A/N – This is in response to Pixie’s November challenge (cuddle, maple, golden, and gratitude).  It’s short but hopefully sweet and satisfying.

 

Disclaimer – Not mine, wish they were.

 

 

Golden November

 

It was an unusually warm day for early November.  Instead of the days being cool and breezy, they were sunny, golden days and the changing leaves looked unusually beautiful against the bright blue skies.  Harm decided that it was the perfect day to leave work early and head home.

 

At the same time, Mac decided that it was too beautiful outside to stay in.  She finished up what she was doing, picked up her precious one, and headed toward the backyard to her favorite spot under the age old maple tree.

 

Harm decided to take the scenic route home.  With the windows open in the car, he breathed in the fresh air knowing minute by minute that leaving work early was the best decision he had made in a very long time.

 

Mac settled herself under the tall tree and breathed in the same fresh air commending herself on her decision to head outside.  She marveled at the colors of the leaves in contrast to the azure blue sky and the cottony white clouds.  With everything going on in her life lately, she had forgotten how precious it was to take a break and simply enjoy her surroundings.

 

Harm turned the corner and drove up to the house.  Leaving the car in the street, he turned the ignition off and stepped out into the glorious day not bothering to grab his briefcase.  It can wait, he thought.  I have more important things to take care of.  As he walked up the driveway, he thought he heard the sound of laughter coming from the backyard.  Smiling, he veered toward the side of the house and through the gate.  Once at the back of the house, he saw the most beautiful sight he had seen in quite a while.  There under the enormous tree sat Mac and their two year old daughter gathering leaves and throwing them up in the air, marveling at their appeal as they fell back to the ground.  Suddenly, a gust of wind came by causing the tree to shower his girls in waves of yellow, red, and orange glory.  This sudden onslaught of leaves caused the small girl to squeal with joy and Mac to smile and laugh with her.  God, thought Harm, how beautiful she is.

 

As the tree dropped a bundle of leaves on them, Mac suddenly noticed the tall figure headed their way.  God, she thought, how handsome he is.  Mac tapped lightly on her daughter’s shoulder and motioned with her finger over to where Harm was walking toward them.  Once she saw her father, she got up and ran as fast as her small legs would carry her.  “Daddy!  Cuddle Daddy!  Cuddle!”

 

Harm scooped her up and gave her a great big hug and a kiss.  Continuing on his way with his daughter resting against his shoulder, he made it over to where Mac was still sitting in the leaves.  He sat down next to her and looked deeply into her eyes.  They shared a brief passionate kiss and a smile.  After all this time, they were still connected in so many ways, even being of the same frame of mind to stop everything else in their lives to enjoy the day and both filled with gratitude for that and for all that they had created together.

 

The three of them stayed out under the tree until shadows started crawling across the lawn forcing them inside for the evening.