IN THIS MOMENT FOREVER

BY EM.

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything!! Especially not the brilliant characters (obviously I wasn’t good enough for Easter!)

Author’s Note: I’ve decided to make it a series i.e. this is chapter 3 (Following “Looking forward to a Family” and then “Time Enough”)

Comments: Most welcome to SweetDramaQueen@hotmail.com

“Give my regards to your Mum.” Von murmured as Terri was walking from the ward.

“Thanks, and remember that I’ll be gone for three days, are you sure you can manage, I mean I can stay if you want.” Terri smiled ruefully.

“Sure, you said your mum was looking forward to the visit, you wouldn’t want to disappoint her would you?” Von asked, raising her eyebrows suspiciously.

“No, No… Um I mean No.”

“Nervous are we?” Von walked off, leaving Terri to disappear without further interruption.

Mitch arrived at Terri’s house 15 minutes early to pick her up and thus found Terri triple-checking and repacking her suitcase.

“Hey, what’s up?” He walked up behind her encircling her waist with his arms.

“Nothing, why would anything be wrong?” She smiled but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“You don’t have to come you know. I just thought that apart from a few hours on Saturday we have a wonderful uninterrupted weekend together.” He pulled her closer to him.

“I know, I know.” She smiled a little more sincerely this time. “I’m just a little worried about being known as Mrs. Mitch Stevens all weekend.”

“Practice run.” He smiled until Terri gave in and smiled against him in a huge hug.

As Mitch held her in his arms, he thought about the worry and anxiety this was causing Terri.

“Hey.” He patted her back to gain her attention. “Here.”

He reached around and removed the ring from her necklace. Gently lifting her left hand, Mitch placed the ring upon its rightful place.

“But…” Terri stumbled.

“There, you and me. I love you and this weekend we are an US.” He kissed the ring and the finger beneath it, before assuming a place on Terri’s bed while she finalised her packing.

The pair arrived in Melbourne a few hours later, and were quickly settled into their motel room,

 Mitch could sense Terri’s nervousness as the placed their luggage upon the king size bed and accordingly made completely unrelated conversation.

“Lucy really loves the toy you brought her. She barely let it out of her sight yesterday.” He smiled and sunk into the sofa.

“Really?” Terri walked around and joined him on the couch.

“Really, now come here.” He motioned for her to hop on the floor in front of him, and he began to slowly massage her shoulders. After several minutes he noticed that her tension had begun to fade.

“You know I won’t make you come tonight if you don’t want to?”

“Of course I want to. This is your big moment, being a major speaker at an international medical conference. I am so proud of you and I want to be there to support you.”

“Thanks, I understand it must be difficult for you, having to be Mrs. Mitch.” He smiled lightly attempting to break the tension in the room.

“I’m just lucky that you want me here.” She tilted her head back and smiled at him.

“Terri, I love you and always want you with me.” He released her shoulders and began to kiss her neck ever so slightly, he smiled as the goose bumps began to appear and she closed her eyes in delight.

The evening’s dinner approached faster than either of them had expected; they found they had barley enough time to settle in before preparing for the function; Mitch was required to attend.

“Tonight, is just going to be introductory stuff. I could miss it.” He smiled and his eyes lit up at the thought.

“No way, you are here to make a name for yourself, the remarkable Mitch Stevens. Now come on.” She playfully dragged him toward the door. He held tight and looked at her with his puppy-dog eyes. “There’ll be plenty of time for us, but tonight I want you to make a splash.”

“How could I not with you by my side.” Terri smiled and unconsciously looked at the ring. “Terri Sullivan, I love you.” They walked out the door and arrived at the function only a few minutes late.

Approaching the huge ballroom underneath the motel, Terri realised how exclusive the invitation and she beamed with pride that Mitch was chosen, for although ward 17 had always appreciated his efforts, it seemed that they had gone unrecognised throughout the hospital hierarchy; but tonight went to prove her wrong.

Mitch stalled a moment before stepping into the room. Terri turned to face him.

“Not nervous are you?” She smiled and studied his face carefully.

“No, just looking at how stunning you are.” He raised her hand to his lips in a Victorian gesture, all the while drinking in Terri, as she stood clad in a dark blue evening gown.

“You don’t look too bad yourself.” She smiled and he held out his arm to lead her in.

“Dr. Mitch Stevens!” A distinguished looking, older man was walking toward them, Terri flushed her face with a polite smile and held on a touch tighter to Mitch.

“Dr. Skinner, how are you?” They stopped and shook hands; Mitch hadn’t failed to notice the look toward Terri and took care of the introductions. “Jacob, this is my wonderful Terri. She is a nursing unit manager at All Saints in Sydney.”

“Lovely to meet you my dear.” Terri smiled and replied in turn, maybe tonight wasn’t going to be so bad after all.

The evening was progressing smoothly, until a not-so-friendly face appeared before them.

“Stevens.” The voice was unmistakable.

“Ah… Dr. Fitzgibbon.” Terri rolled her eyes as she realised it was too late to make an escape.

“And Ms. Sullivan, I believe.” Terri turned to face him with a rigid smile in place.

“How is St. Catherine’s treating you?” Mitch stepped in hesitantly, he had been told that only one other doctor from the Sydney sector had been invited and that was a woman he had never heard of in the course of his career.

“Been a while, I’m now settled in Tamworth.” Terri watched as Mitch’s shoulders tightened and his stance became stiff. She was thinking fast, hoping that there was some way to alleviate the situation without causing pain to any party. It required only a second to pull off and was done before a second thought could be given to the idea. Terri casually laid her left hand on Mitch’s arm and as she had hoped the diamonds began to sparkle in the light. Fitzgibbon was noticeably shocked and ended the conversation abruptly.

Mitch turned to Terri as soon as Fitzgibbon was out of sight and hugged her tight.

“You are too wonderful.” He smiled and watched as she formulated an answer.

“You gave me the idea, you put it here.” She held the ring up for him to see.

“And there it shall stay.”

The pair enjoyed the dinner, with Terri knowing a great deal more in regard to medicine than many of the other partners at their table. By the time desert was served many of the conversations were directed toward her and Mitch was conflicted, between being proud of Terri and jealous of the obvious intentions of some of the other guests.

Terri had not failed to notice Mitch’s sustained silence and she gently nudged his foot with hers, she then caught hold of his hand under the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze, before he captured it and held it securely in place on top of his leg.

There was a band organised for post-dinner entertainment and the tables were conveniently placed outside of a large dance floor. As the band began to play several couples slowly migrated to the dance floor. Mitch thought back to a recent conversation with Von and decided that as soon as a rumba was played he would take Terri to the floor. He didn’t have to wait long for the next song showed a strong beat with a consistent rhythm. He casually stood and placed his hand out toward Terri.

“May I have this dance?” Terri was all smiles as she gratefully took the extended hand and they proceeded to join the other couples.

Coincidentally, both of them could rumba to a satisfactory standard and were immediately moving to a stead rhythm. They fast became the object of many people’s stares as the pace picked up and the couple’s movements became fluid and graceful. Terri was grateful when the song came to an end; she was never one to enjoy being centre of attention. Mitch wasn’t yet ready to leave the dance floor, not with so many men willing and eager to dance with the beauty he now held in his arms. Fortunately, the next song was slow and intense, and he was able to draw Terri in tight.

“Hmmm” Terri was sighing against Mitch’s shoulder.

“What is it?” He smiled lightly into her hair.

“I could stay like this forever.” They continued to sway easily to the music.

“Dancing forever?” Mitch was sceptical.

“No with you forever.” She pulled back so she was able to look at him.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He kissed her lightly and they reassumed their positions and were once again surrounded by the music and the intensity of the moment. 

It was late when the music ceased and many of the guests had already dispersed. Mitch and Terri remained locked in their world, whether it was on the dance floor or at their table. There were many knowing smiles directed toward them throughout the course of the evening, but Mitch and Terri were blissfully unaware.

“Have you had enough ‘hob-knobbing’ yet?” Mitch smiled as Terri was leaning up against him.

“We are here for you remember, you decide when you’re sick of it.” She tilted her head and looked up into his eyes.

“Well that would have been about 3 hours ago.” He gently rose and extended his hand toward her. “Come on.” She gratefully took it and making brief farewells they were soon only metres from their room.

Mitch noticed that Terri was drooping against his shoulder on the journey to the room and felt the weight of being polite and friendly after a plane flight. Terri chose this moment to stifle a yawn, but she wasn’t so quick as to conceal it from Mitch.

“Come on, sleepy head. Time for bed.” He rolled his eyes at her playfully. Terri retaliated by tickling his ribs slightly. By the time they were inside the room they were so exhausted they just collapsed on top of the bed in a mass of laughter.

“Give me a minute.” Terri said once she had recovered enough to speak. She grabbed a few things from her bag and disappeared into the bathroom. Mitch used the time to get changed himself, and after a few minutes walked toward the bathroom, toothbrush in hand.

Pausing a moment, he contemplated the situation in front of him. This was their first night together and he could sense Terri’s nervousness, he stood outside the door for a few more moments until he made his decision and then he walked straight into the bathroom.

Terri turned around and smiled. “Sorry, did I take too long?”

“Nope.” He smiled and joined her at the sink to brush his teeth. He turned to her and smiled with his lips covered in toothpaste, Terri laughed despite her confusion and just shook her head. Gathering her few things she returned to the main room. She was still crouched at her bag when Mitch came up behind her.

“I like it!” He smirked cheekily.

“Well I’m glad.” She stood and twirled around, allowing him a moment to take in her full-length nightie.

“What about me?” He spun about twice and watched as Terri just shook her head and laughed.

Mitch took the initiative and crawled into the bed and grabbed hold of Terri’s arm and pulled her in, despite her frown.

Gently he rolled over and gave her an entire side of the bed to herself. Terri stared hard at the ceiling as though wishing it to give her some direction. Mitch was trying hard not to groan and drum his fingers impatiently at the situation. Finally Terri came to a decision and inched closer to Mitch, he helped her a little and did the same. Eventually they were lying perfectly straight beside one another.

“Mitch?” Terri whispered nervously.

“Terri?” Mitch retaliated, exaggerating her tone. Terri rolled her eyes and the ridiculous situation and in one fluid movement placed her head and hand upon Mitch’s chest. Happily surprised, Mitch wrapped both his arms around her and they fell asleep in such an embrace.

Terri was amazed at how well she slept with Mitch by her side; she awoke first and smiled at the change in their positions. She was now completely on her side of the bed, with Mitch’s head on her shoulder and his arm protectively laid across the other shoulder. Sighing contentedly, she marvelled at how Mitch was able to interpret her feelings and emotions. Glancing over at the clock, she realised that she was going to have to wake him soon. Terri laid for a few minutes more deciding on a course of action.

“Mitch…” Terri whispered into his ear, before trailing tiny kisses down his jaw line and ending on his lips.

“Terri!” Mitch’s eyes shot open and he smiled briefly before, pulling her into a passionate kiss.

“Good morning!” Terri’s eyes showed of her delight and she made an effort to sit up.

“Hmmm… no.” Mitch grumbled while pinning her shoulders down and lying across her gently. Terri made only a half-hearted attempt to move him and he smiled contented, upon seeing this Terri summoned her strength and pushed him off her. She quickly moved to block further attack from him and gently ran her hand along his face. Mitch captured her hand and bestowed several kisses upon the palm of her hand. Terri made short work of replacing her hand with her lips and the pair reluctantly broke apart when there was a knock upon the door announcing breakfast. Mitch stretched out leisurely and hit the radio button and soon music was filling the room.

“Is it really time to get up?” Mitch groaned.

“Afraid so.” Terri smiled reluctantly and got slowly off the bed, to retrieve their breakfast.

They sat on the outside balcony while enjoying the continental breakfast, when Terri asked the dreaded question.

“What time do you have to be there?” Mitch held a hand to his mouth signalling that he had only just taken a bite.

“9 I think.” He sent a quick look in toward the clock and noticed that already read that it was past 8.

“Ok.” Terri shrugged good-naturedly.

“I really don’t want to go.” He pouted and looked toward Terri.

“Yes you do. I will be fine and I’ll be waiting down the bottom when you get back.” She smiled sweetly.

“Here. Wait here?” Terri sent him a confused look. “I have to wear a suit to this conference and I don’t intend to wear it around all day!”

“A tie then.” Terri sent him a bemused expression. “Have you learnt to do them yourself yet?”

“Yes” He replied sulkily and went to have a shower.

He emerged from the shower to find Terri sitting on the bed in a dressing gown, with his suit laid out next to her.

“You are too good!” He smiled and blew her a kiss.

“I know.” She smiled in return and walked into the bathroom. Mitch followed her a few moments later, finding her perched upon the vanity.

“What?” He looked puzzled.

“That!” She pointed to his tie and grabbed hold of it, pulling him towards her.

“You know, no one could ever do it the same as you.” He leant in to kiss her, but she avoided it skilfully.

“Wait.” She was concentrating on the tie. “Perfect.” She then made up for the lost kiss.

Mitch was wandering around outside the conference room, ringing his hands together.

“Nervous?” He turned to see the smiling face of Terri, without thinking he swept her up in his arms.

“How did you know?”

“Know what?” She raised her eyebrow coyly.

“That I needed you!” He was clearly overjoyed.

“Sixth sense.” She smiled and walked him into the auditorium. She seated herself in the back row and gave him a slight nudge forward, but at the last moment she grabbed hold of him and pulled him back. He looked around, waiting for her reasoning. Terri reached up and placed a kiss on his waiting lips and said ever so delicately. “I love you, Mitch Stevens.”

With that she reassumed her seat and watched as he walked away, a confident grin playing about his features.

The entire presentation, regarding Gram positive infections was fantastic and Terri was rather glad that she had stayed, for not only had she supported Mitch in his moment of need, but also the speakers had provided her with some in depth information.

It was nearing Mitch’s section, and unconsciously Terri sat up straighter and was paying more attention. She fixed her eyes on his form as he emerged from the back curtain. She noticed that he was scanning the room for her and watched him smile as he found her.

He began to speak, and despite it’s being illogical, Terri felt as though the entire presentation was directed toward her. He was to speak regarding a recent case of Syphilis found at All Saints and the recommended dosage, treatment and such. Mitch began by introducing the group to the commonly used drug in treatment of primary stages of Syphilis – Penicillin G.

Terri was thoroughly enjoying his presentation, when with a quick flash of a smile toward her he launched into the prolonging effects of the antibiotics and how the nursing staff were responsible and thus it was the nurses of ward 17 that made his job easier, and made going to work a pleasure, despite the obvious downfalls one experiences when treating a case such as Syphilis.

The presentation drew to a close and as Mitch headed toward the back of the auditorium, he noted a bemused smile lighting up Terri’s features.

“What did you think?” He winked conspiringly toward her. Terri just laughed. Together they walked from the conference and headed back to their room, as Mitch claimed.

“I will choke if I stay in this tie much longer.” Terri shot a hurt glance in his direction. “Not that it wasn’t tied perfectly.”

Terri sat comfortably in the sofa, waiting while Mitch changed his attire. She dared not look around, but she knew that he was standing just behind her wearing a minority of his clothes.

“Ready?” Mitch gently rubbed her left shoulder.

“Yeah, lets go.” Terri smiled and hopped to her feet.

They walked from the building and Mitch placed his arm comfortably about Terri’s shoulders, drawing her in closer to him.

“Where to?” She smiled up at him, eyes full with the question.

“You came to sit through the monotonous conference and thus, my feet await your direction.”

“It was not, there was one particular speaker who kindly deposited his praise upon the lower forms of life in the medical hierarchy.” She grinned, teasingly.

“Really? I thought the praise was well deserved.” He grinned back at her.

“But…” Terri began.

“And no, I think the nurses are just as talented as we.” Terri kissed him quickly on the cheek. “They are just so much more attractive.” He spun Terri out in front of him and pulled her in for a hug.

“Really? I never knew you thought about Nelson in such a way!” Terri giggled as Mitch pushed her away and smiled.

Mitch couldn’t help it, here he was well into a successful career, with a gorgeous daughter and he had never been more content than he was at this moment. Here he was in the middle of Melbourne laughing and teasing the beautiful Terri Sullivan, the one person that made him crazy, made him thankful that he was alive and never more thrilled to wake up in the morning, especially when his arms were wrapped around her.

Terri noticed Mitch deep in thought and made comment. “What’s up?” She looked him square in the eye, hoping he wasn’t displeased with her.

“You.” Terri’s eyes shot open and her mouth dropped in shock. “Nothing bad.” Mitch was quick to recover.

“What then?” Terri almost whispered.

“Just thinking about how much I love being able to do this with you, here now, everything.”

“Uh-huh!” Terri sighed and realised in a rush that she reciprocated the same sentiments.

They spent the day lazing about Melbourne, shopping and lunching whenever and wherever they wished. They spent the entire day wishing that this would last forever, that this feeling they shared would be forever reciprocated. Finally they arrived at the motel as it was nearing dusk. Mitch stopped briefly at the front desk to make a request and then he followed Terri to their room.

Mitch pulled a long patio chair to the centre of the balcony and laid flat on his back. He motioned for Terri to join him. He rolled onto his side and wrapped his arms around her.

They had only assumed this position briefly before a knock on the door brought them out of their reprieve.

“It’s open.” Terri smiled in wonder as a waiter brought a bottle of chilled Champagne and Strawberries out to them.

“Mitch?” Terri exclaimed once the waiter had disappeared.

“I just thought I would.” He smiled and kissed Terri sweetly.

“Well thank you.” She sat up slowly and poured two glasses before resting back up against Mitch.

That night both of them realised something, it was miraculous and special and will not be forgotten or remembered lightly.

As Mitch and Terri lay wrapped in each others arms in the early hours of the morning, they smiled as the came to the conclusion that when two people love one another above all else then the power of them when engaged in the ultimate act of love is incomprehensible before the event, and is able to be marvelled over for several years afterward.

Mitch was first to awake the following morning, and as he thought of the previous nights events he couldn’t hold in a smile. He lay in such a manner for some time, content just to watch Terri sleep while pressed against him. Mitch had to check himself quite a few times in the hour that passed, as tears threatened to spoil what had been a beautiful night. He couldn’t help but be saddened by the time he had wasted and the pain he had caused. This wonderful and vibrant woman lying beside him had done nothing to deserve him and what was he able to give her? He had a broken marriage, a wonderful daughter who belonged to another woman and nothing but love to offer. He analysed the situation and realised that although he didn’t deserve the unconditional love and beauty of this woman, that she asked for nothing in return but his love and that he could offer. She hadn’t rejected his daughter, but accepted her with all the love and grace one could hope for, and she had been nothing but supportive in his divorce. All she wanted was for him to be happy. She was, Terri was just “Perfect.” Mitch didn’t realise he had spoken the words aloud until Terri began to move.

“What is?” Terri yawned, struggling to open her eyes.

“You.” Mitch whispered back.

“Not exactly.” Terri mumbled and rolled closer toward him.

“Do I make you happy?” Mitch sat up, staring directly at her.

“Pardon?” She was busily trying to brush the sleep from her eyes.

“Do I make you happy?” He repeated.

Terri sat up beside him and locked him with her gaze. “Mitch, I love you. You make me extremely happy.” She smiled and then frowned before questioning. “This isn’t about last night?” She was visibly alarmed.

“No, No.” Mitch was quick to answer. “Last night was… was… Magical.” He smiled and pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Ok. Then why?” She was still shaken by the question.

“Just thinking about what I did to deserve you. Just wanted to make sure you were happy.”

“Mitch, I thought you knew me better than that.” She playfully smacked him on the wrist. “I love you and together we are amazing, you make me absolutely exultant.” She smiled and waited until he smiled as well. Then without warning pulled him in for a kiss.

The rest of the day was spent in a similar manner to Saturday, with the pleasure of each others company, far out weighing any sights that Melbourne had to offer.

However, it ended far to quickly, for the mid-afternoon signalled a return to reality with their plane ride back to Sydney.

“Can’t we stay in this moment forever?” Mitch asked as he searched Terri’s eyes.

“Always, in here.” She patted her heart with her left hand and hugged him tight.

It was hardly romantic, but the airport lounge had never held so much meaning for the couple.

Monday morning was soon upon them and Terri walked smiling into the ward.

“Morning” Von grumbled.

“Good morning to you too.” Terri grinned. “Miss me?”

“Not as much as Mitch did.” Von smirked before turning on her heel and leaving.

THE END.