AN: Here's another exciting chapter for all of you to enjoy. Thanks again for all the reviews.
Harm sat there for a few moments and thought about what to write. He never had any trouble writing his closing arguments. The fate of his clients never affected him. This time, however, it decided his future. He wanted Mac to know how he felt. He also wanted her to know how serious he was about their future together. There was no other person he wanted to be with. Grabbing a pen he began to write.
Sarah,
It took me 5 minutes just to figure out how to start this. When I was in the grocery today, I saw this card. It seemed to fit us like a glove. I didn't know what life was till I met you. You came into my life and turned it upside down. For that, I am thankful. You are the first person I would trust with my life. The problem was could I trust you with my heart. You know I am a very private person. I always kept the most private parts of my life secret. That way, I couldn't be hurt. I would be risking nothing. Since the accident, my life had changed once again because of you. And again, I am thankful. I don't want to keep my life private anymore. I want to share it with someone. I want them to understand who I am. Most of all, I want to give that person my heart. That person is you Sarah Mackenzie. I would love nothing more to share my heart with you. I know this all my seem so sudden, but believe me it's not. I have had feelings for you for so many years. Fear has kept them at bay. I am not afraid anymore. I want to face my fears, and I think I can with you by my side. With your help, I know I can be a better person.
Yours truly,
Harm
Harm reread the letter a couple of times before deciding it was good enough. He hoped he wouldn't scare her off. The card was meant to open the doors of communication. If this didn't do it, he didn't know what would. Harm just put the card up when he heard Mac begin to wake up. He walked over to the couch and looked into some very sleepy eyes.
"Hi."
"Hey yourself. How are you feeling?"
"I'm still tired, but not as sore."
"I can tell. You still look sleepy."
"When did you get back?"
"About 30 minutes ago."
"Why didn't you wake me?"
"You needed your sleep, Mac."
"I know, but you could have woken me up. I wouldn't have minded."
"I know, but you looked so beautiful when you slept."
"I do?"
"Yeah. I forgot how beautiful you are."
Memories of a year ago came to the surface as those familiar words were spoken. Neither wanted to think about Paraguay, so they pushed the memories aside. Silence loomed in the air before Harm spoke.
"You hungry?"
"A little."
"You want me to fix you something?"
"Yeah. How about a sandwich?"
"A sandwich it is. What kind?"
"Ham and cheese."
"Coming right up."
Harm fixed both of them sandwiches, and they ate on the couch. Once they were finished, Harm asked what she wanted to do.
"I'm not sure. There's not a lot I can do yet."
"We could talk."
"I don't know if we're ready for that talk, Harm."
"I don't mean that one, Mac. I mean we can talk about what happened when we kissed last night."
"Oh. Ok. Where do we start?"
"I'll be the gentleman and let you start."
"Gee. Thanks."
"Anytime."
"The memories are clearer now. I remember it all. I also think I know when they took place."
"Good, because I don't have a clue about what's going on."
"I think they happened while I was in a coma. Clay, my father, Dalton, and Chris were there. You were there, too."
"I think we had the same dream. Webb was in mine, and I heard other voices, too. You were also in it."
"It was dark, and they all were around me. They kept telling me to give up the fight. When I would resist, they would badger and belittle me. I felt so lost and helpless, Harm. Then you came."
"Yeah, Webb wouldn't let me see you at first." "But you came to me."
"Yeah."
"You tried to help me, and you tried to encourage me to fight. I wouldn't listen to you. Then we argued. I told you to leave me alone, and you did. You just left me."
"It wasn't my choice, Mac. Webb grabbed me and forced me out somehow. I didn't want to go. I wanted to stay with you."
"It was so horrible after you left. I was so depressed that I did give up, but then I heard you. You told me to fight."
"I did."
"It was your voice that gave me the will to survive."
"You did all you work, Mac."
"But you helped. Next thing I know, I'm lying in a field looking at the clouds. Then you came and joined me."
"We talked about the decision you made, and I fell asleep."
"Yeah. While you were asleep, I heard AJ, Bud and Harriet talking to me. They asked me not to give up and come back to them. With all the help I got from all of you, I decided it was time to wake up, but I had to wake you up first, flyboy."
"With a kiss. A kiss. That's it, Mac. I think I figured out the rest."
"Rest of what?"
"Why we couldn't remember the dreams. We kissed, Mac. Before we went through the doors, we kissed. That must have locked the memories away."
"That makes sense. Maybe the memories were waiting for the right time to resurface."
"There's one thing I still don't get though."
"What's that?"
"How did we end up in the same dream?"
"I'm not sure, Harm, but you know we always had a connection."
"Your right. You did find me in the middle of the Atlantic." "So I don't see why it couldn't work for you. Maybe my mind knew what I needed, and it brought you to me."
"Possibly, but you have to admit that it seems abnormal."
"Harm, when is anything we experience normal."
"Point taken. Well, I, for one, am glad we figured it out."
"Me, too."
"So, what do you want to do now? Do you want to continue this conversation or not?"
"Harm, I would love to continue this conversation and move it to our discussion about our relationship but..."
Mac's voice faded out. She didn't want Harm to know just yet why she wanted to wait. She wanted to have that conversation unhindered. She wanted to be free to say and act how she wanted. She also didn't want Harm to know about the dream she just had about her and Clay. She figured she would tell him when they have their next talk. Harm sensed her distress and grabbed her hand.
"I understand, Mac. I want to finish this, too, but you need to get better first. That way, nothing will hold us back."
"Thank you."
"Not a problem. Since talking is out, how about a movie?"
"Sounds good to me. Any ideas?"
"You know what I like to watch, Mac."
"I am not watching A Few Good Men or Top Gun, Harm."
"Well then. What do you want to watch?"
"How about The Last Samurai? That has enough action for you."
"Sounds good to me. I'll put it in."
Harm got up and put the DVD in. He was walking back to her when he remembered something.
"I got something for you. I'll be right back."
Harm went into the bedroom and grabbed the teddy bear. Mac laughed when he brought it out to her. The teddy bear was dressed in a doctor's coat and had a stethoscope around its neck.
"He's so cute, Harm. Thank you."
"I figure he could take care of you when I have to leave at times."
"You think he can handle it?"
"Absolutely. He's a tough bear. Is there anything you need while I'm up?"
"How about some popcorn?"
"Coming right up."
Harm popped some popcorn and sat down next to Mac. The movie started, and both watched it in a comfortable silence. Harm was sitting on one end of the couch, and Mac was leaning against him with her legs on the couch. It seemed they did this all the time, when, in fact, they hadn't done this in a while. Both knew their relationship to a major beating over the past year. They hadn't spent a night like this together is such a long time. Mac always used Webb as an excuse, and Harm just gave up trying. He figured that if she was happy with Webb, he would be happy for her. They were so distant, but they were starting to rebuild it. Now, it seemed the past year never happened. This felt so right to the both of them. They were so comfortable with each other.
When the movie was over, both were ready to call it a day. Harm helped Mac to the bathroom and got the shower going. Last night just about killed them, but tonight was going to be a bigger test. Mac wanted to wash her hair, and Harm had to figure out how to do that without getting drenched. He made a decision that shocked them both. He helped wrap Mac's arm and then helped her into the shower. He then stripped naked and joined her. Mac's breath caught in her throat when she realized what was happening.
"H...arm? What are you doing?"
"I'm helping you wash your hair."
"But you're naked."
"Looks that way to me."
"Why?"
"Two reasons. One. I didn't want to get drenched helping you shower, and this seemed to be the best way to help you. Two. I already saw you naked, so it only seemed fair."
Mac couldn't believe what she was hearing or experiencing. Harm was naked and in a shower with her. This was one of her favorite fantasies. Although, she still hadn't really seen him. When he stepped in, her back was to him. She took a chance and turned around to face him. She couldn't breathe much less speak. He was gorgeous. She thought God certainly broke the mold when He made Harm. She started at his eyes and worked her way down. Every muscle in his chest was well defined. Her eyes continued to travel down his washboard stomach, and stopped right at the apex of his legs. Oh, yeah, she thought. Definitely broke the mold. She tore her eyes away and continued her journey going down his well-sculpted legs. She made her journey back up and met his eyes. She couldn't believe it. Harm was actually blushing. Now that was the last thing she expected to see. Didn't he know how handsome he is? Women threw themselves at him every change they got. How couldn't he know?
"Harm?"
"Y...eah?"
"You, ok?"
"Uh...yeah. Why?"
"You're blushing."
"I am?"
"Yeah."
"Sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry about, Harm. You are handsome beyond compare."
"You really think so?"
"Harmon Rabb, Jr. I know so, and you do, too. Why are you blushing?"
"I never really thought myself as that good looking, Mac."
"You could have fooled me. You act like you think you're God's gift sometime."
"Acting it, and thinking it are two different things."
"You never had a woman look at you like I did?"
"Yeah, but this is different, Mac. I didn't lo...care about them like I care about you."
"I guess I should be flattered." "You should, Sarah."
Silence emanated for the next few minutes. Revelations were being made way too soon. Harm didn't want to tell her that he loved her, but he almost did. Mac heard the slip up and decided not to pursue it. Now is definitely not the time. Someone had to end this before it got too far. Since she started it, Mac decided to finish it.
"So are you going to help me wash my hair or not?"
"Your wish is my command."
Harm helped Mac wash her hair, and then he washed his. They both got out and headed into the bedroom. Mac laid on the bed, while Harm put on the medicine for her wounds. They were healing very nicely. There probably wouldn't be much scarring. Harm enjoyed this part of his job. It gave him a chance to look at Mac's body without needing a reason. He loved being able to touch her soft skin. The only problem was the instant reaction he had when he would touch her. Thank goodness that didn't happen while they were in the shower. Once her wounds were taken care of, Harm helped her get dress. Once he was dressed, he gave Mac her meds and climbed into bed. Assuming the same position as the night before, they both drifted off to sleep.
Well there it is. I hope you enjoyed it. Now all you have to do is hit the little lilac button and review. You know you want to. (evil grin)
