer he'd bought out with him was half drank, he picked at the label. He'd met Emily while at the Naval Academy; she'd been a waitress at a bar near the Academy, he, Keeter, Luke and Sturgis went there on the weekends. It had been love at first sight, and six months after they'd met Harm proposed. He knew this was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, who he wanted to have children with. They'd been married at the Academy chapel, with the blessing of her adopted father, who had taken Harm into the family and his heart. Harmony Rabb had been born while he'd been at flight school, wrapping her daddy around her little finger from the moment she'd come into the world. His favorite photo was of him in his dress whites holding his daughter after his winging. He'd been so proud, of what he'd achieved and his baby daughter.

Emily had been the prefect Navy wife, fitting in to life at Norfolk where they'd been stationed. She'd gone back and finished collage, getting her law degree. Everything had been great; she worked as a civilian liaison at the NLSO on the base. Then they'd decided to have another baby and the problems had started, finally the doctors had been able to tell them why. She had cancer. She'd fought hard, with his love and encouragement, right up until the end.

Tears streamed down his cheeks, he felt so alone. God what was he going to do now without his Emily. Hearing the squeaky step, he saw his mother. She sat beside him and drew him into her arms, letting him cry. He hadn't really cried, not even the night Emily had died. He'd been strong. Now it was time for him to let go, to grieve, to start and heal.

"Whatever happens son, Frank and I will be here for you and Harmony." Trish told him.

"I know mom," he said, but didn't pull away.

She rubbed his back, just as she'd done when he'd been a boy. "Come inside sweetheart, get some sleep. We'll talk more in the morning."

Nodding he stood and helped her up and they walked inside together. Early hours of the morning, Harm woke to fine a small body beside him in the large bed. He lay there, with his sleeping daughter. Stroking her light brown hair, still in it's braids. She hadn't full understood what was happening, not until the end. Even then it wasn't really clear, what she did know was her mother wasn't coming back. They'd talked about it, about what the funeral had meant.

"Daddy," she looked up at him. "Are you okay?"

"Yes sweetheart," he kissed her forehead.

"Daddy," she hesitated. "Is mommy in heaven?"

"She is."

"With Grandpa Harm?" She asked curiously.

"Yes."

"Will he look after her?"

"He will, just like he looks after you." Harm told his daughter.

She wore a St. Christopher around her neck that had been his father's, she never took it off; her dad had told her Grandpa Harm was her guardian angle. That he would always look after her, no matter what. "I'm glad daddy."

"So am I, sweetheart. So am I."

"Daddy?"

"Yes darlin."

"I love you, daddy."

"I love you too, Harmony." He kissed her forehead. "Go back to sleep little squid."

"You too, daddy." She said sleepily.

"I will, baby," he said with a tired smile.

She snuggled close and closed her eyes. "Night daddy."

"Night honey." Harm felt asleep with her in his arms. His little girl, he'd lost her mother, but he was never going to lose her.

She was gone when he woke in the morning, hearing her melodious laughter he got up and faced the new day. It became a routine for them, he'd put her to bed at night and in the early hours of the morning she was crawl in with him, each morning he'd wake feeling better then the last one thanks to his little girl. Though as the time came for him to leave, he felt he was letting Harmony down. The night before he was to return to the SeaHawk, his little girl, his Harmony did something that shocked even him as he tucked her into bed.

"Daddy."

"Yes sweetheart."

She undid the necklace that held her St. Christopher medal and held it out to him. "I want you to wear this."

"Honey I couldn't."

Kneeling on the bed she put the necklace around his neck and did it up. "I want Grandpa Harm to be your guardian angel too, Daddy."

"Sweetheart, Grandpa Harm is always looking after me." Harm told her.

"I know daddy, but now he's doing it because I asked him too."

Harm gathered her in his arms and held her close. "I love you Harms."

"I love you too, daddy," she whispered. "Please don't die like mommy did."

"I want, honey. I promise," he said with tears in his eyes. "I'll always come back to you, darlin."

Harmony kissed her father's cheek. "I know you will daddy, course you don't break promises."

"That's right, now lay back down," he insisted and when she had he tucked her in. "Be good for your Grams and Gramps."

"I will."

He brushed her hair back from her forehead. "I'll miss you sweetheart."

"I'll miss you too, daddy."

Leaning over he hugged her, not minding when she snaked her arms around his neck and kept him there. "Scot over," she did and he lay beside her. "Go to sleep little squid."

"Yes sir," she said with a grin and snuggled close to her father, falling asleep in the safety of him arms.

When Harm didn't come back after an hour, Trish went looking for her son. She smiled seeing he'd fallen asleep beside his daughter. She sighed, she didn't know what her son was going to do after he came home from sea duty but whatever it was she and Frank would support him. Even if it meant looking after his daughter while he was at sea. Slipping into the room, she gently nudged his shoulder. "Harm, sweetheart wake up."

He stirred and woke, realizing where he was. "I must have fallen asleep."

"It's okay, head off to bed, you'll be more comfortable," his mother suggested.

He untangled himself from his daughter and got off the bed, following his mother out. "Am I doing the right thing, Mom?" He asked as he stood in the doorway looking over his sleeping daughter.

"For you or for her, Harm?" She asked just as quietly.

"Both."

"Only you can answer that question, son," she patted his shoulder and walked away.

Harm left the door half opened, seeing everything was locked up and the lights shut off. He followed his mother and stepfather's lead and went to bed.

Morning came fast enough; he woke finding himself alone for the first time in a week. Getting up he showered, shaved and dressed, packing everything he was taking back with him in his sea bag. Carrying it with him into the kitchen, he left it by the door.

Harmony was up and dressed. "Morning daddy."

"Morning sweet pea," he greeted and kissed the top of her head.

"Coffee darling?" Trish asked.

"Thanks mom," he sat beside his daughter and stole a piece of toast off her plate.

"Daddy," she scolded him and he laughed.

Too soon though they were standing on the tarmac saying goodbye, the Cod standing ready to take him back to his ship.

Frank hugged him. "Are you sure about this son?"

"I am Frank."

Trish hugged him next. "Be careful, Harm."

"I will Mom."

Harmony was last; she hugged her father as he hankered down to her. "Come home safe daddy."

"I will sweet pea," he promised. "You look after Grams and Gramps."

"I will."

He kissed her forehead. "Bye sweetheart."

"Bye daddy."

He reluctantly let her go and stood; taking his sea bag he walked towards the Cod. One of the flight grew took his bag from him and hurried a head. He head Harmony's soft voice and turned, seeing her running towards him. He knelt down and she ran into his arms.

Frank hurried over to them. "Come on darlin," he gently dislodged the little girl, standing with her in his arms.

Harm stood. "Love you Harms."

"Love you daddy." Harmony said, smiling.

"Sir, we have to go," the crewmen called.

He kissed his daughter quickly, and then ran for the Cod, going aboard.

Frank carried his granddaughter back to her grandmother and they watched together as the Cod took off. Taking her father and their son with it.

Two months later: Bethesda Naval Hospital, Maryland.

Trish Burnet held her granddaughter close; the little girl had cried herself to sleep. They'd arrived at the house, telling them there had been a mishap. Harmony had started to cry; the little girl had known something was wrong with her daddy as soon as she'd seen the uniforms. Now they were at the hospital, waiting, they were transferring him there from the hospital in Germany. Frank had flown over and come back him, not that Harm was really aware of what was going on. His injuries were serious enough to warrant months of recover ahead of him. And his RIO, his friend was dead and he didn't even know it yet.

She saw Frank coming down the corridor, exhaustion all over his face. He sat down and hugged her, letting her cry softly against his shoulder.

"It's all right, honey, they're settling him in a room, then you can see him," he reassured.

"Is he conscious yet?" She asked. "Does he know?"

"No, not yet. They kept him heavily sedated for the trip here."

Harmony woke, seeing her grandfather. "Gramps, where's daddy."

"We'll be able to see him soon, Harms," he promised.

As he finished saying it a doctor came over to them. "Mr. and Mrs. Burnet, I'm Dr. Michaels, I'll be looking after your son."

"Is my daddy all right?" Harmony asked bluntly, staring up at the doctor.

Dr. Michaels knelt down. "No darling he's not, but he's going to be. With a lot of love and care, would you like to see him?" She nodded and he stood and held out his hand.

Without hesitation Harmony stood and took the doctors hand. "Thank you doctor." She said trying to be very grown up.

"You're welcome, young lady," he said as they walked down the corridor with Trish and Frank walking behind them. "My first name is Samuel, but everyone calls me Sam."

"I'm Harmony, but my daddy calls me Harms," she supplied. "Can I call you Dr. Sam?"

"Sure you can sweetheart." When they came to her father's room, he knelt down to look eye to eye with her again. "Harmony, I don't want you to be scared. Your daddy was hurt badly and we've tried to make him as comfortable as possible, do you understand?"

"Yes sir," she said with a waver to her voice.

"Okay," he stood, taking her hand again he lead her into the room.

Trish and Frank came in after them; nothing though could have prepared Trish for this. She put her hand over her mother, gasping. Then buried her head in her husbands shoulder as tears of frustration and desperation broke.

Harmony released the doctor's hand and walked slowly over to her father. She'd never seen her father hurt before, she'd only ever seen him cry once. But this was different, so very different. She bit her lip as the tears ran down her cheeks, her little heart breaking. Reaching out she took her fathers hand and held it tight. "I love you daddy, don't leave me."

He squeezed her hand, opening his eyes. Unsure where he was or what had happened, then he remembered. The crash, he'd crashed. Oh God he'd crashed. Painfully he turned his head and looked at his daughter, the tears in her eyes. "I… love you too, Harms," he said softly. His eyes closed again. "Won't ever leave you."

She crawled up onto the bed and hugged him gently, feeling his arms wrap around her little body as she cried.

Harm opened his eyes again, his chest hurt a little but he didn't want to move his daughter, he needed her close. "What… about …Mace?" He asked weakly.

Frank released his wife and moved closer. "Harm… Son. Lieutenant Mace didn't make it. I'm sorry son."

"Oh God…" He squeezed his eyes shut. He'd killed his RIO, his friend. His vision had been blurry, he'd miss judged the landing and killed Mace.

"Daddy," Harmony sat up, then lent forward and kissed his cheek. "It wasn't your fault daddy, Uncle Mace wouldn't blame you."

He opened his eyes, they were glassy with tears, and his heart ached even with his daughter's words. She was being his conscious. When had she'd gotten so smart. "I should have kept him safe, Harms, I let him down."

She smiled sadly. "No daddy," she looked to Dr. Michaels. "Will you help make my daddy better, Dr. Sam?"

"I'm going to do my best, sweetheart." He said composed. "You need to rest Lieutenant, I'll be back in a few minutes to check on you." He patted the little girls shoulder and walked over to Frank and Trish, gesturing them out of the room. "What your son is feeling is survivors guilt. It's common in situations like this."

"What can we do, doctor?" Trish asked.

"Be supportive, I'll have the resident psychologist talk with him when he's a little stronger. For now be there for him, listen if he wants to talk about it, but don't let him sink into self pity," the doctor told them. "Your son needs to know no one blames him for his RIO's death."

"I'm afraid it's not that simple," a strong commanding voice announced behind the Burnets.

They turned. "AJ," Trish hugged the Admiral. "Thank you for coming."

"He's still my son in law, even though Emily isn't with us any more," AJ insisted.

"What did you mean, AJ?" Frank questioned.

"There will be an investigation into the mishap to decide whether or not it was Harm's fault. He'll be represented by lawyers sent by the JAG core, I'll chat to Admiral Bravo and see if he can assign his top lawyers to look into it."

"Admiral, no offence sir," Dr. Michael's began. "But Lieutenant Rabb isn't in any emotional condition to be interviewed or accused. He's already blaming himself for the death of Lieutenant Mace. What he needs is a positive out look, from his records I see he lost his wife in the last few months. Her death is still fresh in his mind, with the mishap happening, he's going to start and evaluate himself and that can course destructive tendencies."

AJ was going to blow his top, but he knew the doctor was right so he simmered down. "Understood doctor, but unfortunately the investigation will go ahead."

"Lieutenant Rabb isn't to be interviewed until I say so, Admiral. I'm afraid JAG is going to just have to wait until I think he's strong enough," Dr. Michaels said sternly. "Excuse me." He said then walked away.

The Admiral smiled and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Good man," he decided. "I had a feeling he'd be in Harm's court."

"Is it going to be bad for Harm, AJ?" Trish asked him bluntly.

"It isn't going to be pretty Trish, but he'll have the best representatives at the board of inquiry."

"Thank you AJ."

"Well let's go in, is Harmony with him?"

Frank nodded. "She knew, AJ, before they arrived, she just knew something had happened to her dad."

"Just as she did with her mother." Trish added.

They walked back into the room; Harmony was still sitting on the bed to be close to her father.

"She's smarter then she lets on," AJ whispered. "So is Harm, if anyone can bring him out of this and get him back on his feet, it will be Harms."

Frank and Trish silently agreed. Harm had a lot of recovering to do, emotionally and physically. He would walk again, with physiotherapy, but his flying career was over. They all knew that and that was going to hit Harm as hard as losing his wife and friend. From the moment Harm had been born, he'd been destined to be a Naval Aviator. His father being MIA had made him even more determined to follow in his footsteps. And now no matter what the outcome, they all knew Harmon Rabb, Jr. was going to have his wings clipped.

AJ moved closer to the bed. "How are you feeling son?"

"Numb dad," Harm admitted.

Harmony smiled. "Hi Grandpa."

He smiled too, his granddaughter had in infectious smile, so like her father. "Hi darlin," he greeted and kissed her forehead. "How are you really feeling, son?"

Harm looked away. "I killed him, I miss judge the damn landing because I couldn't see properly and I killed him," he said, angry with himself more then anything.

"It wasn't your fault, Harm."

"You don't know that," he snapped looking back at his father in law.

"Harm," he paused, popping his cover on the top of his granddaughter's head. "I was allowed to read the initial report, including what you said in Germany about your vision being blurry. This wasn't your fault. The doctors say an eye infection coursed your night vision to be impaired."

Harm knew what that meant, his flying career was over, and he'd never set foot in the cockpit again.

"I'm sorry son."

Harmony gently wiped the tears from her father's cheeks, being careful of the bruising. "I'll always love you, daddy."

Drawing her back into his arms, Harm held her close ignoring the pain it coursed him. "Thank you sweetheart."

Sarah Rabb's Farm: Belleville, Pennsylvania (A few months later)

"Are you sure you'll be all right alone with him, Mom?" Trish asked.

"I'll be fine, stop worrying, I can take care of my grandson." Sarah Rabb assured. "Not to mention my great granddaughter."

Harmony smiled, she stood next to her great grandmother, holding her hand. "I'll help Great Grams with daddy."

"I know you will, sweetheart," Trish knelt down and grave the little girl a hug. "You be a good girl for them both."

"I will Grams."

She kissed her forehead and stood. "I'll call you when we get home, Mom."

"Don't worry, Trish, we'll be fine." Sarah assured.

Trish nodded and joined Frank by the car; they got in and drove away.

"Now young lady, lets go see if your daddy needs anything." Sarah announced as they went inside.

"I'll go Great Grams," the little girl said and rushed up the stairs to her father's room, she knocked before she went in. "Daddy."

Harm was lying on his back, his right leg resting on pillows. "What is it, Harms?"

"Great Grams wanted to know if you needed anything?"

"Not at the moment, sweetheart."

"Nothing at all?"

"Well I could use a hug," he told her. She grinned and hugged him, being careful not to squeeze too tight. He pulled her down onto the bed with him. "Stay with me?"

"Okay daddy," she agreed and settled beside him.

"Have Grams and Gramps gone?"

"Aha huh," she said. "Are you coming downstairs for dinner tonight, daddy?"

He didn't want too, he wanted to stay locked away from the world forever, but he couldn't. "I'll try, darlin," he said softly and he would. He was trying. Trying to understand why he'd been spared and Mace hadn't, why the board of inquiry had ruled the crash had occurred because of the eye infection that had impaired his night vision. Still they'd taken his wings. God he wished Emily were there to talk to him, to reassure him everything was going to be all right. To tell him he could go on with his career in the Navy. What the hell was he going to do, he was a washed up Tomcat pilot.

Glancing at his daughter, he found Harmony had fallen asleep. Since his ramp strike she'd been so grown up, being there for him. Taking on responsibilities no six year old should and he loved her so much, she was his life.

Sarah Rabb came up two hours later to check on them, finding both her grandson and great granddaughter asleep, smiling she quietly closed the door and let them sleep. Time would heal all wounds.

It was Harmony's determination that got her father down the stairs, who pushed him to do the physiotherapy, to walk using the walking stick even though he hated it. Everyday she got him a little further; everyday she made him see he had so much to live for.

"Grams, where's Harms?" Harm asked his grandmother one morning.

"Harmony," his grandmother corrected, using her granddaughters full name. "Is outside."

"Thanks Grams," he smiled at her frowning at him for shorting his daughter's name. Walking slowly he left the house, taking the few steps slowly until he reached the bottom. "Harms!" He waited but didn't hear a reply. Raising his voice a little. "Harmony!"

"In here daddy!" Her little voice called from the barn.

The barn, of all places the barn, he thought. She could have found somewhere closer to play, but no she had to choose the barn. He sighed and started slowly towards the barn, leaning heavily on the walking stick by the time he reached it. Opening the door he went in, seeing where Harmony was as soon as he did. She was pulling on a heavy tarp like her life depended on it. He knew what was beneath that tarp and he didn't want to see it, not yet. "Harmony no!" He cried out but it was too late, she'd given the tarp one good pull, yanking it off, the force knocking her onto her backside. She sat there stunned. "Harmony," he was worried she'd hurt herself. Throwing the walking stick, he hobbled over to her quickly. "Harms," he fell beside her. "Are you all right?"

She nodded, still a little stunned. "Daddy, it's…" Her voice faded.

He pulled himself up and sat closer. "It's a stearman bi-plane, Harms," he said quietly. "Your Grandpa Harm and I were going to fix her up when he came back from Vietnam."

"Can we?" She asked, looking at him excitedly. "We can do it together and then we can go flying together, just you and me. Daddy please?"

"I…" He was going to say no, but he saw the enthusiasm in her eyes, the way her cheeks were flush with anticipation. He looked once more at the old stearman, he could do it, and he could make her fly. "All right Harms."

"Thank you Daddy," she practically throw herself into his arms. "I love you Daddy."

"I love you too, Harms," he said, before kissing her forehead, pushing aside his uncertainty. He had something of hers that he needed to return. "I have something of yours," he undid the necklace that hung around his neck and put it around hers. It was the St. Christopher medal she'd given him. "You were right, Grandpa Harm was looking out for me, now I want him back looking after you."

She nodded and hugged him again.

In the days that followed the stearman became the center of their attention; they worked hard on her from dawn to dusk. It was therapy for Harm, better then anything he could of gotten in the hospital. His strength improved, as did his mobility and disposition. Not even visits from his friends Keeter, Sturgis, Luke, or Diana had been able to do that.

The night before the stearman's maiden flight, Harm sat out on the pouch, his feet on the railing as he leant back in his chair.

His grandmother came out; she sat next to him, sighing a little. "Harmony is asleep, she's so excited about tomorrow."

"She's been fantastic, Grams, I don't know what I would have done without her," he told her truthfully.

"She's a special little girl, Harm," Sarah agreed. They sat in silence for a while; finally she spoke again, this time it wasn't about her granddaughter. "What are you going to do, Harm? You can't stay here forever."

"I've been thinking long and hard about that, Grams and I've made a decision."

"Oh?"

"I'm going to take the LSAT and apply to attend law school."

"Be a lawyer," Sarah was a little shocked, she hadn't expected that.

"Yeah, seeing the how the JAG lawyers helped me when I had to face that board of inquiry, I saw they really wanted to do it and it wasn't just because who my father in law is," Harm announced. "I want to help others like that."

She patted his hand and smiled. "I think you'll be a wonderful lawyer, Harm."

"Thanks Grams."

"Just remember when you do become a hot shot lawyer, your grandmother put up with all you're shit to get you to make the decision to do it," she said bluntly.

Harm chuckled. "Sorry Grams."

"Don't be sorry, Harm. You're my grandson, I can put up with your moodiness, and Harmony's. That child is growing up to be so much like you."

"She's her daddy's girl," he agreed a little afraid of what that meant.

"Don't worry Harm, she's a smart girl and you have a while before she starts to decide what she wasn't to do with her life." Sarah reassured him.

"I know Grams, I just have a feeling she's already decided what she wants to do."

"Be a Naval Aviator?" She asked.

He nodded. "I don't know if I could handle that Grams."

Understanding she squeezed his shoulder as she stood. "You will darling," she kissed the top of his head. "Don't stay up to late."

"I won't Grams," he promised.

She smiled sympathetically and hurried inside, leaving him to his thoughts.

At first light, Harmony was up, excited about taking the stearman up for the first time. She hurried to dress, running down the stairs when she had.

Grandma Sarah was waiting for her. "Morning Harmony."

"Morning Great Grams, where's daddy?"

"Outside darling, doing a final check, he's waiting for you," she announced and held out her hand. Harmony took it and they left the house together. Heading out to the nearest field where Harm had the newly painted yellow stearman ready, the field was long enough to take off and land from.

He saw them coming, waving. He had a surprise for his grandmother, something he thought about before going to bed.

Harmony ran ahead and through herself into her fathers arms. "I'm ready Daddy."

"So you are, sweetheart," he said happily.

Sarah smiled as she reached them. "She looks fantastic, Harm."

"She does, Grams," he moved to his right with his daughter still in his arms. Letting her see what he'd painted on the side.

Tears filled her eyes. "Sarah," she said in awe. "You named her Sarah?"

He nodded. "You've done so much for Harmony and I, Grams, it just seemed appropriate."

"Thank you darling," she hugged the both of them. "Now get this grand old lady off the ground, I want a ride too."

"Yes Ma'am," he said grinning. He carried Harmony over to the stearman and helped her up into the cockpit, securing her in the front seat before climbing into the back. Once he was secure, he started the engine. It spluttered to life with a deep rumble. For a brief moment Harm hesitated. Could he do this? He hadn't flown since his ramp strike.

"Come on daddy," Harmony's excited voice came over the intercom.

"All right, sweetheart, hang on," he told her. He could do this, for himself and for Harmony.

Sarah moved back and waved to them as the yellow stearman taxied, gained speed and took off into the air with a loud whoopee from the two aboard her. She laughed and for the first time since her grandson and great granddaughter had arrived, she knew everything was going to be all right. Her grandson had finally faced his future head on and that meant he would heal and go on with his life. Losing his wife and his wings had been hard on him, but the love of his daughter had kept him going. It had gotten him back into the air and it would get him through law school.

She watched the stearman roll and loop and laughed, her heart soared along with them. She'd worried about her son before he'd gone MIA, before he'd been declared KIA. Then her grandson, when he'd followed in his father's footsteps and became a Naval Aviator too, she worried. Even after he'd married and he and Emily had Harmony, she'd still worried because he had a family to care for. It was also clear one day she would worry about her granddaughter following in her fathers footsteps, flying was in her blood and she had no doubts Harmony Rabb would one day become a Naval Aviator. She just hoped Harm would face his demons before then and find love again; she didn't like the thought of him being alone or Harmony being without a mother. They needed someone special in their lives.

Sighing she smiled again and waved as the Stearman flew past over her head. One day at a time, she thought. One day at a time.

To be continued…

(So what do you think, should I continue or leave it? Please let me know what you think.)