Title: It's in Her Kiss

Author: Cece

Rating: PG

Fortune Cookie Prompt: “Love is the triumph of the imagination over intelligence.”

A/N: I tried to get inspired by my three prompts, but unfortunately, inspiration lost out to the dreaded writer's block. I kept going back to the prompt above, primarily because I so ardently disagreed with the sentiment. In the end, I decided if I could disagree with the sentiment, then so could my characters. So here it is......


********************


Harm tried to concentrate on the backlog of files the Admiral had dumped on him. The work didn't bother him so much, but the atmosphere at JAG HQ was dismal. At least, that was the way he perceived it. Something had been missing since before the Paraguay debacle, since Singer's death to be precise. The camaraderie that once existed, was all but gone.

Bud had lost his boyish enthusiasm, being forced to mature quickly with the loss of his leg and his expanding family, the Admiral was distant, Sturgis had turned into a pompous ass, and Jennifer had become annoying, interfering in everyone's business. And Mac, Harm didn't even want to think what was going on in her head.

Harm began to wonder if he had made a mistake coming back. Perhaps there was truth in the old saying, “ You can't go home again.” Then he pulled himself up, and thought of all that Mattie had had to contend with at such a young age. If a teenage girl could pull off what she had, and under such circumstances, then he'd better pull himself out of his funk. He'd got his job back, and more importantly, Mac was alive and safe.

Except for one thing: she was dating Clayton Webb, and that fact, he realized, was at the root of his problems. What was even more depressing was that deep down, he knew he could have done something to stop it. It was his own damn fault! He was the one who'd pushed her away, over and over again, and she'd finally stated flat out that the relationship was never going to work.

He hadn't even argued with her. Something in him knew she was right. She had been ready years ago, but he'd expected her to wait indefinitely. What had he said to her when she asked? “As long as it takes?” What the hell was that supposed to mean? Harm cringed at the memory. He wanted her more than anything, but if he was honest with himself, he could see that he didn't dare take a grab at happiness. Logically, he knew that he couldn't keep on blaming his lack of connectiveness on the loss of his father. His pattern of behaviour suggested that he was sabotaging his own future at every step of the way. That's what AJ tried to get through to him, but he'd been too pigheaded, and too proud to take any notice. He remembered Mac's voice telling him to let go of his lifeline. What she didn't realise was that she was his lifeline, just being there. And that's why seeing her with Webb was killing him.

So here he sat, playing second fiddle to Sturgis at work, and to Clayton Webb in his personal life. He wasn't even first with Mattie. That position was held by her errant Dad, and rightly so. Well now he was feeling sorry for himself.

Harm looked at the clock, and decided to pack it in an hour early. Grabbing his briefcase, coat and cover, he made a quick exit and almost knocked Sturgis over in the process.

“Whoa Harm! What's the hurry?” Sturgis looked as perplexed as he ever allowed himself.

“Sorry Sturgis. I've just had enough of this place for the day, so I'm taking off early.”

Sturgis fixed his tie destractedly, as if he were nervous about something. “It's Vereese's birthday on Friday, and I thought I'd have a few people over. Wondered if you'd like to come?”

Harm relaxed a bit. He almost enjoyed seeing Sturgis's discomfort at discussing anything about his personal life. “Sure. Where and what time?'

“Saturday. My place around 7:30. She likes Chinese so I'm ordering in. I know she doesn't want a fuss. She just wants to kick back with some of her friends. She's just coming off a long USO gig and needs to unwind.”

Harm hadn't been to any social event in months, and was happy at the opportunity to get out of his dark mood. “Will Mac be coming?”

“Yeah I think so. I invited her, but she said she might have a prior engagement.”

“No doubt she's got a date with Webb,” Harm mumbled sarcastically. Sturgis looked uncomfortable.

“If she comes, she'll probably be bringing Webb.” Sturgis saw Harm's jaw harden, “Sorry Harm. Look, you're welcome to bring a date.”

Harm wanted to knock Sturgis's block off, but he managed to say calmly, “Sure..whatever.”

“What the hell is wrong with you Harm? You just don't get it. You can't see what's right in front of your face.” When Harm didn't answer, Sturgis turned back to his office. “I take it you're still coming?”

Harm threw a casual, “I'll be there, “ over his shoulder, and left the room.

********************

On the drive home, Harm thought of Sturgis's words. “Easy for him to say. Vereese isn't dating Clayton Webb.” Harm guessed from Sturgis's expression that Mac's “prior engagement” had something to do with Webb. If Webb was around, there was always something to worry about. That was one relationship Harm would never understand, if he could even bear to think about it. One thing he knew for sure, he was not going to this party alone. To hell with Mac and her men. And to hell with Webb.

As soon as he got home, he called Catherine Gale. They had been clear with each other there would be no relationship. But he figured Catherine needed some fun. Her job was stressful enough, and now she was facing a pregnancy all alone. Harm and Catherine hadn't even had a fling. Not that either one of them wouldn't have liked to give a relationship a try, but the pregnancy had put an end to that idea, at least for now.

Catherine answered the phone almost immediately, and was thrilled at the prospect of a night out with Harm. She gave a little giggle, “Won't there be some eyebrows raised when everyone sees your date is very pregnant? Or doesn't that bother you?”

“Let people think what they want. It's no one's business.”

“Won't they think you're a cad for not marrying me and making me an honest woman?”

Harm hadn't thought of that. He'd been thinking of Catherine's comfort, not his own. “We're going as friends, which is the way you want it Ms Gale,” he teased.

“Ha! You're not just a cad, you're dastardly! Hey, look, I need the night out, so if I'm not worried, you shouldn't be. What time are you picking me up?”

“Good, it's all settled. I'll pick you up at seven, okay?”

“Okay. I'll look forward to it.”

Harm hung up the phone, and sat dejectedly on the sofa. He hadn't felt this down since Mac made it clear she was going through with her wedding to Brumby. “God....Webb's worse than Brumby. What's a woman like Mac doing with guys like that? Lowne was no better, and that jerk she married---what was that all about?”

“Harm, are you okay?” In his misery, Harm had forgotten that Mattie was sitting in the corner, doing her homework. He'd been thinking out loud, and now felt distinctly uncomfortable.

“I'm sorry Mattie. I was just ranting. So, how's the calculus? Have you worked through those problems you were having?”

“Dropping chaff Harm. Nice try. I know you still think I'm only a kid, but you need help. Do you wanna talk about it?”

Harm was amused at Mattie's expression. Mac had used those same words when she confronted him at her engagement party. Well he wasn't going to unload his problems on a fifteen year old girl. “No I don't want to talk about it Mathilda.” Harm's voice was teasing, but he was firm, “Now hit those books. You've got a mid-term coming up.”

Mattie wasn't so easily dismissed. “You know Harm, Mac's never been in love with those guys. You just think because she's really hot, she's super confident. Well I've been there....I mean, I can relate. Not with ... like ... dating or anything. But I know what it's like to feel.. you know ... notwanted by anyone.” Mattie ignored Harm's warning look. “You should try to understand, 'cos Mac wasn't lucky enough to have someone great in her life to rescue her when she was a kid.”

“So what are you saying, Miss Shrink, that Mac chooses her boyfriends based on her negative childhood experiences?”

“I'm saying that these guys make her feel, you know, like...special or something. I don't think that they like...love her or anything. Well yeah, maybe they do because she's really great. But she's like this trophy. Going out with her makes them feel they've scored big time. That really blows....”

Mattie stopped suddenly and Harm wondered if she might have started having boy problems herself. He swallowed his mild irritation at her sudden adoption of teenspeak. She had had to grow up way too fast, and it was sometimes hard to understand she was still just a kid.

“Have you been talking to Coates about this, Mattie? You know you can talk to me, don't you? I mean about your life, not Mac's.” He saw her ironic look, and little wry smile, “Okay, I know, the pot calling the kettle etc....Mattie, you've been through a lot, but just remember, you are loved and wanted. Your mother loved you, and so does your dad. And so do I. And when you meet some guy, he'd better treat you with respect, because kiddo, I've got your back. Remember that.”

Mattie was silent for a moment, then she brightened a little, “Hey, this was supposed to be about you. Don't go all sappy on me, okay?”

“As long as you come to me when you need someone, no matter what. Deal?” Harm put up his palm for a high five.

“Deal,” she agreed, slapping his hand. “So how about helping me now with this stupid calculus?”

Harm smiled, “Work on it first, then get back to me.”

Mattie gave a fake groan, then turned back to her homework, while Harm was left to ponder her insights about Mac.

Harm and Mac never seemed to cross paths much in the next few days. They weren't deliberately avoiding each other, or maybe they were. In the past, they would have make a point of checking in to discuss a case, or just to vent. But things had changed, and Harm felt a palpable bitterness in the atmosphere whenever they did meet. All he could think of was Mac making a life with Webb. Loving Clayton Webb. Having a family with a guy that was supposed to be his friend. “Huh...some friend!”

When Saturday came around, Harm forced Mac from his mind, hoping she and Webb wouldn't be turning up at the party. He made an effort to look good for Catherine, and gave her yellow roses when he went to pick her up. Who could tell? With the baby's father out of the picture, Catherine might change her mind about having a relationship with him. Even as he thought about it, Harm knew that was not what he wanted. They could never make each other happy, and he was not about to pretend with her.

Catherine Gale had the bright, polished look of a healthy, pregnant woman. She thanked him warmly for the flowers, but something in her eyes worried Harm.

“Is everything okay?” He took her arm and helped her into his corvette.

“Yes, now it is. I can't wait to let my hair down, so to speak. Oh God, I don't know if I'll fit in this car!” Somehow, she managed to bend down low enough to get in the seat, and Harm helped her with the belt. He'd hadn't thought that his 'vette would be awkward for a pregnant woman. That's what came of being a batchelor, and for a moment, Harm felt tired of having “toys.” That's not how he'd imagined his life. He was reminded how the Admiral had referred to him as Peter Pan, and he grimaced at the thought.

They arrived at Sturgis's apartment, expecting only a few friends and casual Chinese take out, which is what Sturgis had led Harm to believe. But the place was crowded, and Sturgis had arranged for an upscale Chinese caterer to bring in a delicious assortment of dishes, along with colourful red and black bowls, and chopsticks. The burning jasmin insence, and the brightly decorated room in reds and gold, gave the party an exotic feel, intensified by the low, smokey jazz playing in the background.

“Wow! This is great!” Catherine's eyes sparkled, and her face beamed with anticipation. But Harm soon realized that bringing an obviously pregnant woman to a party where people would make the wrong assumptions, was probably a big mistake. Introductions were a problem to start with. How was he supposed to introduce Catherine? As his friend? As his date? Just by her name? And he could hardly say, “I'm not the father!”

Catherine laughed at his awkwardness. “You know Harm, the baby does have a father. He's just not the right man.”

“Don't you love him? The father, I mean? Was he the man you told your mother you were supposed to marry?” Harm was not usually so inquisitive, but Catherine seemed in the mood to confide in him a little.

“Yes I did fall in love. But I read somewhere, that love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence and I imagined he loved me back.”

Harm couldn't help feeling compassion for her. “Doesn't make sense to me....the thing about love being some kind of tug of war between emotions and intelligence. Who writes stuff like that?”

“I think I got it from a fortune cookie.” Catherine gave a small, bitter laugh. “I was in full blown denial, with Mr. X, so I guess I left my brains and my intelligence at the side of the bed.” She looked somber for a moment. “He said he'd marry me....but....”

“You loved him, and thought he loved you. Don't be so hard on yourself.”

“Well that's what you get for thinking with your hormones. Stupid me. I hate to admit that I still love him, but he's already found someone else......” She stopped, as if she'd said too much. “I don't want to talk about it, okay Harm. At least I've got the baby to look forward to, so let's have some fun while I've still got the time.”

Harm made sure Catherine was comfortable, then left to get her some ginger tea. And that's when he saw Mac standing by the door in a cherry red dress. His heart dropped at the sight of her. “Oh my God,” he thought silently, “she is so beautiful!” And she was alone.

Mac glanced around the room, as Sturgis took her coat. When she caught sight of Harm, her face brightened. She hadn't yet seen Catherine Gale, and she walked up to Harm, smiling with obvious pleasure.

“Hey Secret Agent Man,” she said in a low voice, “I never see you lately.”

Harm felt rooted to the floor. How was he going to tell her he had a date, and with Catherine Gale of all people? Mac had seen her at his apartment, when she came over that time. Now what would she think? And despite his earlier bravado, he found himself caring desperately what Mac would think. Before he could say anything, Catherine, herself, walked up to him and put her arm on his in a propriatory way. “Oh hi Mac.” There was an inexplicable chill in her tone. “ I'm just wondering why my date is so long getting me a drink.” She smiled up at Harm as she spoke, though she directed her words at Mac.

Mac's voice faltered a little as she held back her surprise, “It's nice to see you again, Catherine. You're looking well. I hope the agency hasn't got you working too hard.”

Mac sounded friendly, but Harm could see she wanted to kick him for not letting her know he was bringing Catherine. And now he so much wished he hadn't, and wondered what might have happened if they'd both been unaccompanied. He felt immediately remorseful for wishing Catherine far away, particularly as she needed this break, and seemed to be enjoying herself. Somehow, Harm managed to get through the next couple of hours, pretending to have a good time. Bud and Harriet were there among the guests from HQ, as well as a number of Navy officers he knew. Vereese's friends, mostly from the entertainment industry, were interesting and fun, and the party went along in full swing. That was until it all fell apart.

Harm was casually chatting to Mac and Bud, when from the sofa, where she was conversing with a couple of guests, Catherine's voice came over clearly. “I just know that Harm will make a wonderful father.” Her gushing tone, accompanied by an over the top adoring glance, made Harm want to dig a hole and fall through it.

He felt his face go hot with a mixture of embarrassment and anger. “What the hell is she playing at,” he thought. He saw the brief, shocked look on Mac's face, and was aware of an uncomfortable silence in the room, that lasted for a few, long, moments before the hubbub returned. Harm walked over to where Catherine was holding court. He gave a self-conscious laugh and tried to sound casual.

“Oh I don't know whether Mattie would agree. But she is giving me lots of practice being a Dad.”

Catherine seemed a bit put out at Harm's deliberate misunderstanding of her meaning, but she passed his comments off, and changed the subject. Harm smiled politely and went to find Mac to make sure she hadn't got the wrong impression. But when he found her, she seemed as cold as ice. “I think I'd better get going. I'm expecting Clay over later on.” It was a deliberate dig at him, and Harm felt he was in the middle of one of those stupid soap operas. Without giving Harm a chance to respond, Mac turned and walked over to Vereese and Sturgis, presumably to say good night.

She didn't get very far. The chatter and laughter of the crowd was abruptly broken again by a cry from Catherine Gale. “Oh.....oh no...no....the baby.....it's too early...ohhhh no, no, no...!” Catherine's face registered a mixture of pain and panic, as she grasped the sides of her swollen abdomen. It was obvious she was experiencing early contractions, and the pain made her cry out repeatedly. Harriet rushed to her side, trying to keep her calm. “It's okay Miss Gale. We're with you. How far apart are they? Just try to take deep breaths.”

“I don't know....I think....owww.....the baby. Will the baby by all right? She's not due for three weeks.” Tears fell down Catherine's cheeks, as Harriet, Mac, and two other women, tried to calm her. Sturgis got on the phone, while the party ground to a complete halt.

Harm turned to Catherine right away, saying he would drive her to the hospital. “Harm, I can't go in your car. It's too small. If the baby comes.....oh God....I can't, I can't.....” Catherine grimaced, but Harriet's attempts to calm her seemed to have worked a little. The various service people among the guests, took the emergency in their stride, so the consternation was kept to a minimum.

Sturgis, got off the phone. “They're waiting for her at the hospital. I'll take her in my car. Harriet, you'd better come with us, okay? Bud, can you follow behind, in case one of us has to stay?” Bud nodded, and the guests stood aside as Harm and Sturgis helped Catherine up. But just as they got to the door, she turned and called in a panicky voice, “Can someone get a hold of Clayton Webb. Please! He's the father. He should be here. He said he'd be here! Please, please call him!”

In the urgency of the moment, Harm barely had time to register this latest shock. But he managed to catch a glimpse of Mac, as she stood rooted to the floor, her face pale and immobile. And then he was through the door, guiding the helpless and frightened Catherine Gale to the back seat of Sturgis's roomy sedan. Harriet got in next to Catherine, and Harm closed the door and watched as the car sped away, with Bud's car following closely.

And then, with his heart aching for Mac, he turned and ran back to at least try to gather up the pieces.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The disturbance was taken by the guests as a cue that the party was over. Harm worked his way through the cheerful fuss from the group at the door. Vereese was seeing to her departing guests, making sure they had safe rides home. There were the usual declarations, hugs, and grateful acknowledgments, and though many expressed their genuine concern for Catherine Gale and her baby, it was apparent that everyone was assiduously avoiding the dramatic revelation that had taken place moments before.

Harm looked around for Mac, relieved for her that the noise and distraction of the leaving guests, protected her from having to suffer her humiliation in public. Past the chaos at the door, Harm could only see a few lingerers in the room, including one man who was fast asleep in a corner chair. Following the low murmer of Mac's voice, he went into the kitchen. She was leaning against the counter talking quiety, but with urgency, on the phone. Harm began to back out of the room to give her privacy, but she motioned him to stay.

Mac's voice and hands shook with anger, “I'm not interested in anything you have to tell me Clay....No I'm not.....forget it...just get over to the hospital now! The baby....YOUR baby, could be in danger.......yes....three weeks or more....yes.....yes....Vereese's birthday......she...yeah, with Harm.....Look, stop wasting time... Catherine looked scared stiff.....No, Sturgis and Harriet took her...... Yes, she asked for you. Don't you dare let her down......No...no I'm not....I don't care Webb. It's over okay? .....No...forget it. There's no time for this....you have to get there right away....No, I'm hanging up. NOW!... Tell me you're going. Okay?....bye.”

Mac put down the phone and looked over at Harm. He could see she was barely holding back the tears, and her voice quivered with frustration and anger.

“Is she going to be okay do you think? God, I hope Sturgis gets there on time.”

“Sturgis is going to call to let us know what's going on. If she's still in the hospital tomorrow, I'll go and see her....I'll go earlier if I'm needed, but I doubt I can do anything. Besides, Webb may be a class-A jackass, but he'll be there, if I know him.”

Mac looked unconvinced, “I don't believe that jerk was dating me, while all the time he knew.....he knew Catherine Gale was pregnant with his baby! How could he do that to her? What kind of man is he? How could he lie to me so easily? I don't get him at all.”

Harm guessed she wasn't expecting any answers from him. She seemed to be more angry than hurt, but he wasn't taking any chances.

“Mac, I'm driving you home. No argument. Leave your car here, and we'll pick it up tomorrow.”

“I'm ok Harm. My ego's bruised, and it was embarrassing finding out at a crowded party, that my boyfriend was about to become the father of another woman's child. But honestly, I'm fine.”

Harm wasn't going to take no for an answer. “Well I'm not fine, and I won't be until I see you safe at home.”

Mac gave a wan smile, “I'm a Marine, remember. I can take care of myself.”

“Apparently not,” he teased her gently. “Sorry Mac, the Navy's winning this one. Come on, get your coat and let's get out of here.”

Mac must have decided it was useless to argue, because she suddenly gave in. With a mixture of weariness and relief, she went along with the plan, said her goodbyes, and let Harm lead her to his car. Once in, she leaned back, and closed her eyes, as a few tears escaped from under her lids. Harm got in the driver's side, and seeing her distress, he gently covered her hand with his own. “It'll be ok Mac.” Then putting the gear shift in first, he pulled the car away from the curb.

Sensing her need for silence, Harm turned his thoughts to the last few days. Words came rushing back at him, words from other people who seemed to know him better than he knew himself. Sturgis, Mattie, AJ, Renee, Catherine Gale, even Mac herself. He'd shut them all out.... thought he knew how to handle his own life. The words seemed to reverberate, chiding him, coming fast and furious as he drove:

“It's just that you can't let go.” “Let go of that lifeline before it becomes a noose around your neck.” What are you going to do when you find her?” “You're just this way with me, aren't you?” “Is that how long we're going to wait?” “You got a girl Harm?” “You can't see what's in front of your face.” “Do you love her?” “Is she your dream girl?” “ These guys make her feel, you know, like..wanted or something.” “Riddle me this, flyboy.” “I did love him, and I imagined he loved me.” “What the hell's wrong with you, Harm?” “It's never going to work, you and me.” “Do you love her?” “Do you love her?” “Do you love her?”....................

Harm felt his heart pounding in his chest, and realised the needle on the speedometer was moving up rapidly. “I'd better slow down before I get us both killed,” he thought silently. He glanced over at Mac who appeared to have fallen asleep. Harm felt grateful for that. She'd awaken soon enough, and have to face the truth of Webb's betrayal. Harm wished he could go a few rounds with Webb, but he knew Mac would be mortified if he were to punch the guy out.
His mind went back to the odd conversation he'd had tonight with Catherine, about the fortune cookie. And then, seemingly from nowhere, he connected the dots. The sudden flash of insight stood out clearly in his mind, as if it had always been there. It was a deciding moment. “The fortune had it all wrong,” he thought. Love isn't imagining someone loves you. It's knowing someone loves you..... knowing they love you back. It's letting them know....telling them, showing them, not making them guess, not making them wait, not holding back. And if anything was for certain, it was that he loved Mac and he 'd never really told her.

All this time, he'd thought the men in her life were using her. He thought he was better than the Brumbys and the Webbs of the world. But he'd used her too. He wanted her to wait for years if that was how long it took. He didn't want her with other men because he wanted her for himself. And what about all the women who had fallen for him? Annie, Jordan, Renee. Hadn't he got their hopes up by letting them think he loved them?

Harm felt disgusted with himself, though he knew he'd never deliberately set out to hurt anyone, least of all Mac. But was this the time to tell her how he felt? Could it be that she really loved Webb, or was Mattie right? Had Webb made her feel special? More to the point, had he, Harm, made her feel she didn't matter to him much at all?

With questions tormenting his mind, and a new determination, Harm pulled up outside Mac's apartment. She woke up as the car came to a stop. “Thanks so much Harm. There's no need to come with me to the door.....but....I mean.....would you.....would you like to come in for coffee .....or...or...er...something? I think I've got some beer hidden away....I do have Pepsi...Oh it's okay....don't worry. I know you have to get back.........”

Harm interrupted, “No I don't....have to get back that is. Yeah, I'd love coffee...I mean....Mac, are you up for talking? I can go if you want, but I don't mind staying.”

Mac put the key in the lock, and turned to him. There were streaks of mascara, on her face, and she looked pale, but she sounded a little amused. “I want you to stay....if.. that's okay. But can we just spend the time thinking up ways to make Webb suffer?”

Harm felt his spirits lift. She couldn't have been hurt as much as he thought. So he responded with a chuckle, “It would be my pleasure.”

Mac gave her makeup a quick fix, while Harm took some club sodas.from the fridge. Then, their old ease returning, they plopped down on the sofa. With her legs tucked under the flimsy material of her cherry red dress, Mac looked beautiful and vulnerable. Harm's desire for her was almost overwhelming, but he was determined not to put any pressure on her. It was far too soon. He stretched his long legs out and relaxed, just enjoying Mac's presence.

Something had happened to change the atmosphere between them. Perhaps it had been a good thing for Catherine to have outed Webb in such a public manner. If Mac had had any ambivilance before about her feelings for Clayton Webb, Harm thought it unlikely she would have any doubts about her feelings now.

His cell phone rang at that moment, interrupting his thoughts. It was Sturgis with the news that Catherine had given birth to a girl, a little premature, but doing well. The baby was just under five pounds, and had been placed in the neonatal unit. The doctors were keeping Catherine in for a few days, but there were no apparent problems. Clayton Webb had rushed into the delivery room moments before his daughter made her appearance. As far as Sturgis could make out, Webb seemed happily overwhelmed to be a father.

Harm tentively related Sturgis's message to Mac, and was surprised when she gave a happy laugh.

“Damn, now I can't hate him. It looks like our friend Webb is finally going to do the right thing. Besides, I wasn't the right woman for him.”

“Bite your tongue, Mac. If anything, he wasn't the right man for you.”

“He wasn't?” she looked at Harm slyly, “And just who is the right man for me?”

Harm's heart dropped to his stomach. “Well what I mean is, Webb was lucky to have you.”

Mac unfolded her legs and moved over so that she was sitting close to Harm. She leaned in, and caressed his face. “He never had me,” she said quietly. “He never had my heart. That was already taken.”

Her mouth was inches away from his, but Harm kept still, letting her take the initiative.

The charged atmosphere was palpable when Mac put her mouth gently on his. Her lips were soft and yeilding, and they both closed their eyes, feeling the intimacy of the gentle kiss. It was a moment of reconciliation, the much needed balm to sooth the pain they had both caused each other,.

Then Mac pulled away and they looked into each other's eyes. Their breath came fast, and Harm wondered if her heart was beating as hard as his. It was his turn to speak. He sat up and leaned over her, cupping her face with his hands. His thumbs stroked the sides of her cheeks, and he spoke slowly and deliberately,

“I love you Mac. I always have.”

She gave a sharp intake of breath, and her voice almost gave out. “I love youHarm.” Her voice was low, but certain. “ Didn't you know that?”

This time, Harm was the one who put his lips on hers. But this kiss was different. It was insistant and hungry, filled with the passion built up for so, so long. There was no imagining that she loved him. He knew she loved him, her kiss told him that.

Harm stood and pulled her gently to her feet. And then, with their lips locked in a kiss that made them weak with pleasure, Harm carried her into the bedroom. It was a new beginning.

The End