"Didn't We Love" 
by Inluvwthfox 

Rating: PG at the moment, get's steamy later on.

Spoilers: None that I can think of right now.  This is a look at our
'big guys' personal life.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I didn't have the mental capacity to think
of these wonderful characters and thus, they belong to CC and 1013. I
am humbly honored to be able to us them for a while. All other
characters are mine, I did have the mental capacity to think of them.

Author's notes: I dedicate this story to a wonderful person who keeps
me going and makes me realize that I am not alone in this world.
Thanks so much, Brutal! ;) She has also given me a great deal of help
on this story and kept it alive for me.  Please go check out her fic
"Discovery of the Spirit". I highly recommend it.

Feedback: Please send in care of inluvwthfox@hotmail.com or visit my
website and sign my guestbook.  
www.geocities.com/inluvwthfox <http://www.geocities.com/inluvwthfox>

xXx 

"Didn't We Love" 

Quarter moon, always makes me think of you 
Are you thinking of me too? When you see it shine 
It's kind of sad; But I'm smiling, Imagine that 
Cause we were lucky to have had what we had - if only for a time 
Didn't we set the nights on fire 
Did ever a flame burn any higher 
Wasn't it so sweet? Wasn't it? 
Didn't we love 
It's okay, sometimes I just get this way 
I can't forget you anyway, I wouldn't even try 
I'd rather fall than never to have flown at all 
It was heaven after all, if only for a time 
Didn't we set the nights on fire 
Did ever a flame burn any higher 
Wasn't it so sweet? Wasn't it? 
Didn't we love 
Didn't we have it all back then 
Will I feel that way again 
Didn't we set the nights on fire 
Did ever a flame burn any higher 
Wasn't it so sweet? Wasn't it? 
Didn't we love 
Isn't it bittersweet, isn't it? 
Didn't we love 

Sung by Tamara Walker 

xXx 

xXx Part One xXx

Skinner stared at the letter on his desk. "It just couldn't be true,"
he thought. He read it again to make sure.....

Lt. Skinner, 

I regret to be the bearer of bad news, but the old man is ill. Major
Beaumont has cancer and needs help with the chores on his farm. Some
of the troops have volunteered to go out to Iowa and help him on our
vacations and I was wondering if you would also like to help. I will
contact you with the dates that are open.

Sincerely, 

Lt. James Franks 

It was true. The man that he looked up to all those years ago was sick
and dying. He remembered the time that the Major pulled his sorry ass
out of a fox hole just in time and how he stood by his bedside at the
VA hospital and 'made' him get better. The old man was rough but he
knew how to get things done.

Skinner looked over his schedule and decided when would be a good time
to take that long needed vacation and go help an old friend.

xXx 

Skinner stared at the little old farm house and thought how strange it
was to see the Major in this setting. He hadn't seen or talked to him
in years. He had tried to stay in touch but when he made Assistant
Director his job took over and controlled his life.

He had expected to be greeted by Kayla, his wife. He knew her from the
few times they had gotten together when they came to DC. She was a
beautiful country woman with bright blue eyes and long blond hair. She
was also very quiet and withdrawn. Not someone he thought the Major
would be interested in, but they looked perfect together.

He also knew he had three girls, probably all grown up now and
married. He thought about the oldest one that the Major had talked
about frequently while on the front lines. Her name was Hope or Faith,
he couldn't remember which.  She had been born just before the Major
came to Nam.

"She hasn't even had a chance to learn to hate me yet." He remembered
Major Beaumont saying.

Skinner was shaken out of his thoughts by a familiar and authoritative
voice.

"Lt. Skinner, stand at attention when you are in the presence of an
officer," the voice rumbled.

Skinner smiled when he saw Gabriel Beaumont come from the side of the
house to greet him. Skinner saluted him and reached out his hand to
shake it.

"You are looking well, sir." Skinner said with a smile, noticing the
cane and distinct limp the man carried with him in his older years.

"And you are a terrible liar, Skinner." He laughed. "Come on in, I'll
show you to your room. I think Faith is getting it ready."

"Faith? That's your oldest daughter right?" he said as he followed the
Major to the house.

"Yep. Little minx won't leave me be in my old age. Swears she's got to
look out for me. Damn kids." He replied gruffly.

Skinner held back a laugh and asked, "How is Kayla doing?" 

The Major turned around and looked at him sadly, "She's been gone for
about six years now. The cancer got her........Just like it's got me."

Skinner looked down, ashamed that he hadn't known about Kayla. "I'm
sorry, sir. She was a fine woman."

Beaumont smiled and said, "Yes, she was. How she put up with me all
those years I'll never know. Well, what about you? How's that wife of
yours?"

It was Skinner's turn for bad news. "She gone too, sir. Car accident."

The Major put his arm on Skinner's shoulder. "Oh,...................
I'm sorry son."

A beautiful country accented voice came from the back porch, breaking
into their conversation.

"Daddy, get in here and rest before I tie you down to that old ratty
bed of yours." Faith yelled.

Beaumont grimaced and whispered, "That's
Faith............................... nothing like her mother."

Faith Beaumont stepped out of the porch and walked toward them.
Skinner was in awe of just how much unlike her mother she was. She had
green eyes that sparkled like the finest emerald's and wavy red hair
that fell over her perfectly tanned shoulders. She wasn't very tall
but her legs were long and she was very shapely. The tight jeans and
tank top she wore helped to accentuate her body's shape and form. Her
smile was the topper though. She had a smile that made you smile also
and left you wondering just what she was smiling about.

She held out her hand to Skinner and said, "You must be Lt. Skinner.
It's nice to meet you. Daddy's told me so much about you."

Skinner shook her hand and replied, "It's nice to meet you too." 

She smiled again, "Come on, I'll show you to your room while Daddy
goes and gets some rest." She glared at her father.

Gabe saluted the young woman and said, "Yes ma'am. But who's going to
feed the horses?"

Skinner and Faith both answered at the same time, "I will." 

Faith smiled at Skinner and said softly to her father, "We'll take
care of it Daddy. You go lie down."

He smiled and kissed his daughter on the cheek. "Alright. But I want
you to fix up some of that fine pan fried chicken for supper tonight.
We're going to celebrate old friendships, you hear?"

This time Faith saluted, like a true soldier. "Yes sir." 

After the Major left and was safely in the house, Faith turned back to
Skinner and said, "So, Mr. Skinner. I here tell that your a big wig in
the FBI. I bet that's exciting work."

Skinner smiled, "Please call me Walter, Miss Beaumont." 

She smiled and said, "Well then, call me Faith,.......... Walter." She
drew out his name over her lips and Skinner's knees just about caved
in on him.

He blushed slightly and said, "My jobs not all that exciting, a lot of
paperwork and yelling at my agents."

Faith laughed, "Sounds like the perfect job for Daddy. Come on, I'll
show you to your room."

xXx 

Skinner stood under the scolding hot water of his shower and wished he
had worked out a little more before his vacation. He didn't realize
how grueling farm work could be. As he dressed he thought about all
the parts of his body that would be hurting in the morning. "Buck up
soldier. Your doing this for the Major." he said to himself.

There was a knock on his door and Gabriel Beaumont stuck his head in.
"Faith's got supper on the table and she gets pretty hot under the
collar if it gets cold."

Skinner smiled, "I'll be down in a minute, sir." 

The Major stepped into the room and said, "Call me Gabe, son. I think
we've lived past the 'sir' business."

Skinner smiled again, "Alright, Gabe." 

xXx 

Gabe sat back in his seat and patted his full belly. He gave Skinner a
satisfied glance and said, "You see son. One of these days I'm going
to get rid of this girl, then I can live here in peace and quiet, but
right now I keep her around cause she sure can cook."

Faith frowned at her father and said, "Get rid of me, huh? Not a
chance, and if you want a piece of my peach cobbler you better
apologize right now."

He leaned forward and covered Faith's hand with his own. "I'm sorry
dear. I just hate to see you ruining your life taking care of an old
man like me when you should be raising a family."

Faith blushed at his candor in front of his guest. She liked Walter
but would never admit to it as long as she had her dad to take care
of.

"Daddy, we've been over this before." She glared at him. 

He scowled at her, "Faith honey, I know how much you've always wanted
to settle down and have a family. You shouldn't be messing with an old
fart like me. You should be out there living, loving."

Faith's eyes softened as she leaned in and kissed her father's
forehead. "There's plenty of time for life and love. I'm needed here
now." She got up and went to the kitchen.

Gabe was quiet for a few moments then looked at Skinner and said, "I
don't know what to do about that one. Of all my kid's I'd figured her
to be the first one to settle down. She's nothing like her younger
sisters. They all have husbands, kids, and lives. Faith has dedicated
herself to drive me nuts before I die."

Skinner smiled thoughtfully, "She just concerned about you, Gabe. She
wants to make you happy."

Gabe stared at the kitchen door and said, "And all I want is for her
to be happy."

Faith came back out of the kitchen carrying her cobbler and saucers
for each of them. Skinner looked at her and noticed her hands shaking.
He stood up and took the cobbler out her hands. That's when he noticed
her blood shot eyes. She had been in the kitchen crying.

He set the cobbler down and took the saucers. He smiled and said, "Let
me serve you now."

Faith half smiled and sat quietly in her chair. The cobbler was eaten
in relative silence.

xXx 

Skinner stepped out into the starry country night and made his way to
the coral. It was quiet and peaceful. So different from the fast paced
life of DC. He leaned on the fence and looked out at the property.
There was a full moon out and he could see for miles. He wondered if
he could ever live like this. Away from the FBI, the consortium,
Mulder and Scully, and The X-Files. He watched the sky as the stars
seemed to flicker in unison.

"It's a beautiful dance, isn't it?" 

He turned to see where the velvety voice of Faith Beaumont had come
from. She was standing in the coral brushing one of the mares and
watching the same show he was.

He marveled at how beautiful she looked in the moonlight. "What dance
is that?" he asked.

She smiled and stood next to him and looked at the sky. "The stars.
Momma always said that the country was the only place you could watch
them dance. It really is beautiful."

Skinner stared at her, "Yes, it is." 

She looked at him and blushed. "So,............................. Daddy
said he saved, and I quote, 'Your sorry butt.' in Nam."

"Yeah, I owe a lot to your dad. He was the closest thing I had to
family while I was over there." He looked at the sky again.

"You don't have a family, Walter?" she asked softly. 

"No, my mom died when I was young and my father was married to his
work. While in Nam, the Major told me about the family he had back
here and it made me feel like I was a part of it." He thought of all
the stories Gabe had told about his wife and the beautiful little
child he had left behind.

"And how about now? Do you have a family now?" 

"No. I was married once. It didn't work out. I guess I'm to much like
my father. " He said bitterly. "And what about you? Why haven't you
gone out and found someone?"

"I've had a couple of relationships but I never could really find
anyone who interested me." She blushed again, "Besides, I'm a hopeless
romantic. The one trait I got from my mother. I just know one day my
knight will ride in on a white horse and wisk me away to his castle."
She giggled at her childish analogy.

Skinner smiled, "And until then you are going to make your father's
life a living hell, right?"

Faith's face went cold. "I promised Mamma when she died that Daddy
would never be alone. He's got nobody but me now and I'm going to make
sure he's happy. That's what Mamma wanted."

"You don't think your Mom wanted you to be happy?" He looked down at
her again.

"I'll have my day, Walter. Right now, Daddy needs me." She smiled at
him. "Goodnight." She walked to the house.

"Goodnight." He whispered after her. 

xXx End - Part One xXx


xXx Part Two xXx

Skinner woke to a strange but wonderful smell. His stomach
instinctively told him the smell was food. He climbed out of bed,
threw his clothes on and went downstairs. The aroma overtook him as he
entered the kitchen. Faith was standing at the stove, humming a lovely
tune. He stood there staring at her. He remembered how beautiful she
had looked in the moonlight the evening before and was amazed that she
looked even more beautiful in the morning sun. Skinner felt a tap on
his shoulder and turned.

"Put your eyes back in your head soldier. She doesn't like gawkers."
Gabe whispered in his ear with a smile.

Gabe stepped past him and walked up behind Faith. "Good morning
darlin. What smells so good?"

Faith turned and smiled, "Morning Daddy, I made your favorite,
Biscuits and gravy. Now sit down and I'll get you a cup of juice."

Gabe shook his head as he sat down, "I want some coffee this morning."

"Oh, no you don't. The doctor said you needed to drink more juice and
I'm going to see to it that you do what he says." She poured a cup of
orange juice and handed it to him.

As she started back to her cooking she looked at Skinner and smiled,
"Good morning Walter. Can I get you something to drink?"

Skinner wanted coffee but decided to not taunt the Major with it.
"Good morning, I'll take some of that juice." He sat down next to
Gabe.

Faith walked up next to him and stood between the two men. She sat the
glass of juice in front of him and said, "I hope you two aren't going
to work too hard today and don't forget, Daddy, we've got that barn
dance tonight. Remember, you said you would be my date." she went back
to the stove.

Gabe frowned, "Oh, darlin. You know how I hate those things. I always
end up dancing with old lady Jarvis while all the young bucks gawk at
you."

Faith brought a plate of biscuits and gravy for each of the men and
sat it down, then went back for her own plate. "And you know what
happens to every single one of those 'bucks' that gawk. I don't want
someone to gawk at me. I want someone to....... oh, forget about it.
Mom always said you never understood the finer points of love."

Gabe sat down his fork hard and glared at his daughter. "Now listen
here, missy. I know a hell of a lot more about love than you do."

Faith crossed her arms in front of her, "Then why don't you use some
of it on Widow Calloway down at the store. I know you like her and
she's always asking about you."

Gabe blushed, "You see, son. You see the trouble this little girl gets
me in. I'm trying to get rid of her and here she is trying to get rid
of me."

Skinner laughed and said, "Maybe she's right. If you like this woman
why don't you ask her to this barn dance tonight."

Gabe sat back in his chair and frowned, "Now it's a conspiracy. How
much she paying you to say that, soldier?"

Faith laughed, "I'm not paying him a thing, but I'll make sure he gets
something for suggesting it. It will do you good to go out with
someone besides me."

"Well....what about you? I was your date for the evening, remember?" 

"Oh, no you don't. Your not getting out of this that easily. I'll be
fine. Maybe I can talk Mr. Skinner into taking me. You just make sure
you ask Mrs. Calloway when you go to the store for my birthday
present." She stood and took her plate to the sink.

Gabe's mouth dropped open. "Your birthday? Oh, shit. I totally
forgot."

Faith turned around and said, "I knew you would. You've forgot every
year for thirty two years now. That's why I reminded you."

Gabe walked over to her and hugged her. "I'm sorry darling. I should
have remembered something as important as that."

She smiled, "Daddy, it's alright. Besides, being thirty two years old
isn't really anything to celebrate. It just means I'm a year older."

"Well, I think your the most beautiful thirty two year old I've ever
saw. Don't you son?" He looked at Skinner for help.

Skinner blushed and said, "Yes sir. Very beautiful." 

Faith blushed in return, "Now both you stop that and get the chores
done so we can be at the party on time."

xXx 

Gabe stopped Skinner just outside of the General Store. "Tell me again
why in the hell I'm asking this woman out?"

Skinner laughed, "You like her, Gabe. That's as good a reason as any."

Gabe stood there nervously trying to collect his thoughts. "I never
did see myself doing this at my age. That darn child of mine, she's
going to be the death of me."

Skinner just laughed and said, "Come on sir. You've got to admit she
keeps you on your toes."

Gabe smiled. "Yeah, she does. I just wish she'd keep someone else on
there toes for a while."

Gabe took a deep breath and walked into the store. Widow Calloway was
sitting behind the cash register reading a book. She was a petite
woman and obviously kept in shape. Her straight white hair was done up
in a lovely bun. Her smile looked youthful considering her age.

"Good morning Gabe." She stood up, her smile spreading. "How are you?"

Gabe stood straight and took a deep breath. "I'm just fine, Geneva.
And how are you?"

She blushed at him saying her name. "Fine, thank you. What can I get
for you today?"

Gabe looked around and said, "I need to get something for Faith's
birthday. You got anything she might like?"

Skinner watched the exchange between the two while searching the store
for a gift for Faith. He felt like he should get her something for the
hospitality she had shown him.

Geneva smiled. "I know just the thing. She's been eying this dress for
weeks now. It would be just perfect for that party tonight." She
walked to the back room and came back out carrying a lovely summer
dress in a green that would perfectly match Faith's eyes.

She smiled and said, "I could wrap it up for you?" 

Gabe smiled. "Thanks, Geneva. Oh, by the way........" He took another
deep breath. "Are you going to the party tonight?"

Geneva's smile spread across her face. "I thought about going for a
little while. I assume your taking your daughter?"

Gabe looked toward Skinner and said, "Actually, my daughter is going
with Walter over there..................I was wondering if you would
be interested in going with me?"

Geneva gasped. "Oh, I'd love to Gabe." 

He smiled back at her, "Great. Then we'll be by to pick you up around
six?"

She smiled and handed Gabe the box with the dress. "That would be
lovely."

They stared at each other and Skinner cleared his throat to get
Geneva's attention. "Excuse me. Could you wrap this up for me?"

She smiled and took the necklace he handed her. "Faith will love this.
Where did she find a catch like you?" She said as she wrapped the
gift.

Skinner blushed. "I'm here to help out on the farm. I was in the
Major's platoon."

She smiled and handed Skinner the box. "Oh, so your the one that Faith
has been all starry eyed over. Well, I'm glad she's finally doing
something for herself."

xXx 

Gabe looked at himself in the hall mirror, feeling somewhat
uncomfortable in the dress pants and polo shirt that Faith had chosen
for him. He practiced smiling and said, "Hi Geneva.:"

The soft voice of Faith came from behind him. "I'm sure you'll do just
fine, Daddy."

Gabe turned around and gasped at the sight of his daughter in the
dress he had bought. She was a vision. The dress complimented her hair
and made her eyes sparkle even more than usual.

He smiled and said, "Oh darlin'........You look as beautiful as your
Mama."

Faith blushed and gave him a hug. "Thanks Daddy. And you look
incredibly handsome."

Gabe smiled at her approval. "I just hope I don't make a fool of
myself."

"You'll be just fine. Just be yourself and have a good time." she
smiled and adjusted his collar.

He touched her cheek and said, "I want you to have a good time too,
darlin'."

Skinner stepped into the room, wearing black jeans and a black Polo
shirt, "Don't worry sir. I'll keep her dancing all night."

Faith turned to face him as he spoke. He stopped and stared at the
beauty that was standing before him. He couldn't believe how she could
be more beautiful every time he saw her. He reached into his pocket
and pulled out a box.

He stepped closer to her and said, "I....um...got you this for your
birthday and for the hospitality you've shown me." He handed her the
box.

Faith smiled at the surprise gift. "Oh............... Walter, you
didn't have to do this." She opened the box and gasped at the
contents. She pulled the gold chain out of the box and stared at the
emerald stone that was enclosed in a heart shaped pendent.

"Oh, It's beautiful. Thank you." She handed him the necklace and
turned her back to him so he could slip it on.

Gabe smiled, "Now you look like the princess I always told you that
you were."

Faith blushed, "Oh Daddy." 

He smiled, "Come on darlin', let's get you to the ball." 

xXx 

Skinner stepped into the dance with his vision in green. Rather then
noticing his surroundings he was transfixed by the smile on Faith's
face.

Faith smiled at him and said, "You going to stare all night or ask me
to dance?"

Skinner smiled. "Well, I guess I could do both." He offered his arm to
her and led her to the dance floor.

Faith placed one hand on the back of Skinner's neck and the other in
his hand. She smiled at him and said, "Have I told you thank you?"

Skinner smiled, "For what?" 

She looked into his eyes and said, "For your help, your loyalty to my
father, for being his friend."

Skinner frowned, "I wasn't much of a friend these last few years." 

Faith rubbed her finger along the collar of his shirt. "You were more
of a friend then you will ever know. When we lost Mom he spent hours
out in the swing, just staring at the sky. Then he found out he was
dying, that's when he started to think about 'the good old days,' as
he called it. He would sit in that swing for hours and tell me
stories. Your name came up in them a lot. His story telling and my
quiet listening has helped us through a lot of tough times lately.
So....Thank You." She leaned in and gently kissed his cheek.

Skinner tried to hold back a blush. "I guess I should thank you also
then. Your father would tell me stories, when we were in Nam, about
his 'Beautiful Little Faith' waiting back home for him."

It was Faith's turn to blush. "I don't think I'll ever outgrow being
called that."

Skinner leaned into her ear and whispered, "It's the truth." 

Faith stared at him for a moment and then slowly leaned in and gently
pressed her lips to his.  When she pulled away she was blushing hard. 
"I um.........I'm....going to go.......check on daddy."  She walked
away leaving Skinner standing alone on the dance floor.

xXx 

Faith approached her father and Geneva, her mind reeling from what she
had just done.  She smiled and sat down next to them.

Gabe looked at her and said, "You enjoying yourself, darlin'?" 

Faith sighed, "Oh..........yes.  I guess I'm just a little tired.  Are
you about ready to go?"

Gabe looked at Geneva and then back to Faith.  "Well, if it's alright
with you I'd like to stay here with Genny a little while longer. 
Walter and you can go though."

Faith sighed, not sure whether to argue with her father or not. 
"Alright daddy.  But don't stay out to long.  You do need your rest." 
She smiled and kissed his cheek.  "I'll see you later."

xXx

Skinner woke to the ranting of a flaming redhead who had been done
wrong.  He winced hoping that he wasn't the one that was the cause of
her words.

"That no good son of bitch.  I should tie his ass to that ratty old
bed and make him stay there until he learns that I'm only looking out
for him."  She slammed the door to her father's empty room.

Walter got up and dressed thinking that the Major had really done
something wrong now, to make Faith act like she was.  He opened his
door and started searching the house for her.  He found her in the
kitchen, banging around dishes and mumbling profanities.

Skinner couldn't hold back a smile.  Her rant reminded him of some
that the Major had thrown at base camp in Nam.  She was defiantly her
father's daughter.

Faith turned around and saw Skinner standing in the doorway.  With her
anger controlling her, she said bitterly, "What the hell are you
smiling about?"

Skinner's smile broadened. "I've seen this same scene outside a camp,
in Li Bai, some 32 years ago. You didn't happen to be there too?"

His joke put the necessary crack in her anger. She couldn't help but
smile. He was happier, knowing this memory could make her smile.

As she continued on with breakfast, he poured himself a cup of coffee.
"So, what's up?" he asked quietly. Given Gabe's absence this morning,
he could guess what set her off.

"Daddy never came home last night. I don't know where he is or if he's
alright....................."  She turned to look at Skinner, her eyes
swollen and red.  "What if something happened to him?"

Skinner pulled her into a comforting hug and said, "He'll be just fine
and I'm sure he'll have a perfectly good explanation for why he didn't
come home."

Just then they heard a car pull up in front of the house.  Skinner
stepped over to the window and had to smile at what he was observing.

Gabe climbed out of the passenger seat of the car and went around to
give Geneva a 'good night' kiss.  The kiss was lingering, as if they
were very familiar with each other.  Skinner couldn't help but give
Gabe a mental, *that a boy*.  Then he turned to look at Faith, seeing
her anger,  and added, *I hope it was worth it*.

Gabe waltzed into the house humming a happy tune.  "Good morning."  He
patted Skinner on the shoulder and gave Faith a kiss on the cheek.  He
poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table.

Faith leaned against the counter and glared at him, with her arms
crossed.  Without looking at Skinner she said, "Walter, could you go
check on the horses, please?"

Skinner knew the next few minutes of Gabe's life were going to be pure
hell and he smiled sadly at the man as he exited the room.

Faith sighed and said, "So, did you have a good time last night?"

Gabe smiled and looked at his daughter.  "Yes, I did.  What about you
and Walter, you two left the party fairly early?"

Faith fumed, "Well.........at least we left the party.  It looks to me
like you stayed until the end."

Gabe knew the tone of voice she was using, it was the same tone he
used on her when she had stayed out too late as a teen.  He knew she
must have been worried about him but he had hoped that his evening
away would give her and Walter the chance to explore there feelings. 
He was upset that they had not.

He stood up and stared down at Faith, the way he used to stare down
his troops and said, "Listen here missy.  I am 60 years old and I am
your father.  You have no right to judge me because I chose to spend
the night away from home."  Gabe stared her down, knowing that Skinner
was listening from the porch.

Faith stared up at him in shock of his soldier like tactics.  He was
only making her more angry.  "Excuse me?  You won't even take your
medicine without me telling you too and your going to yell at me
for............"  She stopped, forcing her self to calm down.  "Dad, I
was worried about you all night.  You never called.  For all I knew
you could have been laying dead in a ditch somewhere."

Gabe continued,  "It's your own damned fault.  You were the one with
the brilliant idea that I should ask Genny to the dance.  You want to
run my life and you can't even run your own."

The kitchen door came flying open and Skinner's baritone voice yelled
in, "THAT'S ENOUGH!"

Gabe glared at Skinner and said, "Excuse me?"

Skinner marched in and stood next to Faith.  "I said, that's enough. 
Sick or not, I won't let you talk to Faith like that."

Gabe stared the man down and said, "Faith is my daughter and I will
talk to her anyway I want too, soldier."

Skinner glared back at the man, "Not as long as I am here, sir." 

"Well then, maybe you should leave."  Gabe crossed his arms. 

Faith yelled, "Dad!"

"As long as you are being a pig-headed old fool to someone who loves
you, I'm not going anywhere." Skinner crossed his arms.

Gabe glared at the two.  "This is my house and I'll decide who stays
and who goes."

Skinner stood his ground, "Go ahead, kick me out.  I've slept in mud
holes in Nam.  Sleeping under the stars in Iowa would be a luxury."

Faith looked appalled and said, "You can't kick him out, I invited
him."

Gabe stared at her coldly, "Then you can go too." 

Skinner took a threatening step toward his former CO and friend, "I
said that's enough, Gabe." He growled through clenched teeth.  "She's
done nothing but care for you since Kayla passed.  She doesn't deserve
this kind of treatment."

*Oh, this is good,* Gabe thought. *Come to Papa.*   He took the two
steps necessary to be nose to nose with the former Lieutenant. His
eyes practically daring him to back up his threat.  "Why don't you go
bother someone else's family?"

Faith stepped toward her father, "I have never seen you act like this.
 What in the hell is your problem?"

Gabe glared at her, "You...........and him.  I'm tired of all this." 

Skinner began pounding his finger into the Major's chest.  "You treat
Faith with respect.  She's a smart, beautiful young woman and deserves
to be treated as such."

Faith stared at Skinner, his words echoing in her ears.

*Bingo,*  Gabe thought.  *Now all I have to do is reel him in.*  His
mouth slowly turned up into a smile and he said, "Why son, I didn't
know you felt that way about my daughter?" Satisfied with his
achievement, Gabe turned and walked away.

Skinner stepped back and stared.  Now he knew what the fight was all
about.  It was a game and he had just lost.

xXx

Gabe sat on the porch staring out at Faith as she groomed the horses. 
He felt bad for the fit he had thrown with her and Walter, but he knew
it had been necessary to reach his goal.

Skinner stepped out of the house and started down the stairs when Gabe
stopped him.  "Walt...."

He turned to look at the Major, trying to keep his face blank, even
though he was still mad.  "Yes sir?"

Gabe sighed and looked at him. "Son, I should apologize for my earlier
behavior. I don't know what got into me." Gabe shook his head,&#8221;
I just know I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

"Or Faith," Skinner added. He wasn't about to concede this point...no
matter what the Major was up to.

"Or Faith," Gabe agreed. "Come on, son. Sit down, please." He motioned
to the empty chair

Skinner sat down and said, "I don't care what kind of game you were
playing, you had no right to treat Faith that way."

Gabe looked down at his hands, "I know.  I never wanted to hurt her." 

Skinner said, "I don't know what you're up to Gabe..." his mind still
racing at the possibilities.

"But..." Gabe supplied for him.

"But, I'M not the one you should be apologizing to."

Gabe looked at the man and gave a nod.  

Both men stared out at Faith for a moment then Gabe said, "I'm worried
about her, son.  I'm worried about what's going to happen when I'm
gone."

A small smile tugged at the corner of Skinner's mouth. "She's a strong
woman. She'll be alright."

"Will she?"  Gabe sighed.

Skinner took a moment to consider the things she will face after
Gabe's death -- and he knew he'd be there to help her through every
one of them.  "She'll be fine...I'm sure of it."

"Walt, I screwed up big this morning...I know that. But damn it, she
needs to stop treating me like a child. I've got cancer, I'm not
feeble" he snarled half-heartedly. Walter knew he was just blowing off
steam. He didn't interrupt, the old man knew he was wrong.

"I love her more than anything -- just like I love all my kids." he
glanced at Skinner to see if he was still following. "But Faith is
special, she always has been."

*He'll get no argument from me there*, Walter thought to himself.

Gabe watched Faith grooming one of the mares. "She is so wrapped up
with taking care of others, she constantly neglects herself."

It was then that Gabe noticed that Walter wasn't completely paying
attention to him. He didn't mind though -- his old friend was doing
exactly what he had hoped. He was following her every move. Every
stroke Faith gave that mare, Walter could feel in his bones. He
snapped himself out of his daze when he realized Gabe was grinning at
him.

He tried to cover by repeating the only part of the old man's last
statement he caught, "She's so wrapped up with taking care of
others...." he was desperately hoping he remembered that right.

Gabe layed his hand on Walter's forearm. He was careful to keep his
voice gentle. "Walt, I've got two months left in this world...tops.
Maybe even less than that. I need your help with a few things."

Walter gave his old friend a few minutes to compose himself. Whatever
he was going to ask...it sounded heavy. "I love all my girls, but the
younger ones aren't into tradition. Oh, I'm sure they'll miss me and
all. But places like this..." he swung his arm out to the horizon,
"...just don't have the same meaning for them as it did for me and
Kayla...or as it DOES for Faith. She was born here you know."

Skinner had to smile, "I seem to remember you mentioning it."

"I don't want them to sell it. I need to know that this place will
continue with someone who appreciates the subtle beauty that it
possesses." He couldn't stifle his chuckle when Walter's eyes shot to
Faith when he mentioned the word beauty.

"Not exactly what I meant, but yes, I want her to have it." he handed
Walter the envelope he had slid under his cushion.

"What's this?" he didn't glance down at the envelope once. Gabe took a
breath to steady his nerves.

That is the deed to the land and everything on it. I want you to hold
onto it. Now, it may not come to this, but if the other girls try to
convince Faith to sell this place..."

"But if this farm means so much to Faith, would she even CONSIDER
parting with it?" Walter asked.

"My little Faith," his eyes were bright with the memories. Here he
was, 33 years later, talking to the same soldier about his "Little
Faith".

"She will think of herself last in this." Walter was starting to catch
on.

"You want me to hang on to this so it's not a decision she has to
worry about."

Gabe was pleased -- this was turning out to be easier than he hoped.

"Walt, I don't know what's going to happen when I'm gone...but I have
to prepare for the worst." Things were starting to get serious.

Walter tried to lighten the mood a bit. "Always the Marine." he
teased.

"I have put away enough money for everyone. I want you to hang on to
this place for me; And when you think the danger has passed, I want
you to give it to Faith." he explained.

Walter thought about the old man's request. He wouldn't deny him...odd
as that request was.

When he didn't answer, Gabe thought he might turn him down. And he was
fresh out of people he trusted. "Walt..."

"Sorry, Gabe. I don't mind doing it. But I was just curious, why don't
you just give the deeds to Faith right now?"

He gives a slight chuckle. He can smile now that Walter has agreed to
do it. "One, she wouldn't take it. In her eyes, it would be like
saying bye to me right now. Two, she wouldn't think it was fair to her
sisters -- no matter how much she wants this place..."

"So, I take it you don't want me to even mention I have this?" he
asked. Gabe was trying to pull a sleight of hand -- through Walter --
with the prize ultimately ending up where it belonged, with Faith.

The old man just shook his head, "When it's the right time -- I'll
leave that up to you. Just give her that envelope; and tell her about
this conversation here. I think she'll take it better coming from
you." The aches in his back were getting to be too much. He started to
get out of his chair and Walter immediately jumped to his feet to
help.

Gabe shook him off, "It's all right, son. I just over did it today. I
think I just need a nap." He gave a wry smile, "If the 'banshee' asks,
I'll be down in time for lunch."

Skinner stayed at his elbow until Gabe was at the top of the stairs.
Gabe turned to him, "Thank you, Walt...for everything. You don't know
what all this means to me." And for the first time in their
friendship, the old man wrapped his arms around Skinner and hugged
him.

He returned the embrace "Yes, Sir. I think I do." Gabe released him
and walked into his bedroom and closed the door without looking back.
He was at peace, he was entrusting his gem to a good man. A man that
understood, fully, the treasure that was before him.

Lt. Walter Skinner recognized this for what it was. He snapped to
attention and saluted the closed door. Then he took two steps forward
and placed his palm flat against it. "Farewell, my friend. Don't you
worry, I'll take care of everything." Somehow he knew, this would be
the last time he would see his mentor and friend.

xXx


Walter wasn't surprised when Faith announced that the Major was too
tired to join them for lunch. And when she told him Gabe would be
taking his dinner upstairs, her voice was thick with worry. The rain
had stared before they even cut into the steaks

For Walter, that was enough. The rain always brought death for him. It
was raining when his mother died in her own bed. It was raining when
his platoon was ambushed in Vietnam...and it was raining now. And the
man that had carried his bloody body miles and miles through the swamp
was getting weaker by the minute. Walter really hated the rain. But he
didn't know what to do. So here he was, sitting on the porch, watching
the rain turn the ground into the mud that still haunted him. He
glanced at the beer in his hand, "Fuck it," he growled, "Maybe I'll
just get drunk like I always do."

Faith was scared. Her father seemed full of piss and vinegar this
morning. And now, he was too tired to come down to eat. She was a
realist, maybe it's time. But it didn't mean she couldn't be worried
for him. She had sat up with him until he had fallen asleep. When she
returned to the kitchen, she wasn't surprised to find it clean --
considering their house guest. *Where was Walter anyways?*

She noticed him when she glanced out the dining room window. She
cursed to herself when she realized he was shivering, and flinching.
Damn, How long had he been out there?! She quickly grabbed the blanket
off the couch and went out to the porch. He never noticed her. But she
was sure that his shivering wasn't entirely due to the temperature.
She watched him for a moment -- the furrowed brow, the tense jaw, the
sad eyes. He was remembering something...

She knew from experience, not to stir a soldier from a nightmare, or a
daydream. It could result in bodily harm. But the sadness in Walter's
brown eyes -- she felt she had to chance it. Faith draped the blanket
over his shoulders.

He flinched slightly, and seemed to come out of his daze. Faith put
her hands on his shoulders, "Penny for them?"

Skinner reached up and gently touched her cheek. That simple touch had
Faith electrified. "Walt, what's wrong?"

"I'm just having a battle of wills with some old ghosts," he sighed.
"The rain always brings them out."

She stood before him to block his view of the yard. She ran her
fingers along his unshaven jaw. "Might help if you had another person
to fight with you."

Skinner clasped her hand in his and pulled her down next to him. "I
just hate the rain. It's always raining when the bad things in my life
happen. It was raining the day my mom died. Did you know that?" He
explained. Faith gave his hand a comforting squeeze.

"No, I didn't know. I know that it was raining when you got ambushed
in Vietnam," Walter's surprised gaze snapped in her direction. "Dad,
told me." She smiled.

"My wife was killed in the rain...car accident." he was starting to
lose his battle with his past. Faith looped her arm through his in
support.

"And now you have my dad to add to your battles," she stated as a
matter of fact. Skinner just nodded. They sat silently for a few
minutes as Faith came to a decision.

"Come on," she stood and pulled on Walter's hand. "Come with me." 

Since he really didn't have the energy to fight, he followed orders
like a good little Marine. She led him down the porch stairs into the
yard. Walter tensed when she wrapped an arm around his waist.

"Faith, what are you doing?" he asked. Faith just laughed.

"I want to dance...here, now -- with you. You need some good memories,
and I want to be the one to give them to you." She squeezed the arm
she had wrapped around his waist and raised the other one that held
his hand.

"Faith, we don't have any music," he protested weakly.

"Any soldier knows that rain has a rhythm. We can dance to that." She
let go of his hand for a moment. She placed her free hand on his chest
and made soothing circles. "Walter, relax. Just let go. Let it
happen." Skinner began to move as she lead their dance. He tried to
listen to the rain. As he picked up on it's beat, he took the lead.

He pulled her body up against his when she laid her head on his chest.
He chuckled when she seemed to melt. "Feeling relaxed?" he asked.

"Very," she mumbled into the wall of chest before her. "This isn't so
bad, is it?" she had felt him relax in her arms.

He began to hum the tune that was playing in his heart. Faith had
given him this. This brief respite from his own demons. A ray of light
for him to hold on to in darker times. Walter's biggest regret was
that he had to leave tomorrow. He made a silent promise to
himself...he would enjoy here, now. Until the real world called him
back. "No..............., this is magical." He kissed the top of her
head.

xXx End Part Two xXx

The sequel to this story, "Please Remember" will be coming soon. 
Please let me know what you think at inluvwthfox@hotmail.com