DD2: I'm sorry to disappoint you, but there is only the epilogue after this one. As I've already stated in the AN's, it was supposed to be just 500 words and thus there was no chance to make it that much longer, because I had a fixed and complete vision in my mind of how it should go. I am, though, working on a new H&J christmas fic, that should be out this month. It won't be long, since I haven't felt like writing anything long this month, but I hope it'll be funny and nice. Thanks for the review and enjoy this new part!

Not A Muggle: welcome, first-time reviewer! I'm glad you like this fic and don't forget to check out my other fics (there are about 44 or 43 currently), perhaps you'll find something else you'll like. Thanks for the review and enjoy this new part!

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I hate to resort to this, but until I get two more reviews for the last part of "I'll never let you walk alone, I won't be updating, cause it was hard to write Harm's POV, it was a real effort and because I gave you such a long part. And I'm a little disappointed that out of that large number of readers, only Syrae reviewed. And the fact that she reviewed (when so many didn't bother) was compounded by the fact that she was heading out for the weekend with her friends and took the time, even though she had little of it, while others, who weren't in a hurry, didn't. So, I'm not asking much, I'm not asking for praise, just for a few constructive comments.

You never know, your review might inspire me to write another fic. It has happened before and you could make it happen again!

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Suddenly he thought of something. "Wait a minute. Captain? Where did you hear that?"

She blushed. "I overheard the General talking on the phone the other day. Apparently Admiral Cheggwidden was given the order to recommend officers that should be promoted to O6 when the promotions board next meet and you were it. He chose only you. It seems that CDR Turner talked to him a while ago and stated the preference of leaving after his 20 are over. And with everything on her record, LtCol Mackenzie has no chance of getting promoted, besides, she doesn't even have a chance of being offered to extend her commission. It seems that a deal with the devil had been made when you resigned, in which Cheggwidden borrowed you to Kershaw. So, there is no 6 month resignation on your record. Why do you think you were back so quickly and with so little paperwork? Your record says that you were on load to another agency. You will have your full 20 in, in a few months and are to be promoted. When I overheard the General he was giving his support to the Admiral's recommendation."

"Wow." Harm was stunned. He had certainly not expected that. "I mean, I knew at the time that Cheggwidden had been given the task, but never imagined I would be selected."

Then he grinned mischeviously. "You're right. It's better that you resign."

"Hey!" cried Jen mock-indignantly. She knew he was kidding. He would never put himself or his career over her.

Then he got serious again. "When does your enlistment end?"

She sobered up. "This Friday. The General has had my notice for the last month and I have already started training my replacement."

"Friday? That's two days!" he exclaimed startled. "But how could you have known we would wind up talking about our feelings and get together?"

"I didn't."

"Huh?" he asked confused.

"I fully intended to retire in any case. I already have a civilian job lined up and am planning to return to my studies. And as soon as I was out of the Navy and no hints of impropriety could be hinted at, I fully planned on pursuing you. And I wouldn't accept defeat under any circumstance. So, you see, I would get you anyway." she grinned self-satisfied.

Harm just shook his head. "You're pretty determined, aren't you? Good thing I made your job easier, then."

Jen disagreed. "I don't care if it had been a hard and lengthy pursuit. I love you and want to be with you, it wouldn't matter to me what it would've taken to get you. You are well worth every effort needed and well worth waiting for. It wouldn't have mattered to me if it had taken years or decades, I would've still persisted because I love you and I always knew that you love me."

In a completely uncharacteristic move for Harm, she noticed a wet gleam to his eyes. Not tears, but it was obvious he was touched deeply. "No-one had ever said that to me. No-one had ever said something as precious to me before. You don't have any idea what it means to me that you think I am worth waiting for."

Jen, upon hearing that, grew extremely angry at all the women who had hurt this man in the past, by making him feel he was not worthy of their efforts, with LtCol Mackenzie at the head of that line. Mac had done more to beat down his spirit, ego and self-esteem, even intentionally, than anyone or anything else in his life and Jen couldn't help but feel pity, besides anger and hate, for the woman who had cheated herself of the greatest thing in the world out of sheer stupidity and vindictiveness. He had told her one evening, when he had had a drink too many, of how he had asked Mac for time and she had so obviously believed him not worthy of waiting for. Jen herself knew that she never could've done that to Harm, to any man she loved, and pitied Mac for throwing away the chance of bliss, lasting a lifetime, just because she wasn't willing to wait and wanted something right that second, no matter who gave it to her. Jen woved to herself to spend the rest of her life making Harm know he was worthy of love and that he meant everything to her. She will love him for the rest of her life, unconditionally as he loved her, and she was determined to make sure he knew it.

Then he visibly started gathering up courage and tried to speak up a few times. She touched his hand in support and just waited for him to say it. Finally he forced the words out. "I love you."

Jen heard her own breath hitch at hearing those precious words, words that she did not need, for she knew how he felt, but were more precious than anything else, because she knew what mental and emotional demons he had to overcome just to say them. He had said them to his father and he had died. He had said them to Gym and she was killed before his very eyes. And he had said them to Diane and she was killed and he was given the investigation, only to be later framed for her murder. Mac had never understood Harm and had taken his terror as rejection of her. Jen knew from her studies that this is where most of Harm's fear of admitting love for anyone came from. Subconsciously he was afraid, that if he loved someone and told them, that they would die. He knew that wasn't true, but his heart didn't listen to reason.

And the fact that he had overcome such deep-rooted demons to tell her he loved her, meant to Jen more than anything in the world.

Any woman for whom Harm had overcome these demons should count herself the luckiest woman in the world and Jen definitely did.

Tears spilled from her eyes and sobs shook her body from overwhelming emotions. She reached out a shaky hand and traced trembling fingers down his cheek. Harm in turn leaned into her touch and closed his eyes.

Slowly she slipped her hand around his neck and pulled his head towards hers. Just before their lips met she whispered against his mouth "I love you too."

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AN: so don't forget to review this fic and "I'll never let you walk alone". It doesn't take any effort and means a lot to me.