Chapter 8 - I've got good news and I've got bad news.

Trish and Frank were back in Harm's room a little more than an hour after they'd left for supper. Harm's doctor was standing beside the bed, when they returned. Mac was in the visitor's chair pulled in close on the other side. Harm looked up when he saw them and Trish saw the relaxed confidence on his face and the warmth of the smile he greeted them with. Something had changed.

"You've remembered?" She asked.

"Hi mom." She heard the warmth in his voice and knew that underneath the patient's exterior was the son she'd lost.

"Darling." She stepped to his bedside and took his outstretched hand.

"Well Doctor," Frank asked. "What do you think now?"

"I think we won't look a gift horse in the mouth." The doctor grinned. "His memory seems to have returned . We haven't found any holes or gaps with the exception of an hour or so around the time of the accident. A cat scan wouldn't be uncalled for, but I imagine the Navy may have a few other tests for him as well before he's able to pick up his career where he left off." He glanced at Mac. "His personal life shouldn't suffer however." Mac managed a smile in Harm's direction and he laid his hand over top of hers.

"Well that's good news." They all turned as one at the sound of this new voice. Mac moved away from Harm's bedside like he'd become radioactive. The metal chair scrapped along the floor as she pushed back. Trish noticed the move and backed up to stand alongside Frank.

"Hi Harm, I came as soon as I got the word."

"Thank you for coming" Harm managed a little too formally. He introduced his parents with a wave of his hand. "Trish and Frank Burnett. This is Renee Petersen."

'Oh so nice to finally meet you Trish, Frank." Renee shook their hands. The Burnetts murmured their response. Renee acknowledged Mac with a nod of her head.

"OK visiting hours are over at 8 pm," the doctor said scanning the crowd. "We don't want any relapses so he's going to need some rest And don't say I didn't warn you, but the nurses get cranky if there are more than 3 visitors in a room at once." Everyone nodded carefully. The doctor tucked the chart under his arm and stepped past Renee.

Once he'd gone, Mac picked up her purse and jacket. "I'm famished." She said to no one in particular. "I'll go get something to eat I guess and uh check in before eight." She was careful to avoid Harm's look and followed the doctor out the door.

Trish and Frank stood uncomfortably in the room until Frank broke the silence. "Do you mind if we leave again Harm? We usually have a walk after supper. Might help us deal with the jet lag. We'll be back in half a hour or so."

Trish kissed Harm's cheek and squeezed his arm. "I love you mom." Harm responded quietly.

When they'd gone, Renee pulled up the visitor's chair so that she could hold Harm's hand.

"So what happened?"

"I don't know really. I think some mechanical fault maybe. The Stearman went down like a stone and that's about the last thing I remember." Harm shifted in the bed sitting up a little straighter and managing to disconnect from Renee's grip as he did.

"What were you doing all the way out here? We had plans Saturday."

"Did we?"

"We were going to spend Saturday afternoon with my parents. They made a special trip into the city to meet you. Remember?"

Harm shook his head slowly. "I've been preoccupied. I guess."

"Harm what is with you?

"I'm sorry. I forgot."

"You forgot? You know sometimes you can be a completely dopey boyfriend."

"Look Renee." Harm started.

"Oh Harm, just forget it." She interrupted "We'll go spend a weekend with them once you get back to DC."

"Actually Renee, it was kind of you to come all the way down here." He let the words trail off unsure what to say next.

"It was kind of me? What's that supposed to mean?" Her gaze was piercing, Harm shifted uneasily. There was a long uncomfortable pause before he answered her.

"I don't think I'm good for you."

When he didn't pick up where he left off or meet her gaze she said. "Are you dumping me?"

"It's not you. We want different things."

Renee was dumbfounded. She'd driven hoursto sit by his bedside and now he was breaking up with her.

"Oh I know it's not me. I'm a great catch." It was then that she noticed the little tattered photo propped on Harm's tray table.

She picked it up. "Did Mac bring this in?"

Harm shook his head.

"You had it."

He nodded. "It was in my wallet."

"Figures. It's what you want. It's what you've always wanted. You want her and a family. But you're making a mistake, Harm." Renee continued. "It's not what she wants. Otherwise she wouldn't be with Brumby. She's living with him. They're sleeping together. She won't throw her career away for you. She's not an idiot."

"Renee," Harm's voice was soft. "I'm sorry."

"Yeah, me too." She stood abruptly, turned and walked out the door. She didn't look back.

Harm watched her go. He could see that she was angry, but he knew it would fade. Unfortunately he had no idea how much damage she'd do before it did.