CHAPTER 11

George Washington University Hospital
Friday, March 19th 0430

It seemed like moments later, when Mac arrived at Harm's hospital room door. Before her new found resolve had a chance to fade away she stepped inside. Whatever insecurities she may have been facing melted away the moment she saw him. He was laying there so still and peaceful, with his arms folded behind his head, he was staring up at the ceiling. She could only imagine what he must be thinking about. He turned to look at her as she entered the room, and with a smile, he greeted her. It nearly took her breath away. As Mac approached the bed Harm sat up. Without a spoken word, they grabbed and held each other. It was with a surprising amount of strength he held onto her. And it was only in his arms, that she started to cry. The stress she had been holding back finally collapsed in on itself. The dam broke and the tears flowed. Without a word he consoled her.

After awhile Mac looked up with her tear stained face. Taking a deep breath she started to form words to all that she was feeling. Harm once again put his finger to her lips.

"Shhh... I know. I love you too. I always have. I always will. I need you as much as you need me. You are all I've dreamed about nearly since the moment I met you. Sarah. You make me want to be... to be everything you want me to be. I love you too."

Shocked, Mac looked at Harm and moments later was gripped in an almost ferocious hug.

When they parted Mac sat up a little straighter and silently wondered where it all had come from. She stared at him in wonderment, for she had begun to realize that for the first time, the depths of her feelings were truly matched. She had no reason to fear that this would suddenly go away like a waking dream. This was for real. This is what she had hoped for years. Now she had it. She really had it, and she never, ever wanted to let go.

She could stare at him for hours, their conversations unspoken, but so meaningful. Hours it seemed however, were not left in his body. For sleep finally claimed him not long after his declaration of love for her. Silently she crept into the small bed next to his body and gripped his hand. He visibly relaxed at her proximity and before long both were sound asleep.