Will You Always Be There?
Chapters 19 through 21
Disclaimers as previously stated.
A/N: The medical diagnosis and treatments mentioned in these chapters are fictional and are not meant to represent anything outside of the context of this story.
A/N: This story was begun just prior to Season 10, it was written over the course of the season, finishing up in May of this year. I hope you'll stay with me. Thanks to all who are reading.
Chapter 190545
Sunday
Tilghman, Island, Maryland
Mac lay awake watching the colors outside the window change with the sunrise. She was laying on her right side with Harm spooned in behind her. His arm and the pillow supported her head and his other arm held her close. His breathing was deep and restful, almost lulling her back to sleep. She did not want to sleep anymore until they went back to Washington D.C. She was too happy and her cares were far, far away. The world was Harm and this beautiful place.
If anyone had told her a month ago she would be waking up with Harmon Rabb wrapped around her she would have told them they were crazy. Life had been the same lonely place for so long. Nothing really ever changed, and then one day based on one decision, her life changed course forever. She still had the same fears, but they weren't as large because she had given voice to them. She truly didn't have the strength anymore to fight or pretend one way or the other. Mac was in survival mode and she was going to survive. She nestled herself deeper into Harm's arms, and he responded by tightening his hold on her and pulling her closer still.
Harm woke to the feeling of Mac in his arms. She seemed to want to burrow deeper into his arms; he was glad to pull her in closer and he did. She felt like heaven in his arms. He never wanted to leave this place. She'd said last night that she didn't want to go back to the way things were before she went to Belleville with him. There was no way that was going to happen. He leaned down to kiss her shoulder and she turned slightly in his arms and kissed his cheek. Just the feel of her turning toward him, the touch of her lips on his cheek pulled them both in. One more time. One more time before they left this place and got back to what they both had to face now. One more time to pretend they had all the time in the world. He loved her slowly but with an intensity that shook Mac to her very core. She would never doubt that he loved her again. She wished she were in better health and in better shape but in truth at that moment it just didn't matter. It was about love and unspoken promises, but promises just the same from them both.
0800
Saturday
Tilghman Island, Maryland
Mac emerged from her bath ready for the day. Harm had once again made breakfast for them both. They were going to hike to Black Walnut Point. They had good weather, cool but sunny. Harm wore a backpack with their supplies and Mac walked slightly behind him on the trail. The leaves crunched beneath their feet. As they walked they heard the tree frogs singing. They saw blue heron, mute swans, and a doe gracefully loping across a field near the southern tip of the Island. They were nearly at the Point when Harm placed a finger to his lips and pointed to a nest high in the trees along the shore. He looked through his binoculars and signaled Mac to come and look. She saw a pair of bald eagles nesting there. It seemed strange for them to be there, but they were awesome to see. She had always thought they were ugly birds and wondered why this was a national symbol, but now looking at them she felt differently. They had nobility and power about them that struck you when you spent any time watching them.
It was nearly 1300 when they got back to the cabin. The sky was beginning to become overcast. It seemed appropriate; it was nearly time to go home. Harm could see that Mac was tired.
"Hey why don't you go lie down and I'll get things together and clean up before we get out of here."
Mac smiled wanly and nodded agreement. She stretched out on the bed. "I'll be so glad when this is over and a morning hike doesn't knock me out," she said to no one in particular, but Harm heard her.
He walked to the bedroom door and said, "We'll come back, Mac, and I might even let you beat me when we run."
"Oh...you mean like when you ran in front of a car just to get ahead of me?" she said, smiling sleepily. She was teasing… Harm had saved her life that day.
"Hey, I won didn't I?" He walked to her and draped a blanket over her, and she rolled her eyes and yawned.
"Always have to have the last word…don't you, Harmon?"
Harm walked toward the door. "Who…me?" He turned to look at her and she was already drifting off. He went into the kitchen to clear away everything and pack as much as he could for both of them before she woke up. They were on their way home by 1430.
1600
Sunday
Mac's Apartment
Harm shook Mac's arm slightly, "Hey you, wake up, were back at your apartment." Harm got out of the car and walked around to the other side of the vehicle to open her door.
Mac got out of the vehicle and waited while Harm got her bags from the back seat.
"It seems as though I was away for so much longer than 10 days," Mac said.
"I know," Harm was worrying that coming back would break the spell that seemed to be around them. One that let them tell each other their hearts. One that would not allow angst or worry.
"Hey do you think your grandmother would mind if I gave her a call?"
Harm answered that she would not and felt immense relief that Mac didn't want to put the week behind her. Maybe she would want to return to Belleville after all.
Mac made her call and Harm went into the kitchen to make her some tea. He heard Mac laughing and telling his grandmother about their 'strange interlude' in Dogwood Harbor. She also gave her details about her surgery, time and approximate amount of time in the hospital. She discussed the possibilities of staying with her and also her concerns about how much trouble she might be if she had to have chemo. She was quiet for a time. He knew his grandmother was getting through. 'She'd have made a hell of a lawyer,' he thought smiling. "Okay, okay. I'll discuss it with Harm…I really appreciate everything you've done Mrs. Ra…Sarah. Yes, yes. I'll be in touch. Okay…Thanks ..Goodbye."
"Whew," Mac said. "Now I think I know where you got some of your skills in arguing a case."
Harm walked to Mac and handed her the cup of tea he had made. "Formidable woman…isn't she?" Mac nodded. Harm gave her a sidelong glance and said, "Like someone else I know."
Harm thought it was a good time to ask Mac to stay with him tonight. He did not want to leave her here alone.
"So, Mac, why don't you just pack a bag and come home with me tonight. You're closer to Bethesda, and you can get your pre-surgical blood work and x-rays while I'm at work, and I'll make you a nice dinner after I get home."
Mac crossed the room and stood in front of Harm. She placed her hand on his arm and looked into his eyes.
"Harm, I need to be alone tonight. I need to get my head around what I have to do. I promise I'm not trying to push you away. I just need to get my house in order before I get started on this."
Harm was quiet for a long moment.
Mac could not read his expression. She asked, "Are you with me, Flyboy?"
"To hell and back, Mac," he said. "What about dinner tomorrow?"
"That sounds great," Mac kissed his cheek.
"Okay…I'll get back to my place. I need to catch up with Mattie and get this week organized too. Please call me, Mac, if you need me. I don't care what time it is."
With that, Harm left for his apartment and Mac closed the door, leaning back against it and letting a breath out slowly.
It was nearly 0200 when Harm heard a knock on his door. 'Mattie,' he thought. 'What is she doing up this late?' Harm put on his robe and looked out of the security lens in his door.
"Mac?" he said aloud. He opened the door and she flew into his arms.
"Hey, are you alright?" he said.
"I was fine till about an hour ago. I missed you and I'll have plenty of time to myself after this stupid surgery….What was I thinking?"
Harm chuckled and hugged her tightly to him. "Come on, Marine, let's get some sleep". They were in bed and sleeping within minutes. They were where they belonged….Together.
Chapter 20
0730
Harm's Apartment
North of Union Station
Harm and Mac slept deeply for the rest of the night. Mac woke at 0500 on the dot. She slipped out of bed and showered and was dressed by 0530. She sat on the edge of the bed and kissed Harm on the cheek.
"Hey, Sailor, wake up."
Harm roused awake, "Mac? What are you doing dressed this early?"
"I have to report to the lab at 0630 and I want to be sure I'm on time. You never really know about the traffic on the Beltway,"
"Let me make you some coffee at least,"
"No, I'm fasting remember?" she reminded him.
Harm had forgotten about her needing to fast for her blood work. He was dreading this. The beginning of this damn ordeal. He felt angry all of a sudden and he wasn't sure why.
"Don't worry about this, Harm. I'm just getting up and out of here so I can get this over with." She kissed his forehead and quickly got up and out to the door. "I'll call you later today." She opened the front door and said "Don't expect the call till this afternoon."
She closed the door behind her. Harm got up and walked stiffly to the kitchen. He walked to the window in time to see Mac walking to her car. She stood tall and, in spite of all she had been through, proud. Every bit the Marine.
Harm smiled to himself and thought, 'It's going to take more than this to get Mac down.'
The rest of the morning at home was about details. Mattie breezed in about quarter to seven. Harm had made pancakes for breakfast. "Wow, what's the occasion?"
"I got up early and decided to treat you and Jennifer to a decent breakfast," Harm said with a smile.
Just then Jennifer Coates walked through the door, knocking as she opened it. "It's me," she said and asked, "Hey, did I see Col. Mackenzie's car out side this morning? She sure came by early."
Mattie took a bite and smiled at Harm mischievously. "Okay young lady; it was not what you think," he said.
'Not last night, anyway,' he thought with a sheepish grin.
"Mac came over late last night. She has to get some presurgical testing done today and her surgery is tomorrow. She just didn't want to be alone."
Mattie said, "I'm glad she came here."
"I am too," Harm said.
Mattie and Jennifer quietly ate the rest of their breakfasts. Mattie took her dishes to the sink. Harm followed her and said, "Mac will probably stay here to tonight. I'll be taking her to Bethesda early in the morning and I'll probably be there all day."
"Don't worry about a thing, sir. We'll handle tomorrow morning and tomorrow evening for that matter," Jennifer offered.
"Yeah, I don't have any after school stuff and as a matter of fact I have another paper that I need to work on, for U.S. History this time," Mattie said.
"When is it due?" Harm asked.
"Don't worry, Harm. I've got two weeks yet. I just want to get an early start."
"Okay… hey, I'm making dinner tonight; you don't have to stay away. I really think Mac might like your company for a while," They all agreed on a 1700 dinnertime and everyone set off on their separate ways.
0830
Monday
JAG HQ
Harm made it into his office with just enough time to drop off his cover and briefcase and be seated before Sturgis began staff call. Two new attorneys sat on opposite sides of the table on each side of Sturgis. Harm felt that the order of things appeared off. He banished the thought and Sturgis began introductions.
"You may or may not have met Lt. Cmdr Faith Coleman and Major Michael McBurney last year." Sturgis paused a moment then continued, "They will be permanently stationed here at headquarters."
Harm thought, 'Thanks, Sturgis.' He nodded to them both and sat a little taller in his chair. Sturgis looked at each of them,
"Welcome and I hope you have your sea bags packed. Commander Coleman, you will be accompanying Major McBurney to the destroyer U.S.S Hennessey. You will be working to help to settle a dispute between Canadian and U.S. fishermen with the help of our Canadian counterparts. See Petty Officer Coates for your travel itineraries. Commander Rabb, you will defend a Chief Petty Officer Pruitt, who is accused of bigamy. Commander Roberts, you will prosecute." Bud nodded toward Sturgis after he spoke.
"In addition; Commander Roberts you have been appointed to assist the CNO in his evaluation of candidates being considered for the new Judge Advocate General. You will begin next Monday. Congratulations, Mr. Roberts."
Bud was stunned. So was Harm; he didn't quite know how he felt about it. He was happy for Bud, but he couldn't help feel that he was being stepped over. 'Did the admiral make this recommendation before he retired?' Harm wondered. 'Maybe I was right. Maybe I won't make captain.'
Sturgis spoke again. "If there is nothing else, you are dismissed. Commander Rabb, if you will stay, I would like to speak with you a moment."
Harm waited until the others filed out. He looked at Sturgis and waited. "First of all, I want to apologize for that slip of the tongue this morning. I am sorry. In truth I had forgotten all about it."
Harm assured him it was alright but was relieved to know Sturgis had forgotten that awful time. Brig time and an accusation of murder wasn't something he would ever forget.
"I also want you to understand I gave you the bigamy case to keep you close to home this week. I can't promise any more than that."
Harm waited to see if Sturgis had finished and said, "I appreciate that, Sturgis. I'm okay with it."
Sturgis crossed the room and looked out of the windows. "Let me say I know you well enough to know you like being in the thick of things. I'm sure Bud's appointment must rankle a bit."
"It does, but I'll deal with it. I've got a lot on my plate right now with Mac and it's really just as well. I'm glad for Lt…..Commander Roberts. He's grown a lot since his injury. I think the admiral was right to promote him."
Harm couldn't help thinking, though, that the admiral still held his resignation against him. He shook it off; he had enough to handle without taking that on.
Sturgis said, "Harm, I have something personal I would like to discuss and I hope you will take this in the manner it is intended."
Harm thought, 'what now?'
"I'm speaking friend to friend here. I want to be sure you understand that."
Harm nodded.
"It appears that you and Mac have become close again, and a year and a half ago I would have said 'it's about time'. Now I just don't know, buddy."
Harm furrowed his brow and thought, 'where is he going with this?'
"I've seen you rescue Mac too many times only to have her slam the door in your face."
Harm was getting angry now.
"All I'm saying is watch your back, buddy. I don't want to see you make another sacrifice and walk away empty handed."
Harm sat quietly for a moment. If he had acted on his feelings, he would have just stood up and walked out of the room. Handling this well was important. Sturgis had been his friend since they were seventeen. He didn't want to throw that away, but he wanted to make it clear that he believed in Mac and didn't want to hear anything like that from him again.
He stood and walked over to where Sturgis was standing. Sturgis looked at him and Harm said very firmly,
"I appreciate your concern, Sturgis, and I will take it in the spirit in which it was given…..this time. Mac and I have both done our share of hurtful things to each other. None of which I intend to go into. I will tell you that our relationship is different now. Mac could very well be fighting for her life, Sturgis. We don't have time for games anymore. You and I are friends, we go back a long way and I honor that, but understand I will not tolerate any negatives where Mac is concerned now. Are we clear?"
Sturgis stood looking at him for a long moment and said, "So be it."
Harm went back to the table and picked up his case file. "Will that be all?"
Sturgis looked at Harm, "That is all." With that, Harm left the conference room and went to his office.
Harm got started setting up interviews with Chief Pruitt and both of his "alleged' wives. This was not a day to suffer fools gladly and Chief Pruitt was an idiot. Apparently he thought he was divorced. He had never signed his divorce papers but since his wife had had power of attorney he thought she could sign them. How in the hell did this man make rate? His record was spotless. He had great quarter marks, all 4.0, but his personal life sucked. 14 years in the Navy, 2 kids in the first 'marriage' and another on the way with the other 'wife'… it boggled the mind.
He decided to have lunch in his office today and try and do a little research on Mac's surgery and condition. What he found brought him to the reality of what they were facing. Ovarian cancer was a killer. If Mac was stage II or III she was already in a lot of trouble. He had gotten information from a number of sites, most of them very grim. It didn't look as though radiation was even an option. He saw articles on experimental drugs. Some articles about egg harvesting for women of childbearing age who wanted to preserve their chances of having children through IVF. Most of the reading he was able to do gave statistics about how long a patient would live after surgery. There was not a lot of hope of a 'normal' life in the articles he read. He kept telling himself that he had just not found all the information he needed to find. What he did read that was positive was that if Mac's tumor was encapsulated she had a far greater chance of survival and of possibly having children.
He just wanted to keep her with him. He didn't care what the cost. They could adopt, raise foster kids. Whatever. He just didn't want to imagine a world without Mac. He sat back in his chair and covered his face with his hands. He could not grasp it. Was he in some kind of denial? They had finally found each other and now this. It occurred to him to bargain with God and promise anything just let him keep Mac with him. He sat up and shook his head. He picked up the phone and called someone that might help him get a handle on this situation.
1400
Monday
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda Maryland
Mac lay on a table waiting for the CT scan to begin. She had been given a contrast injection and was waiting for the exam to start. The petty officer and Lt. Cmdr doing the CT were professional, but Mac noticed they stole glances at each other. They looked as others had all day. Everyone had been friendly and professional, but when they read her diagnosis and the surgery she was to have tomorrow, their demeanor changed. They seemed to look at her differently. Mac thought they looked at her as though she were already dead, or as though she had a death sentence. She wondered if she had ever done that to anyone. She hoped she had not, for everyone who did that to her made her feel that much worse. 'I'm not dead yet,' she thought to herself.
This was the last thing that had to be done today. Tomorrow they would know what they were facing and how they would deal with it. She was ready to go home to Harm. God, she loved the thought of that. Home to Harm. 'Please, God, let it always be so,' she thought.
1615
Harm's apartment
North of Union Station
Harm turned his key in the lock of his apartment door. Thank God this day was over. He just wanted to see Mac. It had helped to talk to his grandmother for a few minutes. She always had a little wisdom; she always made him laugh at himself and look at things with hope and faith. He dressed in his favorite jeans and liberty bonds t-shirt and started dinner. He would make something special tonight. He wanted to take Mac's mind off of tomorrow as much as he could.
A short while later he heard Mac use her key to open the door.
"Hey," she said. She looked at him with such a sorrowful look in her eyes that Harm immediately went to her and pulled her into his embrace.
"Hello, you."
"I'm sorry I didn't call. I just wanted to get out of that hospital and get back here. Oh, I'm so glad to be home,"
Harm leaned back and looked into her eyes, "That's right, Mac. You are home."
Chapter 21Mattie bounced in the door at 1700, with Jen following not far behind. Mac was setting the table and Harm was finishing up dinner. Fettuccini Alfredo was what Mac had wanted and it was one of Mattie's favorites as well.
"Wow," Mattie said as she flopped on the couch. "Pancakes for breakfast and Fettuccini Alfredo for dinner; Mac, you should come around more often."
Harm looked up from his task at the stove and gave her a warning look. Mattie just smiled and said,
"Um.. do you need any help, Mac?" She got up and walked to the table. Jen had already joined Mac in setting the table.
"I think we have this under control, Mattie," Mac knew Mattie was needling Harm. It was kind of fun to watch. Not very many things got by Mattie, she was sure.
They had all sat down with the exception of Harm. He was putting the finishing touches on the table. Mattie noticed Harm touch Mac's shoulder or back as he placed something on the table. She noticed that their eyes locked for a couple of seconds and a slow sly smile spread across Mattie's face. Harm caught her expression and walked back toward the kitchen shaking his head.
Gotcha, Mattie thought. He finally told her. Mattie glanced at Jen and smiled knowingly.
Mac got up and walked to the refrigerator. Harm said, "Where are you going? I'll get it."
"Harm, I can handle getting my water."
She and Harm exchanged smiles, and he said, "Okay." Mattie and Jen looked at each other with raised eyebrows.
They finished dinner, making small talk about school and a little about work. No mention was made of Mac's surgery. They helped clear the table and started to do the dishes.
"Hey, I've got this," Mac said.
"Okay, well, I guess I'm going to get going then," Mattie said. "Mac, good luck tomorrow, we'll be thinking good thoughts."
She suddenly hugged her, surprising Mac.
She hugged Harm quickly. "See ya tomorrow, Harm. Call me after, okay?"
"I will, kiddo," Harm answered. She is handling things like this so much better, he thought with pride. She never ceased to amaze him. Jen and Mattie returned to their apartment for the night.
Harm and Mac started to clean up the kitchen together. Mac had been dreading this all day, but this needed to be done. Here goes, she thought.
"Harm, we need to talk about a few things."
Harm looked at her, "Okay."
"I've made you executor of my estate."
Harm interrupted, "Mac …"
"Harm, you have to hear this now. I know this is hard; it's hard for me. I have to know you understand my wishes and I want to be assured that they will be carried out. I need that now."
Harm stopped what he was doing and dried his hands. He took her hand and walked to the couch. He had not looked at her the whole time she was speaking. He sat down and Mac followed him. "Harm, do you understand?"
Harm looked up, his eyes glazed with tears. "Yeah…go ahead," he whispered.
Mac drew a deep breath and plunged ahead. "First of all, Chloe is my primary beneficiary. I do have a small amount set aside for my mother….if she can be found."
Mac was quiet for a moment, then said, "I don't know why I'm doing this. Maybe I just want her to know…to care." She chuckled. "I thought that if there was money in it for her, she would show up." Mac smiled her half smile but then tears pooled in her eyes.
Harm reached for her hand.
"This is harder than I thought it would be," Mac said, laughing slightly.
Harm looked at their joined hands and closed his other hand over them. "Go on."
"I have a ten thousand dollar CD set aside for little AJ's education. This is already in my will, but there is something I want you to do for me….. I want you to tell him about me. Tell him I was there when he was born"
Harm pulled her into his arms and Mac tucked her head under his chin. They were both crying now, quietly.
"I want AJ to know that little Sarah was my namesake. It is also written in my will that Carriage House will continue to deliver fresh flower arrangements twice monthly to the cemetery; on the second and the sixteenth day of the month. If the days are mixed up, they'll just be thrown away. I don't want Sarah to be forgotten. I know it seems a minor detail but it is important to me."
Harm remembered the loss of little Sarah. Harriet's grief had broken his heart. He never thought Mac would be grieving her this way as well.
He said, "I'll see that it's all taken care of, Mac, but I don't…."
Mac held her hand up and continued. "I want you to have my Marine Corps ring. I wouldn't be a Marine anymore if it had not been for you. I wouldn't even be alive…and I never thanked you. I'm sorry for that."
Harm spoke up. "Mac, we've been there for each other more times than I can count. I'm not keeping score. We will continue to be there for each other because you're going to get through this."
"I'm going to do everything I can, and I have hope, Harm. I just want the peace of knowing that if something happens to me the personal things are understood and carried out by someone who…."
Mac stopped, and Harm finished the sentence. "Loves you. And I will, Mac. I swear it."
Mac felt him struggling to keep his emotions under control. He was trying so hard to be strong for her. She had said enough. She had not meant to upset him so much.
"Now I feel better and you feel terrible." She hugged him tightly, "Okay I'm done with the serious talk."
"Thank God, Mac…you're killing me." They both chuckled as they wiped their eyes and got up to finish cleaning the kitchen.
They worked in silence, but it was not an uncomfortable silence. They went to Mac's apartment and packed her bag for the hospital. Harm seemed to need to be touching her all the time – her arm, her hand, the small of her back – and Mac noticed and drew comfort from it. She wasn't sure who was reassuring whom. They returned to the apartment and seemed resolved to face tomorrow together. They didn't feel the need for a lot more talk and they were both surprisingly calm. They had this time, this quiet time that was theirs. They showered and slipped into bed. Mac was wide awake and so was Harm. They just held each other and caressed and soothed until they fell asleep.
0600
Tuesday
National Naval Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland
Mac and Harm waited in the presurgical area on the surgical deck. Mac's gynecologist, Commander Fletcher, came in and was accompanied by Captain Dan Morrison. He was a tall man, nearly as tall as Harm. His complexion was fair and had auburn hair and he had an easy almost laid back manner. His manner was professional but appeared very approachable. He was involved because he was the attending oncologist on the case. He introduced himself and discussed his opinion of her options. The doctor was very matter of fact and realistic. He was not grim but was thorough in his assessment of what her options were.
Mac introduced Harm as a close friend who was also her medical power of attorney.
"First off, Colonel Mackenzie, do you have any questions?"
She asked if he was aware that she had had some of her eggs from her right ovary harvested. She wanted to keep her options open no matter how slim her chances of conceiving. Harm was pleased that she still thought of her future, of their future.
"Colonel Mackenzie, we will make every effort to ensure your chances of conception post surgery; however, you do understand that should this tumor not be encapsulated and there is any indication of metastasis we will most likely perform a radical hysterectomy."
"I understand," Mac said as though she were discussing a case with Harm. She was with fellow officers now. She had her 'Marine' on and he loved it.
"We will also proceed immediately with chemotherapy should circumstances warrant it."
Harm looked at Mac and Captain Morrison and said, "May I ask a question?"
Mac and the Captain answered in the affirmative.
"What if the tumor is encapsulated?"
Captain Morrison answered, "Since Colonel Mackenzie is hoping to have children, the tumor will be removed and she will be monitored closely every couple of months. Radiation would do more harm than good because of scar tissue defeating our purposes. We would do blood work and diagnostic scans to assess that there is no change in her status. I would prefer a 5 year wait before attempting to conceive, but it could be attempted in as little as a year. You should also know this puts you at risk for a reoccurrence. We have also consulted with Johns Hopkins in Baltimore on this case. The tumor has some characteristics that are uncommon."
Mac knew Johns Hopkins was a teaching hospital and liked the idea that someone would benefit from all this no matter what happened to her. Just then a corpsman knocked on the door.
"Are you ready for us, sir?"
Captain Morrison looked at Mac and asked, "Any other questions?" Mac answered in the negative.
"Okay, Petty Officer, we are finished here. See you in recovery, Colonel." Then, looking at Harm, he said, "Commander."
"Sir," Harm said, and with that the officers left and Harm allowed Mac some privacy while she was prepped for surgery.
Harm waited on a chair outside the room. The door opened and the corpsman was guiding Mac out of the room on a gurney.
"Well, this is it," Mac said.
Harm thought that things were moving too fast all of a sudden. Mac looked too small and frail in that hospital gown. They had put in a port for her IV. Harm looked at it and his stomach lurched. Mac noticed that Harm had turned pale and asked,
"Are you okay, flyboy?"
"I'm fine; things are just moving a little fast for me all of a sudden."
Mac tried to smile, "I thought you liked to go fast."
He leaned down and kissed her gently. "See you after surgery."
He stood and watched them wheel her down the hallway. He felt he should go with her. He wanted to stand over every doctor and nurse and be sure they all did everything they could. His life, his future… hell, his whole world was being wheeled down the hallway.
'Don't leave me, Mac' he thought.
It seemed to him a childish thought, but one he could not get out of his head. He didn't care what had to be done or what had to be sacrificed. He could not lose her.
TBC