Author's notes:  thanks so much for your reviews…I will try to update more often but work and school are taking the bulk of my time.  Here's chapter 4.  enjoy!!!

FROM CHAPTER 3:

He turned to face her. "I thought I knew what love was…I really did…but what I thought and what I want are two completely different things. I need you to open up your mind and your heart…let me in…and I will do the same. If we do this, it is a two-way street; no u-turns. I believe this can work if we want it to, if we try hard enough… So what do you say, Sarah MacKenzie, are you brave enough?"

"Oh, Harm. Does this mean that you don't hate me?"

"I could never hate you… And I realize why you said what you did. Us being together will test everything we believe in, most of all it will test the power of love and faith and trust to transform our life together into something worth living…"

CHAPTER 4:

            Mac stood there, completely speechless.  Her grip on him lessened and eventually became non-existent.  He paused, waiting for her response. 

            "We have a lot to talk about."

            "I know."

            "Tomorrow night?  We'll talk."

            "Ok.  1900.  Your place. I'll get Chinese."

            For the first time since the fiasco in Paraguay, Mac walked into work with a smile on her face.  Her day was even better when she saw Harm walk in. 

            "Hey.  What are you doing here?"

            "I came to see the admiral about my resignation."

            "I'll come with you."

            They were both standing at attention in front of the admiral as he ranted and raved about what had happened.

            "..Harm, you are a civilian.  I had to put in your paper work."

            "But sir-"

            Mac cut him off.  "He saved my life!  Doesn't that mean anything?  What about all the singer missiles he destroyed?  He saved the lives of others!"

            "Mac-" Harm was cut off by the admiral yelling in her face.

            "Stand down colonel.  He's not a team player and therefore no longer part of this team.  Harm, you have exactly thirty minutes to clean your office before Turner moves in.  Am I clear?"

            Both snapped to attention.  "Yes sir."

            After work Mac spent a while in the tub, trying to let the water soak out her stress.  She got dressed in her favorite jeans and a USMC sweater.  Now she was trying to knock on Harm's door without dropping the food.

            Harm opened the door, intending to go downstairs and see what was keeping Mac.  In his rush he almost knocked her over. 

            "Mac, I was wondering what kept you.  Come on in."

            The two enjoyed a quiet dinner and were sitting on his couch, relaxing and enjoying being in each other's company.  Mac broke the silence.

            "I'm going to talk with the SECNAV about getting you your job back.  The admiral was unfair.  He let me come back when I was thinking about going to Dalton's firm…"

            "Drop it Mac."

            "What?"

            "You heard me.  Drop it.  I don't want to discuss the biggest fuck-up I have ever made."

            "So that's what saving me was?  A fuck-up?  I never asked you to play hero and come after me and Clay.  You made that choice all on your own.  It's not fair to do what you are doing Harm.  It's not.  What do you want me to do then?  Just give up and not fight for you?  You fought for me, I'm doing the same."

            "I don't want you to ruin your career because of me."

            "You wouldn't ruin my career Harm.  You gave up the NAVY, your life, to find me.  Let me help you now.  Because of what happened, I have some power.  Let me try.  Maybe I can get you transferred to the CIA as a military law advisor.  Or rules of engagement officer to the president."

            "Fine do what you want.  You never listen to me anyway.  What if I don't want to be in the NAVY anymore?  Did you think of that?  Yes, this was a fuck-up.  Do you know why?  No, of course not.  You are too busy thinking about you.  Start thinking about others.  I went to Webb's funeral.  Where were you?"

            "I couldn't do it.  I could not – would not -  face his mother and everyone else knowing that I am the reason he died."  Her head was bowed, a single tear escaping.

              Harm was amazed.  His voice grew louder and louder with every minute.  "You couldn't do it?  My god, Mac, no one cared who he died for.  They cared about what he died for.  He died to protect America.  He knew that I would come for you.  That we would finish what he started.  Stop being selfish.  Yes, I want to make this work with you but you need to want to make this work with me.  You need to…I don't know.  Maybe you should go before I say something I will regret."

            Equal venom was in her voice as she said, "I think I will.  Call me when you have your head out of your six."  The door made a loud thud as she slammed it behind her.

            Harm sat on the couch, the day replaying in his head.  "What do I do now?"  The walls did not answer.

More to come!  Stay tuned!