Chapter 2

Six Days Later.

Footprints in the sand marked the passing of the lone woman running along the shore. The gently lapping surf erased some of the prints as she pushed forward and carved out new ones.

This was one reason not to miss Washington. The endless fair weather, palm tree lined streets and hundreds of miles of sand and surf. Living in California suited her adventurous lifestyle from skiing to surfing to hiking and camping, Colonel Sarah MacKenzie had it all.

And as of two days she had something else, the eagles which proudly sat on her shoulder boards, a rise in rank that wasn't expected. She was due her own command, a bump in pay and a new commission. But the former head of Joint Legal Service Southwest (JLSS) had unfinished business and Mac followed one step behind until she slid into the roll flawlessly.

It wasn't the same as JAG ops, she quickly realized but experience sitting behind Admiral Chegwidden's desk had given her an inkling into her duties. Though she missed the courtroom, the JAG man investigations, she didn't miss the long hours of research and preparations that came with each trial.

However, the camaraderie was different as the 'boss.' Especially a female Marine boss that certain sailors didn't respect until her full wrath came down upon them. At the very least Coates was her yeoman and Jennifer proved to have overcome the disastrous start to her Naval career.

The young woman kept the office in perfect shape and also kept the Colonel up to date on almost everything. They sometimes spent private time together on weekends until Mac pushed Jen to find friends her own age.

Mac adjusted her sunglasses and pushed harder through the wet sand while the rising tide licked at her ankles. She heard more than a few appreciative catcalls but merely shook her head and pressed on though her lungs complained about the added strain.

After another mile, Mac breathlessly plopped into the sand and watched the surf. Beach running had begun to develop muscles in her legs that running on roads and treadmills never could. It had been a challenge to run more than three miles and now her daily routine netted between six and eight.

No, she most certainly did not miss Washington. Except, her dearest friends were there - the impoptu family she loved like her own. Sturgis had taken over as Chief of Staff. Bud became the top lawyer and a mentor to younger officers. Harriet returned to the office in a part-time capacity.

And then, there was Harm.

Although he wasn't in Washington anymore, the man was an integral part of her time there. Best friends, sometimes enemies, a man noble to a fault and the one human on this planet that could mend the missing part of her.

He was the best thing in her life but also her biggest regret - the one that got away. Was it their careers or just stubborness, Mac would never know because time had yet to heal that wound. Her heart was laid bare years ago and so it remained.

There was too much water under the bridge, too many misunderstandings. When General Cresswell handed out their orders neither of them fought the command. In a way, Mac believed a fresh start would be cathartic - she could move on without Harm's shadow looming over. While that was true at first, his presence surrounded her more than ever.

There had been a man, a Navy Seal instructor named Peter who was fun and silly and made her laugh. They dated for eight weeks, slept together twice and then Mac realized that she couldn't start over. He was a good man who understood the weight she carried; good enough to let her go. Though they never went out on a date again, Peter would still visit her office and take Mac to lunch from time to time.

He was perfect. He just wasn't Harm. The man was born to put a curse on all of her relationships and she couldn't find a way to break the spell. Being alone was looking like the most practical solution to the woes of her love life.

Reluctantly she stood, crossed the sand and used the back gate to enter the apartment complex. Though a little pricey, one look at the views from the living room and Mac was hooked. She could watch the sunset each night or enjoy the surfers shredding the waves in the day.

Today the beach began to fill with families and rambunctious kids that destroyed the quiet peace of the early morning. Besides, it was the weekend and that meant a date with her hairstylist who arbitrarily decided it was time to cut her long locks.

She showered, made coffee and dropped onto the sofa of her living room. Yesterday's mail sat on a neat little pile on the coffee table. Amongst

bills and grocery store ads was a pretty postcard with a familiar handwriting sprawled across the back.

She took a sip of her coffee, set the mug down and delicaly plucked the card from the stash. The image on the front was that of a bridge and Big Ben. Each structure reflected against the River Thames which acted like a mirror. The skies in the background were gray and pink like a heavy storm had just passed and better weather lay ahead.

Mac,

I was thinking about you and thought this was a fun idea to keep in touch. I hope you're doing well and that command isn't too boring. I hate to admit this but, I miss you.

Love,

Harm.

Her heart raced, galloping in her chest like she was still running past the surf. Two years and zero contact despite his promise to always be there. Perhaps this break was needed in an 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' kind of way. "Oh, Flyboy. I've missed you too."

She read the note twice more and noticed that with each pass a smile tugged at her lips. There were certainly other ways to communicate, emails, phone calls or even Skype. This was unique especially for a man who admittedly never kept up with his own parents.

Mac attached the card to her fridge with a magnet and stared thoughtfully at the image. She never believed he'd be the first one to initiate a conversation but she was willing to continue the trend.

Yes, after her haircut and a little time at a nail salon, she'd venture to the tourist shops and find the perfect postcard to send to her former partner - the man she still loved.

The man she'd always love.