Well, the story comes to an end today. This final chapter has a little something for my pal Jbird (I bet you thought I forgot didn't you...you silly Kiwi!) The ride has been wonderful and definitely worth taking with all the continuous support from all you faithful readers/reviewers. Special shout out to Serataja who oozes J/S romance. And last, but in no form or fashion least, I can't thank Mariel enough for her selfishly sharing her time and talents to catch all my uh-ohs and patiently try to get me to grab the concept of "perfect past."

So here is the ending. Please enjoy...

Chapter 17- Heartbreak Or Happiness?

Jack sat sullenly in the car, gazing out the passenger window. He felt so many things…anger, sadness, rejection…but there was something bigger than all those he couldn't put his finger on. Whatever it was, it was eating a hole in his chest.

As they slowly made their way through the heavy traffic, he tried to "place" the feeling. He caught a glimpse of an ad on a transit bus sporting a beautiful blonde woman.

Samantha.

That's what was wrong.

Bottom line was, Samantha wasn't here. His thoughts swirled.

How could I have been so wrong and been so far off reading her actions and words? I guess I scared her. I really thought she wanted to be with me. She even told me she lov...

WAIT! She told me her world was crashing around her when she thought I was dead. She said she wasted time being stubborn and that she was sorry. But, she never said it.

It was at that moment the mysterious feeling gnawing in his chest had a name…Jack realized he was suffering from a broken heart.

Sighing heavily, his chin dropped to his chest.

Vivian stole glances as she maneuvered the car through the mass of vehicles. She wasn't sure what he was thinking, but he was clearly agitated, and she knew better than to trifle with him.

"You know, Jack, she was going to pick you up, but something else came up. Don't be angry. Everything will be fine, trust me."

Jack looked blankly at Vivian. "Who ooh alking bout?"

"Come on, Jack, this is me you are talking to. Samantha has damned near lived at the hospital these past days. Do you honestly think she would just ignore you on purpose when you finally get to go home?"

"Yeah. I know she ood. Ooh know why I know? 'Cause I e-e-ot an inlly ound guts to tell err wha she mean to me. She pobably working on tansfuh papers to Auckland Feed Offiss ite now…tying to get as fah way fom me as poshible. Ook up "schmuck" in dicshunary an I bet ooh shee my pictuh. Dop it, okay?"

Viv nodded her acquiescence and smiled inwardly as she thought, for a brilliant profiler, you sure can be blind to your own surroundings Jack Malone.

"Jack, you are not an idiot, and it's a good thing you finally found the guts to tell her how you feel about her. And what makes you think she would file for a transfer to New Zealand? That's just silly. But I will drop it to make you happy."

When they finally pulled up to his apartment, Jack got out as quickly as he could move and grabbed his overnight bag from the backseat. "Tanks Viv. Shee ooh cupple day."

He wanted to be alone as quickly as possible. Still on painkillers, drinking wasn't an option, but hopefully the solitude would help him sort out his screwed up emotions.

Trudging up the stairs, he found himself winded easily. It was hard to breathe too deep with the busted ribs. Resting a few times to catch his breath, he finally made it to his door. Dropping the bag, he fumbled with his keys and cussed the sling that still encased his arm.

Stepping into the room, he half-way threw his bag and slammed the door. Gloomily tossing his keys on the side table, he stared at the floor and realized he was miserable and alone. So far, solitude was not helping.

About that time the smell of something cooking hit his senses, and he noticed his apartment was neat and orderly….definitely not how he remembered it.

Samantha walked out of the kitchen, smiling brightly. "Hey handsome!"

Jack blinked in confusion. He stood frozen, trying to figure things out. Is this the drugs messing with my mind?

Taking some delight in his extremely perplexed look, she walked up to him and placed her hands on his chest.

He looked down at them. These are really powerful painkillers. I better be careful.

But then he felt the warmth of her hands permeate his shirt and reach his skin. Is she really here?

"I'm sorry I couldn't pick you up from the hospital. It's just…well, I wanted to have the apartment cleaned and some soup fixed for you to eat before you got here. And, I wouldn't have been able to get all that done and still be there in time when they released you. Viv was a life saver when she volunteered to get you for me."

Dear Jesus. She's really here.

Worried about his reaction and thinking she had overstepped her boundaries, she stammered, "Jack? Are you upset? I mean….I didn't think you would mind. I just thought I could help you when you got back. I can go. I guess I should have asked. I'll leave you be. Sorry."

When he felt the warmth of her hands leave his chest he snapped to and instinctively reached out for her. "No. Pease doan go!"

He looked so deeply into her eyes it almost scared her.

Slowly reaching up to touch her face, the reality of the moment took his breath away.

She was here…waiting for me. She wants to be here.

He smiled as much as his wounds would allow and said softly, "Ooh here."

Relief washed over her, causing her lip to tremble with a rush of breath. Smiling brightly, she leaned her head into his hand. "Yeah. I'm here Jack…and I …don't ever want to leave."

Jack nodded his head. "I like dat lots."

The next moments were like magic.

The soft smiles.

The gentle touches.

The unwavering gazes.

The complete understanding without uttering a word.

Samantha finally broke away from his loving gaze. She gently touched his face, letting her hands trail over his wounded shoulder, down to his taped ribs, and back up to his jaw. Placing an affectionate but wispy-soft kiss on his lips, she smiled seductively, and said, "You know big-boy, I'll be easy on you for a while. But once you are healed up, you are going to have to do a lot of making up for lost time."

Jack's eyes danced with amusement and lustful anticipation. Giving her a low growl, he pulled her close and chuckled, "Okay."

Then from the bottom of his heart he whispered, "I wub ooh sheethart."

She returned his embrace and with total admiration said, "I wub you too Jack. Ready for that sponge bath?"

The End