Title: Taking The Next Step 

Author: Lisa Mendell

E-mail: harm_mac_4ever@yahoo.com or JAGFanWriter@netscape.net

Rating: PG

Classification: Story, H/M Shipper

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Don Bellisario & co. I am just 
borrowing them for entertainment purposes. No infringement intended.

Spoilers: “Adrift II”

Summary: What might have happened if Renee hadn’t needed Harm.

Feedback is welcome. Please send it to harm_mac_4ever@yahoo.com or 
JAGFanWriter@netscape.net

TAKING THE NEXT STEP

“Come to me,” he said quietly.

“Why?”

“So we can talk.”

“We already talked.”

“Don’t argue with me.”

“I need a better reason.”

“You know the reason.” With a slight pause he added, “Mac…”

I’m here.”

“I’m waiting,” he said before ending the call.

She showed up shortly and he just wanted to take her in his arms right 
then and hold her. He had told her they would talk, so he figured they 
better do that first.

“How are you?” she asked with a slight smile.

“I’m okay. How are you?”

“Hurt. I knew he’d leave me, but I didn’t think it would be like this. 
I feel like it’s my fault. If I could have said the right thing, then 
maybe. . .” she stopped and looked at him.

“Mac, it wasn’t your fault. His leaving you had to do with the fact 
that he couldn’t deal with our relationship,” he said quietly.

“We’re just friends, Harm.”

“You know there’s more to it than that, Mac.”

“Is there?” she asked while wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

“Why do you think I asked you to come here tonight, sweetheart?” he 
said as he put his hand on her face.

“I’m scared,” she whispered.

“So am I.”

“Would you. . .?” she started, but was almost afraid to ask.

“It’s all right, Sarah. You can ask me.”

“Would you hold me?”

“Of course,” he said as he took her hand.

He waited for her to lie on the bed and then gently laid beside her. 
For a few moments, they just looked at each other. He saw her as a 
desirable woman, and she saw him as a man finally letting go.

“If I had lost you, sailor, I don’t think I could have. . .”

“Ssh,” he said as he put a finger to her lips, “you didn’t lose me. I’m 
not going anywhere.”

He let her scoot over so he could her hold her, making sure she didn’t 
hurt any sore spots on his still-healing body.

“I love you, Harm,” she said quietly.

“I love you, too, Sarah. I know I haven’t been able to say that in the 
past, but now is as good a time as any for me to take that big step.”

She took her hand and brushed away some stray strands of his hair. “At 
least you said it.”

“Yeah,” he said with a soft chuckle.

She pulled him to her and kissed him softly and passionately. They were 
taking a step, however small, in the right direction.

The End