AN: Thank you for your wonderful reviews…I'm so glad you're enjoying the story.
Part 12
17:30
Saturday, May 20th, 2006
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Surgical ICU
Mac pulled away shocked, "What…Oh Harm, I'm so sorry…I completely forgot about our anniversary."
"Don't worry about it, sweetheart," he pulled her back into his arms, "…you've had a lot going on in the last 24 hours…heck, the last 3 months."
"But Harm, it's our first anniversary and I forgot. What kind of wife forgets her anniversary; much less her first…it should be special. I don't even have a gift for you."
"Hey, you gave me my best gift ever," at her confused look, he continued, "…Sophie, you gave me a beautiful daughter. I'm not sure you'll ever top that." He wiped away the tears trailing down her cheeks, "Besides, I forgot too, in all the commotion of the last few days. Harriet reminded me, in passing, this morning."
"Yeah, still I should…"
He silenced her with a kiss and then smiled, "Would you like to open some of your presents?" At her excited nod, he jumped from the bed to retrieve the packages. Climbing back in behind her, he presented her with the first gift bag. She removed the tissue paper and pulled out the 3 leather bound books. He rubbed the top of each book as he explained, "The large book is a photo album. I thought we could put all the photographs from Sophie's hospital stay in here, that way she'll have a pictorial memory of her miraculous start in life." He rubbed the raised border, "We can have her name engraved here." Next he grabbed the 2 journals, "I thought we could each keep a written journal of Sophie's stay as well; that way she'll have both a mother's and father's perspective of what she endured."
She leaned back to kiss him, "Thank you…I think these are a great idea. I can't wait to see her so I can start filling these up with pictures and thoughts."
"OK, next," he almost bounced with excitement, "…this is for your special memories." She slowly pulled the tissue paper from the bag. He smiled and tucked a stranded of hair behind her ear; he wanted to see her face…her reaction to the gift. She withdrew the gold bracelet from the box and ran her fingers over its surface, pausing to stare at the small golden shoe charm. He leaned over her shoulder, "It's a charm bracelet. I thought I could add charms to commemorate all our special moments, favorite memories, anniversaries and such." He touched the shoe, "This is for Sophie…our best memory yet."
She reached up to caress his cheek, "Thank you, I love it…and I love you." She leaned up to kiss his lips and then buried her face in his neck.
He felt the tears almost immediately and gathered her in, "Sarah, sweetheart, what are the tears for?"
She sniffled, "I never thought this would ever happen…that I could be this happy. After Paraguay, I'd almost given up hope of getting to this place…this dream. I thought we blew it…I thought I ruined everything, but you stayed near, patiently waiting for me to return…to see your love. Now we have our 4 miracle…we're a family."
"Mac, we're both responsible for our misadventures and misunderstandings…and we both persevered to get to this point. As corny as it may sound, I truly think this was our destiny from the beginning in the rose garden…we just took the long scenic route to get here," he smiled and brushed her tears away, "…but when have we ever done anything the easy way? The scenic route may take a little longer but when you take the time to enjoy the sights, you treasure the trip…the destination, that much more in the end."
He kissed her and settled her back into his arms, "Now, you're gonna have to wait until this evening for the rest of your presents. I spoke with Sally, down in antepartum, and she agreed that we'd have more privacy once you're transferred back down there."
Mac wiggled uncomfortable, "Harm, why do we need privacy…I mean I just had a baby…and we're in a hospital…what exactly do you have planned, Sailor?"
He laughed and waggled his eyebrows again, "You'll just have to wait and see."
At that moment, someone clearing their throat interrupted them, "I see you two are doing better. I hope I don't have to run interference for you with the charge nurse again, Harm," chuckled Chaplain Turner. "Sarah, I'm glad to see you awake and talking again. You gave us quite a scare yesterday. How's Sophie doing? You've both been in my prayers." Harm started to stand up to greet the chaplain. "No, stay seated, Son…I think your wife needs your support more than me."
Harm nodded, "Thanks for coming, Sir. Sophie's doing better. She's still critical, but her ventilator support is steadily being weaned. The doctor's pleased with her progress."
"That terrific…listen, you have a few other visitors outside. I told them that I would stay with you, Sarah…that way Harm can take them to see Sophie." At their questioning looks, the Chaplain continued, "Bud, Harriet and Sturgis are anxious to meet the newest Rabb."
Harm turned toward her, "Sweetheart, is that OK with you? I'll be back in a bit, to help get you moved back downstairs."
She grinned back, "Sure, go ahead…I'll be fine here with the Chaplain. Go be the proud Daddy and show off your daughter." As he started to rise, she tugged on his arm, "Give her a kiss for me?"
He leaned over and kissed her, "Sure thing…get some rest."
xxxxx
18:05
Saturday, May 20th, 2006
Bethesda Naval Hospital
NICU
Harm showed his friends how to scrub, then took Bud and Harriet back to visit Sophie. He had explained that only 2 visitors at a time could accompany him to Sophie's bedside. The NICU staff wanted to keep the noise and stimulation, at each bedside, to a minimum so the babies and other parents weren't disturbed.
As he approached Sophie's bedside, he smiled at Bobbie, "How's Sophie doing?"
"She's doing better, Sir. We've been able to wean her oxygen down to 45, and we stopped the nitric oxide…the lung blood pressure medicine," the nurse explained.
Harm smiled, "That's great…um, would it be OK for Sophie to have this stuffed animal?" He extended the chenille stuffed bunny, "I thought it would be nice for her to have something from home."
"Sure, we encourage you to bring in little things from home, that way Sophie's bed space becomes more personal…comfortable, rather than cold and sterile. She's going to be here for awhile…you may as well make it a welcome place for you and Sophie," she smiled back. "I see Sophie has some visitors?"
Harm looked back startled, in his exuberance to see his daughter, he'd forgotten about Bud and Harriet. "I'm sorry, these are Sophie's godparents, Bud and Harriet Roberts." He motioned for the couple to come closer. "This is Sophie," he stroked her soft head.
Harriet became teary, "Oh Harm, she's so small…I had no idea."
"She may be small, but she's a real fighter," explained Bobbie. "You can touch her; she likes gentle strokes and soft words."
Harriet reached out her fingers and took Sophie's little hand. "Harm, she's beautiful…she looks like you." She glanced toward the nurse, "My kids were all born on time; I've never seen a baby this small…how can you take care of them…doesn't it break your heart to see them suffer?"
The nurse smiled back, "Not at all…if I had my wish, all babies would be born healthy…but since they can't, I'm happy to be here to take care of them and their parents. It's very rewarding to see them go home healthy, and even better, when they come back for visits, running around like normal kids."
Harm glanced down at his watch, "We better let Sturgis come for a quick visit…the NICU closes to visitors at 18:30."
He led Bud and Harriet back to the visitors lounge and was surprised to find Chaplain Turner waiting with Sturgis.
"It's OK, Harm. The nurses were just getting Sarah moved back downstairs. I thought I could visit Sophie for a few minutes, while they get her settled in," the Chaplain explained.
Harm took Sturgis and his father for a quick visit to see Sophie; then with a quick kiss to his daughter's forehead, he promised to return later that evening.
xxxxx
18:35
Saturday, May 20th, 2006
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Antepartum Unit
Chaplain Turner and Sturgis stuck their heads into Mac's room for a quick 'hello' and promised to visit again the next day. Mac responded back with exhausted thanks, happy to have a break from too many visitors just yet. Bud and Harriet stayed a few minutes longer, before also taking their leave. Harm followed them back into the hall, to retrieve the 'treat' that Harriet had picked up at his request; and with hugs and well wishes, they all promised to visit again tomorrow when Mac and Sophie would be more rested.
Harm wandered back into Mac's room, and settling into the bedside chair, took her hand. "How are you holding up there, Marine? Are you up for an anniversary celebration or do you just want to sleep?"
She yawned and smiled back, "I'm a little sleepy, but I'm tired of sleeping…" she laughed, "…does that make sense? I'm up for a little celebrating if it doesn't get too…rambunctious," she smiled back with a warning glare.
He laughed, "I promise that it won't get too rambunctious," he waggled a brow, "…but I also promise that you will find my plans utterly enjoyable." He leaned forward to kiss her lips. "Let me just check with Sally for a minute," he held up a finger, "…I'll be right back."
She looked up with puzzled excitement, "OK, I'll wait right here."
He returned 10 minutes later with a dinner tray. "Sally said you needed to try and eat a little dinner first." He lifted the domed cover from the plate, "Oh yummy…beef broth and green Jell-O…your favorites."
She wrinkled her nose, "Yuck, you've got to be kidding…can't I get something more substantial for dinner?"
He shook his head, "Dr. Abrahms wants you to take it easy tonight…but they did agree, if you eat this first, you can have the treat that I brought." She picked at the Jell-O cubes. "Come on, Mac…just for tonight. I know this isn't exactly a great anniversary dinner, but I promise to do better next year." He brought a spoonful of Jell-O to her lips, which she begrudgingly accepted. "Good Girl," she glared and he chuckled "…sorry."
Once the dinner tray was empty, he walked to the small room refrigerator to retrieve the promised treat. Walking back, he explained. "I brought you your chocolate ice cream last night but you were too sick to eat it. I had to settle for something a little easier on the tummy tonight," he presented a container of Haagen Dazs Raspberry Sorbet. "I have Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Ice Cream for tomorrow night," he smiled.
Her eyes widened, "I think I'm falling in love with you even more, if that's possible." She patted the bed, "Come share with me, Sailor." They shared bites of sorbet between kisses. "Thanks," she kissed him once again, "…I think this will go down as one of our more memorable anniversaries."
"Oh, we're not finished yet," he grinned and pulled her close.
"Harm…"
Just at that moment, Sally Martin entered the room, "Well Captain, are you ready for the rest of the surprise?" she grinned playfully at the couple.
"Yes, Ma'am," greeted Harm.
"Let me just get rid of this IV drip," the nurse walked toward the bed. Dr. Abrahms wants to keep the IV in place, but we can lose the fluids. I'll just put a cap in the end of the catheter, that way you'll be free to move around a bit easier." After she completed her task, she looked back at her co-conspirator, "I'll be back with your supplies in 10 minute, Captain."
"What supplies…what exactly do you have planned here, Sailor?"
"You'll see," he smirked and got up to grab the remaining gift. Sitting back on the bed, he handed it to Mac, "Why don't you open this while we wait."
She gazed at the beautifully wrapped box and slowly removed the wrapping paper and bow. As she opened the tissue paper, she gasped and ran her fingers over the soft pajamas and robe. "Oh Harm, they're beautiful."
He leaned closer, "Next year I promise something a little more enticing, but this year I want you to be soft and comfortable." He pulled aside the robe to find the slippers and bath products. Pulling out the bottle of lotion, he opened it and extended it toward her. "I thought you'd smell incredible wearing this, but it's not too strong if you're not feeling well."
She sniffed the bottle and her eyes lit up, "That smells wonderful…where did you find all this?"
He smiled in appreciation at her obvious pleasure, "I went to your favorite clothing store. A really nice clerk named…Evelyn, I think…helped me shop. She knew just what I wanted for you…I'll have to keep that in mind next time I go shopping." He waggled an eyebrow, "But next time she won't let me get away with conservative sleepwear…she about lost it when I said I was purchasing pajamas for a first anniversary gift." They both shared a good laugh before being interrupted by Sally.
"I'm glad to see you two are enjoying yourselves…what a change from the drama of last night." She glanced toward Harm as she wheeled in a bedside table with a basin, towels and a blanket, "Do you need any help, Sir."
"No…I think I can take it from here. Thanks, Sally." The nurse nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Mac looked at the table with a puzzled expression, "What are you up too?"
Harm walked over to the door and turned off the lights, only leaving on the light above the bed that shone toward the ceiling. "You, my dear, are about to be pampered." He strode back to the bed and turned the bedside radio to a light classical station. "Lie back sweetheart, I'm just gonna recline the bed flat." She did as requested. He leaned over to kiss her forehead and smiled, "I wanted to use candles, but they don't allow fire in the hospital."
He filled the basin with warm water from the sink and returned to the bed. "OK, first a long luxurious shampoo is in order." He placed towels all around the bed, and then sitting next to her, lifted her head and shoulders over the basin. He used a cup to pour warm water onto her hair and then gently lathered it with shampoo. He leaned over and whispered, "Close your eyes and enjoy," as he massaged her scalp in gentle circles from front to back. He heard a deep contented sigh and smiled, "You still with me, Beautiful?"
Her only response was a lazy, "Uh huh."
"Good," he kissed her closed eyelids. After rinsing, he repeated with conditioner. Ten minutes later, he had her head wrapped in a towel and was preparing to move on to the next step in his pampering regimen. He returned with clean warm water and covered her with a thick bath blanket. Leaning close, he whispered again, "We need to get rid of this hospital issued gown."
"What?" came the relaxed reply.
"No, keep your eyes closed and just feel." He gently washed her skin with the orange and jasmine fragranced bath gel and toweled her dry. He removed the damp towels and settled her into the clean sheets.
"Now, for a relaxing massage." She blinked open one eye in response and sighed in pleasure. He reached for the fragrant lotion and poured a good amount into his large hands, warming it before rubbing it on her sensitive skin. He rubbed down her arms and legs; pausing at her left wrist, he stared at the bruise left by the arterial catheter. He bent down and placed a butterfly-light kiss to the delicate skin.
At the pause in activity, she opened her eyes and stared into his soulful gray depths, "Harm, what's wrong?"
He shook his head, "Nothing, it's just…last night…I, um…the skin at your wrist is bruised." He fingered the bruise with a frown.
"Sweetheart, it's OK…it's just from the IV line." She couldn't understand why he was so troubled.
"I know…it's just that," he sighed, "…last night." He paused to blink back tears, "I was so scared…and I couldn't help but think," he rubbed her wrist again, "…your wrist wasn't made for an IV catheter…it didn't belong there."
"Harm, what do you mean…they needed to put it there to monitor my blood pressure."
He nodded, "I know…it's just that…all I could think about, was that this skin," he leaned over and kissed her inner wrist again, "…it was made for my lips, not an IV."
She tugged on his hand, drawing him down to her. "Sweetheart, I promise I'm OK…I'm not going to leave you," she dried his tears and cupping his cheek, leaned up to kiss him. "I love you."
He smiled back softly, "I know and…I love you, too. Now lay back and let me finish your massage." He continued to rub her sore joints and muscles; Dr. Abrahms had explained that her muscles would hurt from the muscle contractures of the seizure. He moved on to her neck and shoulders and finally paused at her abdomen. He fingered the edge of the surgical dressing. "Sally said that we should take this off…the night nurse needs to evaluate the site and replace the dressing." He paused again and stared into her eyes, "I…I don't want to hurt you."
She touched his hand, "You won't…just go slow."
He nodded and gently pulled back the dressing. He cleansed the skin and then delicately rubbed on some lotion, careful not to get too close to the incision. He laid his hand over the place where Sophia had been and bending over placed a kiss to her stomach, "Thank you," he whispered.
She ran her fingers through his hair soothing his emotions, "Your welcome," was whispered in return.
He carefully helped her dress in the soft new pajamas and then pushed the button for the nurse to come place a new dressing. Once she was settled back into the bed, he climbed in next to her and began to brush through her damp hair, until he heard a contented sigh followed by an exhausted yawn. He pulled her against his chest and placed his lips against her temple, "Happy Anniversary…I love you, Sarah."
"I love you, too. You need to go home, while you're still awake enough to drive," came her sleepy reply.
He smiled against her skin, "I'll leave soon…I just want to hold you for awhile." She nodded and was asleep immediately.
He leaned his head against hers and closed his eyes inhaling the light floral scent of her shampoo. He murmured to himself, "I'll just hold you for a few minutes and then visit Sophie before I go home." He yawned and fell instantly asleep.