CHAPTER 2

Margaret got her new job by Wednesday and was to start that coming Tuesday. She however, did not get her car. Margaret ended up staying with Hawkeye that weekend since she didn't have her car yet. That being the case, she was available to sit for Danny that Friday night when Hawkeye went out. She had been teasing Hawkeye all week about who his date was. She guessed it was some dumb woman who couldn't even spell her own name.

There was a knock at the door at seven Friday night. Hawkeye was getting ready so Margaret answered the door with her new shadow right next to her. "Hello," she smiled politely. "You must be Hawkeye's date." She didn't know that the woman was coming. She assumed Hawkeye was picking her up.

"Yes," she said in a high pitched tone. "I'm Cindy."

Margaret tried not to stare at the woman. She wasn't wearing much and what she was wearing made her look like a two dollar hooker. "I'm Margaret. Come in and sit down. Hawkeye should be out soon."

"Okay." Cindy looked down at Danny, "Hi darlin'. How are you?"

Danny looked up at Margaret and held his hands up to her. She picked him up and he stuck close to her, holding onto her neck. "I guess he's a little shy. Let me get Hawkeye for you." Margaret knocked on the door to Hawkeye's bedroom. "Hawkeye, Cindy is here."

'Damn,' he thought to himself. 'She was supposed to meet me downstairs.' Hawkeye didn't want Margaret to meet her. He knew he'd never hear the end of it. "I'll be right out."

"Okay," she called. He could tell she was very amused and he didn't like that. Margaret walked over to the couch where Cindy was sitting now. She sat down in the chair across from her and sat the baby on her lap. "He'll be right out. So.tell me about yourself. What do you do for a living?"

"I'm a soda jerk."

Margaret almost laughed. That was job for a young kid. Not this woman. She had to be about 25, which she thought was too young for Hawkeye, but still too old to be a soda jerk. "Really?"

"Uh huh. What do you do? Are you Donny's nanny?"

"Danny," she corrected. "No, I'm not. I'm a nurse. I'm also a friend of Hawkeye's and I told him I'd watch his son for the night."

"Oh. How do you know Hawk?"

"We were in Korea together."

"You mean you met on a vacation?"

Margaret's eyes widened and her blood boiled. "The Korean War."

"Oh yeah, the one back in the 40's."

Margaret rolled her eyes. She couldn't help it. "No. That was World War II. Hawkeye and I served together in the Korean War. It was from 1950 to 1953."

"Oh, yeah. I think I heard of that one."

"Yeah. Let me see if Hawkeye is ready." She placed Danny on the floor and stood up. He grabbed onto her leg and wouldn't let her walk until she picked him back up. "What's the matter?"

"Go you," he said firmly.

She whispered to him as she walked away from the living area, "Don't worry honey. I wouldn't leave you with that dolt if she was the last person on earth." She went to knock on Hawkeye's door again, but he opened it just as she raised her fist to knock. "Oh, there you are. We were just checking."

He smiled at her. He could read her thoughts and knew she hated that woman and was about to go crazy. "I'm leaving. Don't worry."

"Good."

Hawkeye walked into the living room and Cindy stood up. "Hi," he said with a smile. "Are you ready to go?"

"I am," she gave him a kiss on the cheek and took his arm. "Bye Margaret. Bye Davey."

"Danny," Margaret said firmly before Hawkeye could say anything.

"Yeah, right. Anyway, bye."

Margaret rolled her eyes as Hawkeye and Cindy walked to the door. "Bye."

Hawkeye stopped in the doorway and looked at Margaret and Danny. "Bye buddy. You be good for Maggie. Daddy will see you in the morning."

"Bye-bye."

Hawkeye gave him a kiss and then looked at Margaret. "Thank you for watching him."

"No problem. I think Dimwit is waiting for you," she nodded to Cindy in the hall.

"Bite your tongue Margaret," he smiled. "Or I'll bite it for you."

"Uh," she sighed. She pushed him out the door. "Go be with your date. My date and I have plans."

"Your date, huh? He's a little young for you isn't he major?"

"Yes, but he's a little smarter than yours," she shot back.

He chuckled and whispered, "I'll give you that."

"Get out of here."

"Fine. Bye buddy."

"Bye-bye," he smiled. He never had a problem watching his father go. He was used it and he loved his normal sitter and loved Margaret even more.

"Bye," Margaret said and then shut the door. She looked at the child in her arms, "You didn't like Cindy, did you? Neither did I."

He wiggled to get down. Now he wanted to be down on his own legs. He never liked the women his father brought home. He was always glad to see them go; even at two years old. He didn't know why, he just didn't trust them or feel the least bit comfortable around them.

"Maggie, hungy."

"Again? You just ate dinner." He smiled at her and she had to smile back. "Okay. We'll find a snack."

Margaret and Danny spent the rest of the night having fun together. Danny was a born entertainer just like his father. He kept Margaret laughing and smiling all night long. It wasn't until he got tired that he became grumpy. He was also like his father that way too; they were not known for cooperating when they were in a bad mood. But, Margaret being who she was knew how to handle both of them. She had Danny comfortably in bed by nine o'clock.

When eleven o'clock rolled around, Margaret was just about to get to bed on the couch when the phone rang. It scared her half to death when it rang. She picked it up knowing that it had to be Hawkeye. "Hello?"

"Margaret, it's me."

She rolled her eyes. "I figured that."

"How's Danny?"

"He's sleeping. Are you coming home tonight?"

"I will if you want me to."

She rolled her eyes again. She knew what he wanted from that ditz Cindy. "If you're asking if I mind being here alone with him tonight, I'm fine. He's fine, we're both fine."

"So you don't mind?"

"No, just come in later in the morning. Don't wake us up."

"Thank you Margaret. Feel free to us my bed."

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye."

She rolled her eyes yet again, and then she got up off the couch. She wasn't going to turn that offer down. She checked on the baby and then went to lie down in bed. She knew she would get a better night's sleep now. She wouldn't have to worry about Hawkeye coming in, and she would be in a real bed.

The next morning Danny woke her up. He thought she was his father, but was pleasantly surprised to see that she wasn't. Margaret was glad to be greeted by him. He jumped up on the bed and started tickling her right away, but she got him. He laughed so hard that he wet his diaper, which was too full to begin with. Hawkeye's sheets were now wet.

"Daddy go?" He asked as Margaret was cleaning him up.

"He should be home soon. You and I are going to make breakfast. I think cereal sounds good, don't you?"

"Nope."

"What do you mean 'no'? It's the greatest idea."

He smiled at her. "Want baf."

"You want another bath? After we eat breakfast you can have a bath."

Margaret spent the morning with the child, and Hawkeye finally came home at eleven. She didn't say anything to him about spending the night out. He was a big boy. He was just glad that he had someone he trusted enough to leave Danny with. He spent the night away from home without worrying about his son. With Margaret around, everything was fine. She took better care of Danny than he did and that was something to be said since he took excellent care of his child. She was more of a mother than he could ever be, but that was nature. She was wonderful with the child and he had nothing to worry about.

Monday morning came and Margaret got her car and found a place to live. She couldn't wait to see Hawkeye and Danny that night at dinner. She was so excited. Things seemed to be coming together for her. She was really happy.

Hawkeye and Danny came home a little after six. Danny ran to Margaret and greeted her with a hug and a wet toddler kiss. She couldn't describe how much she loved that. Hawkeye was always happy when he came home. It was a wonderful place to be in the evening.

"Did you get your car today?" Hawkeye asked.

"I did," she smiled happily as she put Danny down. "It's as good as new."

"Good. What did you make for dinner?"

"I'm taking you out to dinner tonight. We're celebrating."

"What are we celebrating?"

"I'll tell you over dinner. Are you ready?"

"Yeah, I guess so. Danny, come on buddy. Maggie is taking us out for dinner."

Danny ran over to Margaret and jumped into her arms. "Ready honey?" He nodded yes. "Okay. How would you like some pizza?"

"Yeah," he smiled.

"Good. Sound good to you Hawkeye?"

"Sure. I'm starving. Let's go." He opened the door for her and led her out.

When they were settled at the booth, and Danny was in his highchair, Hawkeye started to pester her about telling him what she was hiding. He wanted to know. When Danny was situated Margaret gave in and told Hawkeye.

"Okay," she smiled. "Today I got my car back, and I found an apartment."

"You did? I didn't think you would find one so quickly. How did you do that?"

"I was talking to your land lady and she said that there is a small two bedroom apartment on the floor above you. I can move in this weekend. Do you mind if I stay with you for another week?"

"Not at all. We love having you with us. I'm glad you're going to be so close. I can keep an eye on you." He raised his eyebrows and looked her up and down.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not staying close to you because of you. I fell in love with your son. I would like to still see him."

"If you like babysitting him, could you do it Saturday night and Sunday morning?"

"I suppose I could. I don't work Sunday, and I'll be home before you go out Saturday. Anyway, I though you were going to Maine this weekend."

"Change of plans. My dad isn't going to be home. We're going next weekend."

"Oh. I'll be in my apartment. Maybe he should just stay with me up there."

"Whatever you want. If it isn't finished and you don't have a bed for him, you're more than welcome to spend another night at my place. You know that."

"I do," she smiled. He had been so welcoming to her and hospitable. "We'll see. It may take a little while to get the place furnished."

"If you don't want to watch him, you don't have to."

"No, it's not that. I'd love to keep him with me."

"Okay. Here's the pizza."

When the waitress left and Danny was settled with a piece of pizza, the two adults carried on a conversation. It was mostly about Margaret moving and starting her new job. Tomorrow would be her first day at work and she was looking forward to it. She hadn't worked for two weeks, and that was a long enough vacation for her. Things seemed to be coming together well for her. She found her dream job, an apartment, and an old friend all within a week. She was looking forward to her life in Boston.

The very next day Margaret was up and out the door at the same time Hawkeye was. And she did have Danny ready for him so he wouldn't be late for work again. Margaret would normally have to be at work at nine, but this being her first day, she needed to be there early, so she left with enough time that she would be there at eight.

That evening she was home before him. He would get out of work at six and she would get out at five. That gave her an hour to relax and get dinner started before he and Danny came home. It was something that she loved to do for them. She didn't look at it as a chore at all. She was staying in their house and making dinner and doing a little cleaning here and there was the least she could do. Hawkeye was helping her out a great deal by letting her stay there.

"Maggie," Danny yelled as he walked through the door.

Margaret smiled at him and scooped him up in her arms giving him a kiss. "Hi honey. I'm glad to see you."

"Me hungy."

"You're always hungry."

"Margaret, did you make dinner again?"

"Yes I did," she smiled. "How was your day?"

"It was good. How was your first day at work? I was going to go find you and take you to lunch, but I was in the middle of an emergency surgery."

"That's okay. I was getting to know some of my nurses." She placed Danny back on the floor and walked back into the kitchen to check on the steak and rice. "My day was wonderful! I love it so much."

"I'm glad," he said as he grabbed a cup and got a drink of water. "Maybe later this week we can have lunch together."

She smiled at him, "I'd like that. Are you hungry?"

"I'm always hungry. Where do you think Danny gets it?" She rolled her eyes and he smiled at her. "What do you want me to do?"

"Set the table." She had no problem giving him orders, or anyone else, and he knew that. "And then you can serve your son. He likes steak, right?"

"Loves it," Hawkeye smiled. "Then again, he seems to love anything you cook."

Margaret smiled at him and started to cut up a piece of steak for Danny. "You can cook some things, but not much."

"Hey," he said like he was hurt by that comment.

"It's true. You're very good at breakfast, but everything else. Well, let's just say that it's nice to go out when you're planning on cooking dinner."

He sighed with amusement and began setting the table. "Danny," he called. "Come here buddy. Its time to eat." Danny appeared in the doorway with a mischievous smile on his face. "What are you up to?"

"Time eat?"

"Yes it is," Margaret said. She picked him up and put him in his high chair. "What were you doing?"

"Payin'"

"Playing?" He had that same smirk on his face that his father always did when he did something wrong or sneaky. "I'll bet, you little trouble maker." He just smiled at her as she fixed the tray on his highchair. "You are certainly your father's son." Margaret saw Hawkeye smiling out of the corner of her eye so she gave Danny a kiss on the head. "But you are much cuter than your daddy."

Hawkeye rolled his eyes. "She just wants you to believe that."

"Are you saying that your son isn't cute?"

"I am saying no such thing! He's as cute as they come."

"Cuter," she smiled looking at the child. He had the most mesmerizing eyes that she had ever seen. Then she looked at Hawkeye and saw the same eyes. She smiled at him and then started to bring the food over to the table.

"Maggie," Danny said. "Me some."

"Hold your horses. It's coming." She grabbed his plate off the counter and than sat down at the table. Hawkeye took a seat next to his son. "You may start," she smiled. She handed Danny his plate and gave Hawkeye a piece of steak.

"What are we going to do without you?" He asked. "We're never going to have a good meal again."

"I'll invite you to my place."

"Like a date?"

She rolled her eyes, "Like friends."

"Ah, Margaret, you know you want me," he teased.

"Just eat your dinner."

Margaret moved into her apartment that weekend. She had some furniture being shipped, but it wouldn't make it there until Monday. That was fine by her because she had Mondays off, and it would give her Sunday to go out and shop for things that she wanted or needed for her new place. She also did some shopping Friday after work for a bed which she had delivered Saturday while she was working. Hawkeye was at her place so they could get in and he could make sure that they did things the way she wanted.

Saturday night Danny stayed with her. They went out to dinner and did a little shopping. He had to sleep in her bed with her, which he didn't mind at all, and neither did she. The next night he spend there he would have his own bed and own room. Margaret was planning on putting her old bed in the extra room and making it a office/guest room. That way Danny would have a place to sleep and so would any other guest.

Hawkeye hadn't realized just how much Margaret had been doing while she was staying with him. She was taking care of him and Danny, and he didn't really realize it. She was the one that made sure he and Danny were out the door on time every morning and now he was back to being late again. They didn't eat very well for dinner anymore and his house was not nearly as clean as it had been. It wasn't just that either because a house keeper could do that. He missed her company and her smile. He just missed her and found himself wanting to go see her everyday. It didn't help that his son was also looking for her.

Margaret found her new place comforting. She wasn't a guest anymore and was able to put things where she wanted and how she wanted. Not that Hawkeye was picky about that, but it was still nice to be in her own place. It was quiet, but it was also lonely. She missed the company of another adult and missed seeing Danny everyday. She didn't get a hug and a kiss from that chubby little guy everyday anymore.

They would see each other and would have dinner together once or twice a week. Danny would always stay with Margaret when Hawkeye had a date. She really wasn't dating, but Hawkeye was trying to get her to start. He wanted her to be happy and have what she wanted out of life. She had told him what she wanted was to get married and have a couple of kids. She just wasn't sure if she would find the right guy.

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Hawkeye was standing outside of Margaret's apartment door looking at her. "Are you sure you don't want to come with us?"

She smiled at him. "I'm sure. You and Danny go to Maine and have a good time. Bring me back some leftovers."

"I really wish you would come with us."

"Hawkeye, I'm fine. Really. I have to work anyway."

He had invited her to go with him and Danny to Maine for Thanksgiving. He had gotten Thursday and Friday off and was taking the four day weekend and spending it with his father. He didn't want to leave her all alone on the holidays, but she couldn't get the time off and she didn't really want to go either. She didn't want to get in the middle of his family time.

"Fine. If you get lonely, call me."

"Hawkeye, I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself. Besides, I have dinner plans for Thanksgiving."

"You do? With who?"

"Never mind with who," she smiled. "You just go and have a good time. Keep Danny bundled up too."

He smiled at her. She was so loving to that child and wanted nothing but the best for him. "You sound like you're his mother." He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Call me if you need anything."

"I will. Now leave!"

"I'm out of here." He looked at his child, "Tell Margaret bye-bye."

He waved to her, "Bye-bye. Wuv you."

"I love you too sweetie. Be a good boy." Hawkeye gave her a smile and then started to walk away. She walked back into her apartment and shut the door.

Margaret had the day of Thanksgiving off. She had been seeing someone and he invited her over to his place for dinner that night. She wasn't that interested in the man, but accepted his invitation. She didn't have anywhere else to be.

Thursday afternoon she got a phone call from Hawkeye and Danny wishing her a happy Thanksgiving. She talked with Hawkeye for a few minutes and then went to get ready to go to her friend's house. She put on a black skirt and a white blouse. It wasn't anything special; it was just the first thing she grabbed out of her closet.

She arrived at 3 o'clock sharp like she said she would. Neither she nor Tom knew why they were together. They knew the relationship wasn't going anywhere. They were basically together for the holidays because they didn't have anyone else.

While Margaret was sitting there eating, she was half listening to Tom speak, but her main focus was on her thoughts. Hawkeye had invited her to go to Maine for Christmas with him and Danny. She had also been invited to go to her sister's in New Hampshire, but now her sister wasn't going to be there. She was leaving and going to her in-laws. Margaret found herself relieved, and that surprised her. She loved her sister and her nieces and nephew very much, but she found herself wanting to be with Hawkeye and Danny.

The whole time she was at Tom's she thought about what Hawkeye and Danny would be doing. She knew that they were having a great time, and she wanted to be with them doing the same. She knew that she was definitely going to take Hawkeye up on his offer to go with him for Christmas. She couldn't think of anything that she would rather do more.

"Margaret, Margaret?" Tom said. "Are you still with me?"

She smiled at him, "Sorry. I was lost in thought. What did you say?"

"I said would you like me to walk you home?"

"No thank you," she smiled. "I can manage." She got up and grabbed her coat and purse. "Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome." He walked her over to the door and was about to open it for her, but he stopped. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"You don't want to see me again, do you?"

"What?"

"You and I both know that this relationship isn't anymore than just friends." He smiled at her, "Its okay."

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. We just aren't meant to be together."

"So, what does that mean?"

"It means we're just friends. I think you know who you want," he smiled knowingly.

"What?" She asked with confusion.

"Think about it." He gave her a kiss on the cheek and opened the door for her. "I'll see you around."

"Bye," she said.

Margaret walked home that evening alone and happy about it. Seeing Tom was more like a chore than it was pleasure. She did it mostly to get Hawkeye off her back about not dating. She had found herself looking forward to watching Danny on Saturday nights rather than going out on a date of her own. She had a better time with that baby than she had with any man that she encountered lately.

When she got home, she got right into her pajamas and laid on the couch and watched TV all night. She didn't have anything to do or anywhere to go. The people that she would like to see weren't even in the state at the moment. She just enjoyed what was left of the day because the next two days she would be at work.

Hawkeye and Danny spent Thanksgiving day at his father's house. The house was full of family and friends; like it always was on Thanksgiving. Danny had a blast running around with the other children and being spoiled by his father's aunts and cousins. He never lacked for attention there, or any other place for that matter.

Sunday night Margaret heard a knock on her door. She wasn't expecting anyone to be there. When she opened the door she smiled at the sight in front of her. It was Hawkeye and Danny. Hawkeye smiled at her, "Hey."

"Hi," she smiled brightly.

"Hi Maggie!" Danny squealed. He had a flower in his hand.

"Hi honey," she bent down and picked him up. "I missed you."

"Miss you," he gave her a hug. When he picked his head up he smiled at her. "For you," he handed her the lily."

"Thank you very much. It's beautiful." His smiled brightened when she said that to him. "Come on in," she said to Hawkeye. "How was your trip?"

"It was nice," he said. "Danny missed his Maggie though. He wanted you to come with us."

She smiled at him and gave Danny a kiss on the cheek. "I missed you too baby." He smiled and laid his head down on her shoulder. "Have a seat," she said to Hawkeye as she sat down on the couch placing Danny on her lap.

He took a seat in the chair. He loved her chair. It was the most comfortable thing he had ever sat in. "How was your Thanksgiving with that man?"

"It was nice, but we agreed we wouldn't see each other anymore."

"Why? What happened?"

"We just decided that was best, that's all."

"Why?"

She smiled, "Hawkeye, I don't want to talk about. It was mutual and I'm glad, and that's all."

"Fine," he smiled. "I just want you to find what you're looking for."

"I think I have," she smiled.

"Really? Who is it?"

She looked down at the child sitting comfortably on her lap. "He's the cutest thing you've ever seen, and he's so sweet. He can be a hellion at times, but that's part of his charm."

"Who is it?"

"Danny," she smiled at him. "I'd rather spend my time with him than any of the men I've dated recently. I'm going to stop searching for Mr. Right and wait for him to come to me."

"And you say I'm weird. Your love is two years old."

She rolled her eyes at him. "So is yours."

"He's my son."

She wanted to say the same, but she couldn't. Danny saved her from having to reply. "Maggie, me hungy."

"You're hungry? Didn't you have dinner?"

"Want 'nack," he smiled.

"How about some cookies and milk?" He nodded excitedly. "Okay. Pierce, you want some?"

"Why not," he smiled. He stood up and followed her out to the kitchen. He grabbed sat down and let her to her thing. He had learned not to get in her way. "Margaret, put him down. You don't need to hold him when you do that."

"Its fine," she said. Danny was on her hip and he was no bother. He didn't reach out for anything. He just wanted to be with her and she loved that.

"No it's not. He can sit down. Danny, sit down in the chair and Margaret will bring you your snack."

Danny hung onto Margaret and looked at his father, "No. Stay Maggie."

"Pierce," she said to him. "It's fine, really. I haven't seen him for five days and I want to hold him."

He smiled at her. She had taken Danny under her wing. It was probably because the poor little boy didn't have a mother, and Hawkeye was glad that Margaret seemed to be taking on the role. He didn't know why he was so happy about it, but he was happy none the less. "You're the boss."

"That's right," she said. "Don't forget it."

"Oh, I won't," he smiled. "You won't let me."

She placed a glass of milk in front of him and then one on other end of the table before sitting down with Danny on her lap. Then she sat the cookies on the table. They're fresh. Just made them today."

Hawkeye picked on up and took a bite of it. "Wow, these are really good."

"Thank you," she smiled. "Tell me about your trip. How's your father doing?"

"He's great. He's waiting to meet you. You have to come with us at Christmas."

"I'll see if I can get the days off. I'd really like to go with you."

"Great," he smiled.

The two of them sat there and talked for a while. Danny had fallen asleep on Margaret's lap and stayed that way until his father woke him up at 10PM to take him home. Then he screamed and cried because he didn't want to leave Margaret's house. Margaret told Hawkeye that she would keep him for the night if he didn't mind.

"No, I'll take him home. He has to go to the sitter's in the morning and I have to work."

"Daddy," Danny cried. "Want Maggie."

"Hawkeye," she smiled. "If you're worried about that, its okay. He's more than welcome to spend the day with me tomorrow. I have Mondays off."

"That's nice, but he's not your responsibility."

"If you want to take home, I understand. I'd love to spend the day with him though. Maybe you could bring him to my house instead of the sitter's," she suggested.

He smiled at her. He didn't want to take advantage of her when it came to Danny. He didn't mind leaving the child with Margaret, in fact he preferred it, but he didn't want her to feel that she had to just because Danny was throwing a fit. "If you really want him, he can stay."

She smiled at him. "That sounds easier. He's not a bother at all."

"Margaret, he's a two year old boy. He's a chore no matter what."

"Yes, but I love it. He makes me want some of my own." She gave the child a kiss on the cheek. He was still in her arms and was about to fall asleep again.

"I can tell. I don't think you're going to get any since you've stopped dating."

She rolled her eyes and pushed him out the door. "You need to mind your own business."

He laughed and gave his son a kiss. "Bye buddy. I love you."

"Bye," Danny said.

Hawkeye looked at Margaret. "You have a key to my place. Just go down and get what you need for him in the morning. I'll be by after work to pick him up."

"Ok," she smiled. "We'll be here."

He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "It's good to see you."

She smiled. "I'm glad you're back. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

The next day Margaret and Danny started their Christmas shopping. Margaret had to get things for her three nieces and her nephew. Her nephew was the same age as Danny so taking Danny was great. Shopping for her nieces was also easy because shopping for little girls was always so much fun, but Danny didn't think so, so Margaret was saving that for another day. She would shop for little boys today.

After spending the day with Danny like that, she made up her mind about a few things. She wanted to get married and have a family right now. All that was missing from that picture was a husband, and that's where she needed to start. She couldn't give up on dating because she knew she couldn't get what she wanted without finding the man of her dreams. She decided that she would get back into the dating scene after the holidays. She would try and see if the love of her life would find her in the mean time.