What if Mac had gone to Harm first in Adrift Part 2?

Chapter 21 - Adrift Part 2

Glancing out her windows, Mac could see Admiral Chegwidden weaving his way through the bullpen. It was always odd when he visited one of their offices and given the touch and go state of Harm's health, she felt her heart sink to the pit of her stomach. He'd barely survived the dip in the Atlantic Ocean to then have to fight the effects of hypothermia. He was strong but, eventually even the strongest could falter.

Mac tried to come to attention but, was waved off as Chegwidden closed the door behind him. 'Oh God, what now?' She thought offering him a small smile.

"Harm's set to arrive in Bethesda in an hour. What's the ETA on his parents?"

"En route from California, they arrive later today.

"It was a good idea not calling them until we were better apprised on his situation. I know Ms. Peterson had reservations about this."

Mac nodded, Renee had and was pretty much told to stand down, something that the other woman found irritating. "It was the right call, Harm's mom didn't have to get put through that again."

"I agree." With that, Chegwidden slid into one of her guest chairs and forward, leaning in as his voice took a tone softer than he had been using. He normally wouldn't delve into his subordinate's personal lives but, with Harm and Mac, he felt he had to. "I am letting you secure early so that you can be the first person there when Harm arrives."

"Sir?" His comment confused her as Mac's desk was more than overflowing with paperwork that she'd taken on when her nuptials and honeymoon had been postponed.

"Mac, I saw you and Harm the night of your engagement party. Hell, you spent most of it with him and not your fiance. I know you two care for each other more than friend should." He leaned even closer. "I've lost the love of my life once, I know what it feels like. Go to him and figure it out before you make a mistake."

After their chat, Mac had sped her way to the hospital, pacing the hallways outside of Harm's room. He had been brought early and the nurses were checking on his vitals before letting anyone in. She had been tempted to call Renee and let her know of Harm's status but, something told her not to. "Ma'am, you can come in now."

She was holding onto her cover for dear life wondering what she would find. From the news they'd received at JAG, Harm had been tossed around pretty good and there was a chance that he wouldn't remember her or anyone - a sort of temporary amnesia. Taking a breath, she straightened her back and walked in slowly. He was awake, head to the side and staring out the window.

"Mac." Harm had perked up at the sight of her. He offered her a small smile and tried to sit up but, winced when his ribs and knee protested. "Hey." He whispered, voice still hoarse from the tube that was once down his throat.

At the sight of him, all Mac could do was cry. She had tried to hold it together for his sake having cried enough in the last few days to the point of exhaustion. He seemed small and fragile in the hospital bed, a stark contrast to the otherwise larger than life persona. "You're alive." It was the only thing she could say before the tears fell.

It broke his heart to see her cry for him especially after he'd stubbornly left to do his quals rather than be there for his best friend's wedding. He reached out to her and Mac slipped her hand into his only to find him pulling her close. With a wince, he slid over on the tiny bed making enough room for her to join him. Without question, she did laying on her side, careful not to hurt his injured body.

Harm drew her closer, one arm coming around her and the other grasping her hand which had wound up on his chest over his heart. They remained that way for several long minutes, each holding on to a lifeline. "Thank you for saving me." He finally spoke, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head.

"I only found your raft."

"I wasn't far away." He held her tighter, never wanting to let her go. When he was in the ocean amidst the fight for survival, he kept thinking about her, about coming back to her. It was what kept him alive and willing to live. He had to see her again, had to tell her what he felt for her. Harm was going to ask about the wedding, wondering if it had gone on without a hitch when he noticed the left hand he was holding was missing her engagement ring.

Harm ran this thumb over her ring finger and glanced down to find Mac staring at him. She sighed and closed her eyes trying to formulate the right words to tell him. "I love you." She said simply and brought her head down to his shoulder. "I've loved you for years."

He let out the breath he'd been holding. Having Mac in his arms felt good and right, he wanted her there forever. "I love you too, Mac."