Chapter 22

The next week was difficult - but one that Jaime and Steve wouldn't have traded for the world. Other than physical therapy (to help them regain their strength), they were together - directly next to each other - with little to do other than talk...and learn to lean on each other again. Their bond was strengthened in ways that would've otherwise been nearly impossible, as they became The Austins again...instead of just Jaime and Steve - once more facing the world as a united front.

Rudy kept a careful eye on both of them. Steve's arm appeared to be functioning normally...and Jaime would be given a replacement ear before she left the hospital in a few more days. Mark began visiting them twice a day, instead of continuing as a semi-permanent fixture in their hospital room. Once they were released from the hospital, he would visit them in the morning and phone in the evening at first and then phone twice a day, once he returned to the East Coast. Oscar flew back to Washington; his own personal mission to reunite two friends whom he knew needed each other had been successfully completed.

Michael tried to keep any thoughts he had about being with Jaime strictly to himself. He dreamed about her every night (whether he wanted to or not) and even more intensely than he had before - but so far he'd been able to keep his emotions under control. He examined his patient several times daily, under her husband's watchful eye, ever mindful of the talk he'd had with Steve and that he'd given his word as both a physician and a man. It was harder than he'd imagined but he was handling it...until the morning Steve was down in Rudy's lab and Michael found Jaime alone. He had to speak his mind, to take the chance. He needed to know.

''You and Steve...you've patched things up?''

Jaime smiled. ''Yeah - we have.''

''If things don't work out - or if you change your mind - we were good together once too. And last week proved we could be good together again -''

''Michael -''

''If he doesn't give you what you need,'' Michael persisted, ''I want you to know I'm still here for you, Jaime. When you kissed me - you kissed me- there was something there! I know you felt it too.''

''Michael...no. It can't happen - ever again. I'm sorry...''

Michael nodded. ''I wanted to make sure you knew that...just in case.'' He turned on his heels and left the room.

Jaime sat stunned, wondering what (if anything) to tell Steve.

The subject of Michael (and what he'd said) never came up. Jaime decided, since nothing had happened (he hadn't actually made a physical 'pass' at her), it was best not to incite the jealousy that Steve had worked so hard to let go of. When Michael returned later that night to check on Jaime, Steve was there and Michael was completely appropriate...almost. When he conducted the usual balance and reflex tests, when he looked straight at Jaime while his back was to Steve, she could feel his gaze trying to penetrate her reserve - offering the promise of something she no longer had an interest in. For a split-second, it made her shiver.

By the next morning, he seemed back to his regular, professional demeanor - and Jaime chalked the previous day up to Michael needing to give it one last try before letting go forever of the thought of the two of them as a couple. A few days later, she and Steve were finally released from the hospital and allowed to go home...together.

This time, there was no dancing in the back yard - and definitely no one packing to leave. Jaime and Steve immediately curled up in bed together, much as they'd been in the hospital...but with no bed rails (lowered or otherwise) between them and no doctors coming in and out to check them over. They were alone together - and savoring every minute of it. They'd retrieved pajamas from the dresser, under the guise of being 'good patients' and getting some rest...but they both knew they would not be needing them - and they would assuredly not be getting much rest.

''Slow and easy shouldn't be too strenuous,'' Jaime said with a mischievous grin.

''Might even be relaxing,'' Steve agreed, as they settled in next to each other, drawing closer.

''Relaxation...is always good.'' She kissed her husband, long, slow and very deep as they began to - finally - relax.

Michael stared at a photo - taken three years earlier - of himself with his arm around Jaime. Her gaze was precisely where it should be...on him. Their smiles had been radiant as they'd dreamed of their promising future together. Steve, of course, was nowhere in the picture.

When they'd finished the very serious business of relaxation, Steve and Jaime lay entwined in each other's arms, thoroughly satiated and completely content. Life couldn't possibly be more perfect.

END OF EPISODE 12