Chapter One

Steve's head was in an all-out battle with his heart. Jaime was finally moving to DC to be with the love of her life, but...it wasn't him. Realistically, he knew that the love they'd shared had died when Jaime died. He'd kissed their life together goodbye when he kissed her on that operating table and turned away to try and find a new life without her.

The only problem was – Jaime was his life. He'd foundered, aimless and alone, until the day fate brought him to the very same hospital where Michael Marchetti had rescued Jaime from death. One glimpse of Jaime, lying in her hospital bed, and Steve's world began turning again. When she didn't remember him, it was like a dagger through his soul, but he'd tried to accept it as best he could. At least she was alive and still a part of his life; having Jaime as a close friend was a million times better than visiting her grave.

Her amnesia had resulted, at least in part, from choices and decisions Steve had made for her; it certainly wasn't Jaime's fault. He'd watched from the sidelines as Jaime began to fall for Michael, and when simply looking at Steve started causing her to suffer debilitating physical pain, he was forced to leave her solely in Michael's hands, letting her go once again.

Losing Jaime to Michael would've been almost bearable, given the circumstances, but Jaime wasn't in DC to be with Michael. Jaime's actual choice had been far more baffling and potentially soul-crushing. Although he'd professed complete understanding and pledged his total support to the new couple, in truth, Steve was bewildered, hurt and struggling mightily to come to terms with what had happened. Jaime had given up the apartment she'd adored and moved clear across the country to be with Oscar Goldman.

Steve had seen it coming before either Oscar or Jaime realized it themselves; he'd noticed the glances they'd held just a little too long, the sympathetic hands that lingered for an extra beat (or two) on a shoulder or arm. They were Steve's favorite two people on the entire planet. Theoretically, it was a blessing that they'd found happiness with each other, but sometimes it felt like a stab in the back that went directly into his heart.

Steve was also scared to death – for both of them. Did they have any idea of the trouble they were setting themselves up for? Of course they did, and if their feelings for each other were strong enough that they still chose to try and be together in spite of all obstacles, Steve knew he should – and would – help them in any way possible.

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Jaime raced out the door and down the sidewalk when she heard Oscar's car in her driveway, dancing into his delighted arms as soon as his feet hit the pavement. He'd helped her to find a small house with a long, tree-lined driveway for privacy, less than a ten-minute drive from his own home. As Oscar gently drew her closer, Jaime's exuberance thrilled him almost as much as her kiss.

"Hi, Babe," he said, savoring the softness and taste of her lips. "Welcome home."

"I'm almost done unpacking; I can't wait to show you – c'mon!" Jaime took Oscar by the hand and they headed into the house, where she triumphantly twirled around with a flourish. "How do you like it?"

"You've done a great job. It looks wonderful." He reined her back into his arms for another kiss. "Have I told you today how much I love you?"

Jaime grinned. "Not since this morning, but I forgive you, 'cause I love you, too. You want a drink? Or some coffee?"

"I can't stay, Babe. I'm between meetings, and running a little late already, but I wanted to stop and see how things were coming along. I'm really glad you're settled in."

Jaime pouted slightly. "You're not staying for dinner, then?"

"I wish I could, but we can meet for breakfast in the morning. How about Al's Deli?" he suggested.

"Ok; I'm missing you already, though."

Oscar kissed her one last time. "I'll see you in the morning, Babe."

"I wish you didn't have to go..."

Oscar nodded. "So do I," he told her quietly, on his way out the door.

Jaime sighed, and watched out the window as he drove away. The sun hadn't even reached the horizon yet, and she was on her own for the rest of the day. She killed a little time deciding what kinds of flowers she wanted to buy to line the sidewalk and border around the house, then went out onto her back porch to watch the sunset.

"Private viewing, or can anyone join in?" a voice asked as its owner poked his head around the side of the house and came to sit down beside her.

"Steve – hi! How'd you know I was back here?"

"You've always loved sunsets," he answered simply. "How's the new house? Need help unpacking?"

"Actually, I'm unpacked, and almost done decorating. Wanna see?"

"Sure – in a little while. Let's see the rest of the sunset, first."

Jaime nodded, staring wordlessly at the display of orange, pink and yellow that was just reaching its peak of brilliance.

"Jaime? You ok?" Steve asked gently. "Little tired from setting up housekeeping?"

"I'm ok," she sighed.

"You never could lie to me, you know." Steve looked directly into her suddenly stoic face. "What's wrong? You can talk to me about anything, you know."

"Thanks; I'll...be ok."

"Did Oscar do something to upset you?"

"He wasn't here long enough to upset me."

"Oh." Steve understood completely. "You came all the way out here for him, and still aren't getting the 'together' time you'd hoped for."

"I've only been here two days. It'll get better."

"Is there anything I can do?" he offered.

"You already have. I really needed a friend tonight; thank you."

"Always, Jaime. I mean that – anytime."

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