Michael woke to find Sara propped up on one elbow watching him, a strange look of concentration on her face. He couldn't help but be amused, she was so cute when she was like this. He remembered that look from the infirmary although he didn't see it as often now. When her eyes came up to meet his, he gave her a half smile and asked, "So what's on your mind this morning doctor?"

She could do this she told herself. The worst he could say was no right? Sara bit her lower lip and took a deep breath. She glanced down at her hands that were now fiddling with the sheet.

Michael reached out and touched her shoulder and the feel of his hand brought her eyes back up to meet his. His hand smoothed its way up her arm and brushed her cheek as he moved her hair behind her ear. "Sara?"

Ok. Here it goes she thought. "I was wondering if you'd like to go with me today." When he looked a little confused, she amended, "To my NA meeting." When Michael still didn't say anything she felt she had to continue. "I just thought that since we're getting married, it would be a good idea for you to come once and see what its like." She hurried to add, "But you don't have to. It was just a suggestion."

Michael slid over and wrapped his arms around her holding her close. He knew it had taken a lot for her to ask him and he was overwhelmed by her gesture. "It was a good suggestion. I would love to come." He felt as well as heard the air leaving her lungs as she held him tight and buried her face against his neck. "What time do we have to be there?"

"Eleven," she said, her breath fluttering against his skin.

Without letting go of her, he glanced at the clock. They still had plenty of time. Michael made no move to release her and she continued to hold on to him as if reassuring herself he was still there. After a few minutes, he felt her begin to relax against him and he rolled to his back pulling her with him. Little by little her breathing began to slow and he knew she'd fallen back to sleep. He knew he should get up and take his shower, but instead he choose to stay where he was and hold this incredible woman in his arms.

~

At ten forty-five Michael and Sara walked into St. Vincent's church and made their way down to the basement where the NA meetings were held on Sunday mornings. When they arrived at the bottom of the steps, they found three other members of the group had already arrived including the group's leader Marcy who quickly came over to great them.

It was obvious as she approached Marcy was wondering about their guest. Sara hadn't failed to notice the look of approval in Marcy's eyes and for a moment Sara felt her spine stiffen in reaction and her hand reached out and slipped into Michael's. She wasn't typically a jealous woman but she wasn't naive either.

Marcy'd been wondering who this delicious looking man was Sara had brought with her when she saw Sara's hand take possession of the new arrival's. Last week Sara had shared with the group that she'd gotten engaged. The group was happy for her of course, encouraging. Marcy had to assume by the possessive posture Sara'd taken that this was her fiancé. She had to give Sara credit. The man was hot and he mustn't be too bad in the support department if she'd been able to get him to come to a meeting with her.

The only question she had was why Sara hadn't mentioned him to the group sooner. The first time she'd brought him up was about three months ago. It had been obvious then, at least to Marcy, that the couple had a history. It had eaten at her as to why Sara hadn't mentioned a boyfriend before, so after a session about a month ago Marcy had tried to broach the subject. All she'd gotten out of Sara however was that he'd been away for a while and now he was back. If that was the case, things were moving a bit fast in Marcy's opinion but maybe she'd been wrong. This man seemed to care for Sara and if he was supportive and could help her fight her addiction then all the better.

Coming to a halt in front of the couple Marcy greeted Sara and her guest. "Good morning Sara."

Sara was trying to relax, she really was. But between her nerves at how Michael would react to her NA meeting and now Marcy's obvious reaction it was hard. "Hello Marcy. How are you this morning?"

Trying to keep her eyes focused on Sara, "I'm great. Indian fall is always my favorite time of year. I love all the beautiful colors." Sara did comment. Instead smiled back in response. When it became obvious introductions were not forthcoming, Marcy turned slightly and stuck out her hand to their guest. "Welcome. I'm Marcy and I lead the Sunday morning group."

Michael took her hand in greeting. "Michael. It's nice to meet you Marcy."

She didn't quite know where to go from here. Sara wasn't a huge talker but she did usually open up and share with the group. At least Marcy had thought she did until the little revelation about an unknown boyfriend and now fiancé. Now she wasn't so sure. Sara wasn't making any attempt at polite conversation and the man beside her seemed to only be willing to offer polite greetings as well. Then she saw it. Their hands. His thumb was gently caressing hers in a gesture of comfort. It was subtle but it spoke volumes.

Seeing another one of their members coming down the steps Marcy motioned for Sara and Michael to grab some coffee and join the group as she made her way over to greet the newest arrival.

~
Michael sat behind the wheel driving back to their apartment from Sara's NA meeting. He hadn't known what to expect but in a lot of ways it reminded him of the many days he'd spent in his therapist office. Except there were about ten people instead of just two in the room, well eleven if you counted him.

Sara sat in a circle with the rest of the group while he'd hung back a little and sat just to the back of her on the right. She'd been nervous at first. It hadn't escaped his attention when her body had stiffened at Marcy's approach. He didn't understand it really but that hadn't mattered. She'd been there for him more times than he could count and he wouldn't let her down, so he offered what comfort he could given the situation. It brought back memories of their first month together in Fox River. The stolen moments and subtle gestures they'd shared.

He glanced over at Sara sitting quietly in her seat beside him. Once the meeting had gotten started she'd relaxed a little if not completely. He'd sat back and listened as each person shared information about their lives and their struggles with their addition. When it was Sara's turn she shared with the group the struggle she faces every time she has to give morphine to a patient.

He listened intently to the pain in her voice as she described not only the pull the drug had on her but also how conflicted she was about giving it to someone else who could become addicted just as she had. He hadn't known. It wasn't something she'd ever shared with him before. And it was then, he was glad he'd come.

When they'd gotten home Sunday afternoon Sara had remained quite. She hadn't said a word in the car or on the way up to the apartment. Michael was a patient man and was willing to wait her out if need be, but as they got closer to the apartment he sensed she was waiting for something. Wondering if he'd missed an important clue, he quickly reviewed everything in his mind. She'd revealed something to him that he was sure she didn't share often. It was a big step.

Could she really be feeling unsure? The more he observed her, the more that seemed to be the case. It wasn't a side of her he often saw. She was the surest person he'd ever met. Once making a decision, Sara didn't usually back down. It was one of the things he loved about her. She was his rock and had been since they'd met. Whether or not they were physically together hadn't mattered.

When she stepped through the door, her purse slide down her arm and came to rest with a thud on the floor. The look on her face was of uncertainty. He hated seeing her like this. Not knowing what to do Michael went on instinct and reached out. His fingers tugged at her hip and pulled her against him. She hesitated as if unsure for a brief moment and then melted into him snaking her arms around his neck and resting her head on his shoulder. His arms wrapped around her and he buried his face in her hair.

His arms held her tight for several minutes before he spoke. "Thank you," he whispered. She gave no words in response, only a small sigh. She'd been nervous as to his reaction. Although he knew about her addition, he hadn't known the extent of it she was sure. For her at least it had hung between them and these past two weeks together had been all about breaking down barriers between them. She knew they'd needed to talk about her drug problem but she'd be unable to find a way to approach the subject. Having him come with her had been the best solution to her problem but that hadn't meant it had been easy.