Chapter 10
"Even that first day when I met you and Harm and Bud. I was understandably nervous about meeting my new CO. Then there was all that distraction about Harm's old girl friend, but still it was you that stood out with your calm. Then there was the gentle way you handled Bud's confusion about the car, when you could have been mean and sarcastic."
'Sarah, what are you saying?'
"As I got to know you, I only found more things to admire. Your maturity versus Harm's boyishness was so refreshing."
'I thought women liked boyish charm?'
"That 'aw gee shucks' attitude of his wore thin rather quickly."
'Who knew?'
"Then there was Dalton. He had the same level of power and authority that you did, but he was all about what that could get him instead of how to help others."
'But you mourned him.'
"Don't get me wrong, I was very sorry he was killed, but that was as deep as it went."
'So what about Brumby?'
"And then there was Mic. His sense of humor was a lot like yours. A very dry wit, but with him, it hid a mean streak."
'If he hurt you, I will hunt him down and…'
"I'm glad I broke it off when I did, because I think he could have turned mean."
'You broke it off because Harm was lost at sea.'
"It was so easy to let everyone think that we broke up because of Harm, but it was really what happened when we danced…"
'Huh?'
"…and then there was Clay…"
'Wait! Go back to the dancing part!'
"…that had to have been the most pathetic reason for starting a relationship of all, and again all because of you…"
'ME!?'
"Oh Ma'am is he awake?" Harriett asked and she and Bud came into the room.
Startled Mac spun around to face the newcomers. Taking a slow breath she answered, "No, he's still in a coma."
"But I thought we heard you talking to him," she sighed sadly as they approached the bed.
"I was just encouraging him to come around."
'Lies! And I want to hear the rest of what you had to say! As much as I love Bud and Harriett, could you get rid of them so I can get to the bottom of all this?!'
"Well, if he would come around for anyone, I'm sure it would be for you, Ma'am!" Bud insisted.
"What do you mean by that, Bud?" Mac questioned.
'Yeah, just what do you mean by that, Bud?'
"I just meant that he was saving your life when he was shot and with as much as he likes and respects you, if he would come around for anyone it would surely be you…"
"Buddy, you're babbling, darling," Harriett told him.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to go on like that. It's just that I didn't want you to think that I meant that anything that shouldn't be going on was going on…"
'He's babbling again.'
"Buddy, you're babbling again."
Blushing he hung his head and remained quiet.
"Bud, its fine. I didn't think you were implying that anything inappropriate was going on."
'One could only wish!'
"Thank you, Ma'am!"
"Have the doctors said anything about how long they expect the Admiral to be out?" Harriett asked.
"No, they said it was all up to him now."
"Well, he is strong and I'm sure that it will be soon!" Harriett said a bit tearfully.
"We all hope so Harriett," Mac responded, as Francesca and Adele returned from breakfast.
Mac introduced them to Bud and Harriett, but before she could do more than that one of the nurses came into the room as well. The room full of visitors had proved to be too much for the nurses on duty. She explained that there was only supposed to be two visitors at a time and that some of them would have to leave. Bud and Harriett quickly apologized and said that of course it was his family that should stay. They quickly made their exit. Once it was down to the three women, the nurse smiled and said, "I understand that all of you want to stay, so as long he isn't disturbed, I can allow the three of you to remain."
To be continued….