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Date Posted: 09:03:40 12/12/07 Wed
Author: .
Subject: Part 2
In reply to: . 's message, "In the Bleak Midwinter" on 09:01:18 12/12/07 Wed

Five days later…

Harm shifted in his chair once more. He was getting tired of staring at these same four stark-white walls. It had been five days…five long, arduous, never-ending days. He supposed he should just be grateful to be there, instead of a gravesite at Arlington. But still, why wouldn’t she wake-up? It was Christmas Eve after all, did he need yet another reason to hate this holiday? Glancing at the wall clock, he groaned when the hands revealed a late 8 p.m. He still hadn’t been to the Wall, although he suspected his father would understand.

It had been a busy day; friends and visitors had casually dropped in hoping for a change in Mac’s condition. Each one left a few minutes later with a gentle pat to the shoulder and a sad expression in their eyes. The JAG crew had promised to visit after the Christmas Eve service. He’d tried to encourage them to follow through with their own plans, but each one had sincerely replied that ‘Christmas wouldn’t be the same without him and Mac.’

He glanced out the window into the dark winter night. Christmas carols played softly from the call light attached to Mac’s bed. This wasn’t how he’d pictured spending the holidays. No, he’d thought to be spending them with Mattie having dinner at Bud and Harriet’s. Mattie, there was another obligation that fell through. If only, he’d stopped to listen to Mac, everything could’ve worked out so differently. Although, if he were honest, the situation had played out for the best of all involved. He still had the opportunity to remain an important figure in her life, and she had a family…a real family to enjoy.

He reached out to caress Mac’s left hand. It was one of the few surfaces unmarred by lines, monitors, sensors, casts and cuts. She lay quietly as if merely asleep. The breathing tube had been removed yesterday, along with the tube draining her chest. Her right arm was in a cast, and the right leg suspended in traction. Her abdomen sported a long incision from breastbone to hip. She had bruises in every shape and color adorning her face, chest, stomach and limbs. Only her left hand and foot seemed to escape unscathed. The doctors were tentatively optimistic for a full recovery, although no one could explain her continued coma. She’d sustained no trauma to her head, but her blood pressure had remained precariously low for hours. ‘Only time will tell,’ was the resounding refrain.

The reflection off Mac’s ring caught his eye. He studied the gold ring still adorning the little finger of his left hand. He refused to take it off, even when questioned by the Admiral. He just smiled and looked away, leaving AJ to draw his own conclusions. The ring somehow made Sarah feel closer, as though he had a tiny part of her. He’d asked for extended leave over the holidays, and the Admiral had acquiesced with a gruff, “No problem…workload’s usually light.” He suspected AJ knew that Mac needed him close for comfort just as he needed her.

He withdrew a black velvet pouch from his pant’s pocket and rubbed a thumb over the soft plush fabric. It had been a year, more than a year actually, since he’d commissioned the ring. He shook the jewel from its pouch and into his palm. The diamonds sparkled brilliantly. It was a mix of three generations of Rabbs, and designed to be worn by only this one woman. If she refused, he swore an oath to his heart that the heirloom would never see the light of day.

Biting his lip with uncertainty, he held the ring a whisper’s breath away from its rightful destination. Was it wrong to try it on for size and fit? Fit? He chuckled at the connotation; this gem had only one proper recipient. He slid the ring onto her finger and marveled at the rightness of the emotional declaration. She belonged to him, and he to her. He leaned forward to kiss the finger bearing his promise of love.

Stroking his fingers through her hair, he begged, “Sarah, please wake-up. I need to see those beautiful brown eyes, and I could really use a Mac smile right about now.”

He shook his head in defeat, and prayed for the millionth time for a Christmas miracle or holiday wish. Her coming back to him would go a long ways toward obliterating all his long-held misgivings of this day.

He lifted her hand and kissed her palm before laying it gently against his cheek. His lips continued to caress the soft skin of her inner wrist. Even with all the antiseptic smells, alcohol and disinfecting scrubs, her wrist still smelled like his Sarah. He gently nipped at the delicate flesh with his lips.

Murmuring against her skin, his tears fell once more, “Sarah, please come back to me. I love you, and I promise to tell you a hundred times a day, everyday for the rest of our lives…just please come back.”

“Luv…ya…too,” the words came out soft and hoarse.

“Sarah?” he jumped to her side, “…you’re awake!”

She blinked in the glaring overhead light, brow knit with confusion. He rushed to dim the blinding glare, instead switching on the dim background light used by the night shift nursing staff.

“Sarah?”

“Where…am…I?” she attempted to move her body before groaning in pain.

“It’s okay…you’re in the hospital. Let me get the nurse,” he turned to flee the room.

“No!” she uttered with a bit more force, “…don’t leave me.”

“Ssshh,” he attempted to calm her movements, “…you were in an accident. Do remember anything about that night?”

She frowned in confusion, “Argue…court…I chase…you.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry about that,” he leaned over her bed with a forlorn expression of guilt, “…this is all my fault. If I hadn’t…”

“You…hit…me?”

“NO!” he vehemently shook his head, “No, I was getting in my car and you followed me across the street…a car came out of nowhere…”

“I…din-n’t look…flunk kinner-garnen…traffic…rules.”

He smiled, “Of all my comments, that’s the one you remember?”

She softly smiled then grimaced at the pain, “What wrong…with me.”

“Well, you’ve been through the wringer,” he stroked the back of his fingers over her cheek, “…you had a collapsed lung and required a chest tube. They removed the breathing tube and chest tube yesterday. You ah, fractured both your right arm and leg…they had to place a plate and screw in the femur bone. They also had to remove your spleen.”

Her eyes widened, “Guess I…lost…battle…with…car.”

“That usually happens, Marine,” he chuckled at her humor then sobered quickly. “Sarah, I’m so glad you came back to me. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I lost you. I’m so sorry for all the things I said…I do need you in my life in every form and fashion imaginable.”

“Whaaa…” the words slurred and she motioned for a drink of water. He lifted a glass her way, and placed a straw between her lips. She sipped tentatively at the cool liquid, “Thanks.”

“Your welcome, but I really think I should get the nurse,” he gestured toward the door.

“Wait…what happen…with child?”

“Mattie?” he frowned. She gingerly nodded. “Well, I ah…I didn’t get custody.”

Tears welled in her eyes, “’Cuz a me.”

“No,” he reached for her hand, “…the judge wasn’t going to allow it. You know…single guy seeking custody of a young teenaged-girl.” He shrugged, “Actually, I think it worked out for the best.”

“Whaa…”

“Mattie still went to a good home…better in fact, to a family.” He smiled, “When I couldn’t appear in court, Bud and Harriet went on my behalf. Turns out, Mattie’s father also showed up. The judge was going to rule in favor of foster care, when Bud spoke up. He talked to Mattie’s father about growing up in an abusive environment, whether physical, emotional, or substance. Mattie’s father agreed to grant temporary guardianship of her while he attends rehab.”

“Where,” she squeezed his hand.

He flashed a full flyboy grin, “With Bud and Harriet! The court still needs to do a full home inspection, but the judge allowed Mattie to go with them for the holidays on a trial basis. She’s loving it, Mac. She has foster parents, both a mom and a dad, as well, as siblings. She and AJ are hitting it off famously, and she adores the baby. Mattie’s never had siblings before, so she reveling in the experience. It couldn’t have turned out better!”

“But what about you?” she looked crestfallen at his loss.

“I’m fine,” he smiled to alleviate her guilt, “…after all, I have you.”

“Not sure…that’s a fair trade,” she reached up with a trembling hand to caress his cheek. The light reflected off the diamond on her finger, and her eyes widened in surprise.

“Did I…miss…something?” she stared mesmerized by the ring.

“Ah,” he stammered, “…I guess that’s my fault, too. Maybe now would be a good time to properly ask and not just presume.” He carefully leaned closer to her face, “Sarah MacKenzie, I would be most honored if you would consider marrying this stubborn, thick-tongued, idiot of a sailor. I may be a little slow in the commitment arena, but once I do…I’m yours for life.” He smiled nervously.

“Was that…a proposal,” she laughed then grimaced in pain, “…or a poor…sales pitch?”

“Which ever will work?” he chewed on his lower lip.

“Yeesss,” her fingers slid behind his neck and gently pulled him closer.

“Mac, I don’t wanna hurt you,” he mumbled hovering just over her mouth.

“Worth…the pain,” she tugged a little more to close the gap.

He kissed her gently and slow, pulling back when he felt her get winded for breath. “Alright, enough of that for now…I don’t want you to end up back on the ventilator.”

She looked absolutely radiant, bruises, cuts and all. She held the ring above her face and studied the setting. “When…did you…get it?” she panted.

“Um, had it a while,” he hedged. She arched a brow in question. He relented with a sigh, “About a year-and-a-half ago, after Bud’s accident.”

Her eyes widened then welled with tears. He dabbed them away, “Hey, don’t cry…I already know I’m an idiot. I don’t know why I let things fall apart, but that ring was designed special…just for you.” He sighed under the weight of the emotion.

“Not just…you…an idiot,” she traced her fingertips over his lips. He pressed his hand to hers and gently kissed each finger. “Tell me…about…ring.”

He pursed his lips and heavily sighed. Taking her hand in his, he explained the design, “Well, the two diamonds on the sides each belonged to my grandmother and my mother. They’re from the engagement rings that my grandfather and father gave to each of them.”

“Oh Harm…don’t know…what to say,” tears continued to pool in her eyes, and he lovingly wiped each away.

“But,” he added with a flare to lighten the mood and pointed to the middle one-carat stone, “…this one, I picked out just for you. About a year before Bud’s accident, I was TAD and got stuck with an unplanned stop in Germany. I had to overnight and catch a Zoomie’s flight out to the U.S. the next morning. I was wandering around town that evening looking for a place to eat, when I came upon this antique store. In the window was this beautiful diamond engagement ring in a gold antique, filigreed-setting. I knew you had to have it,” he shrugged, “…it just reminded me of you. I bought it on the spot and tucked it away in a drawer. After Bud’s accident, I took all three rings to a jeweler recommended by Frank, and had him rework the antique setting to include all three diamonds.”

She was practically gasping for breath by the end of his explanation. “Are you alright?” he asked with genuine concern.

“Yeah,” her voice shuddered, “…I can’t believe….” She stopped to take a breath and changed direction, “I love you…so much.”

“I love you too, and I’m sorry it took me so long to tell you,” he fought for a way to take her into his arms then gave up in frustration. “I just wanna hold you!” he sighed.

The increase in her heart rate on the remote monitor finally registered with her nurse. She entered the room in a rush, and stopped just inside the door. “Well, look who’s awake!” Turning to Harm, she glared, “Mr. Rabb, you should’ve called for assistance!”

“I tried!” he attempted to bolt from the bed.

Mac held on for dear-life, “My fault…didn’t want him…to leave.”

The nurse eyed her patient with concern, “You appear to be a little tachypneic.” At their identical raised brows, she explained further, “Breathing a little fast.”

Mac extended her left hand, “Got…engaged,” she beamed with joy.

“Well now, perhaps it’s time for a little break,” she said with a huff and turned toward Harm, “Mr. Rabb, if you’ll go to the waiting room, I’ll assess my patient and go call Dr. Burkeholder.”

“No!” Mac cried.

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” he leaned over to kiss her brow, “…it’ll give me a chance to phone the Admiral, Bud and Harriet…Sturgis. They’re gonna be thrilled to learn you’re finally awake. I’ll be back in 10 minutes,” he squeezed her hand then glared in warning at the nurse.

He exited the room whistling the tune to ‘Jingle Bells’ and practically skipped down the hall. When he arrived in the waiting room, he found AJ, Bud and Harriet sitting quietly waiting a turn.

Harriet spied him first and jumped to her feet, “Is she awake?!”

His smile split his face, “Yep, woke up about 20 minutes ago. She’s alert, oriented and talkative.”

“Can we see her?” Harriet nearly bounced.

“In about 10 minutes…the nurse is checking her over.” Harriet handed him an envelope. “What’s this?” he opened the flap and withdrew a Christmas photo card. He grinned when he saw the picture of three laughing kids. Mattie held the baby, while AJ poked his head around the side.

Harriet beamed, “I thought you might like a photo of the kids…all three of them!”

“Thanks Harriet,” he leaned in to kiss her cheek, “…Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas, Sirrr…ah, I mean Harm.”

“I’ve got a little surprise for the three of you, as well,” his smile could light the world, “…Mac and I are engaged!” The trio gasped before congregating around him exchanging congratulations, handshakes and hugs.

“Do you think we can go back now?” Harriet giggled like a schoolgirl. “I have a picture for Mac, too!”

“Sure,” he glanced at his watch, “…I told the nurse we’d back in 10 minutes…it’s been at least 15.”

Harriet gathered her things and gestured toward the hall, “Is she still in the ICU?”

“Ah, no…they moved her to Step-down this morning…Room 4,” he turned back to talk with the Admiral, as Bud and Harriet started across the room.

“So, you and Mac finally figured things out?” AJ crossed his arms over his chest and arched his brow in challenge.

“Yes Sir, I think it’s safe to say you’ll be looking for a transfer for one of us…that is, after Mac has rehabbed.”

“I think I can find an…opening in…judiciary…” AJ’s voice trailed off as he stared over Harm’s right shoulder. “Harm, did you say Mac was in Room 4?”

“Yeah…why?” he turned back toward the main corridor and watched as a flurry of activity sprinted down the hall. His eyes widened in concern as one of the nurses pushed a cart into Mac’s door.

“What the…” he sputtered out in alarm.

The overhead speaker blared to life drowning out the holiday music.

“CODE BLUE…STEP-DOWN…ROOM 4! CODE BLUE…ALL AVAILABLE PERSONNEL…STEPDOWN-4!”

The End…

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Replies:

[> [> Woah. First, I think I held my breath through the entire first part. Second . . . (inside) -- ery, 10:34:05 12/12/07 Wed [1]

"Code blue"? "The End"? That's not right...

hmmm...if I had to guess: I'd say based on the dialogue and the emotion, that this could be doc. However, the writing itself is slightly different, so I'm not sure.

Seriously: Code blue? The End? I checked my dictionary, and that there does not qualify as an 'end'. Where's your Christmas spirit, mystery author? ;)


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[> [> Interesting reading...good story. -- BlueJay, 10:35:05 12/12/07 Wed [1]


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[> [> [> Yikes! is that really the "end" or is there more coming? **fingers crossed** I really liked it, though....except for the last couple of sentences.... -- Irishrainy, 10:43:06 12/12/07 Wed [1]


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[> [> Ok you can not leave it like that. It was so painful then heartwarming and then bam. Where is the next part. Inside for my guess -- Hope, 10:58:56 12/12/07 Wed [1]

I believe Doc wrote this.


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[> [> Loved this, bit shocked by the ending, but loved it all the same -- Katiegirl, 00:21:20 12/13/07 Thu [1]

I agree that Doc had a hand in this story, but I think it was written by somebody else.


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[> [> As sad as this story is, it was beautifully written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Any chance of adding more? -- Cookie, 15:30:58 12/13/07 Thu [1]


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