Title: Butterfly Kisses Author: Nicole Category: S, R [Harm/Mac] Rating: G Spoilers: ‘Yeah, Baby’ Disclaimer: not mine Summary: Harm’s relationship with his daughter. Feedback: desired Author’s Notes: I was cleaning the living room when this song came on the CD player. I wasn’t really paying attention, but then it got stuck in my head and I thought it would make a wonderful story. ‘Butterfly Kisses’ belongs to Bob Carlisle. Dedicated: to father’s everywhere. If you go and tell your dad that you love him after reading this, my job will be done. ~*~*~*~ There’s two things I know for sure She was sent here from Heaven And she’s daddy’s little girl As I drop to my knees by her bed at night She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes And I thank God for all of the joy in my life Oh, but most of all, for… Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer Stickin’ little white flowers all up in her hair “Walk beside the pony, daddy, It’s my first ride” “I know the cake looks funny, daddy, But I sure tried” Oh, with all that I’ve done wrong I must have done something right To deserve a hug every morning And butterfly kisses at night ~*~*~*~ Harm smiled at Catherine, tightly cocooned in her blankets. “Okay, baby girl,” he said softly, “time for bedtime prayer.” Catherine smiled brightly and closed her eyes as Harm dropped to his knees, his hand finding hers through the blankets. “Dear Jesus…” Harm’s mind wandered from his daughter’s words as he prayed his own prayer, thanking God for everything in his life. “Amen!” Catherine pronounced loudly. Harm smiled at the young girl and leaned close, kissing her lightly on the forehead and bringing his face close to hers so that she could give him a butterfly kiss. Catherine giggled and Harm smiled, turning out the lamp by her bed. “Go to sleep, baby girl.” Catherine smiled lovingly at her father. “I love you, daddy,” she said sleepily, already starting to drift off. A year later… “Daddy, daddy, look!” Catherine shouted. Harm looked up from kissing Sarah. “Uncle Clay’s letting me ride his new pony!” Harm smiled. “That’s great, Catherine! Is Uncle Clay gonna show you how to ride it?” Catherine nodded excitedly. “Yup! I’m gonna learn how to ride just like Trey!” “Someone call me?” Trey asked, showing up out of nowhere. Sarah smiled. “Catherine just said that she was going to learn how to ride like you.” Trey smiled, his amusement turning the statement almost into a smirk. “This I gotta see!” Catherine glared at her older brother, her chin jutting out stubbornly. Five minutes later Catherine was ready to get up on the pony. Clay lifted her up, placing her in the saddle and handed her the reigns, instructing her how to used them. “Daddy?” Catherine called. “Can you walk with me? It’s my first time on a pony and I’m kinda scared.” Harm smiled and got up, walking over to where Catherine was. “I would love to, baby girl.” Two years later… “Happy birthday!” Catherine yelled gleefully. “Happy B-day, Dad.” Trey said, helping Catherine place the cake onto the table. The two children smiled as their mother approached Harm from behind. “Happy birthday, Darling,” she said, wrapping her arms around Harm’s shoulders. “I made the cake, Daddy!” Catherine exclaimed. Then her mood darkened a bit, “I know it looks kinda funny, but I tried.” Harm pulled the eight-year-old onto his lap. “I love it, baby girl. Thank you.” ~*~*~*~ Sweet sixteen today She’s looking like her momma A little more every day One part woman, the other part girl To perfume and makeup From ribbons and curls Trying her wings out in great big world But I remember… Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer Stickin’ little white flowers all up in her hair “You know how much I love you, daddy. But if you don’t mind, I’m only going to kiss you on The cheek this time” Oh, with all that I’ve done wrong I must have done something right To deserve her love every morning And butterfly kisses at night ~*~*~*~ “Can I open my eyes, yet?” Catherine asked, impatience and anticipation coloring her words. “In a minute, baby girl,” Harm answered, leading Catherine by the hand. “Okay, now.” Catherine slowly opened her eyes, squealing with joy when she saw her gift. “Oh, Daddy, I love it!” she cried, throwing her arms around Harm’s neck and hugging him tightly, then giving Sarah a tight hug and moving to look more closely at the car. Harm smiled and put his arm around his wife, watching their daughter examine her 16th birthday gift from them with child-like enthusiasm. “We did good,” he whispered into her ear. “And not just with the car,” Sarah whispered back. Later that afternoon… Harm gazed at Catherine cutting the cake and Sarah handing out the pieces. Catherine was growing up so much. He had always known that his baby girl was beautiful, but now… She was just so much like her mother. Harm remembered the conversation he had had with Sarah years before when they agreed to “go halves” on a baby. Sarah had said, “And what if she has your looks and my brains.” It hadn’t quite worked out that way, as their son had his father’s looks and mother’s brains and their daughter had her mother’s looks and father’s brains. Harm was startled out of his thoughts by Catherine wrapping her arm around his shoulders. “Daddy?” Catherine asked, concerned, “are you okay?” Harm smiled, inhaling the slightly musky scent of Catherine’s perfume. “I’m fine, Catherine. Just thinking.” Catherine smiled. “Good thoughts, I hope.” Harm smiled back. “The best.” ~*~*~*~ All the precious time Like the wind the years go by Precious butterfly Spread your wings and fly ~*~*~*~ Harm smiled as he knelt beside Catherine’s bed and she smiled at him. “Daddy?” “Yeah, baby girl?” Harm could tell Catherine was nervous as she twisted the sheet in her hands and looked down for a long moment before meeting his eyes. “You know that I love you a lot, and I hope you don’t mind… but I’m only going to kiss you on the cheek this time, okay?” Harm could feel his heart breaking slightly, but he put on a brave face. “Of course, baby girl.” Catherine smiled at the nickname and gave her father a light butterfly kiss. ~*~*~*~ She’ll change her name today She’ll make a promise And I’ll give her away Standing in the bride room Just staring at her She asked me what I’m thinking And I said, “I’m not sure I just feel like I’m losing my baby girl” Then she leaned over… and gave me… Butterfly kisses with her momma there Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair “Walk me down the aisle daddy It’s just about time” “Does my wedding gown look pretty, daddy?” “Daddy, don’t cry” Oh, with all that I’ve done wrong I must have done something right To deserve her love every morning And butterfly kisses ~*~*~*~ Harm gazed at Catherine. She was so beautiful, even more so today. Catherine looked up and met Harm’s eyes through the mirror. “Daddy? What are you thinking of?” Harm sighed, frustration and tension showing in his statement. “I don’t really know. I just… I just feel like I’m losing you, baby girl.” Catherine smiled. “You will never lose me, daddy.” She then turned around and leaned over to Harm, giving him a soft butterfly kiss. Sarah smiled as she arranged the flowers in Catherine’s hair. The tiny white roses Catherine had chosen for her hair were a tribute to her parents, she said, who met in a rose garden. Sarah finished with Catherine’s hair and looked her over. “You’re beautiful, Cat.” Catherine smiled, tears in her eyes. “Thank you, Momma.” She then turned to Harm again. “Walk me down the aisle, Daddy. It’s almost time.” Harm gave Catherine a small kiss on the cheek and took her hands, leading her over to the doors to the chapel. “Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy?” Catherine asked as the bridesmaids entered the chapel. “Your wedding gown looks beautiful, baby girl. Even more so that you’re wearing it.” Harm felt a tear course down his cheek. Catherine looked over at her father and saw the tear. “Daddy, don’t cry,” she whispered, wiping the tear away softly. The two heard the wedding march begin and walked through the doors, Harm leading his baby girl to her destiny. ~*~*~*~ I couldn’t ask God for more, man, this is what love is I know I’ve gotta let her go But I’ll always remember Every hug in the morning And butterfly kisses… ~*~*~*~